Let's Go to Tokyo
I was blessed to travel to Tokyo, Japan, in March 2019, and ever since, I’ve been dreaming of going back. The people were incredibly kind, the culture is breathtakingly beautiful, and the city itself is a treasure trove of incredible sights. Tokyo feels like a glimpse into the future, with cutting-edge fashion, technology, and an energy that’s unlike anywhere else.
For those of us in the U.S., traveling to Asia can seem far and maybe even unattainable. But if you have the opportunity, I urge you to add Japan to your list of must-visit destinations. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever.
To help you plan your trip—or inspire you to finally book one—I’ve put together a list of my top recommendations for Tokyo. Enjoy!
Best Hotels in Tokyo
Luxury:
Aman Tokyo: a luxury urban sanctuary that blends modern elegance with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Located in the Otemachi district, the hotel occupies the top floors of a skyscraper, offering breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
Mandarin Oriental: located in the prestigious Nihonbashi district, this hotel blends contemporary elegance with traditional Japanese hospitality.
HOSHINOYA Tokyo: a luxury ryokan-style hotel that offers a serene escape in the heart of the city. Located in the Otemachi district, this elegant retreat blends traditional Japanese hospitality with modern sophistication.
Additional options:
Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita: a tranquil Japanese-style ryokan in Tokyo’s Setagaya district, offering an authentic onsen (hot spring) experience in the heart of the city. Designed with minimalist elegance, the ryokan features tatami-matted rooms, yukata robes, and traditional aesthetics that create a peaceful retreat from Tokyo’s fast-paced energy. I would love to stay here!
InterContinental Tokyo Bay: located in Minato, Tokyo, offering stunning views of Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, and the city skyline.
Eating Around Tokyo
Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza) – Fine Dining 🍣 – A legendary Michelin three-star sushi restaurant, known for its unparalleled omakase experience.
Den (Jingumae, Shibuya) – Fine Dining 🍱 – A modern take on kaiseki cuisine, blending humor, creativity, and heartfelt hospitality.
Shima (Nihonbashi) – Fine Dining 🥩 – A hidden steakhouse gem, famous for its perfectly cooked Wagyu and signature steak sandwiches.
Ukai Toriyama (Hachioji) – Fine Dining 🍢 – A stunning traditional Japanese countryside setting, offering charcoal-grilled yakitori and kaiseki meals.
Tsuta (Yoyogi, Shibuya) – Casual 🍜 – The first ramen shop to receive a Michelin star, offering rich, umami-packed truffle shoyu ramen.
Sometarō (Asakusa) – Casual 🥞 – A charming, old-school okonomiyaki spot where you cook savory Japanese pancakes on a hot plate.
Udon Shin (Shinjuku) – Casual 🍜 – A small but popular udon shop, serving hand-pulled noodles with silky texture and flavorful broths.
Afuri (Harajuku) – Casual 🍜 – Famous for its yuzu-infused ramen, offering a light yet flavorful twist on traditional ramen in a stylish, modern setting.
McDonald's – Casual 🍟 – This may seem like a weird suggestion but I was obsessed with their wasabi french fries. You NEED to stop by and see if they still have them.
Best Places to Get Matcha 🍵
I am a big Matcha girly. It doesn't disrupt my stomach the way that coffee does, and I love my morning ritual of whisking it up in the morning. When I go back to Japan, I am going to go on a matcha tour and visit all these places!
Suzukien Asakusa – Offers the richest matcha gelato in the world, with seven intensity levels of matcha flavor.
Ippodo Tea Tokyo (Marunouchi) – A historic Kyoto tea brand’s Tokyo outpost, perfect for tasting and purchasing premium matcha.
Nana’s Green Tea (Multiple Locations) – A modern matcha café chain serving matcha lattes, parfaits, and traditional sweets in a stylish setting.
The Matcha Tokyo (Harajuku & Shibuya) – Specializes in organic matcha drinks, including whisked matcha, matcha espresso lattes, and matcha shots.
Kosoan (Jiyugaoka) – A traditional tea house in a serene setting, offering matcha with wagashi (Japanese sweets) in a tatami-mat room.
Saryo Tsujiri (Ginza Six & Shinjuku) – A Kyoto-based matcha café serving luxurious matcha parfaits, lattes, and matcha-flavored desserts.
Cha Cha no Ma (Omotesando) – A hidden gem specializing in high-quality matcha and Japanese tea, offering tea tastings and expertly brewed matcha.
Hachiya (Harajuku & Shibuya) – A stylish, minimalist tea shop known for its beautifully crafted matcha lattes and seasonal tea-based drinks.
Ginza Maruyama Nori (Ginza) – A high-end tea shop with a café offering elegant matcha experiences, including premium whisked matcha and tea pairings.
Afternoon Tea Tearoom (Multiple Locations) – A tea café blending matcha with Western-style cakes and pastries, offering a relaxing, casual tea experience.
Must-See Sites in Tokyo 🗼🌸
Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, an iconic Tokyo experience with dazzling neon lights.
Harajuku & Takeshita Street – The heart of Tokyo’s youth fashion and pop culture, filled with quirky boutiques, colorful street food, and kawaii shops.
Shinjuku Gyoen – A stunning park blending Japanese, English, and French garden styles, perfect for cherry blossom season.
Meiji Shrine (Harajuku) – A peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest, offering a serene escape in the city.
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) – Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, featuring the iconic Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street.
Tokyo Skytree – Japan’s tallest structure, offering breathtaking 360° views of Tokyo from its observation decks.
Tsukiji Outer Market – A must-visit for food lovers, with fresh sushi, street food, and local Japanese ingredients.
Akihabara Electric Town – The mecca for anime, gaming, and electronics, packed with arcades and unique otaku culture.
Ginza Shopping District – Tokyo’s luxury shopping hub, home to designer boutiques, flagship stores, and Michelin-starred dining.
Odaiba – A futuristic waterfront entertainment district with teamLab Borderless, shopping malls, and the Rainbow Bridge view.
Ueno Park & Zoo – A cultural hotspot with museums, cherry blossoms, and Japan’s oldest zoo, famous for its giant pandas.
A City of Endless Discovery
Go-Karting in Akihabara or Shibuya – Dress up as your favorite character and race through Tokyo’s streets in a real-life Mario Kart experience.
teamLab Planets (Toyosu) – An immersive digital art museum with interactive, mind-bending light and water installations.
Sumo Morning Practice (Ryogoku) – Watch sumo wrestlers train up close at a sumo stable for an authentic glimpse into Japan’s national sport.
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea (Maihama) – Experience world-class rides, magical parades, and Disney’s most unique park, DisneySea .
Yakatabune Dinner Cruise (Tokyo Bay) – Enjoy a traditional boat ride with Japanese cuisine and stunning night views of the skyline.
Gachapon & Arcade Hunting (Akihabara & Shinjuku) – Play claw machines, collect capsule toys, and dive into multi-floor gaming arcades.
Explore Oedo Onsen Monogatari (Odaiba) – A Japanese hot spring theme park where you can relax in traditional yukata robes and soak in onsen baths.
Watch a Kabuki Show (Ginza’s Kabukiza Theatre) – Witness Japan’s dramatic, colorful, and historic theater performance.
Fun & Unique Things to Do in Tokyo 🎌🎮🚗
Traveling to Tokyo will forever be one of my favorite memories, and I hope to make many more there. Next time I go, I am definitely hitting up the go-karts and trying out every matcha I can get my hands on! From exploring neon-lit streets to indulging in world-class cuisine, there’s always something new and exciting to experience. I hope these recommendations help you plan a trip of your own to Tokyo—whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this city never ceases to amaze. Happy travels! 🇯🇵
Happy Travels!
Bri
