Where to Eat, Drink and Sleep in Tokyo

Discover some of our favourite spots in the Japanese metropolis.

A hotel room in the Tokyo Peninsula hotel

The Peninsula Tokyo

In glitzy Ginza, the Peninsula makes a point of welcoming smaller guests: child–size bathrobes, slippers and in–room paper–folding puzzle.

What we loved In partnership with Pokémon, an interactive mystery game has you taking elevators and exploring hallways, for an entertaining cross–section of hotel life. Burgers at Peter Restaurant – kid and grown–up menus alike – are fantastic.

tokyo.peninsula.com

Two attendants behind the counter at ISETAN, a sweets shop in Tokyo.
   Photo: Nano Betts/travelwithnanob.com

Isetan

Tokyo’s depachikas, department–store basements, are food wonderlands. This one in Shinjuku is tops: Pick up exquisitely packaged wagashi (confections) and sculptured shrimp crackers. Then mosey around the displays for lunch – onigiri and sushi, but also hyper–perfect baked goods – and bring your finds to the rooftop garden.

isetan.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/foreign_customer

Five Japanese pastries shaped like cartoon bears arranged on a rectangular white plate.
   Photo: Alex Rretey Systermans

Shiro–Hige’s Cream Puff Factory

Off a winding street in the low–slung district of Shimokitazawa, this quirky bakery feels a million miles from the towering skyline. Take a seat in the upstairs café to enjoy the delightful dilemma of facing a custard–filled Totoro pastry eye to eye with fork in hand.

shiro–hige.com