My favorite corners of Tokyo. Hopefully this list will keep growing over time 🙂
🚨 General Tips:
- In Japan, there’s a little rule that can feel a bit annoying: you need to keep ordering at restaurants you can’t just sit and chat for hours. Usually, they have a 2-hour rule, after about 1h40m, the waiter will ask if you want to order anything else (last order), and if not, they’ll bring the bill.
- Trains are super quiet places, so avoid talking too loudly or watching videos with the volume on.
- The further into the countryside you go, the more cash you’ll need — don’t rely 100% on credit cards. Actually, even in Tokyo, some places don’t accept credit cards as payment. So pay attention!
🐟 Sushis
Tips:
- The fish in Japan is so good that even supermarket sushi is amazing!
- To find a good restaurant just check the place’s Google rating (> 4.1 is good, > 4.5 is perfect) and the vibe of it of course.
Restaurants I like:
- Sushiro: Conveyor belt sushi, good quality, very common there. Definitely worth trying!
- Tsukiji Market: Honestly, some of the best fish I’ve ever eaten. I recommend both the food stalls and the restaurants.
- Standing Sushi: A standing sushi restaurant — cool experience, but honestly, the only real difference is that you’re eating while standing 😂.
- Omakase: I didn’t go myself, but everyone I know who went loved it. If you can, go!
- Random sushi spots: If you find a sushi place while walking around, check two things:
- Are the chefs older Japanese guys? 😂
- Is the Google rating > 4.1?
If yes, go in without fear — I only had great experiences!
🍜 Ramen / Lamen
Tip: Ramen is probably the best value-for-money food in Japan. But in Tokyo, some places are tourist traps, so again, follow the Google rating (> 4.1) and check if the dishes look good.
If you see a random ramen shop on the street, just go for it! They usually have a unique seasoning that makes them different and special.
- Ramen Kamo to Negi (Duck ramen) – location
- Samurai – location
- Tokyo Style Miso Ramen Do Miso Kyobashi – location
- Aidaya (they have tsukemen, a different and very tasty ramen) – location
- Jiro: the “giant messy ramen” 😂 – location
🍜 Soba
Another type of noodle Japanese love (and I do too)
- Maze Soba (I heard it’s originally Taiwanese, either way it’s insanely good):
- Abura Soba (fried soba):
- Tokyo Aburagumi Sohonten Shibuya – location
- This is a restaurant chain, you can find almost anywhere in Tokyo
- Tokyo Aburagumi Sohonten Shibuya – location
- Cold Soba:
- It’s different — some people don’t like it, but I think it’s worth trying!
- Some recommendations of the best Sobas in Tokyo: Michelin guide here
🍺 Bars
There are two pretty famous streets in Tokyo packed with tiny izakayas that fit, at most, five people. Totally worth the experience!
People usually chat with each other, and you might even make a new friend. The only “problem” is that you need to keep ordering stuff all the time as the space is so small that you can’t just hang out without consuming
- Shinjuku Golden-Gai:
- This is the most famous one, packed with lots of little bars — and a lot of tourists too.
- Shibuya Omoide Yokocho:
- This used to have fewer tourists, but lately it’s gotten pretty busy. It’s way smaller than Shinjuku’s Golden-Gai, but honestly, I really like it.
- Koenji:
- Personally, I loved this neighborhood. It feels way more local, full of super unique bars and restaurants. 100% recommend checking it out!
- Here’s a link with some recommendations: Koenji Nightlife Guide
- And there’s a bar I really like there. It’s not one of the tiny ones, but I loved the food and the vibe: location
🏙️ “Different” (or at least less touristy) Neighborhoods
- Koenji
- Already recommended it above because of the amazing bar scene. Seriously, don’t miss it.
- Shimo-Kitazawa
- Famous for its awesome thrift stores. Perfect if you’re into vintage shopping!
- Harajuku
- There’re a bunch of super unique shops. I recommend getting off at Harajuku Station and walking all the way to Shibuya Station. You’ll find lots of cool stores along the way. Totally worth it!
- Akihabara
- Known for its arcades! Even if you’re not into gaming, it’s 100% worth stepping into one and playing a bit. Usually, the top floors have retro machines like Mario 2000, Sonic, and Pac-Man.
- Hibiya
- One of the fancier areas of Tokyo. It’s really close to the famous Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. Definitely worth wandering around if you want to see a more “luxurious” side of the city.
I hope this proves to be helpful to someone other than just me!
✧⁺⸜(^-^)⸝⁺✧
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