TOKYO
Tokyo is, without question, our favorite city in the world. During our trip to Japan, we spent three nights here at the start, explored Kyoto and Osaka in between, then returned for four more nights — and still felt like we could’ve stayed longer. There’s a quiet brilliance to Tokyo that’s hard to put into words. You feel safe, respected, and completely in awe of the mastery that surrounds you — from the way every cuisine is executed with precision (we had some of the best Indian food of our lives here), to the unmatched quality of ingredients, to the sheer joy of discovering something new around every corner. We wandered through Ginza’s luxury storefronts, crossed the iconic Shibuya scramble, tasted pizza that ruined us for all others, and ended most nights with snack hauls from 7-Eleven. The city’s energy is vibrant, yet never overwhelming — a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Tokyo has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left.
Check out more images + videos from our trip in my Japan Highlights.
STAY
Hoshinoya Tokyo
📍 Otemachi
Instagram: @hoshinoya.official
From the moment we stepped through the grand cypress doors, the bustling noise of Tokyo faded into a sense of calm. Embracing tradition, we wandered barefoot on smooth tatami floors throughout the property feeling every thread of Japanese culture woven into our path. Our room — a blend of simplicity and elegance, featured a platform bed and shoji doors that transitioned from a daylight filter to a nighttime glow. Experiencing a ryokan is an essential part of visiting Japan and our stay at this haven for our first three days in Japan couldn’t have been better.
The Tokyo Edition
📍 Toranomon
Instagram: @toranomonedition
We absolutely love The Edition hotels! They are consistent all around the world, making them a reliable choice every time. During our trip to Japan, we spent 3 nights in Tokyo, followed by 3 nights in Kyoto, 3 nights in Osaka, and concluded with another 4 nights back in Tokyo at The Edition hotel, which was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.
EAT
Maz Tokyo
📍 Minato City
Instagram: @maz_tokyo
Elevated Peruvian dining experience, part of our top 3 food experiences ever! Absolutely divine.
Arva — Aman Tokyo
📍 Otemachi
Instagram: @aman_tokyo
Italian at The Aman Tokyo. One of our favorite Italian places, ever.
Downtown B’s Indian Kitchen
📍 Ota City
Instagram: @downtown.bs_indian_kitchen
Tiny garage but mighty taste. The owner is so sweet and the food is so good that we went twice.
Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST)
📍 Minato City
Instagram: @pizzastudio_tamaki
Our favorite pizza spot in Tokyo. Ask for the whole dried diavolo peppers.
Tori No Ana
📍 Chiyoda City
Instagram: Not Available
Local ramen spot. Tip: Check the menu online beforehand and note the price of your dish. Before sitting down, you’ll need to purchase a meal ticket from a vending machine, which only displays the menu in Japanese. It’s cash only, so come prepared. You will want to arrive early and line up before it opens to secure a spot as it fills up so fast.
Shodai
📍 Meguro
Instagram: Not Available
Soba noodle shop.
Tsuta Ramen
📍 Yoyogi-Uehara
Instagram: @tsuta_ramen
Michelin-starred ramen.
QUICK BITES + CAFES
7-Eleven Japan
📍 Multiple Locations
Instagram: @7elevenjapan
Perfect for snacks and light meals. Try the to-go pancakes with maple syrup and margarine. Pictured above.
Café Kitsuné Aoyama
📍 Aoyama
Instagram: @cafekitsune
Trendy coffee and treats.
I’m Donut?
📍 Multiple Locations
Instagram: @im.donut
Fresh, fluffy donuts.
Chop Coffee Omotesando
📍 Omotesando
Instagram: @chopcoffee_tokyo
Great specialty coffee.
Excelsior Caffé
📍 Multiple Locations
Instagram: @excelsiorcaffe_official
Try the Cremia ice cream cone.
BARS
The SG Club
📍 Shibuya
Instagram: @sg_club_tokyo
Speakeasy-style cocktails — if you go during the holidays, ask for the "Let It Snow" cocktail with parmesan cheese.
Bar Centifolia
📍 Shinjuku
Instagram: @barcentifolia
Craft cocktails with unique flavors.
THINGS TO DO
TeamLab Planets
📍 Toyosu
Immersive art experience.
Loft
📍 Shibuya
Creative lifestyle store.
Tokyo DisneySea
📍 Maihama, Chiba
Unique to Tokyo — go on a weekday and arrive early.
Hedgehog Café
📍 Harajuku
Adorable and memorable.
Harajuku District
📍 Harajuku
Trendy shopping, cute accessories, and people-watching.
Ginza District
📍 Ginza
High-end shopping & dining.
SHOPPING
Komehyo
📍 Shinjuku & Ginza
Thrift shopping for luxury goods.
Shimokitazawa
📍 Setagaya
Vintage and thrift shopping.
Don Quixote
📍 Multiple Locations
Spend hours discovering quirky finds.
Maison Kitsuné
📍 Omotesando
Chic fashion.
BEAMS Japan
📍 Shinjuku
Trendy streetwear and basics.
Cene
📍 Shibuya
Instagram: @cene_tokyo
Costume jewelry store.
Hour Glass Ginza
📍 Ginza
Luxury watch shopping.
Itoya
📍 Ginza
Iconic stationery store.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Traditional Tea Ceremony
📍 Asakusa or Omotesando
Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Sushi Making Class
📍 Tsukiji or Toyosu Market
Learn the art of sushi from masters in Tokyo’s famous fish markets.
Kimono Rental Experience
📍 Asakusa or Yanaka
Rent a kimono and explore Tokyo’s historic districts.
Sumo Wrestling Tournament
📍 Ryogoku
Held in January, May, and September — a unique and powerful tradition to witness.
Onsen Experience — Oedo Onsen Monogatari
📍 Odaiba (or visit nearby Hakone)
Relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring.
Senso-ji Temple
📍 Asakusa
Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic temple.
Meiji Shrine
📍 Harajuku
A serene forested shrine in the heart of Tokyo.
Ikebana Class — Japanese Flower Arrangement
📍 Various locations
Take a class in the centuries-old art of floral arrangement.
ETIQUETTE
Mind the Lines — People line up for trains, elevators, and even at restaurants. Always wait your turn.
Be Quiet on Public Transport — Avoid talking loudly on trains and buses; phone calls are a big no.
Cash is Still King — While cards are widely accepted, having cash (Yen) is helpful for small shops and food stalls.
Don’t Eat While Walking — It’s considered rude to eat on the go—finish your food near the stall or at designated areas.
No Tipping — Tipping is not customary and can even be considered impolite. Service charges are included in the bill.
Shoes Off Indoors — Remove your shoes when entering homes, ryokans, and even some restaurants and temples.
Clean Up After Yourself — Be prepared to carry trash with you since public bins are rare.
Politeness is Key — Bow slightly when greeting or thanking someone, and use polite phrases like “Arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much).
TIPS
Plan for Late Openings — Many places open late, so stock up on snacks from 7-Eleven in case of early morning hunger from jet lag.
Digital Suica Card — Add it to your iPhone for easy public transit access.
Google Maps Tip — Use it for public transit—it shows which train car to sit in for faster entry/exit.
Luggage Lockers — Major train stations have lockers for storing luggage, making city exploration easier. (We did this in Kobe!)
Bullet Train Tip — When traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, sit on the right side for a view of Mt. Fuji on clear days. On the return to Tokyo, choose the left side.
Souvenir Space — Be ready to bring back snacks and gifts—we ended up buying another suitcase at Don Quixote!
*Every trip I take to a new country, I choose a new fragrance to wear throughout the trip. It becomes intertwined with the places, moments, and memories of that adventure. Whenever I wear it again, I’m instantly transported back to the travel memories. For this trip, I wore Delina Exclusif by Parfums De Marly — a scent that will forever remind me of Japan