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by
Emily Lombardo
11 months ago
Cherry blossoms are beautiful but Tokyo is a city meant to be visited all year long. With so much to do and see and so many people, Tokyo can feel overwhelming at first. I spent three years living in Tokyo and I never ran out of things to do— I still have a pretty long list of things planned for my next trip back!
But here are 10 essential things to do that have nothing to do with cherry blossom season and I think can't be missed in Tokyo.
Come in the morning for Instagram-worthy lattes and soft drinks, and then come back after 8 pm for a late-night hang as the space transforms from an old-school cafe to a carefully curated vinyl bar. You may find yourself here all night sipping drinks and vibing to music which is great considering they keep their doors open until 3 am.
This stylish and cozy bar greets you with a basket of seasonal fruit instead of a menu. Fresh fruit-based cocktails are their specialty but they are also masters of classic drinks served in fun, modern ways without ever feeling gimmicky. Their homemade sangrita in particular is top-notch.
These alleys are crammed with tiny mom-and-pop-run bars and restaurants and operate until the wee hours of the morning. Golden Gai in Shinjuku’s red light district is the most famous of these (Anthony Bourdain went there in No Reservations) but most local neighborhoods have one. The Yokocho’s in Ebisu and Sangenjaya, called Sankaku Chitaim are less crowded but be prepared to squeeze in and make new friends along the way.
Prepare yourself because this exhibit will be crowded but it’s definitely worth the hype. Tourists and locals alike have been swarming back to teamLab since it opened its doors back up almost four years after closing for the pandemic. The four projected art installations and two gardens envelop you in the experience. There’s really nothing else like it.
You can’t leave Tokyo without experiencing its legendary department stores. Perfect for picking up souvenir items or treating yourself to something special. The staff here are carefully trained to gift wrap items without needing any tape. Famous department stores like Isetan Shinjuku, Matsuya Ginza, and Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store are the luxury experience done right. Don’t forget to bring your passport so you can access tax-free shopping and be sure to check out the stores’ delicious food options.
A museum completely dedicated to the works of the artist Yayoi Kusama. If you don't know her name, you have probably seen her famous Infinity Room installation or her polka dot pumpkins on Instagram without realizing it. Her art is vivid and larger than life, and the exhibit of her art from different periods called Self Obliteration/Psychedelic World will be running until September 18th this year. Reservations are required for entry. Timed entry slots are available via the museum website.
Tokyo is a jazz town with many clubs sprinkled around the city. Inspired by the original Cotton Club in 1920s New York, this jazz club is perfect for an elegant night out on the town. Dress up, enjoy a four-course dinner, some cocktails, and music from top musicians from around the world. All of the jazz legends have played here at some point and the venue is well revered in jazz circles so you'll be in for a treat.
There are not a lot of thrifting options in Tokyo compared to other cities but you will strike gold in Shimokitazawa. A few stops away from the Shibuya neighborhood on the Keio Inokaishira metro line, Shimokita, as locals call it, has long been known for its amazing live music, hipster sensibilities, and vintage shops. "Haight and Ashbury" is known for its high-end vintage while "Flamingo" has more affordable finds but wander around and you're bound to find something that fits your style and price point.
A flower shop that doubles as a cafe – this may be the most beautiful cafe in the city. Located in the posh and fashionable Ometesando neighborhood, walk past the flower market displays to find the teahouse. Each week here is dedicated to a different flower and the menu reflects that: We say get a herbal tea and a seasonal french toast and lots of photos.
Fall may even be prettier than Tokyo’s spring with the advent of Momiji. “Momiji” translates to both “Japanese maple” (Acer japonicum) and to the idea of the colors changing during fall. From mid-October through early December, go to the three international gardens within the former imperial Shinjuku garden to see Japanese fall at its most beautiful. Head to the Japanese garden to see the finest Japanese maples with stunning dark red leaves, the French garden for a look at European fall, and the British garden to see ginkgo trees turn gold.
I'm a copywriter currently based in DC. I've always been restless and on the move. I've lived in Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, St. Louis, Napa Valley, and I always love seeking out a new spot.
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