Tokyo, Shortlisted
Hi all,
I hope you’re having a beautiful start to 2026. We’re starting the year in Tokyo! One of my top cities in the world in which to eat / drink / shop / wander, I’ve been holding off on writing this one simply because the city is massive and packed with SO MUCH to explore. It’s definitely a city to keep coming back to again and again and, with that in mind, kindly think of this as Tokyo, Shortlisted Part 1 (I’m heading back again later this year and am already set on Part 2).
That said, there’s more than enough recommendations below to properly fill a week+++ trip to Tokyo and the very best advice I can offer when planning is to book some key reservations far in advance (via online platforms / hotel concierge) with the understanding that you will absolutely not get into all the places you want to go on this trip + all the places you do get into will be amazing + all the places you walk by on the street that have a line you randomly decide to stand in will also, in all probability, also be amazing. All to say, it’s very hard to go wrong and if you do for whatever reason, a trip to 7-Eleven / Family Mart / Lawson should sort you out.
Should you be traveling to other parts of the country during your time in Japan, check out Kyoto, Shortlisted and Short Stay | an onsen weekend from Kyoto or Tokyo for a restful few days out of town.
Thank you, as always for being here and I’ll see you next month!
xR
[restaurants ]
Tenmo, Tempura | I can’t recommend this 10-seat Edomae tempura spot in Nihonbashi more highly. Established in 1885, it’s family-owned and the parsley tempura was possibly the best tempura of my life. The menu is coursed and you can choose between 8, 11 or 14 courses when you book your reservation. (If you go for lunch, grab a coffee at nexpect before / after)
Sowado | a very special izakaya opened in 2020 by chef Hideaki Sakai with excellent sake + cocktails + natural wine. You can opt for omakase or à la carte — whichever route you take, make sure to book in advance, ask for a seat at the bar and order the whole fish. FYI there’s no sign at the entrance but if you see a concrete wall + metal sliding door you’re in the right spot
Butagumi | go here for tonkatsu (breaded deep-fried pork cutlets) in a traditional two-story house in the Nishi-Azabu neighborhood. There are options on the menu to choose heirloom breeds from around Japan — we’ve tried a few and they’re all delicious but the Submarine Himuro Pork from Genma + a Kagua blanc beer comes out on top for me. Other tonkatsu to check out: Tonki in Meguro, Kanda Ponchiken in Chiyoda, Ginza Bairin in Ginza and Katsukichi, a local chain with multiple locations — get the kaki-furai (deep-fried oysters) if they’re in season