Tokyo: 203 Michelin Stars, the World's Most Punctual Transit, and a City That Takes Everything Seriously

Shibuya Crossing (the intersection of Shibuya-Hikarie and the surrounding streets, visible from the Starbucks second floor on the corner, or from the Mag's Park terrace opposite) is the most specifically Tokyo single experience — approximately 3,000 people crossing simultaneously from all directions when the lights change in the world's most choreographed pedestrian intersection. The light cycle is approximately 45 seconds of crossing time. The best views are from above: the Mag's Park rooftop terrace (free), the Scramble Square observation deck (Shibuya Sky — €20, timed entry required, the finest view), or the Starbucks second floor (requires purchase, often crowded). The crossing is most impressive on weekend evenings.

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest temple (founded 628 CE according to tradition, rebuilt multiple times — the current main hall dates from 1958, rebuilt after World War II bombing) and the most visited religious site in the world, receiving approximately 30 million visitors annually. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its massive red lantern, the Nakamise shopping street of traditional goods (sembei rice crackers, ningyo-yaki cake, accessories), and the temple compound itself are all worth unhurried time. Visit before 8am for the most atmospheric experience without crowds. The five-story pagoda and the Asakusa Shrine within the same compound add historical depth.

Tsukiji Outer Market (the outer retail market — the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu) remains one of the finest morning food experiences in Tokyo — fresh seafood, street food vendors, tamagoyaki (grilled egg omelet) on a stick, uni (sea urchin) on hand rolls, and oysters to order, from approximately 5am. The Toyosu Tuna Auction (the wholesale market's famous early-morning tuna auction, now at Toyosu) requires advance lottery registration but the viewing gallery is free. Shinjuku at night (the Golden Gai network of approximately 200 tiny bars, each seating 5 to 10 people, in a two-block area of Kabukicho — the finest and most specifically Tokyo evening experience) deserves at least one full evening.

Tokyo's food culture is the most varied and most consistently excellent of any city on Earth — from three-star kaiseki (multi-course traditional Japanese fine dining, seasonal ingredients in precise preparations) to standing ramen bars with 6am queues, from the world's finest sushi omakase to a 7-Eleven onigiri (rice ball, approximately JPY 120 — US$0.80, genuinely excellent). Tokyo has 203 Michelin-starred restaurants in the 2024 guide — more than Paris and New York combined, a figure it has held since 2008. The city takes cooking with the same seriousness it applies to precision engineering.

The essential Tokyo food experiences: (1) Sushi omakase — a chef-dictated tasting of seasonal fish, eaten at the counter, ideally 6 to 12 pieces of nigiri; Jiro Ono's Sukiyabashi Jiro (three stars, hardest reservation in Japan, lunch only, suit required) is the most famous; Sushi Saito is the most coveted; dozens of excellent options at more accessible prices. (2) Ramen — Ichiran (individual booths, solo eating, perfect for jet-lagged visitors), Fuunji (Shinjuku, the finest tsukemen/dipping ramen), Afuri (yuzu shio ramen). (3) Yakitori — grilled chicken skewers under the Yurakucho train tracks, the most specifically Tokyo evening eating. (4) Izakaya — the Japanese pub, ordering many small dishes over hours, the most social eating experience. (5) Convenience store onigiri — buy one at 7-Eleven at 7am, eat it walking. You will not regret it.

Sake (nihonshu — rice wine, available cold and warm, enormous variety by region and producer) and Japanese whisky (Suntory and Nikka — among the finest whiskies in the world) are the most specifically Japanese beverages. The New York Bar at Park Hyatt Tokyo is the most celebrated bar in Tokyo. The whisky bars of Ginza and Roppongi have the finest selections.