Things to do in Tokyo
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Canal Café
When summer evenings in the capital hang heavy with humidity, this is one of the rare spots in the city centre with breathing room, allowing you to enjoy a cold glass of white wine and a light meal by the water. The specialities are wood-fired thin-crust pizza, and Italian pasta such as scallop dishes and prawns in a light cream sauce, though the real reason you’re here is to savour a cocktail while soaking up the European atmosphere.
reviewed
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Ten-Ichi
Since 1930 Ten-Ichi has rightfully earned its reputation as Tokyo’s go-to spot for tempura, which is supernaturally light and nongreasy here. The dignified dining area at the flagship Ginza restaurant has hosted royalty and corporate titans; if the set menus seem pricey, know that a single à la carte tempura prawn costs ¥1000. Book ahead. The entrance is on Namiki-dōri. Other locations include Akasaka.
reviewed
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Sakana-Ya Ajisen
Although this neighbourhood sake pub is hidden away from the tourist masses on the island of Tsukishima, it's the real deal, and worth seeking out if you want to sample real brews and indulge on traditional dishes. The lack of an English menu means you'll have to work hard here if you don't speak Japanese, though it's worth the effort to sample rare koshu (aged sakes) and the house speciality, anago (braised seawater eel).
reviewed
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Hibiya-Kōen (Hibiya Park)
Built around the turn of the 20th century at the height of Meiji era, this leafy park situated just west of Ginza was Tokyo’s first Western-style park. At the time, Western design was the fashion, and it doesn’t take long to notice the similarities to public spaces in London, Paris and New York. If you’re in need of a break on a quiet afternoon, find your way to one of the two ponds for a nice cup of tea at a pavilion.
reviewed
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Gyūbei
This brick-walled basement workhorse of a Korean barbecue joint is a fine place to grill kalbi (short ribs) or chicken in any of four exotic marinades over hot coals set into your table. For an extra treat, order a dish of namuru (marinated Korean vegetables) and generous pours of Korean soju (what Japan calls shōchū ). It’s across the three-way intersection from both H&M and Tōkyū department store.
reviewed
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Fukuzushi
Arguably some of Tokyo’s best sushi is served at Fukuzushi’s lovely wooden counter, where the chefs can satisfy your palate with conventional favourites, but can just as easily piece together something more innovative if you wish. Reservations aren’t taken at this popular spot, so plan on a few minutes’ wait – it’s a small inconvenience for great sushi. Dress code for gents: no sleeveless shirts.
reviewed
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Pentax Square
Even nonphotography buffs will appreciate the photo exhibits at this diminutive gallery, on the mezzanine of the courtyard behind the Shinjuku Center. For true camera buffs, however, the best part is the vast array of Pentax cameras, lenses and other optical equipment on display. It’s completely hands-on – you can snap away with the cameras and spy into neighbouring buildings through the huge 1000mm lenses.
reviewed
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Asakusa Imahan
It’s fitting that the original branch of Imahan, the city’s most famous chain of shabu-shabu restaurants, is located at the edge of Shitamachi. While sitting at low tables on the tatami mats, get happy on sake as your meat and seasonal vegetables simmer. Although it’s certainly an expensive affair (prices rise with the quality of the meat ordered), a meal at Imahan is the most dignified way to enjoy this revered culinary treat.
reviewed
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Jingū-Bashi (Jingū Bridge)
If the weather’s good, on Saturday and (especially) Sunday afternoons this bridge between the station and Meiji-jingū becomes the epicentre of the Harajuku cos-play scene. Legions of bizarrely dressed teens parade before photographers as if they were on a Milan catwalk. From Lolitas and goths to French maids and anime characters, you never really know what will appear here! However, don’t expect to see anything at other times.
reviewed
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Hainan Jeefan Shokudō
This cosy, white-walled ‘hawker-style Asian canteen’ is a small slice of Singapore near Roppongi Hills. Hainan-style chicken rice, Singapore’s national dish, is the speciality; the steamed chicken and rice spring to life with the addition of accompanying sauces (detailed eating instructions offered), alongside other sprightly dishes. It’s located in the alley behind the market ‘Foo:d magazine’.
reviewed
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Watari-Um
This alternative art space is squeezed into a four-storey building in Harajuku's outer orbit. Regularly changing shows explore a variety of fascinating topics ranging from the conceptual and cultural to the architectural and industrial. Even if the current exhibit isn't your cup of tea, it's worth stopping by to check out the killer bookstore on the ground and basement levels.
reviewed
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Ghibli Museum
Anime master Miyazaki Hayao designed the Ghibli Museum with children in mind, though anyone who fell in love with Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away should consider visiting. Miyazaki's animations come to life as soon as you walk in – swirling stairs, ambient boops and bonks, and kooky ornaments give the mansion a fairy-tale feel, and the artist's studio replica is papered with hand-drawn sketches. Don't miss the original 20- minute movie playing on the 1st floor – if you weren't a Miyazaki fanatic before visiting, you'll be instantly converted.
Getting to the Ghibli (incorrectly pronounced jiburi) is part of the adventure. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and you…
reviewed
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Kyūmeikan
Kyūmeikan dōjō welcomes foreign observers as well as practitioners of kendō (meaning ‘way of the sword’), a discipline of wooden sword fighting that evolved from actual sword techniques used by samurai in battle. There’s a fee of around ¥5000 for a lesson lasting one hour or more; those seeking to practice here can usually reach an English speaker on the phone at the dōjō.
reviewed
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Nanbantei
In this studenty pub at the heart of Shimo-kita, knock back a shōchū and groove out to the rock‘n’roll while a skilled young chef prepares okonomiyaki so you don’t have to. Recommended combos: negi-pokkake (piled high with green onion and beef) and mikkusu (a mix of everything). Turn left where you see Softbank, and it’s upstairs, next to Cowboy restaurant.
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Christon Café
Irreverent in the most orthodox sense of the word, this cathedral-like spot fetishises the Catholic aesthetic and turns the dining experience into something your inner goth will love. From its (sort of) English menu, order Italian-inspired selections (think grills, pasta, gorgonzola-and-apple pizza, asparagus rolled in pancetta etc) to share with your brethren and sistren under gigantic altars and doleful images of the Pietà.
reviewed
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Japan Northern Explorer
16 days (Tokyo)
A captivating journey to the rugged region of northern Japan.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$5,990 -
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Malaychan
If you’ve never tried Malaysian cooking, it’s like a mix of Thai and Indonesian with a bit of Indian thrown in, redolent with chilli, lemon grass, garlic and dried prawns. At this cosy, corner, halal eatery at the end of Ikebukuro’s Gourmet Street, start off with spring rolls, chicken satay and murtabak (ground chicken crêpes) then move on to savoury curries and nasi goreng (fried rice).
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Daidaiya, Minato
Although Asian fusion is all the rage outside Japan, it's still catching on in Tokyo. Of course, it's hard not to fall in love with this culinary mish-mash, especially once you've realised the benefits of eating rich Thai curries alongside innovative sushi rolls and savoury Chinese dumplings. Although the food at Daidaiya is always creative and daring, it pales in comparison to the restaurant's eye-arresting ultramodern interior.
reviewed
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Japan Active Adventure
9 days (Tokyo)
A multi-activity adventure experiencing the diverse scenery, cultures and traditions of Japan.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$3,460 -
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Nair's
Like Japan's foremost living novelist, Murakami Haruki, Nair's was born in 1949, signalling a shift in tone in postwar Tokyo. Though curry restaurants are now a dime a dozen, this was one of the first to introduce naan and cardamom to Tokyo. Since quality midrange fare is a rare find in Ginza, this neighbourhood landmark tends to be extremely busy, though the crowds blend with the Bollywood music to create a festive atmosphere.
reviewed
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Seiryūmon
Take a break from Italian-mad Venus Fort and head upstairs to this spot that looks like a night market in Beijing. It serves dozens of small dishes (stir-fried water spinach, Taiwanese soup noodles) and some larger ones too (hotpot of braised seafood). And at what other Chinese restaurant in the world do you get to peer through Corinthian columns as the sun ‘rises’ and ‘sets’ in an artificial sky?
reviewed
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Tokyo Morning Tour: Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple and Ginza Shopping District
4 hours (Departs Tokyo, Japan)
by Viator
lt;pgt;See Tokyo's highlights on a four-hour morning sightseeing tour. A perfect introduction to the first-time visitor, your professional guide will escort you…Not LP reviewed
from USD$46.81 -
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Kushiya Monogatari
The Tokyo branch of this popular Osaka chain specialises in kushiage, which are deep-fried skewers of grilled meats, fish and vegetables. For the bargain price of only ¥2625, you have up to 90 minutes to fry up at your tabletop as many skewers as you’d like. Since this is one of the few Japanese foods where it’s probably best to go easy and consider your waistline, there are also salads and rice.
reviewed
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Yoshitoku
Dollmaker to the emperor, Yoshitoku is the most famous of the many traditional ningyō shops lining Edo-dōri. Yoshitoku has been crafting exquisite ningyō since 1711 and is now owned by its 11th-generation descendant.
reviewed
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Mitsukoshi
One of Ginza's grande dames, Mitsukoshi embodies the essence of the Tokyo department store, and it gleams after a recent renovation. You'll find a variety of exciting treasures tucked inside, such as the 2nd-floor's outpost of Ladurée – the Parisian macaron monolith – decked out like a giant pastel Easter egg. A crown of restaurants are lofted on the building's top floors, ensuring you get some heady views of pulsing neon signs. The original Mitsukoshi department store is located north of Ginza's main drag near Mitsukoshimae Station.
reviewed