what to do in tôkyô
tokyo guide that doesn't require you to scroll through millions of tiktoks
It is actually insane to think that despite how much personality I have derived from Japanese culture, I have never been to Japan. Until now <3 So I’m gonna share with you some of the saved places in Tokyo as a Japanese culture enthusiast (that’s such a cringey thing to say lmao but you get what I mean). I’m just jotting down places so the writing is going to be a bit more informal than my usual articles beware!!!!
A bit about my lore with Japan. I have been surrounded by Japanese culture for what feels like forever, starting in primary school reading Shoujo manga on my iPod touch (who remember those) under the covers because my bedtime was 2 hours ago, to a highschool hyperfixation on a shitty Japanese school romcom called Good Morning Call, to an emo era marked with Comme and Yohji and Issey (this era is still going on).
With that, I have been saving and collecting Tokyo addresses forever. From local friends, random arts magazine, hippie uncles, to niche influencers and old Japanese movies.
Of course, Tokyo is the city for wandering. But if you ever need some cool stores to go to and don’t want to scroll 10 TikToks with the same hooks and titles then here you go :)
stay,
Shangri-la Hotel
If you have the budget and like architecture/interior design, you must go to Shangri-la Tokyo because it is designed by the one and only Andre Fu!
Andre is a Hong Kong-born interior architect whose works range from hotels to restaurants to art spaces to home decor. The first time I saw one of his works was on Pinterest, and it was of The Upper House hotel in Hong Kong. It was so gorgeous that I booked it immediately for my next stay and, to my pleasant surprise, it was even more gorgeous in person.
I fell in love with his design, the values and the visions. His work for The Upper House managed to create serenity and greenery in the bustling, never sleeping Hong Kong.
From what I’ve seen, Shangri-la Tokyo’s design seems to be more traditionally luxury-hotel, probably because this project was way earlier in his career. That is something to be noted if you’re looking for the wooden, green, paper lamps vibe of The Upper House. I would go for the gag of staying at Andre Fu’s Tokyo hotel.
There is another Andre Fu hotel in Japan that I feel captured his aesthetics more but it is not in Tokyo so mentioning it would be cheating. Maybe I’ll do another post for that city….. tehehehe :)
Another Andre Fu project in Tokyo is Sézanne, a fine dining restaurant in the Four Seasons if you ever want to have a fancy meal.
Muji Hotel
Muji was one of the firs brands that I got really into. I was never obsessed with it, but it has always been a staple in my life. I like the products, the story, and especially how they do business. I live in Hanoi, and every time I am back I measure the development of the city by how many new Muji’s opened. Muji is like a crucial part of any Asian city and along with UNIQLO has been the Japanese shopping destination.
Whether or not you are interested in the business and cultural currency behind MUJI, I think it is iconic to spend time at their flagship hotel in Ginza. I’ve heard that you can take all the Muji products in your room for free. It is also next door to Muji’s largest standalone store in the heart of Ginza, which is also next to Sanrio World and Dover Street Market. Dream layout for me.
shop,
Tower Records Tokyo (Shibuya)
Did you know that Tower Records is bankrupt basically everywhere but Tokyo? In the US, Tower Records stores are few and far between because everyone has turned to streaming. But in Japan, the culture of buying DVDs and records are alive and well. Isn’t that so interesting?
The Tower Records store in Shibuya is massive (3-story I believe) with every genre imaginable. Even if you’re not into CD’s it is still a good hangout place because they have a sit-down area and also gachapon machines.
Koenji
I am recommending a whole area full of vintage clothing along with indie coffee shops, bars hosting punk shows and the best street styles you’d see. Obviously, you should take the train there and walk around, but if you want a specific shop I’m gonna share one that I’ve saved called Atlantis Vintage Tokyo. I think I knew the shop because I saw a TikTok interviewing the owner Yuji and he is just the most funny, chic, unique and open guy with the coolest personal style. Obviously you want the owner of a vintage store to be passionate about what they’re selling.
Shimokitazawa
Another area for vintage fashion shopping, a bit quieter than Koenji. They also have very fun random street displays that are a bit retro, Google Maps says it’s “traditional Japanese” but I don’t think so. I’ll put some pictures for you to judge for yourself.
And if you’re thirsty or overheating check out Ogawa Coffee Laboratory nearby :)
It is to remember though that vintage shopping in Tokyo is not cheap, you usually have to go to the outskirts for that. But it is amazing for window shopping or just people watching. Here are some of the others ones I’ve been recommended just copy paste into Google Maps :)
LAYER VINTAGE 代官山
vinivini luxe
MAISON DE VII
Brooch Daikanyama
One of the readers (hi
) was kind enough to give some of their recommendations for their Japan trip and they look incredible so I’m attaching it here:Sirius Archives, Lusty, Nubian, A&S Aoyama, Asakusa, kensscratch (jewelry).
eat,
If you go to just one restaurant in Tokyo, please let it be this one: a sandwich stand called BUY ME STAND. I saw the store on TikTok and found out that the stand was once owned by a husband who sadly passed away, and his wife is currently running it along with a clothing shop I think? They seemed to be lovely people and the sandwich stand looks amazing so!!! Support local businesses!!
I don’t care what you opinion is on conveyors or you have had conveyor sushi before you need. to. go. to. a conveyor sushi restaurant. The most famous and basic one is Sushiro, which I loved!!! when I had it in Singapore. I’m very open to suggestions from locals pls ur girl loves food on conveyors
My friend keeps telling me again and again that I have to try yakitori which is a kind of chicken skewers. I keep remembering this name because my friend referred to it as “bird bbq” and I was intrigued. Turned out you will not be eating birds but chickens. I haven’t saved any but will definitely be trying that.
Some random recommendations:
For soba: Soba: Itasoba Kaoriya Ebisu
For yakiniku (grilled bite-sized meats): Yoroniku
Respect you for your firm stance on conveyor sushi!!!