A recent spat of pings on things to do in Tokyo (and broader Japan) prompted this. Having traveled back and forth to Japan for more than a decade and lived there for three years, my list might be jaded. So use your own spirit of intuition and adventure!
1. The Basement at Takeshima Department Store (Shinjuku): If you don't believe that a perfect portion of gelato in a cone can be gift-wrapped, visit the Chika (basement) of Takeshima. It's the Disney World of food where the visual and olfactory experience sets you on a whimsical tour of tasty treats.
2. Tsukiji Market: Anything that has ever lived in the sea finds its way to Tsukiji. Take advantage of jet-lag and hit the tuna auction around 4:30 AM!
3. Uniqlo & Muji: "Unique Clothing" Co., where you can score hipster flannels and designer t-shirts for about $10. Locations all over Tokyo. Muji: minimalist, cool, oh-so Japanese.
4. Ramen bars: Heaven in a bowl. Rich broth based in soy, pork or chicken is laddled over hand crafted noodles for one of Life's most slurpy dreams. Use the powers of Search to find "yummy ramen" + "near my hotel". Recommendations: Jangara Ramen in Harujuku, Ichiran in Roppongi, Ippudo in Ebisu.
5. Tokyo Giants game: Feel the fanaticism of 10's of thousands of energized fans. Bring ear plugs if you are not cheerful or into baseball!
6. Studio Ghibli Museum: Home of Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away/Sento chi Hiro, and dozens of other films by the Animation master Miyazaki. Creative energy and beauty for ages four to 104!
7. Gear, Gizmos and Gadgets: Invest a morning or afternoon in a trip to Akihabara to take in all of the uber cool electronics that are the pulse of the Tokyo lifestyle.
8. National Museum: See the original woodblock print masters Hokusai and Hiroshige + wonders of the Imperial collection. "Hanga" (hanging dreams art) will inspire ideas about why Japan makes some of the coolest video games ever!
9. Starbucks: Experience a global favorite with a Japanese twist; super polite customer service. "Sho-to ca-pu-CHINO de-su!"
10. Ride the train; if you have time, take a bullet train to a hot springs town outside of Tokyo for a night. Nagano and Niigata Prefectures are great!
