From Shibuya To Asakusa: A Curated Guide To Tokyo
Cosmin Serban
Japan’s capital has become one of the most in-demand travel spots on the globe over the past decade. From the neon lights of the entertainment district of Kabukichō and the mad scramble that occurs at the Shibuya crossing, to the historic Asakusa area and cultural centre of Ueno, there is something for everyone in Tokyo. If you’re planning a trip to the Big Mikan, then Monty has you covered with this in-depth guide of where to stay, eat, drink and play.
Where To Stay
9H NINE HOURS AKASAKA
You can’t visit Japan without experiencing a capsule hotel. There are dozens located across Tokyo, but our pick of the bunch is 9h Nine Hours Akasaka. Just a short walk from the nightlife district Roppongi, this locale is well known for its sleek and modern interiors, with floors divided into male and female zones and capsules that come with complimentary PJs, slippers and Wi-Fi. $$
For more information, visit ninehours.co.jp.
9H Nine Hours
BOUTIQUE SAUNA ARCH
If you’re not one for sharing a sauna with strangers, this boutique five-star hotel close to Iidabashi Station is the place for you. Each modern room includes a sauna and hot tub along with access to the hotel’s spa and wellness centre. It’s not cheap, but few things beat ending the day with a private sauna and a tumbler of Japanese whisky. $$$$
For more information, visit arch.spa.
THE BARN TOKYO
What this establishment lacks in room size, it more than makes up for with service. You’ll be hard-pressed to find friendlier staff in all of Tokyo, and that’s saying something. Close to the main train line in a quiet street, there are several great restaurants nearby, but the best thing is the price. Five-star accommodation at three-star prices. $$$
For more information, visit thebarntokyo.com.
CERULEAN TOWER TOKYU HOTEL
If money is no option and luxury is paramount, it’s hard to go past Cerulean Tower in Shibuya. This elegant and opulent hotel offers breathtaking city views, spacious modern interiors, several restaurants and bars and first-class fitness and spa facilities in the heart of Shibuya. $$$$
For more information, visit tokyuhotels.co.jp.
Where To Eat
SUKIYABASHI JIRO
Everyone's heard of this tiny sushi restaurant in Ginza station, but there’s a reason it continues to be at the top of Tokyo foodie lists – it’s that bloody good! Sushi is served “omakase” style, with each piece carefully plated according to the chef's selection. Be warned: reservations are only available to those staying in five-star hotels. $$$$
For more details, visit sushi-jiro.jp.
Sukiyabashi Jiro
FUUNJI
This restaurant’s speciality is tsukemen – a Japanese ramen dish whereby the noodles are served separately and dipped into a rich, flavourful broth or sauce. Simply order via the ticket machine, and soon you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked noodles accompanied by thin slices of pork, bamboo shoots and a soft-boiled egg. $
For more details, visit trulytokyo.com.
Sumibi Yakiniku Nakahara
Here’s one for the meat eaters. Chef Kentaro “Henry” Nakahara is a Self-taught butcher whose wagyu tasting menu will have your taste buds rejoicing. Using ōmi beef from the same cow, Nakahara cooks each cut right in front of you, serving it with a selection of condiments. The meal ends with the iconic wagyu katsu sando – a fried pankocovered fillet of beef placed between two fluffy slices of bread with tomato purée. $$$
For more details, visit sumibiyakinikunakahara.com.
Ten asa
This tempura eatery is reasonably priced considering it’s in the heart of Ginza. The set menus are seafood-heavy – think scallops, squid, shrimp – with plenty of veggie options served in a cozy and inviting space. Great for those on a budget after a quick, tasty meal. $$
For more details, visit omakaseje.com.
Where To Drink
Record Bar Analog
Open until 3am, this retro bar can serve as either the start to a big night on the lash or a quiet nightcap on the way home. Sip on Japanese whiskey while marvelling at the stacked vinyl collection. Table service comes with free snacks and one song request – so make it a solid pick.
For more information, visit analog-recordbar.com.
Record Bar Analog
BAUHAUS
Live music fans have to check out BAUHAUS. Located in the party district of Roppongi, each night sees the house band performing covers of the best heavy and hard rock acts from the ‘70s up until now. Things often get crazy, with the bar staff joining in and a solid selection of beverages on offer.
For more information, visit rockbarbauhaus.com.
Aloha Whisky
Voted Bar of the Year at the 2020 Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky Awards, this celebrated spot is owned by Hawaiian David Tsujimoto. Alongside an impressive selection of Japanese whisky, the bar stocks bourbons, scotches, and whiskies from around the world. Don’t miss The Aloha Whisky Omakase – a two-hour tasting journey featuring ten exceptional Japanese whiskies.
For more information, visit alohawhisky.jp.
Aloha Whisky
Womb
For 25 years, Womb has been one of the leading nightclubs in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. International DJs regularly play across the club’s three floors. Expect to hear techno, house, drum and bass and underground EDM, with the club featuring Asia’s largest mirror ball. If you’re after somewhere with more of a chilled vibe, head to the nearby Atom Tokyo
For more information, visit womb.co.jp.
Where To Play
Temples and Shrines
It might not top everyone’s itinerary, but no trip to Tokyo is complete without visiting the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Founded in the 7th century and dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of mercy, it draws around 30 million visitors annually. Other notable spiritual sites include the 36-meter-tall Kanei-ji Temple in Ueno Park and the 1,200-year-old Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple.
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Crate Digging
Tokyo has a vibrant vinyl culture and is home to numerous record stores. The famous multi-story flagship Tower Records is a must when in Shibuya, while there are dozens of small stores operating across the city, many specialising in particular genres. Pick up a rare Japanese edition of your favourite record or flick through racks of CDs, which are still hot property in Japan.
Museums and Theme Parks
Get some culture in the morning at one of Tokyo’s many museums before jumping on some exhilarating rides in the afternoon. Mori Art Museum in Roppongi has a great selection of contemporary exhibitions, while anime fans must check out the Ghibli Museum. When it comes to theme parks, Tokyo Disney and Tokyo DisneySea are fantastic, Legoland is ideal for those with kids, and Fuji-Q Highland is highly recommended if the two-hour train ride doesn’t put you off.
Day Trips
Bullet trains make travel in Japan a breeze, so if you’ve got some time to spare, escape the bright lights of Tokyo and discover more of what the country has to offer. Seaside town Kamakura, known as the “Kyoto of the East”, is home to a towering Buddha statue, Kawagoe gives you a glimpse of old Japan with its traditional buildings and narrow lanes and Enoshima has one of Japan’s most popular beaches.
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