In our Perfect Days column, we ask notable Tokyoites to share how they’d spend an ideal day in their home city.
Originally from New Zealand, Rebecca Thorn is the general manager of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya. With years of experience in the hospitality industry — six of them in Tokyo — she has discerning taste and is skilled at curating a wonderful time. Here’s how she’d spend an ideal day in her city of residence.
My perfect day in Tokyo is …
After a busy working week, I love starting my weekend with coffee in bed — my luxury when I have days off. In my job as the general manager of a hotel, quiet time is rare, so I really value it.
Next, I’d head to F45 Training Hamamatsucho for my daily workout. I’ve been going to F45 for over four years now and make it there four to five times a week; it’s a great mixture of functional cardio and strength group classes. Not only are the classes great, but it has excellent trainers and the members are more like a community — it’s a very diverse environment with a great vibe. This would be followed by coffee at Byron Bay Coffee Company Daimon, a post-workout ritual for gym members for years now.
Afterwards, I’d head home, then out for lunch and shopping in Harajuku with friends. Harajuku is within walking distance for me, and I love it and the walk there — Shibuya and Harajuku both are such eclectic, inclusive and welcoming neighborhoods. For lunch, I’d go to Vegan Bistro Jangara, a popular vegan place that’s just a two-minute walk from Harajuku Station. I am vegetarian, and this spot is perfect — I especially recommend its vegan tonkotsu ramen.
Then, I’d hit up my favourite shops in Harajuku: Desperado in Tokyu Plaza (a perfect representation of Shibuya fashion, highlighting unique pieces from both international and Japanese designers) and Ragtag on Cat Street, one of Tokyo’s most beloved vintage stores. On the way home, I’d grab coffee from Coffee Supreme in Kamiyamacho — so good to have NZ coffee nearby.
For dinner, I’d catch up with friends at SG Low. If I could recommend a place to someone visiting Tokyo for one night only, this would be it. It’s a small speakeasy-style modern izakaya with a lively atmosphere and great food and drinks. It caters to different dietary requirements, makes great recommendations and has an incredible drinks list highlighting lemon sours and highballs. Do yourself a favor and order the mentaiko mac and cheese!
This would be followed by a cocktail at Swig, a new-ish cocktail bar with great music, hospitality and a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. Or maybe a yuzu-infused gin and tonic at Tight, a tiny space tucked upstairs in Nonbei Yokocho.
Tokyo’s best-kept secret is …
The quiet backstreets off the busiest areas. I love walking and exploring these quiet streets that are deserted — finding cool cafés, street art and more.
A place I’ve always wanted to try is …
I’ve been lucky enough to have ticked off most places on my list to try, but next up is Tencups in Shibuya — I am slow off the mark but excited to go!
Follow Rebecca on Instagram.
AloJapan.com