48 Hours in Tokyo, Japan
This article was originally written in conjunction with Piliri Travel.
With centuries-old temples set against neon-lit skyscrapers, Tokyo is a city rife with mesmerising contrasts. Immerse yourself in the very culture and traditions that keep Tokyo thriving with some of our favourite sights and bites!
DAY ONE
MORNING: Small Plates, Neighbourhood Walks
For the most important meal of the day, Tsmugi offers a breakfast spread like no other with the traditional 18 Hinmoku No Asagohan. Complete with congee, miso soup, 16 additional small plates filled with seasonal ingredients and a view of the 400-year-old Tsukiji Hongan Temple, it’s the best introduction to Tokyo you could ever receive.
Afterwards, walk off your feast with a stroll through Omotesando, where local and international fashion, cool cafes and cutting edge architecture intertwine. Dive into Nezu Museum to admire national artefacts from a pre-WWII era; admire 12,000 pieces of ancient Japanese woodblock prints and paintings at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, or dip into charming boutique shops to find your next accent piece.
LUNCH: Pickle Heaven
Sister to the Kyoto-based pickle shop founded more than 130 years ago, it’s safe to say that Kintame Daimaru Tokyo is kind of a big dill (…get it?). Here, vegetables are pickled using a variety of techniques - and accompanied by white rice and refreshing green tea - that result in a lip-smacking lunch that’s simple yet elegant.
AFTERNOON: Understanding Onsen Culture
Slip into the free-flowing hot springs and translucent white and olive green waters at Saya No-Yudokuro for an afternoon of leisure and healing. Getting naked, or near enough, in front of friends or strangers may not be familiar practice for you, but it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and uncover pure relaxation.
DINNER: Fresh Fish
Hot slivers of abalone, giant clams and, of course, those familiar cuts of tuna await at Rinda, where an authentic foray into Tokyo’s sushi scene will satisfy both your stomach and your wallet! Take a seat at the master chef’s table, and watch as fresh ingredients - sometimes those rarely seen outside of Japan - are prepared before your very eyes with the utmost precision, speed and delicacy.
DRINKS: Golden Libations
Tucked away in a maze of narrow alleyways that ooze a pre-1960s Tokyo vibe, you’ll find the perfect drinking den to see out your first evening in the city. Getting to Bar Asyl is a journey in itself, but what awaits is a cozy establishment filled with character, engaging conversation, and a fantastic ambiance that you’ll remember forever.
SLEEP: A Monument for Culture
Identifying both as a social hub and urban retreat, retire for the evening in Aman Tokyo where urban dynamism is tempered with serenity. Set high above Tokyo, this sanctuary works to encapsulate Japanese minimalism and the notion of cultural sensibility in a sleek and elegant way as a monument to modern-day Japan.
DAY TWO
MORNING: A Vibrant Market + Lucky Cats
Despite no longer hosting the infamous early morning tuna auction, Tsukiji Market remains home to an eclectic mix of restaurants and vendors that will satisfy any foodie. Weave your way through the outer market to explore a vibrant collection of Japan’s finest fare, and grab a bite at Chuka Soba Inoue for a piping hot bowl of shoyu ramen for breakfast - light broth, shaved leek and super tender pork!
When full, escape from the hustle and bustle in search of some good fortune at Gotokuji Temple, a calm oasis and Buddhist temple said to be the birthplace of maneki-neko (yes, that adorable beckoning cat!). Born from a legend portraying how a temple cat once saved a lord from a storm, Gotokuji Temple houses a vast figurine collection of this fortuitous feline that you can admire throughout the grounds of the temple.
LUNCH: Crispy Nori, Warm Rice
Discover a newfound love for onigiri at Onigiri Bongo. Offering a whopping range of over 50 different fillings, onigiri master Yumiko Ukon has given this traditional snack a new lease of life that will tantalise your taste buds. Watch as the rice ball pro stuffs warm rice and a generous helping of filing (think beef tendon stew, salted cod roe, pork kimuchi…) into a crispy nori wrap and enjoy.
AFTERNOON: A Green(er) Escape
After a jaunt around Tokyo’s metropolitan streets, enjoy a greener stop at Takahata Fudoson Kongoki Temple. A 30 minute climb through Tamakyuryo Natural Park will lead you right toward this historical Buddhist temple dating back to the 8th century, where sprawling grounds offer a much-welcomed break alongside the view of a stunning five-story pagoda boasting a stark red brilliance against the surrounding greenery.
DINNER: Chicken Like Never Before
Can you name 30+ parts of a chicken? You’ll be able to after dining at Toritama, the best yakitori joint in all of Tokyo. With an extensive menu that really does boast offerings of 30+ chicken parts, you’ll need to engage the adventurous foodie within if you’re going to indulge the more unusual cuts. Oh, and don’t forget the sake!