Two Michelin-starred spot serving seasonal vegan and vegetarian Shojin Ryori fare, a must-go. Seating is at traditional low tables, and shoes have to be taken off outside the dining area.
Fantastic, hearty vegan ramen and bites at a tiny joint tucked away in a Shimokitazawa side street. Space is seriously limited, so it's ideal for solo travelers, couples and small groups.
Enjoy a vegan meal at this Shibuya cafe with traditional low seating and homemade umeshu (plum wine).
Grab a steaming hot bowl of vegan ramen on your way out of (or into) Tokyo at Tokyo Station. There is usually a line out the door during peak hours, but it moves fairly quickly.
A fantastic tofu restaurant near Tokyo Station. You can request a full vegan set without dashi, which is a fish stock found in a lot of Japanese cooking.
Hearty, all-vegetarian or vegan authentic Indian food in a basement establishment. The best options were the thali's from various parts of India that come with 5-6 different dishes and bread/rice.
If you're tired of walking around in Shimokita and get a hankering for carbs, come here for all the fries you could ever eat. They also have local beers available.
Situated in the lobby of a bustling office building in a swanky part of town - their pour over is the best coffee I have ever had. As it's fairly quiet, a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Cute little coffee shop in the heart of Daikanyama with beans imported from Yemen. Also has various teas and cakes.
The massive gate and temple complex is a must-visit for any Tokyo first-timer. Look out for the iconic pagoda and massive lantern.
The best free way to get a panoramic view of Tokyo from high up without standing in long lines, and unlike the SkyTree or Tokyo Tower, a view from this building will not exclude the iconic structures that complete Tokyo's panoramas.
One of the last surviving 'old' (pre-war) quarters of Tokyo, tight alleys are packed with bars and lounges that may have an entry fee and may not be welcoming of outsiders. If you see menus in English, you're in luck! Most bars are so tight that it is not advisable to visit with a group larger than 2-4 people.
Gorgeous Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shōken. Admission is free and one can spend a long time roaming the grounds.
Pay your respects to the loyal Hachiko at his memorial, located a short distance from Shibuya Station, where Hachiko returned every day for nine years waiting for his human, Professor Ueno, to return. These days his statue attracts a number of adorable cats, who sleep under the statue.
A massive public park with ponds and food stalls. This is a great place to relax in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, and has beautiful cherry blossoms during sakura season, however, it does get extremely crowded around this time, so this is not the place to get photos of the blooms if you don't want other people in them.
Post up at the Starbucks on one side of the crossing and witness the massive swarm of people crossing the street every few minutes at the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Then join the milieu yourself!
All of the indigo and shibori you could ever want, in a traditional building - somewhat pricey.
A busy flea-market style store in Shimokitazawa that hosts different local artists selling their wares. I bought a beautiful OOAK handmade watch made of salvaged parts here.
You can buy all the souvenirs and Japanese stationery you want at reasonable prices. They also have cool home goods and electronics.
A massive, sprawling book store that spans 3 buildings and sells books in Japanese, English and a few other languages. You could spend all day here if you enjoy books. They also sell vinyl records and cute souvenirs such as tote bags.
Stylish little record shop in Daikanyama also selling clothing designed by local and international artists.
The Mecca of Harajuku fashion, this is one of Tokyo's most iconic spots for people watching if you're interested in street fashion...grab an elaborate pancake while you're at it!
While Nakamise street, situated between Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple, is a tourist hotspot, it is also a great spot to pick up souvenirs at reasonable prices and sample traditional snacks.
Every traveler to Japan must at least once experience the sensory overload that is shopping at a Don Q's. While we had a lot of fun, we also bought a suitcase here in order to fit all of our shopping, and it's holding up well after serving as our checked baggage for several subsequent trips.
If you want to buy anything remotely kitchen-related, this is the place for it. As a street comprising almost entirely of restaurant supply wholesalers, this is a great place to get silverware, ceramic knives and bowls, dinner sets, chopsticks, and food-related decor. We also found some delightful noren (split curtains hung over doorways) here, and the shopkeeper kindly explained the meanings behind them.
Get lost for hours in the largest electronics store in the world.
Upscale hotel at a Shiodome skyscraper at reasonable prices. Book a room with sweeping views of the Tokyo Tower (in the colder months, Fuji-san is also visible from these rooms), or one of their many art-themed rooms. Conveniently located close to a few different public transportation options, and a comfortable walk to spots like Toranomon Hill and Ginza.
The lobby has a permanent and a rotating collection of art on display, and also offers gorgeous views of Tokyo. The staff is friendly and during my last stay, refused to charge me for the first night that I missed due to a canceled flight.
While you're in Tokyo, I highly recommend spending at least one night in a capsule hotel for a uniquely Japanese hotel experience. Capsule hotels usually have gender-segregated areas (although there is the occasional capsule hotel with mixed gender sleeping areas and double-wide capsules) and provide lockers for storage, along with slippers and pyjamas.