Tokyo Bucketlist - 65 Best Places to go in Tokyo

Places I've been to that were absolutely the best!

I know it sounds cliche but the BEST experience I had in Tokyo was hands down Tokyo Disneyland. It was actually my first time going to Disneyland so maybe that's why lol. But even when compared to USJ, I think Tokyo Disneyland definitely takes the cake in terms of short wait times (5-45 minutes average) and the number of interactive things to do! The food is also better than other theme parks and I highly recommend going to Tomorrowland Terrace to get the Baymax Burger and the Fried Chicken Burger. Both taste delicious ASF! Overall a 10/10 experience to feel like a kid again and get that rush of nostalgia and play!

Tokyo Disneyland

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Tokyo Disneyland is DEFINITELY worth the visit. For just 6400 you have access to so many different areas, exhibits, merch and food! I highly recommend checking out these: 1. Pirates of the Caribbean (10 min themed ride) 2. Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions (5 min boat ride) 3. The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha E Komo Mai (shows every 10 minutes, English Translators available) 4. Peter Pan's Flight (2 min themed ride) 5. Haunted Mansion (5 min themed ride) 6. Goofy's Paint 'n' Play House (1 min game) 7. Chip 'n Dale's Treehouse (5 min interaction) 8. Minnie's House (interactive photo op) 9. Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin (funny 5 min themed ride) 10. Stitch Encounter (funny 10 min show that interacts with the audience) 11. Monster's Inc. Ride & Go Seek (fun, interactive 5 min themed ride) I absolutely love that you can visit from 2pm and still get to do everything + still have energy to possibly see the fireworks in the evening at 8:30pm!

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Next is an ode to the Harry Potter Series. It's a very interactive self tour of the "studios" and sets where Harry Potter was filmed. Take part to pretend to be in a Quidditch match cheering, as a painting on the wall, appearing in fireplaces and flying away on brooms! I even cast some spells and mixed potions while I was there too. Be sure to take a quiz on which Hogwarts house you belong to and cosplay while you are there. Trust me, you will absolutely thank me in the end because this is truly a 1-time experience. You will spend approx 4hrs on the self tour and 1hr eating (optional.) Be sure to use the bathrooms when you see them as they are few and far in between. And be on the lookout for the SALE rack in their gift shop!

The Making of Harry Potter

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This is an ode to the Harry Potter Series. It's a very interactive self tour of the "studios" and sets where Harry Potter was filmed. Take part to pretend to be in a Quidditch match cheering, as a painting on the wall, appearing in fireplaces and flying away on brooms! I even cast some spells and mixed potions while I was there too. Be sure to take a quiz on which Hogwarts house you belong to and cosplay while you are there. Trust me, you will absolutely thank me in the end because this is truly a 1-time experience. You will spend approx 4hrs on the self tour and 1hr eating (optional.) Be sure to use the bathrooms when you see them as they are few and far in between. And be on the lookout for the SALE rack in their gift shop! Ticket price: 6400 yen Allowance for food: 3500 yen Allowance for merch: 10,000 yen (trust me everything is so detailed, you will find yourself wanting to buy A LOT! Even if it's just to save the packaging and have it on display. I spent 150 yen just on decorative paper bags at the checkout lol)

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Of course I also have to mention teamLab Planets. This is a truly unique experience. Go into it with zero expectations and the mindset of play to have the most fun. A lot of people get carried away with what they THINK this will be and don't enjoy it to the MAX. Remember, you can go through multiple times at no additional cost, so why not enjoy yourself the first time and then film on the second walkthrough. Really enjoy yourself and feel like a kid again!

teamLab Planets

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This is a truly unique experience. Go into it with zero expectations and the mindset of play to have the most fun. A lot of people get carried away with what they THINK this will be and don't enjoy it to the MAX. Remember, you can go through multiple times at no additional cost, so why not enjoy yourself the first time and then film on the second walkthrough. Really enjoy yourself and feel like a kid again! I highly recommend that you wear pants that reach around your knees or higher. There are mirrors on the floor, so avoid skirts. And some areas have water reaching up to your knees, so try to keep your clothes short and dry! Be prepared to take off your shoes from the very beginning too. With that in mind, try to reach here before 2pm when loads of people would have already gone before you (to avoid that toe jam!) ENTRY: 3800 yen

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Up next, the infamous POOP MUSEUM! Listen, it's a bit smaller than I anticipated but it still has lots of cute details, photo opportunities, ridiculous things, interactive games and funny merch! The whole experience is very enjoyable and equally ridiculous!

UNKO MUSEUM TOKYO

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This ridiculously cute museum is so Japanese coded. Like who else would make POOP so kawaii and instagrammable? There's lots of photo ops and I highly recommend that you come with a group of 3+ people for maximum fun and to make sure everyone gets the pictures they want! Ticket price: 2000 yen

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Right next door to the Poop Museum is the Hello Kitty Cafe and Shop! First, browse their cute merch that has something for everyone whether you are a Helly Kitty Girl or love love love Cinnamoroll. Their prices are a bit high but the quality of goods is also good and they have a variety of branded items for all budgets! Then, pop over to the Cafe to enjoy themed donuts and drinks! I really enjoyed the White Chocolate, and Strawberry donuts.

Hello Kitty Japan

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This store has very cute merch for Hello Kitty, Cinamoroll, Kuromi and more! Some of the stuffies go up to 30,000 so be mindful and check the price tag of each item. The cafe is also really wonderful and they have some delicious donuts for around 500 yen!

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In this same building, there is a very good Gyukatsu shop -- where you are served deep fried beef cutlets and can cook them yourself. I got the Premium Wagyu set and it was absolutely wonderful! The meat melts straight into your mouth and I'll definitely be on the lookout for other branches of this chain restaurant around Japan!

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu - DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

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This is an AMAZING Gyukatsu shop -- where you are served deep fried beef cutlets and can cook them yourself. I got the Premium Wagyu set for 5000 and it was absolutely wonderful! The meat melts straight into your mouth and I'll definitely be on the lookout for other branches of this chain restaurant around Japan!

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A few floors down, head over to this Japanese-themed department store where you can get a variety of cheap snacks, toys and souvenirs!

Kirakira Donki DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

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This shop is basically a small Don Quijote that has a huge variety of snacks, toys and souvenirs. Try something new, you never know what you will find for just under 500 yen!

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And of course, before you leave you MUST see the huge Gundam Statue!

The Life-Sized UNICORN GUNDAM Statue

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This huge statue is a landmark in Tokyo. It's MASSIVE and makes for a cute instagrammable moment. Best to see it in the night when it's lit up for a really good effect.

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These spots are still on my Bucket List!

teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM

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Separate and apart from teamLabs Planets is this interactive digital art museum that is also run by teamLabs! It's been featured ALL over Instagram and has been on my bucket list for YEARS! Be sure to get your tickets online and in advance. It's always been booked up every time I want to go, so I really have to plan for the next trip! Admission: 4200 yen

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Tokyo DisneySea

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This part of the Disney Resort is dedicated to more adult rides. This large park has 7 distinct themed ports, equipped with rides, rollercoasters, shows, cute merch and yummy food! Admission: 9400 yen

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No Room For Squares ノールームフォースクエアーズ

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This is a hidden bar that is tucked right behind a Coca Cola vending machine as its door. It's a lovely speakeasy with Jazz music in the background. They have no set menu -- instead, have a chat with the bartender, let them know what you like, and they will whip up something nice for you. Expected spend: 5000 yen

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HAUTE COUTURE・CAFE

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This is a small and quaint afternoon tea place featuring many seasonal fruit desserts. They decorate their shop with flowers based on what fruit they have used that season which gives it a refined yet cute vibe. The staff is also very friendly and polite, willing to help you take pictures as needed! Expected spend: 5000 yen

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Chicago Pizza & Volcano Pasta Meat &Cheese Forne

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The main reason I want to go to this restaurant is to try their Rare Salmon Katsu Volcano Pasta! I've seen it on Instagram and it looks absolutely DELICIOUS!

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JANAI COFFEE

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This is another secret bar in Japan. It is hidden behind a "coffee shop". To gain access, simply visit their website, make your booking in advance, and they will give you further details as to how to access the bar. They also have a wide variety of cocktails to choose from! The ones that stood out to me were: 1. Mystic Love 2. Mathilda 3. Zombie Blues 4. Mr. Lollipop

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PEANUTS Cafe SNOOPY MUSEUM TOKYO

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The Snoopy Cafe is inspired by the iconic Peanuts comic strip. The cafe features iconic Snoopy characters in its decor, menu items and merch, creating a fun and nostalgic experience for everyone. To me, these menu items look great: 1. Fluffy no Pancakey 2. Seasonal Pancakes 3. Rarf Rarf Pancakes 4. Salmon & Tuna Avocado Rice Bowl 5. Drive Me Crazy Ice Plate 6. Picnic Basket and Plate 7. Shrimp and Avocado Salad 8. Lucy and Charlie Brown Football Sandwich 9. Their Variety of cute hot coffee drinks

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Snoopy Museum Tokyo

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This museum is renowned for its many photo opportunities and cute merch! Definitely check it our if you're a Snoopy fan! Admission: 1980 yen Merch allowance: 5000 yen

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Machida Squirrel Garden

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Hundreds of squirrels live in this whimsical, colorful garden that also has guinea pigs and rabbits. Each squirrel has its own name and lives in a colorful house. This place is also managed by loving adults in the community and receive a lot of support from the neighborhood. They have ethical practices and this really looks like a wonderful experience. Admission: 500 yen

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RURU KAMAKURA

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This unique cafe features a bed of sand covered in water as your tabletop! This cafe has been featured on Instagram many times and is very cute. As for the menu, I personally don't like matcha (which is their specialty), so I'd lean towards these items: 1. Cream cheese with raspberry sauce (yokan terrine) 2. Passionfruitsade 3. Hydrangea terrine with blueberry cream(may be seasonal) 4. Hydrangea soda (may be seasonal)

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Yomiuri Land

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Yomiuri Land is an amusement park that offers various attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and a Ferris wheel. Yomiuri Land also features a winter illumination event called "Jewellumination," where the park is beautifully lit up with millions of LED lights. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, shopping, and various seasonal foods during this event. The park has been a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike for decades, offering a range of entertainment options for people of all ages. It provides a fun escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo city life, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy a day filled with excitement and adventure. Admission: 5800 yen

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Jindai Botanical Gardens

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Explore this beautiful Botanical Garden that is the most popular in Tokyo. They have seasonal bloooms so make sure to check their website for more information for the best pictures. Admission: 500 yen.

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Chikurin Park

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Chikurin Park is a beautiful park located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo. The park is known for its lush greenery and bamboo groves, which give it a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This is also an alternative to Kyoto's infamous Arashiyama Bamboo Park. Chikurin Park offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and immerse themselves in nature. The park is a popular spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons. Visitors can also explore the park's walking trails, ponds, and gardens. One of the main attractions of Chikurin Park is its bamboo grove, which is an impressive sight to behold. The tall bamboo stalks sway gently in the wind, creating a mesmerizing and calming effect. Walking through the bamboo grove is a unique experience that can transport visitors to a tranquil and meditative state.

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Inokashira Park

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This city park features a pond with boating faciitires, a zoo, a trail, and access to the Ghibli Museum. Park Entry: FREE. Swan Pedal Boat Rental - 700 yen for 30 minutes. Hours: 10am-5:50pm

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Gōtokuji Temple

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Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo is known for its numerous beckoning cat figurines, called "maneki-neko," believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Visitors can see hundreds of these cat statues adorning the temple grounds, creating a unique and charming atmosphere. The temple also has a peaceful garden and historical buildings that provide a serene escape from the bustling city. Gotokuji Temple is a popular destination for those seeking to experience traditional Japanese culture and to seek blessings for good fortune in their lives.

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DUMBO Doughnuts and Coffee 自由が丘店

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This donut shop is known for their delicious big ass donuts. From their menu, these look good to me: 1. Marshmallow Chocolate 2. Tiramisu 3. Cheesecake 4. Plain Glazed 5. Double Cream

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Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory

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This bakery features cute little Totoro cream puffs, perfect for any Ghibli fan!

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Ghibli Museum

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This whimsical museum is dedicated to the famed animation studio with a play area, theater and rooftop garden. Perfect for any Ghibli lover! Admission: 1000 yen

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Chiku Chiku Cafe

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This is an adorable hedgehog cafe where you can interact, play, pet and feed some cute little hedgehogs! Admission: 1300 yen for 30 minutes

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mipig cafe Meguro

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Pet some adorable micro pigs in this pig-themed cafe that resembles a quaint yet comfy home. The pigs are also really cute (I've been to the one in Osaka) -- it's truly worth the money. Be sure to leave on time though. If you're even one minute over the time, they will charge you for the full time. Admission: 1100 for 30 minutes NB: This cafe can be found throughout many cities in Japan. However, each one is unique and has their own decor and theme, making this experience highly worth the multiple visits.

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mipig cafe - Harajuku

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Pet some adorable micro pigs in this pig-themed cafe that resembles a whimsical and fun fairy forest! The pigs are also really cute (I've been to the one in Osaka) -- it's truly worth the money. Be sure to leave on time though. If you're even one minute over the time, they will charge you for the full time. Admission: 1100 for 30 minutes NB: This cafe can be found throughout many cities in Japan. However, each one is unique and has their own decor and theme, making this experience highly worth the multiple visits.

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mipig cafe Harajuku Takeshita Street

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Pet some adorable micro pigs in this pig-themed cafe that resembles something straight out of a super cutesy pixellated world!! The pigs are also really cute (I've been to the one in Osaka) -- it's truly worth the money. Be sure to leave on time though. If you're even one minute over the time, they will charge you for the full time. Admission: 1650 for 30 minutes NB: This cafe can be found throughout many cities in Japan. However, each one is unique and has their own decor and theme, making this experience highly worth the multiple visits.

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mipig cafe - Ikebukuro

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Pet some adorable micro pigs in this pig-themed cafe that resembles something straight out of a kawaii Minecraft / Super Mario / Lego game! The pigs are also really cute (I've been to the one in Osaka) -- it's truly worth the money. Be sure to leave on time though. If you're even one minute over the time, they will charge you for the full time. Admission: 1100 for 30 minutes NB: This cafe can be found throughout many cities in Japan. However, each one is unique and has their own decor and theme, making this experience highly worth the multiple visits.

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Harajuku Kawaii Land Kyun Kyun Animal Petting

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Here you can pet chinchillas, hamsters, hedgehogs and guinea pigs! Admission: 2300 yen for unlimited time

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Ninja Experience Cafe Harajuku

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Dress up as a ninja at this cafe and get training with katanas and ninja stars! They also have really cute themed food. Everything is instagrammable and it has been hailed as a wonderful experience with the instructors being very kind and able to host English speakers. Expected spend: 5000 yen

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YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO

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Sign up for a tour of this brewery and enjoy free samples along the way! Admission: FREE

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Cute Cube Harajuku

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This is a specialty mini-mall featuring cute fashion, yummy food, unique gifts and souvenirs and they also have a dessert cafe!

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Cat Cafe MOFF CUTE CUBE Harajuku

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Enjoy this peaceful cat cafe that features cafe latte art! Pet and cuddle with these cats, all with their own unique personality and names! Admission: 900 yen for 30 minutes

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Sanrio Cute Cube Harajuku

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This store features merch from many lovable Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll!

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Samoyed Lounge moffu / サモエドカフェ原宿

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Pet some adorable Samoyed dogs in this quaint space. Admission: 3905 yen per hour

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QOO

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くらやみ遊園地 新宿南口ゲームワールド店

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ZEROTOKYO

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Godzilla Head

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NORTHVILLAGE ジパング店

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Nezu Museum

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See beautiful art at the Nezu Museum This is a beautiful art museum that also has a peaceful outdoor garden. Many visitors are in awe of these gardens and they contend to be the best in Japan. ENTRY: 1300 yen

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And I LOVE trying new foods, so here's a bunch!

Ark Lounge Shinjuku

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This restaurant features Chicago-style pizzas and Italian desserts in a chic space with private rooms and seats at a central bar. Based on the menu, I'd personally go for: 1. Chicago style pizza 2. Rare Beef Cutlet Volcano Pasta 3. Smoked Salmon Carpaccio 4. Rare Cheesecake

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Flipper's Shibuya

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They serve the infamous fluffy Japanese pancakes that you've seen all over Instagram. From the menu, I'd personally try: 1. Guerende Salt Caramel and Butter Pancakes 2. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes 3. Strawberry Pancakes

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Lindt Chocolate Cafe Shibuya

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They have TONS of chocolate flavors to explore and you can mix and match your own set to your taste preferences! Minimum spend - 1000 yen

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DOLCE TACUBO

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I absolutely want to visit this spot to try their Cream Puffs!

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GARDEN HOUSE CRAFTS

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This bakery has both sweet and savory options. Based on their menu, I'd go for: 1. Sakura Shrimp Tartine 2. Avocado and Lime Tartine 3. Any of their delicious bakery items

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Pompompurin Cafe

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This is a cute themed cafe celebrating Pompompurin, a renowned and loved Sanrio character! Based on the menu, I'd personally go for: 1. Dreamy Souffle Omurice 2. Pompompurin donuts 3. Twinkling Pompompurin Mango Parfait 4. Very Delicious Latte

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CAFE REISSUE

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CICADA

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Shogun Burger Shinjuku

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2D Cafe

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Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama

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Aoyama Flower Market Green House

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Haneda Sky Brewing

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Tonkatsu Aoki

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LONG! LONGER!! LONGEST!!!

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This shop sells long and whimsical potato snacks that have been specially cut to form long 1-ft spirals on a stick!

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Katsukura Shinjuku Takashimaya

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Solomons

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THE STRINGS Omotesando

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No.13 Cafe

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Rainbow Hotdog

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World Breakfast Allday

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Above are 65 places

This guide is a work in progress and will be updated to include 100+ spots!