Your Friend’s Tokyo Hit List

Crowdsourced bars, brews, and breakfast clubs.

[Updated January 2025]

I’ve already tried to convince a number of people where they should sip coffee in Tokyo, but if that wasn’t enough, I’ve been sharing some highlights, sourced from friends, acquaintances, or good old fashioned stumble upons, that absolutely no one asked for.

These are some quick hit, add to your map places to visit should you find yourself in Tokyo this year.

Quick Tips:

• Consider a few neighborhoods: Hotels sell out early and fast, so try booking stays at a few different spots. There’s plenty of services that will transport your luggage to and from hotels (and airports) so you don’t have to lug them around.

• Uber is expensive: But the trains? Cheap, reliable, and so clean. Basically the opposite of the MTA. Load up a Suica card on your iPhone and you can continue adding money as you need.

• Coffee shops open late: Pack your own, or be prepared to make 7-Eleven your best friend (you should do this anyway).