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Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Perhaps you know it as the dizzingly whimsical backdrop for Lost in Translation. As romantic and incredibly fantasy-like that movie made Tokyo look, actually being there is so much better in person. There is no over-exaggeration. The amazing-ness of it can not be understood, felt, or properly conveyed unless you step foot there yourself.

Where to Stay

Mercure Tokyo Ginza

The Mercure Tokyo Ginza is where it’s at if you’re looking to be surrounded by the best of the best. And who wouldn’t want that? Surrounded by the most upscale shopping (think Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton) I definitely felt like I was in good company with such high end neighbours. What’s more is that this hotel was just recently renovated in the past year and its new luxurious finishes were definitely reflective of the neighbourhood that it resides in.

 

I absolutely adored my room! Everything was so modern with rose gold touches and a black geometric wallpaper. Yet at the same time the space was so warm and inviting. I felt like I was being welcomed into the home of an incredibly chic friend. The best part about this hotel though was it’s location. Right underneath it there is a subway station so all you have to do is take the elevator down to the basement level and you are conveniently on your way to exploring all of Tokyo. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

On top of all that they offer free smart phone usage for their guests during their stay. YES, you can make local & international calls, plus free internet use from the smart phone provided in your room, even when taking the phone out with you. If you’re like me staying connected is essential during travel (especially when trying to navigate foreign streets and transportation) so not having to worry about how you will stay connected is a massive bonus. To be honest this is the first time I ever saw a hotel offer such service and it just goes to show how in such the Mercure Tokyo Ginza is with the needs of today’s modern traveler. It’s nice to know that I wouldn’t have to worry about how to stay connected when I stay with them because they’ve taken care of it already (not to mention avoiding those international roaming fees).

What to Do

 

teamLab Borderless

If you’ve never heard of teamLab before they are a group of creatives that merge together art, technology, and science to create the most whimsical digital art exhibits all across the world. The Borderless exhibit in Tokyo was definitely one of my favourite activity during my trip to Tokyo. Exploring the all the rooms felt like being in futuristic fantasy world. There really isn’t anything like it and I would love to visit some of their other exhibits across the globe.

 

Sensō-ji Temple

Sensō-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and it is a great way for you to see sixth century Japanese architecture while never having to stray to far from the modern metropolis that is Tokyo today. This temple is said to bring good luck and happiness to it’s visitors, so I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss out on that right? My only regret is that I ran out of time and didn’t get a chance to come back here at night when the lanterns light up.

 

Metropolitan Government Building

The draw here is obviously the view! There are a two observation decks here which are free and give you incredible views of the city.

 

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is one of those places that you need to check out. Most consider it to be the busiest intersection in the world as people cross from every direction when the lights change. This of course makes it perfect for people watching as you see all kinds of people scurrying across. Business men, school children, and even fashion bloggers and couples looking to get engagement shots in the middle of the intersection only to scurry back to the sidewalk as fast as possible when the lights change. Most people sit at the Starbucks located on the second floor here but there is supposedly a better view on the observatory deck at Magnet by Shibuya 109 building. Unfortunately the building was closed for construction when I visited so I opted for the Starbucks view, but if you have a chance to check out the one at Magnet by Shibuya 109 building you’ll have to send me some pics!

What to Eat

 

The Zoo

The Zoo is the cutest little ice cream shop in Tokyo’s Harajuku neighbourhood. They are known for their ice cream cones shaped like animals and also proving that Japan knows how to make things cute AND delicious all at once.

Tsujiri Market

Tsujiki Market is the former sight of where the famous fish market used to be. Since then the actual fish market has been relocated to Toyosu Market in a new and modernized building which is just a short 20 minute train ride away.  The many vendors here though still receive their fish fresh daily from the new market and it is all very tasty and very reasonably priced. They open as early as 9am here so you can actually get a bowl of sashimi for breakfast if you want. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.

Shirogies Cream Puff Factory

Cream puffs and Totoro in one! If you’re a Ghibli/Totoro fan than this is the place for you. Besides being super cute these Totoro cream puffs are also delicious. You can also get Totoro shaped cookies and souvenirs at this shop as well.

Gyukatsu Motomura

This place was one of my favourite spots in Japan and is a super popular place to get gyukatsu in Japan. The breaded slices of beef are served rare and ready to eat as-is but each seat if fitted with it’s own fire cooktop for you cook the meat to your likeness. I wouldn’t recommend putting it on there too long as it will ruin the tenderness of the beef but a few seconds on each side to get a nice sear definitely goes a long way to adding some nice smoky flavour. This is all they serve here and each set comes with some cabbage, potato salad, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. You have the option of adding grated yam to your meal but I personally didn’t care for it all too much and it didn’t really taste like yam even. Still, definitely a must visit as it is the most tender gyukatsu you will have. Despite having multiple locations in Tokyo you should expect lineups because this place a favourite amongst basically everyone.

Shin Udon

Considered to be one of the best udon shops in Tokyo everything here is made fresh daily in-house. I ordered a classic udon in hot soup and I’ll be honest though I thought it was just so-so. Don’t get me wrong, the noodles themselves were nothing short or perfection but I found the broth to be bland, and was convinced it was just noodles in hot water with no seasoning whatsoever. I would however highly recommend their carbonara style udon which is served with parmesan, butter, and bacon. The creamy sauce pairs well with the perfectly springy udon noodles.

 

Floresta Doughnuts

Floresta Doughnuts uses all natural, local, organic, and preservative free ingredients.  These doughnuts are more cake-like and obviously the big draw here is how cute they are! The nice thing about these doughnuts too is that they are not overly sweet.

Burn Side Street Cafe

If you love fluffy Japanese pancakes as much as I do you’ll love Burn Side Street Cafe. There are so many amazing spots serving these fluffy soufflé pancakes but this one is a little different as they also have a tiramisu flavoured ones. This place also folds ricotta into their pancakes which makes for a slightly creamier pancake.

Ramen

Ok, so ramen is serious business in Japan and specifically Tokyo so it deserves it’s own special section. Over the years Tokyo has made headlines as it was the first time that a ramen shop had ever received a Michelin Star, an honour which was typically only bestowed upon fine dining establishments. Thankfully, the good folks at Michelin finally have come to realize that you don’t need a white tablecloth to have an exceptional meal and now there are not only one, but two ramen shops to get that coveted star.

A Lesson on Ordering Ramen

So first a quick lesson on ordering at a ramen shop in Japan. For the most part all ramen shops in Japan have a machine similar to the one above. The machine will most likely be located just outside the shop or inside right next to the door when you enter. This is where you will order and pay for your ramen, toppings, any side dishes, and drinks you want. Most of the machines only accept ¥‎1,000 or ¥‎2,000 yen notes so come prepared, although most restaurants will be happy to exchange larger bills if you’re fancy and that’s all you have. You put your money in first and then select what you want based on the labels for each button. Every item has it’s own button so if you order a bowl of ramen and choose 3 toppings you will get 3 tickets. Hand these tickets to someone that works there and then sit down and wait for your goods.

 

Tsuta

Tsuta is ramen shop that started it all, the OG Michelin star buster. What makes it a little bit different is that their ‘ramen’ noodles are actually more soba-like being made with buckwheat but thinner than your average soba noodle. I found them to be more like the lovechild of a soba and a ramen noodle. Due to the fame they received internationally for being the first ramen shop to receive a Michelin Star it should come as no surprise that this place will have huge lineups. So much so that they have a special system in order to help manage the huge influx of people trying to eat at their restaurant.

1. Go early to get a ticket for a seating time slot. And when I say early, I mean early. You can go as early as 6:30am-7am to pick up your ticket. There is a deposit of ¥‎1,000 per ticket/person, but this will be returned to you when you arrive at your seating time. You will need to go early as they only give out a certain number of tickets per day and once they are out they are out and you will be out of luck and ramen
2. Once you get your ticket you can return at your reserved ticket time and wait to be seated
3. Eventually you will get in and be enjoying those delicious noodles

Ok, so note this is generally the process but when I went I got lucky. It was pouring rain the day I went at I went at 3pm in the afternoon, a bit of an odd time, and luckily I did not have to reserve a ticket beforehand and only had to wait about 30 minutes before being seated. The horrible weather I’m sure was the reason for this, so I wouldn’t take the risk of not reserving your tickets in the morning if you have your heart set on trying this place. They also have a twitter account, here, where you can check the status of the seating or whether or not they are sold out for the day (yes, they only make a certain amount per day and once they are finished that’s it until tomorrow). I was able to get in without a ticket because when I checked their twitter it said they were accepting seatings for walk-ins so be sure to check because you might get lucky like I did.

Oh and not to worry because their global fame has not caused an inflated price. They still sell their ramen at a reasonable cost of around ¥1,000-¥2,000 (depending on size and any additional toppings you choose), the same price range as most ramen places.

Also, you can actually buy Tsuta Michelin Star ramen in instant noodle form and it is sold at 7-11 in Japan. It would make for a great souvenir for your favourite foodie back home, or maybe for yourself as you reminisce about your fancy Michelin Star meal at non-Michelin star prices.

 

Nakiryu Ramen (鳴龍)

The second ramen shop to receive a Michelin Star, Nakiryu is known for their spicy ramen. While I loved the ramen at Tsuta this was my favourite ramen of all the ramen I tried in Japan (and I tried a lot, believe me). The broth is just so flavourful and has amazing depth and complexity and the noodles are the perfect texture. It’s not overly spicy, but enough to add a kick. They do also have an extra spicy version as well as a non-spicy version depending on your preferences. Like almost all places in Japan come early or be prepared to wait in line. I came about 30 minutes early and was seated in the first round when they opened. Like Tsuta, receiving the Michelin Star has not affected prices here as well and this delicious bowl will set you back at the same ¥1,000-¥2,000 as it, and all ramen shops, have always been.

 

Fūunji Ramen (風雲児)

So don’t think that a place needs to have a Michelin Star in order for it to be good. There is no shortage of delicious ramen joints in Japan, star or no star. Fūunji is one of those places and is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Tokyo. Don’t think that a lack of a Michelin Star means that it will be easier to get in here though, the lineups are just as long here so come early! This place is known for their super creamy and rich broth and it is definitely both of those things. Most people order the Tsukemen style ramen where the cold noodles are served on the side and you dip it into the accompanying bowl of broth, but they also serve the regular ramen where the noodles are already in the broth. Something to note about this spot is they let all the people who are lining up to come into the shop and stand behind you while you eat, so you may feel rushed to gulp it all down. I personally was pretty oblivious to it because I was enjoying my noodles so much and so should you! The staff here is also super nice and when you dine it will be at a counter facing the open kitchen so you can also watch as they assemble the masterpieces together.