A local’s guide to Tokyo: 10 top tips
Experience Kosoan Tea House
Japanese culture is deeply steeped in tea traditions. A gem among tea establishments is Kosoan, nestled in a house with a history spanning more than 100 years. The vintage furniture harmoniously blends with the tastefully traditional ambiance. Amidst the hustling city of Tokyo, its beautiful Japanese garden offers a serene escape. Stop by for a rejuvenating bowl of matcha tea. Equally captivating is Cha Cha No Ma cafe in Harajuku where the tea sommelier, Yoshi Watada, serves a plethora of Japanese teas complemented by his homemade sweets. If sweets shopping is on your radar, a visit to Mizuho in the vicinity is a must-visit. Mizuho specializes in two delectable treats - mame daifuku, a mochi rice cake with a filling of red bean paste, and monaka, bean paste-filled wafers.
Kosoan is situated at 1-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo. You can learn more at kosoan.co.jp.
Gardens and temples
Tokyo is a hectic city, but there are many temples, shrines and gardens to offer refuge from the crowds and neon lights. Hamarikyu Gardens, near Ginza (1-1 Hamarikyu Teien), was owned by a feudal lord during the Edo period and is protected as a historic site.
The water that runs through the garden comes directly from the sea, so you may even spot jellyfish. Shinjuku Gyoen national garden in Shinjuku-ku (11 Naitomachi) is a great place year round, with cherry blossoms in spring, crape myrtles in summer, red and gold leaves in autumn, and plum blossom in late winter.
Among the most beautiful temples are Manganji Temple Todoroki Fudoson, in Setagaya-ku near Todoroki Keikoku gorge, with more than 150 cherry trees in the grounds.
If you're planning to visit these serene locations and need a comfortable place to stay, consider the Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku Hotel. Conveniently located in close proximity to the Shinjuku Gyoen national garden, it's a perfect base to explore the beauty of Tokyo.
Shopping
Tokyo is an amazing place to shop – from cool designer clothing stores to pretty stationery emporiums. You can find good vintage too, though – I like Pass the Baton, which has branches in Marunouchi Brick Square and Omotesando. It sells pre-loved and upcycled clothes and accessories. Much of the stock was previously owned by people in the fashion industry. For pared-down, modern Japanese womenswear try HYKE in Shinjuku, launched by two local designers in 2013: there’s lots of khaki and black but it’s never boring. Men could head to Studious in Harajuku area, which only stocks clothes by Tokyo brands, including Miyahara Yasuhiro and Undercover, as well as emerging designers. The depachika food halls are definitely worth a browse; they sell everything from varieties of bento to beautifully packaged cookies and Japanese sweets such as dorayaki (small pancakes with bean paste). Tokyu Norengai, opened in 1951, was the first one, though the location has slightly changed (tokyu-dept.co.jp).
Manga haunts
If you're a fan of manga, you won't want to miss a trip to DiCE Ikebukuro, situated in Toshima-ku. This isn't just any virtual café—it's home to an extensive collection of approximately 180,000 manga titles spread across its vast eight-story building (1-11-11 Higashi-Ikebukuro, diskcity.co.jp). Pay a reasonable hourly rate to have access to PCs, bars, and even shower rooms. Additional enticing features include an automated ice cream dispenser and in-house karaoke services.
Another fascinating place to explore for manga enthusiasts or those wanting a feel of Tokyo's underbelly is Nakano Broadway (5-52 Nakano, Nakano-ku). This spot is a treasure trove of the exotic and familiar, from the latest manga releases to coveted first editions, figurines, and trading cards. You might even stumble upon captivating collectibles from your favorite childhood anime shows. Just be prepared—a pursuit of such rare items might stretch your budget.
Fukube sake bar
If you're looking to experience a traditional Japanese-style pub, this Marunouchi izakaya is a must-visit. With over 80 years of history, this establishment has maintained its authentic selection of sake, offering around 40 different brands to choose from. To immerse yourself in the local culture, indulge in delicious food alongside your drinks, as is customary in Japan. The owner personally selects the catch of the day from Tsukiji fish market, ensuring fresh and delectable options such as grilled fish and oden, a flavorful pot dish.
If you're in search of additional sake options, Kuri is a great choice. Located in Chuo-ko, this small bar features an impressive selection of up to 100 sake brands and 20 shochu brands. For those seeking the best warm sake in the country, head over to Utou in upmarket Nishi-Ogikubo. Indulge in their renowned sake while savoring their delectable oden, which features a delectable blend of ginger and miso paste.
To delve deeper into the world of sake, consider visiting Koyama Shuzo. Established in 1879, this sake brewery in Kita-ku offers an opportunity to learn about the intricate brewing process behind this beloved beverage.
If you find yourself exploring the Chuo-ku area, make sure to pay a visit to Fukube at 1-4-5 Yaesu. Don't miss the chance to experience this authentic izakaya and its remarkable selection of sake.
Viewing platforms
To appreciate the scale and madness of Tokyo, see it from above. There are several great free observation platforms. In Shinjuku, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks on the 45th floor have unobstructed views of Tokyo from 202 metres (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, metro.tokyo.jp/). It’s open on weekends even though the offices are closed. Nearby is Yebisu Garden Place Tower Sky Lounge, in a complex of commercial buildings on the site of a former beer brewery (gardenplace.jp). The lounge is on the 38th and 39th floors – on a clear day you might even be able to spot Mount Fuji.
One-coin lunches
Discovering affordable meals in Tokyo is a thrilling experience, and fortunately, there are numerous options to choose from. Why not venture to Shibuya Dogenzaka and visit Isari’s at 1-6-5 Dogenzaka, where their specialty, Isari Don, awaits? This delectable dish consists of sashimi marinated in a flavorful soy-based sauce served over a bowl of rice, accompanied by miso soup and pickles.
If you find yourself in Ebisu, don't miss the opportunity to savor the delightful lunch offered at Ichiyoshi (1-4-1 Ebisu), an outstanding izakaya. Treat yourself to their delicious mushidori no yakumi kake, a steamed chicken dish garnished with relish and aromatic vegetables.
If you're craving sukiyaki, head to Kintaro in Shinjuku (5-18-16 Shinjuku-ku). For the incredible price of 500 yen, you can enjoy a satisfying set meal that includes thinly-sliced beef cooked in a savory sauce, accompanied by miso soup, salad, pickles, and a bowl of rice. This fantastic combination of quality and affordability ensures that Kintaro is always bustling during lunch hours.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure in Tokyo? Follow these insider tips to discover delectable dishes that won't break the bank, all while immersing yourself in the vibrant Japanese food culture.
21_21 Design Sight
Japan boastsan array of influential architects, among which stands Pritzker Prize recipient Tadao Ando. His innovative structures grace various corners of the metropolis, inviting visitors and locals alike to appreciate them. A noteworthy example is the stunning 21_21 Design Sight design museum in Tokyo Midtown, conceived in collaboration with fashion legend Issey Miyake. Overlooking the impressive combination of concrete and steel, one can explore enlightening collections housed across several galleries.
Continuing your journey down Sengawa Ando Street, you will come across multiple structures crafted by Ando as part of a significant urban development program. This includes the inspiring Tokyo Art Museum, yet another testament to his prolific career.
Among Tokyo's many museums, another one deserves special mention - the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum situated in Minato-ku. The museum was formerly the residence and workspace of Taro Okamoto, an avant-garde painter and sculptor, renowned for his Tower of the Sun in Osaka. Okamoto passed away in 1996, but his extraordinary work continues to inspire many. An added bonus, the museum also hosts an excellent cafe, perfect for reflecting on your journey so far. More information on these establishments can be found on their respective websites: 2121designsight.jp, tokyoartmuseum.com and taro-okamoto.or.jp.
Bars in Kabukicho
If you're looking for a unique and unconventional experience in Tokyo, you can't miss Tachibana Shinsatsushitsu located in Shinjuku-ku (1-1-8 Kabukicho). This extraordinary bar is designed to resemble a hospital waiting room, complete with staff dressed in nurse uniforms. The cocktails even have hospital-related names, adding to the ambiance. In case you're not familiar with the Japanese language, don't hesitate to ask the nurse for assistance. However, be prepared for some rather risqué drink names!
Another interesting spot in the area is Bar Uramen (1-1-7 Kabukicho), which is a themed otaku bar. For those unfamiliar with the term, "otaku" refers to people with intense interests, often in anime and manga. At Bar Uramen, you'll find an impressive collection of electrical appliances, digital gadgets, and retro games to enjoy while sipping on your favorite drinks. The bar boasts a staggering collection of approximately 600 FamiCom cassettes, offering a nostalgic gaming experience. As you immerse yourself in the atmosphere, be prepared to listen to some weirdly cool music that complements the unique vibe of the bar.
Sushi restaurants
For an affordable and delicious sushi experience, approximated around 2,000 yen (excluding beverages), we recommend giving Roppo Sushi a chance. It is located conveniently close to the Jinbocho subway station at 1-11-8 Kanda Jinbocho in Chiyoda-ku. Not only will the sushi tantalise your taste buds, but the pickled vegetables served in between dishes are an added delight. A fun perk is getting to observe the artistry of sushi chefs in action at the counter. Bear in mind that the place has a seating limit of 12, hence it can fill up pretty fast. As another fabulous option, you might want to venture out to Sushi No Midori, a renowned sushi joint spread across the city in areas such as Shibuya and Ginza. With its famous Ganso Anago, a mouth-watering sushi topping of whole conger eel on rice, this place is a sushi lover's paradise. To skip a wait in line, ensure you do an online check-in at sushinomidori.co.jp. Our list would be incomplete without mentioning an eccentric albeit fantastic place- 468, located at 3-23-14 Nishi-Asakusa in Taito-ku. You'll find it interesting that '468' is pronounced as 'yo-roppa' in Japanese, translating to 'Europe'. This cozy spot, with only six seats, specializes in bo-sushi, a variant where sushi components are layered in a elongated wooden box, creating a sushi loaf. They also cater to takeaways via phone orders.
Tips for Navigating Tokyo
Getting to Tokyo
Planning a trip to Tokyo? Look no further for travel options! British Airways, Japan Airlines, and All Nipon Airways offer direct flights from Heathrow, with fares starting from around £600 for a return trip. Alternatively, you can consider indirect flights through European cities or even a layover in Hong Kong, which could be more budget-friendly. Tokyo is served by two major airports, Narita (located 45 miles away from the city center) and Haneda (only 16 miles away).
Choosing the Right Time
Timing your visit to Tokyo is crucial to avoid inflated prices and heavy crowds. While the cherry blossom season in mid-April is breathtaking, it's worth noting that prices soar during this period, especially in Kyoto. Instead, consider visiting in mid-March to witness the equally stunning plum blossom. For a more affordable and less crowded experience, plan your trip during the rainy season from mid-June to mid-July. August tends to be the hottest month, with average highs of 29C. On the other hand, January and December are relatively drier, with temperatures averaging around 10C with lows reaching 2C.
Understanding Currency Exchange
Knowing the current exchange rate is essential for budgeting your Tokyo adventure. At present, £1 is equivalent to ¥149. Additionally, if you're a fan of trying out local brews, a pint of beer in Tokyo typically costs approximately £4. So, prepare yourself for the delicious flavors of Tokyo while keeping an eye on your budget!