Tokyo - Central districts
Aoyama - So close to Omotesando, I usually walk east and find I'm in Aoyama
Upper-class boutiques, high-end dining. I window-shop, get coffee, treats for others.
Roppongi / Azabudai - Marked location on the map
Luxury shopping, Michelin-star restaurants, Mori Art Museum, TeamLabs Borderless.
Azabu Juban - 10 min walk south from Roppongi / Azabudai
Chill, more old school vibe. Recos are mostly confectionary / snack shops, haha.
Other (Bunkyo, Sugamo, Taito, Shinagawa) - Pretty far NE from marker, except Shinagawa
The more northern / northeastern recos could be lumped into a Tokyo East day, but that section is also packed.
Aoyama
Gentle Monster
Aoyama - Coffee
Name
Café Kitsuné
Recommended
Highly
Notes
Small, cozy shop that was quiet when I went during the weekday.
Even though based in SF with locations in many cities, it’s a nice shop with good coffee!
If time allows
Aoyama - Restaurants (a lot more on my list to check out, so hope to add more soon!)
Notes
Haven't been here yet (a theme for food in Aoyama) but it's been on my list... cafe for lunch or cake.
Name
A To Z Cafe
Recommended
If time allows
First discovered Umami Burger in CA. Haven't been yet but good burgers if you feel so inclined.
If time allows
Aoyama - Shopping
Recommended
Highly
Notes
I always buy treats here as gifts. Can buy elsewhere (stores, airport). Well-packaged, high quality, various sizes.
Home goods store I haven't been to yet but somehow got on my radar.
If time allows
The building itself is pretty cool to see; haven't gone into the store myself.
If time allows
Jennie from BLACKPINK did a collab so I checked it out. Very pricey eyewear with… interesting styles.
If time allows
Roppongi / Azabudai
TeamLabs Borderless
Roppongi / Azabudai - Coffee
Name
Blue Bottle
Recommended
If time allows
Notes
Haven't been to this location yet, but a safe option if you're in the area.
Roppongi / Azabudai - Shopping
Recommended
If time allows
Notes
If bookstores are your thing, check out a Tsutaya. Doesn't have to be this location!
Shopping mall with high end shopping.
If time allows
Roppongi / Azabudai - Touristy
Name
Mori Art Museum
Recommended
Highly
Notes
Buy tickets online in advance; be mindful of which one(s) you buy. There were 2 exhibits and 1 scenic area but I only got tickets for 1 area, apparently.
Highly
Buy tickets in advance for a specific entry time, very IG. If you have a large bag, they’ll provide you a locker (forget if there is a small fee / deposit as we didn’t need). Be sure to explore!! So many hard to find rooms with surprisingly large exhibits. Some rooms have content change so you can wander back to former areas! We went at 10:30 am and crowds were smaller, then a small wait for the cafe in the museum. A bit pricey but nice way to end the experience. I personally like this better than TeamLabs Planets (in Odaiba, see the Tokyo - East page).
Azabu Juban
Naniwaya Sōhonten
Azabu Juban - Restaurants
Recommended
Highly
Notes
Taiyaki is a famous fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste. Well-known, small cafe (oldest taiyaki place, I believe?). Small enough I paid with cash and didn’t try to pay with card.
Azabu Juban - Shopping
Name
Mamegen
Recommended
If time allows
Notes
Confectionary shop. If you're in the area, just hit up all of these and more!
Confectionary shop.
If time allows
Confectionary shop.
If time allows
Confectionary shop, but one I didn't make it to as I had already bought so much.
If time allows
Other (Bunkyo, Sugamo, Taito, Shinagawa)
Koishikawa
Other (Shinagawa) - Hotels
Recommended
More budget-friendly
Notes
Same chain as Shinjuku. More affordable for long stays; rooms are likely smaller than you expect. We stayed in the north tower and it was super easy access to Shinagawa station. They also have lockers in the lobby (cheaper than lockers we walked past in another tower); handy if you have time to kill before heading out after checking out.
I stayed here because my flight got canceled due to a typhoon. It was very expensive, but a very nice hotel! Shinagawa was ideal because it’s on the bullet train line (though the trains start in Tokyo, so be wary if you did not reserve a seat) and close to Haneda airport.
More luxury hotel
Other (Shinagawa) - Restaurants
Name
Kura Sushi
Recommended
If time allows
Notes
Same chain as the one in Tokyo - West tab. Conveyor belt sushi with gashapon; good for kids and if you happen to be near Shinagawa Station.
Other (Bunkyo) - Scenic
Recommended
If time allows
Notes
Near Tokyo Dome; though I walked around half the garden to find an entrance. Nice, slower pace in the heart of Tokyo. I might prioritize other gardens / parks, but worth a stop if you're in the area.
Other (Sugamo, Taito) - Shopping
Name
Yanaka Ginza
Recommended
Highly
Notes
Traditional street with ~60 shops (souvenirs, some food stalls). A bit far but "off the beaten path" / change of pace.
I went here on a holiday and too early. A bit out of the way; older traditional shops, some sites say to shop for grandparents.
If time allows