101 things to do in Tokyo along the Seibu lines

This Israeli restaurant offers one of the best dinner deals in Tokyo. Shamaim's all-you-can-eat course gets you a spread of hummus, falafel, schnitzel, chicken shishlik kebab, pita bread, soup and a variety of small dishes. Shamaim

This busy eatery has been feeding hungry Nogatans since 1936. Locals often stop by just for a beer, but we recommend filling up on the 'A Set', consisting of fried chicken, ginger pork, miso soup, rice and pickles. Nogata Shokudo

Dealing in elaborate homemade sweets, this shop is packed to the rafters with cakes and cookies, but their most popular product is the King potato, a muffin-like creation made with sweet potatoes. Avignon

You'll be greeted by Jamacan flags, reggae paraphernalia and Bob Marley tunes at Yahman, which serves additive-free ramen (or rahmen, as they call it) and tsukemen. Yahman

A music lounge focusing mainly on progressive rock and other experimental music. Live performances are held almost every night, drawing rock enthusiasts even from overseas. Cafe Flying Teapot

Craving starfruit at 3am? A greengrocer's that stays open around the clock, this shop sells a variety of rare fruits and veg at bargain prices, and is surrounded by an international bunch of retailers dealing in exotic spices and the like. Shinjuku Yaoya

The bouldering gym offers a comfy setting from the changing rooms to the climbing walls. Choose from beginner, late-night and women-only lessons. Gravity Takadanobaba

At this warren of Asian restaurants on the roof of an ageing Kabukicho tower block, diners are free to sit at one shop and order food from neighbouring eateries. The free-for-all atmosphere lends itself well to a rowdy night of drinking. Shinjuku Asia Yokocho

Offering traditional Burmese food, Nong Inlay serves a delicious Shan Soba lunch special: a bowl of rice noodles in chicken broth, topped with peanuts and sesame seeds. Or you could brave the Mustard Greens and Pig's Feet Soup. Nong Inlay

Spend a few lazy hours poring over jazz books, magazines or some manga at this sleepy café. Find this hideout on the ground floor of the wood-panelled building next to the Japan Braille Library. Milestone

Customers are continuously drawn to this homely restaurant for its unique-texture ramen, made by an udon producer in Akita Prefecture. Dining Room Shichisai

Run by some representatives of the Tokyo experimental underground, this weekends-only space in remote Sakuradai specialises in improv and electronica gigs. Pool

A yakitori joint by trade, this spot serves up a nice selection of small sides – try the tuna menchikatsu or the popular liver yakitori, which together are almost enough for an entire meal. Torifuji Kitahara-dori

At this cosy, convival Thai joint, small plates of food start at ¥350 and staples like phad thai sit alongside more curious dishes. This Ekoda branch features northern Thai tastes, while the one near Nerima Station does flavours from the Isan region. Hyotan

This largish venue is a little out of the way – a few stops from Ikebukuro – but worth the trip. The main focus is jazz, but tango or prog-rock groups are almost as common. Buddy

Ever tried ramen with a chicken or oyster-based soup? The rich flavours mix very well with the noodles, keeping customers coming back for more at this family-friendly spot. Hanaichi

Public baths in Tokyo are famed for their Mt Fuji murals, but at this one you can also enjoy a projection mapping display while you soak in the natural hot spring. An outdoor bath and a sauna are also available. Hisamatsuyu

Stepping out of Nogata Station, look for a blue noren curtain with the word 'yakiton' on it and you'll find Akimotoya, a down-to-earth izakaya specialising in roast giblets (motsuyaki) and miso-dipped skewers. Akimotoya

Boasting a huge pond, happy ducks and pretty shrines, this park is famed for featuring unspoilt nature, plenty of birdlife and ruins of Shakujii Castle. Shakujii Park

Kurand Sake Market combines the no-frills atmosphere of a stand bar with a deep passion for Japan's signature spirit. Pay ¥3,240 for unlimited access to around 100 varieties of nihonshu. Also, you can bring your own food. Kurand Sake Market

This wooden bell tower is a symbol of of the area known as Ko-Edo (little Edo), because of its traditional warehouses. Listen out for the bell, which rings four times a day at 6am, noon, 3pm and 6pm. Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower)

Serving one of the most renowned grilled unagi dishes in Japan, this restaurant stays true to the sauce it's been using since it was established in 1807. Ogakiku

Calling all candy fans – this shop offers a range of colourful and interesting treats, including a bento box filled with tiny sweets. Kameya Eisen

Take a break from eggs benedict and head to this tsukemen shop in Kawagoe for the ultimate Japanese-style brunch. You may have to queue but the addictive fish-based soup and chewy but smooth noodles are good enough reason. Ganja

Allow the fragrant smell of soy sauce to draw you into this bonito fish flakes store, where you can buy chargrilled rice balls topped with abundant bonito and sardine flakes. Nakaichi Honten

What better way to explore a little Edo town than dressed in a kimono? Women can rent one here for ¥2,160, while men are charged ¥3,240 (¥1,000 discount if accompanied by a female friend). Vivian

Established almost 1,500 years ago and serving as protector of the area since the 1500s, this shrine has recently become popular amongst those hoping to inject a bit of romance into their relationships. Hikawa Shrine

Besides its delicious organic food – be sure to order the bento box lunch and the green tea smoothie – this café offers a rustic atmosphere for relaxed dining. Lightning Café

A pretty local bakery near an area with many sweet shops. Customers are drawn in by the delicious aromas, and you can stop for a bite on the terrace. Kawagoe Bakery Rakuraku

At Kitain temple, you'll find 538 statues representing the disciples of Buddha, known as arhats. They were carved between 1782 and 1825, and no two statues are alike. It's said that if you visit them at night and touch each statue until you find one that is warm, this will be the arhat that most resembles you. 500 Arhats at Kitain Temple

This shrine is one of the three main shrines in Chichibu City, and features several rare sculptures that are popular with visitors. The shrine's night festival, celebrated in December, is a designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Chichibu Shrine

The owner of this brewery, which has been here since 1753, will guide you in finding your favourite local sake. Buko Masamune

Visit this Zen temple in the mountains of Chichibu for a retreat complete with first-hand insight into the life of a Buddhist monk. Meditate, try sutra copying, and enjoy tasty vegetarian food. Taiyoji Temple

Overlooking the city of Chichibu, this spacious hilltop park is a favourite amongst locals. In late April to early May, it gets covered in a carpet of pretty pink moss flowers. Hitsujiyama Park

An old-established butcher near Chichibu Shrine. Its miso pickled meats are one of the most popular souvenirs from the area. They're also famous for offering boar meat. Yasudaya

Located on top of Mt Mitsumine in Oku-Chichibu, this shrine boasts a colourfully decorated main hall and a pretty hot spring bath. Mitsumine Shrine

Awarded one star in the 2011 Michelin Green Guide Japan for its beautiful sculptures, this shrine's deities are meant to protect people from natural disasters. Hodosan Shrine

Admire the scenery on an electric bike rented at spots including Seibu-Chichibu and Nagatoro stations for ¥600 for two hours (other plans also available). Bring cash and your passport. Rental bicycle at Seibu-Chichibu and Nagatoro stations

After river rafting, enjoy some down time on this expansive area of crystalline schist rocks, which are designated as a natural monument. Flat Rocks

Stop for refreshments at this pretty tea salon near Ohanabatake Station that serves a range of tea from French black to quality Chinese oolong tea. Try their green tea or seasonal lunch set for something traditional. Ku & Kan

Take your pick of everything from major attractions to tranquil art galleries and unique bars