Everyone and their mother raves about Tokyo. As someone who grew up obsessed with Totoro, can eat omakase everyday, and can spend an eternity at a hot spring, I was curious to see how Tokyo would fit me. What could go wrong?
Helpful Apps
Traveling via the subway trains is the most common in Japan. Make sure to download the Suica app to use as your subway card!
Google Maps is the best and most common way to get around. The times are accurate with Japan’s subway trains!
Line is the most common app for communicating in Japan.
Food
FOOD WAS HANDS DOWN THE BEST PART OF THE TRIP. Restaurants of all different price points were extremely satisfying. You could get an onigiri (i.e., a Japanese rice ball wrapped in dried seaweed usually with meat or veggies inside) on the street, go to any ramen house (they are literally plastered everywhere in Tokyo), or find a sushi joint nearby, and most of them would have great quality and taste! However, if I really had to narrow it down, these are some places I would revisit if I went back to Tokyo (and I promise they’re not the typical recommendations you hear everywhere like Ichiran Ramen and Gyukatsu).
- Butagumi
Although you might hear about Gyukatsu the most for katsu recommendations, IT DOES NOT COMPARE TO BUTAGUMI. This restaurant is a little hole-in-the-wall but has the best and juiciest katsu in town. It’s a smaller restaurant, so not too many people can be seated. However, when I went in December 2024 on a weekday during lunchtime, there was no wait! The katsu is unlike any other with its crisp outer skin and soft, juicy meat. It has the perfect blend of meaty and fatty. However, keep in mind that they’re strict about wearing strong-scents inside; if it’s too strong, they won’t let you in!
- Pacific Bake House
Almost daily, I would drink a matcha latte or consume something matcha-related (ice-cream, chocolate, etc.). They were mostly all satisfactory, but Pacific Bake House took their matcha drink to a whole other level. They have a menu with seasonal drinks as well, and it was sooo tempting to try. However, I knew they were famous for their “Strawberry Matcha” drink, so I stuck with that, and am so glad I did! Although, I wish I could’ve tried their other drinks too. In all honesty, I should’ve just got the Stawberry Match with another specialty drink. Their pastries also seemed really popular because it was completely sold out when I arrived in the early evening!
- Sushi Onodera
This restaurant is a bit of a splurge, but if you need to have at least one nice dinner in Tokyo, it has to be this place! They’ve received the Michel star 13 times. It’s an omakase-style with no more than probably 12 people at the bar, so make sure to make a reservation on their website! The staff is super attentive to the needs of all of the guests. The moment your drink falls below half of the cup, they will immediately refill it. The sous-chefs meticulously cut and prepare all of the ingredients with laser-focus. And the head-chef is personable and involved with the guests, bringing laughter, joy, and knowledge throughout the night. Every inch of the dish is beautifully crafted with every ingredient serving a purpose. Even the fermented ginger was so delicious that I couldn’t stop eating it although it’s only meant to cleanse your palate after each dish. If I could, I would eat omakase here every night!!
- Japanese Snacks at Any Market (like 7/11, Lawson, FamilyMart, etc.)
If you don’t already know, the Japanese create snacks SO WELL. Everything from the flavor to the texture is insanely good. Usually with candy, there’s an inextricable artificial flavor that comes with it. However, they’ve somehow mastered replicating the flavors in such a refreshing and pleasurable way. In particular, their flavors that have to do with grapes (like green grapes or purple grapes) are astounding! Help yourself to any of their chocolate, gummies, jelly beans, or ice-cream. I’ve posted pictures above of some of my favorites, and my god, WOW. They were so good. I actually bought 30 bags to take home to treat my friends.
Activities
- Shinjuku Gyeon National Garden
This is an unexpected, beautiful garden in the middle of Tokyo. Surrounding the area are tall, lush trees and the calm of a flowing pond. This garden is lovely because it really changes with the season. When I went during winter, the leaves were turning orange and red making the atmosphere feel cozy. However, during other seasons like spring, there are cherry blossoms that will set a different tone– probably one of wonder and amazement!
- Senshoji Temple
There’s a lot of temples in Japan, but if there’s one to visit, it has to be the Senshoji Temple. It’s Tokyo’s oldest temple, established in 645! The temple here is on top of a cliff, overlooking the city. There’s several buildings you can visit, all in different shapes. However, something else that makes this temple fun to visit are the streets surrounding it. It’s occupied by family-owned businesses selling souvenirs, treats, and more. There’s a lot to do in this region. However, it can get extremely pack, so I recommend going as early in the morning as you can!
- Nakamise-dori Street
Nakamise-dori Street is a long street enveloped by a “tunnel.” You’ll know that you arrived when you enter a building with glass ceilings. Here, you can walk around to eat and shop. They sell all kinds of goods and most of Japan’s most popular snacks. It reminded me of Turkiye’s bazaars but maybe not as hectic.
- Kindal Ginza
This might not be for everyone, but if you like consignment shopping, JAPAN IS THE PLACE TO DO IT! They sell all kinds of pre-loved luxury items for a fraction of the cost. They verify the authenticity, and the condition is almost immaculate. You can find anything from Rolex watches, designer bags, to off-the-runway pieces. I personally love finding a deal for designer items. However, I know in Japan, it’s frowned upon to buy used items. Maybe that’s why there’s so much merchandise? In American consignment shops, it’s hard to find a decent, luxury item because it’s either out-of-style or flawed. A favorite consignment shop I visited was Kindal Ginza which has multiple locations. I would go around Tokyo visiting these stores. However, if there’s a specific item you’re looking for, just search in your Google Maps app “secondhand” and the item you’re looking for (e.g., “secondhand watch”) and plenty of recommendations will populate!
Scenery
Japan is immensely clean, and the people are very mindful of others. It also feels extremely safe even if you’re walking alone at night. There is a beautiful harmony of city, nature, and historic buildings that truly show the development of Japan over the years. Its older buildings use bare wood with sliding doors using translucent paper as a cover. The temples are usually decorated in Japan’s iconic Irimoya roof that slopes down then curves up on the edges and glows of scarlet red. Their newest buildings are like that of most modern-day cities and can either be filled with homes or businesses.
Lifestyle
Personally, as an Asian-American traveling in Japan, I don’t think their lifestyle aligned with my personality. As someone who’s aware of and experiences the differences between eastern and western culture, I felt like the social pressures in Japan were way too strong. I felt inadequate or offensive if I didn’t follow exactly as what everyone else did. At restaurants, even if I asked a simple question of wanting more of a side dish or sauce, it was clear that I was being gluttonous or rude (I’m still not quite sure which one, but I quickly learned to take what they give and NOT ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE.) There were other times where I noticed how chefs would treat Japanese natives entirely differently than other Asians. When I walked into a restaurant, it seemed like they were waiting for me to say something in Japanese, so they knew how to treat me. Otherwise, the treatment we received was a bit off. I can’t complain too much because they were still polite enough, but it didn’t seem genuine and there was a clear difference in treatment. There were a handful more instances, but overall, I felt very restricted in what I could say or do, so I just couldn’t feel truly comfortable.
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