Tokyo Metropolis cover image
A+

Province

Tokyo Metropolis

東京都

Tokyo is the futuristic city, as many imagine, the perfect metropolis, with the sole exception that you can't pay by bank card everywhere, and in any convenience store you can use a public fax. Perhaps it's not another planet yet, but definitely something far from our usual way of life and ready to surprise. The Tokyo Metropolitan District (prefecture) is an administrative unit of Japan that includes 23 special wards, the Tama area, and island territories (the Izu and Ogasawara Islands). If you collect AirBnB trips, instead of a Tokyo stamp you'll get a stamp of the ward where your accommodation is located—Shinjuku, Shibuya, and others.

Top picks

Animate Akihabara

Attraction

Animate Akihabara

Animate Akihabara · アニメイト秋葉原 · Animate Akihabara

B+

To feel like an otaku, you can visit the five-story Animate manga store.

21_21 Design Sight Museum

Museum

21_21 Design Sight Museum

21_21 Design Sight Museum · 21_21 Design Sight · 21_21 Design Sight

A-

21_21 Design Sight is a prestigious design museum located in Tokyo Midtown's Midtown Garden, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. The museum features striking exposed concrete architecture with a deceptively small entrance that opens into a spacious underground exhibition space. It hosts rotating high-quality design exhibitions curated by notable figures including Issey Miyake, Taku Satoh, and Naoto Fukasawa. While the building itself receives universal praise, visitor experiences vary depending on the current exhibition - some find them inspiring and educational, while others consider them overpriced or lacking depth. The museum attracts design enthusiasts and architecture lovers from around the world.

Albatross G Gallery & Bar

Attraction

Albatross G Gallery & Bar

Albatross G Gallery & Bar · アルバトロスG · AlbatrossG

B+

Albatross G is a charming three-story bar located in Tokyo's famous Golden Gai district in Shinjuku. Known for its unique gothic-inspired interior with chandeliers and castle-like decor, this intimate establishment offers an extensive cocktail menu and welcoming atmosphere. The bar has gained international fame, partly due to being featured by Anthony Bourdain, attracting travelers from around the world. While the ¥500 cover charge and smoking policy may deter some visitors, most guests praise the expertly crafted cocktails, friendly English-speaking staff, and the authentic Golden Gai experience. The multi-level layout includes a 'Secret Terrace' on the upper floors, providing cozy nooks for small groups.

Anmitsu Mihashi Ueno Main Shop

Restaurant

Anmitsu Mihashi Ueno Main Shop

Anmitsu Mihashi Ueno Main Shop · あんみつ みはし 上野本店 · Anmitsu Mihashi Ueno Honten

A-

Anmitsu Mihashi is a historic Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1948, located just 3 minutes from JR Ueno Station. This beloved establishment specializes in traditional Japanese desserts, particularly their signature anmitsu - a classic dessert featuring agar jelly, sweet red bean paste, and various toppings. The shop maintains a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere and is renowned for using high-quality ingredients including red beans from Hokkaido and brown sugar syrup from Okinawa. While the shop is extremely popular with frequent queues, the turnover is quick and wait times are generally reasonable. The menu features seasonal specialties throughout the year, from cherry blossom anmitsu in spring to chestnut zenzai in autumn, along with unique items like oden available only at the main shop.

Arabian Coast at Tokyo DisneySea

Attraction

Arabian Coast at Tokyo DisneySea

Arabian Coast at Tokyo DisneySea · アラビアンコースト · Arabian Coast

A-

Arabian Coast is one of the most beautifully themed areas in Tokyo DisneySea, transporting visitors into the magical world of Aladdin and Arabian Nights. The zone features stunning Middle Eastern architecture with intricate details, vibrant colors perfect for photography, and a completely different enchanting atmosphere at night with beautiful lighting. Key attractions include Jasmine's Flying Carpets, Magic Lamp Theater, Caravan Carousel, and Sinbad's Storybook Voyage. The area is particularly praised for its curry restaurants and curry-flavored popcorn, offering excellent dining options. While some attractions are more suitable for children and may not be thrilling for adults, the overall immersive experience and attention to detail make it a must-visit section of DisneySea.

Asahi Group Headquarters Super Dry Hall

Attraction

Asahi Group Headquarters Super Dry Hall

Asahi Group Headquarters Super Dry Hall · アサヒグループ本社 スーパードライホール · Asahi Gurūpu Honsha Sūpā Dorai Hōru

B+

The Asahi Group Headquarters Super Dry Hall is a popular observation bar located on the 22nd floor of the Asahi building in Sumida, Tokyo. Visitors take an elevator to the 21st floor, then an escalator to reach this stylish venue offering panoramic views of Tokyo, including the Sumida River and Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple. The main attraction is enjoying fresh Asahi draft beer—particularly the Super Dry and Nama Beer varieties—while taking in breathtaking cityscapes, especially stunning during sunset and at night. While the space is relatively small and window seats are limited, the experience of drinking beer at the source in such a spectacular setting makes it a memorable destination. Wait times can range from 15-40 minutes depending on the time of day, with evenings being particularly busy.