The Tokyo experience
Captivating, colourful and with a spiritual heart, Tokyo has enough going on to entertain a lifetime of travel – Adam Davidson shows us where to get started
In a list of cities that everyone should visit at least once in their lives, Tokyo is right up there. Home to a staggering 14 million people, the Japanese capital attracts millions of tourists each year and was named ‘Best Big City in the World’ for 2024 in the U.S edition of Condé Nast Traveler.
Tokyo is wonderfully unique, with its innovation, traditional charm and stunning cityscapes providing the ultimate travel location. The excellent customer service and attention to detail makes it one of the premier destinations in the world for luxury. So whether it’s fashion, wellness, hotels or food, you’ll find the very best in this iconic city. Tokyo has something special for all budgets, so everyone can find their own distinctive slice of heaven amid this sprawling metropolis. Here is just a sprinkling of what’s on offer.
Tomorrow’s world
Tokyo honours its cultural heritage and traditional past whilst embracing the future unlike any city in the world. When exploring the traditional parts of the city, there is a real enjoyment that comes from casually wandering the backstreets and embracing the urban beauty of the 1970s and ‘80s architecture, making you feel as though you’re in a Japanese movie.
On the other hand, some districts feel like a leap into the future. This experience can be encapsulated when walking through Shibuya at night, which becomes reminiscent of Blade Runner with scrolling neon- billboards and skyscrapers towering around you.
One unique place in Shibuya that makes you think that you really are in the future is the robot café Pepper Parlor. After you make your way to the fifth floor of the Tokyu Plaza Shibuya, you are shown to your table by a Servi robot where you are introduced to Pepper – an interactive robot that dances, plays games with guests and poses for photos whilst you wait for your food and drink. One of the few robot cafes in Tokyo and therefore the world, Pepper Parlor combines Japan’s renowned flair for technology with a quirky, humorous side that often feels one step ahead.
Ramen odyssey
Choosing where to eat in Tokyo can be both the easiest and hardest thing to do! The city has one of the highest densities of establishments in the world, which means you’ll be spoilt for choice and slightly overwhelmed when it comes to decision time. Ramen is a highly popular choice with locals and tourists alike, and countless establishments will provide you with a bowl of this tasty noodle dish. However, if you’re looking for somewhere luxurious and with a twist, then Ebimaru Ramen is the place to go.
Ebimaru Ramen has developed a niche in combining Ramen with the French lobster bisque, and the beautiful concoction produces a rich and warming taste that is packed with flavour. The signature dish is the Basic Lobster Broth with Cream but if you’re feeling extravagant then I would recommend trying the Whole Lobster Ramen.
For a more traditional, yet equally exceptional bowl of ramen, head to Konjiki Hototogisu Soba House. The famous establishment is one of only three ramen restaurants in the world to have held a prestigious Michelin-star. And if it wasn’t for the queues of hungry diners lining up outside a quiet alley in Shinjuku, it would be easy to miss this unsuspecting restaurant. Nevertheless, Konjiki Hototogisu lets the food do the talking with an elevated take on this Japanese classic. The signature soba combines clam soup and Japanese-style broth to create a beautifully rich and moreish base that is taken to new heights with duck, homemade black truffle pistachio sauce and a red wine marinade of shallots.
At one of the best ramen restaurants in the world you would expect to pay a premium for such excellence. But that’s not the case at Konjiki Hototogisu where the signature dish costs roughly the equivalent of £6.50!
Iconic vista
Tokyo is no doubt one of the most intriguing, diverse cities in the world to explore, but possibly one of the most exhausting too. Therefore, adding a super- luxurious dimension to your visit can only be a good thing. There are thousands of hotels across the city to choose from, but one towers above the rest with its global reputation for excellence: Aman Tokyo. Located in the Otemachi Tower, this five-star hotel is unrivalled as a base for serenity and relaxation after a rewarding, but long day exploring.
The suites at Aman Tokyo are the epitome of comfort and luxury, characterised by modern urban Japanese design. The standout feature is the floor-to- ceiling windows that provide stunning panoramas of the Imperial Palace and Mount Fuji. And once you experience the luxurious spa, you’ll soon learn that it’s more than just the exceptional suites that makes Aman Tokyo one of the best hotels in the world. Located on the 33rd and 34th floors, the spa features eight double treatment rooms – each with a dressing room, treatment area, steam shower and bathroom. There is also a heated swimming pool that has an incredible view of Mount Fuji.
Room at the inn
If Aman Tokyo represents the pinnacle of modern hotels in the heart of Tokyo, then 90 minutes by train from Tokyo lies the ultimate in tradition and serenity.
Located on the grounds of Kan’in-no-miya Villa, Gora Kadan is five-star Japanese ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) where the ultimate escape awaits. Alongside traditional Japanese living rooms, each guest can have their own slice of tranquillity with a private Japanese garden. And that’s not all, the true unique selling point of the ryokan is the private onsen in the garden where you can luxuriate in the big stone open-air bath.
Even if you’re not staying at Gora Kadan, you can still check in for a beauty treatment, which can be combined with a meal of delicious seasonal Kaiseki cuisine.
Seasonal delights
There is always something to do in Tokyo, and each season brings its own unique experiences. Spring is undoubtedly one of the busiest times of the year as tourists flock to the city to see the world-famous cherry blossom. There can be many ways to experience the blossom, but perhaps the most enjoyable would be a ‘Hanami’ – flower viewing party – in one of the city’s parks, such as Yoygoi or Inokashira. However, make sure your itinerary is flexible and plan accordingly, as the blossom usually only last two weeks.
If cherry blossom isn’t your thing but you still want to experience something quintessentially Japanese, then Sumo wrestling might just be the ticket. Over 15 days in May, the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall in Tokyo hosts the Grand Tournament – one of the biggest events of the spring. But before experiencing the impressive spectacle of the Grand Tournament, why not develop a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of Sumo.
Tourists can do this by attending a guided tour, taking them behind the scenes to watch a morning practice at the stables, enjoy photo opportunities, and even have a go wrestling a Sumo yourself.
Sing along
Tokyo is the biggest city in the world, and it’s natural to sometimes feel a bit lonely as a solo traveller, especially if you don’t speak the language. However, there are many activities and pastimes to keep you entertained and experience Japanese culture. Indeed, one of the best ways to spend an evening in Tokyo is by singing your heart out in one of the city’s many private karaoke booths.
Karaoke is great with a group of friends, but it’s also a huge amount of fun by yourself, as you select whatever song your heart desires and let loose in the booth.
Another unique experience for the solo traveller is to attend an animal cafe, with Mipig in Ikebukuro being a personal favourite. It is also perfect for young families as you spend time with micro pigs, who may sit on your lap and fall asleep whilst you enjoy a cold drink and snack.
Beyond Tokyo
If you’ve been on travel blogs or social media recently then there’s a good chance that you’ve come across ‘The Sacred Bowing Deer of Nara’.
Synonymous with the city of Nara, over 1,400 wild deer roam free around Nara Park with tourists flocking from all over the world to see them in their natural habitat. The deer have learnt that if they bow to people then they’ll get fed rice crackers – which you can buy from local vendors for 200 yen.
Less than three hours by train from Tokyo, people flock to Nara not only to fall in love with the deer but with the city’s sublime architecture and breathtaking landscapes. Just 45 minutes by train from Osaka, it’s the perfect destination for a family day trip – a place to become immersed in a surreal environment that maintains its traditional Japanese charm despite the many tourists.
Located across the bay from Osaka lies Kobe, a thriving city with a global reputation for its luxurious beef. Kobe Beef is a delicacy that is often regarded as the highest quality of beef on the market due to its marbling and texture. When travelling to Kobe, it is essential to try this luxurious meat, if that’s your thing of course. There are several establishments across the city that serve Kobe beef but for an experience to remember, it’s recommended to try it at a teppanyaki restaurant where the chef cooks it in front of you.
One of the best places to experience teppanyaki dining in Kobe is Mouriya, just a short walk from Sannomiya Station. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or simply for solo travellers who are looking to experience that melt-in-the-mouth Kobe beef experience.
With some of the best culinary, cultural and lifestyle experiences in the world, Tokyo and the surrounding region is an incredible destination at any time of year. However, visit during the spring when nature takes centre stage, and really watch the region bloom.
About the author
Adam Davidson is a London-based freelance writer who contributes to publications such as Radio Times, SHARP Magazine, NBC Asian America, PAPER Magazine.