Places
73 places across Tokyo. All verified by people who lived here. No tourist traps.
73 places
Green Thumb Bakery
Coffee ShopOne of our favorite bakeries in Tokyo. Grab a bunch and eat in the nearby park.
Don't MissAll of the baked items are great
Skip It IfYou don’t like baked goods.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Hedy Daikanyama
Shop / Retail2nd hand designer handbags and jewelry in Daikanyama. Well-edited, pricey, worth a look.
Don't MissThe jewelry selection is good too, don’t miss it just looking at the bags.
Skip It IfYou're on a budget - all the bags are designer and Daikanyama pricing applies.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Monkey Cafe
Coffee ShopOne of my favorite coffees in a cool gallery space.
Don't MissHojicha Brown Sugar latte and the cool art exhibitions
Skip It IfYou’ve already had 5 coffees today
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
NUMBER SUGAR Daikanyama
Shop / RetailIndividually wrapped caramel candies in a dozen flavors. Sounds odd, tastes incredible. Perfect gift.
Don't MissThe ginger and salted caramels. Buy a box to take home.
Skip It IfYou don't have a sweet tooth.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Okura
Shop / RetailJapanese indigo-dyed clothing and denim in one of the coolest concept stores you'll walk into anywhere.
Don't MissJust walk in. The space itself is the experience. My favorite jacket is from here.
Skip It IfYou're not prepared to spend. Beautiful things are expensive here.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Osteria Urara
RestaurantTranslate the chalk board of daily ingredients and create your own dishes working with the staff.
Don't MissTheir set menu if you want to streamline the process.
Skip It IfYou don’t want to be a bit uncomfortable translating a lot / trying unique ingredients.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Siki Daikanyama
Shop / RetailReworked and redyed clothes alongside awesome ceramics by the owner/designer. Talk to the staff they are so so nice.
Don't MissThe reworked pieces are very cool, truly one-of-a-kind.
Skip It IfYou want conventional fashion. This is very much an artist's shop.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Tsutaya Books Daikanyama
ExperienceOne of the best bookstores in the world. Multiple floors and buildings with everthing from design/art/fiction/magazines. A must.
Don't MissThe top floor cafe in the morning. Spend at least an hour just wandering.
Skip It IfYou're in a rush. This requires time.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Utsuwa Marukaku Nanpeidai
Shop / RetailAntique Japanese ceramics on the Daikanyama/Shinsen border. Huge selection, great for gifts, different stock from the Shinsen location.
Don't MissThe antique section is awesome. Pieces from different eras at reasonable prices.
Skip It IfYou've already been to the Shinsen location.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
A10
BarTrendy speakeasy record bar with super inventive cocktails.
Don't MissOpen the fake locker door behind locker A10 to enter
Skip It IfYou don’t want a trendier bar.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Bar Trench
BarRegularly on the top 50 bars in Asia list. Beautiful cocktails, great table snacks, worth a visit. Make a res if possible.
Don't MissThe cocktails. The snacks. The whole vibe.
Skip It IfYou don't want to spend on drinks. There can be a line.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Spincoaster Music Bar
BarTiny 10-person record bar in Ebisu. Intimate, great sound system, yummy drinks and snacks. A gem if you can get in.
Don't MissCheck their hours before going as they sometimes close unexpectedly even when listed as open.
Skip It IfYou want a big night out. This is for a longer hang.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Endress
Shop / RetailSterling silver jewelry store in Gakudai. Pricey but beautiful, good for a special piece.
Don't MissUnique sterling silver pieces
Skip It IfYou're not in the market for jewelry.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Issue Vintage
Shop / RetailGreat mens vintage curation with high highs and low lows in Gakudai. Pricey but well-curated.
Don't MissThe outerwear - they had great men’s jackets.
Skip It IfYou're on a budget. Prices are on the higher end for vintage.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Matterhorn Bakery
Coffee ShopShowa-era charm with staff in vintage uniforms. Sit down, get a slice of cake and a coffee.
Don't MissSit at one of the tables. The experience of being there is the point. Food is fine but its all about the vibe.
Skip It IfYou're in a rush. This is a slow old school spot.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Recycle Boutique ABC
Shop / RetailGems found here include a Balmain jacket, Max Mara coat. Some amazing gems if you’re willing to look.
Don't MissThe hunt - the good stuff is randomly mixed in
Skip It IfYou don't have patience for hunting for gems.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
TreFacStyle Gakugei-daigaku
Shop / RetailMy favorite second hand store. Always finding designer Japanese brands at huge discounts. Its a chain but this one is the best
Don't MissThe selected brands section for men and women
Skip It IfYou want a more curated store
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Itoya Stationery
Shop / Retail7 stories of pens, journals, stationery, paper goods, stickers. A dream for anyone who loves beautiful office supplies.
Don't MissThe pen floor. The paper selection. Budget a full hour minimum.
Skip It IfStationery doesn't excite you. Otherwise, mandatory.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Gotokuji Temple (Lucky Cat Shrine)
ExperienceThe famous waving cat shrine. Buy yourself a cat figurine. In a fun local neighborhood.
Don't MissBuy a small cat figurine at the shrine. Great souvenir that actually means something.
Skip It IfYou've maxed out on temples / don’t have time to go to Gotokuji.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Horos
Shop / RetailColorful funky vintage in Gotokuji. Unique compared to a lot of the shops in Tokyo.
Don't MissMore color than most Tokyo vintage stores.
Skip It IfYou shop neutrals only.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Iron Coffee
Coffee ShopGood coffee stop on the way to Gotokuji shrine. Worth grabbing one before the walk to the temple.
Don't MissStop here before the shrine for the walk over.
Skip It IfYou're in a rush to get to the shrine.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Recycle Tifana
Shop / RetailFun little 2nd hand shop with a cute old lady owner. Great women’s fashion finds.
Don't MissThe Burberry section. Great trench coats at reasonable prices.
Skip It IfYou want menswear. This skews strongly womens.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Cosme
Shop / RetailThe biggest fancy cosmetics store in Tokyo with international and Japanese brands. Budget cosmetics are also found at local drug stores (including next door)
Don't MissThe Japanese-only brands that hard to find elsewhere.
Skip It IfYou're not a beauty shopper.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Corner
RestaurantNo frills good vibes lunch spot
Don't MissGet the ginger pork set for lunch and thank us later.
Skip It IfYou dont want to go Ikejiri Ohashi
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
SiCX
BarGin distillery’s Tokyo outpost with great drinks, food and vibe.
Don't MissGin drinks, cute dogs and good karaage
Skip It IfYou don’t prefer gin or want a very upbeat bar.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Yakumo Ramen
RestaurantMy favorite “nicer” ramen in Tokyo. Michelin Guide pork and shrimp wontons, known mainly by locals, often a short line.
Don't MissGo at off-peak hours to avoid the wait. I like the white broth.
Skip It IfYou want bold, heavy ramen. This is refined and subtle.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Artifex Gallery
Shop / RetailAffordable modern ceramics in Kichijoji that is a good entry point if others feel too pricey / antique feeling.
Don't MissVery functional pieces. Tons of mugs and bowls you'd actually use.
Skip It IfYou want antique pieces. Go to PukuPuku down the street instead.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Inokashira Park
ExperienceBig pond, beautiful park, adjacent to Kichijoji. Make sure to take a lap if you’re in the neighborhood.
Don't MissA relaxing walk around the lake to get out of the chaos.
Skip It IfIts a dreary winter day. Way better with foliage.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
PukuPuku Ceramics
Shop / RetailAntique Japanese ceramics store in Kichijoji. Great selection from different eras, across different price points. A treasure trove.
Don't MissTranslate the sticker on the back of each piece to see what era it's from. Brings the pieces to life.
Skip It IfYou're looking for modern ceramics. This is antique specialist territory.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Koenji Antique Alley
Shop / RetailA cluster of vintage and antique shops that is less touristy than Shimokitazawa
Don't MissIf you’re willing to venture further - Shimokitazawa without the same crowds
Skip It IfYou have no interest in antiques, vintage, or random beautiful objects.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Antonic Gin Bar
BarMassive gin selection in a chill neighborhood spot. We don’t even like gin that much and love it here.
Don't MissAsk the bartender for a recommendation. The selection is overwhelming in the best way.
Skip It IfYou hate gin and won't be persuaded otherwise.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Coverchord
Shop / RetailBeautiful concept store on the river strip. Expensive men’s and women's clothing but inspiring to walk through even if you're just browsing.
Don't MissJust walk in. The curation and space are worth seeing even without buying. Don’t sleep on the ceramics.
Skip It IfBudget is tight. Prices are high but they do have sales.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Kindal Nakameguro
Shop / Retail2nd hand designer chain. Higher prices near the tourist strip but very well curated and occasional great finds.
Don't MissThe accessories are great and can get lost if you only look at the clothing.
Skip It IfYou want bargains. Prices here reflect the neighborhood.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Oreryu Shio-Ramen
RestaurantDown-and-dirty late night ramen. Perfect after a night out, multiple locations across the city.
Don't MissGo late night. It hits differently after the bars.
Skip It IfYou want elevated broth. This is a late night, delicious, quick-hit situation.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Ramen Jazzy Beats
RestaurantModern elevated ramen with excellent toppings. A big step up from the classic hole-in-the-wall with good music too.
Don't MissSmall menu just get whatever speaks to you.
Skip It IfYou want traditional old-school ramen. This is new-wave.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Schoolbus Coffee
Coffee ShopTrendy, cute coffee shop with great coffee and relaxing place to hang.
Don't MissCaramel latte. Our favorite coffee shop to work out of.
Skip It IfYou want a cheap no frills coffee
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Sidewalk Coffee Stand
Coffee ShopSome of the best matcha drinks in Tokyo. Grab one before your river walk.
Don't MissThe matcha and orange espresso. Get it before your walk and drink it by the water.
Skip It IfYou need somewhere to sit.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Tsukiji Sushiko Takumi
RestaurantGood chain sushi that holds up. Easy walk-in for lunch.
Don't MissThe tuna sampler is a perfect thing to split at lunch
Skip It IfYou want a fancy sushi experience. This is a casual but great chain.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Yakiniku Ushicoco Nakameguro
RestaurantGreat Yakiniku in an unassuming Nakameguro location.
Don't MissGo with friends and order a bunch of different cuts of beef.
Skip It IfYou don’t want your clothes to smell like beef
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Kappabashi Kitchen Street
Experience100+ kitchen stores on one long street. Endless affordable ceramics, every kind of cooking tool. A ceramic lover's paradise.
Don't MissDengama, Touan Yabukita, Takaso, FU WA RI, komatsuya are all worth going into. Budget extra time and luggage space.
Skip It IfYou can't carry fragile things home. (Though you should try anyway.)
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Oi Racecourse Flea Market
Shop / RetailSeasonal weekend only flea market with insane quantity. Some of our favorite finds came from here - easy to spend an entire day and find real gems.
Don't MissGo with time to spare. This is a half-day commitment if you're serious about it.
Skip It IfYou only have a few days in Tokyo. It’s amazing but too far out for a casual browse.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
菱田屋酒場
RestaurantIncredibly local and delicious Izakaya with awesome rotating food and drink menu. Everything is in Japanese
Don't MissSit at the counter and watch the chef put in work.
Skip It IfYou aren’t willing to feel a bit out of place or don’t want to translate menus
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Atsurae Vintage
Shop / RetailOur top vintage pick in Sangenjaya. Great curation and must stop if you’re in the neighborhood.
Don't MissBrowsing the full store - there are hidden gems.
Skip It IfYou don’t have time for Sangenjaya
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Analog Record Bar
BarFun record bar that makes the perfect first-stop of the evening. No reservations. A bit hidden on the 3rd floor.
Don't MissGreat place to bring visitors. Pick out a record and trade your pin to play a song from it. Truffle chips great as well.
Skip It IfYou want a quiet bar. Analog gets loud with the music and there can sometimes be a line.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Jomon Yakitori
RestaurantOur favorite yakitori in Tokyo - try to make a res if you can.
Don't MissSit upstairs in the sunken tables (shoes off). Order everything. The atmosphere is as good as the food.
Skip It IfYou can't get a reservation and don't want to risk a walk-in wait.
Verified by Jeremy (lived in Tokyo 6 years)
NUIR Vintage Shibuya
Shop / RetailOver 5,000 vintage items across multiple floors.
Don't MissThe sheer volume. You’ll need more time here than you think.
Skip It IfYou prefer smaller, more curated vintage stores.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
S Spiral
RestaurantLife-changing shrimp toast and excellent seafood. Mostly locals, great natural wine, no pretension.
Don't MissThe shrimp toast. Non-negotiable.
Skip It IfYou want a lively upbeat restaurant. This is a cozier spot.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
SG Club
BarSerious cocktail bar in Shibuya that Sip and Guzzle in NYC is the follow up to. One of the best in the city, needs a reservation.
Don't MissWhatever the bartender recommends. The space is beautiful.
Skip It IfYou didn't book ahead. It will fill up quickly.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
SG Low
RestaurantHidden-entrance spot with excellent food and energy. Getting more tourist attention but still very good.
Don't MissThe entrance and overall vibe. Its such a fun place.
Skip It IfYou hate the idea of an 'Instagram-discovered' spot.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Shibuya Oiran
BarDive bar in central Shibuya with a DJ upstairs. Great place to people watch, kill time before the club and hang with friends.
Don't MissGood lemon sours and people watching.
Skip It IfYou want a fancier cocktail bar or an upbeat bar to dance.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Shimokitazawa Vintage Strip
Shop / RetailThe best concentration of vintage clothing in Tokyo. Budget a full morning.
Don't MissThe smaller back-alley stores - the main strip is good but the real finds are one block off it.
Skip It IfYou're not into vintage. It’s also very touristy and mostly American vintage.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Coffee Swamp
Coffee ShopHidden in the alleys west of Shinjuku station. Great coffee, records playing, a cult spot for coffee obsessives.
Don't MissGreat vinyl being played and the best coffee in Shinjuku.
Skip It IfYou don’t want to wait in line
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Lemon-Sha Shinjuku Store
Shop / RetailCamera store with a massive selection of used film cameras.
Don't MissThere are a ton of camera stores in this area
Skip It IfYou have no interest in photography.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Omoide Yokocho
BarA narrow alley of tiny yakitori stalls behind Shinjuku station.
Don't MissSit at any counter that has a free stool. Order yakitori and a beer. The atmosphere is the point.
Skip It IfYou want a quiet, local experience. This is touristy but worth doing once if you’re in the area at night.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Sushiro
RestaurantFun conveyor belt chain sushi. Inexpensive, essentially all-you-can-eat. They’re throughout the city.
Don't MissPut your name in ahead of time as there can be a wait.
Skip It IfYou want a traditional sushi experience.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
ANDS
RestaurantGreat Japanese-Italian local spot in Shinsen. Rotating menu with great Japanese inspired pastas.
Don't MissThe pasta and the wine selection.
Skip It IfYou’re in a rush - it can take a while.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Kari Kari Spice
RestaurantTiny Japanese curry spot with some amazing curry rice dishes.
Don't MissCounter seating only. Chat with the chef, she’s a sweet former nutritionist now making amazing curry! Ask about specials
Skip It IfYou want heavy, traditional curry. This is lighter and more unique.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Kitchen Hasegawa
RestaurantOur most frequented lunch spot. Japanese-Western, always a line, always worth it.
Don't MissSay 'full set' to get the soup and salad. The garlic butter chicken and hamburg steak with demi are the best.
Skip It IfYou're in a rush. There's usually a line, though food comes out fast.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Lucky Alexander China
RestaurantOur favorite Chinese in central Tokyo
Don't MissGyoza, cucumber salad, spicy fried chicken.
Skip It IfYou don’t like dumplings or want to eat only Japanese.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Misawa Soba
RestaurantStanding-only soba made by a super old and cute grandma.
Don't MissOrder extra meat. Use translate as the staff don't speak English but they're delighted you're there.
Skip It IfYou need to sit down. Standing only, no exceptions. You will feel out of place.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Neo Natural Wine Bar
BarStanding-only natural wine bar with excellent food. Go early, no reservations, hard to get a spot.
Don't MissGo early (4-5pm) before it fills up. The food is as good as the wine.
Skip It IfYou're arriving after 7pm. It will be difficult to get in.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Utsuwa Marukaku
Shop / RetailThe best ceramics store in Tokyo. Tons of stunning pieces, great space, some antique stock too.
Don't MissThe antique ceramics section. Take your time.
Skip It IfYou can't carry fragile things home. (Buy them anyway and pack carefully.)
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Camelback Coffee
Coffee ShopA Tomigaya neighborhood staple that became a regular haunt, great coffee on our favorite walking street.
Don't MissGrab a coffee and egg sando and walk the Tomigaya street. Perfect morning ritual.
Skip It IfYou need somewhere to sit and work. This is a grab-and-go.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Kakan Tomigaya
RestaurantBest Mapo Tofu in Tokyo. A great lunch set
Don't MissGet the minced pork rice addition if you’re hungry - go at opening to avoid lines.
Skip It IfYou don’t want to wait or only want to eat Japanese food
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Onigily Cafe
RestaurantExcellent quick onigiri snack stop on the Tomigaya walking street.
Don't MissGrab one as a walking snack. Perfect between coffee and lunch.
Skip It IfYou're looking for a nicer sit down meal.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Senrigan Ramen
RestaurantThe heaviest and thickest ramen (in the best way)
Don't MissThe pork back fat ramen
Skip It IfYou have plans later in the day - this will put you to bed.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Shibuya Publishing & Booksellers
Shop / RetailCharming little book and trinket store on the Tomigaya strip. Great for a browse and an interesting souvenir.
Don't MissThe small trinkets and Japan-specific books you won't find elsewhere.
Skip It IfYou're maxed out on shopping.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Style Department
Shop / RetailExcellent menswear and jewelry on the Tomigaya walking street. Also stocks unique perfume brands.
Don't MissSome of the best curated menswear in Tokyo
Skip It IfYou're not into menswear or you’re looking for affordable options.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Tonkatsu Tsukiuma
RestaurantBest katsu in Tokyo. Full stop. Order the deluxe, grind your sesame seeds, dip, add sauce and lemon.
Don't MissGrind the sesame seeds yourself at the table.
Skip It IfYou don't like pork. (Why are you in Tokyo?)
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Ella Records
Shop / RetailCute record store on a fun street in north Yoyogi-Uehara
Don't MissGreat collection of City Pop records
Skip It IfYou aren’t interested in records
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Igor Cozy
RestaurantUpscale but approachable. Lots to sample, mix of tourists and locals, consistently excellent.
Don't MissOrder widely and out of your comfort zone. The menu is meant to be shared.
Skip It IfYou don’t want to explore less classic Japanese foods.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Nadoya No Katte
Coffee ShopAmazing coffee shop in a beautiful space. Don’t miss it if you are in the area
Don't MissTalk with the barista and figure out the perfect cup for you
Skip It IfYou want simple or cheap coffee
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Wineshop Flow
BarNatural wine bar that draws people from around Tokyo for their vast bottle selection
Don't MissIncredibly unique natural wine selection
Skip It IfYou don’t like natural wine
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)