When thinking of a family-friendly place to travel to, Tokyo isn’t a place that typically comes to mind. Although Tokyo is known for being a vibrant, bustling city i.e., not quite suitable for travelling with children, you’d be surprised to know that there are a number of activities/places that you can visit with your children and form precious memories as a family.

Instead of avoiding travelling to Tokyo until the kids are older, we’ve done the work for you. This way, you can slot these activities into your Tokyo itinerary and still enjoy Tokyo and its beauty as an adult. So here are 9 Child-Friendly Places To Visit In Tokyo. Have fun planning! 

#1 ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM

If your children are big fans of marine life, the Art Aquarium Museum will definitely be a delight. Located on the 8th and 9th floor of the Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building, the Art Aquarium Museum is designed by Hidetomo Kimura who has created 9 different exhibition spaces with moving projections, lights, and thousands of goldfish.

Admission tickets will set you back by 2,300 yen (online pricing) or 2,500 yen (same-day ticket) and tickets can be easily purchased outside the museum. The Art Aquarium Museum also offers free admission for up to 2 children under elementary school age with every adult ticket purchased.

Art Aquarium Museum
4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo City
Tokyo 104-8212, Japan

#2 FIRE MUSEUM

The Fire Museum is located within the Yotsuya Fire Station in Shinjuku, and is dedicated to sharing the city’s history with fire-fighting. The Fire Museum has a decent number of interactive exhibits which your children will enjoy, and most of their displays are accompanied by English write-ups. One tip is to start your visit at the basement of the Fire Museum and then make your way up through the different floors of the museum. Once at the rooftop, you’d be rewarded with a beautiful view of Shinjuku and also have the chance to enter a helicopter. 

The Fire Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:30am to 5pm and admission is free for all. However, do note that the museum’s opening hours may be adjusted during national holidays or festive periods, so do double check their opening hours when planning your visit.

Fire Museum
3-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo 101-8301, Japan

#3 MAXELL AQUA PARK SHINAGAWA

You can never go wrong with a trip to the aquarium. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is one of the most popular public aquariums in Tokyo and is home to approximately 450 species and 18,000 marine animals. Apart from enjoying the sights of the  marine animals, you’d also be treated to a brilliant dolphin performances, penguin performances, otter performances and more.

Admission is free for children below 4 years old. Tickets for children between 4 years old and elementary school age cost 800 yen, and cost 1,300 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is open daily from 10am to 8pm (last entry at 7pm).

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa 4-10-30 Takanawa,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8611, Japan

#4 MIPIG CAFE

One interesting animal cafe experience that will interest both children and adults alike is the mipig cafe. The mipig cafe is Japan’s very first animal cafe which offers visitors the opportunity to encounter and learn more about micro pigs. Here, the micro pigs will walk freely around the cafe, and some of them may even fall asleep on your lap.

mipig cafe has 4 outlets in Tokyo and entry fees are fixed at 1,100 yen. Visitors who are above 4 years of age will also be charged a usage fee of 1,100 yen per half an hour block. And if your children are interested in a more intimate experience, a top up of 550 yen per pax per half an hour is required for the Private Room plan. For those visiting, please note that the cafe only accepts reservations and slots are available from 10am to 8pm daily.

mipig cafe
Jingumae 1-15-4,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

#5 SENSO-JI TEMPLE

Senso-Ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in Tokyo. The temple grounds are absolutely stunning and you’d be treated to views of the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the Asakusa Shrine, the main hall and the 5-storey pagoda.

After taking in sights of the temple, you and your family can explore the Namakise (a shopping street of over 200 metres) whilst walking from the outer gate to the temple’s second gate. The Namakise is filled with many traditional shops, dining spots, shops selling souvenirs and o-mikuji (fortune) stalls, all of which will definitely keep your children occupied. Also, as Senso-Ji Temple is quite close to a number of kimono/yukata rental shops, head on down to snap some pictures at this beautiful temple after the family dons on their selected kimono/yukata. 

Senso-ji Temple
2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City,
Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

#6 SMALL WORLDS MINIATURE MUSEUM

The Small Worlds Miniature Museum is one of the largest miniature museums in Asia which spans across a total area of 7,000 square metres. Here, your children will explore 8 themed areas with different landscapes (including some familiar landscapes like Hong Kong, an airport), and will be entertained by the various moving features of the exhibits.

The museum is open from 9am to 7pm daily, and entry to the museum will end at 6pm. Tickets are free for children under 3 years of age, and for families visiting with young children, the museum is equipped with diaper changing facilities and a nursing room. 

Small Worlds Miniature Museum
Ariake Butsuryu Centre, 1-3-33 Ariake,
Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0063, Japan

#7 TEAMLAB PLANETS 

TeamLab Planets is arguably one of Tokyo’s most famous interactive museums which comprises 4 artwork spaces and 2 gardens. Here, visitors will walk through the museum barefoot, and be taken on a journey through the water, the garden and the flowers. However, as one of the artwork spaces requires visitors to walk through water, do ensure that your children are dressed appropriately. If not, you will likely need to carry them through the space for safety reasons.

As TeamLab Planets is rather popular with both locals and tourists, on top of reserving your tickets in advance, we would recommend visiting early in the day to beat the queue. Admission is free for children under 3 years of age and 1,500 yen for children between 4 to 12 years of age.

TeamLab Planets
6 Chome 1-16 Toyosu,
Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan

#8 TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

You can’t say you’ve been to Tokyo if you’ve never visited Tsukiji Fish Market. Although the wholesale business has moved to Toyosu Market, there are still plenty of retail shops at the Tsukiji Outer Market which offers fresh seafood, produce and dried goods for sale.

If you’re accustomed to the usual seafood display in our grocery marts at home, Tsukiji Fish Market will be an eye-opening experience for not just you, but the children. And for those travelling with strollers, do not fret. The walkways of Tsukiji Fish Market are sufficiently big, so navigating the market with a stroller won’t be difficult.

Tsukiji Fish Market
4-14-2, Tsukiji, Chuo City,
104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture

#9 YOYOGI PONY PARK

For free pony rides in Tokyo, head on down to Yoyogi Pony Park. At Yoyogi Pony Park, your children will get the chance to enjoy pony rides and brush ponies for free. Children above 85cm in height will be able to participate in the pony riding experience solo whereas children below the aforesaid height requirement can enjoy the pony ride with an adult, subject to a total weight of 75kg.

Yoyogi Pony Park offers 2 pony ride sessions a day from Tuesday to Friday and an additional session on the weekends. Pony rides must also be redeemed with a card to be collected from one of their staff members prior to each pony ride session. As for pony brushing sessions, 2 such sessions are scheduled from Tuesday to Friday and an additional 2 sessions are available on the weekends.

Yoyogi Pony Park
4-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City,
Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Tel: +81333739996

When you think of Japan, you think of fresh seafood. And when you think of a fresh seafood market in Tokyo, Tsukiji Fish Market would definitely come to mind.

Prior to 2018, Tsukiji Fish Market was recognised as the largest wholesale seafood market in the world. Come 2018, the wholesale businesses in Tsukiji Fish Market (aka the Tsukiji Inner Market) moved to Toyosu Market but the retail shops continued operating at the Tsukiji Outer Market. Here, you’d still be able to find all sorts of fresh seafood, produce and even dried goods.

So if you’re planning a trip to Tokyo soon and have yet to experience what Tsukiji Fish Market has to offer, read on to find out why a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market would be worth your time.

If you’ve never been to Tsukiji Fish Market, this is what you can expect. You’ll walk down a walkway lined with numerous shops selling all sorts of fresh seafood and live seafood. As there is a certain degree of overlap in the spread of seafood that each store offers, it would be prudent to walk through the entire market before settling on your purchase to make sure that you get a bang for your buck.

We visited Tsukiji Fish Market in the late morning on a weekday, and were pleasantly surprised to still find quite a number of locals and tourists buzzing around the different stalls. Even so, given the size of the walkway, we were able to navigate Tsukiji Fish Market quite easily even with a stroller.

For those unsure of whether it would be worthwhile bringing young children to Tsukiji Fish Market, we assure you that it is. Apart from our toddler’s fascination with the array of seafood offerings, most of the store owners were friendly and even took the initiative to interact with our toddler whilst we were perusing their seafood options.

One of our favourite parts of Tsukiji Fish Market was this humble tuna store which not only sold fresh tuna, but also performed a live tuna carving for customers to enjoy. Once cut, the store separated the cuts of tuna sashimi according to their grades, and packaged them accordingly for sale.

Thinking of cooking your fresh seafood upstairs? Think again. Whilst there is an outdoor dining area and a food court at the top floor of Tsukiji Fish Market, there are no facilities or restaurants where you can pay to have your fresh seafood purchases cooked. But if you intend to enjoy your seafood sashimi-style, you can definitely head upstairs to enjoy your food.

Tsukiji Fish Market
4-14-2, Tsukiji, Chuo City,
104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture

Contrary to popular belief, Tokyo is actually home to a decent number of child-friendly activities that both locals and tourists can enjoy. For those who are looking for animal-based activities but aren’t keen on such experiences indoors, you need to include Yoyogi Pony Park in your itinerary. 

Yoyogi Pony Park offers children the opportunity to enjoy pony rides and brush ponies. Best of all, it’s absolutely free. This small park is also situated near to the famous Meiji Jingu, so you can treat Yoyogi Pony Park as a pitstop for the children to have fun at before exploring the surroundings of Meiji Jingu.

Yoyogi Pony Park offers 2 pony ride sessions for children under the age of 12 from Tuesday to Friday (1:30pm – 2:15pm and 2:30pm – 3:15pm)* and an additional session from 10:30am – 11:15am on weekends.

Do note that your child has to be at least 85cm to take part in this pony riding experience alone and that they will only be entitled to a pony ride once around the track. Children between 1 and 3 years old can sit on the pony together with their parents, subject to a total weight of 75kg.

Before participating in this experience, children will need to collect a card from Yoyogi Pony Park’s staff, which they will subsequently drop into a box before mounting the pony. Ticket distribution is between 1:30pm – 2:15pm (except Thursdays) and 2:30pm – 3:15pm.

Just a tip: As this park is frequented by quite a number of local children, we’d advise you to reach the park at least 15 minutes before the scheduled sessions as Yoyogi Pony Park’s staff will start handing out cards to children around this time. Also, as there is only one pony available for the pony ride sessions, being present early would also allow you to beat the queue.

As for brushing the ponies, there are 2 “Brushing Time” sessions scheduled each day (1:30pm – 1:45pm, and 2:30pm – 2:45pm)* and these sessions are also free. If you’re visiting on the weekend, there is an additional sessions from 10:30am – 10:45am and 3:30pm – 3:45pm. During these sessions, children get to choose from a basket of small brushes and thereafter brush the adorable ponies for at least half a minute. Thankfully, the queues for these sessions aren’t long and Yoyogi Pony Park does not restrict you from rejoining the queues for this experience.

Before visiting, do remember to run a check online to see if there are any events ongoing outside the Yoyogi Pony Park as they may put horse riding sessions on hold if the events are too loud for the ponies. Pony riding is also suspended from January to February and from July to September.

Yoyogi Pony Park
4-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City,
Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Tel: +81333739996

*The sessions stated above are accurate as at the time of writing. Please double check the slots online before making arrangements to visit Yoyogi Pony Park. 

From sushi, to sashimi and ramen, Tokyo has it all. However, for those who love their desserts and pastries, there’s one place that should not be missed: Truffle Bakery.

If you love anything truffle, you must pay a visit to Truffle Bakery in Tokyo. The popular bakery has gained a huge following for two of its signature pastries infused with a rich truffle flavor that is so irresistible, you may find yourself unable to stop eating them.

Once you step into Truffle Bakery, the aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air. The counters are filled with a selection of beautiful and delicious pastries, and bread.

The bestsellers at Truffle Bakery are the two signature pastries made with truffle–the white truffle salt bread and a black truffle egg sandwich.

The white truffle salt bread is so popular that each customer can only get five buns. The bread is stuffed with their homemade truffle butter. As it bakes, the butter melts and infuses the bun with a rich, indulgent flavor.

To further enhance the savory umami taste, the buns are brushed with truffle oil and sprinkled with truffle salt once they are out of the oven.

Apart from their famous truffle breads, Truffle Bakery also has an array of bread and pastries including croissant, melon bread, shokupan, cream bread, and pain au chocolat.

Truffle Bakery is a must-visit bakery in Tokyo for anyone who loves pastries. There is always a long queue, but it is definitely worth the wait. The next time you are visiting the city, be sure to stop by and indulge in some of the best pastries you will ever taste.

Truffle Bakery
1 Chome-15-2 Monzennakacho
Koto City, Tokyo 135-0048, Japan

5 Chome-15-16 Minamiazabu
Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan

Located in Ginza, Gyu-an is a hole-in-the-wall steak restaurant in Tokyo which is known for affordable Kobe beef, with their set lunches starting from ¥1,000.

Gyu-an is a humble restaurant with traditional Japanese-style decor and it specialises in Kobe beef. While most of the staff are elderly aunties who do not speak much English, they are very friendly and welcoming.

The restaurant offers a variety of beef dishes to choose from, including steak, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu or Hamburg steak. Prices range from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 for the set lunches, while you can also get premium Kobe Beef Fillet Steak at ¥16,200.

We had the Kobe Lean Beef Steak (¥5,900 for 200g) and while the beef was good, it was a tad too lean for our liking.

Served on a hot plate, the sukiyaki-style beef (¥1,300) was excellent value for the quality and portion of the meat, especially for a restaurant in Ginza. We’d highly recommend this dish.

Do note that they only accept walk-ins during lunch while you can make a reservation for dinner. Gyu-an is a place where you can have a great meal and enjoy Kobe beef without breaking the bank.

Gyu-an
6 Chome-13-6 Ginza, Chuo City
Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Photo Credit: Fuglen Asakusa

This mod café in the heart of a traditional neighbourhood is Norwegian coffee purveyor Fuglen’s second outlet in Tokyo.

In the vicinity of the historic Senso-Ji, it occupies two floors of Nine Hours capsule hotel. Fans of Fuglen would be glad to know that they can purchase their house blends there. They retail brewing equipment and accessories as well.

There are many ways to soak in the minimalist aesthetics. From cosy communal tables, to window seats to enjoy the sunlight or outdoor seats to people-watch.

Stepping into the café, you can definitely feel the Scandinavian influence – from the tastefully done interior to the well-thought-out decor. Coupled with the soothing music and soft chatter floating in the background, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

This outlet offers a more diverse menu as compared to one at Shibuya. In addition to their usual coffee offerings, on the menu, you can find Norwegian waffles and some sweets such as Øland Cookie and Cardamon Biscotti.

The Norwegian waffles — with its distinct heart-shaped edges — are thinner and softer than your usual waffles. Crispy and slightly sweet, it went extremely well with the savoury toppings. Some topping choices include smoked salmon, cream cheese, scrambled egg, sausage and sauteed spinach.

Coffee shop by day and bar by night, the café is open till late from Wednesday through Saturday. Apart from an alternate night menu, Fuglen serves up cocktails, beer and live jazz. We can’t think of a better way to end the day.

Fuglen Asakusa
Asakusa 2-6-15, Taito-ku
Tokyo, Japan 111-0032
Sun to Tue: 7am – 10pm
Wed to Thu: 7am – 1am
Fri to Sat: 7am – 2am
Nearest Station: Asakusa Station

Every Spring, the world flocks to Japan for hanami (the act of cherry blossoms appreciation). The city will be coloured pink; cherry and plum blossom trees line the streets and the entire city is magically transformed into a flower paradise.

Tokyo, in particular, plays host to a big crowd of visitors from all over the world who bask in the beauty of the blooms. It is a phenomenal experience, and it is a sheer sight to behold. One cannot simply rely on pictures to see the beauty; being in Japan for hanami is essential to take in all the beauty and to witness the splendour of Spring.

There are many spots in Tokyo for hanami, and as much as there will be crowds, it will be worth your while. So if you’re heading to Tokyo this Spring, here are some popular spots where cherry blossom trees can be found in abundance.

SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN

This is undisputedly the most popular cherry blossom destination in Tokyo where cherry blossom trees can be seen at every corner. There is an entrance fee but it will be well worth the money spent.

Within Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, there are different types of sakura trees, and in Spring, the whole park is livened up with pinks of different hues. It is also a common spot for picnics and photoshoots.

YOYOGI PARK

Just farther up from Meiji-jingu is Yoyogi Park, another crowded cherry blossom spot during Spring because the locals love having picnics under the sakura trees. Expect over 600 sakura trees that boast mainly pale pink blooms. Food stands are also available within the park so you don’t have to bring your own.

Photo Credit: Tokyo in Pics

AOYAMA CEMETERY

Do not be spooked; this cemetery is actually a calm sanctuary and during Spring, it actually gets pretty crowded so you’d never be alone. There are hundreds of cherry blossom trees lining the straight road that cuts through the cemetery.

It is, after all, a graveyard so be mindful of your activity and noise level here. The locals usually keep their hanami activities quiet so as to respect the dead.

UENO PARK

Ueno Park is a family-friendly park in Tokyo that has more than just sakura. There is a whole row of street stalls where you can get a variety of Japanese snacks such as crab sticks, grilled octopus, takoyaki etc.

At the end of the park is a small pond where you can rent boats in the shape of swans. You’d see families peddling the boats and the kids really do love the sight of “swans” in the ponds against the hundreds of sakura trees!

CHIDORIGA-FUCHI

This is our favourite spot for hanami in Tokyo. Chidoriga-fuchi used to be pretty under the radar, but in recent years, it has gained popularity mainly from its boat rental. You might have seen pictures of people on the iconic blue boat, riding through the river that’s densely lined with sakura trees on both ends. It is a magnificent sight and we always return to this spot when we find ourselves in Tokyo for Spring. Be prepared to wait in line for hours for the boat, though.

Hanami doesn’t stop there. Take a stroll in the park where you find even more sakura trees, many of which are weeping kind where the cherry blossoms hang really low, making it the perfect backdrop for your selfies. But please do not pluck the flowers!

Photo Credit: Toshiro Gamo

KOISHIKAWA KORAKUEN

Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Japan’s most popular traditional Japanese landscape garden. It was built in the early Edo period (1600-1867). Koishikawa is the district in which the garden is located in, and the garden was named ‘Korakuen’ after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people.

The garden features several early blooming weeping cherry trees around the garden’s entrance gate, most prominently a weeping cherry blossom tree that blooms a few days earlier than all the other trees.

Photo Credit: Ambassadors Japan

ASAKUSA

Asakusa is another extremely popular spot in Tokyo for hanami. The landmark Senso-ji has sakura trees lining the front of its Hozomon Gate at Nakamise Street. It is not uncommon to see locals strolling the streets of Asakusa in their kimonos. If you’d love to don one, there are several rental shops in the vicinity too.

With Tokyo Sky Tree just behind Asakusa, you can also get photos of cherry blossoms “draping” the famous Tokyo tower.

Photo Credit: Good Luck Trip Japan

SUMIDA PARK

Farther up from Asakusa is Sumida Park, a common spot for hanami for visitors to Asakusa. Sumida Park stretches for a few hundred meters along both sides of Sumida River and hanami can also be enjoyed from boats that cruise the river.

Food stands are also available within Sumida Park.

MEGURO PARK

This is another perennial favourite of ours. Meguro River is exceptionally stunning both in the day and at night, with more than 800 trees lining the canal that stretches a few hundred meters. The trees will all light up when night falls.

There isn’t a designated spot for hanami but there are many “intervals” along the canal where you can stop for photos.

Photo Credit: JW Web Magazine

ASUKAYAMA PARK

This hilltop public park is one of Tokyo’s oldest hanami spots. It is extremely popular among locals and today, several hundred trees dot the park, hence creating many picnic spots.

The trees here also light up in the evening.

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.

Most Singaporeans are used to the idea of cat cafes—but when it comes to themed cafes, Singapore is not quite at Japan’s level yet.

Did you know that you can cuddle up to a stranger, play with an owl and even have vampires serving you in a cafe? Sounds crazy but these thematic cafes really do exist.

From Alice In Wonderland Cafes, Owl Cafes, Robot Restaurant to Penguin Cafes, here are 10 themed cafes in Japan that you should check out the next time you visit the country.

Source: Alice In An Old Castle

#1 ALICE IN WONDERLAND CAFE

Fans of Alice in Wonderland will be thrilled to dine in Japan’s Alice in Wonderland-themed cafes. There are such unique cafes in Ginza and Shinjuku districts of Tokyo, where visitors get to immerse themselves in the highly acclaimed novel.

Building 3 B1 171-0022 Tokyo Toshima-ku
2-16-8 Minami-Ikebukuro Fujikyu building east
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 5pm – 12am

#2 CUDDLE CAFE

A cuddle cafe might sound bizarre, but it is seriously what it is. Located in Tokyo’s quirky electronics district, Akihabara, customers basically pay a fee to sleep in the arms of a pretty girl or receive a foot massage. Their eccentric services range from 20 minutes to 7 hours.

KN Building 3F, 2-11 Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku
Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

Source: Thierry Draus

#3 FISHING RESTAURANT

Tokyo’s Fishing Restaurant operates on a simple yet fascinating philosophy—you eat what you fish. Visitors are given the option of letting the waiter fish for them, or they could catch fishes on their own. These fishing restaurants can be found across Japan in areas including Kyushu, Kanto, Kansai and Tokai.

High Manten Jinnan Building B1F,
1-19-3, Jinnan,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 4pm – 11pm

Source: Tsunagu Japan

#4 MAID CAFES

Maid cafes are the epitome of quirkiness. Waitresses are dressed like maids and the dishes served here are inherently cutesy. Think heart-shaped omelettes served by ‘kawaii’ cosplay girls. These maid cafes have different themes such as pop idols or Warring States Period.

Mitsuwa Building 4F-7F, Soto-Kanda 1-11-4, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 (0)3 3526 3131

Source: Travelog

#5 NINJA CAFES

If you have always dreamt of meeting a ninja, then pay a special trip to Tokyo’s Ninja Cafe. The interiors of this cafe are designed to mimic an ancient Japanese castle and waiters are dressed up as ninjas to complete your dining experience. A meal here is far from cheap, but the experience is certainly worthwhile for those who love ninjas.

Tokyu plaza Akasaka 1F
2-14-3, Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03-5157-3936

Source: Time Travel Turtle

#6 OWL CAFES

Over at Tokyo’s Akiba Fukurou Cafe, patrons get to interact with an owl for a period of one hour. Reservations are highly recommended and it costs ¥1,500 / S$16.65 for an entrance fee which includes a soft drink of your choice. Flash photography and disturbing of sleeping birds are prohibited.

7 Kanda Neribeicho, Chiyoda
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6206-4095
Mon, Wed to Fri: 12pm – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 7pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)

Source: Kotaku

#7 PENGUIN CAFES

Penguin cafes are very popular and one can find several of such themed cafes and even bars across Japan. The concept lies in the idea where you can watch penguins behind glass doors. Depending on the company, some establishments allow you to interact with these creatures during feeding times.

COSMY1 1st Floor, 2-38-2 Ikebukuro,
Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 03 5927 1310
Daily: 6pm – 4am

Source: Tokyo Times

#8 REPTILE CAFE

Move over, furry cutesy animals. Reptile Cafes are now catering to people who love cold-blooded creatures such as snakes and other scaly reptiles. Customers too must accept the fact that Reptile Cafes are not held responsible if they were to get bitten. Not one for the faint-hearted, indeed.

Sampo Sogo building 8F, 6-5-6 Jingumae,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6427-9912
Mon, Wed to Sun: 11am – 8pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)

Source: Timeout Tokyo

#9 ROBOT RESTAURANT

Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant is situated within a six-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and the dining establishment is unmistakable. Expect a loud and vibrant atmosphere featuring a multi-coloured dance floor, twirling disco balls and fembots! It is best to book online to avoid disappointment.

1-7-1 Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3200-5500
Daily: 3.30pm – 11.30pm

Source: Pinterest

#10 VAMPIRE CAFE

Tokyo’s Vampire Cafe has been in operations since a decade ago and it is designed to reflect Dracula’s castle. Each host’s dramatic make up and outfit make them look like gothic lolitas and of course, every single dish is named after a vampire. Visitors can anticipate bizarre drinks such as The Virgin’s Fresh Blood.

La Paix Building 7F 6-7-6 Ginza Chuou-Ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 03-3289-5360
Daily: 5pm – 11pm

Crowned as the best steakhouse in New York City by Zagat Survey for 30 years in a row, Peter Luger Steakhouse has earned itself a Michelin Star and it is perhaps one of the most famous steakhouses in New York City.

Established in Brooklyn (New York City) in 1887,  Peter Luger Steakhouse opened a second outlet in Long Island (New York City) in 1960.

Peter Luger Steakhouse is planning to open its first ever international outpost in 2020 in Tokyo, where they will bring their renowned dry-aged steak outside of New York for the first time.

Japan is known for their premium Wagyu beef, especially their Wagyu Katsu Sandwiches which took the internet by storm. While there is no doubt that one can turn to Japanese wagyu or Kobe beef to indulge in an extravagant meal, Peter Luger Steakhouse does not intend to use those meats in their Steakhouse.

Fourth-generation co-owner David Turtel says that Peter Luger’s identity is tied to USDA prime beef, which often represents less than 2% of graded beef cattle.

As such, you can expect to find the same USDA Prime beef used in the first 2 outlets in Tokyo’s branch, although they may incorporate the use of wagyu and Kobe beef in side dishes to cater to local palates.

Besides plans to ship the same USDA Prime used in the two NYC restaurants, the team also plans to have a dry-ageing room in Peter Luger Steakhouse Tokyo as like the other two branches.

Richly marbled wagyu is highly popular in Japan; it is almost a way of life. These pampered cattle are prized for its fats and the Japanese sure know how to appreciate wagyu.

Now, here’s the thing. Wagyu can be done in many ways, but the most unlikely way is to make gyu-katsu sandwiches out of them. It sounds like a shame; the cow didn’t die just to be stuffed in between slices of bread.

But that is exactly what Wagyumafia The Cutlet Sandwich is doing and these guys got famous for doing it! A recent trip to Tokyo made us travel to Nakameguro just for a taste of these famed (and expensive) sandwiches and we are now converts. We promise to never judge sandwiches ever again.

Sandwiches are usually sad and boring. Well, how exciting can bacon, lettuce and tomato get?

But Wagyumafia The Cutlet Sandwich in Tokyo gives sandwiches a new definition and instantly ups its appeal factor. These brilliant guys offer rich cuts of beef as their only filling for sandwiches and you’d have to try these sandwiches yourself to understand that indulgent feeling of a wagyu sandwich.

Yes, prices are not cheap; you have been warned. And, the small stall in Nakameguro has no ambience to speak of. Don’t expect a fancy place just because you are paying so much for a sandwich; it is really just a few bar tables to stand around, and two small tables outside the stall if you need a seat.

But nobody cares about all these frills when you have good gyu-katsu sandwiches. There is a variety of wagyu for you to choose from; the cheapest being a minced version for a mere ¥1,000. We’d say don’t bother with this and just go for the better cuts such as the Wagyu Zabuton Sando (¥5,000) and Wagyu Fillet Sando (¥10,000).

If you are willing to splurge, go for the Kobe Beef Shabu Sando—the most expensive wagyu sandwich on the menu at ¥20,000.

Every piece is deep-fried with a precise control of time to make the exterior slightly crisp, and for the sweet juices to be retained on the inside so that every bite is a gratifying one. Bread slices are lightly buttered and grilled for a while before they envelop your choice of wagyu. You can choose to have it with or without pickles.

That moment when you bite into the sandwich, you will be greeted with a sheer explosion of beefy flavours. And if you get the better cuts, you can literally feel the warm fats melting on your tongue.

To complete the experience, Wagyumafia also offers a range of Japanese craft beers.

Wagyumafia The Cutlet Sandwich
108 Meguro-ku,
Kamimeguro, 1 Chome?26
Tokyo, Japan 153-0051
Nearest Station: Naka-Meguro

Want to try the world’s richest black sesame ice cream?

Then you’d have to head to Tokyo. Located in Omotesando, Gomaya Kuki is a takeout-only ice cream store and is home to the best sesame ice cream we’ve ever tasted. It was simply unforgettable and if you haven’t tried, you are really missing out big time.

Gomaya Kuki is truly a hidden gem of Tokyo and here’s everything you need to know about their sesame ice cream.

Just shy of one year into their opening, Gomaya Kuki has gained a steady following; imagine the number of people who have tasted the best, and you are not one of them yet.

There is a saying that if you want to indulge in ice cream but still be healthy, eat sesame ice cream. Well, much is to be debated about this, but at least we know that the sesame ice cream sold in Gomaya Kuki uses only high-quality sesame seed from one of the most reputable and famous sesame seed supplier: Kuki Sangyo.

You will find both white and black sesame ice cream types on its menu. For the black, there is Super Rich, Rich and Salt Sesame; for the white, there is also Super Rich, Rich and Grain Mixed White Sesame.

Well, don’t let yourself be too confused. Just go for the Kuro Super Rich (black) and you are in for the best. It is said that 9,000 sesame seeds are used for one single scoop of this super rich black sesame ice cream, hence giving the nutty-flavoured ice cream its distinct intensity that leaves a subtly sweet aftertaste.

Though the white sesame ice cream looks mild, 9,000 white sesame seeds are also used for the Super Rich version and it also boasts a deep flavour.

Each cup of ice cream is ¥500 and it will be the best ¥500 you’d ever spend.

Tokyo may be one of the most well-known cities in the world but did you know that it is part of a large region called ‘Kanto’? This densely populated piece of land comprises metropolis Tokyo, as well as other prefectures of Japan such as Gunma and Tochigi.

For us, a well-rounded Japan itinerary would look something like this—soaking in the bustling ambience of the city (hint: shopping), a touch of culture to learn more about the locals and their way of living, and the addition of sightseeing activities because we are in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, after all!

From the dazzling city lights in Tokyo to catching a glimpse of the magnificent Mount Fuji, going up close to wild monkeys bathing in an onsen and admiring the lovely pink and white plum blooms at Akima Bairin, go for a wild adventure around northern Kanto and even to the Shinshu region!

If you need some recommendations, here is our detailed 5D4N Kanto itinerary with 16 tips on what to see, do and eat there.

DAY ONE – TOKYO

#1 TSUKIJI TAMA SUSHI

Begin your trip on the right note—with the freshest sashimi and sushi delicacies offered at Tsukiji Tama Sushi. The sushi bar is a mere 10-minute walk from the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo and is one of the many choices you can find along the restaurant-laden street. The fine art of sushi is something we will never get tired of and you get to watch the masters in action.

Hearty eaters cannot go wrong with the standard sushi set (¥1,520) which comes with chawanmushi and miso soup.

#2 GINZA DISTRICT

Ginza is where you will find the young and fashionable crowd because the bustling street is flanked with sophisticated cafes, large shopping malls and big brands.

We paid a visit to Bistro Marx, a French cafe nestled on the seventh floor of a commercial building. Here is where you can watch the locals going about their everyday lives while you indulge in high tea.

#3 MATCHA CEREMONY

Matcha addicts have to sign themselves up for a matcha ceremony at Chazen. The tea master will perform the full tea ceremony for the guests who will also get a chance to try making their own matcha beverage too.

It takes years of experience for the tea masters to learn the tea ceremony rules as it consists of traditional methods that are passed down through generations.

#4 MORI TOWER AT ROPPONGI HILLS

Standing at 238 metres tall, Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills offers the most spectacular view of Tokyo city from the observation deck. Visit during the evening time and watch the grand Tokyo Tower light up against the mesmerising sunset. We promise you this is one memory you will not forget in a hurry.

DAY TWO – YAMANASHI PREFECTURE

#5 SUNTORY HAKUSHU DISTILLERY

Whisky fans must not miss a trip to the famous Suntory Hakushu Distillery where you go on an educational journey to learn more about whisky making through a guided tour. Fun fact: The oldest whisky in the warehouse is more than 74 years old!

Besides getting a preview of the husky production process, visitors can also have a taste of their single malt whisky Hakushu at a tasting class.

#6 WHITE TERRACE

Have a meal at White Terrace, a restaurant serving Japanese dishes and snacks near Suntory Hakushu Distillery. Featuring seasonal dishes that are made using local Yamanashi produce, guests are treated to a delectable meal against the scenic background.

We had the Okemori-mishi, also known as “container rice” that is piled up with sweet potato, seaweed, trout and more.

#7 SHOSENKYO GORGE ROAPWAY

When in Yamanashi Prefecture, you have to go to Mitake Shosenkyo—one of the most well-known gorges in Japan. Take the cable car up Shosenkyo Roapway (¥1,200) and you will be treated to a clear view of Mount Fuji and the Southern Japanese Alps during good weather. Needless to say, this makes the best backdrop for OOTD pictures!

Autumn is the best period to visit as you will get to witness the fall foliage but the panoramic view is, nevertheless, breathtaking throughout the year!

DAY THREE – NAGANO PREFECTURE

#8 JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEY PARK

If you are into wildlife and nature, nothing beats watching these cheeky, yet adorable monkeys bathing in the hot onsen during winter. The hike up to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park takes about 30 to 40 minutes but it is worth all the effort when you get up close with the wild animals.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and hiking boots, especially in winter as the roads are icy and slippery but there is also a rental shop nearby for those who do not have proper footwear.

#9 HAKKO

Ten minutes ride away from Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Hakko is a Japanese bar that serves up local dishes that come with a twist. While you may think this looks like your typical western fare, the ingredients that make up this grilled chicken dish are actually locally-sourced!

Go for their wide range of Japanese sake and whisky if you are feeling up for some alcoholic beverages.

#10 ZENKOUJI TEMPLE

This Buddhist temple is so old that nobody knows its exact age but it is believed by the historians that the building was erected more than 1,400 years ago. We were told that there is a secret Buddha hidden beyond the temple halls and it is so sacred that even the priests are not allowed to look at it. Imagine that.

DAY FOUR – GUNMA PREFECTURE

#11 AKIMA BAIRIN

Cherry blossoms may be beautiful to look at but we have found a new favourite and it is no less spectacular. Yes, we are talking about ume (plum) blossoms and the best time to visit is between early to mid March.

One of the best places to witness the gorgeous pink and white hues is at Akima Bairin where the ume trees spread across a large plot of land that is almost the size of 100 football fields! To say that we were in awe of the bright ume blossoms is surely an understatement and you have to see this delicate beauty for yourself.

#12 HAYAMI

Okkirikomi is a Gunma delicacy and it is essentially thick udon noodles simmered in miso-based soup. The ingredients are simple, mostly featuring seasonal vegetables but what you get is a humble and comforting dish prepared in a homestyle manner.

#13 KAISEKI DINNER AT A RYOKAN (HOTEL SEIKO)

Fancy an over-the-top meal with your travel companions? You cannot go wrong with a Kaiseki (multi-course) dinner served in a traditional ryokan. A typical Kaiseki meal can comprise more than 10 dishes and they are impressive, to say the least. What you can expect is a combination of appetisers, side dishes, soup, Japanese hot pot, tempura and others.

DAY FIVE – TOCHIGI PREFECTURE

#14 NIKKO TOSHOGU

Japanese shrines are a dime a dozen in Japan but if you are looking for one that will leave a deep impression, Nikko Toshogu in Tochigi Prefecture is the perfect choice. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the shrine is a sight to behold.

There are more than 5,000 statues built on the pillars and walls of the buildings and the intricate wooden carving designs are unbelievable. Some notable ones include the “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” monkeys and the Sozonozo Elephants.

#15 YUBA YUBATEI MASUDAYA

Yuba (beancurd) is a Nikko speciality and you should not leave without trying a Yuba set meal. Enjoy an exquisite meal boasting beancurd prepared in various culinary techniques.

#16 KIRASSE GYOZAKAN

Utsunomiya may be slightly out of the way but if you are heading back to Tokyo, make a pit stop here and try your hand at making gyoza because that is what the town is known for. Allow the chefs at Kirasse Gyozakan to help you in creating your very own dumplings!

Once you are done, the dumplings are pan-fried and you can enjoy them with condiments and soup.

This post is brought to you by Japan National Tourism Organisation.

Ginza in Tokyo is regarded by many as a cocktail bar mecca. In fact, the majority of the cocktail bars you can find in Tokyo’s kaleidoscopic capital are pristine institutions that have stood the test of time since the early days where aperitifs and cocktails were not even popular.

The bartenders who helm these joints take their craft very seriously, from making their own liqueurs and bitters from scratch to carving their own ice. So whether you’re seeking a minty mojito or a sophisticated martini, here are 8 best cocktail bars in Ginza to visit when the sun goes down and the neon lights light up.

#1 ALBATROSS

Set in the heart of Shinjuku, Albatross is a two-storey bar that serves a variety of sake, shochu, beer and handcrafted cocktail options. Here is where you can find a trendy ambience to kick back, relax and soak up Tokyo’s night vibes.

The bar is located along a walkway just next to a train track. You won’t miss it because also located along the same stretch, there brims a variety of vibrant bars and restaurants that often sees a bustling crowd.

1-2-11 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 2am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Shinjuku Station

Photo Credit: Bar High Five

#2 BAR HIGH FIVE

Boasting an impressive back bar wall of spirits, Bar High Five serves up the most creatively tailored cocktails just for you. Don’t expect to be handed a menu because there is none. Instead, just let the bartenders know what your palate craves whether it is sweet, sour or strong and watch as they expertly mix a cocktail for you based on your suggestion—feel free to tell them what you want as a garnish because your wish is their every command.

Here is where you will find the legendary Hidetsuga Ueno, the man with the Elvis haircut who has a very impressive talent of carving blocks of ice into diamonds.

Efflore Ginza5 Bldg. B1F,
5-4-15 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Yurakucho

#3 BAR MUSASHI

In the sea of old-school bars in Ginza, Musashi is probably the youngest having only been established in 2000. Hiding out in the basement on a side street in the direction of Shinbashi, this upscale bar cum yakiniku restaurant serves up a stellar variety of cocktails, some beer and sake along with a selection of food to pair with your grog.

Tosei Bldg B1F, 8-10-7 Ginza,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Daily: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Shinbushi Station

Photo Credit: Gaslight Eve

#4 GASLIGHT EVE

Established in 2015, Gaslight Eve is one of the rarities in Ginza in that the bar is run by a lady, Naomi Takahashi. Not long after she won the grand prize in the 2013 IBA World Cocktail Championships for her Wisteria cocktail, Naomi saw fit to open up her very own bar.

Whether it’s a plain-old martini with something a little fancier, you can bet that whatever concoction is mixed here, you will leave delighted.

Ginza Fujii Bldg 3F, 8-4-24
Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 3am
Sat: 5pm – 11pm

Photo Credit: Lupin

#5 LUPIN

Lupin can be considered a veteran in Ginza’s dynamic cocktail bar scene, having been around since 1928. In fact, this particular haunt was high frequented by many of Japan’s most esteemed authors during the Showa period—nothing inspires a writer more than a grog for the noggin.

The bar itself offers curious tipplers a blast to the past with many portraits of said authors adorning the walls, a relaxed and slow-paced vibe as well as a myriad of classic, properly mixed cocktails such as the Moscow Mule or an Old Fashioned.

B1F, 5-5-11 Ginza,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Tue to Sat: 5pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Ginza

#6 STAR BAR

Compared to Bar High Five where tipplers are given full liberty to decide exactly what goes into their cocktails, Star Bar is slightly less flexible. Simply pick out a spirit and a fruit—the bar prides itself on only using fresh fruit—and the bartenders will whip something up for you.

B1F, 1-5-13 Ginza,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Daily: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Ginza

#7 TWENTYEIGHT

Located on the 28th floor of hotel Conrad, Tokyo, bar Twenty Eight is a perhaps one of the best places to visit that will guarantee spot-on cocktails, great service as well as a spectacular view of Tokyo Bay. Comfortable seats and a fireplace set the scene for a rustic yet cosy spot to have a drink at after hours.

Whisky aficionados can find comfort in knowing that their range of the stuff is boundless.

Conrad Tokyo 28F,
1-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Daily: 9am – 12am
Nearest Station: Shiodome

Photo Credit: Two Rooms Grill & Bar

#8 TWO ROOMS GRILL & BAR

Two Rooms is a Tokyo cocktail spot which offers a Western-style dining experience and their frog’s legs and lamb chops come highly recommended. Choose from a variety of different settings here which includes a sophisticated indoor section, a lively bar as well as a spacious terrace, the perfect vibe to accompany your tipple of choice.

5F Ao Bldg, 3-11-7 Kita-Aoyama,
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2am
Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando

What is a trip to the Land Of The Rising Sun without slurping on a sensational bowl of ramen? Those with dietary restrictions may find it a tad tricky to enjoy ramen due to the complexity of this dish—from its hearty broth, numerous ingredients to the types of meat used which more often than not involves the addition of pork.

Muslim travellers would be pleased to know that there is a steady increase in the number of eateries offering halal ramen to cater to the growing Muslim tourist population. This implies that either the ramen shop-owner is a Muslim or the restaurant strictly uses only halal meat for its dishes and seafood stock for its broth.

Take your pick from this specially-curated list and indulge in a heartwarming bowl of oishii ramen with your loved ones. While you are at it, do not forget to add some chilli paste for that extra punch! Here are 6 Best Halal Ramen Eateries In Tokyo For A Taste Of Japan.

Photo Credit: Halal Ramen & Dining Honolu Ebisu

#1 HALAL RAMEN & DINING HONOLU EBISU

A seven-minute walk from Ebisu station will take you to this Muslim-friendly ramen joint, where you can indulge in flavoursome bowls of this highly popular Japanese noodle dish. Highlights of their diverse menu include the Rich Chicken Soy Sauce Ramen, Spicy Ramen, Fried Chicken Ramen, and Rich Chicken Flavour Ramen.

Opt to pair your tantalising ramen with their crisp Nikkoken (chicken and tofu) gyoza. Dip these pan-fried dumpling-like treats into your thick ramen broth and savour the mouth-watering goodness.

ABC Americabashi Bldg. 1F, 1-23-1 Ebisuminami, Sibuya-ku
Tokyo 105-0022
Tel: +81 035 734 1667
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: Halal Ramen Honolu Nihonbashi

#2 HALAL RAMEN HONOLU NIHONBASHI

Halal Ramen Honolu has two outlets in Tokyo and their second outlet is in the area of Nihonbashi. You can enjoy similar dishes here and if you have a penchant for spicy food, go for the Spicy Fried Chicken Ramen.

Complement your ramen with a portion of Karaage. The crispy chicken is fried to perfection, with a distinct crunch in every bite. Be rest assured that prices here will not leave your wallet with a massive dent.

4-9 Kobuna-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 103-0024
Tel: +81 036 661 7724
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 9.30pm

Photo Credit: Royal Indonesia Travel

#3 MENYA KAIJIN 

Located just outside Shinjuku station, this particular ramen joint specialises in seafood-based ramen broth. They take pride in their signature Shio Ramen which is essentially a light-based soup—usually either chicken or fish-flavoured. The clear broth is really aromatic and offers something different to the palate.

Even though this place is not halal-certified, they do offer Muslim-friendly options for Muslim travellers. Since they open until late daily, you can even have this for supper as its piping hot light broth is perfect for satisfying those midnight hunger pangs.

2F, 3-35-7, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0022
Tel: +81 033 356 5658
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 4.30pm – 11.30pm

Photo Credit: Naritaya Asakusa

#4 NARITAYA ASAKUSA

Found along one of the less bustling shopping arcades, you can expect a simple but comforting menu from Halal-certified Naritaya Asakusa which features several ramen options. Aromatic broiled chicken is used as a substitute for the usual pork fillet in ramen broth and the ramen stall uses only halal ingredients.

Since Naritaya is operated by a noodle factory, you will be glad to know that the handmade springy noodles here offer just the right texture to complement your ramen.

2-7-13, Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tokyo 111-0032
Tel: +81 034 285 9806
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm

Photo Credit: Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka

#5 SHINJUKU GYOEN RAMEN OUKA

This halal-certified eatery’s ramen is the most unique among the lot. Their sea bream-based broth offers a hint of tanginess courtesy of a special secret ingredient: tomatoes. The broth tastes heavenly and truly whets your appetite.

There are also vegan options here to cater to the dietary needs of vegetarians. An interesting point to note is that this eatery is a typical tachigui shop—a traditional standing-room-only restaurant.

1-11-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0022
Tel: +81 035 925 8426
Mon to Thu: 2pm – 10pm
Fri: 5pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 12.30pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: T’s Tantan

#6 T’S TANTAN

Boasting a terrific mash-up of flavours and textures, the nutritious ramen dishes here are made without any ingredients of animal origin. This is a perfect ramen restaurant for vegan visitors and poses as a Muslim-friendly alternative for those seeking halal options.

The popular choices here include the Soy Sauce Ramen and the White Tantan. If you want something more filling, get the Mini Rice Bowl Set and delight in a mini rice bowl along with your noodles. The dishes here are carefully prepared to ensure that these nourishing bowls offer great quality.

1-9-1 Yaesu South Exit, 1F, Keiyo Street, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0005
Tel: +81 033 218 8040
Daily: 7am – 11pm

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best places to discover in Tokyo.

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

Sushi Iwa is arguably one of the most talked about sushi restaurants in Tokyo. The One Michelin Star restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, has an elusive shop front and an even more “exclusive” reservation list.

It took us numerous attempts over a period of two years before we finally succeeded in scoring two seats on one of those weekday afternoons for lunch.

So, are they really worth all the hype? You will find out in a while.

One Michelin Star Sushi Iwa in Ginza is a small sushi restaurant that is famed for its fine omakase. Our first walk-in attempt two years ago was a complete failure. We were rejected right away and the staff was unapologetic about the restaurant being completely booked.

A few months later when we found ourselves in Tokyo again, we went down personally on the first day of our trip to make a reservation for about six days later; alas, we were rejected. This time round, the host told us to get our hotel concierge to make a reservation.

We thought the third time would be a charm. A fortnight before our trip to Tokyo, we got the concierge of the hotel we were going to put up at to make a reservation for us. Guess who was rejected again?

We will skip the subsequent failed attempts. Eventually, we managed to get a table for two this year but that was probably only because they made lives easier—all you have to do now is to simply call them up, then they’d send you an SMS containing a booking link where you can make a reservation via TableCheck.com, and voila!

Came the day when we were finally headed to Sushi Iwa for our sushi omakase lunch; we were ecstatic, to say the least. We were welcomed by the very hospitable chef and his team of servers. And we told ourselves it was going to be a good meal (well, this was to be argued), except that we weren’t too pleased to be sitting in the basement—which we later learned that it was meant for foreigners.

The main dining area is on the second level and is solely for Japanese. Discrimination, much? Is it fair to say this alters the entire ambience and experience? We’d like to think so.

After our appetiser of vinegared seaweed, our 13-course lunch began. Course by course, nigiri sushi were prepared fresh before our eyes. The chef sliced the fish with finesse and upon serving, he took the effort to introduce the sushi in English so that everyone could understand what was about to go into our mouths.

While the fish was fresh, what disappointed us was the lack of build up. You would think that a sushi omakase experience meant the flavours and intensity would build up. But at Sushi Iwa, little thoughts were put into the order of the courses and it was very apparent.

That said, some of the courses we had stood out.

Our favourite was the Shima-aji (striped horse mackerel). It was so very fresh, lightly flavoured with quality shoyu and a little bit of grated ginger; neither of the elements overpowered each other.

The Chutoro (medium fatty tuna) was definitely memorable for its fats really melted into a lovely, creamy taste on the tongue.

The Tai (sea bream) was aged for 2 days, hence retaining the flavours and boasted a slight saltiness of the ocean.

The Anago (conger eel) had a subtle smoky flavour to it but we wished there was a little more sweet sauce for it.

Our 13-course sushi omakase lunch at Sushi Iwa cost us ¥8,640 per pax. Would we go back again? Well, if our dining experience wasn’t confined to the “foreigners/ tourists” basement, we might overlook the part on the lack of flavours build up and give it another shot.

Sushi Iwa Ginza
8-4-4 Ginza, Miura Bldg. 1F, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Tel: 03 3572 0955
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm -10pm
Nearest Station: Shimbashi

Ask a local where to go for a casual yakitori meal in Tokyo and they would probably point you to Torikizoku. It is arguably one of the biggest yakitori chain in Japan and there are outlets everywhere.

It is almost impossible to not locate a Torikizoku in Central Tokyo; just in Shinjuku alone, there are more than 5 outlets. That they see queues every single night at every outlet speaks of their massive popularity and there is every reason to love Torikizoku.

It is undisputedly the best name to trust when you want a casual, fuss-free, authentic local izakaya experience in Tokyo. And the best part? You won’t have to break the bank for a meal at Torikizoku; everything on the menu—including alcohol—is priced at only ¥298 each. Most of the branches open till 5am daily; you know where to go when you are feeling hungry at night!

Every item on the menu at Torikizoku is priced at an amazingly affordable ¥298. Yes, regardless of which skewer you order, side dishes or drinks, everything is ¥298 each.

Its affordability is probably its primary reason for success. The outlets may be big—each outlet sits averagely 150 to 200 people—but be prepared to wait for a table. Queues are common and you would realise the bulk of its patrons are actually locals—students, young executives and whatnot, all merry-making over yakitori and beer.

The vibrant atmosphere of the izakaya-style restaurant still gives you privacy; the seating area is partitioned into individual “booths” of sorts and big groups are definitely welcome.

On its skewers menu, you have a good range of meats. From chicken meatballs to pork belly and beef slices, the skewers come in an assortment of flavours and marination. Some of our favourites are the chicken meatballs with cheese, pork belly with leek, marinated beef and chicken skin.

Side dishes include seasoned eggs, udon, vegetables and the in-betweens.

You know what’s awesome, too? Alcohol is also priced at ¥298! Delicious yakitori and cheap beer; what more can you ask in life?

Now you know the reason why we visit Torikizoku every single trip to Tokyo?

Torikizoku
1 Chome-17-12 Kabukicho
Tel: +81 3-3200-9332
Daily: 5pm – 5am

There are so many attractions in Japan and most of these wonderful places are actually interestingly situated out of its capital, Tokyo. How does feeding the friendly deers at Nara Park, visiting the Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Monkey Park and exploring the compound of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle sound?

From the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to historic Fushimi Inari Shrine, here are the 9 Best Attractions In Japan That Travellers Should Not Miss.

#1 ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE

Chances are, you must have seen Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on travel websites or your instagram feed at any one point in time. The magical forest – also known as Kyoto Bamboo Forest – is exceptionally tranquil and is characterised by two rows of towering bamboos.

Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

#2 FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks and boasts a history of more than 1,300 years. Located in the south of Kyoto, this shrine is dedicated to the shinto God of rice. There are actually two trails of Senbon Torii gates but these pathways eventually merge into one.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan

#3 HARAJUKU

When in Harajuku, make a trip to the 400-meter long Takeshita Dori for the quintessential Harajuku expereience. Over here, you will come across boutique stores, dessert kiosks and many Japanese cosplayers.

1 Chome Jingumae, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Read: 9 Things You Need To Eat & Do When In Takeshita Dori, Harajuku.

Source: Alpha Coders

#4 HIMEJI CASTLE

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle is a fine surviving Japanese castle complex – this national treasure consists of 80 over buildings! The Himeji is also a very popular cherry blossom spot.

68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture 670-0012, Japan

Source: The Travel Mentor

#5 JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK

The Jigokudani Monkey Park is quite an unconventional tourist attraction. This unique hot spring is filled with wild snow monkeys and you can see these 150 primates every day throughout the year. Admission tickets are price at ¥500 per adult and ¥250 per child.

Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen, Yamanouchi town, Nagano prefecture, Japan

Source: Robert OToole

#6 MOUNT FUJI

Standing at 3,776 metres, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest elevation. The active volcano is located about 100 kilometres away from Tokyo. It is officially open to climbers in the months of July and August.

Source: The Globe and Mail

#7 NARA PARK

Nara Park is one of the oldest parks in Japan and is home to hundreds of free-roaming deers. Some of these docile deers have learnt to bow and you can even purchase crackers from the park to feed them.

Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan

#8 NATIONAL ART CENTRE TOKYO

Tokyo National Art Center’s visually stunning architecture should not be missed; check out the splendid undulating glass facade and the three spectacular conical volumes within. Admission to the museum’s main atrium is free of charge but charges do apply for entrance to the gallery’s exhibits.

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

#9 TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the world’s biggest and oldest wholesale seafood markets. The world-famous destination is where you can eat the freshest sashimi and watch the iconic tuna auction. It is also where Japan’s fish traders gather to barter for the best fishes.

Note that Tsukiji Fish Market might be moving soon, but the verdict has yet to be confirmed. Read more about it here.

5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Harajuku has always been known as the hub of Japan’s pop culture, what with it being the birthplace of Lolita dressing, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and more.

Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, however, is the most populated street and is home to a number of independent boutiques, sweets and crepes stores. The shopping street gets extremely packed with teens, students, tourists and more—especially when the sun sets.

It is bustling and full of life and is definitely a shopping experience in Tokyo you cannot miss. If you do not know where to start, here are the 9 Things You Need To Eat & Do When In Takeshita Dori, Harajuku.

Photo Credit: Travelience

#1 TAKE TONS OF PURIKURA

The 90’s girls would probably remember squeezing into what was known as a Neoprint Booth in your neighbourhood Timezone Arcade during schooling days. But getting one done right in the heart of Harajuku is a different experience all on its own.

Purikura is essentially a photo booth that allows you to customise and decorate your pictures together with friends before getting it printed on the spot. There are even entire stores dedicated to housing an astounding number of these purikura machines.

Each machine also carries its own theme, so you can get your pictures taken in a more “lolita-style” booth, a Korean beauty-style booth, or even a Barbie Design booth.

#2 TUCK INTO A CUSTARD CREAM CHOU

There are many popular sweet stalls all around Takeshita Street, but Croquant Chou Zakuzaku definitely stands out for its amazing range of snacks. You can see snaking lines and customers gathering outside the stall, biting into their cream-filled chous.

Croquant Chou Zakuzaku is known for their churro-shaped cream chous, which oozes decadent custard cream. They also sell milky soft serves in cups and cones.

Croquant Chou Zakuzaku
1 Chome-1-7-1 CUTECUBE
151-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 03-6804-6340
Daily: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

#3 SNACK ON GIGANTIC RAINBOW CANDY FLOSS

Totti Candy Factory is cotton candy heaven! Known for its magnificent rainbow treats, the cotton candy is probably two times the size of your head and comes in dazzling pastel hues.

The store experiences queues every single day and you can watch as the staff members spin the floss and bring your cotton candy dreams to life.

Totti Candy Factory is also known for their other handmade sweets such as marshmallows, hard candy, cake pops and more.

Totti Candy Factory
2F, 1-16-5, Jingumae
150-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 03-3403-7007
Feb to Oct: 10am – 8pm
Nov to Jan: 10.30am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

#4 VISIT THE PSYCHEDLIC KAWAII MONSTER CAFE

Kawaii Monster Cafe is basically all of Harajuku’s culture, sights and sounds rolled up and presented as a cafe. Prepare to dive into a world of colourful food, themed seating areas within the cafe, and roaming cosplayers!

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

#5 GO ON A ¥100 SHOPPING SPREE

A multi-storey Daiso sits along Takeshita Dori and offers a stunning selection of literally anything under the sun—be it kitchenware, clothing, stationery, and even candy and snacks.

If shopping for fashionable clothing along the streets is not your thing, then go for a ¥100 shopping spree at Daiso!

Daiso Harajuku
1 Chome-19-24, Jingumae
150-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5775-9641
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

Photo Credit: Earth To Iris

#6 HUNT FOR VINTAGE JEWELS AT G2?

G2? is one of style icon Krary Pamyu Pamyu’s go-to store for vintage clothing hence iti s no wonder that it is usually packed with fashionistas looking for the best second-hand deals.

Styles from the 50s to the 80s can be found at G2?, ranging from kitschy to classic.

G2?
3 Chome-22-7, Jingumae
150-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5786-4188
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
Nearest Station: Harajuku

#7 JIGGLY, FLUFFY PANCAKES

Gram became famous for serving jiggly, fluffy pancakes. These Japanese-style soufflé pancakes are stacked high and dribbled in syrup. Despite looking like a mountain of sugar, these pancakes are actually pretty light in taste.

Be warned that the queues will be long and the pancakes are only available during selected timings of the day.

Gram Pancakes
1-9-30 Jingumae
150-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6804-3399
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

#8 TRY SOME FRESHLY-FRIED CHIPS

Pop by the Calbee PLUS store and get some freshly-fried chips. Have it drizzled in chocolate sauce or cheese.

There is also a wide range of Calbee merchandise that you can bring home as souvenirs.

Calbee PLUS

1 Chome-16-8 Jingumae
150-0001, Japan
Daily: 9.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

#9 THE QUINTESSENTIAL HARAJUKU CREPES

When you do a simple image search of Harajuku, you will come face to face with an onslaught of pretty crepe snapshots. Takeshita Dori is where a number of Japanese-style crepe stores call home, each offering their own array of sweet cream-filled crepes topped with bananas, strawberries, wafers, and so much more.

Just take a walk down Takeshita Street and pick the crepe store that appeals to you the most.