Quick Trip: Tokyo

Where to Eat

First and foremost, Tokyo is a food town. Personally, I think it might be the best food town in the world. Bold statement, but once you visit, I think you might agree. Obviously you'll get a great variety of Japanese cuisines, but don't sleep on the offerings of French, Italian, and Pizza offerings. The Japanese know that food is an important part of life and aren't afraid to wait in line (sometimes for hours) to enjoy a spectacular meal. Patience is key, as is timing. I've included a variety of spots that are favorites and mostly casual. It's pretty easy to find Michelin star meals, so I'll leave those to Michelin. Current trends include fluffy pancakes and breakfast, so I've added a few favorites.

Sushi no Midori

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Patience is the name of the game at Sushi No Midori. The warning signs explain you may wait up to 2 hours for this quick dining sushi spot. Hard to believe, but you can get some top notch sushi in a mall above a train station. It's worth the wait, so plan for this outing (or show up when it opens).

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Seirinkan

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Pizza in Tokyo? In fact, there are some of the best pizzas in Tokyo--and don't sleep on this place. A great backstory, the pizza (only 2 kinds) is absolutely fantastic and the vibes are on point. I hope you like Beatles music.

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Ichiran Shibuya

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An old standby for a great bowl of ramen. Order from the vending machine and get ready for a great bowl of noodles.

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SUSHI 権八 西麻布／SUSHI Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

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Touristy but fun--if you're a fan of Kill Bill, check out Gonpachi.

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Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Ginza

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One of my favorites for a nice tempura meal, located on the 7th floor of Matsuya Ginza (fancy!) department store.

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Eggs 'n Things

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If you're looking for a western style breakfast, it's hard to beat Eggs & Things. A popular outpost from the Honolulu restaurant, you can't go wrong with pancakes here!

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Jonathan's

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This is totally random, but Jonathan's is a bit of Japanese comfort after a long night out or to start your day. The "drink bar" is a highlight and you can get a western breakfast.

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SunnyHills Minami Aoyama Store

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Go for the architecture, stay for the delicious pineapple cake. I know it's technically Taiwainese, but the outlet in Tokyo is lovely.

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Daitsune Udon

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Udon and tempura at a casual Ginza establishment.

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Omoide Yokochō

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A wide variety available on this "eating street".

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Yai-yai

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An okonomiyaki restaurant near Omotesando shopping street.

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FLIPPER'S Shibuya

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Touristy spot for Japanese "jiggly" pancakes. They are delicious.

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What to See

I don't pretend to be an expert in Japanese history, but there are a few must-view spots and temples that are beautiful and interesting. From amazing shrines and green spaces to innovative, future-thinking art installations, Tokyo has a great mix of old and new. 

Sensoji Temple old five-story pagoda mark

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A must-do for the Tokyo first-timer. Walk the area for fun souvenir shopping, snacks, and a visit to this beautiful centuries old temple.

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Imperial Palace

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You can't actually go in, but the surrounding park area is lovely. Go for a nice walk.

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teamLab Planets TOKYO

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A beautiful experiential art exhibit, TeamLab Planets does not disappoint. Expect the unexpected (as well as a significant wait--reservations a must). No spoilers.

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Meiji Jingu

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A perfect place to take a break from the hectic buzz of the city. The shrine and accompanying park is a place to experience some "forest bathing" and take a breather. Tokyo is really great at integrating green spaces in the vast city and this is one of it's best.

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Tokyo Tower

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Yes, it's touristy, but it gives such an amazing vantage point of Tokyo that I think it's a must-see. Go for sunset and catch a glimpse of the sun setting over Mt Fuji.

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Fish Information Center (Entrance for Tuna Auction)

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Go early and experience the Tuna auctions.

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Shopping and other fun

Shopping is a sport in Tokyo and there are some fantastic spots to pick up souvenirs, gifts, or some random oddities. There's a great innovative fashion scene, a deep appreciation of one-time-use kitchen gadgets, and of course video games, tech, and manga.

Shibuya Loft

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Another great shop in Shibuya (and elsewhere) that carries stationary, housewares, travel goods, you name it. Fun to spend time browsing and pick up gifts for friends and family.

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Akihabara

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This area is filled with fun technology shops and themed cafes. Great if you're a fan of manga and comics, and even if you're not, it's just fun to wander around.

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KARAOKE BIG ECHO Shibuya Center Gai

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Have you even been to Tokyo if you haven't done karaoke? I don't think so. Book a room overlooking Shibuya and order drinks and snacks, you're going to be there for a while belting out some hits.

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Tokyu Hands

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A legendary shop that pretty much has everything. From travel and sporting goods to cosmetics to DIY and plants, you can literally spend hours wandering around this store.

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Kicks Lab. Pino Harajuku

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In the Harajuku neighborhood filled with streetwear boutiques, Kicks Lab always has the latest and greatest sneakers and a throng of sneakerheads looking to get the coolest shoes.

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Takeshita Street

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Very much a tourist trap, but a fun street in Harajuku to wander down and figure out what the new fun crazy trends are. On my last wander, the "otter cafe" was the new hotness.

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Shinjuku Golden Gai

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Meander through the small bars in this part of Shinjuku--some catering to tourists (and some not, so read the signs before entering)

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Cat Street

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A lovely street with shops and dining that connects Shibuya and Harajuku. Why is there no photo?

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Where to Stay

You've got a lot of choices and a lot of price ranges when it comes to Tokyo. Do you want to be in the heart of the action in Shibuya or Shinjuku? Or prefer something more subdued in Ginza? Or convenient to Tokyo Disney? 

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

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One of my favorite hotels. Great views of the city on higher floors. A beautiful property with a great lobby, amazing top floor bar, and impeccable service. You wouldn't go wrong staying here your first time in Tokyo.

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Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

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My go-to for being in the action in Shibuya. Located right across/in Shibuya station, the Excel is a great hotel. Rooms are a little small, most have great views. Close to everything and great service as expected from the Tokyu chain.

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The Westin Tokyo

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Great for those of you who are points collectors--this Westin has a wonderful Okonomiyaki restaurant and a solid breakfast.

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Muji Hotel Ginza

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I mean you have to love all things Muji, right? They've taken their impeccable design and turned it into a hotel. In the heart of Ginza and a great place to relax after hitting the shops.

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Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel

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Great service, huge rooms, and close proximity if you're going to head to Tokyo Disney or DisneySea. A solid choice.

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The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome

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My last visit to Tokyo, I stayed here. The rooms are small and efficient. Location is great next to Shimbashi station and good proximity to Ginza. A quieter neighborhood and you can typically score a good deal. Beds are comfortable and the rooms are well equipped.

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Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

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Looking for a quiet, garden-filled escape from the chaos that is Tokyo? The Hotel Chinzanso is it. Located in a quiet neighborhood, this 5 star hotel is beautiful and the gardens out back are zen personified. It feels a little off the beaten path, but the service is unreal and the subway stations are a reasonably close walk. A true getaway in the city.

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Shinjuku Prince Hotel

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A solid budget option for you if you'd prefer to be in the heart of Shinjuku. Rooms are small and clean and it's adjacent to Shinjuku station.

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Park Hyatt Tokyo

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Who doesn't want to fulfill their "Lost in Translation" fantasies at the Park Hyatt. By far the most luxurious hotel in the city with the famed New York Bar on the rooftop. If you want to go big in Tokyo, this is the place to do it.

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