TOKYO: A city full of contradictions. Modern day Tokyo is a metropolis that never sleeps, filled with endless neon lights, izakayas, and futuristic robot fantasies. Old world Tokyo is comprised of ancient Shinto shrines and temples, carefully guarded sushi secrets, and a culture so unique it cannot be easily translated. Tokyo is the perfect mix of ultra-modern and traditional Japanese societies, enticing its visitors with a plethora of tantalizing options to explore. This city is not easily defined, nor can it be properly explored in just a few short days but we have created a three day Tokyo highlights guide so you may experience the best Tokyo has to offer and leave with a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and cuisine.
TOKYO - DAY 1
Visit Shinjuku Walk the city streets of Shinjuku. This is a fan favorite for many. Comprised of towering skyscrapers and neon lights Shinjuku is the Tokyo you've always imagined when you think of this lively and bustling capital.
Eat at Fuunji Ramen Fuunji is one of the most famous ramen shops in all of Shinjuku. There is always a line, with good reason. They have mastered the art of tsukemen (chilled ramen noodles accompanied with a hot dipping sauce that is served in two separate bowls.) You use your chopsticks to grab and dip the noodles into the second bowl of broth to absorb the liquid, them slurp them up for a fun and flavorful experience. *Travel Tip: The average wait is 30 - 45 minutes, so we suggest you get there at 10:45 AM since they open at 11:00 AM to minimize your wait time. To order, purchase a ticket at the vending machine inside. We suggest trying the Special Tsukemen which comes with a soft boiled egg, seaweed, and extra slices of roasted pork.
Visit Yoyogi Park Yoyogi Park is one of the largest parks in all of Tokyo, offering it’s guests a calming space composed of wide lawns, stunning water features and tranquil ponds amidst the constant hustle and bustle of the outside city. The park is also home to Meiji Jingu, a famous shinto shrine nestled deeply into the surrounding forest making it one of the most visited religious sites in Japan.
Drink at Cat Cafe Mocha This cafe is a cat lover’s paradise. So what is it exactly? Mocha is a cat cafe, housing over 20 cats in a stylish yet casually chic vibe. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee while petting these playful felines. It’s a unique experience you don’t want to miss. *Travel Tip: For every 10 minutes spent in the Cat Cafe you are charged a fee (in addition to your beverage purchases) so keep track of your time as they have no grace period.
Visit Ginza Ginza is a famous upscale shopping district in Tokyo that comes to life at night. Here is where you can find upscale boutiques, gourmet food options to satisfy your every need, ritzy cocktails, lavish sushi bars, fine jewelry, and other luxurious ways to indulge in an ultramodern posh setting.
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TOKYO - DAY 2
Visit Shibuya Crossing Walk the crowded streets of Shibuya. Shibuya is home to one of the most famous, busiest pedestrian crossings in the entire world. Known as the Shibuya Scramble, hundreds of pedestrians scurry in all directions at the change of the light. It’s an absolute blast to watch and partake in.
Visit Takeshita Street Takeshita Street in Harajuku Japan, shows off a colourful side of Japanese youth culture. This is where Japanese kawaii (cute) culture was born. Takeshita Street boasts of trendy shops, fashion boutiques, colorful clothing stores, crepe stands and everything in between. This place is sure to be a visually stimulating experience.
Eat at Totti Candy Factory Totti Candy Factory has placed itself on the candy map. Offering its visitors a larger than life, gigantic rainbow cotton candy. Their sweet and tasty rainbow colored treats have taken over social media, but not only do they look incredible, they taste great too. *Travel Tip: Order the Harajuku Rainbow Cotton Candy for 900 yen. This is what they are famous for, but they are absolutely massive so we suggest sharing.
Visit Tokyu Plaza This multi-level shopping mall is beautiful and allows you to shop to your heart's content but that’s not why this has made our highlights list. The real magic happens on the 10th Floor rooftop terrace. Here you will find a Starbucks with a beautiful outdoor area that overlooks the city. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee and sit outside, as you watch the sunset unfold on the dwelling city below.
Eat at Tatsunoya Tatsunoya is a ramen restaurant from Kurume City, a city famously known for being the birthplace of Tonkotsu (pork broth ramen) and is one of the most competitive Ramen cities in all of Japan. Tatsunoya serves authentic Kurume Ramen in a heart of Tokyo and out of the 20+ ramen restaurants we’ve tried, this was by far the best. *Travel Tip: Order the Tonkotsu Ramen at the machine inside. The server will ask how you like your noodles cooked and we suggest you reply “hard” … this was provided to us as the chef's suggestion and we were more than pleased by the end result.
Drink at Zoetrope Zoetrope is a must see place for whiskey fans in Tokyo. With over 300 different varieties of Japanese whiskey along with tasting flights this bar offers it’s visitors an intimate setting and cosy atmosphere. *Travel Tip: Order the Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Year or Hibiki Harmony Japanese whiskies. The Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Year is comprised of rich, sweet notes like maple syrup, cinnamon, caramel and spice whereas Hibiki Harmony has an aroma of floral hibiscus and wood but tastes of honey, chocolate and orange zest on the finish.
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TOKYO - DAY 3
Eat KitKats at Don Quijote Discount Store
Japan is famous for its KitKats, offering over 200 different flavors that can't be found anywhere else in the world like sake, matcha green tea, and almond-pomegranate. While KitKat may be associated with mass produced, cheap chocolate in most countries, the Japanese flavors are high quality chocolates and include ingredients like fruits, nuts and herbs. Don Quijote offers a wide selection of KitKats along with many wacky Japanese snacks you’ll want to give a try while there!
Visit Robot Restaurant The Robot Restaurant offers a an extremely unique experience you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world. This futuristic Japanese cabaret dazzles its guests with taiko drumming and techno music, accompanied by a state of the art light display, crazy decor and of course, robots. It’s by far the craziest show we’ve ever seen but so worth it. *Travel Tip: This show can be extremely pricey but Voyagin - an official partner to the Robot Restaurant offers discounted tickets on their platform. You can get up to 34% off on ticket admission + a free gift. We did the 3:10 PM show and only had to pay $50 USD for front row seats. You are several floors below ground so the time of day you attend is irrelevant. We suggest going to the afternoon shows for the same experience as the evening shows, but for half the price. Eat prior - food is expensive - save your appetite for ramen after. This is a great place to get drinks and enjoy the show.
Eat at Menya Musashi Menya Musashi is a well known ramen restaurant, famous for its large pieces of chashu pork with a stand out broth of chicken, pork and bonito. They also have incredible Tsukemen Dipping Noodles. The result of combining such delicious flavors is a savory, rich, flavorful broth that keeps you coming back for more. *Travel Tip: Order the Musashi Ramen (Priced at 1,150 Yen). This ramen includes their famous chashu pork, noodles, green onions, bamboo shoots and a half-boiled egg. We also suggest trying the Tsukemen Dipping Noodles. Both dishes are extremely satisfying and flavorful.
Drink at Golden Gai Grab a drink… or two … at Golden Gai, one of the most legendary nightlife areas in all of Tokyo. Golden Gai is a collection of small mismatched drinking dens and taverns that have masterfully preserved the atmosphere and architecture of preexistent 1960’s Tokyo. As you wind and weave your way through Golden Gai’s network of alleyways you’ll find cozy nooks and social hangouts all possessing their own charm, offering you a plethora of tasty libations. *Travel Tip: Start at Asyl Bar in Golden Gai. The owner (Abe-chan) is an absolute sweetheart and has an unbeatable Japanese whisky collection. Prices are reasonable and there’s no cover charge!
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