Tokyo Mini-Guide
It’s been a while since my last trip to Tokyo, but I keep getting questions about things to see and hotels to stay. So, until I manage to create a more extensive city guide to Tokyo, here is a concise overview of some essential spots and places to uncover on your next trip to Tokyo.
Two women kneeling in front of a traditional building in Yanaka, Tokyo.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Three hotels I stayed at when travelling Tokyo that I can really recommend are:
Hanare Yanaka – Located in my favourite neighbourhood, Yanaka, this small and charming guesthouse offers simple rooms with tatami floors and beautiful patterned window glass. The bathroom is shared, but the stay at Hanare includes access to several Sentos (traditional bathhouses) in the neighbourhood. Their Sister-Hotel Landabout looks like an excellent option, too.
Yuen Shinjuku – A highlight of this hotel in Shinjuku is definitely the Onsen on its rooftop. I found a hot bath with a view of the skyscrapers of Shinjuku to be the best cure for my jetlag. The rooms at the hotel are small but immaculate, and they offer everything you need. They provide a delicious Japanese breakfast. The hotel is located in close vicinity of several public transport options.
Muji Hotel Ginza – Located in the same building as a large Muji store right in the midst of the shopping district Ginza, Muji Hotel offers beautifully designed rooms filled with Muji products. The hotel includes a good restaurant and bar, too.
5 Tokyo Experience off the BEaten-Track
Tokyo offers so many great things to do and see; these are five spots that might not be included in your travel guide that I think you shouldn’t miss.
Nezu Museum Garden – As soon as you enter the garden of the Nezu Museum from the bustling streets of Aoyama, you find yourself in an oasis of calm right in the midst of Tokyo.
Former Asakura Residence – A hidden gem between Nakemeguro and Daikanyama. Go on a bit of time travel and visit this Edo-period house and its adjacent garden.
Gotokuji Temple – Located in the western suburbs of Tokyo, Gotokuji Temple is known for thousands of cat figurines perched on shelves, lanterns and any other free space around the shrine.
21 Design Sight – The design museum in Roppongi is worth a visit for its architecture by Tadao Ando alone.
Toden Arakawa Line – The last remaining tram line in Tokyo will take you through corners of the city not frequented by tourists and give you an excellent insight into everyday life in Tokyo. Interesting stops along the line are Kishibojimmae Station and Oji-ekimae Station, where you will find quaint temples and shrines.
My Favourite Tokyo restaurants
Fuunji Ramen – The lines are long, but the Ramen is worth the wait.
Ichiran Ramen – is another option for amazing Ramen with branches all around Tokyo. You can enjoy your lunch or dinner in most of their shops in complete privacy, sitting in a little booth, placing and receiving your order through a hatch.
DEN – A high-end Kaiseki restaurant of Michelin-starred chef Zaiyu Hasegawa. You must book ahead and bring enough Yen to pay for the meal. The experience and food are worth it, though – and you can always opt for some convenience store dinners to make up for the hole a visit to DEN will leave in your travel budget.
Mimet – The perfect spot for lunch or a light snack in a cosy and familial atmosphere. It’s a bit hidden in a back alley in Tomigaya. Follow Google Maps and then look for a gravel road that will take you there.
Era Kokyu – If you like fish, Era Kokyu in Nackameguro is your place to go. It’s a very down-to-earth fish restaurant that serves super fresh sushi and other fantastic fish dishes.
Good Coffee & A Very Special Bar
Faro Coffee & Catering – A good place for breakfast, lunch or just coffee. Look for the café on the first floor of a building on the main street near Hongosanchome Station. Try the cheesecake drowned in espresso if they have it.
Little Nap Coffee Stand – This small sidewalk café is located close to Yoyogi Park.
Yanaka Coffee – Delicious coffee roasted on the premises in Yanaka. The smell of the beans fills the whole street, and they make for a great souvenir, too.
Old Imperial Bar – This bar is located inside the Imperial Hotel, built with the materials of the building by Frank Lloyd Wright that preceded the current structure. Even if you don't care about architecture, the drinks are excellent, and the place is perfect for some (discreet) people-watching.
