One of the absolute best roasters in Japan - tucked into a little oasis neighborhood of Tokyo. Short menu focused on pour over and espresso with single origin and blend roasts. Worth a visit!
Delicious and fresh!! Head down the narrow hallway off the street and you'll find a small bar on your right.
Ueno-San's diamond ice is pretty cool to watch. The bar tenders are multicultural and staff speak excellent English. The cocktails don't disappoint, give them flavours and they will work their magic!
“Tori-take” is a famous Yaki-tori house which is a kind of Japanese pub. If you want to visit Yaki-tori house around Shibuya Station, one of your choose is here. Eel dishes are very good as well. Read more.
Microbrewery haven in the Shibuya neighborhood. With a dozen locations worldwide, this is a great place to drink good beer and mingle. Small snack options so plan on eating a meal somewhere else.
A small shop where you can find nice hoodies and T-shirts and jewelry by local Japanese designers.
1 order of cucumbers. 1 order of pan fried regular. 1 order of pan fried with scallions. Per person.
Best toy store ever. Miffy, Moomin, and Ghibli treasures everywhere. So many good things!
the coolest little street in all of Tokyo. Paved on top of a small river. Now home to niche fashion houses, moboff, and cool cafes.
Ohitsuzen - choice of meat or fish (choose bbq Eel) on a bowl of rice, with various condiments and miso soup. You mix it all together with brown rice tea. It's delicious and very cheap! 1850Y each.
Hang out in a tiny bar & talk to locals. Find Bar Saru, with a logo of a monkey holding a vinyl record, and ask the owner to play the Rocky album.
They have an English menu, but you don't need it because you're ordering a Tonkatsu (とんかつ) set anyway. They give you a bowl of sesame seeds to smash while you wait -- pour the sauce into it and dip!
Real deal Japanese hipster coffee shop located nearby temple scene. Secretly has wifi and power (need to ask) and maybe 8 spots to sit.
This place is absolutely beautiful... But be prepared for crowds, even if it's not the autumn leave-changing rush.
Don't miss out on the vending machines out front. ¥500 for an adorable ceramic cat souvenir.
A beautiful temple with lovely grounds. Go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds, otherwise it looses some of its spiritual tranquility.
Go early to avoid the crowds (before 9 is ideal, before 7:30 and you can watch the sun rise). Trek to the top is worth it - not many people do it, so you can have long stretches all to yourself.
One of our favorite meals in Japan. Stand at the bar (no seats available) and watch them cook simple, delicious skewers. Order the sake flight and enjoy!
magical bamboo forest is worth the visit. but come before 8 to beat the crowd.
Beautiful garden to escape the crowds in Arashiyama, matcha tea served on a terrace overlooking the bamboo forest and a lovely postcard included in entry fee
One of 7 Sou Sou stores in the area (women's clothing, men's clothing, kid's store, purses, shoes/tabi, and textiles). Stop by all of them if you're a fan!
For some people, this is the quintessential ramen experience: buy a ticket at the machine, use a paper slip to order, get served your ramen in a peep show-style booth. No need to talk to anyone.
Cute espresso shop near Miyanoura Port with pastries, souvenirs, and original denim designs. Owner is so friendly!
A great place for lunch near Miyanoura Port (we loved the curry rice). You can also rent bikes here!
Stay in a yurt on the beach at Tsutsuji-so. Super affordable (no private bathrooms) and romantic to hear the waves all night. Staff is very friendly and you're right by Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin!
Fave museum in the world. During busy season (Mar-Nov) book tickets online in advance, ideally for 1st entry. Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours and be blown away by Monet, de Maria, Turrell, & Ando.
My favourite out of Naoshimas's art house projects. Go there first to get a time slot ticket, and visit Ando museum whilst waiting.
A transcendent experience. One of the most thought provoking artworks I've ever seen. It made me think of evolution, karma, spirituality. You will walk the path out of that dome a different person.
Adorable shop with locally made souvenirs and snacks. Bring home products inspired by what Teshima is known for: strawberries, olives, lemons, and oranges.
