Tokyo – Eat and Sleep by Amber

This is the first guest post on this is weeny. I land in Tokyo in less than three weeks and have been busy conjuring up delicious plans in my head and with my best friend Jenny. I knew that Amber whose blog Code for Something I read religiously had been to Tokyo before and with similar tastes in many good things asked her to compile a guide to Tokyo to both be published here and be mega useful in my travels. She not only obliged but then she totally, completely outdid herself with an uber-post. This is part 1 – Eat and Sleep; and part 2, Explore will go up tomorrow. Thank you Amber!

FOOD

- Embrace the unknown. Going to a sushi train restaurant and realising there is no way you know what’s on top of that Nigirizushi. Fall into the abyss of chance and try whatever takes your fancy. At the end of your meal your smiling waiter may present you with an English-pictorial menu, but under no circumstances read it. Just leave, feeling smug about your curiosity and open-minded palate.

- Rock out in Harajuku. On Sundays, Yoyogi Park (the corner near Harajuku Station in particular), comes alive with all sorts of fabulous people. You will probably be lucky enough to see some FRUiTS characters, the Tokyo Rockabilly Club and various other personalities, sharing their talents with the world.  There will be a few street food vendors lurking in the vicinity – so go buy a tray of tako yaki (a dough ball filled with octopus, onions, vegetables, ginger and garlic), find a seat and watch the action!

- Buy a can of nectar from one of the city’s army of vending machines. Apparently Japan has more vending machine per capita than any other county in the world, so one will never be too far away. Seek out the weirdest flavour available and whether it’s a green grape soda, or hot canned coffee, prepare for a truly Japanese taste sensation.

SHELTER

- Get a well-designed night’s sleep! The Claska Hotel in Meguro is the one place in Tokyo you have to stay at – if only for a night. It’s a small hike from the nearest metro station, but this boutique hotel is a wonderland worth making a journey for. Hotel amenities include a puppy day spa, a design bookstore, free electric bike hire, a local vintage shopping guide and a rooftop garden with a stunning view! Seriously, just go – how many reasons do you need?

- Tread the floors of a Ryokan. Ryokans are a type of traditional Japanese inn; this means you’re in for Tatami mats (straw floor coverings), shared bathrooms and slippered feet. Don’t be scared though, it’s a wonderful experience! Breakfast is usually included when you stay at a Ryokan, making it a cinch for you to try a proper Japanese breakfast. Miso soup and fish may seem strange so early in the morning, but I really encourage you to give it a taste.

[I booked my stay at the Homiekan Ryokan through Japanese Guest Houses; I really recommend them, it made a potentially fraught process super easy.]