SUSHI
SUSHI SAITO, 1F Jitensha Kaikan, 1-9-15 Akasaka
’This place doesn’t have a website and you won’t read about it anywhere. It can be hard to find, too, but it’s really famous among sushi fans. Only people who really know sushi come here.’ Yuki Ishida, PR
GONPACHI, 1F, 2F, 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu
‘Built to resemble a bustling Old Edo village, this place serves up sushi and soba noodles and traditional izakaya (pub) fodder. Excellent atmosphere with good prices.’ Lowly Norgate, communications manager
TSUKIJI AOZORA SANDAIME, 4-13-8 Tsukiji
‘This is my favourite place for sushi. It’s right by the fish market so you know it’s really fresh.’ Yayoi Endoh, translator
LUNCH
TEISHOKU, Shinbashi and Kanda stations
‘Teishoku (prix fixe lunches) are the thing to do if you want to mix with the locals. On weekdays, try any of the restaurants near a station and with a queue. This is not fast food per se, but eat quickly.’ Makoto Honjo, businessman
DINNER
KAZUSAYA SHINKICHI, Jingumae 2-19-16
‘A very lively, friendly izakayawith great sashimi.’ Alwyn Williams, businessman
AMOROSO, Nakamichi 22, Kagurazaka
‘Superb Japanese-Italian fusion cooking in an intimate ten-seat restaurant. Maeda-san is a former sommelier turned chef. There is no menu – the eight-course feast and accompanying wines are selected by the master.’ AW
BEST VIEW
LEGATO, 15F, E Space Tower, 3-6 Maruyama-Cho, Shibuya
‘The bar on the 15th floor has an excellent view over Tokyo. Hit this place at dusk for early cocktails – the vanilla and apple martinis are the best – and watch the night fall and city lights come up.’ LN
HOTELS
MEGURO GAJOEN, 1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro
‘It’s a little bit out of the centre of Tokyo but it has a nice garden and rather kitschy interior.’ MH
PARK HOTEL, Shiodome Media Tower, 1-7-1 Higashi Shimbashi
‘Central, reasonably priced and very nice – with fantastic views.’ AW
BARS
BAR HIGH FIVE, 4F no 26 Polestar Building, 7-2-14 Ginza
‘Legendary bartender Ueno-san’s hole in the wall – with great hot dogs and fantastic drinks. I recommend the white lady and piña colada – yes really!’ Tom Huskinson, cocktail maker
57, B1F 4-2-35 Roppongi
‘New York meets Tokyo. Huge venue with good music.’ TH
SHIN, 1F Meguro Daiichi Building, 1-5-19 Meguro
‘This was voted one of the best standing bars in Tokyo. It’s reasonably priced and has a good selection of wine and food, too.’ YI
HIDDEN SPACE
HIGASHI GYOEN
‘Higashi Gyoen (the Imperial Palace East Gardens) which you can get to across the moat from the Palace Hotel in Ohtemachi. The gardens are extremely well kept.’ MH
DAY TRIP
SHIBAMATA
‘Take a day off from neon lights and tourists and stroll through this charming, old-school neighbourhood on the Edo River. Technically, it’s still in Tokyo, but it feels like a different world. Nosh on traditional candy, have some eel and don’t miss out on the bargain boat ride.’ Mina Iwamoto, producer
BEST SHOPPING
ORIENTAL BAZAAR, 5-9-13 Jingumae, Omotesando
‘Buy souvenirs such as recycled kimonos and antiques at very decent prices. This whole area is a good place to buy Japanese prints and artworks. Omotesando Hills opposite is also a beautiful mall of shops.’ Ann Sado, entrepreneur
CULTURE
UENO
‘Ueno is the museum district of Tokyo. For classic Japanese stuff, visit Tokyo National Museum – and there is an excellent Rodin sculpture collection at the National Museum of Western Art, too.’ MH
WHAT TO BRING HOME
ORIGAMI CRAFTS FROM KYUKYODO, 5-7-4 Ginza
‘Kyukyodo at the Ginza crossing (Wako and Mitsukoshi department stores are on each corner) has all kinds of origami crafts, as well as actual origami papers for wrapping, and a second floor full of items for calligraphy and crafts.’ AS
TENUGUI FROM KAMAWANU IN DAIKANYAMA, 23-1 Sarugaku-cho, Daikanyama
‘Buy some tenugui (cotton cloth). Kamawanu has beautiful hand-dyed designs. Use it like the locals do: wipe down your kitchen sink or decorate your walls with it.’ MI
