Sushi for Breakfast
It would take several lifetimes to see all of Tokyo, but there are some places you just shouldn’t miss. Here are our favorites picks for eating, shopping, sleeping, and more in 35.68ºN, 139.69ºE. Remember, etiquette rules here, so be mindful.
Eat
Quick tips:
Unlike America, tipping is not a part of the restaurant experience.Avoid chopstick faux pas: don’t point the tips at anyone and never leave them planted vertically in your rice like a needle in a pin cushion.
Sushi Sho
Jiro Ono (of Jiro Dreams of Sushi) may get the international attention, but veteran nigiri sensei Keiji Nakazawa is the top local darling. His omakase counter only seats ten lucky diners.
Quick tip: Can’t get a reservation for dinner? Try the no-reservation lunchtime bara chirashi set. Be sure to arrive as close to opening as possible since they only make 20 a day.
sushi-sho.com
Akaoni
80 types of premium sake. Fish menu changes daily. What else could you wish for?
Cossott’e SP
Kobe beef is a must, if you find yourself in Japan. Cossott’e lets you grill your own food, which makes for an entertaining and light-hearted way to indulge in the savory flavors of kobe.
Quick tip: The sirloin, prepared as yaki-shabu, is a standout and the only item on the menu that the staff themselves will cook for you at your table.
cossotte-sp.jp/index.html
Aronia de Takazawa
Chef Takazawa and his wife Akiko preside over what is probably the most unique eatery in Tokyo. From the stunning presentation to the delicate flavors, the intricate seasonal dishes cleverly and playfully fuse Japanese and French culinary ideas.
Quick tip: You will need a reservation at least two weeks in advance if not more.
takazawa-y.co.jp
The elaborate and inventive cooking is illustrated by a ratatouille of 15 vegetables as a little terrine. See the photo below.
Drink
Shinjuku Golden Gai
This place isn’t necessarily a bar as it is a collection of 200+ tiny niche bars crammed alongside six narrow old alleyways. It may not be luxurious, but it certainly is the darling for real Japanese drinking culture.
Quick tip: We recommend trying La Jetee for French Nouvelle Vague films, an Albatross G for indie rock. Also, some places may not let you in unless you’re accompanied by a regular.
Codename: Mixology
“The Willy Wonka of extraordinary cocktails” as this place is known. You can find drinks topped with sea salt foam (what even is that?!) and fois gras vodka. The making of the drinks are as entertaining to the eyes as the drinks are to the tastebuds.
Quick tip: Try the house special smoked meat platter. It’s one of the few familiar things you will see amongst the mixed madness.
See
Tsukiji Fish Market
You’ve probably seen it in every sushi documentary in existence. It’s the world’s biggest wholesale fish and seafood market. The most interesting part is the Tuna Auction. It’s limited to 120 visitors per day. Viewing tickets are issued first come, first serve starting at 4:30am at the market’s Fish Information Center, located near the Kachidoki entrance.
Opening hours: Daily except Sundays & alternate Wednesday, 4:00am-11:00am
Quick tip: Complete your Tsukigi experience with a sushi breakfast. The restaurants are near the wholesale fruit and vegetable market. We recommend a place called Sushi Dai. Look for the faded green doorway curtains.
Shibuya Crossing
Abandon the zen for a moment and take a walk with the crowds. Rather than walking with traffic, pedestrians are held back until the traffic lights stop all vehicles simultaneously. The scene is a triumph of performance art and crosswalk choreography as hundreds of people walk in all directions yet never collide.
Ghibli Museum
A must for anime enthusiasts. This museum houses the work of animation legend Hayao Miyazaki. Visitors can play on a life-sized cat bus, see drawings from various stages of his creative process, and catch a short film in the theater.
Quick tip: The museum has a cafe, children’s play area, and rooftop garden. In other words, perfect for adults and children alike.
Shop
Nakamise
Bustling shopping street that you can get to from Sensoji. It has everything from cute trinkets to traditional Japanese clothing to sweets such as freshly made rice crackers, roasted chestnuts, and mochi dango. Buddhist paraphernalia can also be found here.
Ameshin
Amezaiku is a traditional Japanese candy craft and art wherein sugar is heated and then finely crafted into different shapes and animals, all by hand. The craft dates by to the 8th century.
Quick tip: There are two locations: one in Tokyo Asakusa and one in the Tokyo Skytree Soramachi shop. We recommend the Asakusa one because of its experience classroom and exhibitions.
ame-shin.com
Ginza Motoji
Travelers going to Japan can still find and buy things that people at home haven’t ever heard of, unlike its famous European counterparts like Paris. Get a custom-made smart yukata (summer-weight kimono) made from classic fabrics.
Quick tip: We recommend purchasing a Platinum Boy robe, a robe made from using silk from only male silkworms.
motoji.co.jp
Do
Niwa no Yu
Zen-sational hot spring and spa retreat nestled in Kenzo Kosugi-designed gardens. There are his and her baths, as well as co-ed for the less modest. Be sure to try the Finnish sauna and the jacuzzi and swimming pool.
niwanoyu.jp
Cruise
From Hinode Pier at the edge of Tokyo Bay, cruise into the heart of the city on the Sumida River passing riverside walkways and feeder canals.
Quick tip: When your boat docks in the old riverfront district of Asakusa, follow the crowds pouring toward Sensoji, the oldest and largest temple in Tokyo.
Suijobus.co.jp
Akihabara
Get a taste of Japanese anime fetish culture via sensory overload. Young women dressed as flirtatious French maids on every corner, beckon computer geeks called otaku into “maid cafes” where waitresses fawn over them. Dreams really do come true.
Quick tip: If you’re interested in seeing all the floors (which you really should do!), take the elevator to the eighth floor and work your way down to the street, floor by floor.
Coffee Break
Bear Pond Espresso
Anyone with an appreciation for creative java drinks will love this spot in funky Shimokitazawa. Quick tip: Try Tanaka’s signature drink, Dirty: espresso, cold milk, dark and milk chocolate poured in layers.
Stay
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Aside from the fact that most of Lost in Translation was filmed at this very hotel, the commanding views from the hotel’s lounge and hotel rooms is reason enough to stay here. The bar lounge has live music more often than not. If you can afford it, ask to stay in the suite that Bill Murray stayed (and filmed) in.
Average stay per night: $550
Sadachiyo
One of the few remaining ryokans (traditional inns) in central Tokyo. It’s very quiet, despite being in the heart of the city. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time as you soak in the communal wooden bath.
sadachiyo.co.jp/en
Quick tip: The hotel only has 20 rooms so be sure to book well in advance.
Average stay per night: $188 (prices vary quite a bit depending on room type)
Keio Plaza Takyo
Polished rooms? Check. Beautiful views? Check. Hello Kitty-themed room that is a sugar-coated dream-come-true for kids? Check. You can pick from two feline fashions: “Princess” for a sweet traditional style, and “Kitty Town” for a more graphic, pop-art indulgence.
The Obvious
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo’s tallest tower. Its primary function is a television and radio broadcast. Take the elevators up to the Tembo Gallery where you can look down from the dizzying height at the rest of Tokyo.
Opening hours: Daily 8:00am-10:00pm
Imperial Palace & East Garden
Opening hours: Daily except Mondays & Fridays, 9:00am-4:00pm (In the summer, it is open till 5:00pm)
Sensoji
Tokyo’s largest and oldest ancient Buddhist temples. It’s dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Crowds swarm here for good reason. It’s well worth a visit.
Opening hours: Daily 6:00am-5:00pm
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