50 things to do in Tokyo along the Keio lines

One of the most popular record shops in Shimokitazawa, Jet Set covers all genres but is especially good if you're looking for soft rock, soul, house, disco, techno and Japanese pop.
Jet Set

Sweet bread and coffee at 3pm sound good? Pick up the combo at this bakery and enjoy your mid-afternoon break in the park just outside the shop. Their sandwich loaf, usually ready around noon, is also popular.
Aosan

This 'super sento' features 12 different types of baths including a whirlpool bath, rotenburo and Japan's first electric bath filled with carbonated spring water. For an extra charge, you can try out the Surga bedrock bath, which will warm you to your core.
Yukemuri no Sato

Wander around the ramshackle street of Nonbei Yokocho ('Drunkard's Alley') where you'll find rows of tiny bars – some so small that they only fit four or five people at a time.
Nonbei Yokocho

This temple of the Tendai sect is the second oldest in Tokyo, and is famous particularly for its soba noodles and the authentic Edo-era atmosphere. Great for weekend strolls and sampling Japanese desserts at nearby teahouse Kitaro Chaya.
Jindaiji

This yakiniku eatery provides great value for adventurous carnivores. First-times should start with the tenderloin, a slightly sweet and appropriately soft delicacy, while the truly courageous can go for the 'Kori Kori Mix', a set special consisting of beef ear, throat cartilage, aorta and uterus (!).
Nikunchu

This basement pub serves great sake at great prices. If you're not sure what to order, ask for the day's special and tell them whether you prefer dry or sweet – they'll select a sake for you.
Plat Stand Moto

A classic sento with a Mt Fuji mural on the wall. Take a bath before dinner to ease you into an evening of relaxation. ¥460 entrance; ¥100 extra if you need to borrow a towel.
Kitazawa-yu

Konjiki Hototogisu's decor leaves much to be desired, but the ramen, made with clam broth, is spot-on: choosing between the ajitama soba (soy-based) and ajitama shio soba (salt-based) can be a heart-wrenching decision.
Konjiki Hototogisu

The impressive interior and sari-wearing staff will make you feel like you're in India, and the curry maintains the spell: the spiciness scale has seven levels, from the mild 'kakusei' (awakening) and 'meisou' (contemplation), the medium 'gokuraku' (paradise) and 'tenkuu' (ether), and the very spicy 'kokuu' (emptiness).
Magic Spice

Making browsing books a social affair, B&B lets you sip on beer, coffee and other drinks while you read. Their daily talk events have attracted a healthy following too.
B&B

Popular among those in the know, this store's focus is Japanese picture books (it stocks around 3,000) but it also features works by famous local novelists and illustrators. Check out its original pin badges and bags.
Tom's Box

Featuring more than 110 stores, this shopping centre is popular on weekends for its events, and on Wednesdays when women are offered various discouts. Easily accessible from the city centre, you'll find it a mere two-minute walk from the nearest station.
Mitsui Outlet Park

At weekends this park comes alive with street stalls, musicians and artists. Rent a swan boat and paddle around on the pond – it's especially pretty during spring when the cherry blossoms are out to play.
Inokashira Park

Okonomiyaki is very popular in Shimokitazawa, but Hiroki takes top spot with its Hiroshima-style dishes, skilled chefs and perfect portions. The Hiroshima Oyster Negi Ponzu and the seafood teppanyaki are also highly recommended.
Hiroki

Visit this garden in May to see the exquisite purple 'Wisteria tunnel', and from February to March when 500 plum trees are ablaze with blooms. You can also spot Mt Tsukuba and from certain positions on clear days you'll be able to see Mt Fuji in the distance.
Keio Mogusaen

Just 50 minutes from Shinjuku, Mt Takao is an oasis of greenery, boasting 1,500 varieties of native flora and plenty of interesting bird species. Must-see sights include Yakuo-in Temple and speciality foods include tengu-yaki, tengu hot dogs and tororo soba.
Mt Takao

From coffee beans to oxford sneakers to quirky cacti, this store gathers the kind of hipster items that make life more comfortable and, well, hip. Take a breather and sip a cuppa at their in-store coffee stand.
Black Brick

An always excellent film lineup sees this small theatre attracting both occasional moviegoers and diehard fans. On the first day of every month, as well as every Tuesday, tickets go for just ¥1,000.
Shimotakaido Cinema

Chinese food lovers shouldn't miss eating lunch here. Order Gyoza rice, which comes with both pan-fried and boiled dumplings on rice, plus a side dish, for just ¥690.
Dandadan Sakaba

Choose from five ponds for a morning of carp fishing, then stop by the restaurant for a cold brew and snacks afterwards. The ¥700 per hour fishing fee includes rod and bait.
Musashino-en Fishing Pond

Making this shop's seasonal sweets even sweeter is how pretty they are to look at. Try their signature Kogane Dango as well as their basic treats Mitarashi and Kurogoma-wasanbon.
Furuya Koganean

Taikoubou is one of Tokyo's leading makers of taiyaki – a crispy fish-shaped waffle filled with sweet azuki bean paste. You can also choose white bean paste or custard fillings, or the Buono taiyaki (pictured), which is filled with lasagne and sausage.
Taikoubou

Professional musos flock to this store to buy instruments produced by Japan's most individualist guitar maker, Yoshinori Hanamura. As the shop sign says, 'Window shopping welcome'.
Hanamura Gakki

Said to have been founded in the year 111, this Shinto shrine is one of Tokyo's five major shrines and known for its annual springtime Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival) – the highlight is at 6pm on May 5 when eight portable shrines move in time with fireworks.
Okunitama Shrine