TOKYO GUIDE
In collaboration with FURLA
A week in Tokyo with my FURLA Sleek Camera bag.
For Relaxing Times
If you’re a romantic like me, you’d know that the soundtrack of Lost in Translation was playing in the back of my mind all throughout the streets of Shibuya to Shinjuku to Daikanyama, from morning to night- although I didn’t make it very far into the night. I think I was in bed at 8.30pm on most nights. This is what happens when you get your wisdom teeth out and decide to fly straight after a short time of recovery - you get sick. It was the best possible treat I could’ve given my taste buds though, after a week of liquid dieting (the thought of drinking another mashed vegetable soup gives me the shudders). After one 9 hour flight, 2 monorails and a 5.30AM walk through the streets of Shibuya, I was in mouth watering texture heaven. Uni (sea urchin), sashimi, gyoza, yakitori, and bowls and bowls of noodles - ramen, udon, soba, I really couldn’t pick my favorite. The difference between city hopping and island life, is that apart from packing light - some sort of a list or plan is essential. Tokyo city is quiet extraordinary, but you need a plan. There’s dozens of great areas littered around Tokyo city, it can often feel overwhelming choosing where to go, and what to see. I enjoy planning neighborhood by neighborhood and getting to know each area by foot.
SHIBUYA
Starting off with Shibuya because this is where we stayed. I recommend basing yourself here as it’s close to the train station, you’re one stop off Harajuku, and two off Shinjuku. Plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping.
SHOP
Shibuya Scramble: I normally avoid shopping malls, but the scramble has everything you need. There is a Tsutya book store, TokyU, and the ground level sell fresh Daifuku and Japanese sweets. I spent 2-3 hours here on my last day picking up souvenirs.
Mega Don Quijote Shibuya: This store will have every snack you’ll ever want to take home. Matcha flavored everything. Stock up right before the airport. From Matcha Kit Kat to Daifuku (mochi).
DRINK
JBS BAR: Mixed reviews. The bar is owned by a 60 year old Japanese man who has a 10,000+ record collection. He chooses what plays throughout the night and speaks minimal english. Not particularly friendly or warming towards Westerners which can be off-putting. I sipped on my whisky and enjoyed his American Jazz from the 60’s. Stanley Turrentine and Thad Jones were among those that played on our night. I had a great time.
No.501: Natural wine bar if you want a break from Sake and Whisky.
Contact: If you feel like dancing the night away - which my flu did not. But, my pink wig and I will make an appearance next time
STAY
The Mustard Hotel. This little hotel is based a 15 minute walk from Shibuya station. If you’re traveling with friends, you can select a shared room with bunk beds & bathroom shared with other guests. This sounds daunting but I used the guest bathrooms and they’re incredibly clean and comfortable. Nath and I got a “double deluxe room” which comes with our own bathroom. It’s no Park Hyatt but it’s carefully thought out, and thoroughly clean. There is also a laundry room. They serve Australian breakfast which is great if you’re craving a bit of Abocado on toast ;)
EAT
Tokyo Ten: We didn't make it to Tokyo ten but a lot of recommendations. Affordable dinner sushi course.
Standing sushi bar: Right in the center of Shibuya close to Muji and all the big stores. Great if you’re in the middle of shopping and want something quick, delicious and fresh. This was the place I had my first taste of Uni for the trip. We came here twice, it was also the first place Nathan had Toro!
SEE
The Shibuya Crossing: Apparently 2.4 million people cross this crossing EVERY.DAY!
HARAJUKU
Touristy, but nice to come here and check out Cat Street, the second hand stores & Dover Street Market.
TIP: Bring your passport, you’ll need it for tax purposes when you’re shopping.
EAT
Chop Coffee Cat Street: Morning Matcha spot. Tucked behind the Roxy store and next to a little dog shop. Great dog and people watching.
Gyoza Lou: Gyoza’s, pan fried or boil. And beer! I love coming here because you know exactly what you’re going to get. Similar to The Stand up Sushi concept. Simple, and straight to the point.
Mizuho: After gyoza come to Mizuho for handmade Daifuku. Get in early because it’s only open from 9am-12pm. Drool
Brown Rice by Neal’s Yard Remedies: For all my vegan friends. Really light and delicious Japanese vegan food. You have a choice of 3 set meals. Matcha Ice cream to finish off.
AFURI Ramen: These are all around Tokyo. I am a fan. I’m not really into heavy pork based broths so this is perfect if you’re after a light noodle dish. I ordered the Tsukemen by accident and could’ve had 5 more. Super flavorsome & perfect if you want solo lunch.
SEE
Yoyogi park & Meiji Shrine: It’s always essential (I think), to have a park day when you're in the city! A moment of peace.
SHOP
Cat Street: Second hand stores and little eateries.
Rag Tag : Second hand designer. Nath found an almost new pair of CDG for around $250AUD.
Chicago: There’s a few of these around Harajuku. I bought 2 pairs of second hand Dickie’s from here for less than a meal in Sydney. I also found a red LL Bean fleece jumper. It’s all American second pieces.
Film Camera Tokyo: I purchased my Contaxt G2, lens and flash here. I really enjoyed the walk from Cat St to the store, you get more of a local vibe up this end even though it’s off Harajuku St. Pristine collection of Contax’s over the years. They also have an English speaking employer here who is super helpful. Best purchase of the trip!
Dover St Market: How can you not. There’s also the Moma store in the same building.
SHINJUKU
The Times Square of Tokyo. Usually a place I’d avoid especially on off days, but there are a few hidden gems here, and home to the Robot restaurants.
SEE
EAT
Tsurutontan: Biggest bowls of UDON, I ever did see. A well known Udon restaurant across Japan. We came here twice, they also have this at the Haneda Airport.
Yamachan: Chicken wings <3 I’m pretty disappointed in myself, I never made it here. But if you LOVE chicken wings like me, you should definitely stop by. Apparently they’re the best chicken wings ever made.
The Park Hyatt: Sophia Coppola fan or not. Sunset drinks and an excuse to dress up. The view is probably better than Tokyo Tower. I love the entire experience, from the Lobby to the lifts, to the New York Bar. From suits to the best dressed guests. We got here on the dot at 5pm for the bar to open for sunset. Honestly one of the most magical afternoons. If you’re open to splurging, book a table at The New York Grill after your Whisky on ice.
DO
Thermae Yu: Treat yourself with an Onsen. I had plans to come here straight after my flight. They speak minimal English, but it’s easy to navigate around the building. I went solo in the Women’s. Prepare to be naked. I personally though it was a very empowering and self loving few hours. I don’t really remember the last time I walked around nude in front of strangers so that was sort of exciting. I really wish we had this in Sydney because I’d make it a weekly ritual. There are a few different types of onsens, 2 saunas, a restaurant level and a rest area where there are massage chairs and salt beds to relax on. I spent about 3 hours here. For those who need a break from the city bustle.
Daikanyama
My favorite neighborhood to hang out. The streets are a lot quieter so you get a chance to stroll around the shops & relax.
SHOPPING
I walked from The Mustard Hotel, and it took around 15 minutes to get on the main street where APC & STUSSY are. I don’t remember the name of the actual store but they used natural indigo dyes and all of their pieces were hand sewn or hand dyed. I picked up a t-shirt from here as a souvenir & a little pinky ring with “Arigato” on it.
SEE
Tsutaya: The best bookstore ever. My favourite Tsutaya is in Daikanyama. There’s 3 buildings of every book you ever thought of. If you’re after some solo time, this is the perfect place to do it. I spent 2 days here buried in anything I could get my hands on, but was so overwhelmed with choice I walked out empty handed haha.
NAKAMEGURO
Nakameguro is next to Daikanyama. Nath and I spent an entire day walking around discovering little second hand shops and restaurants. There’s more of a local vibe here, you can walk into almost any restaurant and the food will be good.
Udatsu Sushi: This was recommended to us on a list, it took us a little while to find the restaurant but it’s a beautiful walk. It’s tucked behind a street of apartment blocks, underneath an actual apartment, in a little art gallery. The entire restaurant seats 9, serving courses of Nigiri Sushi. Minimal English but a very memorable experience!
Shabu shabu lettuce: Hot pot reminds me of my childhood in Winter with my family. I love finding a good Shabu shabu in Winter cities I can keep going back to.
Blue Bottle: Coffee if you desire.
SHOP
Blue blue: Super cool store with Japanese denim.
Orbital: Low key second hand store, where I found my North face jacket which was almost new for more than half of the retail price. They also have designer and street items - Supreme, Gucci, Chanel etc.
EAT
Seirinkan: Pizza is not surprisingly incredible here in Japan. The Japs know how to perfect a skill, and when they do - make it there own. After watching David Chang’s Pizza episode of Ugly Delicious, we stopped by Seirinkan - they only have a Marinara and a Magherita on the menu, but they were one of the best pizza’s we had in a while. 3 leveled restaurant with The Beatles plastered on every wall and speaker.
Savoy: We didn’t make it here, but this was the other Pizza restaurant David Chang visited where the chef serves raw tuna and mayonnaise on pizza. If you’re creeped out about this concept, watch the episode first and then decide.
Ifuu: Yakitori. Right across the alley way from Sierinkan. We walked in here for Dinner no.2 after our pizza.
ROPPONGI
We were only here for a few hours as we ran out of time, but first stop: Mori Museum to see their Future and Arts exhibition, then a quick stop to Gonpachi where a scene out of Kill Bill was filmed here. We sat here for sake and snacks. This is the bougee area of Tokyo, great people watching.
Other mentions:
EXHIBITIONS: Teamlab
VINTAGE: Koenji, or Shimokitazawa
PARK: Imperial Park
