Discover Tokyo through a local lens

The focal point of Nakameguro, a perennial contender for the title of trendiest neighbourhood in Tokyo, the Meguro River is flanked by cherry trees, cool eateries and independent shops. Massive crowds descend on the area in spring, when the river – ranked no. 7 on Trip.com’s 2025 Global 50 Spring Outings list – transforms into a photogenic landscape of cherry blossoms, but it makes for a chill walk any other time of the year.

We especially love exploring the riversides after dark, when the inviting glow of lamps and lanterns and the sound of conversation from the many small restaurants and bars nearby pour out into the streets, lending the ’hood a village-like vibe. Tip: After strolling along the water for a while, venture back towards Nakameguro Station and follow the train tracks to find a wealth of hidden art galleries, quirky shops and cute cafés.

Yayoi Kusama’s art is incredibly distinct, ubiquitous and much loved: giant polka dot pumpkins, huge infinity mirrors filled with colour-changing paper lanterns and enormous psychedelic flower sculptures have made her an art superstar.

Located in a quiet corner of Shinjuku close to upscale Kagurazaka, the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to the bewigged contemporary artist is a polka dot paradise and Instagram heaven, giving Kusama fans an intimate glimpse into her work. Admission tickets must be purchased in advance through the museum’s website and there are no door tickets – but once you nab some, you’re rewarded with an unforgettable experience of beautiful masterworks.

A standout in the city’s crowded cocktail scene, the ultra-hip but casual Tokyo Confidential doesn’t feel like Tokyo at all sometimes – until you take in the unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower from the open-air terrace. Holding the no. 33 spot on Trip.com’s 2025 list of the best bars in Asia, the bar has a cosy living room vibe, and coupled with its hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to lose track of time here. Take a moment to admire the gorgeous bar counter, made from a 300-year-old piece of reclaimed wood from a Shinto shrine. You can drop in whenever you please to escape life’s pressures – the bar’s slogan is ‘pull up, fess up’ – but Friday nights are the most magical time.

Highlights on the 2025 Neko no Densetsu (‘Legend of the Cat’) menu include the Arigato El Gatto, a refreshing drink featuring mezcal, soju, watermelon and chili, and the Sore Wa Subarashi, a nostalgic concoction made with Frosties cognac, cacao nib, coconut and milk wash served in a cereal bowl.

‘Coffee Only’ reads the sign outside Café de l'Ambre, which has been keeping the stylish denizens of Ginza well caffeinated since 1948. The classic Japanese-style coffeeshop (kissaten) was founded by the late Ichiro Sekiguchi, who could be spotted behind the counter well into his 90s, and the staff on-hand continue to run the shop under his legacy.

Though they treat their coffee with the utmost seriousness, this isn’t one of those fussy, killjoy coffee temples where conversation has to be conducted in furtive whispers and customers need a secret handshake to get through the door (we exaggerate, but only slightly). Take your pick between a lone blend coffee and 30-odd single origin varieties, including a good number of aged coffees. The air of accessibility extends to English-language menus, and practically demands that you order something odd.

Back in 2017, Nakiryu (‘crying dragon’) become Tokyo’s second ramen restaurant to score a Michelin star. Now listed in the Bib Gourmand category, which celebrates exceptional value for money, the Otsuka eatery also ranked fourth on Trip.com’s 2024 Asia 100 Light Bites list and is known for its house special dandanmen. Serving as a testament to the quality on offer, their red pepper-based version of the Szechuan-born dish is as light as shoyu ramen – a very refined bowl but still gutsy. There’s a good punch of chilli heat coupled with the rich nuttiness of sesame seed, while the noodles are firm to the bite.

You’ll also find some excellent shoyu and shio ramen on the menu, along with rice bowls. Topping (all day) and side order (evening only) options include thin and thick pieces of grilled pork, shrimp wonton and more. Don’t mind the queue; since everyone is limited to just a bowl of noodles, you won’t have to wait that long – relatively speaking.

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