Curator’s statement
Japan should be on everyone's bucket list. It hits all the boxes. The culture, the food, the people, the energy, the cleanliness, the ease of transport, the efficiency, the beauty and the history are all reasons it really is a must-see. You can go back multiple times and see new things and have unique experiences at different times of the year. If planned correctly, you can see Japan from an insider's perspective.
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Where to stay in Tokyo
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Things to do in Tokyo
Walk through Ginza (get some grape mochi)
Walk through the Imperial Gardens
Senso-Ji Temple (first go to Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center across the street for aerial views of Senso-Ji and other notable Tokyo landmarks)
Ameyoko Shopping Street and Ueno Park (take a swan boat ride)
Knife shopping on Kappabashi Dougu Street (I recommend MeiSyou Knives)
Meiji Shrine
Walk through Harajuku (stop at Anakuma Cafe to get served coffee by a bear paw)
Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky Rooftop Observatory (book in advance)
Tsukiji Market (book a sushi-making class)
Karaoke and bar crawl in Shinjuku Golden Gai
Day Trips
Kyoto is only a three-hour train ride from Tokyo. If you are not able to spend multiple days there — which I would recommend — then a day trip is definitely recommended. I would recommend a trip to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, about a two-hour train ride, and/or Kotoku-in to visit the Buddhist temple of the Jodo-shu and view its "Great Buddha." Kibune is another option, where you can visit the river restaurants and eat Nagashi somen, which are noodles that you must catch yourself as they flow by on a water slide made of bamboo.
Places to eat & drink in Tokyo
Dinner
Sushi Kousuke in Shinjuku
Butagumi in Nishi-Azabu (pork katsu) — No need for a reservation at lunch but I'd make one for dinner.
Shima (French/steak) — Chef David Chang made this a more famous spot, so you need a reservation. Make sure you get both cuts of steak filet and sirloin and share. The sirloin is so good but rich.
Birdland or Ganchan (yakitori) - Great first night move for later dinner options
Ushigoro (Yakiniku - aka Japanese Korean bbq) — Need a reservation
Lunch
Sushi Ya — Need reservations. This is the sister restaurant of a Michelin star restaurant, which makes it a little easier to get in.
Fukumachi (tempura) — Michelin, need reservations to go for lunch (don't forget to order uni after the meal)
For ramen: Ichiran (tonkotsu broth) and Afuri (miso broth) — Both have multiple locations, no reservation needed
For pizza: Savoy and Seirinkan — No need for reservations, but for Savoy go 20 minutes before opening or mid-afternoon to avoid lines.
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Travel Advisor
Erica Alexander
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Tokyo. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Graeson Conroy's guide, Best Places in Tokyo.