By luck, we stumbled upon Katsukichi Botaijyu Tonkatsu in Shibuya, and it turned out to be a gem!

The restaurant is located in the basement. The wooden stairs will lead you to a very traditional and cosy-looking space that will instantly give you a good feel about your meal.

In short, tonkatsu is a Japanese-style pork chop or cutlet and we are always up for a good tonkatsu meal. There are several outlets in Tokyo but here’s sharing our experience from the Shibuya one.

Katsukichi Bodaijyu’s menu specializes in tonkatsu (but of course) and while there were quite a variety, we went straight for the classic pork loin because we are always more inclined to the hire (loin) cut. There are two kinds: Extra Deluxe Deep-fried Pork 180g (¥3,000) and regular Deep-fried Pork Loin Cutlet Combo 150g (¥2,500). We got both, and it was indeed a memorable meal.

Katsukichi Botaijyu uses very fine panko (bread crumbs) to coat their pork loin, giving it a slightly different textural crunch from your usual tonkatsu. The crumbs are, however, not as fragrant but we can deal with that since the loins were perfectly fried and the meat remained tender and juicy.

The main difference between the extra deluxe and the regular pork loin is that the extra deluxe pork loin was slightly more tender though not very significant, and the fats were more evenly spread out throughout the cut. The regular was really good too, and the meat to fat ratio was palatable; it was an overall very good slab of pork loin that we would go back for.

All tonkatsu are served with a bowl of freshly-shredded cabbage, as well as a plater of 3 in-house sauces; we loved the leek sauce the best.

You can top up ¥300 for a set that comes with a miso soup, pickles and a bowl of rice (choose between plain and Shiso rice). Go for the Shiso Rice! The lovely fragrance left us lingering for more.

Katsukichi Bodaijyu
3 Chome-9-10 Shibuya
Shibuya City
Tokyo, 150-0002
Tel: +81 50-3134-5712

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.

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

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

There is a common misconception that Tokyo is a pricey destination to visit, what with souvenir shops by the dozens, and tasty food choices no matter where you turn. But saying that Tokyo is expensive need not necessarily be true.

We believe that you can always choose whether or not your trip to the land of sushi, ramen and all things kawaii is going to be painful to the wallet or not. Tokyo has many affordable yet impressive dining options within the city.

Ganso Zushi—a Kaitenzushi chain in Tokyo—is one such place. It is not a name as frequently mentioned when people talk about dining in Tokyo, but it is definitely one which serves fresh sushi at incredibly affordable prices.

The kaitenzushi chain has outlets all over Tokyo, so you will probably stumble across one of their restaurants while you are in the more popular shopping districts around the city. They are relatively easy to locate and can be found in popular shopping districts, so you do not need to go hunting for them.

Prices for their sushi starts from ¥130 (S$1.72) for plates with the more “regular” choices such as salmon and tuna. Subsequently, other plates go at ¥210, ¥262, ¥399 and ¥525. You will find all kinds of sushi in the likes of fatty tuna, sweet prawns, swordfish, and even uni (sea urchin)!

Photo Credit: bitterbubblegums

The freshness is not compromised despite it being a chain. English menus are provided in the restaurant, so you do not need to worry much about the language barrier.

A tip from the locals for all kaitenzushi chains would be to order straight from the sushi chef. The Japanese rarely ever take plates of sushi off the conveyer belt, simply because they might have been there for a while, and freshness means everything to the locals.

Ganso Zushi Shinjuku
160-0023 Tokyo Nishi-Shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku, 1-15-5
Tel: +81 03-5321-5775
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm

Tokyo generally experiences early sunsets all year round. During the summer, daylight lasts until about 7pm in the evening. But during the colder months such as November and December, the country will already be blanketed in darkness once it hits 4pm. This definitely makes the days in Tokyo much shorter, especially when shops would close earlier too.

Step out of your hotel at 8pm, and you will probably have a hard time finding restaurants or stores that are still open. Shinjuku, however, never sleeps.

If you are one for a good late-night drink or if you just need a late night snack, here are 7 Food Places in Shinjuku (Tokyo) that open till late.

#1 ICHIRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen. It is the name you have seen floating all around the internet, and for very good reasons. Their ramen always leaves customers from all over the world very satisfied—rich flavourful broth, well-cooked noodles, fragrant chilli oil… you can customise your own bowl of Ichiran Ramen!

If you ever find yourself craving for a bowl of hot ramen, head down to the outlet at Shinjuku East that is open 24 hours! Giving in to your cravings (especially during the wee hours) has never been easier.

Ichiran Ramen Shinjuku
3 Chome-34-11 Shinjuku
160-0022, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3225-5518
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

#2 SUSHI-ZANMAI HIGASHI

Sushi-Zanmai is a sushi chain in Tokyo that is known for their fresh sushi and reasonable price tags. We don’t know about you but sushi for supper sounds damn legit to us.The variety of sushi will keep your tummies satisfied late into the night. The restaurant could get pretty crowded, so we suggest making a reservation in advance.

The variety of sushi platters will make supper worth the while. The restaurant could get pretty crowded, so we suggest making a reservation in advance.

Sushi-Zanmai Higashi
1-1-13 Okubo, Tokyo
169-0072, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5155-6655
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Seibu Shinjuku

Photo Credit: TimeOut

#3 EDINBURGH

Pulling an all-nighter, or perhaps just more of a nocturnal person? Get your much-needed cup of joe at Edinburgh (also known as Coffee Kizoku), a quiet little coffee shop in the heart of Shinjuku.

The coffee prices might be a little bit on the high side, starting from ¥800 and going up to ¥3,000, but the free Wi-Fi and cosy seats will make up for it.

Edinburgh
2F, Shinjuku M&E Square Building
3-2-4, Shinjuku
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5379-2822
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shinjuku-sanchome

#4 ROKKASEN

If you have got a hankering for some yakiniku at 2am in the morning, then Rokkasen is the place you should go to. The restaurant closes in the day, and opens at night, so you can pop by once the sun has set for some good grilled meat.

The restaurant is best known for its fatty beef, so be sure to try that!

Rokkasen
6F to 7F, Sunflower Building
1-3-1 Nishishinjuku
160-0023, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3348-8676
Daily: 11am – 5am
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

Photo Credit: A Life Worth Eating

#5 NEW YORK BAR

You will see the streets of Shinjuku come alive after dark, thanks to the pubs and clubs around the area. The New York Bar is one that is not to be missed; have your drinks complemented with an amazing view too!

The New York Bar was in a scene from the movie ‘Lost In Translation’, and sits on the 52nd floor of Park Hyatt, Tokyo. A jazz band plays every night, and you can choose from a selection of cocktails, brandies, and American wines.

New York Bar
52F, Park Hyatt Tokyo
3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku
163-1055, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5322-1234
Sun to Wed: 5pm – 12am
Thu to Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Shinsen-Shinjuku

Photo Credit: Miner8

#6 SHINJUKU GOLDEN GAI

Golden Gai is the one-stop destination for an authentic Shinjuku bar experience. The tiny street is crammed with over 200 bars, pubs and eateries.

With that said, you will be able to experience different vibes at different bars—whether you prefer classy cocktails or hard rock, there will be something for you.

Shinjuku Golden Gai
1 Chome Kabukicho
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 195-75-1319
Mon – Sat: 5.30pm – 5am
Sun: 8pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku

#7 SHINJUKU KAKEKOMI GYOZA

Up for some midnight gyozas? Kakekomi Gyoza Restaurant is one of the better names to look for when it comes to gyozas; some might even say it is the best in Tokyo.

The restaurant is known for cooking their gyozas four different ways—pan-frying, deep-frying, cooked in Chinese broth, and with seafood broth. Plus, the eatery also offers free Wi-Fi!

Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza
1-2F 58th Tokyo Building
1-12-2 Kabukicho
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6233-7099
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku

Read: 4D3N Tokyo Itinerary – 24 tips on what to see and what to eat.

DAY ONE IN TOKYO

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT ICHIRAN RAMEN

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

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

#2 VISIT THE MEIJI SHRINE

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

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

#3 TAKE A STROLL IN YOYOGI PARK

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

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

#4 ARMS BURGER

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

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

#5 LITTLE NAP COFFEE STAND

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

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

#6 VISIT TOKYO NATIONAL ART CENTER

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

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

#7 ROPPONGI HILL MORI TOWER

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

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

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

#8 DINNER AT MAISEN TONKATSU

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

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

DAY TWO IN TOKYO

#9 WATCH TSUKIJI MARKET’S TUNA AUCTION

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

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

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

#10 FEAST ON THE FRESHEST SASHIMI AND SUSHIS

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

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

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

#11 TRY THE YUZU RAMEN AT AFURI RAMEN

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

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

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

#12 CROSS THE SHIBUYA CROSSING

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

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

#13 SHOPPING AT SHIBUYA

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

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

Here’s a tip – for shopping overseas, you should pay with DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card. It is the card to use for travel and with its splendid miles system, it is our preferred way to accumulate miles for our next travel. Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent!

#14 DINNER AT UORIKI KAISEN SUSHI

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

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

DAY THREE IN TOKYO

#15 START YOUR DAY WITH DESSERTS AT DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY

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

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

#16 WANDER AROUND JAPANESE FOOD HALLS

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

#17 EXPLORE TAKESHITA DORI

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

#18 TEMPURA AT TENDON TENYA

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

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

#19 MARVEL AT THE TOKYO TOWER

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

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

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

DAY FOUR IN TOKYO

#20 EAT GYUDON FOR BREAKFAST

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

#21 SHOPPING AT GINZA

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

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#22 SPLURGE ON A LUXURIOUS LUNCH AT SUSHI KANESAKA

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

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

#23 AOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE

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

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

#24 DINNER AT RED ROCK

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

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

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

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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.

Tokyo has one of the highest number of Michelin Starred restaurants, and while we ate at several of the well-known establishments in the city, our favourite meal was, however, at Uoriki Kaisen Sushi, a humble and small sushi bar within the supermarket at the basement of Tokyu’s department store in Shibuya.

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi does not have any Michelin stars, nor is it extremely popular. But it serves exceptionally fresh sushi and sashimi at ridiculously cheap prices. It is a hidden gem in Tokyo, and I wholeheartedly recommend this place when you are looking for a place to eat in Shibuya.

The main reason why Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is able to offer good quality sushi and sashimi at affordable prices is because its core business is seafood retailing – they supply supermarkets and department stores with fresh seafood directly from Tsukiji Fish Market.

The basic Sushi Set (¥990), with ten pieces of sushi, is very value-for-money. And if you are a fan of tuna, you should try their Tuna Sushi Set (¥1,290) which comes with maguro nigiri, maguro gunkan and otoro nigiri.

Our favourite dish – something that we will order every time when we are dining at Uoriki Kaisen Sushi – is the Chirashi-don (¥1,390). We were in disbelief when the waiter served the dish. It came with huge slices of cuttle fish, salmon, tuna, mackerel, sea bream, sweet shrimp, uni, sea urchin and salmon fish roe – for the price, it is a steal.

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is a place where I will return to again and again whenever I am in Tokyo. The funny thing is, Uoriki is still a relatively well-kept secret. We ate there twice for dinner and it was rather quiet. I believe that they deserve more recognition – the prices are unbeatable, and the sushi extremely fresh. If you are going to Tokyo for holiday, you must dine here. Get the chirashi-don. Trust me, you will love it.

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

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.

It is no secret that I love tonkatsu. Sushi and sashimi are great, but if I had to choose, I would go for tonkatsu anytime. So when I was in Tokyo last year, I made it my mission to find the best tonkatsu in the city.

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. The restaurant is located in a former World War II public bathhouse, which adds to the whole feel of dining there.

There are many options on the menu, but if you are there, you must go for the best – its famed Okita Kurobuta Fried Pork Loin meal (3,780 Yen).

The tonkatsu, like the reviews that I have read, was really good. In fact, it was one of the best I have ever had in my life. 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. My only gripe was that the tonkatsu set costs 3,780 Yen or S$50 – which was quite painful on the wallet.

The Kurobuta Fried Pork Cutlet on rice set (1,580 Yen) was also worth a mention. The katsudon was lovely, and it made me wish that Maisen Tonkatsu would open a shop in Singapore so that I could have it on a regular basis.

If you are a tonkatsu fanatic like me, you would not want to miss this restaurant.

Maisen Tonkatsu
4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 (0) 3 3470 0071

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

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

Boulangerie Patisserie Viron

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

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

Hidemi Sugino

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

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

Henri Charpentier

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

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

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

Pierre Hermé Chocolate Bar

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

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

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

Sadaharu Aoki

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

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

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

Words and photographs by Jolene Koh of Cupcake Weekend

On the last week of May I treaded on nippon ground despite the many incessant warnings of radiation scares and it was a risk well taken. If a city could be a person then I was extremely impressed by Tokyo. She is indeed very magical with so much to explore, taste & feel. Tokyo is undoubtedly my Paris in Asia.

Here’s a quick travel guide on Things to do in Tokyo for five days.

The first thing to do in right after you get off your plane is to purchase a subway pass. The next thing not to do : take a cab (unless you really have to). Not only is it ridiculously expensive, you miss out on alot when you travel via taxi. Though the subway map can be pretty taunting, I assure you that you will get the hang of it within a day or two.

Shibuya

Shibuya is known for shopping and it’s famous scramble crossing. I would recommend having a meal at L’occitane Cafe (directly across the road from Shibuya Station, Hachiko exit). This place not only serves really healthy, wholesome food but also has a great view.

Lined up along the main street and alleys of Shibuya Center Town are a number of music & fashion stores as well as their local fast food restaurants. Shibuya 109 is for the ladies and houses a large variety of fashion goods, similar to Far East Square in Singapore.

Take a walk towards Kamiyama-cho and you’ll pass by a four-storey H&M and further down is the bakery, Viron, that has amazing freshly baked bread & french pastries. The nature lover will enjoy the spacious Yoyogi park that has a central square with beautiful lawn, lush fountains and bird sanctuaries.

Omotesando, Harajuku & Aoyama

Omotesando is the place to get lost, to get found. What I mean is that it’s like a maze in a pretty garden dotted with many quaint cafes and concept stores hidden behind the main road.

If you’re into organic and vegan food you will love Brown Rice Café (5-1-17 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku). Coffee addicts will find much joy at Streamer Coffee Company (3-28-19, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku), home to one of the world’s best latte artisans. Takeshita Pedestrian Street is best to head to during the weekend because it’s when you will see locals in their anime get-ups and costumes. Ice cream crepes and freshly fried calbee chips are junk food must-haves.

End your day with a walk through the gorgeous Meiji-jingu that is just two minutes away from Harajuku station. 100,00o donated trees at the time of enshrinement form the solemn forest that is crowded with visitors all year round. If you happen to visit this area on a Sunday, make a trip Marche Japon, Tokyo’s best new farmer’s market located at Aoyama, in front of the United Nations University.

Ginza

Your Chanel, Balmain, Issey & LV can all be found at Ginza. This sophisticated area is lined up with departmental stores, luxurious boutiques and high-end flagship shops. Pop by the twelve-story Uniqlo (5-7-7, Ginza, Chuo-ku), even if not to buy anything just to have a look. It is afterall the biggest Uniqlo in the world.

Once you’re done with the excruciatingly tiring task of shopping, have tea Ladureé cafe (2F Mitsukoshi Ginza) or head to Henri Charpentier (2-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku) for their to-die-for lemon tart and fine madeleines.

If you are the kind to venture out of the way for fine pastries and sweets, then you should definitely make a trip to Hidemi Sugino (3-6-17 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku). He is Tokyo’s Pierre Herme and his delectable desserts are as good as a queue forming outside his store an hour before they open.

Roppongi

Roppongi Hills (just above Roppongi Station) is the the more cosmopolitan side of Tokyo that has over 200 stores and restaurants, an observatory, an art museum and residential apartments. It’s best to shop, eat and explore the area in the day and leave Mori Tower (the observatory) for the evening so that you can appreciate the sun’s gradual setting over the whole city. (Note that the observatory ticket does not allow re-entry to the sky deck).

There are many good restaurants in Roppongi Hills but one that I would really recommend is Robuchon L’atelier (Mori Tower, 2/F Hillside, Roppongi Hills). Sit at the bar for a semi-casual, interactive dining experience and watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you. They offer set lunches/dinners from ¥4,200 (S$67) onwards.

Also in the vicinity is the beautiful Arisugawanomiya Memorial Park where the Tokyo Central Library is located. Azabu Juban Shopping Town is another popular destination and has many attractions such as antique flea markets, rakugo shows and summer-end festivals.

Shinjuku

One of the highlights in Shinjuku is Takashimaya Times Square. It is a shopping/amusement zone that has a wide array of brands, a seven storey Tokyu Hands, the famous Kinokuniya bookstore and many good restaurants.

If you love wagyu beef, be sure to have a meal at Imahan (Times Square Bldg 14F (Shinjuku Takashimaya) that serves amazing cuts which can be enjoyed shabu-shabu or suki-yaki style. Just a five minute walk away from Takashimaya is Lumine 2 (the latest extension of Lumine 1) where Tokyo’s second Laduree cafe (that serves macaron flavoured ice-cream) and Dean & Deluca is located. This new wing stocks current labels like Opening Ceremony, Lanvin en Bleu, Jill Stuart and United Arrows.

Other major departmental stores in Shinjuku include Isetan (you can’t say you’ve been in Shinjuku if you haven’t been to Isetan’s Food Hall), Marui, Keio, Mitsukoshi and Odakyu.

One of the latest additions to Tokyo’s skyline is Tokyo Sky Tree, the world’s tallest tower at 634 meters. A panoramic view of Tokyo can be seen from the 450-meter high observation deck. Tickets were sold out for two weeks when it was launched so if you plan to visit it, you should purchase your tickets in advance online.

The Tsujiki Fish Market, Ueno Onshi Park, Nijubashi (Imperial Palace), Ghibli Museum, Disneysea & Disneyland are other popular tourist attractions in Tokyo.