Gluten-free baked goods for those who struggle with gluten
Bon Bon Bake Shop · Koto City, Tokyo
Meat in a traditional Japanese looking setting
Gyūan Ginza · Chuo City, Tokyo
This restaurant has such a fun concept. You fish for your own food!
Fishing Restaurant Zauo Shinjuku
People seem to think Ichiran is overrated or not where the locals go but it’s pretty decent ramen. It’s especially great when you’re just arriving in Japan and dealing with the language difference.
Ichiran Asakusa
Pizza in Tokyo is unmatched.
CONA - Updated October 2025 - 13 Reviews
Shopping
Between Shimokitazawa, Ginza, Shibuya and Harajuku you can shop until you drop in Tokyo
This mall gives the old Harajuku vibe. They have alternative clothes for every taste
Laforet Harajuku
Extra Large Uniqlo with item customization. I love Uniqlo and was overwhelmed by this ones size.
Uniqlo Ginza Flagship Store
Stationary and home good items for floors.
Ginza Loft
Anime goods as far as the eye can see. I could spend 3 hours just browsing in here.
Animate Akihabara
Japanese department stores blow my mind a little bit for us to find some of the luxury brands you have to go to the special galleria. In Japan, it felt like every department store was a galleria.
Matsuya Ginza · Chuo City, Tokyo
This is the best area for drifting. I absolutely had a blast here my husband came home with so much.
Shimokitazawa - Tokyo's bohemian district
Bars
It's super easy to find a bar in Tokyo. Just pick your vibe.
We visited on our first trip, I loved this place. It was a small intimate vibe.
Hookah Bar - 浅草 𝖲𝖧𝖨𝖲𝖧𝖠 𝖬𝗂𝖷 (@asakusa.shisha.mix)
This bar was fun and served jerk wings
Rastaman's cafe - Asakusa/Dining bar
We had booked this bar for my husband’s birthday but he wanted to go to a hookah bar! We are going on our next trip.
Muscle Girls Bar (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Landmarks
Japanese landmarks that are worth the crowds
We’ve stayed in Asakusa twice and I love being by Sensoji.
Sensō-ji
First photo by me. Sky tree is beautiful and it’s even better if you can get a sunset reservation.
Tokyo Skytree
This was the first place we visited in Japan on our first trip. It was so great.
Meiji Jingu
This was such a beautiful park, even though we visited in the late fall, we still saw a beautiful leaves
Yoyogi Park
Shibuya scramble by itself is a little underwhelming go to Shibuya Scramble Square for a better view
Shibuya Scramble Square
A beautiful park near central Tokyo
Ueno Park
A beautiful shrine within Tokyo with a really cool maze like area
Nezu Shrine
Hotels we’ve tried
These are the hotels I’ve stayed at in Tokyo with a review included.
This hotel was fantastic. The restaurant was great. The beds were comfy and we had a huge soaking tub. It’s a bit far from central Shinjuku but about 10 mins from a smaller train station.
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo: Luxury Stay in the Heart of Japan's Capital
We stayed in a King Room with a Terrace near the top floor. We had a great view of the amusement park next door.
Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel, Tokyo (updated prices 2025)
We stayed here during our first trip. The hospitality is unmatched. We enjoyed the rooftop onsen even though it was raining on us that day.
Experience Traditional Japanese Hospitality at Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa in Tokyo
Hotels I’m dreaming about
I actually had a reservation booked here, but I changed it so we could be in a slightly quieter area.
Hotel Groove Shinjuku: A Parkroyal Hotel in Tokyo, Japan - Book Your Stay
This hotel is beautiful and embodies a true Japanese spirit. I’d love to stay here.
Takanawa Hanakohro Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa Annex in Tokyo, Japan - Book Your Stay
