Keir’s Guide to Tokyo

Updated 2025

Tokyo holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite cities in the world. In 2017, I made a vision board and included Tokyo because it had been a lifelong dream of mine – my first stepmom is Japanese. In 2018, I brought that vision to life when I joined Remote Year and spent a month exploring Japan. I fell in love with Tokyo – the people, the culture, and the food. Since then, I’ve been back twice, and every visit feels more magical.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, blends centuries-old tradition with futuristic innovation. Once a small fishing village called Edo, it became Japan’s political center in the 17th century and was officially renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) in 1868. Today it’s a city of contrasts – ancient shrines beside neon skyscrapers, Michelin-star dining next to ramen counters, and quiet parks hidden among the crowds.

Fun Facts

• Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world.
• The Shibuya Crossing sees over 2,000 people cross at once.
• Vending machines sell everything from flowers to hot meals.

Most Popular Areas in Tokyo

• Shibuya – Energetic, colorful, and always buzzing. Home to the iconic crossing, endless shopping, and late-night ramen.
• Ginza – Tokyo’s luxury district – refined, elegant, and full of light. Flagship boutiques, fine dining, and impeccable design.
• Shinjuku – A major entertainment hub with neon skylines, izakayas, and Golden Gai’s tiny bars.
• Harajuku – Playful and eclectic, filled with street style, vintage shops, and animal cafés.
• Asakusa – Historic and charming, centered around Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest.
• Roppongi – Known for nightlife, art, and international dining.
• Azabudai Hills – Tokyo’s newest luxury district blending architecture, art, and nature.
• Aoyama / Omotesando – Tree-lined and design-driven, with minimalist architecture and boutique shopping.
• Tokyo Station / Marunouchi – Ideal for travelers taking the Shinkansen, with luxury hotels and shopping all in one.

Things to Do in Tokyo

• Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) – Tokyo’s oldest temple. Arrive early and explore the food stalls along Nakamise Street.
• Meiji Shrine (Shibuya) – A peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest.
• Shibuya Crossing – Watch the world’s busiest intersection from above at Shibuya Sky.
• Tsukiji Outer Market – One of Tokyo’s most iconic food destinations. Wander through stalls selling fresh sushi, A5 Wagyu skewers, tamagoyaki, and mochi, or sit down at tiny counter-style restaurants between vendors. Arrive early for the best selection and to watch the city wake up over grilled seafood and matcha lattes.
• Mario Kart Street Racing – Drive through Tokyo dressed as your favorite character (international driver’s permit required).
• TeamLab Planets Tokyo – An immersive digital-art experience you walk through barefoot.
• Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku) – Tiny post-war alleyways filled with smoky izakayas.
• Harajuku animal cafes – There are animal cafés all over Tokyo – from tiny pigs at Mipig Café to cat, owl, rabbit, and hedgehog cafés in Harajuku and Shibuya where you can sip tea and play with the animals.
• Samurai Training Experience – Learn sword techniques and traditional etiquette.
• Sushi-Making Class – Hands-on lessons with a sushi chef.
• Take a Japanese Calligraphy Class (Shodō) – Learn the art of shodō – Japanese calligraphy – using traditional brushes and ink. It’s a peaceful, meditative way to connect with Japan’s culture.
• Tokyo Tower or Skytree – Panoramic skyline views.
• Onsen or Spa Day – Relax in a traditional bathhouse or modern spa.

Food & Restaurants

Tokyo’s food scene is unmatched – a blend of creativity, tradition, and precision. From Michelin-star omakase to ramen counters and dessert cafés, every meal feels like art. Many of Tokyo’s most popular restaurants don’t take reservations, and those that do often book months in advance, so it’s worth researching ahead. For some spots, especially sushi or udon counters, you’ll need to arrive early in the morning to get a ticket or secure a seat – it’s all part of the experience.

• Seryna (Roppongi) – Old-school shabu-shabu since 1961, served by women in kimonos.
• Udon Shin (Shinjuku) – Famous for its perfectly chewy, handmade udon noodles served hot or cold with delicate dashi broth. The line can get long, but it’s worth every minute.
• Tsukiji Outer Market (Fish Market) – Tokyo’s most famous street-food spot. Top Things to Eat: Toro sushi, A5 Wagyu skewers, tamagoyaki, grilled scallops, uni, mochi, matcha soft serve, and omelet on a stick. Don’t miss Tsukiji Ichiba A5 Wagyu
• Wagyu Mafia – A theatrical Wagyu dining experience.
• Tonkatsu Maisen – Crisp, melt-in-your-mouth pork cutlets.
• Tofuya Ukai (Tokyo Tower) – A serene restaurant set in a traditional garden at the base of Tokyo Tower, offering handmade tofu-kaiseki made fresh each day. The setting is peaceful with tatami rooms, koi ponds, and views of the illuminated tower above.
• Shogun Burger – Juicy Wagyu burgers, casual and flavorful.
• Flipper’s Pancakes – Viral soufflé pancakes, light and fluffy.
• Gonpachi Nishiazabu – The “Kill Bill” restaurant – lively and cinematic. (very touristy)
• Hikiniku to Come (Ginza) – known for its beautifully plated minced meat bowls (hikiniku don), grilled fresh to order behind the counter.
• Ginza 3 Sandwich – A tiny, stylish shop serving crispy, deep-fried Japanese half-sandwiches in 32 sweet and savory flavors that have taken TikTok and Instagram by storm. My favorites are the egg and the banana with chocolate!
  

Ramen

• There’s nothing a good bowl of ramen can’t fix. Whether it’s Michelin-starred or found in a tiny alleyway, Tokyo’s ramen scene is unmatched — each bowl tells a story of precision, patience, and obsession.
  
• Ichiran Ramen – Famous for solo booths and custom spice levels. (my favorite)
• Ippudo Ramen – Rich tonkotsu broth and lively energy.
• Tatsu Ramen – Michelin-starred, slow-cooked tonkotsu perfection.
• Afuri Ramen – Light, citrusy yuzu shio ramen – perfect for late-night comfort.
• Ramen Hachigo (Ginza) – Super clean, delicate broth made with French technique; minimalist and elegant – a chef’s favorite.
• Menya Itto (Shinjuku) – Often ranked Tokyo’s best ramen shop. Their tsukemen (dipping noodles) features a rich seafood-pork broth and perfectly chewy noodles.
• Nakiryū (Otsuka) – Michelin-starred ramen famous for its spicy tan-tan men – sesame broth with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
• Kagari (Ginza) – Creamy chicken paitan ramen with truffle oil – elegant, rich, and comforting.
• Mutekiya (Ikebukuro) – Tourist favorite with massive portions, silky tonkotsu broth, and melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork.

Sushi & Omakase

Tokyo is home to some of the best sushi in the world, from traditional omakase counters to casual conveyor-belt spots. Here are a few of the top restaurants worth noting.

• Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza) – The most famous sushi restaurant in the world, featured in Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Traditional, fast-paced, and incredibly hard to book.
• Udatsu Omakase Sushi (Nakameguro) – A 13-seat omakase experience blending precision and creativity. Tons of celebrities dine here!
• Sushi Yoshitake (Ginza) – 3 Michelin stars. Known for perfectly aged fish and balanced rice seasoning – an unforgettable omakase.
• Sushi Dai / Daiwa (Toyosu Market) – Legendary early-morning counters near the tuna auction.
• Ginza Onodera Kaiten Sushi – Premium conveyor-belt sushi.
• Toriton Kaiten Sushi – Hokkaido-style conveyor-belt sushi with incredible freshness.
• Kura Sushi – Fun, affordable chain with long lines and great value.

Pizza & Italian

Pizza in Tokyo? Yes – it’s some of the best in the world. The city’s chefs approach pizza with the same precision and respect for craft that defines Japanese cuisine, blending Italian tradition with local ingredients and meticulous technique. From Michelin-starred counters to hidden wood-fired pizzerias, Tokyo’s pizza scene is as serious as its sushi.

• Pizza Studio Tamaki (Higashi-Azabu & Roppongi) – Neapolitan-style pizza with perfectly blistered crust and balanced simplicity. The Higashi-Azabu shop is the original and quieter, while PST Roppongi is livelier and more central. Both are excellent – go early or expect a wait.
• The Pizza Bar on 38th (Mandarin Oriental) – Michelin-starred pizza omakase crafted slice by slice in an intimate counter setting. Reservations are extremely limited, so book well in advance.
• Savoy Pizza (Azabu-Juban / Hiroo) – Wood-fired, minimalist, and beloved for its flavor and texture.
• Il Ristorante – Niko Romito (Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo) – One Michelin star, elegant Italian with panoramic views.

Desserts & Cafés

• Ginza Six Basement Food Hall – Gourmet luxury Japanese desserts.
• Daimaru Tokyo Basement – Gourmet grocery and dessert haven.
• Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory (Setagaya) – Ghibli-inspired Totoro cream puffs.
• Suzukien Asakusa Honten (Asakusa) – Seven-level matcha ice cream, famously rich.
• Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) – Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic temple. Get dropped off at Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and walk down Nakamise Street, where you’ll find warm soy-glazed mochi and the famous Asakusa Ice Cream Sandwich – both simple, traditional, and so good.
• Harajuku Desserts – Visit Totti Candy Factory for rainbow cotton candy and nearby crepe stands for classic street treats.

Shopping

Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world for shopping – from designer flagships in Aoyama to vintage finds in Shibuya and late-night megastores like Don Quijote. Each neighborhood offers its own mix of style, creativity, and culture.

• Ginza – Luxury shopping with Ginza Six and department stores like Mitsukoshi.
• Aoyama & Omotesando – Architectural boutiques from Prada, Issey Miyake, and Comme des Garçons.
• Vintage Finds – Amore Vintage, Casanova Vintage, Kindal, RAGTAG, and Issey Miyake Archives.
• Onitsuka Tiger (Omotesando) – Japan’s classic sneaker brand.
• Daimaru Tokyo & Mitsukoshi Ginza – Department stores with gourmet food halls.
• Tsukiji Outer Market – Matcha sweets, ceramics, and handcrafted knives.
• Don Quijote (Donki) – A Tokyo institution and a must-visit for the chaos of Japanese variety shopping. Open late – some 24 hours – Donki sells everything from skincare, snacks, and matcha KitKats to quirky souvenirs, electronics, and anime collectibles. The most famous locations are in Shibuya and Shinjuku, both buzzing and packed with locals and tourists.

Hotels

I’ve stayed at some of Tokyo’s most beautiful hotels, each offering its own take on Japanese hospitality. From Aman’s calm minimalism to Bvlgari’s Italian elegance, every stay has felt special in its own way.

• Janu Tokyo – The new sister property to Aman; social, modern, and vibrant.
• Aman Tokyo – Minimalist luxury with skyline views and a serene spa.
• Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo – Italian elegance meets Japanese refinement with panoramic city views.
• Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi – Sophisticated, airy, and centrally located.
• Ritz-Carlton Tokyo – Located in Roppongi Hills with breathtaking skyline views.
• Hotel Okura Tokyo – A heritage icon with timeless service and design.
• The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon – Sleek, modern, and energetic with a youthful vibe.
• Park Hyatt Tokyo – Reopening soon; the cinematic Lost in Translation hotel.

Getting Around

• Ubers and taxis are clean, fast, and reliable. We loved using Uber during our last trip.
• The Tokyo Metro is efficient, safe, and easy to navigate.
• Buy a Suica or Pasmo card for trains, subways, and even vending machines.
• Walking is often the best way to explore neighborhoods.

Closing Thoughts

Tokyo is truly one of the best cities in the world. I’m already dreaming of the day I get to go back and explore more – there are so many incredible restaurants, cafés, and hidden spots beyond this list. My biggest advice is to walk, explore, and let yourself get lost – that’s when you’ll discover the magic of the Tokyo.

Here is a blog post on the “Top 17 Foods to Try in Japan”