The Scoop on Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is one of the most recognized and treasured areas in the world. Often recognized and synonymous with technology, neon lights, culture, and amazing scenery, the city is an absolutely extraordinary place to visit.

These kids are so cutting edge that they had HD TV and MP3 players 20 years ago! Seriously, Tokyo and Japan are constantly pushing the hi-tech envelope and producing extraordinary electronic products. Innovation meets old world charm. Tokyo is still in touch with its past even as it looks toward the digital future.

Home to over 8 million people, fast paced Tokyo exudes energy - which is one of the most striking aspects of this place. As soon as you arrive, you'll quickly notice the busy consumer culture collides seamlessly with the quieter zen-like attributes, lingering from generations ago. You too will feel "Lost in Translation" with all  the Pokemon and text messages floating thru the air.

One of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo is a metropolis that is truly one-of-a-kind. Interestingly, the symbol of Tokyo is an arc forming the letter "T" - which highlights the most important beliefs of the Japanese culture most suitably: future growth, prosperity, charm and tranquility.

Our favorite shopping area is Ginza - the 5th Avenue of Tokyo boasting big name shops like Chanel and Gucci

An extremely hospitable culture, the Japanese also know how to party! The locals love their karaoke bars - yes, we are NOT lying. Karaoke is a way of life for these folks, and these bars line the streets, literally. But karaoke isn't the only nightlife option when in this city. Matter of fact, you'll find everything from kabuki (traditional Japanese theatre) to izakaya (half restaurant-half pub) and hot-spring hopping.

We've also come to the conclusion that eating is half the fun of being in this amazing place! And, those foodies out there will quickly learn that nihon ryori (Japanese food) is far more than just the sushi, tempura and sukiyaki for which it is best known in other countries. Interestingly, there are well over 20 different forms of Japanese cooking to check out during your visit. With an impressive culinary scene, you'll find everything from sushi stands to upscale international dining (and naturally, some of the most amazing sake and plum wine you've ever tasted!)

From the sushi and sake bars, to the temples and the skyscrapers, Tokyo is truly a city like none other. Here's some of our journeyPod picks:


Restaurants

Charleston Cafe - A neon sign lures you into this fun restaurant, but once inside, the colors are just as vibrant. Charleston Cafe's walls are adorned with bright amber and ancient African artifacts. Sip on a Mango Margarita and indulge in a big bowl of curry noodles.

Fujimamas - A trendy Asian/American Fusion restaurant, Fujimamas serves some of the most innovative dishes in Tokyo. And, the restaurant's Sunday Brunch is amazing - just make sure you check out the spicy sake bloody mary and the fully-loaded omeletes.

Kaiten-Zushi Shops - Sushi is on a roll here, literally. Fresh Nigiri, Sashimi and sushi rolls are sent around on a conveyer belt (how brilliant is that idea?!). At this place, just grab what you want (but fast cuz this is a widely popular spot around lunchtime.) In case you don't get what you want, don't despair - their sushi is prepared fresh every minute.

Orchid - This acclaimed restaurant serves European and Asian dishes in a unique way. The satellite bar sits in the middle of the floor where guests can stare in amazement as the experts create your perfect dish.

Casita - Everyone agrees that this romantic spot is so much more than a dining experience. The service at Casita excels all others and the food will leave you craving more. Indulge in Japanese beef in a Thai barbecue sauce before heading upstairs for an after dinner drink on the patio. Chilly up there? Don't worry, the staff provides an electric blanket to keep you warm. Finish the night off in the massage chair and leave both relaxed and satisfied

New York Grill - Located on the 52^nd floor of the Park Hyatt Tokyo which has been labeled by Hotel Magazine as "One of the top 10 Great Hotels of the World". New York Grill holds true to this hallmark and serves some of the freshest seafood and finest prime quality Japanese beef. With over 1,600 bottles of wine to choose from, make your life a little easier and ask the sommelier for the right wine to accompany your meal. To end your evening sip on a port, smoke a Cohiba cigar and enjoy the spectacular view of the Tokyo skyline.

Ukai Toriyama -Nestled in a quaint valley of Mount Takao, this refined restaurant will make you feel like you are sitting in resort in Seychelles. Straw huts make up the dining experience and kimono-clad waitresses entertain the crowd. Sip on sake and enjoy Robatayaki, a Japanese-style grilling of fish and meats.

Barbacoa - The Carnival spirit is alive and well at this cute Brazilian eatery. Any type of meat is available here and the sides accompany the dishes well. The baked pineapple is a great way to end the meal. The portions of food exceed the price and you really do feel that you got the best for your buck (or yen).

Tonki - One of the most well known tonkatsu (deep fried pork) restaurants in Tokyo. Generous portions of Pork are shared by friends who gather for a fun night out. It is hard to keep your eyes off the Chefs, who scurry around the kitchen to perfect each dish. The lines are long, the price are low and the food is excellent. Make sure you try the hirekatsu (filet of lean pork).

Takewaka – A seafood lover’s paradise, Takewaka boasts a traditional and enchanting ambiance, along with a Kimono-clad staff and a long counter for seating. It’s perfect for a bird’s eye view of the grand pond which features the day’s fresh catches. Though a bit of a hard find (with an obscure entrance), you won’t regret the search after you’ve had your first bite at this place.

Kitcho – Located in the Hotel Seiyo Ginza, this legendary (and one of the most expensive) Japanese restaurants features Kaiseki (a multi-course formal menu) and offers first-rate cuisine with very formal service in a picturesque Japanese setting. Just remember, you must make reservations in advance, and plan to free up your evening – you’ll be spending a few hours here.

Hinokizaka – Located in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Hinokizaka features a 200-year old Japanese teahouse for private dining with a sophisticated elegance. With amazing city views and a dining experience as memorable as the setting – this place is always a sure hit.

Beige Tokyo Restaurant – French chef and restaurant impresario Alain Ducasse established his first restaurant in Tokyo at the top of the Chanel Tower. Located on the most prestigious street in the city, Beige Tokyo offers panoramic views of Ginza and is an excellent choice for a quiet romantic dinner with your loved one (particularly because of its no children under 12 rule).

Chez Matsuo - A two-story western-style house is the backdrop of this intimate spot. Dine by candlelight overlooking the beautiful garden and enjoy lavish dishes like the "Supreme", a breast and wing of duck prepared in a rich sauce. This romantic spot is ideal for a first date! Don't leave without tasting the impressive list of wines, which owner and sommelier Chef Matsuo will gladly guide you through.


Bars & Nightlife

Milk - One of the city's best small live clubs, Milk features international hard rock, punk and alternative sounds, along with some of Tokyo's most recognized musicians. Boasting three underground levels - Milk draws an interesting crowd (remember the days of punk?).

Womb - Voted #7 Best Club in the World by DJ Magazine, this mega dance club attracts the creme of the crop DJs like Sasha and Sven Vath. With such a high status in the electronic world, we don't need to tell you how great their sound system is. The best area to chill and sip on a bacardi and coke is upstairs overlooking the dance floor (so make sure you get there early). Psst. for all your Brad Pitt fans - he filmed the movie Babel here not too long ago!

Air - This swanky club exudes true ambience from the décor to the soothing trance music. The lighting here is something to marvel at as the reflectors above the dance floor create a shimmering effect. The impressive venue was also featured in the movie "Lost in Translation". DJs like Munozo and Carlos Gilden spin the latest beats as the crowd gets jiggy. Be prepared to get close to the person dancing beside you - the dance floor will get packed around 1 a.m.

Ageha - South Beach has found its way to Tokyo! This uber sexy club attracts the cool kids of Tokyo. Tiesto, Armin, and PVD have all performed in the DJ booth that towers over the pulsating dance floor. Celebs let loose in the private area known as the Blue Room. During the hot summer months the "in crowd" sips on Mango Bellinis while relaxing on a float on Ageha's popular outdoor pool.

Space Lab Yellow - Located in the classy neighborhood of Roppongi, this dance hall has become a local favorite. Two separate floors play a variety of music from hip-hop to drum and bass. And tough-to-beat acts like Kenny Larkin and Three Chairs make this a unique spot!

Unit - This one is for the free-stylers out there! We have found your haven at this exciting discotheque. Show off your cool moves at the Saloon area of the club or the main dancefloor. Either way, you are in for a good time. Don't leave hungry - grab a snack at Unice, the café/lounge part of the building.

Absolute Ice Bar – Located in Roppongi’s Nishi-Azabu District, Absolut Ice Bar is kept at an oh-so-chilly –5° C and reservations are booked in 45-minute time slots (can you imagine being in that atmosphere any longer?). Look for exotic drinks including champagne and vodka concoctions – all served up in a frozen tumbler. Lounge in the frozen love seat (how appropriate) and enjoy the eskimo-lookin’ bar staff. Be prepared to pay the steep cover charge of 3,500 Yen (about $35 USD) – though that does include a cape and gloves to keep you warm (sort of) and a choice of cocktail. Just make sure you don’t hang on to your ice glass too long – the place has been known to charge another 800 yen to replace it if it melts!

Oriental Lounge and Bar – Located on the 38th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, this is the hotel’s focal point – and a great place to either start or end your night out on the town! This spot offers spectacular views to take in as much of Tokyo as you can. And for all you tea fans out there, the lounge here serves “Afternoon Tea” in traditional oriental fashion.

Loop - Say sayonara to the tourist spots and get down with the folks in-the-know. This small nightclub is one of the most respected and secret spots among locals (uh,oh we let it slip). With a maximum capacity of 150 people - be prepared to wait in line. But once inside, you forget about the wait as your ears are filled with the most soulful house music in Tokyo. Surprise guests include Basement Jaxx and Dimitry

New York Bar - A rooftop lounge atop the Hyatt Hotel (located on the 52nd floor), this is the place where celebs like to wine! Tagged as one of the best roof-top bars in the world by Wallpaper magazine, you might remember this place from the movie "Lost in Translation" - Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson shared a cocktail here.

Azabu-Juban Onsen - Who'd have thought that taking a bath in public might be interesting? Though this might not be an ideal evening out for you, the locals here know that a great sento (public bath) or onsen (hot spring) is more than just a place to clean yourself and get washed. The folks consider this a place to socialize, relax and forget about reality (even if for just one night). An upscale hot-spring bath popular with many (more visitors than you'd think), Azabu-Juban Onsen has also been known to have some curative powers.

Soho's Omotesando - Aluminum walls and red velvet decor give Soho Omotesando a very exclusive feel. A super-sexy high-tech space, Soho is packed on any given night. Here is where you're sure to find the fashionable crowd mingling over late night cocktails and enjoy the people-watching scenery.

Wall Street House - We're at the bar doing sake bombs and taking notes so we can give you the scoop. Check back soon.

Matrix Bar - Spinning everything from Reggae to Hip Hop and R&B, Matrix is open every single day (yes, that's right - 365 days a year!) and offers dancing lessons. With all drinks at 500 yen and free admission for all (yes, that's right - everyone), Matrix screams a good time! Just remember, the cocktails here are strong and the vibe is alive and well.

Ruby Room - Attached to a very hip restaurant (Sonoma), Ruby Room's emphasis is on good music and good fun. Boasting themed nights: Monday night's Honpo, Ruby Tuesday's Open Mic Night and the Comfee Thursdays - this place is filled with a great crowd (a good mix of locals and tourists alike).

Shout-outs to: Shinya, Michi, and our pals at the Japan Tourist Office

Things to do in Tokyo

Vacations are always about more than great restaurants and exciting nightlife. While these are important activities, sometimes visitors want to experience local culture. This is a list of things to do in Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower - This tower was constructed in 1958 and is 13 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. This Far Eastern Eiffel Tower boasts two observatories where you get amazing views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji. At night, the tower is it by 164 lights that shine orange in winter and white in summer. Inside the tower, there is the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, the Mysterious Walking Zone and the Trick Art Gallery.

Tokyo Dome City - Tokyo Dome City is a fabulous tourist destination because there are some many things to do. The amusement park rocks. The spas are relaxing. Shopping is unsurpassed in the huge mall. Restaurants represent just about every cuisine across the globe. Spend a day or two enjoying all there is to do!

Asakusa Shrine - Asakusa Shine is the most famous of all the shrines in Tokyo. Legend holds that the Hirojuma brothers found a statue of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, in their fishing nets. This deity is supposed to have great powers in purifying people and granting them happiness. When the two men returned with statue, the Village Elder dutifully enshrined it. This shrine hosts the Sanja Festival every May – a popular Festival for tourist and locals!

Meiji Jingu Shrine - This shrine is a perfect example of Shinto architecture. It was opened in 1920 to commemorate the death of Emperor Meiji. The grounds around the shrine is surrounded by shady trees and native Japanese flora. The Imperial Treasure House annex features displays of mementos including Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken's coronation carriage.

Ueno Park - This park was opened in 1873 and stands on top of Tokyo's Ueno Hill. The park has several world class museums, a zoo, several shrines, several temples, historical monuments, a rental boat lake, hundreds of cherry blossom trees and a lotus pond. A day is not enough to see everything!

National Museum of Modern Art-Crafts Gallery - This gallery features Japanese crafts, many created by famous artisans. The contemporary world of Japanese handicrafts is alive and well and represented in collections covering lacquer, metal and glass work, textiles, ceramics and bamboo. A visitor will want to go there again and again because they frequently change their exhibits.