Keen to see more of Tokyo through the eyes of an Intrepid local? Consider this a glimpse into our leaders' little black book of local favourites. Discover some of their number one stops to eat, relax, sip and explore in the place they call home.
Tonkatsu Tonki, for fried pork cutlets at an old-school restaurant
24/7 Cafe Apartment Yurakucho, for an apartment-themed cafe offering customisable meals
Uoshin, for a seafood izakaya with fresh catches and a rustic vibe
Harajuku Gyozarou, for delicious gyoza at an unbeatable price
Udon maruka, for the local’s favourite handmade udon and dashi broth
Fuglen Tokyo, for cocktails, coffee and Scandinavian baked goods
Cafe Rostro, for freshly brewed coffee served on a leafy terrace
Coffee & Bar gg Genie, for adorable drinks in a bear-themed cafe
Byron Bay Coffee, for an Aussie-style cafe
Westside Coffee, for fresh pastries, beans by the bag and scones
Ota Memorial Museum of Art, for rotating Ukiyo-e art from Ota Seizo V’s collection
Edo-Tokyo Museum, for an exploration of Tokyo’s transformation from Edo to modernity
Mori Art Museum, for contemporary art with panoramic city views
Miraikan, for hands-on classes exploring the future of science and technology
Fukagawa Edo Museum, for a life-size Edo town recreation
Blue Note Tokyo, for global jazz legends in an intimate venue
Abbey Road Tokyo, for a Beatles-themed live music club
Liquidroom, for electronic, indie and rock music
La. Mama, for music and comedy shows at a home that’s been transformed into a live music venue
Bauhaus Roppongi, for high-energy performances in Tokyo’s iconic rock bar
Meiji Jingu Shrine, for sacred forest surrounding Tokyo’s most famous shrine
Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens, for blended Japanese, English and French gardens
Hamarikyu Gardens, for an Edo-period garden with a teahouse and tidal pool
Ueno Park, for a city park featuring a lake, a zoo and several museums
Mt. Takao, for accessible forest hiking and spiritual shrines
Gotokuji Temple, for the birthplace of the lucky cat
Kagurazaka, for Edo-era alleys with French-Japanese fusion
Shimokitazawa, for vintage shops and live music
Kichijoji and Inokashira Park, for beloved neighbourhoods with local charm and cosy cafes
Yanaka Ginza, for a retro shopping street
se Suica or Pasmo cards for seamless travel across trains and buses.
Many small eateries and temples don’t accept cards, so be sure to carry cash.
Try to avoid rush hour – trains are packed from 7.30 to 9.30 am and between 5 and 7 pm.
Embrace and respect Japan’s cultural etiquette. Be quiet on trains, remove your shoes when indoors and queue politely.
Our Urban Adventures daytrips are just the beginning. Intrepid has hundreds of multi-day adventures in over 100 countries. Whether you want to trek Peru’s Inca Trail or spend time in Morocco’s Sahara, we’ve got you covered.