TOKYO

Opened just last month, Daikanyama T-site is a low-rise complex of shops, eateries and a huge Tsutaya. This place is sure to attract a huge crowd due to the well-designed architecture, greenery, and places to shop, eat & socialize. Spend an afternoon shopping for music/books at Tsutaya, battery assisted bikes at Motovelo, specialty cameras, …

Rocco`s New York Style Pizza is another gem in Japan who offers pizza by the slice or whole pie. Their main shop first opened in Oji in June 2010. They now have new location in Roppongi! Opened just a few months ago they hit all the buttons, great sauce, chewy …

Yokohama Chinese New Year celebrations  in Yokohama run between January 25 – February 8, 2020. Great fun and food! Yokohama has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world with over 140 years of history.  Although this is still quite new vs. Manila’s Chinatown established in 1590 or London’s in …

On cold days our family likes to warm up with a nice bowl of tsukemen / ramen at our favorite child-friendly ramen shop, Mitsuyado Seimen in Nakameguro (三ツ矢堂製麺 中目黒店). They are a non-smoking restaurant from 11:00 to 17:00, provide baby high-chairs, and children’s bowls and cutlery. Their English menu is a …

Amazing World Kohoku is an indoor play center for kids ages 0 to 12 years. Amazing world branches house plasma cars, inflatable castles, climbing equipment, slides, educational toys like the Trix Track, Wammy and building blocks. They have large drawing walls, kitchen town, crafts, baby room and nursing area, and rest areas for …

Ivy Place Daikanyama is our favorite child-friendly spot to have breakfast on the weekend. Located in the stylish Daikanyama T-Site complex, Ivy Place opens daily from 7:00 a.m. and offers a variety of breakfast choices that change with the season. Patrons have the choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Indoors …

If you have kids, and they are bouncing off the walls take them to Trampoland!  Trampoland is an inside trampoline center that is safe and fun for elementary age kids and up. My son and I went the other night and had a great time for 60 mins. There are …

Tsubaki Shokado in Hiroo is the best place in Hiroo to get a home cooked Japanese meal for lunch or dinner. From grilled fish meals (teishoku) to oden you have an amazing choice of food that Japanese folks enjoy at home if they have time and skill to cook. Local …

Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest and most famous zoo having opened its gate to the public in March 1882. The Ueno Zoo is conveniently located in Ueno Park which is near both Ueno Station and Nezu Station. It is one of our families favorites for 2-3 hours. Not only do they …

If you are looking for a REAL American Soul Food fix than Soul Food House should be your destination. Soul Food House @ 148 (official name) offers an awesome brunch on Sundays, lunch and dinner (Wed-Sat) (with the food that all Southerners grew up with – fried chicken, waffles, BBQ …

Tokyo Midtown (東京ミッドタウン) is one of our favorite family-friendly spots to spend the day. It is home to several art museums, family-friendly seasonal events, a spacious green park and lush Japanese garden, medical center, services, restaurants and shopping. We love spending the morning visiting 21 – 21 Design Sight for their …

If you have a big family or big eaters, and live in central Tokyo one of your go to supermarket shopping locations should be Hanamasa Wholesale Supermarkets (Niku no Hanamasa (肉のハナサ). Hanamasa is a wholesale supermarket whose roots began as a supplier to restaurants, but is now open to the public …

Everyone knows Kikkoman soy sauce, but do you know about the Kikkoman Live Kitchen in Yurakucho, Tokyo? Kikkoman Live Kitchen is a dinner cooking performance. If you love Japanese fusion food, cooking, and learning about ingredients, you will really enjoy attending dinner at the Kikkoman Live Kitchen. What makes it …

Ever wonder why Tokyo does not flood as much as other typhoon struck Asian cities? It is because of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area Underground Flood Control Discharge Area in Saitama. The Flood Control area, which is north of Tokyo, controls the floodwaters from five rivers before the water dumps into the Edo …

Gohanya Isshin Daikanyama (ごはんや 一芯 代官山) is one of our favourite traditional Japanese restaurants, and hidden gems, to take friends visiting Tokyo. Located across the street from Kyu Asakura House and next to the Daikanyama Koban (Police Box), Gohanya Isshin sits hidden at the basement of a pale, yellow brick building. Walk …

Gallery Kawano Kimono is one of the best stores in Tokyo to buy used “up cycled” kimono, kimono fabric and kimono accessories. They are open seven days a week so if you don’t have the schedule or the time to hit a antique or flea market this is a one …

Mitsukoshi Department Store`s B1 level has a variety of toys and children`s goods and a play area for infants and kids called Kodomo Park. This free play space is a great spot to take a break from shopping or escape the heat, rain or bitter cold. Nursing Room: 4 Diaper …

The Ogimachi Park Playground is the perfect place to spend the day. Located just behind the Kansai TV Studio which holds Kids Plaza – an amazing museum where kids learn through play, this huge play park has a number of slides, climbing wall that scales the Kansai TV Studio, open …

Floresta Nature Donuts, known for their adorable animal designs, makes cute, light tasting donuts using all natural ingredients from organically farmed sources. Floresta was started in 2002 by a husband and wife who wanted to make donuts that were the most natural and kind to their kids` bodies. They use natural …

The Pompompurin Cafe sits in the heart of Harajuku down the street from the Rainbow Sweets Ice cream and Cotton Candy shop. They offer adorable Pompompurin character themed drinks and dishes, and exclusive merchandise. The staff allows entrance a few groups at a time so patrons can select their seats …

If you want to take a 1-2 hour hike while adventuring to find Buddhas, Arafat, and views of Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji I recommend Nokogiryama, Chiba (Mt. Sawtooth). I have very mixed opinions of Nokogiriyama, Chiba since I felt that although it was interesting to see the sights, I …

The Good Morning Cafe Sendagaya opens every day at 7:00 and offers great breakfast options for the best price in Tokyo. If you are staying in the Shibuya or Shinjuku area it easy to get to; located right next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Enjoy breakfast and then walk 8-10 …

If you are trying to eat healthier this year, then try a great 1/2 day outing for fresh fish and veggies to Matsudo Nanbu Ichiba. Matsudo Nanbu Ichiba, Chiba While Tsukiji is the biggest and most famous fish market in Japan (the world?), the crowds and (sometimes) the attitude of …

Asobi No Sekai Borelund is only a 25-30 min train ride from central Tokyo (direct on the Namboku or Tokyu Toyoko lines).  You can spend a good half day playing at the Asobi No Sekai Bornelund center and shop your favorite brands. The Grand Tree shopping center in Grand Tree …

The Roppongi Cooperative Playgroup is a parent-run cooperative for children 1.5 years up to age 4. The Roppongi Playgroup meets once a week for two hours. Children can  develop an early love of school and friendship through a combination of free play, stories, snacks, music and crafts. Activities vary from week …