Tokyo is a bustling city that never sleeps and is one that never grows stale no matter how many times you visit. There’s always something new to look forward to, be it a new place to visit or a new restaurant to try.

To fully experience the modern, urban city of Tokyo, Japan, you will need at least a full week but that’s provided you’re in it for the whole package which includes eating, drinking, sightseeing, shopping and the likes. But if you’re more of a touch-and-go sort of traveller then 3 full days is all you need.

From the crucial must-eats to the places that simply cannot be missed, here is our guide on the places that you absolutely must visit if you’re strapped for time in Tokyo but want to make the most out of your stay. Take your pick or visit them all if you can!

MUST-TRY FOOD PLACES

GRAM

Famous for their jiggly soufflé pancakes that almost broke social media for a period of time, Gram is a must-visit if you’re planning to up your Instagram game, and of course, to luxuriate in quite possibly, one of the fluffiest pancakes in the world.

The soufflé pancakes come in a stack of three thick pieces. The cream-coloured goodie is cooked to order and served warm, and freshness is guaranteed. Due to its overwhelming popularity, queues are often long and they only cater a few time slots for these pancakes a day —11am, 3pm & 6pm.

GYUKATSU MOTOMURA

Gyukatsu, which is essentially a deep-fried breaded beef cutlet, is very much similar to the tonkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork cutlet) that we are all familiar with. The only exception being the superior, snowflake-like marbling that comes with every piece.

Gyukatsu Motomura is arguably the most popular restaurant in Tokyo for gyukatsu and for good reason. Their gyukatsu brims with an intense beefy flavour that is nicely wrapped in a layer of buttery, delicious fat. Dab over a smidgen of wasabi, along with a dip of soy sauce and be prepared for your mind to be blown.

ICHIRAN RAMEN

Offering diners one of the absolute best bowls of ramen in the world as well as a unique dining experience all rolled out into one, Ichiran Ramen is a must to visit when in Tokyo. Period.

At Ichiran Ramen, you first place your orders via machines and paper forms to indicate your preferences. It might seem daunting at first but English versions of either are also available. After which, you’ll be allocated a booth where you get to enjoy your ramen in peace sans any distractions. It’s just you and your bowl of piping-hot, delicious ramen.

If you would like a refill of noodles, soup or whatever, feel free to ask without feeling embarrassed—we always do.

MAISEN TONKATSU

Landing yourself in joint that sells decent tonkatsu is almost as easy as finding a FamilyMart every few blocks, but if you’re only going to be staying for a few days, you’ll want to nail down one of Tokyo’s best, and really, there are few that have been able to match up with Maisen Tonkatsu.

Preferably the main outlet at Aoyama in Shibuya, this retro-toned restaurant specialises in 5 different types of breaded pork cutlet but the one we always opt for is the Amri Yuwaku, a variety of pork that is exclusive only to Maisen. Crispy, succulent and robust, every bite promises a long, pleasurable journey to flavour town.

WAGYU MAFIA THE CUTLET SANDWICH

Slap on a hunk of some of Japan’s finest Wagyu beef in-between two slices of lightly buttered and grilled Whitbread and what do you get? An orgasm-inducing experience that’s what.

At Wagyu Mafia The Cutlet Sandwich, luxuriate in some of the most premium quality Wagyu beef, prepared the same way a gyukatsu would, but in a sandwich. The result is a lot more impressionable than the idea of it and trust us when we say that it’s worth the splurge.

YOSHINOYA

No, this isn’t a prank. We’re serious when we say that Yoshinioya is a place worth visiting when in Tokyo, either for breakfast or as a midday snack.

Despite having multiple outlets back home, neither can compete in terms of variety and quality of their food. Everything is next-level, from the tender slices of beef to the sauce that goes over your rice—they nail it down perfectly.

PLACES TO GET SLOSHED

NONBEI YOKOCHO (SHIBUYA)

Nonbei Yokocho, also referred to as Drunkard’s Alley lies down an innocuous passage just a stone’s throw from Shibuya Crossing. At first glance, the alleyway may seem to lead you nowhere, but a few steps down the same direction and you’ll be greeted with rows upon rows of izakaya, yakitori stalls and bars.

OMOIDE YOKOCHO (SHINJUKU)

Shinjuku is known to be Tokyo’s party capital with its near-countless entertainment venues which open until late daily. If you’re out to drink and feast on some solid street food while you’re at it, we suggest heading down to Omoide Yokocho.

Upon exiting the West Exit of Shinjuku Station, follow the road into a narrow alley where you’ll be fumbling around a maze littered with endless rows of small bars and eateries. The establishments are pretty run-down and the stalls are as traditional as they get. But if all you’re pining for is cheap beer and decent grub, what’s there to complain about?

FANCY COCKTAIL BARS IN GINZA

Feeling a little fancy? Then you should definitely hit up a swanky, speakeasy in Ginza. Scattered all over this upmarket district are a host of speakeasy cocktail bars that, by themselves, are pristine institutions that have preserved their art from as early as the 1920s—think places such as Bar High Five, Lupin, Bar Musashi and Gaslight Eve.

Drinks at one of these establishments are by no means cheap with a separate cover charge just for entering the premise, but what you do get is professionally crafted cocktails that you are both delicious and elegant.

TOURISTY THINGS

AKIHABARA – ELECTRONICS & ANIME PARADISE

Akihabara is a buzzing shopping hub famed for its electronics retailers, ranging from tiny stalls to vast department stores like Yodobashi Multimedia Akiba.

It is also a haven for anime fans because literally every street you turn into, you’re bound to wind up at a venue specialising in manga, anime and video games. Massive superstores include Tokyo Anime Center that boasts a wide array of exhibits and souvenirs and Radio Kaikan that has 10 floors full of toys, trading cards and collectables. Don’t be surprised to see young girls dressed as maids handing out flyers on the street because Akihabara is also home to many maid cafes.

MEIJI SHRINE

Meiji Shrine is a stone’s throw away from the bustling shopping district of Harajuku and is a must-visit if you’re keen on soaking up and learning about the ancient Japanese tradition of shrine culture.

The walk from the main entrance to the shrine itself will take you about 10 minutes and before entering the sacred site’s main hall, you are expected to wash your hands and mouth as a form of purification at the troughs located right outside. At the shrine, you can write down your wishes on a wooden plate at a fee of ¥500 before hanging them on one of the two divine trees.

After you’re done, head over to Harajuku’s shopping street where you can shop for the latest trends in clothing, cosmetics and more!

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

A huge, quintessential part of the market may have shifted to a new location but the area is still bustling with plenty of street food stalls selling anything from freshly-cooked tamago to fresh sashimi. The streets are bustling and besides tasty nosh, you can also land yourself some pretty interesting souvenirs to take home.

The item that definitely warrants a try, but is extremely hard to find—because it’s that popular—is the uni bun. This charcoal-black bun comes generously filled with fresh uni and an orangey custard that’s made with—you guessed it—uni.

SHIBUYA CROSSING + SHOPPING IN SHIBUYA

It’s official, no one ever travels to Tokyo without paying a visit to the Shibuya Crossing in Shibuya.  During weekends, the Shibuya intersection can see up to 3000 people crossing simultaneously.

Apart from the iconic intersection, Shibuya is a neighbourhood that’s dominated by fashion which makes it a shopping haven for tourists and locals alike. And if you’re a young group, you’ll be happy to know that nestled in and around Shibuya are a host of pubs, clubs and cool bars waiting to be explored

SAMURAI MUSEUM IN SHINJUKU

A place that definitely warrants a visit if you’re a fan of the historically badass samurai, the Samurai Museum located in Shinjuku expresses the culture of these ancient warriors and the spirit behind them.

On display, you can expect rows and rows of armour and swords from the Kamakura to Edo Eras as well as those created by contemporary artisans. You can even experience donning the samurai outfits for a commemorative photo.

DON QUIJOTE

The departmental store of sorts that houses literally anything and everything, the iconic Don Quijote is not to be missed. If you thought the double-storey outlet in Orchard Central was huge, you seriously have no idea. In Tokyo, we’re talking about 8 to 10-floor buildings dedicated to a wide array of goods ranging from household products, clothing to food and liquor as well.

VISIT A THEMED OR ANIMAL CAFE

In Tokyo, themed cafes are a popular draw and you can find anything from robot cafes—where everyone and everything is operated using artificial intelligence—maid cafes, vampire cafes (we’re serious), owl cafes and so much more!

They typically serve food there as well but they probably will not impress you as much as the atmosphere and the experience will.

DAY ONE IN TOKYO

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT ICHIRAN RAMEN

8am: There is no other better way to kick start your 4D3N holiday in Tokyo than a piping hot bowl of delicious Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen. Hands down the best ramen in the World.

Iwamoto Building B1F
1-22-7 Jinnan Sibuya-ku Tokyo-to
150-0041
Tel: +81 3-3463-3667
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#2 VISIT THE MEIJI SHRINE

9.30am: Meiji Shrine is a stone’s throw away from the bustling Harajuku. Before entering the sacred site’s main hall, you are expected to wash your hands and mouth as a form of purification at the troughs. At the shrine, you can write down your wishes on a wooden plate (¥500) and hanging them on the divine tree.

1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya
Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Nearest Station: Harajuku

#3 TAKE A STROLL IN YOYOGI PARK

12pm: Yoyogi Park in Shibuya is the best place to go to for a stroll after your shrine visit. Locals like to gather here with their friends for a picnic and there are always street performers to keep you entertained.

2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho
Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan

#4 ARMS BURGER

1pm: You must be starving after a morning at Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Head to ARMS for one of the best burgers in Tokyo.

5-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3466-5970
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Yoyogi-Hachiman

#5 LITTLE NAP COFFEE STAND

2pm: After lunch, walk over to Little Nap COFFEE STAND – which is just around the corner from ARMS – to enjoy a cup of coffee. Established in 2011, Little Nap is a small coffee shop that is frequented by Tokyo’s creative community and the occasional tourists visiting Yoyogi Park.

5-65-4 Yoyogi Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 151-0053
Tel: +81 3-3466-0074
Tue to Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Yoyogikoen

#6 VISIT TOKYO NATIONAL ART CENTER

3.30pm: Tokyo National Art Center is yet another beautifully designed building worth checking out. Spend your afternoon with your artistic self, and marvel at the splendid undulating glass façade and its three spectacular conical volumes inside.

Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan
The National Art Center, Tokyo
7-22-2 Roppongi Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-8558 Japan
Nearest Station: Roppongi

#7 ROPPONGI HILL MORI TOWER

5.30pm: Currently the fifth-tallest building in Tokyo, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is a 54-storey skyscraper. The observation decks at the Mori Art Museum on level 53 are perfect spots to see the city’s landscape from up above.

We strongly recommend you to linger till sunset so you get to witness the mesmerising transformation of Tokyo’s daytime cityscape into dazzling night lights.

6 Chome-11-1 Roppongi
Minato, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan
Nearest Station: Roppongi

#8 DINNER AT MAISEN TONKATSU

8pm: There are many tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo, but ask anyone where the best tonkatsu place is and most will unanimously agree on Maisen Tonkatsu. The pork cutlets served here are extremely juicy and crispy – and are not greasy at all!

4-8-5 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3470 0071
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando

DAY TWO IN TOKYO

#9 WATCH TSUKIJI MARKET’S TUNA AUCTION

3am: While watching the renowned tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market is for free, you have to be prepared to sacrifice your precious sleep. There are two auctions in the morning and only 120 visitors are allowed to watch this interesting activity. Guests are divided into two batches and it is recommended to arrive as early as 3am to secure a place.

Tsukiji Fish Market is set to relocate on 02 November 2016 so do pay a visit before they move! Do note that the auction is not open on a daily basis and it is best to plan in advance.

5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo
Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Nearest Station: Tsukiji Shijo

#10 FEAST ON THE FRESHEST SASHIMI AND SUSHIS

8am: Now that you are done with the tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market, it is time to feast on sushi and sashimi! Unfortunately, a minimum 3-hour wait is required to dine at the legendary Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa.

But Ryu Sushi is equally amazing and you could savour extremely fresh premium sashimi and sushis at very affordable prices. We really love Ryu Sushi.

5-2-1, Building 1. Chuo-ku Tsukiji Market
Tokyo Tel: +81 03 3541 9517
Nearest Station: Tsukiji/Tsukijishijo

#11 TRY THE YUZU RAMEN AT AFURI RAMEN

1pm: We hope you have sufficient rest after a morning trip to the Tsukiji Market! Everyone comes to Afuri Ramen for the famous yuzu ramen.

Every bowl comes with a half seasoned egg, a slice of grilled pork, bamboo shoots and seaweed. The ramen itself is firm and springy, just the way we like it to be. The egg has a runny yolk and is thoroughly flavoured throughout.

1F 117 Bld., 1-1-7 Ebisu
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03 5795 0750
Daily: 11am – 5am
Nearest Station: Ebisu

#12 CROSS THE SHIBUYA CROSSING

3pm: Rain or shine, the famous Shibuya is packed with people from all over the world; it is perpetual. When the traffic light turns red, watch in amazement as pedestrians cross the junction from all directions in an organised chaos. Well, you should join in the moving crowd!

Photography and videography enthusiasts can camp at the nearby Starbucks at Shibuya Tsutaya’s second floor with other like-minded hobbyists to capture this spectacular moment.

#13 SHOPPING AT SHIBUYA

4pm: Of course you have to do some shopping when in Shibuya! The sheer number of shops and malls will leave you spoilt for choice.

Not sure where to start? Shibuya 109 is the most popular destination. Expect kawaii Japanese fashion, classic workwear and quality staples. And the basement is a shoes heaven!

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#14 DINNER AT UORIKI KAISEN SUSHI

7pm: Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is an under-the-radar destination that not many people know about. Tucked away in Tokyu Department Store at Shibuya, we love how this hidden gem serves sashimi and sushi at the most wallet-friendly prices.

B1 Tokyu Department Store 2-24-1
Shibuya
Tel: +81 03 5428 3813
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

DAY THREE IN TOKYO

#15 START YOUR DAY WITH DESSERTS AT DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY

10am: Dominique Ansel Bakery, the creator of the world-famous cronut, has an overseas outpost in Tokyo. Step inside the bakery and you will be enchanted by a wide variety of baked goods and desserts. Get your hands on the legendary cronuts and Frozen S’mores.

5-7-14, Jingumae, Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 150-0001
Tel: +81 3 3486 1329
Nearest Station: Omotesando

#16 WANDER AROUND JAPANESE FOOD HALLS

12pm: Usually located at the basement of departmental stores, Japan’s food halls are like whimsical playgrounds filled with all sorts of Japanese products. We are suggesting you to fill your tummies up with the endless variety of snacks for lunch.

#17 EXPLORE TAKESHITA DORI

2pm: Takeshita Dori aka Takeshita Street is a pedestrianised street in Harajuku, and it is the quintessential Harajuku expeirence. The 400-meter street is lined with dessert kiosks, cute lifestyle shops and boutique fashion stores.

#18 TEMPURA AT TENDON TENYA

6pm: Tendon Tenya is a tendon chain that we really like. While it may not have the best tempura, it is cheap (¥500 for a very decent tendon) and satisfying whenever we want a quick meal.

4-4-31 Jingmae, Shibuya-ku
Tel: +81 3-5413-7983
Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingumae

#19 MARVEL AT THE TOKYO TOWER

8pm: Standing at 332.9 meters, the iconic Tokyo Tower is the second-tallest infrastructure in Japan. The communications and observation tower bears an uncanny resemblance to the world-famous Eiffel tower.

It is best to view the Tokyo Tower at night and watch it shine. Alternatively, head up to the observatory deck of Tokyo Tower if you have spare time earlier in the day and immerse yourselves in a 360-degree breathtaking view.

4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen,
Minato, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

DAY FOUR IN TOKYO

#20 EAT GYUDON FOR BREAKFAST

9am: Our favourite breakfast in Japan is gyudon (beef rice bowl). There are three places that we go to – Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya. While they may be chains, rest assured that their gyudons are superb.

#21 SHOPPING AT GINZA

11am: Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district, and where you can find most of the luxury labels at. It is still worth a visit even if you are not shopping; it is bustling and lively and filled with very fashionable, well-dressed people.

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#22 SPLURGE ON A LUXURIOUS LUNCH AT SUSHI KANESAKA

1pm: Sushi Kanesaka is one of the finest sushi restaurants in Tokyo, if not Japan. There are three lunch Omakase options – ¥5,000, ¥10,000 and ¥15,000. A meal here is not cheap, but for the price you pay and quality you get, it is extremely great value.

5-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3211-5323
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Otemachi

#23 AOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE

4pm: The gorgeous cafe is said to be every girl’s dream high tea venue and we totally understand why. We were wonderstruck by the ethereal decors; think potted flowers, hanging weed and whatnot. Even beautiful plants could be found underneath the glass tables that we were dining at!

5-1-2, MinamiAoyama
Minato-ku Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3400 0887
Nearest Station: Omotesando

#24 DINNER AT RED ROCK

6pm: Red Rock’s Roast Beef Rice Bowl – a MOUNTAIN of meat for just ¥880 (or ¥1,150 for the large portion). The value-for-money roast beef rice bowl lived up to all the hype.

And then it’s time to head back to the hotel to get your luggage and return home! Until next time, Tokyo!

3 Chome-25-12 Jingumae, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6721-1729
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

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You know that feeling of stepping in to a patisserie that is laced with sweet scents and the aroma of fresh bakes, and how your heart would skip a beat when you set your eyes on the wondrous display of cakes and patisseries?

We understand, because we are lucky enough to have experienced that excitement many times. Everywhere we go, we keep our eyes peeled for patisseries, and boy, the world really spoils us silly.

This list should be never-ending, and we are on a never-ending quest of sussing out the bests patisseries, but first, let us share 25 Amazing Patisseries Around The World. Among them, what you must not miss out on are the quintessential ones in Paris and Japan that set our hearts aflutter every single time.

#1 ADRIANO ZUMBO / SYDNEY

One of the most well-known pastry chefs in Australia, Adriano Zumbo started his first patisserie in Balmain in 2007, and today he runs six patisseries in Sydney and Melbourne. Zumbo offers a range of cakes, pastries and macaons in the wackiest flavours that you could ever imagine.

Crazy flavours he’s got there for his Zumbarons, and our favourites include Salted Butter Popcorn and Kaffir Lime & Mandarin.

296 Darling Street
Balmain, Sydney
Tel: +61 2 9810 7318
Daily: 8am – 6pm

#2 ANGELITA PATISSERIE / BALI

Bali’s very own Ladurée/Angelina, Angelita Patisserie is every bit Parisian, in the softest pastel hues and candy-coloured chinaware. A stunning display of in-house bakes and sweet creations, Angelita is an elegant tea salon-cum-patisserie that serves French sweets.

Think eclairs in assorted flavours like oreo and passionfruit, chocolate tarts and raspberry mousse cakes. Fine and exquisite, everything here is so reasonably priced between RP30,000 to RP50,000.

Angelita Patisserie is also listed in our guide to Bali’s 18 best cafes.
Jalan Raya Kerobokan no. 10A
Banjar Taman, Kerobokan, Kuta, Bali
Tel: +62 361 7473138
Area: Seminyak

#3 ANGELINA TEA SALON / PARIS

When in the City of Love, sip luxe hot chocolate at Angelina. This place is an institution, and it is almost synonymous with Paris. Long queues are formed outside almost every outlet on a daily basis, and it is your best retreat in winter. And why Angelina? Because apart from hot chocolate, they bake incredible Mont Blanc too.

226 rue de Rivoli, Paris
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 7pm
Fri: 7.30am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 7.30pm

#4 ANTOINETTE PATISSERIE / SINGAPORE

Undoubtedly one of the prettiest tea salons in Singapore, Antoinette is a perennial favourite for elegant French pastries and sweets. Nothing quite like your usual cakes and tarts, Antoinette promises nothing but surprises.

Antoinette Patisserie is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s 58 must-try desserts.

333A Orchard Road
#02-33/34, Mandarin Gallery
Tel: +65 6836 9527
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#5 BOURKE STREET BAKERY / SYDNEY

It is a neighbourhood joint where locals meet their friends for coffee; or drop by to grab some pastries for breakfast next day. The bakery serves simple, honest and delicious baked goods like strawberry & vanilla brulee tart (A$5), lemon curd tart (A$4.50), raspberry & chocolate mousse tart (A$4.80) and carrot cake (A$4.50).

633 Bourke Street
Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9699 1011

#6 C’EST LA B / HONG KONG

Housed in HarbourCity – the ultimate shopping mall in Hong Kong – C’est La B is a chi-chi dessert spot that is well-loved by both locals and tourists. Dim lights set against a monochrome interior, the patisserie is that of a mysterious yet alluring one. The cakes are fascinating, no less.

G111, G/F, Harbour City
17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3102 2838
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsim

#7 CHEZ DRÉ / MELBOURNE

Just a stone’s throw from South Melbourne Market, Chez Dré is one of the best patisseries in Melbourne. The Lemon Hazelnut Tart was mind-blowingly good. Who would have thought that lemon and hazelnut would go so well together? Equally pleasing was the black forest cake. It was almost too pretty to be eaten.

285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 9690 2688
Daily: 7.30am – 4.30pm
Nearest Tram Station: Dorcas Street/Clarendon Street

#8 DEUX AMIS PATISSERIE / SEOUL

Seated along the streets of Garosu-gil, Deux Amis Patisserie is a terrific patisserie that serves gorgeous cakes and tarts in an array of flavours and colours. It is a must-go for desserts when you are in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.

535-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#9 DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY / NEW YORK CITY

You know cronuts, but do you know its origins? Created by Dominique Ansel, with its flagship store at Soho @ New York City, Dominique Ansel Bakery is surely one place to check out for its famed creations.

189 Spring Street, New York
Tel: 212 219 2773
Mon to Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Spring Street

#10 HENRI CHARPENTER / TOKYO

Well-loved by the world, Henri Charpenter makes exceptional desserts and pastries that are awards-worthy. Its flagship outlet at Tokyo is a classy setting of a tea salon. Fans of lemon desserts have to try Henri Charpentier’s Tarte Au Citron; it is the best we’ve had.

Bring back a piece of Henri Charpenter in the form of takeaway snacks (¥683 or S$9) such as madeleines, financiers and biscuits – they all come in very pretty boxes. They definitely make great gifts for friends and colleagues.

2-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tel: 03 3562 2721
Station: Ginza-Itchome (metro exit 9), Ginza (metro exit A13)

#11 HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY / LONDON

Do yourself a favour and pick up a cupcake from Hummingbird Bakery when at London. They make the world’s best red velvet cupcake, and few things in life are as satisfying as sinking your teeth into the moist and crumble red cupcake. Not a fan of red velvet cupcakes? No worries. There are many more flavours and the selection is enough to drive you crazy.

155a Wardour Street, Soho Square, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7851 1795
Mon to Sat: 9.30pm – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

#12 LA BELLE MIETTE / MELBOURNE

A cute little French patisserie that specialises in macarons, La Belle Miette – which broadly translates to “beautiful small thing” – has one of the best, if not the best, macarons in Melbourne. Flavours include Lavender, Violette & Blueberry, Raspberry, Cherry Blossom & Sake, as well as our favourite Scones with Honey & Jam.

La Belle Miette also carries a range of tea from Mariage Frères to go along with the macarons. There are currently four outlets in Melbourne.

30 Hardware Lane, Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 9024 4528
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Bourke Street/Elizabeth Street

#13 L’ETO CAFFE / LONDON

And then, there is L’eto that sits on the same street as Hummingbird Bakery. They have an insane display of daily fresh bakes, and it is almost frustrating to pick just one. Every item baked and assembled with love, and you can almost smell the pastry chefs’ passion in every piece.

155 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7494 4991
Mon to Tue: 8am – 9pm
Wed to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

#14 LA DOUCEUR PATISSERIE / TAIPEI

With more than a dozen desserts (NT$160-170) – such as Mont Blanc, Matcha Cake, Cherry Mousse, 72% Dark Chocolate Tart – available on the menu, La Douceur will satisfy every sweet tooth. They also have, hands down, one of the best macarons in Taipei. Choose from flavours like strawberry, passionfruit, caramel mandarin, lavender and caramel.

La Douceur Patisserie is listed in our guide to Taipei’s best desserts.

No. 223 Jinhua Street
Tel: 02 3322 2833

#15 LADURÉE PATISSERIE / PARIS

Of pretty pastels and the world’s most gorgeous macarons, Ladurée is the first pit-stop on our list whenever we find ourselves in the City of Love. This heaven of pastel colours is laced with romantic scents of Parisian sweets, and every time we step in to the desserts boutique, we fall in love all over again.

And the wondrous display of intricate French bakes and macarons never fail to make us go weak in the knees. You are only letting yourself down if you give Ladurée a miss.

21 Rue Bonaparte, Paris
Tel: +33 1 44 07 64 87
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sat: 8.30am – 8.30pm
Sun: 10am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Rue du Bac

#16 LET THEM EAT CAKE / BANGKOK

Bangkok is known for many things, but nobody associates it with good French desserts and pastries. That was what we thought too, until we went to Let Them Eat Cake. Their display of exquisite creations will have you feeling like you are transported to Paris. Look out for their Thai-inspired flavours, else their classic chocolate series are fantastic all the same.

4th floor, Siam Center
989 Rama I Road
Tel: +66 2 658 1603
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Siam

#17 MAGNOLIA BAKERY / NEW YORK CITY

Founded in 1996, Magnolia Bakery is an institution in New York City that is well-loved for its cupcakes. Featured on shows like Sex and the City, and The Devil Wears Prada, Magnolia Bakery is recognised as one of the patisseries that started the cupcake trend in the Big Apple.

401 Bleecker Street and W. 11th Street
Tel: +1 212 462 2572
Mon to Thu: 9am – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 12.30am
Sun: 9am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: 14 St

#18 MAISON BERTAUX / LONDON

Maison Bertaux, one of the oldest patisseries in London, is our go-to place for an quiet afternoon tea. They offer many beautiful cakes and pastries, but our favourite is their almond croissant.

28 Greek Street, London, Greater London W1D 5DQ
Tel: +44 20 7437 6007
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

#19 PASSION 5 / SEOUL

If you ask us to recommend just one place in Seoul, it will be Passion 5. They have five different categories of dining all under one roof – gelato corner, bakery take-out station, patisserie and café, chocolatier and a full-fledged restaurant. Trust us, you will be tempted to order all the cakes from the patisserie.

Passion 5 is also listed as one of our 10 favourite cafes in Seoul.

272, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9507
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#20 PIERRE HERMÉ / PARIS

The maestro of desserts, the quintessential Parisian patisserie; Pierre Hermé is our utmost favourite. Every single item fascinates and makes us squeal with excitement like kids. Famed for his macarons with unusual flavours, Pierre Hermé is known as the “Picasso of Pastry”. His chocolates are to die for, too. Don’t forget to try Ispahan, the most iconic pastry.

18 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, Paris
Tel: +33 1 43 54 47 77
Nearest Station: Hotel de Ville

#21 PRIMROSE BAKERY / LONDON

It is impossible not to like Primrose Bakery. This cute little bakery serves one of the best cupcakes in London. And beyond cupcakes, Primrose Bakery also has an array of layer cakes, loaves and sliced cakes. Primrose Bakery also has a second branch in Covent Garden, but we very much preferred the peace and tranquility of Primrose Hill.

69 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 8LD
Tel: +44 20 7483 4222
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 6pm
Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Camden Town/Chalk Farm

#22 SADAHARU AOKI / TOKYO

Nobody should leave Tokyo without visiting Sadaharu Aoki. This famous Japanese-trained pastry chef made his name in Paris by creating French desserts with Japanese flavours.

Aoki makes exquisite macarons with Japanese flavours like sesame, matcha, yuzu and genmaicha. And their eclairs… what’s a better word than ‘divine’? We dare claim that Sadaharu Aoki has the best eclairs in the world.

Tokyo Midtown B1F
9-7-4 Akasaka Minato-ku Tokyo
Station: Roppongi

#23 SIMPLYLIFE / HONG KONG

Simplylife is our favourite patisserie in Hong Kong. With a bakery that produces an amazing range of bread, pastries and cakes, everything is of premium quality, and no additives are added. We fell in love with it, more than what we thought we would. The space is one that have you slow down, relax and breathe in the simple pleasures of life. simplylife, indeed.

Shop 30, L2, Festival Walk
80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong
Tel: +852 2777 5168
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kowloon Tong

#24 VIRON / TOKYO

If you are in the Shibuya area, make Boulangerie Patisserie Viron your pit stop. They have really impressive desserts. On the ground floor, the boulangerie sells bread and pastries. You can also choose to dine in the brasserie on the second floor.

33-8 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03 5458 1770
Station: Shibuya

#25 ZENIQUE / TAIPEI

Zenique is a teahouse and patisserie which serves pretty awesome French desserts (NT$160-180/slice) like Kyoto Matcha, Rose Versailles and Tarte Aux Fraises with tea-infused flavours. They also have nine different macarons (NT$60). We fell head over heels in love with their rose macarons.

Zenique is listed in our guide to Taipei’s best desserts.

No 8 Lane 4 Yong Kang Street
Tel: 02 2395 1558
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10.30pm

Tokyo is every food lover’s paradise. Japanese food in Tokyo is a one-of-a-kind experience and delivered on a completely different level. Once you have had Japanese food in Tokyo, your life will never be the same again. The authenticity is that priceless and memorable.

With 13 three-stars, 59 two-stars, and 208 one-stars restaurant, Tokyo has no lack of Michelin star restaurants. However, Tokyo is more than just fine dining restaurants – from restaurants to cafes, sushi and sashimi eateries, tonkatsu restaurants and ramen parlours, it is really almost impossible to run out of dining ideas nor have a bad meal in the cosmopolitan city.

Here is our guide on where to eat in Tokyo, and we have included 30 of our favourite restaurants, cafes and local eateries that you have to try.

AOI MARUSHIN

Aoi Marushin is a famous tempura restaurant which has been serving tempura for 60 years. If you are on a hunt to try the best tempura in Tokyo, Aoi Marushin is a must visit. They have a selection of dishes to choose from, such as the Tempura Set (¥2,310), and Tendon (¥1,700). For the full package, go for the Kaiseki Aoi (¥5,250) which features two kinds of appetisers, soup, sashimi, grilled fish, stewed dish, tempura, rice and dessert.

Aoi Marushin is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s affordable tempura restaurants.

1-4-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tel: +81 3 3841 0110
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Right of Kaminari gate at Sensoji Temple
Nearest Station: Asakusa

AOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House combines a florist with a tea house, and the result is the dream café for every girl. Like an indoor greenhouse but with an impeccable sophistication, the tea house is lavishly decorated with fresh flowers of the season.

Decorative mini lights span across the ceiling and drape down the pillars, creating an illumination so dreamy that it enraptures your soul; soft instrumentals looping, quite like a choir of nightingale serenading every dreamer in the room. Nothing quite as beautiful, nothing quite as enchanting.

It is just a 5-minute walk from Omotesando station. If you ever find yourself in the area, a trip to the tea house is very highly recommended. Because whatever you are feeling, the sheer beauty and tranquility will complete your day.

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Top 15 Cafes.

5-1-2, Minami-Aoyama
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 3400 0887
Nearest Station: Omotesando

BIRD LAND GINZA

Located in a conspicuous corner at the basement of an unassuming building in Ginza, Bird Land is a discrete yakitori bar where foodies in-the-know head to. There are two omakase menu (¥6,000 or ¥8,000) to choose from. Our set came with skewers of chicken wasabi, chicken liver, chicken skin & neck, tofu salad flavoured with salt and pepper, ginko, glizzard, chicken meatball, teriyaki chicken, shiitake mushroom and chicken with leek.

This is one of the best places in Tokyo to go for yakitori, and where you pay homage to the simple but very well-liked Japanese classic cuisine.

Tsukamoto Building B1F
4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tel: +81 3 5250 1081
Tue To Sat: 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ginza

BROOKLYN PANCAKE HOUSE

If you walk from Shibuya towards Meiji-Jingumae, you will find yourself in a quaint and charming area littered with lifestyle concept stores and cafes. Brooklyn Pancake House is one of the places that we stumbled upon in this area. It is essentially a New-Yorker style diner which offers a variety of sweet and savoury pancakes.

Brooklyn Pancake House is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Top 15 Cafes.

1F Mode S, 6-14-12 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3409 2018
Daily: 11.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingumae/Harajuku

BUTAGUMI

This tonkatsu specialist has one of the most comprehensive tonkatsu menus – with at least a dozen varieties of pork – but the daily offerings depend on the availability of the meat. The evergreen options are Ryuuka-ton (¥1,900) from Okinawa, and Nattouku-ton (¥2,300) from Gifu. You can also find other premium meats such as Golden Boar Pork (¥3,000) from Hyougo, Nakijin-agoo-buta (¥4,500) from Okinaa, and the famed Iberico Pork (¥4,800) from Spain.

While tonkatsu is the star at Butagumi, it is not the only reason why you should dine here. The feel of taking off your shoes, and stepping into a typical Japanese wooden booth, having a handbell to ring for service, a table lined with floral-printed China, and a fuss-free Japanese menu (with English option available) – all these little touches complete the experience of dining in a true blue ryotei.

Butagumi is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s best tonkatsu restaurants.

2-24-9 Nishiazabu, Minato
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 5466 6775
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Roppongi

ECHIRE

We were pleasantly engulfed by the rich fragrance of freshly baked pastries upon stepping in to this French Patisserie at Marunouchi Brick Square. Inhaling the buttery scent with every breath has never felt so life-changing before, and we were bewildered by the offerings before our eyes – think baskets of madelines, financers and croissants; shelves of millefeuille, eclairs and cream puffs.

2-6-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 6269 9840
Nearest Station: Tokyo

HENRI CHARPENTIER

This lovely pastry shop in Ginza is a must-visit for dessert lovers. Henri Charpentier is the perfect place to go for tea and desserts after shopping in the area. They serve exceptional desserts and pastries in a classy tea salon. When we were there, we felt like kids in Disneyland. There were so many beautiful desserts on display and we wanted to order everything.

Fans of lemon desserts have to try Henri Charpentier’s Tarte Au Citron. It ranks among one of the best that we’ve had. The baked goods (¥683) – such as such as madeleines, financiers and biscuits – come in nicely-packaged boxes and they make excellent gifts for friends.

Henri Charpentier has just opened its first overseas outlet in Singapore and it is also listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Best Patisseries.

2-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tel: +81 3 3562 2721
Station: Ginza-Itchome (metro exit 9) / Ginza (metro exit A13)

HIDEMI SUGINO

It is not exaggerating to say that Hidemi Sugino is one of the best pastry chefs in Tokyo. The patisserie makes beautiful pastries and is particularly known for their mousse cakes. Finding the place is slightly challenging, but once you get there, you will agree that it is worth the search. The popular cakes are always sold out, so make sure you get there early.

Hidemi Sugino is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Best Patisseries.

3-6-17, Kyobashi 1F, Chuo, Tokyo
Tel: 03 3538 6780
Station: Kyobashi or Ginza 1-Chrome

ICHIRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen is a popular ramen chain in Japan, and it has been widely accepted as one of the best spots for tonkotsu ramen. And we could not agree more wholeheartedly. A bowl of Ichiran ramen is super satisfying, and very affordable (¥780/S$10). It is undisputedly a ramen house that you cannot miss out on when you are in Japan.

Ichiran serves an exceptional tonkotsu ramen, and has most definitely set the benchmark for Japanese ramen. The broth is unbelievably rich, and thick, and something inexplicably but really special that it wows you with every sip (or slurp). It is so good that we are always caught in a situation to decide on whether we should do a second bowl. The noodles are cooked just right, springy and al dente – exactly the way we like my ramen to be. And if this is what you like too, be sure to select the “extra firm” option when you place your order. The chashu is also spot-on; every bite makes me go weak in the knees.

It is, in a nutshell, the perfect bowl of ramen.

Iwamoto Building B1F
1-22-7 Jinnan Sibuya-ku Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 3463 3667
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shibuya

IPPUDO RAMEN

Another perennial favourite is Ippudo Ramen. Not only is the ramen consistency good, a bowl of Ippudo ramen in Japan is only ¥750, which is slightly less than half of what you would pay in Singapore.

Odagiri Building 1F
4-9-11 Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 5775 7561
Daily: 11am – 4am (Fri 5am, Sun 1am)
Nearest Station: Roppongi

L’ATELIER DE JOEL ROBUCHON

It is always a pleasure to dine at L’atelier de Joel Robuchon. Take your seat at the counter and watch the chefs prepare your food in the open kitchen. The set lunch (¥6,600) is good value for those who do not want to splurge too much.

6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 5772 7500
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Sat, Sun & Holiday: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Roppongi

KATSUKURA

Katsukura is a tonkatsu restaurant chain from Kyoto, and besides pork cutlet, it also offers other options like fried prawns, chicken cutlet, and crab meat croquette.

Among the numerous tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo, what sets Katsukura apart is their consistency. Even though It has many branches around the city, the tonkatsu is consistently good and reliable. Most importantly, it is also the kind of place you can return to again and again because you do not have to spend a bomb to dine here. The standard Sirloin Cutlet starts from ¥1,350 for 90g, while the Fillet Cutlet is ¥1,480 for 90g.

Katsukura is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s best tonkatsu restaurants.

Shibuya-ku, Sendagaya 5-24-2
Shinjuku Times Square Building 14th Floor
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 5361 1878
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

KIMUKATSU

Another place that we really love is Kimukatsu in Ebisu. The tonkatsu here, made up of many thin layers of pork, is more than good – think of it as a pork mille-feuille. Yes, what sorcery, right? In addition to the original tonkatsu, they also have other flavours like cheese, black pepper, green onion, garlic, sour plum and yuzu pepper.

We ordered the cheese version, and it was super satisfying with cheese oozing out of the superbly fried tonkatsu. A tonkatsu set is ¥1,930. Alternatively, you can opt for the Kimukatsu Value Combo – choose any two tonkatsu flavours at ¥2,500 (for 1 pax), or three flavours at ¥3,980 (for 2 pax).

Kimukatsu is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s best tonkatsu restaurants.

4-9-5, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 5420 2929
Mon to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Ebisu

KO-DU-CHI

We stumbled upon this tenshou eatery while on our way to Tenya Tempura in the Ebisu neighbourhood. It is a non-descript eatery – the kind that you will easily miss if you are not looking out for it – where locals go for a fuss-free and cheap meal.

The staff do not speak English at all, so placing your orders might be a challenge. But we believe the food here can’t go wrong, so just look around to observe what the locals order, and point to whatever that looks good. The chances are you will have a very good meal.

1-7-6 Ebisu
Nearest Station: Ebisu

KYUSHU JANGARA RAMEN

Specialising in Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Kyushu Jangara’s rendition comes with a rich, heavy and super flavourful pork broth. We still prefer Ichiran, of course. But if you are in the Harajuku area and want to try something different, Kyushu Jangara is worth a visit.

Shanzeru Harajuku Ni-go-kan 1F-2F
1-13-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Mon to Thu, & Sun: 11am – 2am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 3.30am
Nearest Station: Jingumae

Maisen Tonkatsu

There are many famous tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo, but the place that everyone seems to agree is the best place to head to is Maisen Tonkatsu. They have many outlets in Tokyo, but go to the main shop in Aoyama – just a few blocks behind Omotesando Hills.

Located in a former World War II public bathhouse, Maisen is known for its Okita Kurobuta Fried Pork Loin meal (¥3,780). The tonkatsu was really good. The pork cutlet was extremely juicy and crispy, yet not greasy at all. Topped with their special tonkatsu sauce, and served with a bowl of rice and a large stack of cabbage, it was unbeatable.

Maisen Tonkatsu is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s best tonkatsu restaurants.

4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3470 0071
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando

Nemuro Hanamaru

Don’t be deceived by the plain-looking conveyer belt sushi restaurant at Kitte Shopping Mall, which is a few minutes walk from Tokyo Station. Nemuro Hanamaru serves fresh sushi at great value. Most of the sushi plates are priced between ¥136 to ¥336. One of our favourites was the Seared Salmon (¥262). From the side menu, the Crab Soup (¥336) – with huge chunks of crab meat – and the Chawanmushi (¥262) are also excellent choices.

Nemuro Hanamaru is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s affordable sushi restaurants.

Tokyo KITTE 5F
2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: +81 03 6269 9026
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tokyo

NIHONBASHI YUKARI

Having a kaiseki meal in Tokyo need not leave a hole in your wallet – if you know where to go. Nihonbashi Yukari, just a short walk from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu exit, is one of our favourite restaurants in Tokyo.

Helming the kitchen is third-generation chef, Kimio Nonaga – a 2002 Iron Chef Champion. Nihonbashi Yukari offers a splendid 9-course kaiseki dinner (starts from ¥10,500). For something lighter on the palate (and the pocket), go for the their bento set lunch (¥3,500) which offers great value.

3-2-14, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 3271 3436
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tokyo

Omotesando Koffee

This is one of the most talked-about coffee shops in Tokyo, and after visiting it, we can understand why. Housed in a machiya (traditional wooden house) in the Omotesando neighbourhood, it is a small and simple space, and it feels as though you are having coffee in a neighbour’s house.

Finding Omotesando Koffee can be a challenge, even if you are familiar with the area. From Omotesando’s Station, make your way towards Maisen Tonkatsu (there are plenty of signboards along the way). At the junction before Maisen, turn left. Part of the charm of Omotesando Koffee is the journey to find it. Have fun!

Omotesando Koffee is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s best coffee shops.

4-15-3 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5413 9422
Daily: 10pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando Exit A2/Meiji-Jingumae

ON THE CORNER

Sharing a space with No.8 Bear Pond, On The Corner is another American-style diner that dishes burgers and all the known comfort food. Boasting a red and white interior, the outlet is a cosy one and you can count on them for a good dinner with your best pals.

1-17-1, Shibuya
Tel: +81 03 6427 7273
Daily: 9am – 2am
Nearest Station: Shibuya

Ryu Sushi

A trip to Tokyo will not be complete without having sushi breakfast at the world famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa are the most popular sushi restaurants at the fish market. However, people wait in line from as early as 6am, and the queue is easily three hours long. Honestly, we felt that the other sushi bars in Tsukiji Market are just as good.

One place that you can try is Ryu Sushi. It has super good and fresh sashimi and sushi at decent prices. The Kiku Sushi Set (¥2,100) comes with 7 pieces of sushi, and 6 pieces of sushi rolls, and a beautiful Chirashi (¥3,100).

Ryu Sushi is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s affordable sushi restaurants.

5-2-1, Building 1. Chuo-ku
Tsukiji Market, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3541 9517
Nearest Station: Tsukiji/Tsukijishijo

Sadaharu Aoki

Nobody should leave Tokyo without visiting Sadaharu Aoki. This famous Japanese-trained pastry chef made his name by creating French desserts with Japanese flavours.

You won’t go wrong with the Japanese flavoured macarons like sesame, matcha, yuzu and genmaicha. And their eclairs… Oh, the eclairs are awesome. Sadaharu Aoki has, hands down, the best eclairs in this world, if not the universe.

Sadaharu Aoki is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Best Patisseries.

Tokyo Midtown B1F
9-7-4 Akasaka Minato-ku Tokyo
Station: Roppongi

SHOKKAN

A short walk from Shibuya Police Station is Shokkan. Located in the basement of a random building in the Shibuya neighbourhood, Shokkan has value-for-money set lunches (¥1,100 – ¥1,300). It is always packed during lunch, so make sure you get there 5 minutes before their opening.

For dinner, omakase starts from ¥7,000.

3-5-5 Shibuya B1F Hkka
Tel: +81 3 3797 1911
Mon to Fri: 11.45am – 2pm, 6pm – 12 midnight
Sat & Holiday: 6pm – 11pm

SUZU CAFE

Another favourite spot in Tokyo, Suzu Café is quite above the rest – pun intended. Apart from people-watching and indulging in Japanese tracks, Suzu Cafe offers a range of earnest and simple comfort food at sensible prices (from ¥750 – ¥1300) – expect salads, rice dishes, pizzas and pastas.

Partake in an afternoon tea (from 2pm to 6pm) at Suzu, with a repertoire of desserts (¥650 – ¥750) like Victoria Cake with homemade lemon curd, Kiwi & Apricot Shortcake and Chocolate Parfait to choose from.

Suzu Cafe is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Top 15 Cafes.

1-20-5 Jinnan
Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 5428 3739
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 12 midnight
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 3am
Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingumae/Harajuku

STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY

This is one of the most popular coffee shops in Tokyo – the owner Hiroshi Sawada is a latte art champion and a rock star in the local coffee scene. Even though Streamer Coffee Company is located on the fringe of the Shibuya neighbourhood – a good 10 minutes walk from the station – it is always crowded and packed with locals and expats. Every cup of coffee comes with beautiful latte art.

With good coffee with beautiful latte art, and a buzzing atmosphere, Streamer Coffee Company is one place that coffee lovers must go to when in Tokyo.

Streamer Coffee Company is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Best Coffee Shops.

1-20-28 Shibuya
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 6427 3705
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

Tempura Tendon Tenya

The poster boy for cheap and good tempura, Tenya is a fastfood chain with more than 500 stores in Japan. A basic Tendon (tempura-donburi) with ebi and vegetable is only ¥500.

We were in disbelief when we had the tendon. It might not be the best tempura, but it was very decent, and surely a steal for the price. This is probably the cheapest tempura restaurant in Tokyo, a place where you can have tempura without breaking the bank.

Tempura Tendon Tenya is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s affordable tempura restaurants.

1-25-1 Nishishinjuku
Shinjuku
Tel: +81 3 3345 1266
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

Tenfusu Tempura

Most people go to Tsukiji Market for sushi breakfast, but if you want to try something else, go to Tenfusu – which is located just beside Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa – for their tempura. The tempura is top quality. It is fried to a beautiful golden brown, and not oily at all. Go for their Tempura Platter (¥1,200), and Tempura-don (¥1,100).

Tenfusu Tempura is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s affordable tempura restaurants.

5-2-1, Building 6
Chuo-ku, Tsukiji Market, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 3547 6766
Nearest Station: Tsukiji/Tsukijishijo

Tonki

Tonki opens at 4pm everyday, and such is the popularity of their tonkatsu, that the restaurant is almost filled even before dinner time.

Unlike some tonkatsu restaurants which offer all sorts of cuts and variations, Tonki is simple and straight to the point – either rosu or fillet, in other words, you choose the lean or the slightl fatty option. Both are priced at ¥1,800 for teishoku with rice, miso soup and pickles, or ¥1,250 for an ala carte portion.

Tonki’s version is very different from the usual tonkatsu that we are familiar with. It is not as crispy, nor is it crumbly. The slow-cooking process means that the meat inside is not as juicy or tender as the typical tonkatsu. It has a very real and unpretentious taste which is probably why regulars go back to this 70 years old house for a good and solid tonkatsu. Most of the customers at Tonki are in fact middle-aged Japanese, who most probably grew up eating the tonkatsu here.

Tonki is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s best tonkatsu restaurants.

1-1-2 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3491 9928
Daily (except Tue): 4pm – 10.45pm
Nearest Station: Meguro

UDON YAMACHO

For a simple and affordable meal, try Udon Yamacho. This udon shop is a 3-minute walk from the west entrance of Ebisu station, and it is the kind of place to go for a local authentic meal without worrying that it is a tourist trap. Prices range from ¥800 to ¥1,200 for a bowl of udon.

1-1-5, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3443 1701
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 4.30am
Nearest Station: Ebisu

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is a place where we will return to again and again whenever we are in Tokyo. It does not have any Michelin stars, nor is it extremely popular. But it offers super good quality sushi and sashimi at ridiculously cheap prices.

The basic Sushi Set (¥990), with ten pieces of sushi, is extremely value-for-money. Our favourite dish is the Chirashi-don (¥1,390) which comes with huge slices of sashimi. Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is a hidden gem and one of the most affordable sushi restaurants in Tokyo. We wholeheartedly recommend this place.

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s affordable sushi restaurants.

B1 Tokyu Department Store
2-24-1 Shibuya
Tel: +81 03 5428 3813
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

For more recommendations, read our guide on 25 reasons to love Tokyo.

Whenever we are in Tokyo, we always make it a point to drop by Henri Charpentier to have desserts and tea, as well as to get some gifts in the form of madeleines, financiers and biscuits for friends.

Henri Charpentier is one of our favourite patisseries in Tokyo and it has exceptional desserts and pastries in a classy tea salon. We are thrilled that Henri Charpentier is opening its first overseas dessert salon in Singapore at Dempsey Hill on 9 October 2014. Besides its signature Crepe Suzette and cakes, the patisserie will also be serving exclusive Singapore-inspired desserts.

Tokyo is fascinating in more than a million ways, and we would jet off to that Japanese city in a heart beat. And do we even need a reason to do so?

Not at all, we’d say. But if we must, Tokyo is where anyone and everyone can be inspired by anything and everything. From their incredible food, splendiferous culture and history, amazingly friendly and polite citizens, and even world-class toilets, we really think it is impossible to not fall in love!

If you haven’t been, we are here to share our favourites about Tokyo, and we hope this list of 25 Reasons Why We Love Tokyo will activate the bigger wanderlust bug in you and have you book a flight out on your next leave. For those who are already fans, let’s take a moment in time to reminisce all the good that Tokyo has brought to our soul:

1. AFFORDABLE AND GOOD QUALITY SUSHI AND SASHIMI

Japanese food in Tokyo is is a one-of-a-kind experience and a leisure on a whole different level. Sushi and sashimi are so fresh that you will never see Japanese food in the same light ever again. Our top pick is Uoriki Kaisen Sushi, a humble Japanese eatery that dishes out super fresh sushi and sashimi at pocket-friendly prices.

Read our guide to affordable sushi restaurants in Tokyo.

2. CONVENIENCE STORES HAVE EVERYTHING

Convenience stores in Japan are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. From ATMs, kiosks selling movie and bus tickets, piping hot oden and all kinds of Japanese instant noodles and snacks, Japanese convenience stores have everything you need.

3. TOKYO’S DISNEYSEA

What’s there not to love about Mickey and friends? Disneyland is the happiest place on earth!

4. EVERY NEIGHBOURHOOD HAS ITS DISTINCTIVE CHARM

No matter how many times you have been to Tokyo, it is a place that you will fall in love with again and again. Every neighbourhood has its distinctive charm, and there are always new things to discover and fall in love with.

Read our guide to Tokyo’s favourite neighbourhoods.

5. FLOWER MARKET CAFE

Awestruck. That was how we felt when we stepped into Aoyama Flower Market Tea House in Tokyo. It combines a florist with a tea house, and the result is the dream café for every girl.

Read our guide to Tokyo’s Top 15 Cafes that you must go to.

6. GLORIOUS, MELT-IN-THE-MOUTH TONKATSU

Once you have had a tonkatsu in Japan, your life will never be the same again. A good tonkatsu is one that is deep-fried to golden brown and texturised with crumbs, and has layers of meat and fats bursting with flavours and melts in your mouth – nothing overly oily, and satisfying on every level.

Read our guide to Tokyo’s Best Tonkatsu Restaurants.

7. GO CRAZY AT JAPANESE FOOD HALLS

One of the highlights of Japan is surely its Japanese food halls, which are filled with kiosks selling anything from cute pastries and cakes, to delicious Japanese bentos and snacks. We can eat ten meals a day with the endless selections!

8. HARAJUKU, THE LAND OF ALL THINGS KAWAII

Vibrant and full of life, Harajuku is the epicentre of Japanese youth culture and fashion, and it is littered with independent boutiques and hip cafes. Do not leave Takeshita Street without picking up a crepe, too! Which brings us to the next point.

9. HARAJUKU LEGENDARY FRENCH-STYLE JAPANESE CREPES

No one visits Harajuku without having the legendary French-style Japanese crepes. There are four to five crepe stores in Harajuku, but we like Angels Heart and Marion Crepes the most! Who says you cannot have the best of all worlds? You can have your crepe with fresh cream, sweet fruits, ice-cream and a slice of cake altogether!

10. ICHIRAN RAMEN, THE BEST RAMEN IN TOKYO, IF NOT THE WORLD

Ichiran Ramen is a popular ramen chain in Japan, and it has been widely accepted as one of the best spots for tonkotsu ramen. And we cannot agree more – with all my heart. A bowl of Ichiran ramen is truly food for the soul, and it is very affordable (¥780/S$10). It is undisputedly a ramen house that you cannot leave Japan without patronising.

11. THE WORLD’S FIRST KITKAT BOUTIQUE

Make a trip to the world’s first Kitkat Boutique. The KitKat Chocolatory store is located within the Seibu department store in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district.

Read more about the the world’s first Kitkat boutique here.

12. LARGEST UNIQLO SHOP IN THE WORLD

Spanning over 12 floors, Uniqlo’s flagship outlet in Ginza is the largest in the world. Time to fill your luggages with all colours of their Airism basics and Heat-techs, we say!

13. MARCHE JAPON FARMERS’ MARKET

Tokyo’s farmer’s market located at Aoyama, in front of the United Nations University, is one that offers fresh produce of vegetables and fruits. Expect an array of colours and even if you are not shopping, it is quite a sight to behold!

14. MOUNT FUJI IS JUST TWO HOURS AWAY

Take a day trip to Lake Kawaguchi, and enjoy Hakone’s hot springs, breath-taking scenery, and the ever picturesque Mount Fuji. Life can be so simple, just like that.

15. EXPLORE AND GET LOST IN THE ALLEYS OF OMOTESANDO

The Champs-Élysées of Tokyo, Omotesando has surprises at every corner, and we can easily spend a whole day wandering around. There are many small streets waiting for you to explore, discover, and to get lost in, in a good way of course.

16. ROPPONGI HILLS MORI TOWER

Currently the fifth-tallest building in Tokyo, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is a 54-story skyscraper. The observation decks at the Mori Art Museum on level 53 are perfect spots to see the city’s landscape.

17. SADAHARU AOKI HAS THE BEST JAPANESE FLAVOURED MACARONS AND ECLAIRS IN THE UNIVERSE AND BEYOND

This famous Japanese-trained pastry chef made his name in Paris by creating French desserts with Japanese flavours. Sadaharu Aoki boasts splendid Japanese-flavoured sweets; think Houjicha maracons and matcha eclairs. Bringing his success back to his hometown, Japanese and visitors all over the world flock to his outlets every day. Be prepared to queue if you want to dine in.

Read our guide to Tokyo’s Best Patisseries.

18. SAMANTHA THAVASA & SAMANTHA VEGA

Who else is a fan of their quilted bags and fancy Sanrio bag charms? Shop to your heart’s content, and if you are at the Tokyo Skytree’s outlet, there is even a sit-in café!

19. SENSO-JI TEMPLE IN ASAKUSA

Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is one of the most colourful and prominent temples in Tokyo. It is also the oldest, dating way back to Year 628.

20. SHIBUYA CROSSING, ALSO KNOWN AS TOKYO’S TIMES SQUARE

There is just something special about Shibuya Crossing, also known as Tokyo’s Times Square. And drop by to say hi to Hachiko, the famous loyal dog. His status sits right outside Shibuya station.

21. SHIBUYA 109 – WOMEN’S SHOPPING PARADISE

Do we need to say more? Let your credit cards do the talking!

22. INEXPENSIVE AND GOOD STANDING SUSHI BAR

There are plenty of standing sushi joints in the city which offer good sushi fix. And the best part? They are mostly inexpensive.

23. STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY

With good coffee with beautiful latte art, and a buzzing atmosphere, Streamer Coffee Company is one place that coffee lovers must go to when in Tokyo.

Read our guide to Tokyo’s Best Coffee Shops.

24. TSUKIJI MARKET, THE WORLD’S LARGEST SEAFOOD MARKET

Tsukiji Market is the world’s largest seafood market, and it is one of the must-see places when you are in Tokyo. We are just dreaming about the Chirashi-don that we had now as we are penning this…

Read: Five reasons to visit Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market.

25. TOKYO SKYTREE, THE TALLEST BUILDING IN JAPAN

The tallest building in Japan, the 634-metre Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower, with endless restaurants and shops, and is now Japan’s No. 1 tourist attraction. Skytree town is divided into three areas – East Yard, Tower Yard, and West Yard – and you can find shops, restaurants, and an aquarium.

For more recommendations, read our curated Tokyo’s food & travel guides.

No matter how many times you have been to Tokyo, it is a place that you will fall in love with over and over again. Where do we begin? It is impossible to capture the essence of Tokyo in words or photos; it is a city like no other. There is always something new to discover in this amazing city. It is like every corner is blessed with magic, ready to enchant and bewilder. Can’t say for sure that there is only one pick, so here is a guide to our favourite neighbourhoods in Tokyo.

G I N Z A

Recognised as among the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, Ginza houses all the leading luxury brands’ flagship stores like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior.

Not only is this the place to head to for shopping, it is also the area to go if you want to splurge on a good meal. Tokyo, for those of you who don’t know, is the city with the most Michelin-star restaurants in the world, and many of them are located in the Ginza District.

In between shopping, we would suggest stopping by Hidemi Sugino and Henri Charpentier for desserts and coffee. Both of them rank among the best patisseries in Tokyo.

H A R A J U K U

Stretching from Harajuku Station to Omotesando is Harajuku, but Takeshita Street is the place that most people associate with when it comes to this famous area. Shops open and close all the time, but the spirit of Harajuku will always remain the same. Vibrant and full of life, Harajuku is the epicentre of Japanese youth culture and fashion, and it is littered with independent boutiques and hip cafes.

No one visits Harajuku without having crepes. These warm French-style Japanese crepes are so popular that you can find many renditions all over the world these days. There are four to five crepe stores in Harajuku, but we like Angels Heart and Marion Crepes. On a separate note, chip lovers will be happy to know that Calbee has a shop in Takeshita Street, and it offers hot potato chips straight from the fryer.

O M O T E S A N D O

Our favourite neighbourhood is Omotesando, the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo. From shopping, to nice cafes and coffee places, to lifestyle concept shops - Omotesando has surprises at every corner, and we can easily spend a whole day wandering around.

There are many famous tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo, but the place that everyone seems to agree is the best place to head to is Maisen Tonkatsu. Also, we absolutely love Omotesando Koffee. Housed in a machiya (traditional wooden house), it is a small and simple space, very minimalistic, and it feels as though you are having a good cuppa at a neighbour’s house.

Omotesando reminds us of Venice. There are many small streets waiting for you to explore, discover, and to get lost, in a good way of course.

S H I B U Y A

Shibuya is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Tokyo, known for shopping, the sheer number of izakaya – a Japanese drinking establishment that focuses on drinks, but serves a variety of bar snacks - hidden in every alley, and of course, the famous Shibuya’s Crossing, which gives Shibuya the name of Tokyo’s Time Square.

Shibuya is a shopping paradise. Shibuya 109 and Hikarie are just two of the massive shopping malls located in the area that will have the ladies going crazy over. There are also many little shops lined along the streets where you might just pick up gems if you would spend a little time searching.

You must dine at Uoriki Kaisen Sushi – our favourite sushi shop in Tokyo. It serves top quality sushi and sashimi at extremely reasonable prices. Ichiran Ramen also has a branch in Shibuya. Other places that are not to be missed include Boulangerie Patisserie Viron, Bear Pond Espresso, and Streamer Coffee Company.

S H I N J U K U

Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest railway station. First-timers to Shinjuku may find it slightly overwhelming. It is a vibrant area, and there are so many things to do here.

Major department stores like Isetan, Takashimaya, Lumine, Keio can be found in Shinjuku, The Japanese food halls in the basement of the department stores will blow your mind.

Kabukicho, the infamous red-light district in Tokyo, is packed with love hotels, shops, nightclubs and eateries. Go in a group, and you will find yourself appreciating the experience to explore the neighbourhood once the sun has set.

For more recommendations, read our Tokyo food & travel guides

It is no secret that we love our sweets. Tokyo is known for having amazing desserts, so you can imagine what a heaven that is for us. We’ve taken a few trips to the capital city of Japan, and each one had us falling in love with their exquisite selections.

It was so much fun going around all day, indulging in the prettiest cakes and finest sweets. And because the Japanese really take pride in what they serve on the table, there is no lack of patisseries to head to whenever we need some sugar rush. Here, we share 5 of the best Patisseries in Tokyo.

Boulangerie Patisserie Viron

If you are in the Shibuya area, you have to go to Boulangerie Patisserie Viron. They have good bread, and also very fascinating desserts. On the ground floor, the boulangerie sells bread and pastries. You can also choose to dine in the brasserie on the second floor.

33-8 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03 5458 1770
Station: Shibuya

Hidemi Sugino

It is not exaggerating to say that Hidemi Sugino is one of the best pastry chefs in Tokyo. The patisserie makes beautiful pastries and is particularly known for their mousse cakes. Finding the place is slightly challenging, but once you get there, you will agree that it is worth the trip. The popular cakes are always sold out, so make sure you get there early.

3-6-17, Kyobashi 1F, Chuo, Tokyo
Tel: 03 3538 6780
Station: Kyobashi or Ginza 1-Chrome

Henri Charpentier

Henri Charpentier well-loved by the world by now. They make exceptional desserts and pastries that are awards-worthy. Its flagship outlet at Tokyo is a classy setting of a tea salon. Fans of lemon desserts have to try Henri Charpentier’s Tarte Au Citron; it is the best we’ve had.

Bring back a piece of Henri Charpenter in the form of takeaway snacks (¥683 or S$9) such as madeleines, financiers and biscuits – they all come in very pretty boxes. They definitely make great gifts for friends and colleagues.

2-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tel: 03 3562 2721
Station: Ginza-Itchome (metro exit 9), Ginza (metro exit A13)

Pierre Hermé Chocolate Bar

What more can be said about Pierre Hermé? He is the God of desserts. He is the Picasso of Pastry. He brought French pastry to a whole new level.

Pierre Hermé’s Chocolate Bar, an elegant 20-seater cafe in Aoyama, is a place not to be missed when you are in Tokyo. Besides the signature cakes, pastries and macarons, the chocolate bar offers a dessert degustation which showcases the best of Pierre Herme’s creations.

La Porto Aoyama 1-2F
5-51-8 Jingyumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Station: Omotesando

Sadaharu Aoki

Nobody should leave Tokyo without visiting Sadaharu Aoki. This famous Japanese-trained pastry chef made his name in Paris by creating French desserts with Japanese flavours. Aoki makes exquisite macarons with Japanese flavours like sesame, matcha, yuzu and genmaicha. And their eclairs… what’s a better word than ‘divine’? We dare claim that Sadaharu Aoki has the best eclairs in the world.

Tokyo Midtown B1F
9-7-4 Akasaka Minato-ku Tokyo
Station: Roppongi

For more recommendations, read our Tokyo Food & Travel Guides.