Curator’s statement
Stepping into Tokyo during sakura season with my husband for our honeymoon/1 year anniversary was an absolute dream, solidifying its special place in my heart. This city is a thrilling blend of cutting-edge tech and timeless tradition. It offers endless exploration, from the iconic sights to the quiet beauty of hanami alongside locals. It is all easily navigable thanks to its amazing transit system. While the famous spots are a must, my favorite memories are often from wandering down alleyways and finding those hidden spots offering truly unique, specialized experiences from onigiri to hyper-specialized craftsmanship. It's a place perfect for exploring from dawn till way past dusk for anyone eager to explore.
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Things to do in Tokyo
Sunshine City (Ikebukuro): More than just a building, Sunshine City is an urban playground! Head here for the sprawling Mega Pokemon Center and Pokemon Cafe (a must for anime fans!), breathtaking panoramic views from the Sunshine 60 Observatory, a surprisingly diverse aquarium, and fun indoor theme parks. You could easily spend half a day or more!
Mori Digital Art Museum: This isn't your typical museum. It's an immersive, interactive digital universe where art comes to life and constantly changes around you. Wandering through the flowing lightscapes and fantastical projections feels like stepping into another dimension. It's incredibly popular, but trust me, the unique and unforgettable experience is absolutely worth securing morning tickets well in advance.
The Sumo Experience (Near Kikukawa Station): While catching a sumo tournament requires timing, you can immerse yourself in the world of Japan's national sport outside a sumo stable or tournament. This was a highlight of our trip as we wrestled with retired and soon-to-be professional sumos after enjoying the katsu and Chankonabe (sumo stew).
Mag's Park Rooftop (Shibuya Crossing): For one of the most iconic views of the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, head up to Mag's Park. This rooftop viewing spot offers a fantastic elevated perspective to watch the organized chaos below and snap that quintessential Tokyo photo. It's a great way to appreciate the sheer scale of the crossing from a vantage point above the street level crowds.
Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street: Foodies, home cooks and anyone who loves to browse unique shops will be in heaven here! Kappabashi is a street dedicated entirely to everything a kitchen could ever need. From knives, every type of pottery and dishware imaginable, noren (Japanese curtains), lanterns and the wonderfully realistic plastic food samples you see in restaurant windows. It's a fascinating place to explore, even if you're just window shopping.
Sumida Park (Asakusa): This lovely park stretches along the Sumida River. It is particularly beautiful in the spring when its hundreds of cherry trees bloom, offering stunning views with the Tokyo Skytree in the background. It's a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). In late July, it becomes the prime location for watching the spectacular Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival. It's a peaceful escape with iconic Tokyo scenery.
Kichijoji: Often ranked as one of the most desirable neighborhoods to live in Tokyo by locals, Kichijoji has a fantastic, laid-back yet stylish vibe. Centered around its station, you'll find a great mix of trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, lively bars and unique shops. Don't miss exploring the atmospheric Harmonica Alley (Harmonica Yokocho) for tiny eateries and bars, or taking a relaxing stroll through the adjacent Inokashira Park, home to a pond and the Ghibli Museum.
Akihabara Electric Town: Dive into the vibrant, sometimes overwhelming world of Japanese pop culture! Akihabara is the epicenter for electronics, manga, anime, video games and collectibles. Spend hours browsing multi-story stores packed floor-to-ceiling with goods. It's also famous for its themed cafes. Particularly the maid and butler cafes, offering a unique (and often quirky) service experience that's become synonymous with the area.
Places to eat & drink in Tokyo
Kukuku: Mini Pairing of Wagashi and Tea (San Ka San Cha): Forget any stuffiness you might associate with tea ceremonies! Kukuku offers a truly special and relaxed experience with their mini pairings of exquisite wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and expertly brewed teas. The setting is less formal. The staff are incredibly welcoming and the delicate, artful sweets and unique tea selections are simply one-of-a-kind and utterly delicious. It's a perfect moment of quiet, sweet indulgence.
Tokyo Ramen Street (at Tokyo Station): Located conveniently within Tokyo Station, this isn't just one ramen shop, but a whole alleyway featuring branches of some of Japan's most famous ramen restaurants! It was created so travelers arriving at the station could immediately taste the incredible ramen. With a variety of styles represented, including popular spots like Rokurinsha (famous for their rich tsukemen, or dipping ramen), you can easily hop between shops or visit multiple times to sample different broths and noodles. And yes, we ate here at least three times.
Shirohige's Cream Puff Factory: This charming spot is famous for its signature cream puffs shaped like Totoro from the beloved Ghibli film. But they're not just cute — they're absolutely delicious, with a light, flaky pastry and fresh, creamy fillings. Located in a lovely residential area near Shimokitazawa, it feels like a sweet escape, complete with a compact cafe and a pleasant terrace.
Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho: Step back in time and experience the incredibly atmospheric "Drunkard's Alley" near Shibuya. This maze of seriously tiny, old-school izakayas and bars offers a cozy, intimate drinking and dining experience. Squeezing into one of these spots is a fantastic way to chat with locals (space encourages interaction!) and get a feel for authentic, no-frills Tokyo nightlife.
Ben Zai Ten: Specializing in incredibly fresh and unique, Daifuku, wraps their soft, chewy mochi around whole fruits and different sweet fillings. Their white strawberry daifuku, was my favorite as is was perfectly ripe and almost impossibly sweet.
Sushi no Midori: For delicious and generously portioned sushi that offers great value, Sushi no Midori is a go-to favorite. They're known for their "huge" sushi pieces! The ordering system, often using iPads with language options, makes it super accessible and stress-free for non-Japanese speakers.
Konbini (Convenience Stores): Yes, really! Don't underestimate the humble Japanese convenience store. Konbini like 7-Eleven. They are a traveler's best friend, offering an incredible selection of high-quality, fresh and affordable food 24/7. Their onigiri (rice balls) selection alone is legendary — easy to grab and go, with countless delicious fillings. Seriously, pick up the spicy cod roe (mentaiko) onigiri... you can thank me later!
Need to know
First off, a little language goes a long way! Don't worry about becoming fluent, but knowing a few basic Japanese phrases like はい (Hai): Yes, いいえ (Iie): No, the all-purpose すみません (Sumimasen): Excuse me/I'm sorry/Pardon me, and a sincere ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu): Thank you will be hugely appreciated by locals. You'll find that a little effort here opens doors and makes interactions much warmer.
Getting around this massive metropolis might seem daunting, but trust us, Tokyo's subway and train system is your best friend. It's renowned for being incredibly on-time, efficient and easily accessible across the entire city. Don't be intimidated by the maps — they become surprisingly intuitive quickly, and station signs often have English. Plus, those massive stations are often like underground cities themselves, packed with shops, restaurants and convenience stores — perfect for grabbing a quick bite or souvenir!
One of the best pieces of advice we can give is: Don't be afraid to wander! While having a plan is great, some of Tokyo's most magical moments are found by simply turning down a random street or exploring a neighborhood without a fixed itinerary. Embrace getting a little lost. You never know what hidden shrine, charming shop or delicious eatery you might stumble upon.
Now, about money. While credit card use is becoming more widespread, Tokyo still operates in some locations on cash. This is true, especially in smaller shops, restaurants and at local markets. It's definitely wise to bring sufficient cash with you or know where you can easily withdraw yen — I recommend 7/11s. Also, while digital Pasmo/Suica cards linked to your iPhone wallet are increasingly popular and widely accepted for transport and many purchases, if you opt for a physical card or are an Android user, be aware that loading them requires cash at machines.
Japanese culture values politeness and consideration for others. A few key things to remember: stand on the designated side of escalators (it varies by city, but is usually left in Tokyo), refrain from talking loudly on public transport. And avoid eating or drinking while walking. When using chopsticks, never stick them upright in your rice or pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick.
Having reliable internet is a game-changer for navigation (Google Maps is your friend!), translation apps and staying in touch. Consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival.
Travel Advisor
Darlene Cuozzi
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