Discover the best of Tokyo
The food, art, hotels, and sights.
Art
Interactive art experience
Team labs
When visiting Tokyo, don’t miss the Team Labs interactive art experience that has taken the world by storm. Walk through different worlds, surrounded by mirrors, water, and beautiful gardens that trigger all the senses. An unexpected experience to say the least, and one the whole family can enjoy.
Japanese garden
Nezu Museum
The Nezu Museum is more than just a museum. In addition to the exhibition area and sculptures, there is an inviting Japanese garden (said to be one of the most beautiful in Tokyo) where you can take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Don’t forget to take a coffee break in the museum’s own café, which is beautifully nestled in the building. It’s hard not to be impressed by the modern architecture.
Performance art
The National Noh Theater
At The National Noh Theater, you can experience the traditional Japanese performance art of nogaku. This art form is a kind of combination of the two Japanese classics noh-tater, an ancient musical drama, and kyōgen, best described as a comic performance. You don’t need to know any Japanese to experience it either—many of the seats offer English subtitles at the touch of a button.
Sights
Legendary temple
Daikeizan Gotokuji
The renowned Gotokuji Temple is based on a Japanese story about a cat. It is said that the cat beckoned the king into his temple in the midst of a fierce rainstorm, bringing him good luck. Located just outside Tokyo, Daikeizan Gotokuj is where the legend of the waving cat originates, which is hard to miss when you see the hundreds of maneki-neko statues lined up in the area.
The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
One of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks—Shibuya Crossing—is a must-see when visiting the city. Along the diagonal crossing, surrounded by Tokyo’s skyscrapers, thousands of people pass each other simultaneously in all directions. Despite being the busiest crossing in the world, the intersection is actually surprisingly easy to get across without bumping into anyone.
City center garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most famous parks. The park is a green oasis in the middle of the vibrant city center and just a stone’s throw from Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Gyoen is also one of the best places to see the beautiful cherry blossoms if you are visiting Tokyo in the spring.
Accommodation
Designer hotel in Shibuya
Trunk hotel
In Tokyo’s hippest and most fashionable area, Shibuya, lies the designer Trunk Hotel Cat Street. Surrounded by Japanese artisanship and modern art, you’ll stay in rooms with carefully selected details and materials. Don’t miss out on the hotel’s specialties, such as Shibuya soul food, Hojicha tea, sake, or locally produced coffee
Accommodation for art lovers
BnA WALL Hotel
The BnA WALL Hotel is part art installation, part hotel. The large mural symbolizing the BnA WALL is the first thing you see when you step through the entrance. Located in the historic Nihombashi area, the hotel is a place for people gather to network or to enjoy an afternoon drink in an inviting atmosphere of art and culture.
Panoramic view of Shibuya
Hotel Indigo
Check in at Hotel Indigo and enjoy the proximity to restaurants, cafés, and popular attractions such as Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Shoto Art Museum to name just a few. Hotel Indigo is also a creative meeting place with an art gallery, restaurant, and bar on the 11th floor boasting a wonderful panoramic view of Shibuya.
Food experiences
Japanese BBQ
Setsugekka Ginza
Setsugekka Ginza is a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes. The food is prepared directly in front of guests in the restaurant and the meat, which is the restaurant’s signature, is hand-picked from Japanese farms. Dine in a luxurious restaurant environment with lacquer and wood details designed by architect Yasumichi Morita.
Vegan food in Shibuya
Nagi Shokudo
Tokyo is a meat lover’s paradise, with endless ramen made with broth cooked to perfection, superb yakitori skewers and much more to discover, so great vegan options are particularly rare. In the heart of Shibuya, Nagi Shokudo is a hidden gem serving simple, vegan dishes at a great price. The interior of the restaurant is basic but the food, which draws inspiration from Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese cuisine, makes it well worth the visit.
Classic sushi breakfast
Tsukiji Fish Market
Tokyo is home to Tsukiji Fish Market, the world’s largest and busiest of its kind. People flock from 5 am to get their hands on fresh fish. The area is also home to Tokyo’s best sushi restaurants, thanks to the easy access to fresh fish, so be sure to book a classic sushi breakfast while you’re here.
Shopping
Shopping and entertainment in one
Ginza
In Tokyo’s renowned Ginza shopping and entertainment district, you’ll find plenty of department stores and shops selling exclusive beauty and fashion brands. You can also take a break from shopping and grab a bite at one of the area’s many restaurants and cafés. You’ll also find several art galleries here, such as the famous Shisido Gallery and the modern Ginza Graphic Gallery, to name but a few. Ginza has a lot to offer so it’s best to really plan your visit well in advance.
Colorful second-hand fashion
Dog
The colorful Dog store is a Japanese second-hand paradise for fashion aficionados. The selection is massive, with a mix of eye-catching vintage and artistically redesigned garments in all colors and shapes. Stars like Lady Gaga make their way here when they visit the capital—and if you’re lucky, you might just find altered copies of her stage clothes while you’re here.
Bookshop open at night
Tsutaya Books
Tokyo
Tsutaya Books is an extraordinary bookstore. The three interconnected buildings house thousands of books, magazines, art books, and vintage newspapers. Tsutaya Books is also open until 2 am—and upstairs you’ll find the fantastic Anjin Lounge where you can round off your visit with a refreshing cocktail.
Text by Peggy Hansson