It’s straightforward to consider Tokyo as a metropolis of apparent sights: historic temples, busy intersections with neon lights (ahem, Shibuya!), and procuring malls that by no means appear to finish.
This information is for vacationers who prefer to wander with out a guidelines and it’s particularly handy to do along with your Japan Rail Move. If you’re the type who needs to interrupt free from the well-trodden vacationer path and uncover distinctive locations. These are usually not “must-sees” within the basic sense. They’re merely locations that make Tokyo really feel particularly stylish, vibrant, and just a little hidden from prying eyes.
Let’s verify them out.
Meikyoku Kissa Lion
Meikyoku kissa, loosely translated as “classical masterpiece cafe,” is a uniquely Japanese idea. As you would possibly guess from the title, these are espresso retailers constructed solely across the expertise of listening to music (normally classical) performed on fancy sound techniques.
These locations appeared within the early Twentieth century, when proudly owning data and high quality sound gear was very costly. As a substitute of listening at dwelling, individuals gathered in these espresso homes to sit down, drink espresso, and give attention to the music.
Lion is without doubt one of the oldest and most iconic of those listening cafes. It first opened in 1926 and, regardless of a rebuild within the Fifties, nonetheless feels frozen in time. The room is dominated by huge, custom-made picket audio system and the sound system hasn’t modified in a long time.
Music right here is usually classical, with hints of jazz generally, all performed on crisp vinyl. Talking of which, the sound is huge, wealthy, and immersive, filling the area in a approach that makes you overlook you’re sitting in a espresso store. The chairs face the audio system, there’s a “no speaking” rule, and telephones must be on silent.
Oh, and the inside totally leans into the vibe as nicely. Moody dim lighting, velvet seats, classic furnishings, and basic portraits actually give it that “darkish academia” ambiance, even in the course of the day. It’s actually well worth the (very quick) detour from Shibuya.
Cat Road
Cat Road runs between Harajuku and Shibuya, however in some way manages to really feel separate from each. Regardless of the title, there aren’t any cats right here, and the title comes from a small canal that when flowed by means of the realm and was vaguely formed like a cat.
For years, this was a quiet residential stretch with a service highway alongside the canal. When the canal was lined and automobiles disappeared, the road slowly became a pedestrian zone. Huge world manufacturers largely stayed away, leaving area for impartial designers, classic retailers, idea shops, and small cafes to take over.
Identical to Bangkok’s road markets, Cat Road is right for exploring with out a plan, and is particularly incredible for procuring. You’ll be able to anticipate classic retailers like Santa Monica Harajuku, curated secondhand shops reminiscent of Ragtag, and Japanese takes on on a regular basis put on at Beams Boy.
It’s no surprise that Time Out known as Cat Road “the religious dwelling of Tokyo’s vibrant road vogue tradition.”
Shimokitazawa
Whereas I’m on the subject of Tokyo’s extra modern facet, Shimokitazawa is usually thought of to be the unofficial capital of Tokyo’s classic and impartial tradition.
You’ll discover something and every part, from secondhand retailers to small music shops promoting vinyl and cassettes, bars that also really feel native, and occasional retailers the place the barista clearly cares in regards to the craft. Outlets like 2nd Road are nice for on a regular basis finds, whereas Flamingo and New York Joe Alternate lean extra towards rigorously chosen classic and experimental items.
Traditionally, Shimokitazawa has lengthy been seen as a theater and music district, and it nonetheless boasts quite a few small levels, stay homes, and impartial theaters the place up-and-coming bands carry out and experimental performs are staged.
One other distinctive characteristic of the realm is its tangled community of slender streets and alleys. It’s straightforward to get misplaced right here, which is why you’re consistently stumbling upon one thing new: a quiet five-seater bar, a designer jewellery retailer, or an unmarked espresso store.
Shimokitazawa is the proper place to wander for just a few days and expertise the true rhythm of town, moderately than simply ticking off a listing of sights.
Daikanyama
If Shimokitazawa is all about creativity and retro fashion, Daikanyama is all about peace, order, and impeccable style. Typically known as Tokyo’s most “European” neighborhood, it stands out for its low-rise buildings, open streets, and noticeable lack of visible noise.
In contrast to different components of town, there are virtually no high-rises right here, making the streets really feel extra spacious, vibrant, and unexpectedly “un-Tokyo.” It’s an ideal place to stroll with out function, passing galleries, design studios, and tucked-away courtyards.
The primary attraction is Daikanyama T-Web site, dwelling to the Tsutaya bookstore. Greater than “simply” a retailer, it’s a cultural area: books sit alongside data, structure and design magazines, espresso, and wine. Individuals come right here not a lot to purchase as to spend time studying, leafing by means of albums, sitting on the terrace, and people-watching.
Slightly additional afield, you possibly can take a look at Hillside Terrace, a posh of buildings usually cited for instance of Japanese modernism. It hosts small exhibitions, structure, and design occasions, and the area itself completely captures the character of Daikanyama. Cafes and eating places are sometimes hidden away with out indicators. For instance, IVY Place for a leisurely brunch or small espresso retailers recognized largely to locals.
Legendary Japanese Espresso
Japan takes espresso critically, however in a really explicit approach. Precision, ritual, and respect for the method matter simply as a lot as taste. In Tokyo, it’s widespread to see an ultra-modern specialty bar with digital scales and timers, whereas straight throughout the road is a retro kissaten from the Sixties the place nothing has modified. Each codecs are equally revered.
It’s price beginning with Bear Pond Espresso, which is without doubt one of the most well-known spots within the Japanese third-wave scene. The espresso store operates as a small bar with virtually no seating, a minimal menu, and a spotlight virtually solely on espresso.
For one thing extra conventional, head to Chatei Hatou, a basic kissaten. Kissaten is a conventional Japanese espresso store idea that started within the mid-Twentieth century and served as a spot for studying, dialog, and enjoyable. Espresso is hand-brewed one cup at a time, interiors are largely untouched by time, and the ambiance encourages you to remain longer than deliberate.
Jimbocho E book City
Jimbocho is a whole neighborhood devoted to books, and one of the vital distinctive literary districts in Tokyo (if not the world). Bookstores right here actually line the partitions: from large vintage retailers to tiny shops specializing in a single style, be it philosophy, artwork, previous manga, or uncommon editions from the early Twentieth century.
Even in the event you can’t learn Japanese, it’s surprisingly nice to walk right here, with an environment of previous guide covers, the scent of paper, quiet streets, and the unusual feeling that the web by no means fairly made it right here.
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Tokyo is at its greatest once you cease dashing round. Take just a few detours, linger just a little longer, and let town shock you.
