A (Not So) Definitive Guide To Tokyo
By Karen Zheng
Just a disclaimer before we start. I despise the thought of queuing in line for a long period of time. Which is apparently the norm for a lot of popular, viral spots in Tokyo. So if you want my thoughts on Ichiran, I’m Donut?, or Menchirashi, you’ll be disappointed.
But if you want my thoughts on gems that I happened to stumble across while wandering through the city as a complete novice, then you have come to the right place. Welcome to a complete amateur’s guide to Tokyo.
THE MATCHA TOKYO: If you are a matcha lover (even if you’re not, this may convert you), you have to come here.
The flavour profile of the matcha itself is fragrant, rich, and complex. Their iced matcha latte is creamy and sweet, but not too sweet (the highest praise that an Asian could bestow upon you).
I know that some locations have really long wait times, but the one I went to in Miyashita Park had virtually no line at all.
Family Mart: Come for the Famichiki.
I had a Family Mart located inside my hotel and the urge to get a fried piece of chicken that was perfectly juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and seasoned to perfection at the end of each day was strong.
I held back though and only got it twice, because you know, health.
Excelsior Caffe: Elite vibes, elite food, and elite drinks.
Ugh, if I had an Excelsior close to where I lived I would go there every single day. The café has a menu consisting of pastas, chowders, and a few rice dishes. As well as an extensive list of drinks and desserts. Their Uji iced matcha latte was impressive!
This would be a perfect study spot.
Bonus: They sell Cremia here (the best ice cream to ever exist, if you know, you know).
They have numerous locations scattered throughout Tokyo, such as Ginza and Shinjuku.
GBL Miyashita Park: Ghibli-lovers rejoice!
They sell high-quality Ghibli merch here (none of that cheap stuff) with a wide selection of clothing, jewellery, stationary, and homeware. Everything from Ponyo to Kiki’s Delivery Service to Porco Rosso.
GINZA SIX: For the toilets.
I’m just kidding, but also, not really. Japan as a whole already has super clean toilets but the ones in this complex were next level. They even had a row of vanities and chairs inside the restrooms for women to touch up their makeup.
Apart from that, they house a number of cool brands in there like Vivienne Westwood and Rick Owens.
In terms of food spots, Teppanyaki 10 has some of the most mouth-watering steak you will ever try. And there’s also an Eataly in there if you feel like some Italian cuisine (yes, I know Eataly is a chain restaurant but like I said, this is an amateur’s guide to Tokyo, I’m not trying to be authentic).
BAPE Store: For all the streetwear lovers.
The BAPE Store in Shibuya has everything BAPE-related that you could ever want.
The store itself is also really aesthetically pleasing. I went here three times in the span of a week.
Bonus points for playing Future too. I think Japan really loves rap music in general because even an upscale restaurant that I went to exclusively played Future’s entire discography for the duration that I was there. Hearing a wave of risqué lyrics being blasted through the loudspeaker amongst a sea of very conservative-looking Japanese men was a unique experience.
Nubian Shibuya PARCO: Come here for your dream closet. And to potentially go into debt.
This store holds literally every exclusive brand you can think of. Rhude, Ganni, JACQUEMUS, Maison Margiela, VETEMENTS. A fashion-lover’s paradise.
My personal recommendation is SAINT Mxxxxxx, a Japanese brand that makes some of the coolest anime-inspired streetwear you will come across.