Tokyo
a short recommendation guide to the city
Air
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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I generally don't like going to clubs, but whenever I do, I somehow end up at Air fairly frequently. A pretty good layout, with multiple levels with main acts in the B2 level if you feel like dancing and a more relaxed area on the B1 level if you want to just hang out and take a breather.
They do well for themselves, so even if you're not familiar with any of the acts playing on a certain night, it's still worthwhile going to check out. Certainly on any weekend, it will be decent and people will be there anyways.
Since it's only about a 15 minute walk from Shibuya station, if you don't want to cab home or stay all night, there's a lot of other things to do in the area past last train.
They do well for themselves, so even if you're not familiar with any of the acts playing on a certain night, it's still worthwhile going to check out. Certainly on any weekend, it will be decent and people will be there anyways.
Since it's only about a 15 minute walk from Shibuya station, if you don't want to cab home or stay all night, there's a lot of other things to do in the area past last train.
Blacows
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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A lot of people will disagree with me on this, but I still find that Blacow's is the best burger in Tokyo. Handcrafted patties of kuroge wagyu beef made upon order, nestled between a Maison Kayser bun - you can't go too wrong there.
Basically you pay for your basic burger and then any additional topping is extra (even lettuce). The menu offers a few selections, but the prices have been aligned with the price you would pay if you were to order everything separately (with the exception of their burgers that run in the ~2400 yen and up bracket).
I usually end up getting the bacon cheeseburger with lettuce and avocado.
Basically you pay for your basic burger and then any additional topping is extra (even lettuce). The menu offers a few selections, but the prices have been aligned with the price you would pay if you were to order everything separately (with the exception of their burgers that run in the ~2400 yen and up bracket).
I usually end up getting the bacon cheeseburger with lettuce and avocado.
Bonjour Records
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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A nice little shop not too far off from Daikanyama Stn. and very close to the A.P.C. Homme store. I never make this place a destination, but since I spend a lot of Sundays in Daikanyama, I always try to make a stop here to see what music they have.
Despite the name, they don't sell records and they don't carry anything from major labels. That's not to say that what they do carry is actually obscure (generally music from the Kitsune, Ed Banger, Warp, etc. labels), but it's a good stop and a lot of the music here isn't carried at places like Tower Records or Tsutaya.
Despite the name, they don't sell records and they don't carry anything from major labels. That's not to say that what they do carry is actually obscure (generally music from the Kitsune, Ed Banger, Warp, etc. labels), but it's a good stop and a lot of the music here isn't carried at places like Tower Records or Tsutaya.
Comme des Garcons
Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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One of the most famous fashion labels from Japan, the Minami-Aoyama flagship store is definitely worth popping by even if you aren't particularly interested in the brand. Carries the majority of the CdG labels, in addition to things like Junya Watanabe (where there isn't a separate store for).
Staff might seem a bit cold, but they are in fact very friendly and cool to talk to. The downside to this place is that there will usually be a lot of Asian tourists looking for PLAY t-shirts with their kids running around unchecked.
Staff might seem a bit cold, but they are in fact very friendly and cool to talk to. The downside to this place is that there will usually be a lot of Asian tourists looking for PLAY t-shirts with their kids running around unchecked.
Daikanyama T-Site
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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This place is a great place to spend an afternoon in. Obviously, a wide selection of books and music, but it's also a perfect people-watching spot. Lots of fashionable people here on the weekend and I don't think there is a place in Tokyo that has more attractive people in my opinion (this could be that they are readers though).
If you can't read Japanese, the English section is pretty disappointing unfortunately. However, they do have a good selection of photography/graphic design/fashion/art books available that are worth perusing and don't necessarily require Japanese to enjoy.
If you are in Daikanyama, definitely make this a destination.
If you can't read Japanese, the English section is pretty disappointing unfortunately. However, they do have a good selection of photography/graphic design/fashion/art books available that are worth perusing and don't necessarily require Japanese to enjoy.
If you are in Daikanyama, definitely make this a destination.
Globe Specs
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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This is the place to buy glasses at in Tokyo. The place is large, by Japanese standards, and is in Shibuya of all places.
The service is outstanding and they have a decent selection of Japanese and foreign brands of eyeglasses here. The owner, Okada, is able to speak English and is extremely interesting to chat with. These guys definitely know what they are doing.
The service is outstanding and they have a decent selection of Japanese and foreign brands of eyeglasses here. The owner, Okada, is able to speak English and is extremely interesting to chat with. These guys definitely know what they are doing.
Grandfather's
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Less than a 10 minute walk from Hachiko and right on Aoyama Dori. Labelled as a "Rock n' Roll" bar, Grandfather's is more of a watering hole that just happens to play some rock music.
Dinghy and dark, this place is a haven for middle-aged salarymen on weeknights, so expect it to be busy after around 19:00. Drink/food-wise (actually, I don't even recommend ordering any food here), this place is nothing special - it's more of the atmosphere, which is a throwback to days gone by.
All of the music is played from record, carefully selected by a single staff member (requests are possible too) - with the majority of it being pop/rock/soul/R&B from the 70's and 80's. If you're looking to have a drink to escape the youth of Shibuya, this just might be the place.
Dinghy and dark, this place is a haven for middle-aged salarymen on weeknights, so expect it to be busy after around 19:00. Drink/food-wise (actually, I don't even recommend ordering any food here), this place is nothing special - it's more of the atmosphere, which is a throwback to days gone by.
All of the music is played from record, carefully selected by a single staff member (requests are possible too) - with the majority of it being pop/rock/soul/R&B from the 70's and 80's. If you're looking to have a drink to escape the youth of Shibuya, this just might be the place.
Lad Musician Harajuku
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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I wouldn't say that there's anything particularly special or interesting about what Lad Musician does, it's just a brand that produces clothing that suits my tastes.
Lad Musician takes inspiration from the British era of rockers/mods/teds, and repackages it to appeal to today's Japanese youth. Clothes here are for the slim, so if you don't have an Asian build, this might not be the place for you.
There are a number of stores around Tokyo (Harajuku, Daikanyama, Shibuya, Shinjuku), but I expect most people who are clothes shopping are going to end up in this part of Harajuku anyways.
Lad Musician takes inspiration from the British era of rockers/mods/teds, and repackages it to appeal to today's Japanese youth. Clothes here are for the slim, so if you don't have an Asian build, this might not be the place for you.
There are a number of stores around Tokyo (Harajuku, Daikanyama, Shibuya, Shinjuku), but I expect most people who are clothes shopping are going to end up in this part of Harajuku anyways.
Narukiyo
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Situated right by Aoyama Gakuin is Narukiyo - one of my favorite izakayas in Tokyo. Since it's just off Aoyama Dori, it makes for a great spot to drink if you're in Shibuya or Harajuku some evening.
If you're looking to sit and have a proper meal, it's recommended to book a reservation in advance, but honestly, it's better to just walk in and drink at the standing bar. A lot of creative types and cooler office folk are here most nights, so it's generally not difficult to strike up a conversation with your neighbors at the bar.
Great atmosphere, food and selection of nihonshu - what more reason is there? A friend introduced this spot to me also mentioned that Yohji Yamamoto also sometimes frequents this place.
If you're looking to sit and have a proper meal, it's recommended to book a reservation in advance, but honestly, it's better to just walk in and drink at the standing bar. A lot of creative types and cooler office folk are here most nights, so it's generally not difficult to strike up a conversation with your neighbors at the bar.
Great atmosphere, food and selection of nihonshu - what more reason is there? A friend introduced this spot to me also mentioned that Yohji Yamamoto also sometimes frequents this place.
Robot Restaurant
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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I've never been here, but everyone that has, mentions that it's an absolutely great (and possibly brain-melting) experience. Most everyone has seen the trucks around Tokyo promoting this place, but for the unfamiliar, this is basically a restaurant that for 2 hours, entertains its guests with live music, dancing women, laser light shows and robots.
It's recommended that you purchase your ticket in advance online, but it's still possible to just show up at the door. With your admission, you get a meal and drink (nothing great - but that's not what you're here for) and get to just sit back and enjoy the show.
A bit of a nod to the 80's bubble era, this is an over-the-top and excessive side of Japan that you won't normally see anymore (well, not in this sense).
It's recommended that you purchase your ticket in advance online, but it's still possible to just show up at the door. With your admission, you get a meal and drink (nothing great - but that's not what you're here for) and get to just sit back and enjoy the show.
A bit of a nod to the 80's bubble era, this is an over-the-top and excessive side of Japan that you won't normally see anymore (well, not in this sense).
Streamer Coffee Company
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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I'm not a coffee drinker, but since I spend a lot of time in Shibuya/Harajuku, Streamer is a good place to hop in for a latte and get on with my day.
It's a popular place, being featured in magazines (primarily due to the owner being an international barista champion) and presented as a cool place to have coffee, but never as overwhelmingly busy as any Starbucks. Admittedly, it's hyped up, but it's still a decent place.
In addition to the location just off of Meiji Dori, there's a smaller location on the other side of Harajuku just before Sendagaya.
It's a popular place, being featured in magazines (primarily due to the owner being an international barista champion) and presented as a cool place to have coffee, but never as overwhelmingly busy as any Starbucks. Admittedly, it's hyped up, but it's still a decent place.
In addition to the location just off of Meiji Dori, there's a smaller location on the other side of Harajuku just before Sendagaya.
Undercover
Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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One of the more well-known Japanese brands that has received international attention, UC's flagship store is nearby from Omotesando Stn.
Not much to say - clothes modeled off of rock/punk/post-punk/etc. aesthetics. They do have a cool storefront though.
Not much to say - clothes modeled off of rock/punk/post-punk/etc. aesthetics. They do have a cool storefront though.
Whoopi Goldburger
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Despite saying that Blacows makes my favorite burger in Tokyo, Whoopi Goldburger (or W.P.G.B) is the coolest burger place in Tokyo.
The owners, Taiji and Shogo, are the only staff there and are fun guys to talk to if it's not hectically busy. They enjoy joking around and it's apparent when you're there - from the burgers being named after celebrities to the comical death threats in the washroom to anyone even considering trying the exit.
If you want a burger in Shibuya, do yourself a favour and forget about going to the fast food chains and just make the short trek past Aoyama Dori. This place is less than a 10 minute walk from Shibuya Stn (though I have a habit of saying everything is just a 10 minute walk).
The owners, Taiji and Shogo, are the only staff there and are fun guys to talk to if it's not hectically busy. They enjoy joking around and it's apparent when you're there - from the burgers being named after celebrities to the comical death threats in the washroom to anyone even considering trying the exit.
If you want a burger in Shibuya, do yourself a favour and forget about going to the fast food chains and just make the short trek past Aoyama Dori. This place is less than a 10 minute walk from Shibuya Stn (though I have a habit of saying everything is just a 10 minute walk).
YOGORO
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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My favorite curry restaurant in Tokyo - conveniently located in Sendagaya, this is a good stop to have lunch and take a break from the clamor of Harajuku. Small, rustic and playing nothing but dub music, this is the perfect place for a curry and perhaps a cold beer on a hot summer day.
Not recommended for large parties, as the restaurant can only seat about 16 people at a time. Furthermore, it can get pretty busy around lunch time on weekdays as creatives from their nearby offices like to frequent this place.
Despite the pork curry is the more popular choice (and can even sell out on some days), my recommendation is the chicken spinach curry. The curry base itself is already quite oily, which I just find to be too much in combination with the fatty cuts of pork that are used in the pork curry.
Not recommended for large parties, as the restaurant can only seat about 16 people at a time. Furthermore, it can get pretty busy around lunch time on weekdays as creatives from their nearby offices like to frequent this place.
Despite the pork curry is the more popular choice (and can even sell out on some days), my recommendation is the chicken spinach curry. The curry base itself is already quite oily, which I just find to be too much in combination with the fatty cuts of pork that are used in the pork curry.
