This is really an "all thru Tokyo" tip but whenever you see a drink machine throw in a few Yen & try something new. Don't drink the same thing twice. ProTip: blue light = cold drink, red light = hot!
You'll need a friend who speaks Japanese to sneak into one of the sumo practice sessions, but if you can swing it, you should 100% do this. Get there early (8:30?) for good seats. And no shoes inside!
This is the owl cafe of your dreams! All the owls you can pet for the low low price of ¥1500! (a bit tricky to find, follow the map) ps: Don't pet their bellys or they bite!
Everyone will tell you it's "the best sushi they've had in their entire life!" & they're right. Go earlier than you think you need to go. ASK SOMEONE to make sure you're standing in the right line.
This may be one of the most expensive meals you'll have in Tokyo, but it may also be the best delicious piece of meat you'll ever have. Order the Kobe, upper left on the menu. The big portion.
In our 8 days in Tokyo, we tried 9 diff ramens & THIS ONE was our favorite. (I wish we went back!) It's a short walk north of Shinjuku Station. Look for the 4-5 steps you gotta climb to get in.
This was rec'd to me as Best Ramen in Tokyo & it didn't disappoint. You order with 2 variables -- spicyness (I went 2 of 4) and numbing (I went 3 of 4). Numbing is amazing (& I'd rec'd going 4 of 4)
I know everyone says get the Tsukemen (aka: noodles on the side) but I enjoyed the ramen much more (one of my favs from our trip).
If you're staying nearby, this is a great spot to walk off your Golden Gai hangover (or to just escape the madness of Shinjuku or Shibuya)
Take a break from the Shibuya madness and browse the racks and racks and racks of magazines. Don't miss the "how to do cos-play" magazines.
We went on New Years and it was an amazingly fun shit show. If you're visiting, worth checking out to see how the Tokyo kids do their Saturday nights.
