A collection of things Jared and I enjoyed in Tokyo in January 2024
Map
Sections
5
General tips
See
Eat
Sip
Souvenirs
General tips
There are a few prepaid data plans you can choose from. I used Ubigi and it worked well! Let me know if you need a coupon code for your first purchase - afterward you'll get your own coupon codes you can share with travel companions. Easy to set up w...
Ubigi eSIM
I LOVE the metro system in Tokyo. So does the former mayor of Chicago and current ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel. Apple Wallet allows you to add and pre-load the Suica card, which covers transit fares and can also be used at konbini. Super conveni...
Suica Card
Before travel, fill out your passport and customs declaration info online. You'll get QR codes that will make your arrival at the airport in Tokyo go much more smoothly.
Visit Japan Web (Arrival Procedures)
See
Pay homage to a very good doggo.
Hachikō Memorial Statue
This ferry ride is a relaxing way to kick back for an hour and take in the views along the Sumida River. If you're embarking from the pier at Asakusa, you can kill time beforehand by strolling along the riverwalk which is very pretty. We pre-booked o...
Tokyo Cruise between Asakusa and Hinode Pier
Wonderful little museum with interesting architecture, worth it just to explore the garden!
Nezu Museum
This one's a must-see! Sprawling garden grounds with different spots to explore. There's a teahouse near the Traditional Japanese Garden where you can take off your shoes and sip a bowl of matcha.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Fantastic art museum complex located in Ueno Park.
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple! Take advantage of jetlag by heading there early for a peaceful scene before the crowds descend. The street leading up to the temple, Nakamise-dori, is also interesting to see.
Sensō-ji
Small Shinto shrine within walking distance of Senso-ji, associated with maneki-neko (beckoning cat)
Imado Shrine
The surrounding Yoyogi Park is wooded and serene, a pretty stroll.
Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park
Traditional Japanese abode built in 1919, tucked away in the middle of Daikanyama.
Kyu Asakura House
Lovely temple grounds filled with maneki-neko (beckoning cat) figurines. Great for an early morning outing when everything else is closed!
Gotokuji Temple (Setagaya)
We got the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, which covers the round trip from Tokyo and allows you to explore the coastline between these two towns (very pretty seaside views). You can see Mount Fuji on the way to Enoshima Island, and the Great Buddha stat...
Day trip to Enoshima and Kamakura
Eat
There are so many great places to eat in Tokyo, no need to plan all your meals beforehand. These are some spots we found and enjoyed!
We really enjoyed this omakase experience! Great value at around $50 per person for a 90-minute course in a laid-back, minimalist setting. The fish was delicious and they had a variety of other courses that were fun to try. Reservation needed, but mu...
Mantensushi Marunouchi
Head down to the basement level of this department store for foodie paradise. There's a cool roof garden on the top level as well.
Food Hall at Isetan (Shinjuku)
Tofu specialty restaurant where you can enjoy different preparations of tofu. Delicious and affordable. Our favorite dishes were the tofu cutlet and soy milk panna cotta with coffee sauce. Reservation needed.
Tofu Shokudo
Cash-only spot serving delicious ramen and tsukemen (dipping noodles). Queue and order via vending machine. I was too full for this, but they give you free congee to sop up your remaining dipping broth.
Ramen Tatsunoya
1
We walked into this udon noodle shop after our visit to the Tokyo National Museum. Kind staff, delicious noodles. Udon is life!
Nenotsu
Super satisfying soba (hey alliteration!). Casual and straightforward spot with efficient service. No need for a reservation and the queue moves quickly.
Miyota
We walked in here for lunch before strolling along the Sumida River. It's a quiet and peaceful restaurant, and there was no wait at opening time. They have a few set menus for lunch which are easy to choose from, and it's fresh and delicious. You'll ...
Injoy Vegan Cuisine
We stopped by here after our coffee tasting experience at Koffee Mameya. Decent bakery with a variety of breadstuffs to choose from! You sign up online at 9 am for a ticket. We were able to time ours so that our number had been called by the time we ...
Boulangerie S.Igarashi
Sip
We absolutely loved this tea experience! Our tea master explained each step of our six-tea course in English, inviting us to smell the different varieties before he brewed them in front of us. Each tea was paired with Japanese sweets. Reasonably pric...
Sakurai Tea Experience
Super cool coffee tasting experience paired with sweets. The baristas speak English and explain each brew to you. Reservation needed.
Koffee Mameya Kakeru
Hip Norwegian coffee chain with good pancakes.
Fuglen Coffee Roasters
A book shop, cafe, plant store, and pottery studio all wrapped in one!
Route Books
Check it out if you're a Murakami Fan! Jazz-themed café/bar featured in his novel “Norwegian Wood.” Heads up though that smoking is allowed (adds to the vibe?)
DUG Jazz Bar
This was around the corner from our hotel in Asakusa. Friendly baristas and cute latte art.
Up To You Coffee
Cute coffee shop in Nakameguro.
Onibus Coffee
Quaint tea shop in Daikanyama with tea brews and cocktails.
Tea Bucks
Souvenirs
I hope you budgeted for this 😔
Really cool store with 12 floors selling stationery, paper goods, furoshiki, home goods, and other souvenirs.
Itoya
Great for aesthetic foodstuffs, ceramics, and kitchen souvenirs. Multiple locations.
Akomeya
If you enjoyed Pokemon Concierge on Netflix, this one's for you. Be prepared for a chaotic experience with long lines and lots of sweaty kids clutching giant Snorlax plushies.
Pokemon Center
The Edible Arrangements of Tokyo.
Takano
Located in the same building as Sakurai Tea Experience. Stocks home goods, tea wares, ceramics, and the like.
Spiral Market
Big department store with multiple locations. My mother wanted me to bring back Japanese nail clippers so this is where I got them 🤷🏻♀️