In Part 3 of our Japan Travel Vlog, we take a JR train from Hakodate, Hokkaido to Tokyo! We’ll be spending a few nights in a quaint Airbnb located in the neighborhood of Ebisu, then we’ll head to Kyoto for a final stretch of the trip. Here’s a few things we saw and ate in Tokyo:
Food
Fummy’s Grill – Ebisu (https://goo.gl/maps/rKh5XwkSKp2MoCrj8) This friendly and warm neighborhood restaurant specializes in California cuisine. Each meal was perfectly prepared and plated—we can’t to visit again!
Craft tea, coffee – Nakameguro (https://www.instagram.com/craft_tea_coffee/) We were drawn to the airy, bright space but stayed for the smokey tea and striped tees.
Grandfather’s Rock ‘n Roll Music Inn Bar – Shibuya (https://goo.gl/maps/UwJqQPZ3WNYvqS4X9): A favorite bar in Tokyo for the audience-requested music and simple, tasty bar snacks.
Kogane Seimenjo Ebisu (https://goo.gl/maps/mGevuihTEanJZRDY9) We stopped for a late night bowl of udon and beer. Google translate helped us navigate the Japanese-only menu where we ordered the marinated beef with soft egg and the spicy beef udon.
Shopping
Parco Shibuya (https://shibuya.parco.jp/?utm_source=mybusiness) We could have spent the whole day exploring all the modern, high-end stores in this shopping mall, but we really just wanted to visit the Tokyo Nintendo Store (https://goo.gl/maps/TbFwG2wrtDceJGGJA)!
Tower Records Shibuya (https://goo.gl/maps/Zhmqnis9UgqjwApx6) This multi-level music store has a coffee shop and hosts artist meet and greets. It’s a must-stop for us since the original Tower Records was founded in our hometown!
Nakameguro (https://goo.gl/maps/8UkEJgZ5xAGhvHcn7): Known for the sakura lined canal, though we’ve never been there for during the season, we love walking through this cool residential neighborhood for the indie boutiques and art galleries.
Another Japan (https://visit-chiyoda.com/another-japan/) Great selection of Japanese-made gifts and souvenirs that we couldn’t find anywhere else on our trip — the best part is, the shop is managed by students across Japan!
Activities
Yayoi Kusama Museum – Shinjuku City (https://yayoikusamamuseum.jp/en/about/museum/) While it’s on the smaller side, each floor had a unique display of Kusama’s work. It’s currently closed, undergoing an exhibit change, but be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time if you’re planning a visit!
Pokemon Cafe – Tokyo (https://reserve.pokemon-cafe.jp/) Pokemon holds a special place in my heart since I grew up watching the cartoons and collecting the cards. There are mixed reviews on the cafe, so I’m categorizing this under activities instead of food since it’s all about the experience! Making reservations can be a bit tedious – reservations are available 31 days before your desired visit at 18:00(JST). Since time slots fill rather quickly, I logged into the website at 1am (PST) to snag a reservation.