One of my best friends will be in Tokyo soon. I’m jealous and anxiously awaiting all the details of her adventure. I’ve been thinking about Tokyo a lot lately. Perhaps my friend’s trip prompted my pensive daydreaming about the capital’s city streets, or maybe I’m just long overdue for a vacation? Either way my daydreaming has led me to write this post – to share with my friend and with the world, my favorite places to visit in Tokyo.
I should preface, this list is in no particular order, this list is rather a mind full of musings on one of my favorite places in the world.
1. Tokyu Hands
The department store of all department stores. My favorite locations in Tokyo are the Shinjuku and Shibuya locations. My favourite areas of the store:
– The beauty section – local makeup brands like CanMake (love their gloss).
– Bath products: Yes I do want 100 options for my bath salts.
– Stationary: Because I love stationary and someday want to write a real letter… You know like I did back in the 80’s
– The Toy Floor
My favorite location again is in Shinjuku. I love this store. I love books, but I really love Japanese Magazines. There are magazines for all sorts of things – like the best coffee houses in Tokyo… or Nail Art. I could look at pictures of Nail Art forever.
I got my nails done here on my honeymoon and loved them. I highly recommend them. The location that I went to is in Shinjuku. Note that you should ask your hotel to make your reservation as all the nailists mainly speak Japanese. You could also use this handy reference from Universal-Doll for common phrases/ etiquette when getting your nails done in Japan.
4. Shibuya Crossing – Getting Starbucks at the crossing and watching the world go by. Note – if you get a matcha latte in Japan… It tastes much better as they add more Matcha.
5. Shibuya 109 – I love this mall. Love it. I’ve been able to get some select items years ahead of the trends in Canada, particularly accessories. Tip – Start at the top and work your way down… I find the best stores have been near the top. On the very top floor is a makeup store and HUGE selection of circle lenses. OMG you must get some of these – they are insanely fun. Look closely and you will find a waiver you must sign (all in Japanese) but there is a cheat sheet for us non speakers. NOTE: If you have a prescription pick out 3-5 different lenses you want and bring them to the cash – prescription lenses sell out more quickly so you might not get your first choice but if you’ll brought a few backups you like they should be able to find you your second or third choice. Shibuya 109 is also a mecca for eyelashes at the same store… the sheer selection is daunting.
6. Japanese baked goods. Especially ones with adzuki beans and or matcha flavoured.
7. Sushi. My favourite places include:
– Genki Sushi: http://www.genkisushi.co.jp
– Heiroku Sushi in Omotesando https://www.heiroku.jp
8. Fast foodish – Japanese Curry from CoCo Curry.
Get ready to Queue though – although the wait is worth it! Ohh and get the cucumber salad… I dream of that salad.
Also known as the inspiration for that famous scene in Kill Bill where Uma Thurman battles the crazy 88 – and on a personal note where my hubby and I celebrated our engagement together.
12. Watami. A popular Izakaya. Ask for non smoking.
13. Fav. Clothing store. The Sheltter, Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku.
Hope you enjoy some of the same places I do next time you travel to Japan.
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