TOKYO

STAY

Hotel Gajoen - Luxury contemporary hotel with beautiful, simple rooms, city views and incredible breakfast in a quieter part of Tokyo along the Meguro Canal (Note, it’s located above a complex with event venues + restaurants so the entrance is a bit confusing but does not take away from the overall experience).

EAT

Kan - Bespoke dining experience on the beautiful Meguro Canal (Highlights: wasabi greens salad, charcoal grilled Snapper, side of Uni and Sashimi)

Kawasemi - Small soba + tempura spot in Meguro

Sushi Tou - Quiet Omakase spot with an affordable lunch option, so yum

Sushi Kuriyagawa - Popular Omakese, also with a good lunch option

Susi Yuu - Chef Daisuke will serve you a delicious, adventurous Omakase

Tsujiki Fish Market - If you don’t make it to the 4am Tuna auction, go for breakfast or lunch and try as much as you can

SEE

21 21 Design Site - Small Tadao Ando designed art space

Daikanayama - Favorite area in Tokyo with amazing shopping, architecture and the Kyu Asukara home, a hidden gem

Harajuku - Worth strolling through for the outfits

Ginza - Busy district, popular for upscale dining + shopping (Dedicate a few hours here but no more)

Imperial Palace - Very pretty grounds but not a must see

Kagurazaka - Older part of Tokyo, reminiscent of Kyoto

Kiyosumi Garden - Traditional, serene garden in the heart of Tokyo

Kyu Asukara - Beautifully preserved private home with incredible gardens in Daikanyama neighborhood, a hidden gem!

Meiji Jingu Shrine - A must visit

Ota Museum - Small museum near Harajuku (saw an incredible Kiroshige exhibit here)

Ommotosando Neighborhood - Architectural wonder with many high end shops and an edgy fashion scene

Roppingi - Modern, residential + business neighborhood with many amazing restaurants

Ryūsen-ji Temple - Peaceful temple with a beautiful buddha in Meguro

Scai bath house - Great art gallery

Senso Ji Temple - Picturesque temple in Asakusa, an interesting yet slightly out of the way part of town

Suntory Art - Museum in a Roppongi’s Midtown complex

Zojo Ji shrine - Shrine in the footsteps of the Tokyo Tower with beautiful gardens

SHOP

Ito Ya - Beautiful handmade wrapping paper

Pass the Baton - Famous vintage shop

Tokyu Hands - Japanese department store, fun for household goods, stationary, etc

Tsutaya Books - Amazing bookstore in Daikanyama

TIPS

  • Most people want to stay in or near Ginza but this was our least favorite part of town

  • Reserve Omakase in advance but don’t plan too many, they get redundant (surprisingly)

  • The Japanese don’t like last minute change so try your best not to cancel/change reservations - Leave some meals unplanned!