WORK TODAY, FLY TOMORROW • June 2016
Seven reasons to stay on in Tokyo
Whether you’re fishing in a restaurant, being comforted by owls or stepping back in time, Tokyo resident and BA Analyst Samantha Lees has the insider tips to ensure you get the most from your visit
1. Off the hook
I recently visited a restaurant called Zauo where you can fish for your supper – they give you a rod and bait and you dangle your hook in huge tanks. They’ll prepare the catch for you in any style you like – sashimi, sushi, grilled, fried, tempura, steamed.
2. Owl play
Click the image to see the owls in action.
Book an hour in Akiba Fukurou café and you can pet owls. They range from large eagle owls and striped owls to mid-size barn owls and scops owls. It’s one of the most therapeutic experiences you’ll ever have.
3. Cool customers
Shimokitazawa in western Tokyo is full of vintage shops, quirky hipster stores and cafés. Look out for the giant scarlet shoe at the entrance of Haight & Ashbury, a vintage store with antique dresses and western chic. Feeling peckish? Head to Rojiura Curry Samurai for delicious curry soup.
4. Eat your heart out
The Farmer’s Market @ UNU and Commune 246 should both appear on a foodie’s must-see list. The former, held at the weekend, sells fresh produce and home-made products. Commune 246 is a collection of pop-up eateries serving everything from German schnitzel burgers to vegan lunch boxes.
5. Be a day tripper
Further afield, the nearby city of Kawagoe is less touristy than the seaside city of Kamakura, with old architecture and clay-walled, traditional-style buildings. Look out for Kashiya Yokocho, a small lane filled with shops selling Japanese treats, sweet potato cakes and rice crackers.
6. Turn back the clock
After dark, head to Golden Gai or Nonbei Yokocho (‘Drunkards’ Alley’). These tiny alleyways are lined with yakitori restaurants (serving meat skewers) and old bars, some so small that five guests is a squeeze. It feels edgy, but is very safe and the ideal place to try your Japanese: the simple but polite way to order a drink is to say ‘O kudasai’, while ‘Kanpai’ means ‘cheers’.
7. A bird’s eye view
If you’ve been to the Park Hyatt Hotel’s New York Bar (made famous in Lost In Translation), head to the rooftop bar of the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. Order a yuzu and ginger daiquiri at sunset and watch as the lights of the city begin to sparkle, or enjoy breakfast and an exceptional view of Tokyo.
This article has been tagged Destination, Travel Tips