Feb.
17
Tokyo City Guide
TOKYO is a futuristic city filled with eccentricities and traditions that at first glance can be intimidating and offer a bit of a culture shock, but upon arrival in this vibrant metropolis you’ll be graciously welcomed allaying any fears. In Japan’s capital city there’s much to see and do — from centuries-old shrines to skyscrapers to cruises on the Sumida River. Tokyo is home to 13 million people, so prepare for a hurried bustle, just don’t forget your manners. Proper etiquette is a vital element of Tokyo society, so practice good manners on subways, at restaurants, temples and shrines.
For unique shopping experiences, don’t miss department stores like Isetan and Takashimaya, or Ito-Ya and Winged Wheel for stationary, or Axis, Bloom + Branch, Dover Street Market, Michael Kors, Muji, Prada, Sadaharu Aoki, Sembikiya, Sugahara and Tokyo Hands for the best of fashion + food + design.
MUSEUMS + ATTRACTIONS
Sightseeing Tip: The subway system is clean and efficient, but many street addresses are not marked, so look for landmarks and don’t be ashamed to ask for help, Tokyo residents are friendly and will go out of there way even with the language barrier.
21 21 Design Sight
9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato
www.artspacetokyo.com
With architecture by ZR favorite Tadao Ando, this museum features design exhibitions and workshops.
Asakusa
2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito
www.senso-ji.jp
Japan’s oldest and most sacred Senso-ji temple. Rub the Botokesan Buddha for good luck, snap the Kaminarimon red lantern for Instagram, and breathe in the Incense Burner to encourage great health.
Harajuku District
THE fashion center for Tokyo’s young and hip with a mix of high-end and bargain shopping, street performers and Harajuku girls.
Happo En
1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato
www.happo-en.com/english/
For a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience book a tea ceremony in this garden.
Imperial Palace
1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda
www.sankan.kunaicho.go.jp
Japan’s emperor still lives on the grounds, so the palace is only open twice a year, but the East Gardens are open to the public daily.
Meiji Shrine
1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya
www.meijijingu.or.jp
This Shinto Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji has lots to see especially on Sundays.
Mori Art Museum
52F Mori Tower
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato
www.mori.art.museum/eng
A contemporary art museum with a 52nd floor observation deck.
Nihonga Art
4B Maruoka Building
5-49-7 Jingumae
www.mariatanikawa.com
Learn the art of Japanese painting during semi-private lessons with Maria Tanikawa.
Origami Kaikan
1-7-14 Yushima, Bunkyo
www.origamakaikan.co.jp
Discover the fine art of paper folding and try your hand at the ancient tradition.
Sumo Wrestling
National Sumo Stadium
In January, May and September sumo tournaments are the hot ticket. Book through your hotel concierge.
Tokyo National Museum
13-9 Uenokoen, Taito
www.tnm.jp
Learn about the culture and history of Japan. A great rainy day option.
Tokyo Opera City
3-20-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku
www.operacity.jp/en
Another good rainy day option offering excellent concerts and art exhibits.
Tokyo Sky Tree
1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida
www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en
The second tallest tower in the world with two observation decks. Afterwards, grab a bowl of ramen at Rokurinsha.
Tsukiji Fish Market
5-2-1 Tsukui, Chuo
www.tsukiji-market.or.jp
The world’s largest seafood market. Read my review here.
RESTAURANTS
Foodies Note: A majority of Tokyo’s restaurants are “introduction only”, so securing a table without assistance from a previous guest or hotel concierge can be challenging, so book in advance. Many restaurants are cash only, but service and gratuity are always included.
Afuri
3-63-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya
A popular chain with delicious yuzu shio ramen.
Artistree Cafe
3-6-10 Nishi Shimbashi, Minato
www.artistree-cafe.com
Chic coffee shop with delicious pastries and free wifi.
BLT Steak
5F Izumi Garden
1-6-1 Roppongi, Minato
www.bltsteak.jp
American bistro with delicious steaks, seafood, and salads for a taste of home.
Gen Yamamoto
1F Anniversary Building
1-6-4 Azabu-Juban, Minato
www.genyamamoto.jp
For a unique cocktail tasting experience. Only 8 seats, reserve in advance.
Harutaka
3F Kawabata Building
8-5-8 Ginza, Chuo
Serving Jiro-esque high quality sushi. A favorite with local chefs.
Ivan Ramen
3-24-7 Minamikarasuyama, Setagaya
www.ivanramen.com
A bit out from central Tokyo, for delicious shio ramen created by an American chef.
JG Tokyo
6-12-4 Keyankizaka Dori, Roppongi
www.jean-georges.com
French-Asian cuisine a la carte or served omakase-style at a counter in the open kitchen.
Jimbocho Den
2-2-32 Kandajinbocho, Chiyoda
www.jimbochoden.com
So hip and popular is Zaiyu Hasegawa’s Michelin two-star kaiseki restaurant that securing a reservation can be challenging, but if you’re lucky, the experience will be one you won’t soon forget.
Katsuzen
Barneys, 4F Kojun Bldg
6-8-7 Ginza, Chuo
Specializing in tonkatsu. Read my review here.
Kojyu
4F Carioco Bldg
5-4-8 Ginza, Chuo
www.kojyu.jp
Offering a Michelin three-star kaiseki dinner that’s well balanced and well executed.
Kondo
9F Sakaguchi Bldg
5-5-13 Ginza, Chuo
Specializing in tempura. Read my review here.
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato
www.robuchon.jp
Joel Robuchon expertly incorporates Japanese ingredients into his renowned French menu. Read my review here.
Nicolai Bergmann
5-7-2 Minami-Aoyama, Minato
www.nicolaibergmann.co.jp/en
For a ladies lunch in a contemporary florist shop with a cafe serving an organic menu.
Nikko and…Navarre
1-2F, 6-12-20 Jingumae, Shibuya
www.magazine.nikoand.jp
Two-story shopping mecca for Tokyo’s chic set. Try Cafe Navarre for farm-to-table cuisine.
Oboro Saketen
5-29-2 Shinbashi, Minato
www.oborosaketen.com
Sake boutique offering themed sake tastings to demystify Japan’s national drink.
Sukiyabashi Jiro
1F Tsukamoto Sogyo Bldg
4-2-15, Ginza, Chuo
www.theworlds50best.com
Experience sushi created by a great master. Service is swift. There’s no fanfare. Booking Jiro’s Roppongi location is easier to secure.
Sushi Saito
1F Jidousha Kaikan Bldg
1-9-15 Akasaka, Minato
www.theworlds50best.com
Only 6 seats. Considered the absolute BEST sushi in Tokyo. Hidden in a parking garage.
Sushi Sora
38F Mandarin Oriental
2-1-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo
www.mandarinoriental.com
Excellent sushi with English-speaking staff well versed in guiding novices and experts alike in the art of sushi. Read my review here.
Sushi Yoshitake
3F Suzuryu Building
8-7-19 Ginza, Chuo
www.sushi-yoshitake.com
Seasonal sushi expertly prepared and presented.
Takazawa
2F Sanyo Akasaka Bldg
3-5-2 Akasaka, Minato
www.takazawa-y.co.jp
Specializing in modern Japanese cooking. Read my review here.
Two Rooms
5F A O Building
3-11-7 Kita-Aoyama, Minato
www.tworooms.jp/
Experience Tokyo’s cocktail culture at this see-and-be-seen hotspot.
HOTELS
Traveler’s Tip: Tokyo has a dizzying array of hotels throughout the city ranging from opulent five-stars to chic boutique properties, I advise booking early and checking hotel websites for best-rate offers.
The Palace Hotel
1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda
www.en.palacehoteltokyo.com
To say I’m obsessed with this hotel would be an understatement. Everything about The Palace from its location to rooms, amenities, service and lobby scene is perfection.
Aman Tokyo
The Otemachi Tower
1-5-6 Otemachi,Chiyoda
www.amanresorts.com
Tokyo’s newest modern luxury hotel designed in classic Japanese style.
Mandarin Oriental
2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo
www.mandarinoriental.com
Near the business district, MO offers beautiful rooms, stunning city views and fine dining to guests with a discerning eye.
The Peninsula
1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda
www.tokyo.peninsula.com
Only a short walk from topnotch shopping in Ginza with all the luxuries of a premium city hotel.
Ritz Carlton
9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato
www.ritzcarlton.com
In Roppongi. A classic hotel with beautiful rooms and a nice spa.
Photos: Zavvi Rodaine
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