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Travel Guides: Tokyo

General Information

Tokyo

As a modern city Tokyo, the capital of Japan, could be described as too good to be true. People dress in the latest gear, excellent restaurants serve up delicious food of all varieties, and the trendiest nightclubs keep things hopping. The public transport system is punctual and one of the most efficient in the world; and shops and vending machines provide necessities and luxuries both day and night. All this is achieved in a city that is home to 12 million people, amid the confusion of bumper-to-bumper traffic, flickering neon signs and a crush of humanity packing subways and sidewalks. In the crush and rush Tokyo remains, remarkably, one of the world's safest cities with a low crime rate and local people who are only too willing to spare the time and effort to assist a stranger.

With such a dense population, Tokyo is an urban maze of buildings that jostle for space in an unplanned jumble of grey concrete, which makes parts of it ugly and drab. The city fills a huge area that seems to go on forever, with no specific city centre, but rather a succession of districts grouped together. In the back streets, where timber houses line narrow lanes, there are reminders that this is exotic Japan: kimono-clad women prune bonsai trees and colourful neighbourhood festivals take place.

The city is an exuberant experience for visitors. It also hosts many museums and is the largest repository of Japanese art in the world. Then, of course, it would take forever to exhaust the shopping possibilities in this megalopolis. The more one explores Tokyo the more it becomes obvious that one cannot judge a book by its cover. Inside the modern buildings the cultural life of Japan is very much alive and well. Interiors reflect the tranquil minimalist Asian style and taste of Japan.

Getting Around

Tokyo's public transport system is one of the most efficient in the world and is clean and safe, combining an extensive train network, 13 underground subway lines and a bus system. Visitors usually find the trains (JR) and subways the best way to get around although the complexity of the underground network can be intimidating; rush hour from 7:30am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm should be avoided. Most stations have English signs. Because lines are owned by different companies, transfers between trains or subways usually require a transfer between different train systems, with different ticketing systems that can be confusing. The Tokyo Combination Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu) is a day travel pass that allows unlimited use of the trains, subway and bus lines within the city. Subway tickets are bought at vending machines; buy the cheapest ticket if unsure how much to pay and the difference, if any, can be paid at the end of the journey. The bus system is more complicated for visitors as most destinations are written in Japanese only and bus drivers don't speak English. Taxis are convenient but never cheap, particularly in rush hour. Taxis can be hailed on the street, except in some central areas, where they only pick up from taxi ranks. Drivers speak little English so it is a good idea to have the destination written out in Japanese. Driving a car in the city is not advised. JR trains are free with a Japan Rail Pass.

Activities

National Children's Castle (Kodomo-no-Shiro), Tokyo

The Children's Castle is geared towards children of all ages and features a variety of activity rooms for kids to keep themselves entertained. With gymnasiums, playgrounds, climbing walls, artistic activities and much more to stimulate and educate children's minds.

Opening Times:
Open Tuesday to Friday 12:30pm-5:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am–5:30pm. Closed for December-January holidays.

Admission:
¥500 (adults); ¥400 (children).

Kite Museum, Tokyo

This fascinating museum is an absolute must for any child who loves kites, or any adult who has ever flown a kite. The Kite Museum exhibits mainly traditional style Japanese kites, 'Edo Nishiki-E Dako' as well as other kites from around Asia. Kites are made from bamboo and a Japanese handmade paper called 'washi' which is surprisingly strong. Featuring over 3,000 kites, this museum is a must for all kite enthusiasts.

Opening Times:
Open Monday to Saturday 11am–5pm. Closed national holidays.

Joypolis Sega, Tokyo

A little boy's dream come true, Joypolis Sega will thrill and entertain children of all ages. Offering rides, games and much more, kids will be kept busy for hours on end in one of the world's most famous theme parks and enjoy rides such as Spin Bullet and games such as Halfpipe Canyon, Sky Cruising and Dinosaur King.

Opening Times:
Open daily 10am–11pm.

Admission:
¥500 (adults); ¥300 (children). Additional fees for rides.

Meiji Jingu, Tokyo

A hop, skip and jump away from the Harajuku Station, the Meiji Jingu is an easily accessible shrine and worthwhile stop in Tokyo. Built as homage to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Empress Shoken, this monument is located in a 175 acre (70ha) evergreen forest and consists of two main areas. In the inner Naien, a garden featuring shrine buildings and a treasure museum holding articles from the Emperor and Empress. In the outer cloister, the Gaien, the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery presents murals depicting significant events over the Meiji rule. It also consists of a sports arena, the National Stadium, and the Meiji Memorial Hall, which was an important political meeting place during the Meiji era. Today traditional Shinto weddings are held in the Hall and newcomers to Japan are always intrigued when witnessing the unique Shinto wedding procession.

Opening Times:
Daily from sunrise to sunset.

Monkey Park, Tokyo

Children visiting Monkey Park will be able to enjoy learning about monkeys while watching them run around freely. Their individual movements and characteristics also give away a lot about them and their personalities. Some smaller children might be scared of the freely roaming monkeys.

Getting There:
Monkey Park is about two minutes by foot from the Sanjo Station.

Opening Times:
Opening hours depend on the season; generally 10am to 4pm.

Admission:
¥400 (adults); ¥200 (children)

Inokashira Park, Tokyo

Inokashira Park is a tranquil oasis amidst the bustle of Japan's capitol city. The park contains a temple dedicated to the goddess of love, a petting zoo and aquarium, and is lively with musicians, artists and street performers. One of the more popular attractions in Inokashira Park is the Ghibli Museum, featuring displays on popular animated films from the studio of the same name, including Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle. Inokashira Park is very crowded in the spring when the cherry blossoms are flowering.

Tokyo Tower, Tokyo

This tower is modelled in the vein of the Eiffel Tower in France, only in true Japanese style, it is more colourful and serves a technological purpose. Tokyo Tower functions chiefly as a television and radio antenna. At 1,091 feet (332m), it is the tallest structure in Tokyo, in Japan in fact, and a great vantage point from which to take in the city. At the base of the tower, tucked snugly under its 'legs', is the four-storey Foot Town. Inside Foot Town visitors will find shops, restaurants, a wax museum, the Guinness Book of World Record Museum, an aquarium and the Mysterious Walking Zone, which is not as spooky as it sounds. It's a display of holographic technology and imagery. The top floor of Foot Town is an interactive art gallery, featuring optical illusions which can be manipulated by visitors.

Opening Times:
Daily 9am-10pm.

Admission:
¥820 Adults; ¥460 junior high and primary school students; ¥310 children.

Edo-Tokyo Museum, Tokyo

Tokyo's museum dedicated to detailing the city's history, art, culture and architecture through the medium of visual displays is an impressive, not to be missed attraction. Edo was the old name for Tokyo from its foundation in 1590 when it became the seat of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun. Exhibits include a replica of an ancient Kabuki theatre, maps, photographs and portrayals of the lives of the city's merchants, craftsmen and townspeople in days gone by.

Getting There:
Train to Ryogoku Station on JR Sobu line (West Exit) or subway to Ryogoku on the Oedo line (A3/A4 exit)

Opening Times:
Daily 9:30am-5:30pm, closing at 7.30pm on Saturday. Closed on Monday

Admission:
¥600, concessions available.

Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo

To the north of the Imperial Palace lies the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, built to commemorate the Japanese war dead and now regarded as home to the souls of about two and a half million who perished in conflict, mostly in the Pacific War of World War II. Soldiers fought in the knowledge that their spirits would find rest and honour at Yasukuni in the after-life. The shrine has caused controversy for various political reasons over the years since it was built in 1869 in honour of supporters of the emperor, killed in the run up to the Meiji Restoration. More recently, with regard to the country's constitution that requires the separation of State and religion, cabinet ministers have been criticised for attending anniversaries of Japan's defeat in World War II held at the shrine. The shrine is confined behind a huge steel torii gate, opening onto a long avenue lined with gingko and cherry trees. The Worship Hall itself is a simple Shinto style building. North of the shrine is the Yushukan Museum, containing war memorabilia, some of which is disturbing and thought-provoking such as the human torpedo and kamikaze suicide attack plane.

Getting There:
Subway to Kudanshita Station

Opening Times:
Shrine open 24 hours daily. Museum open daily 9am-5pm (November to February); 9am-5:30pm (March to October).

Admission:
Museum: ¥800, concessions available.

Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo

Japan's Imperial Palace is regarded as the heart and soul of Tokyo, standing on a huge site that still bears the remains of Edo Castle, stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate. The present palace was completed in 1888 and is still home to the emperor of Japan. The palace is off-limits but its grounds and surrounds provide a much-needed green open space for the city with Higashi Gyoen (East Garden), site of the Edo Castle keep, open to the public. On January 2nd and December 23rd each year visitors are able to enter the inner grounds and see the Imperial family make public appearances from the balcony. Guided tours of the palace are offered, but are only in Japanese, although an English pamphlet and audio guide are provided; these must be reserved in advance through the Imperial Household Agency. In spring the gardens are awash with colour when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, particularly along the castle moat.

Getting There:
Subway to Tokyo station.

Opening Times:
East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Otherwise it is open daily 9am-4pm (until 3:30pm between November and February). Gardens closed from 28 December to 3 January and when Imperial Court functions take place.

Admission:
Free

Yokohama, Tokyo

While visiting Japan's largest city, Tokyo, it is quick and easy to pay a visit to the country's second largest metropolis as well: Yokohama can be reached in less than 30 minutes by train from Tokyo, lying south of the capital. The main reason for visiting Yokohama is to marvel at its futuristic new city centre, and perhaps take a stroll through Japan's largest Chinatown. Yokohama's Chinatown, entered through four colourful gates and teeming with restaurants and shops, was developed after the city became one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade after generations of isolation ended in 1859. Chinese traders flocked to the city, establishing a cultural neighbourhood. Minato Mirai is the new central city area around the harbour, characterised by the Landmark Tower, rising to 971ft (296m). Visitors can ride to the tower's observation deck in the world's second fastest elevator, travelling at 41ft (13m) a second, for a view that on a clear day stretches as far as Mount Fuji.

Getting There:
Toyoko Line from Shibuya, JR Tokaido Line or JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station

Ueno Zoo, Tokyo

The oldest zoological garden in Japan, Ueno Zoo is one of Tokyo's most popular attractions for children and adults alike. Boasting exotic animals such as giant pandas, polar bears, Indian lions, Sumatran tigers, wolverines and gorillas, children of al ages will love this zoo. It also features a Small Mammal House, Reptile House and even a petting zoo where children can meet Okapis and aye-ayes, two very rare species. Zoo guides offer 45-minute tours twice a day.

Opening Times:
Open Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am-5pm (last tickets sold at 4pm). Closed Mondays.

Admission:
¥600 (adults); ¥200 (students); Children free, other concessions available.

Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo

Close to Ueno Station, enclosed in the Tokyo Metropolitan Imperial Gift Park, the National Museum boasts the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. Exhibits range from antique kimonos and delicate pottery to woodblock prints and archaeological finds. The vast collection is displayed on a rotating basis with at least 4,000 artefacts visible at any time, so the museum always has something new to offer. The museum consists of five different buildings containing numerous galleries, so one needs sufficient time to do it justice. The Imperial Gift Park also contains some other cultural institutions, including a zoo, the Metropolitan Art Museum, Bunka Kaikan Cultural Hall, the Western Art Museum and the National Science Museum.

Getting There:
JR Line to Ueno or Uguisudani Station

Opening Times:
Daily 9:30am to 5pm, depending on season; closed Mondays. On Fridays from March to December open until 8pm; Saturdays and Sundays from March to September until 6pm.

Admission:
¥600 (adults), ¥400 (students), free for scholars.

Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo

Plenty of fun is to be had for the young and young at heart at Tokyo's Disney Resort, virtually a carbon copy of the theme park found in California in the United States. The resort consists of Disneyland Park and DisneySea Park, along with several hotels. Visitors can expect attractions like the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain and Toontown, which are all included on this huge site.

Getting There:
The park is reached via the JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line from Tokyo Station; disembark at Maihama Station (South Exit) where there is a Disneyland Welcome Centre.

Opening Times:
Check website for details, as hours vary according to season and day of the week. Generally open daily 8am-10pm with shorter hours in winter.

Admission:
Entry to each park: ¥6,200 (adults), ¥5,300 (children ages12-17), ¥4,100 (children ages 4-11). Several other ticket options are also available, including multi-day passports that allow entry to both parks.

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

The Asakusa neighbourhood of Tokyo draws visitors to admire the city's oldest temple, Senso-ji, founded in AD628 with a quaint legend attached to it. The story goes that two young brothers fishing in the nearby river netted a golden image of Kan'non, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and were inspired to enshrine it in the temple. The statuette is still inside, but never shown to the public, though pilgrims flock here every day seeking the favour of the goddess. There are also numerous festivals associated with the shrine, and a hugely popular firework display is held on the Sumida River every summer. Tourists enjoy the visit to the temple mainly because the approach is a colourful pedestrian lane, Nakamise Dori, lined with shops and souvenir stalls. Nearby, the Demboin Garden is a good spot to grab a break from the city crowds.

Getting There:
Subway to Asakusa station.

Opening Times:
Daily 6am-5pm.

Admission:
Free

Akihabara, Tokyo

Tokyo's electronic wonderland has become world-renowned. In a small area near Chuo-dori Avenue, west of Akihabara Station, are clustered more than 250 electrical appliance and electronics shops, many of them now dealing in computer hardware and software, where expert staff can answer queries and visitors can browse through the showrooms of major manufacturers. There are duty-free shops and various events to draw attention. The suburb has been specialising in electrical equipment since the 1940s and is now regarded as the world's biggest and best electrical equipment enclave.

Getting There:
Subway to Akihabara Station

Opening Times:
Stores are open 10am-7pm daily.

Kamakura, Tokyo

The city of Kamakura, about 30 miles (50km) southwest of Tokyo at the base of the Miura Peninsula, was the political powerhouse of Japan in the middle ages and the seat of government for most of the 13th century. Because of its historic importance Kamakura boasts numerous monuments, temples and shrines of interest to tourists. As an added bonus the city sports some sandy beaches and good hiking trails in the nearby wooded hills. Kamakura's many sights are too numerous to detail individually, but most important of them all is the Great Buddha. This bronze statue of the seated Amida Buddha is located in the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple, and standing at almost 44ft (13,35m) high, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan after that found in the Todaiji Temple in Nara. The Kamakura Great Buddha was cast in 1252 and was originally contained in the temple hall. A tidal wave (tsunami) washed away the temple in the late 15th century, but the Buddha prevailed and since then has stood in the open.

Getting There:
JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station, or the Enoden Railway, an unusual streetcar-like train service.

Mount Fuji, Tokyo

The dormant volcano of Mount Fuji, 62 miles (100km) southwest of Tokyo, has been revered since ancient times and no exploration of Japan is complete without visiting the mountain that is known fondly as 'Fuji-san' by the locals. Its symmetrical 12,388-foot (3,776m) cone towers and snow-crowned summit have become as symbolic of Japan as the country's own flag.

The closest town to the volcano is Fuji Yoshida, from which buses leave frequently for Fuji's 'fifth stage' (the usual jumping-off point for hikes up the mountain) from outside the train station. There are six trails to the summit, of which the Kawaguchiko Trail is the easiest, being quite manageable even by children and the elderly as long as they have stamina and good shoes. Overnight huts are available. Official climbing season is from 1 July to end of August - in winter snow makes the ascent too dangerous.

Getting There:
Fujikyuko bus from Tokyo's JR Shinjuku station to Kawagutiko station. From Kawagutiko, take the bus to Fuji Gogome

Events

Japanese F1 Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix usually falls towards the end of the Formula One season and has over the years provided much excitement, and often been the track to crown the season's champion. The Fuji Speedway and Suzuka circuits are to host the Japanese Grand Prix on alternate years starting in 2009. Fuji will stage the 2008 event, with Suzuka returning to the calendar the following season.

Date:
7 - 9 October 2011

Venue:
Fuji Speedway and Suzuka, alternate years.

Sanja Festival

The Sanja Matsuri or Sanja Festival is the biggest of Tokyo's three great festivals, along with the Kanda Festival and Sanno Festival, which alternate every year. During the annual festival thousands of frenzied devotees gather for traditional portable shrine processions, ancient ritual music and dancing, and other festivities. The processions are in honour of the three resident deities of the Asakusa Shrine, who are paraded through the streets in huge, elaborately decorated mikoshi or portable shrines carried on the shoulders of dozens of strong men dressed in traditional festival clothing, and surrounded by chanting worshippers. Up to 100 other mikoshi are carried around in processions meant to bring blessings and good luck to the area and its inhabitants. For more information contact the Tourist Information Centre on +81 (03) 3201 3331.

Date:
18 - 20 May 2011

Venue:
Asakusa Shrine area

Venue:
7am to 7pm

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival

Heralding the beginning of spring, cherry trees burst into a riot of pink and white blossoms all over the city drawing thousands of holidaymakers daily for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). The cherry blossom, or Sakura, is Japan's national flower and a symbol of Japan. For many years, the Japanese people have celebrated the cherry blossom season every year, which depends on the local conditions, but usually starts in Okinawa in January, reaching Kyoto and Tokyo in late March to early April, and Hokkaido in late May. They celebrate this popular festival with hanami parties under the trees with picnics, drinking, singing and dancing. Street stalls are set up and musicians serenade the merry picnickers, many of whom are decked out in outrageous costumes and masks. Ueno Park is Tokyos' most beautiful spot for hanami parties. For more information contact the Tokyo Tourist Information Centre on (0)3 5321 3077.

Date:
Late March to early April 2012

Venue:
Various

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Every summer Japan prepares for its numerous fireworks (hanabi) festivals held throughout the nation. The biggest of these is the display over the Sumida River, which is a major event on the cultural calendar of Tokyo, with spectacular multicoloured layers that blossom into the night sky to awe the millions of spectators gathered along the banks or in boats on the river. Many dress in traditional kimono and festival wear for the occasion. The highlight of the display is a dazzling competition between highly acclaimed fireworks manufacturers. For more information contact the Fireworks Office on +81 (0)3 5246 1111.

Date:
August 2012 TBA

Venue:
Sumida River

Venue:
7pm to 8:30pm

Japan Fashion Week

Each year, fashionistas from across the globe converge on Japan's capital of Tokyo to enjoy the new spring/summer or autumn/winter collections of some of the Japan's most famous designers.The city buzzes with energy and some events are even open to the public where keen spectators can pop by and get a taste for what's hot and view new trends for the coming seasons.

Date:
October 2012 TBA

Venue:
3F, Terasaki 1st. Bldg., 1-10-5 Nihombashi-Muromachi, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo

Great Japan Beer Festival

Contrary to popular belief, the Japanese drink more than just Sake and rice wine. Beer is also highly popular and the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido is famed for its brews. Many of these are available at Tokyo's Great Japan Beer Festival each year where 120 local and international craft brews can be sampled. Tickets cost approximately ¥4,300.

Date:
July 2012 TBA

Venue:
Yebisu Garden Place

Wakakusa Yamayaki

No one is sure of the origins of this fascinating event but each January, monks and priests oversee the burning of Wakakusa hill, with over a hundred thousand onlookers watching the fascinating spectacle. And as if the flames weren't enough to light the skies there are additional fireworks to make this one of the most spectacular events on the Japanese calendar.

Date:
22 January 2012

Venue:
Nara Park, Nara

Venue:
5.30pm

Chichibu Yomatsuri

There is nothing small about the town of Chichibu over this weekend as the skies are brightly lit with the blaze of thousands of fireworks. The town sees colourful floats marching through to the cheers of celebratory locals as families from all around Japan, and especially Tokyo, come to join in one of Japan's most famous fireworks evenings. There will be plenty of food and drink available at the stalls around the town.

Date:
2 - 3 December 2011

Venue:
Chichibu (outside Tokyo)

Venue:
7pm (Procession)

Tokyo International Film Festival

Each year the Tokyo International Film Festival exclusively screens new and exciting films cinemas around Roppongi Hills. Film buffs can enjoy world premieres by some of Japan's top directors as well as voting for their favourite film in the Audience Choice.

Date:
22 - 30 October 2011

Venue:
Roppongi Hills

Restaurants

La Granata

The twin restaurants of La Granata and Granata Moderna are situated in the basement of the Tokyo Broadcasting Systems building, but the Italian cuisine on offer is top level. La Granata offers a traditional ambience with check tablecloths and brickwork, while Granata Moderna is elegantly modern with mirrors and stained glass. Both offer delicious pasta specialities.

Address:
TBS Garden building, basement, 5-1-3 Akasaka

What the Dickens?

Good old English steak and kidney pie in the heart of Japan? Charles Dickens himself would feel at home in Tokyo's British pub which serves up a variety of ales and a down-to-earth atmosphere helped along with wooden beams, sprung floors, hand-painted pub signs and dried hops. What the Dickens? also offers live music every night of the week. The menu is reasonably priced and consists of several traditional British favourites such as cottage pie, accompanied by heaps of potatoes and vegetables. Closed Mondays.

Address:
4th Floor, Roob 6 Building, 1-13-3 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku

La Tour D'Argent

Decidedly opulent, the lavish La Tour D'Argent, like its famous sister in Paris, sets the standard for French haute cuisine. The high standard of the food and décor is only matched by the prices in this celebrated establishment situated in the New Otani Hotel, which was recently ranked #1 in Tokyo by Zagat. The house speciality is the duck, specially flown in daily from Brittany in France. Other highlights on the menu are pigeon and fricassee of lobster. It is all prepared by chefs trained at the Paris restaurant and an impressive wine list accompanies the outstanding menu, which changes seasonally. Closed Mondays. Dinner only. Reservations essential and dress code is jacket and tie.

Address:
New Otani Hotel, 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku

Nanbantei

This well-known establishment has become something of a tourist landmark in Roppongi, probably because of its delicious yakitori fare and reasonable prices. Yakitori is the Japanese version of the barbecue, with chicken, beef, pork or fish kebabs grilled over oak coals, served with large bowls of crudité vegetables like crisp raw cabbage, carrots and courgettes. Nanbantei offers bargain lunch menus and specialities like namban-yaki (grilled beef dipped in hot miso) and asapura-maki (green asparagus wrapped in thinly sliced pork). Dinner only. Closed Saturdays.

Address:
4-5-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku

Boheme

Serving some of Tokyo's finest Italian cuisine, the stylish and classical décor found in Boheme sets the scene for a great night of dining on hearty Italian fare. The homemade pastas and pizzas are to die for. Popular dishes include the Snow Crab and avocado salad, Scampi spaghetti with a tomato cream sauce, and pan-fried chicken breast 'cotoletta'. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.

Address:
6-4-1 Ginza

Chotoku

The humble noodle is elevated to aristocratic status at this establishment, where waitresses in starched blue kimonos hand out brocade bound menus featuring more than 50 variations of noodle dishes. The background music is usually Vivaldi, Mozart or Beethoven, to complement the handmade noodles that form the base to each artistic dish. Patrons can watch noodles being made in the window of the restaurant before entering. Chotoku is closed on the first and third Monday of the month.

Address:
1-10-15 Shubuya, Shibuya-ku

Tonki

It is worth waiting in line to sample the fare at Tokyo's most renowned tonkatsu (deep fried pork) outlet. Waiters take orders while patrons queue for a spot at the well-worn Formica-topped tables, watching the hustle and bustle of the dozens of busy cooks in action. The reward is delectable treats like hirekatsu (fillet of lean pork) reishoki, or rosukatsu (loin cut), crunchy on the outside and melt-in-the-mouth tender on the inside, or perhaps a tasty kushikatsu (skewered meat with onions). Tonki is closed Tuesdays and the third Monday of every month.

Address:
1-1-2 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku

Maisen

This establishment offers the novel experience of eating in a Japanese bathhouse. The baths are gone, but the large building, which now houses Maisen restaurant, was converted from a sento (public bath) about 20 years ago. The huge space makes for an airy dining room where discerning gourmets can enjoy a range of Japanese delights. Speciality of the house is Tonkatsu, tender and crisp deep fried pork cutlets. Open daily from 11am.

Address:
4-8-5 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku (near Omotesando station)

Sonoma

Located below the Ruby Room music venue, this small and modest eatery is a favourite with locals. The chef's recommendations include rosemary grilled chicken seasoned with lemon, garlic, and rosemary, served on garlic mashed potatoes and favourites include grilled Swordfish crusted with herb and pistachio crumbs accompanied by a potato rosti. Dinner entitles diners to a free entrance at the Ruby Room upstairs. Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended.

Address:
2-25-17 Dogenzaka, Shibuya

Roti

Roti serves some of Tokyo's most authentic American grill and rotisserie cuisine. The ambience is relaxed and causal, the waitstaff friendly and helpful, and the food delicious! Many expats frequent this eatery due to its wide selection of beers and old favourites such as the deluxe blue cheese burger, char-grilled steaks and sticky Shanghai style pork ribs and the classic Mexican tortillas and jalapeno cheese dip. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Booking recommended.

Address:
Piramide Building, 1F, 6-6-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku