Tokyo, Japan: City Guide
Came for the cherry blossoms, would stay for the combini
What a trip we’ve had! This past week has felt like a full month and although it was technically a solo trip, I really feel as though we have all been on this journey together. From exploring a mountain village, harvesting wasabi, hitting the bustling streets of to Shibuya, elbowing our way through beauty product stores, seeking out the newest condiments in Japan to finally enjoying many combini (convenience stores) snack taste tests this has been the experience a lifetime.
When I got here I knew I simply HAD to do accomplish 3 things: try a bonito flake breakfast, visit a wasabi farm and of course, see the cherry blossoms. Since we all have different priorities and different seasonal travel plans, I’ve compiled a list for you below of all of my favorite restaurants, cafes, attractions, shopping (sneakers, designer vintage, cookware, souvenirs…), ideas for day trips, what to pack, what to bring back home and more.
While I do not speak Japanese, I also thought it best to add in some useful phrases and some tips. When traveling to a country, it’s always best to be respectful and try your best to fit into their world rather than try to bring them into yours.
My Top 3 Recs
Katsuo Shokudo: Katsuobushi breakfast.
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Exploring the parks: Regardless of the season, from cherry blossoms to autumnal deep oranges, Japanese parks are a must-see. While you can walk through them swiftly, they really have a mystical nature to them so take some time out of your day to enjoy them properly. They seem wild and yet are perfectly manicured? They’re magical. Most of them are actually just homes to shrines and temples so if you’re thinking of exploring any of these sites, expect a stroll in some incredible parks.
Some of my favorites in Tokyo are around the Meiji shrine, Yoyogi Park, Happo-en (a hotel/event’s venue but you can visit the garden), the Imperial Palace, Kohonbutsu Joshing Temple, Saigoyama Park, Zojo-ji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Chinzanso Tokyo Garden.
Outside of the city experience: Tokyo is surrounded by so many “suburbs” most tourists don’t bother going to. There are so many to choose from that allow you to see a different side of the city all only about 1-2 hours away. It can be a full day trip, half a day, or even just for a quick lunch or matcha! Although this time I opted to go a wasabi farm in Okutama, I have other activity recs and neighborhoods listed below based on different interests.
Yes I know this is a LONG city guide so here’s a bit of an outline to make your life easier:
Food recs: raw fish, noodles, cafes, desserts, misc, and guide to Tsukiji market
Shopping recs: kitchen/food, sneaker shops, designer vintage, beauty (+ beauty products I stocked up on), stationary, misc, and guide to giant department stores
Day/half-day trips: non-obvious to tourist neighborhoods (+ what to do, see, eat there), fruit/veg farms and experiences, flower fields and parks, and other food-based experiences (soy sauce brewery, tea ceremony etc)
Tips: train tickets, airport to city, trash cans, public bathrooms, you know the boring stuff that knowing about actually helps alleviate all travel stress?
Some useful phrases in Japanese