Tokyo

Tokyo's most extraordinary luxury hotel occupying the top floors of the Otemachi Tower. Soaring ceilings of Japanese paper and wood, a vast 30-metre lap pool, and Mount Fuji views from the spa. A serene sanctuary above one of the world's most frenetic cities.

The Lost in Translation hotel on floors 39–52 of the Shinjuku Park Tower. New York Bar with live jazz and cityscape views is legendary. Sleek 1990s design still timeless. Mount Fuji view on clear mornings from the pool. An icon of the city.

Elegant 40-floor tower hotel in Shibuya with panoramic city views. Noh theatre on-site, multiple restaurants including a famed jazz bar, and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. One of Shibuya's most prestigious addresses.

Stylish boutique hotel in Shinjuku's Kabukicho entertainment district. Artistically designed rooms with vivid interiors, rooftop terrace bar, and unbeatable access to Tokyo's nightlife, Golden Gai alleys, and Shinjuku station connections.

Smart mid-range hotel in the heart of Shinjuku. Modern, clean rooms with Japanese design touches, excellent breakfast, and perfect location for Shinjuku Gyoen, nightlife, and JR connections. Best mid-range value in the city.

Authentic family-run ryokan in Yanaka, Tokyo's most traditional neighbourhood. Tatami mat rooms, futon bedding, and a Japanese soaking bath. The owners guide guests to neighbourhood highlights. An affordable way to experience traditional Japanese inn culture.

Innovative smart pod hotel in the heart of Shibuya. Each pod features a reclining smart chair, individual controls, and a privacy screen. Shared common areas with communal kitchens, rooftop terrace, and a youthful atmosphere. A model for compact Tokyo accommodation.

One of Tokyo's highest-rated hostels in the Asakusa district. Design-forward wooden bunk rooms, excellent common areas, Japanese breakfast included, and incredibly knowledgeable staff for local navigation. Best budget base for first-time Tokyo visitors.

Popular backpacker hostel in Asakusa with a vibrant social scene and community atmosphere. Mix of dorm beds and private rooms, communal kitchen, and an ideal location to explore Senso-ji, Ueno, and the traditional Tokyo side on foot.

Considered by many the greatest sushi restaurant in the world. Chef Takashi Saito's 10-seat counter serves the most extraordinary omakase sushi in Japan. Three Michelin stars. Almost impossible to book without Japanese connections — try your hotel concierge months ahead.

Tokyo's depachika (department store basement food halls) are the city's greatest food secret. Isetan Shinjuku's basement sells the most extraordinary selection of Japanese sweets, bento, sashimi, wagyu, and international foods. The perfect place for a self-assembled feast.

A magical strip of tiny yakitori bars tucked under the Yamanote Line tracks near Yurakucho Station. Smoke-filled, low-lit, noisy, and utterly Tokyo. Charcoal-grilled chicken skewers with cold Sapporo under a rattling train. One of the most authentic dining experiences in the city.

Tokyo's most revered soba restaurant, operating since 1880 in a beautiful traditional wooden building in Kanda. Hand-cut buckwheat soba served cold (mori) or hot (kake) with dipping sauce. The zarusoba with a cup of warm sobayu (cooking water) to finish is one of Tokyo's essential dining rituals.

World's first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant. Soba noodles in a delicate truffle-oil soy broth — entirely unlike any ramen you've had. Queues form before opening; go early. A few tables only. The most refined bowl in Tokyo.

High-speed conveyor belt sushi with tablets to order directly to your seat. JPY 110 per two pieces. Fresh, fast, fun, and genuinely excellent. Touches base sushi culture without the price of omakase. Queues on weekends but move quickly.

Tokyo's most celebrated light-style ramen using yuzu citrus to brighten a delicate chicken and dashi broth. The yuzu shio (salt) ramen is one of the most refined and refreshing bowls in the city. Harajuku flagship is closest to the Meiji Shrine crowds.

Japan's most celebrated solo ramen experience. Individual wooden booths with a curtain facing the kitchen. Order by customisation form — broth richness, spice level, noodle texture. Tonkotsu pork broth ramen perfected over 60 years. Available across Tokyo; Shibuya is most accessible.