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.

Café Kitsuné is one Parisian name that comes to mind whenever the Parisian cafe scene is discussed. And yes, it is by Kitsuné, the French music record label and fashion label with the iconic fox logo.

Café Kitsuné Paris is easily one of the prettiest cafes in Paris.

Here’s a peek into the quaint outlet in Tokyo that you totally have to include for your next cafe-hopping in Tokyo, Japan.

Café Kitsuné Tokyo is situated conveniently in Aoyama, just around the corner of Omotesando station.

The Japanese outpost has seats both indoor and outdoor—all bearing Japanese influences such as fusuma sliding doors and tatami. Its iconic photo spot is that one table in the outdoor, with bamboo poles forming a backdrop of sorts and the huge ‘Café Kitsuné’ signage.

At Café Kitsuné, there is no second doubt. Go for the Matcha Latte. That is what they are known for. But do know that Café Kitsuné’s rendition is a less-sweet one, with slight bitter after notes—but this only means quality matcha powder is used for every cuppa.

You might need to take note of the minimum order per person at Café Kitsuné Tokyo—at least a drink each in order to get a table and to sit around.

Café Kitsuné Tokyo
3 Chome-17-1 Minamiaoyama, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
Tel: +81 3 5786 4842
Daily: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando

Koso-an is a traditional teahouse in Tokyo and it offers a quintessential Japanese experience that all first-timers to Tokyo should try.

Enjoying a Japanese tea session in a traditional teahouse that overlooks a Japanese garden should be on everyone’s bucket list. Enjoy some quiet moments and embrace the peacefulness while eating traditional Japanese desserts & tea.

And you can do just that at Koso-an. Here’s why you should add the humble teahouse to your itinerary for your next visit to Tokyo.

Koso-an is tucked in a quiet corner of Jiyugaoka. You wouldn’t otherwise know it is a teahouse unless you pay close attention, for all it has is a small wooden signboard which reads ‘open’.

Follow the stone pathway and walk across the pretty little Japanese garden and you will be led to a pavilion. It isn’t a very big one; just enough to sit about 20 people. That is why a line always forms, but good things are worth the wait.

On the menu, you do not get many choices—just a few regular Nippon drinks and sweet treats in the likes of matcha tea, matcha desserts and shiratama zensai (red beans with dumplings).

Anmitsu (¥830) is a summer favourite. A gorgeous bowl of fruits and jelly, topped with bean jam and served with a cup of tea, this is a simple yet authentic Japanese treat.

Not too big a fan of sweets? There is the Macha (¥830)—a serving of bitter and creamy Japanese green tea with a homemade confectionery.

You see, nothing at Koso-an is overly fancy; yet, it hits all the right spots with its homeliness, simplicity, and authenticity.

Koso-an
1 Chome-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro, Tokyo 152-0035, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3718 4203
Thu to Tue (Closed on Wed): 11am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Jiyugaoka

You’d probably have seen photos and boomerang videos of these fluffy pancakes on Instagram. They jiggle when you shake the plate, they really do.

All hail Cafe Gram’s Japanese-style Soufflé Pancakes, the one thing you must eat when in Japan!

Cafe Gram became famous for these and we have every reason for you to add this to your must-eat list. Heck, you should even fly to Japan for it!

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. This means you should tuck into it right after taking your photos and boomerang videos.

Looking all cloud-like, they sure entice both young and old. Just look around you; every table in the cafe would have a portion of these pancakes.

And yes, they do live up to the hype. It is not just a marketing gimmick as you might see it as. Well, we admit we were sceptical too but hell, were we proven wrong!

Despite looking like a mountain of sugar, Cafe Gram’s soufflé pancakes are actually pretty light in taste. Bite into it and you would be rewarded with an airy texture with a slight crisp, something like meringue, but less sweet. It also boasts a subtle eggy and creamy taste, but nothing too cloyingly sweet.

Be warned that the queues will be long and the pancakes are only available during specific hours of the day. The three timings for the pancakes are 11am, 3pm & 6pm.

And do you know why queues are formed despite the specific timings? Becuase there are only 20 portions per timing. Our suggestion is to go 15 minutes before the “golden hours” for a better chance to secure a slot.

Gram
Jiyugaoka, 2 Chome??????
Tel: +81 3 5726 8384
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Jiyugaoka

Internet Cafés in Singapore might not have very good reputations. Most of the time, they are just boring rented units equipped with computers, a working Wi-Fi connection, and perhaps some snacks and drinks to keep you satiated.

The Japanese, however, take their Internet Cafés very seriously. They are often associated with Manga Kissa (or Manga Cafés). @Bagus Gran Cyber Café in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is one such place, and a single visit there has completely changed our opinions of Internet Cafés.

The place is hygienic, comfortable, and they even provide private cubicles for napping! Here are a couple of reasons Why You Should Visit @Bagus Gran Cyber Café In Shinjuku Tokyo At Least Once In Your Life.

#1 THEY HAVE PRIVATE CUBICLES

Yes, you read that right. Unlike other regular Internet Cafés you probably know of, @Bagus Gran Cyber Café actually offers private, enclosed cubicles so you do not need to mix around with other strangers.

These cubicles even come with mattresses, pillows, plugs, a lamp, and of course, a computer. It is little wonder that you will find locals sleeping in @Bagus overnight. The place is actually a good last minute accommodation option if you ever find yourself needing a place to stay without prior bookings.

There are even cubicles for women only, so it feels safer and more comfortable.

#2 THERE ARE FREE SNACKS

Corn soup, hot chocolate and or ice-cold milk—all for free? Sign us up!

@Bagus Gran Cyber Café offers free mini snacks and drinks via vending machines. If you are willing to pay a little more, you can even get hot fries, nuggets, wedges and pastries.

#3 THEY HAVE CLEAN TOILETS AND SHOWERS

The Japanese are very particular when it comes to hygiene, and @Bagus does not fall short in this aspect. The toilets are spick and span, and they offer shower rooms so you can wash up after spending a night at the café.

#4 CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF MAGAZINES AND MANGA

@Bagus is a manga café after all, and the café has shelves after shelves completely filled with manga books of all kinds. If manga is not your thing, you can otherwise pick up a generic magazine or two from their extensive collection.

#5 YOU CAN EVEN HAVE A GAME OF DARTS

Besides surfing the Internet or burying your head in manga, you can also opt for a game of darts in their in-house darts room.

#6 THEY OFFER AFFORDABLE RATES

Prices for staying six hours overnight in a private cubicle at @Bagus Gran Cyber Café starts from ¥980, and subsequently goes up by ¥100-¥200 for every 30 minutes exceeded.

Luggage storage is free too!

@Bagus Gran Cyber Café
3F Adhoc Shinjuku Building
3-15-11, Shinjuku
160-0022, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5363-6253
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku

Photo Credit: Spoon Tamago

Harajuku in Tokyo has always been known as the place where bold fashion comes to life, vibrant colours dot the streets, and Lolita dressing reigns supreme. It is where you find all things crazy and out-of-the-world.

Among its multitude of themed cafes sits Kawaii Monster Café, a kaleidoscopic spot that has been attracting visitors ever since it opened its doors in late 2015. The interiors reflect the essence of Harajuku dreams—gigantic lips, swirling colours, and kiddie carousels. Even their food is colourful!

Photo Credit: Tsunagu Japan

Kawaii Monster Café is meant to be a visual representation of the spirit of Harajuku; and they did not fall short of expectation. The inside of the space is supposedly the stomach of Choppy, the café’s ambassador.

Upon arrival, you do not just get assigned to an ordinary seat with wooden tables and chairs. Kawaii Monster Café is broken up into four themed areas; take your pick from Mushroom Disco, Milk Stand, Bar Experiment, and the Mel-Tea Room.

Photo Credit: Our Kawaii Tokyo

Even the culinary experience in Kawaii Monster Café is colourful. The Colourful Rainbow Pasta features rainbow noodles and is paired with five unique coloured sauces. The Melty Pancake is a mountain of pink cream, while the Colourful Poison Parfait is decorated with chunks of flashy meringues.

Photo Credit: Tokyo Girls Update

But of course, Harajuku is not complete without cute dressing and cosplay, so it is no surprise that the cafe has their very own Monster Girls.

Kawaii Monster Café consists of everything you would imagine Harajuku to be, and a trip to the district would not be complete without stopping by this cafe.

Kawaii Monster Café
YM square building 4F
4-31-10, Jingumae, Shibuya,Tokyo
Tel: +81 03-5413-6142
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 4.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

UberEATS has finally launched in Tokyo, Japan! We were invited to the launch of the app in Tokyo and had a full experience of UberEATS, from tap to table.

While UberEATS has been around in Singapore for awhile, this launch in Japan is the 8th country and 34th city added to their fast-growing and extensive list.

Their mission is simple – to make eating well effortless at anytime for anyone. The efficiency of tapping on your smart device and having a meal or snack delivered right to your doorstep is our idea of convenience. In Tokyo, 150 restaurant partners have partnered up with UberEATS for this launch and there will definitely be gradual expansion in time to come.

Launched on 29 September 2016, UberEATS has already been a hit with the local crowd. Tokyo is a unique city as it has a strong dining culture. UberEATS in Tokyo is so diverse because you can get anything from a simple Acai Bowl to a full on restaurant-quality meal from Michelin-starred restaurants such as SOUGO.

It was definitely a challenge to bring UberEATS to such a bustling city but the team managed to pull it off. Tokyo itself has an impressive 226 Michelin stars, way more than Paris’ 94.

And yes, you can have food from Michelin-starred restaurants delivered to your home too!

The city of Tokyo is very fast-paced and people sometimes do not have the luxury of time to leave their workplace to grab food. With UberEATS, all they need is a smart device and the app and they could tap their meal of choice and have it delivered right to wherever they are.

The app is extremely easy to use. The wait is generally short, at an average of about 20 to 30 minutes, and our quickest delivery arrived 8 minutes.

We also liked that every meal is so intricately prepared and planned—from the initial preparation, right down to the quality, temperature control and even the packaging to ensure that the food gets to you in tip top condition.

From now until 29 October 2016, UberEATS will be offering One Coin Meals at ¥500 to kickstart the app for anyone and everyone to try.

Think gourmet burgers, ramen and even healthy grain and salad bowls delivered right to you with no extra costs. Yes, the delivery fee is waived.

Even SOUGO, helmed by two michelin-starred chef Daisuke Nomura, has come onboard to offer an extremely value-for-money meal set for just ¥500 as part of this campaign. We need not tell you how awesome this deal is, right?

L to R: Masami Takahashi – President of Uber Japan; and Simon Rossi – Regional General Manager of UberEATS APAC

How to order via UberEATS:
1. Download the app via the App Store or Google Play.
2. Select your location on the app.
3. Pick your desired meal or food item.
4. Check out with a simple tap.
5. Track your food as it gets to you.

One Coin (¥500) Campaign
For the month of October, UberEATS Japan will be offering ¥500 meals from several different restaurants to provide anyone the opportunity to try the app out and get a seriously good meal at an affordable price.

Visit www.ubereats.com for more details.

This trip to Tokyo is made possible by UberEATS.

You might think the Japanese already have it all – fresh, succulent sashimi, picture-perfect sweet crepes, takoyaki and yakitori. But just when you think things cannot get any better, you find Café Baron, a space inhabited by owls. Yes, owls.

You do not need to visit a zoo now to see these intelligent creatures. Café Baron allows you to get up close and personal with the animals, all while you sip a cup of tea or coffee, and dine on some tantalising curries and desserts.

Photos Credit: bento.com

But do be mindful, this is not like the other animal cafes you will find around Japan. Café Baron adopts a ‘hands-off’ policy – guests are not allowed to touch the owls, as it agitates them. You can, however, take pictures of them as long as your turn your flash off.

There are four main resident owls – two Great Greys, an Ural Owl and an adorable Barn owl.

Photo Credit: Animal Cafes

Owls are not the only animals you will get to see at the café; there are lizards too! And no, they are not the conventional house lizards that you will find scurrying around apartment. You can find the Yellow-Headed Water Monitor as well as the Mangrove Monitor hanging out in their respective tanks.

Besides allowing you to cosy up next to an owl, Café Baron is also known for the curries and sweet desserts such as the Hot Apple Tart.

A bonus? The owner also speaks fluent English! Chilling at this quiet little café space sounds like a great idea for a sunny afternoon in Tokyo.

Café Baron
3-10-5 Koenji-Kita
Suginami-ku Tokyo
Daily: 11am – 6pm (Closed on Wed)
Nearest Station: Koenji

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.

Housed in a machiya (traditional wooden house) in the Omotesando neighbourhood, Omotesando Koffee is a small and simple space, and it feels as though you are having coffee in a neighbour’s house. It would appear that Omotesando Koffee is just like a normal residence from a first glance, but if you look deeper and step in for a cuppa, you will discover that it is really a space that houses one of the best-kept secrets in Tokyo.

Omotesando Koffee is one of the most talked-about coffee shops in Tokyo, and after visiting it, we can understand why. It is nothing like your usual coffee shops. It is a tiny spot with a bench in the garden courtyard where you can enjoy your coffee. That is all. But that small compound offers so much wonder, indeed.

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

Omotesando Koffee is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Best Coffee Shops.

Japan is the world’s most innovative nation, and there is always something new to discover. Every time we visit Tokyo, we will be super inspired by all the fascinating dining concepts in the capital city.

With so many restaurants and cafes to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to eat in Tokyo. From a stunning flower tea salon, to a Brooklyn-inspired pancake house, we have picked our favourites in this guide to Tokyo’s Top 14 Cafes to visit.

#1 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.

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

#2 BILLS

Perched on the top floor of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, Bills is the hottest breakfast spot in Tokyo at the moment. This popular Australian cafe by Bill Granger is extremely popular, so be prepared to wait in line for the signature ricotta pancakes and organic scrambled eggs.

7F Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
4-30-3 Jingumae, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5772 1133
Daily: 8.30am – 11pm

#3 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.

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

#4 GONTRAN CHERRIER

Singaporeans will be familiar with celebrity baker Gontran Cherrier, who is behind the popular Tiong Bahru Bakery on our sunny island.

Gontran Cherrier Artisan Bakery in Tokyo has garnered a cult following among the Japanese, with its range of Japanese-inspired creations. The bakery cafe in the Shibuya neighbourhood is a great spot to grab a quick bite before exploring the area.

1-14-11 Shibuya
Daily: 7.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#5 Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar

Also at Omotesando – just a stone’s throw away from Omotseando Koffee – is Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar. If you are cafe-hopping in the area, you have to make a pitstop here.

3-5-2 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku,Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3478 6276
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 12am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando Exit A2/Meiji-Jingumae

#6 L’OCCITANE CAFE

Located directly across the road from Shibuya Station, L’occitane Cafe not only serves really healthy and wholesome food, but also commands a great view of the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Shibuya Ekimae build
2-3-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
Tel: +65 03-5428-1563
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#7 LOTUS CAFE

Just a few steps from 76 Cafe and Maisen Tonkatsu is Lotus, a hipster cafe in Omotesando. The combination of a cosy interior, affordable food, good magazines, and excellent location in the heart of Omotesando makes Lotus a place to return to again and again.

It opens till late night – quite the perfect place if you are feeling peckish in the middle of the night.

4-6-8 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5772 6077
Mon to Thu, & Sun: 11am – 3am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 4am
Nearest Station: Omotesando (A2 Exit)

#8 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

#9 PARIYA

Tucked along an alley in Kita-Aoyama, Pariya is a delicatessen which serves a decent meal with healthy options. For ¥1,050, you get a set of rice, main, salad and side.

3-12-14, Kita-Aoyama
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3409 8468
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando

#10 RAINBOW PANCAKE CAFE

This pancake specialist serves all kinds of sweet and savoury pancakes (prices start from ¥1,100). Try the much-lauded Macadamia nut sauce Pancake.

2F, 4-28-4, Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 6434 0466
Daily: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku/Meiji-Jingumae

#11 SUZU CAFE

Our 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.

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

#12 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 Shibuya – 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

#13 VIRON BAKERY

If you are in the Shibuya area, Boulangerie Patisserie Viron is one pitstop you must not miss. Think good bread and desserts that are so oishii, you will linger for more. On the ground floor, the boulangerie sells bread and pastries. You can also choose to dine in the brasserie on the second floor.

Boulangerie Patisserie Viron is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Best Patisseries.

33-8 Udagawa-cho
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5458 1770
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#14 NALU 76 CAFE

Nalu 76 Cafe marries the concept of a cafe and hair salon, and it has always been a favourite among locals. They are pets-friendly, too! We wouldn’t come here for the food, but it is a nice place to chill out and have coffee when you are in the area.

4-9-2 Jingumae
Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 5786 1781
Nearest Station: Omotesando

For more recommendations and tips, read our curated Tokyo’s food and 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

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.

Like an indoor greenhouse but with an impeccable sophistication, the tea house is lavishly decorated with fresh flowers of the season. Scattered, lined, tied on vines, sprouting from under… we were lost in the splendiferous floral world with all kinds of richly-coloured species blooming in their unique forms, and filling the space with a wondrous mix of scents so delicate. 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.

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House serves several unique blends, and our pick is the Refresh Blend (¥787), which is a blend of five different herbs – rosemary, lemongrass, lemonbalm, spearmint, and pineapplemint. There are also other options like Rose Tea (¥735), Rooibos Tea (¥735), and the popular Ispahan (¥735), which combines tea, rose, Jasmine and Violet.

The food menu is small and concise. A simple Salad (¥1050) and Sandwich (¥1050) with bacon, tomato and tartar sauce are available. For something more hearty, go for the Beef Stew (¥1575). Don’t expect much from the food, though. After all, it is a tea house where people step in to rejuvenate the mind and soul, and unwind over tea and desserts.

And we insist you order the The Rose Parfeit (¥892) – a gorgeous ensemble of rose jelly, sorbet, crumbs and foam. Else, go for the Flower French Toast (¥892) – a party of fruits, fresh cream and vanilla ice cream atop a nicely toasted brioche.

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House 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.

Words by Melody Yap, photographs by ladyironchef

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

Whenever I travel to a new city, I always make it my mission to look for good coffee joints, and my recent trip to Tokyo was no exception. We managed to check out many popular cafes that serve speciality coffee in the Capital city.

Where to find a good cup of coffee in Tokyo? Read on for our picks on the best coffee shops in Tokyo.

Be a Good Neighbour

This coffee kiosk has two outlets in Tokyo – one in Sendagaya, and the other at the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. If you are visiting Tokyo Skytree, remember to drop by for a cuppa.

Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi 2F
1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5619 1692
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Oshiage Station/Tokyo Sky Tree Station

Bear Pond Espresso

Bear Pond Espresso is located at Shimokitazawa, and it is slightly out of the way. Luckily, they have a coffee kiosk No. 8 Bear Pond Espresso which shares a storefront with On The Corner Cafe in Shibuya. Admittedly, service can be a bit patchy, but if it does not bother you, the coffee here is excellent.

1-17-1 Shibuya
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 6427 7273
Sun to Wed: 11.30am – 12am
Thu to Sat: 11.30am – 4am
Nearest Station: Shibuya

Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar

Also at Omotesando – just a stone’s throw away from Omotseando Koffee – is Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar. If you are cafe-hopping in the area, you have to make a pitstop here.

3-5-2 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku,Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3478 6276
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 12am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando Exit A2/Meiji-Jingumae

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), 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!

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

Sarutahiko

Just a stone’s throw from Ebisu Station is Sarutahiko. The small cafe has limited seats, and is not really a place to linger, but if you are in the area, you should definitely drop by to have a drink, or to takeaway coffee.

1-6-6 Ebisu
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5422 6970
Mon to Fri: 8am – 12.30 midnight
Sat & Sun: 10am – 12.30 midnight

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 rockstar in the local coffee scene. Even though Streamer Coffee Company is located on the fringe of Shibuya – 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.

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

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