Tokyo
Tokyo, originally known as Edo, has a history as rich and layered as one of yiayia’s slow cooked moussakas. Once a modest fishing village, Edo blossomed into the power centre of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century. The city's name officially changed to Tokyo, meaning ‘Eastern Capital’, in 1868 when Emperor Meiji moved his seat there from Kyoto, signalling the country's rapid modernisation.
What makes Tokyo endlessly beloved by both tourists and locals is its mesmerizing blend of the ancient and the ultra modern. Wander through tranquil temples and peaceful gardens, then zip across neon lit streets filled with futuristic skyscrapers and quirky cafes where you can sip on matcha latte with a side of kawaii culture. It’s a city that never dims its lights or quiets its vibrant spirit. For locals, it’s a place of opportunity and deep rooted tradition… for visitors, a dazzling playground of culture, sushi, tech, and style.
In Tokyo, every corner offers a new adventure, whether you’re getting lost in the buzzing Shibuya crossing, diving into the peaceful chaos of Tsukiji Fish Market, or indulging in some mouth watering yakitori in a tiny alleyway. It’s no wonder this city captures hearts far and wide, becoming a must visit spot for anyone who loves a bit of history, a dash of innovation, and heaps of unforgettable food experiences.
Fast Tips
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Try to fly into Haneda Airport opposed to Narita which is substantially further away from central Tokyo.
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Some of the best restaurants get incredibly busy. Always have a look online for reviews on wait times and what time you should get there. Different places have different rules whether a ticket system or a line and wait system, so a quick google means you won’t miss out.
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Most places take card, but always bring a little bit of cash for the old school spots.
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7/11 is truly heaven in this country, we spent bigger for dinner, chilled breakfast and grabbed onigiri (stuffed rice triangles in seaweed) for lunch to save money, but also they’re delicious.
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Download google translate, as most people do not speak English and most things are in Japanese (although I did notice more English based text since the olympics).
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Come over with a prepared sim or internet connection as the city can get a bit tricky and wifi isn’t overly available.
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A minimum of five days is needed to really get through Tokyo. There are so many neighbourhoods to explore a bit of time here goes a long way.
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When looking for accomodation, you can’t really go wrong as long as you’re near a train station, especially one that is well connected. My favourite area is Meguro, which is where a lot of my favourite spots are.
Eats & Sips
KAN
Hidden away, this is Japanese food on another level. Make sure you have the degustation, was about $80 a head with beers but so so so worth it. My partner was in awe of a couple of the bites.
SHIN UDON
Some call the best udon in Tokyo, come early, grab a ticket, they’ll message you when to come back. Come minimum 2 hours before you want to eat.
***Images courtesy of establisment websites and photo sharing sites such as Tripadvisor.
KUSHIWAKAMARU
My favourite restaurant in the world (I know, big call). I came here years ago and it hasn’t lost its touch. Small yakitori, when the chicken melts in your mouth.
HITACHINO BREWING LAB
Hitachino do a great Japanese take on German style beers and the spot along the river is really relaxing.
BAR MARTHA
incredible listening bar where they play records. Don’t talk too loudly, you can chat quietly and enjoy the atmosphere, the speakers are incredible. Highly recommend, just be respectful.
PARKLET
Brunch, cool, coffee game strong, former Bar Tartine (San Fran) alumni owners.
ARC
Coffee shop with a records spinning from the owners personal collection. Japanese and jazzy vibes in music, interior leans on cosy 70’s aesthetic and it’s just a lovely spot to sit and enjoy an americano.
PELICAN’S CAFE
Founded in 1945, this cute little lunch spot is known for their love of white bread and all the things that can go and on top of it. You can’t go wrong here when ordering, everything is as delicious as the service is down to earth and efficient.
Shops & Cool Spots
KAKIMORI
If you love personalisation and everything stationary, this is your dream come true in a building. Kakimori has a wonderful selection of paper and pens and the best part is you can customise your own notebook, with all the bells and whistles, finished in less than 30 minutes.
DILL PICKLE CLUB
Part vintage, part collectables, part clock shop, part coffee shop, part bar, this spot does everything in a little curated way and gets a lot done in a very small space. The clocks and the clock wall is trippy and cool and wonderful and they are small enough to pop into luggage to take home.
M+ (M-PIU)
Japanese leather goods that specialises in wallets, particularly ones with seamless folding out designs that bring leather and origami together. The leather is elegantly crafted that gives each piece its own elegance and the shop has an outlet section where you can grab some really excellent handcrafted creations for a very reasonable price.
SHIN RAMEN
A little one man run ramens hop frequented by locals popping in for dinner on their way home. Don’t be put off by the less glamorous aesthetic, the ramen and broth is delicious, not pretentious and the chef is incredibly lovely and welcoming. perfect for when you don’t want to wait an hour and you’re in the area.