Eating delicious food. Enjoying shopping. Experiencing something new and exciting. Relaxing. Everyone has their own travel goals. And it’s no exaggeration to say that Tokyo offers places to achieve them all.
Read on to learn about the distinct aspects of six neighbourhoods as well as local restaurants and accommodations recommended in the MICHELIN Guide. Make a note of any hotels or restaurants that catch your eye.
Choosing the right location to suit your needs is the first step to a comfortable journey. And now, let’s go rediscover Tokyo together.
Contents
1. Shibuya and Yoyogi
Shibuya is always at the forefront of youth culture and trends. You’ll notice its powerful energy from the moment you arrive.
SHIBUYA SKY, located at 299m above ground, looks out across the Tokyo landscape. If you want to experience Shibuya’s culture in a bustling, lively atmosphere, start in front of the famous Hachiko statue and walk down Center-Gai Street .
Or to see the newest side of Shibuya, try Shibuya Scramble Square or Shibuya Stream. From there, you might enjoy setting off for the trendy Daikanyama district.
Or try walking in the direction of Harajuku, crossing through MIYASHITA PARK and Shibuya Yokocho, and experiencing sento public bath culture at Kosugiyu Harajuku under the HARAKADO shopping centre.
If you have time, stroll toward Yoyogi Park with a coffee in hand. As the atmosphere of the streets shifts and transforms around you, bask in the peaceful calm of lush greenery that you would never expect to find in the heart of the city.
STAY
TRUNK (HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK
Because of its emphasis on calm relaxation, this hidden urban oasis is only open to hotel guests. You can enjoy the rooftop pool year-round, with a charming seating area facing Yoyogi Park.
You’ll want to order a coffee to go at neighbouring Norwegian cafe Fuglen and relax leisurely.
Shibuya Stream Hotel
Directly connected to JR Shibuya Station, this hotel makes the perfect sightseeing base. In the basement level, you’ll find a cafe open from the early morning hours and restaurants open until late into the night, for unmatched convenience.
The relaxing lobby space calls to mind a library cafe that you would find in Europe After a long day out, you’ll want to sit back and unwind at the bar.
EAT
Daikanyama Issai Kassai
Within walking distance of Shibuya Station, this is a fun izakaya where you can enjoy creative Washoku cuisine.
The dimly lit restaurant interior has a relaxed feel. Experience true Japanese omotenashi hospitality from the kimono-clad proprietress.
Katsuo Shokudo
Many people visit this popular restaurant to enjoy the rice topped with generous portions of dried bonito flakes—shaved with painstaking care.
The restaurant closes for the day when everything has been sold. You’ll want to line up in the morning with an empty stomach.
PATH
Head further down toward Yoyogi-Hachiman Station from an area called ‘Oku-Shibu ,’ follow the road, and you’ll notice a sweet fragrance hanging in the air. That scent and the line of people waiting to enter the restaurant will be your guides.
Open for breakfast and lunch. We recommend the Dutch pancakes with prosciutto and burrata. Savour the delicious contrasts between hot and cold, and sweet and salty.
Kyoryori Aun
A Kappo restaurant where you can experience the rich tradition of Kyoto’s dashi broth culture in Shibuya. Only counter seats and course-style dining.Experience the Kyoto-style flavours all throughout the meal, from the appetizer to the takigomi mixed rice dishes.
2. Marunouchi and Yaesu
Running east-to-west, the vast Marunouchi and Yaesu area borders Tokyo Station, one of Japan’s most famous terminal stations.
We recommend taking a coffee break to watch the joggers circling the loop around the lush outer gardens of the Imperial Palace and enjoying a stroll down Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue before or after a meal. With the pebbled pathways and grassy walkways, you’ll find yourself somehow wanting to breathe in deeply.
Tokyo Midtown Yaesu a symbolic tower is here too. Walking towards Nihonbashi offers a refined glimpse into Tokyo’s evolving landscape.
STAY
Bulgari Hotel Tokyo
The Bulgari Hotel Tokyo is located on the upper floors of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu. Offering a lifestyle conceptualised around the high-end jewellery brand based in Rome, Italy.Dine at One MICHELIN Star Italian Il Ristorante - Niko Romito and enjoy an unforgettable, luxurious stay.
Palace Hotel Tokyo
The Palace Hotel is located in the outer garden of the Imperial Palace. The guest rooms featuring balconies are rare in Tokyo.
MICHELIN Star Chinese Chugoku Hanten Kohakukyu (Amber Palace) offers authentic Cantonese cuisine prepared by a chef from Hong Kong. At One MICHELIN Star ESTERRE, you can indulge in French cuisine overseen by Alain Ducasse.
EAT
THE UPPER
Take in Tokyo’s distinctive atmosphere surrounded by the buildings of Marunouchi. On clear days, relax outdoors on the open and airy rooftop terrace. You can enjoy course menu options or à la carte dining at this friendly French restaurant.Kyobashi Tempura Fukamachi
A restaurant where you can experience tempura prepared by skilled artisans. Two sons play a supporting role in this family business. Following in their father’s footsteps, they are carrying on the traditional techniques of Edo-style tempura.YAUMAY
A Chinese restaurant from London where you can enjoy Chinese tea and dim sum. The red exterior belies the classic dining experience within, a space that truly merges western and Hong Kong styles. Faces Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue.3. Asakusa
Asakusa — the famed sightseeing destination that needs no introduction. Day or night, the area around Sensoji Temple is often bustling with crowds.
We recommend catching a rickshaw ride and exploring Asakusa. The apron-clad rickshaw pullers will tell you about famous sightseeing spots and share local anecdotes as they show you around, and even take photos for you at the best spots.
Kappabashi is a neighbourhood packed with shops related to cooking and kitchenware.
Standing on what was once a small hill, Matsuchiyama Shoden is a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery. Head to Imado Shrine, famous for its auspicious Maneki Neko cats and matchmaking blessings. Both are famous Asakusa Shichi Fuku Jin Shrines honouring the seven lucky gods.
Because trains run directly from this area to both Narita and Haneda Airports, allowing you to reach either airport in about an hour, this spot is recommended for the beginning or end of your trip.
STAY
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Located in the centre of Asakusa, this hotel makes the perfect base for sightseeing. We recommend that guests staying in Asakusa enjoy the rare privilege of a quiet morning stroll around Sensoji Temple. With fewer people around, the mornings offer great photo opportunities. Guest rooms are available in both modern styles and traditional tatami styles where guests can slip out of their shoes and relax.
EAT
Asakusa Nagami
A Kappo restaurant in Oku-Asakusa. The owner-chef of Kyoto’s Two MICHELIN Star Kikunoi Roan showcases his culinary skills here.
The Kaminari Okoshi snacks with fried batter are unique to Asakusa. The casual banter creates a relaxed atmosphere, and the chef will make you a cup of hot tea to complete your meal.
noura
A bistro located behind (‘no ura’) its parent restaurant, Two MICHELIN Star French HOMMAGE. Here you can enjoy traditional bistro cuisine such as duck breast confit and onion gratin soup.
The Taiwanese-style minced pork rice was created from a dish originally cooked for the restaurant staff. Half sizes are also available, and you can order add-ons even after finishing your course-style meal.
Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
A small onigiri restaurant with both counter and table seating. There’s always a long line of people waiting outside to taste these delicious rice balls.
You’ll be delighted by the owner’s lively chatter and deft hand movements, and your onigiri will be ready before you know it. You’ll want to snap a few photos and eat as much freshly prepared food as you can.
Sushi Kanesho
The talented chef at this restaurant espouses the philosophy of ‘investigate the old and understand the new.’ He believes in old-school sushi traditions, but the amount of rice vinegar used for his sushi rice has evolved over time through trial and error. Both his sushi and manner are beautiful to observe. Afternoons are onigiri only. You’ll want to make a plan to visit during your sightseeing trip.4. Roppongi and Azabudai
An area where you can experience art alongside enormous shopping centres.
Azabudai Hills is home to the Digital Art Museum from Team Lab and the Azabudai Hills Gallery.
At Tokyo Midtown, you can enjoy the current exhibition being held at 21_21 Design Sight.
Roppongi Hills is the site of the Mori Arts Museum. And with the National Art Museum, the Nezu Museum, and more, this area is packed with more art than you could possibly see in a single day.
Plus, thanks to direct connections from the station, you can easily access large shopping centres even in inclement weather. This area offers a wide range of options for shopping or relaxing at a cafe. Discover all that Tokyo’s Minato Ward, famed for its nightlife, has to offer during the day.
STAY
The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
A luxury hotel located on the upper floors of Midtown. With on-site dining at French restaurant Héritage overseen by Chef Kei Kobayashi of Three MICHELIN Star Kei in Paris .
JANU Tokyo
A luxury hotel in Azabudai Hills from the Aman Group. Featuring understated and elegant Japanese motifs, such as art at the reception and pine wood. The subdued colour palettes make the guest rooms feel gentle and relaxing.
EAT
IRUCA TOKYO
A popular restaurant just next to the Ritz Carlton Tokyo. If it’s your first visit, we recommend the porcini soy sauce ramen. This restaurant is open all night, so go in the early evening and you can skip the line.ROPPONGI RIAN
A Kappo restaurant based on the concept of eating only what you like.Choose your ingredients from the seafood in wooden boxes and the vegetables spread out across the counter, and the restaurant staff will prepare your food however you prefer. Showcasing a diverse menu of seafood, vegetables, meat, and more.
Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten
If you’re after Edo-style eel, head to Nodaiwa. This restaurant with over 200 years of history even has a branch in Paris. You can enjoy traditional Edo-style grilled eel here.Series
This restaurant offers modern Chinese fusion rooted in Cantonese cuisine with added inspiration from Italian, Washoku and Indonesian dishes. We recommend pairing a meal here with a hotel stay at JANU Tokyo which is conveniently located only a few minutes’ walk away.5. Ginza
From long ago to the present day, Ginza has always been a cutting-edge shopping area. Browse long-standing department stores like Mitsukoshi and Matsuya as well as newer shopping centres like GINZA SIX.
From noon until evening on weekends and public holidays, the Chuo-dori central street transforms into a pedestrian paradise with no cars in sight. You can even enjoy people-watching from the chairs set out in the street.
Why not head out toward Hibiya Park or walk through Yurakucho toward Marunouchi? Or you can keep following Chuo-dori Avenue to visit Nihombashi.
The streets of Ura-corridor under Shimbashi Bridge also offer a wide array of fascinating shops and restaurants to explore.
STAY
The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza
Eat in Ginza, sleep in Ginza. It’s now a valid option with this hotel. The Japanese-inspired modern design from Kengo Kuma breathes new life into the Ginza area. On clear days, take in the Ginza skyline from the rooftop bar with a cocktail in hand.
MUJI HOTEL GINZA
A ‘just right’ hotel offered by MUJI, a Japanese brand taking the world by storm. At just the right price, with just the right facilities and equipment. This simple but comfortable space is perfect for getting a proper rest at your travel destination and restoring your energy.And if you notice something you like, you can buy it at the MUJI store downstairs. You can even try out items for a night at the MUJI HOTEL before bringing them into your own home.
EAT
Ginza Yondaime TAKAHASHIYA
The main attraction of Takahashiya is the delicious eel-focused dinner courses. These courses showcase the wide-ranging appeal of eel that is not fully conveyed by a typical meal of grilled eel over rice.
You’ll want to enjoy two staples of Edo culture—kabuki and eel—together, with this restaurant next to Ginza’s famous Kabuki-za Theatre.
Mutsukari
A restaurant featuring vegetable-centric Japanese cuisine.
Sit at the counter seats, and the lively atmosphere of the open kitchen will awaken your appetite. Or you can enjoy relaxing at table seating or in a private room furnished in a modern Japanese style. Perfect for various occasions.
BIRD LAND
A yakitori restaurant with cute bird illustrations. You can enjoy chicken-focused course meals along with chicken dishes including the usual skewers, liver pâté and chicken-and-egg rice bowls.You’ll want to make the most of a night out in Ginza with chicken and wine.
Ginza Katsukami
A popular restaurant where you can enjoy tonkatsu courses. Indulge in cuts of fried fillet, loin, chuck, and more.Finish off your meal with Japanese kakigori shaved ice. This popular menu secret will leave your taste buds refreshed after indulging in fried food.
6. Nihombashi
In 1603, Nihombashi Bridge—completed just when the Edo Shogunate was first established—became the symbol of the prosperous Nihonbashi area, the centre of the Japanese economy. The concept of measuring distances from the Japanese road origin marker in Nihombashi to locations across the country also gained traction at this time.
Found amidst the countless buildings of the Muromachi area, Fukutoku Shrine is a spot you’ll want to visit. Take one step onto the grounds and you’ll be surrounded by a mysterious and dignified atmosphere.
If you’re an architecture fan, you should head out to Kabutocho, called Japan’s Wall Street. The grand and dignified stone buildings have new interiors now, but traces of the past still remain in the rows of fashionable cafes and shops.
STAY
K5
A boutique hotel facing the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Kabutocho area. This building was formerly Japan’s very first bank branch, established by Eiichi Shibusawa.
Now reimagined in a modern style at the hands of a northern European designer. The guest rooms also feature handmade furniture from Japanese designers. Features comfortable spaces where Swedish and Japanese cultures coexist.
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Offering convenient direct access to Mitsukoshimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, this hotel is located on the upper floors of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. This is the ideal luxury hotel to serve as a base for exploring Tokyo’s charming shita-machi areas on foot.
You’ll appreciate the spectacular views when dining at the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, Sense, or its French restaurant, SIGNATURE. And if you have time, you might also enjoy seeing the artworks and craftworks dating back to before the Edo period at the neighbouring Mitsui Art Museum.
EAT
Neki
A casual lunch just a short walk from K5. This delightfully creative restaurant features Japanese ingredients like sake lees and conger eel as well as Middle Eastern spices.Now an intrinsic part of Japan’s Kabutocho area, Neki is sure to add excitement to the neighbourhood’s next chapter.
Yakitori Takahashi
A yakitori restaurant behind Nihombashi Takashimaya where you can enjoy course-style dining. Watch in awe as staff members trained at this famous yakitori restaurant grill delicious brand-name chicken over charcoal with extraordinary skill.
Tempura Asanuma
This restaurant serves Edo-style tempura courses in the name of ‘going back to the beginning.’ The freshly made tempura fried with sesame oil features a flavourful batter that includes air bubbles. There is something deeply meaningful about eating here in Nihombashi, an area central to Edo food culture.Top Image: ⒸSean Pavone
