tokyo

AllAsia

Nov 22

Written By Courtney Ramirez

travel guide

TOKYO

A mesmerizing metropolis that pulses with endless energy and possibility, where every corner reveals something unexpected—from hidden izakayas and peaceful temple grounds to cutting-edge design and street fashion. Tokyo is a city that rewards curiosity and never stops evolving.

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***tokyo***

Tokyo is a thrilling collision of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation, where serene temples sit alongside neon-lit skyscrapers and centuries-old rituals blend seamlessly with futuristic technology.
The city offers an unparalleled sensory experience—from world-class dining and tranquil gardens to vibrant neighborhoods each with their own distinct personality. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, culinary adventures, or simply the energy of one of the world's most dynamic cities, Tokyo delivers an unforgettable journey at every turn.
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HOSHINOYA Tokyo / A reimagined traditional Japanese ryokan for the modern city, offering a serene escape in the heart of the bustling metropolis. With its minimalist design, tranquil onsen baths, and impeccable hospitality, it's a place where contemporary luxury meets centuries-old Japanese traditions.
TRUNK Hotel Cat Street / A boutique hotel in the heart of Harajuku that blends sleek design with sustainable practices and a vibrant social atmosphere. From its stylish lobby bar to its curated local partnerships, it's the perfect base for exploring Tokyo's most creative neighborhood.
Yuen Bettei Daita / An intimate hot spring ryokan tucked away in the artistic Setagaya neighborhood, offering the tranquility of a countryside retreat without leaving the city. With private onsen baths, seasonal kaiseki dining, and thoughtful service, it's a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by Tokyo's creative gallery and café scene.
Satologue / A tranquil countryside retreat in the Japanese Alps that offers an immersive farm-to-table experience surrounded by nature. With its focus on local ingredients, warm hospitality, and stunning mountain views, it's the perfect escape to slow down and savor the quiet beauty of rural Japan.
Yoyogi Park / A sprawling urban oasis in the heart of Tokyo where locals gather for picnics, live performances, and outdoor activities beneath towering trees and open green spaces. With its vibrant weekend energy, nearby Meiji Shrine, and proximity to Harajuku's creative scene, it's the perfect spot to experience Tokyo's more relaxed, communal side.
Sensō-ji Temple / Tokyo's oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple, dating back to the 7th century, where the vibrant Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street lead to the stunning main hall. With its rich history, colorful festivals, and lively atmosphere that blends spiritual devotion with local culture, it's an essential stop for experiencing the heart of old Tokyo in the Asakusa district.
Yokoamicho Park / A peaceful memorial park in Tokyo that honors the victims of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the World War II firebombings, offering a place for quiet reflection amid its gardens and monuments. With its moving museum and serene atmosphere, it's a poignant reminder of Tokyo's resilience and the lives lost during these tragic events.
Meiji Jingu / A tranquil Shinto shrine nestled within a lush forested sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. With its towering torii gates, serene walking paths, and traditional ceremonies, it offers a peaceful retreat and a deeply spiritual experience just steps from the city's busiest neighborhoods.
Shibuya Crossing / The world's busiest pedestrian intersection, where thousands of people surge across in a perfectly choreographed scramble beneath dazzling neon lights and giant video screens. With its electric energy and iconic status as a symbol of Tokyo's urban chaos and order, it's a thrilling spectacle that captures the pulse of the city.
Kokyo Gardens + Niju-Bashi bridge / The serene East Gardens of the Imperial Palace offer a peaceful escape with beautifully manicured landscapes, historic castle ruins, and seasonal blooms, while the iconic Niju-Bashi Bridge provides picture-perfect views of the palace's stone walls and moats. With their blend of natural beauty and historical significance, they're a must-visit for anyone seeking tranquility in the heart of Tokyo.
Log Road Daikanyama / A charming outdoor shopping and dining complex built along old railway tracks, featuring stylish cafés, boutiques, and restaurants with a relaxed, neighborhood feel. It's the perfect spot to grab a coffee, browse unique shops, and soak up Daikanyama's effortlessly cool creative vibe

WATARI-UM / A pioneering contemporary art museum in Tokyo that has been showcasing cutting-edge international and Japanese artists since 1990, housed in a distinctive modern building in the Aoyama neighborhood. With its thought-provoking exhibitions and commitment to emerging voices in the art world, it's a must-visit for anyone seeking innovative and boundary-pushing contemporary art.
21_21 Design Site / A sleek underground design museum in Tokyo's Roppongi district, created by renowned architect Tadao Ando and fashion designer Issey Miyake to explore the intersection of design and everyday life. With its innovative rotating exhibitions and emphasis on accessible, thought-provoking design concepts, it's a inspiring destination for anyone curious about how design shapes our world.
The Ad Museum / A fascinating museum dedicated to the history and art of Japanese advertising, showcasing decades of creative campaigns, iconic commercials, and the evolution of marketing culture in Japan. With its extensive collection and interactive exhibits, it's a unique glimpse into how advertising has shaped and reflected Japanese society over the years.
MORI Building Digital Art Museum / An immersive digital art wonderland created by teamLab, where stunning projections, interactive installations, and mesmerizing light displays flow seamlessly from room to room without boundaries. With its constantly evolving environments and playful, dreamlike atmosphere, it's an unforgettable sensory experience that blurs the line between art, technology, and imagination.
Sumida Hokusai Museum / A striking aluminum-clad museum dedicated to the life and work of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai, located in the Tokyo neighborhood where he lived and created his iconic art. With its thoughtfully curated exhibitions showcasing his famous wave prints, illustrated books, and lesser-known works, it's an intimate look at one of Japan's most celebrated artists.
Marunouchi Naka-Dori Avenue / A tree-lined boulevard in Tokyo's business district featuring upscale boutiques, designer shops, and elegant cafés housed in modern buildings with European-inspired architecture. With its sophisticated atmosphere and high-end shopping, it's a stylish destination for luxury retail and leisurely strolls.
Omotesando / Tokyo's answer to the Champs-Élysées, a wide, tree-lined avenue featuring flagship stores designed by world-renowned architects, luxury boutiques, and trendy cafés. With its blend of high fashion, cutting-edge architecture, and vibrant energy, it's a must-visit for style enthusiasts and design lovers.
Cat Street / A pedestrian-friendly backstreet running parallel to Omotesando, lined with independent boutiques, vintage shops, sneaker stores, and hip cafés. With its relaxed, creative vibe and eclectic mix of fashion-forward brands, it's the perfect place to discover Tokyo's street style and emerging designers.
Takeshita Street / A narrow, chaotic pedestrian lane in Harajuku bursting with colorful shops selling quirky fashion, kawaii accessories, crepes, and pop culture merchandise. With its youthful energy and sensory overload of sights and sounds, it's an iconic slice of Tokyo's playful, teenage subculture.
Kappabashi Street / Tokyo's "Kitchen Town," a bustling street lined with shops selling every imaginable restaurant supply, from professional knives and cookware to incredibly realistic plastic food samples. With its specialized vendors and wholesale prices, it's a paradise for chefs, home cooks, and anyone fascinated by culinary tools.
Ginza / Tokyo's most prestigious shopping district, featuring luxury flagship stores, upscale department stores, art galleries, and refined dining in a polished, cosmopolitan setting. With its elegant atmosphere and world-class retail, it's the ultimate destination for high-end shopping and sophisticated urban exploration.
Spiral Market / A curated design shop inside the Spiral Building featuring contemporary Japanese crafts, homeware, stationery, and lifestyle objects with an emphasis on quality and innovation. With its thoughtfully selected pieces and gallery-like setting, it's an inspiring destination for design enthusiasts.
Kakimori / A stationery lover's paradise specializing in custom fountain pen inks, handmade notebooks, and beautiful writing tools crafted with Japanese precision. With its personalized ink-blending service and dedication to the art of writing, it's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine paper goods.
AHRES / A contemporary lifestyle shop offering carefully curated homewares, accessories, and design objects with a focus on quality craftsmanship and timeless style. With its minimalist aesthetic and thoughtful selection, it's an inspiring place to discover well-made pieces for everyday life.
Leica / A sleek flagship store dedicated to the legendary German camera brand, featuring the latest models, vintage cameras, and photography exhibitions. With its expert staff and immersive displays, it's a pilgrimage site for serious photographers and camera enthusiasts.
Tokyu Hands / A multi-story lifestyle department store packed with everything from DIY tools and craft supplies to beauty products, stationery, and quirky gadgets. With its overwhelming variety and Japanese ingenuity on display, it's an endlessly browsable wonderland where you'll find things you didn't know you needed.
Itoya Ginza / A legendary multi-floor stationery store offering an incredible selection of Japanese paper goods, writing instruments, art supplies, and office essentials with impeccable quality. With its vast range and attention to detail, it's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates beautiful stationery and functional design.
Kinto Ceramics / A contemporary homeware brand known for its minimalist tableware, coffee and tea accessories, and lifestyle products that blend simplicity with functionality. With its clean aesthetic and quality craftsmanship, it's a great place to find beautifully designed pieces for modern living.
Shibuya Publishing & Booksellers / An independent bookstore and cultural hub curating books on art, design, culture, and travel alongside a café and event space. With its thoughtfully selected titles and community atmosphere, it's an inspiring spot for book lovers and creative minds.
Daikanyama T-Site / An architectural masterpiece housing Tsutaya Books, a stunning bookstore with an exceptional collection of books, magazines, and music alongside a café and lounge. With its beautiful design, curated selection, and relaxed atmosphere, it's a destination for bibliophiles and anyone seeking a sophisticated cultural experience.
Sarasa Design Lab / A charming lifestyle shop filled with playful, vintage-inspired homewares, textiles, and quirky design objects that feel both nostalgic and fresh. It's the kind of place where you'll want to buy everything—colorful dish towels, retro packaging, and delightful finds you didn't know you needed.
Breakfast + Coffee
Little Nap Coffee Stand / A tiny, beloved coffee stand in Yoyogi Park serving exceptional espresso drinks and a welcoming vibe that draws a loyal neighborhood crowd. With its quality beans and friendly baristas, it's the perfect pit stop for a caffeine boost before or after exploring the park.
Ralphs / A stylish Ralph Lauren café and lifestyle shop offering specialty coffee, light bites, and a curated selection of design goods in a bright, minimalist space. With its relaxed atmosphere and eye for aesthetics, it's an ideal spot to linger over a latte and browse thoughtfully chosen homewares.
Dandelion Chocolate + Cafe / A bean-to-bar chocolate maker and café where you can watch the chocolate-making process while enjoying rich hot chocolate, brownies, and other treats made from single-origin cacao. With its transparent production and commitment to quality, it's a delicious stop for chocolate lovers.
Dean&Deluca / An upscale gourmet market and café offering premium imported foods, artisanal products, and freshly prepared meals in a stylish, cosmopolitan setting. With its curated selection and sophisticated vibe, it's a great spot for quality coffee, grab-and-go lunches, or browsing specialty ingredients.
ET The Cultural Coffeehouse / A thoughtfully designed café and cultural space blending specialty coffee, art exhibitions, and design in a minimalist setting. With its focus on quality and creativity, it's an inspiring spot for coffee enthusiasts and anyone seeking a mindful pause in the city.
Lunch
Aoyama Flower Market Tea House / A serene café surrounded by fresh flowers and greenery, where botanical-inspired teas and light meals are served in a calming, nature-filled setting. With its tranquil atmosphere and thoughtful menu, it's a refreshing urban escape that engages all the senses.
Tokyu Food Show / A sprawling gourmet food hall in the basement of a department store, offering an incredible array of prepared foods, baked goods, sweets, and delicacies from top vendors. With its dizzying variety and impeccable quality, it's a food lover's paradise perfect for assembling a luxury picnic or browsing edible treasures.
Sincere Garden Spa & Café / A luxurious urban spa retreat with a café on the top floor, offering traditional treatments, serene gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere designed for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. With its attentive service and tranquil setting, it's an indulgent escape from Tokyo's relentless energy.
ICHIRAN / A cozy ramen spot known for its flavorful bowls where you order from a vending machine and eat in a small room with personal cubbies, creating an intimate, focused dining experience. With its unique setup and consistently delicious ramen, it's a neighborhood favorite that offers a quintessentially Japanese way to savor your bowl in solitary comfort.
Bonus Track / A charming micro-village of small shops, cafés, and creative spaces housed in repurposed shipping containers near Shimokitazawa Station. With its indie spirit and rotating pop-ups, it's a fun spot to discover emerging designers, grab coffee, and soak up Tokyo's creative energy.
Dinner
Kinka Sushi / A lively izakaya-style sushi restaurant known for its creative rolls, fresh fish, and energetic atmosphere that blends traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist. With its fun vibe and quality ingredients, it's a great spot for a casual yet delicious sushi experience.
Narisawa / A two-Michelin-starred restaurant where chef Yoshihiro Narisawa creates innovative, nature-inspired cuisine that celebrates Japanese ingredients and sustainability with artistic presentation. With its philosophical approach to dining and extraordinary flavors, it's a world-class culinary experience that pushes boundaries while honoring tradition.
Sushi Yuu / An intimate sushi counter where the chef serves an exceptional omakase experience with impeccable technique, premium fish, and warm, personal hospitality. With its focus on seasonal ingredients and masterful preparation, it's a memorable high-end sushi experience in Tokyo.
Sushi IWAI Tempura Ginza / An intimate restaurant located in a towering building filled with dining options, offering both exquisite sushi and beautifully light tempura crafted with masterful technique and the freshest seasonal ingredients. With its omakase-style service and elegant atmosphere.
Songbook / A charming French-Italian bistro with a wood-fired oven turning out incredible dishes paired with an exceptional wine selection. With its warm atmosphere and focus on quality ingredients and expertly chosen bottles, it's a delightful spot for a memorable meal.
Cocktails + Sweets
SG Club / A stylish members' club and restaurant offering contemporary cuisine, curated events, and a sophisticated atmosphere for creatives and culture enthusiasts. With its exclusive vibe and quality programming, it's a hub for Tokyo's creative community and discerning diners.
Bar High Five / A legendary cocktail bar where master bartender Hidetsugu Ueno crafts impeccable drinks with precision, creativity, and gracious hospitality in an intimate setting. With its reputation as one of the world's best bars and meticulous attention to every detail, it's an essential stop for serious cocktail lovers.

An open-air museum where ancient traditions and modernity blend harmoniously to create a truly enchanting and timeless experience.

***hakone***

Hakone is a mountain retreat renowned for its natural hot springs, stunning views of Mount Fuji, and serene landscapes that have inspired artists for centuries.
The region offers a perfect escape from city life, with traditional ryokans, scenic lake cruises, and art museums nestled among forested hills and volcanic valleys. Whether you're soaking in an outdoor onsen or riding the historic mountain railway, Hakone is where nature and tranquility take center stage.
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Stay
Kinnotake Tonosawa / A hidden gem! Relax at this traditional ryokan where you can cross the suspension bridge over the valley and let the sounds of nature wash away the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Let the forest surround you and gently fill your five senses with a relaxing time.
Lake Ashi / A stunning crater lake where you can cruise across glassy waters while keeping your fingers crossed for those postcard-perfect Mount Fuji views. The iconic red torii gate rising from the water makes for an unforgettable photo op and a peaceful moment of zen.
Open Air Museum / An outdoor sculpture park where world-class art meets mountain scenery—think Picasso and Henry Moore chilling in nature. Bonus: there are hot spring foot baths scattered throughout, so you can soak your tired feet while contemplating modern art.
Picasso Pavilion / A cozy gallery tucked inside the Open Air Museum that's packed with Picasso's paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. It's the perfect rainy-day escape or art break when you need a moment indoors between all those outdoor sculptures.
Onsen & Moon Spa / A relaxing hot spring spot where you can soak in indoor and outdoor baths while gazing at mountain views. It's the kind of place where all your stress just melts away into the warm, mineral-rich water.
Watanabe Bakery / A sweet little bakery turning out fresh breads, flaky pastries, and treats that smell incredible from down the street. Grab something for breakfast or a snack to fuel your Hakone adventures—you won't regret it.
Kinnotake Tonosawa / A beautiful multi-course Japanese feast where each dish is a tiny work of art featuring seasonal ingredients and flavors you didn't know existed. It's the kind of meal where you'll want to photograph every course before diving in.