RAINY DAYS IN TOKYO – Usually my blog focuses on Japan with Kids but this one is for those moving around Tokyo without children on a rainy day.
I’ve been so busy making ideas for rainy days with kids that I forgot about the grownups !
(Just an FYI though, my Rainy Days with Kids post is here.)
Okay, so this probably sounds like the weirdest suggestion BUT I recommend going to Disneyland or DisneySea!
The main reason?
The rain keeps so many people away that you will get to do soooo much more. Maybe even do EVERY ride!?!!!
So, don’t be a baby! Pack a full change of clothing, pop them in a locker when you get there. Buy a poncho inside the theme parks or at the convenience stores nearby.
Do it!!
At Disneyland, these are the rides where you wait under cover..
ADVENTURELAND
Western River Railroad ( mostly undercover if less than 20 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
Pirates of the Caribbean (undercover with cooling/heating)
Jungle Cruise ( mostly undercover if less than 30 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
The Enchanted Tiki Room (undercover with cooling heating) *Note: this attraction isn’t much fun if you don’t speak Japanese
WESTERNLAND
Big Thunder Mountain (half of the queue is undercover)
Mark Twain Riverboat (undercover with cooling /heating)
CRITTER COUNTRY
Splash Mountain (undercover with cooling/ heating unless longer than approx 45 min wait time)
FANTASYLAND
Alice’s Tea Party ( mostly undercover if less than 30 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
It’s a Small World (undercover with cooling/ heating unless longer than approx 45 min wait time)
Castle Carousel ( mostly undercover if less than 30 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall (undercover with cooling/ heating unless longer than approx 20 min wait time)
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey ( mostly undercover if less than 25 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
Peter Pan’s Flight ( mostly undercover if less than 25 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
Pooh’s Hunny Hunt (undercover with cooling/ heating unless longer than approx 45 min wait time)
Haunted Mansion (undercover with cooling/ heating unless longer than approx 30 min wait time)
Mickey’s PhilharMagic (all indoors) *Note: this ride may not be quite as much fun if you don’t speak Japanese
Snow White’s Adventures ( mostly undercover if less than 25 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
Dumbo The Flying Elephant ( ( mostly undercover if less than 25 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
TOONTOWN
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin ( mostly undercover if less than 45 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
TOMORROWLAND
Star Tours ( mostly undercover if less than 45 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
Stitch Encounter ( mostly undercover if less than 45 min wait and has some cooling / heating) *Note: this attraction may not be much fun if you don’t speak Japanese
Space Mountain ( mostly undercover if less than 60 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters ( mostly undercover if less than 45 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek ( mostly undercover if less than 30 min wait and has some cooling / heating)
And at Disneysea ..
The whole Mermaid’s Lagoon section is undercover. You could spend so much time in there completely dry !
Other attractions undercover or the line is under cover at DisneySea are:
Tower of Terror ( partly, if the line isn’t too long)
Fortress Explorations
Turtle Talk * not much fun if you don’t speak Japanese
Toy Story Mania ( partly, if the line isn’t too long)
Nemo & Friends
Indiana Jones ( partly, if the line isn’t too long)
Caravan Carousel
Sinbad’s Voyage
The Magic Lamp Theater
If you love Disneyland tips like this you will love my very very detailed Tokyo Disneyland post here.
When in the trendy Daikanyama area in the rain, the best place to be is in and around the T-site Complex.
The complex is based around what is often labelled the best bookstore in the world, Tsutaya Daikanyama. I absolutely love this bookstore.
The store itself houses its own Starbucks and convenience store, a bar and cafe and so many beautiful corners to read, shop, study, listen to music and just generally be inspired. As the bookstore is called Tsutaya, the building is covered with and shaped like the letter “T.” Take a look at their website (below) for more information on the design and architectural acclaim it received when opening in 2011.
I can’t get enough of the design books and the extensive range of novels and coffee table books on Japan and Japanese culture and aesthetics.
They have some beautiful, good quality souvenirs here on the ground floor and the books are so beautiful that you won’t even care if you venture away from the English section.
16-15 SARUGAKUCHO, SHIBUYA
渋谷区猿楽町16-15
OPEN 7AM-2AM
WEBSITE
Within the T-Site Complex you’ll find Ivy Place. We love dining here at anytime of the day. Dinner is lit beautifully and feels very special.
For breakfast? Make sure you get the pancakes.
Breakfast looks like yummy eggs and pancakes and I had lunch here and my salad was also amazing! (If you live in Japan you’ll understand just how hard a truly good salad is to come by)
IVY PLACE
DAIKANYAMA T-SITE, 16-15 SARUGAKUCHO
猿楽町16-15, 代官山T-SITE
OPEN 7am-11pm (BREAKFAST 7am-10:45am, LUNCH 11:30am-3pm, DINNER 6pm-11pm)
(PANCAKES SERVED 7am-5pm)
IVY PLACE WEBSITE
Okay… so this is a recommendation that will mean you will get a bit wet (or at least will need an umbrella) but I think Japanese gardens are particularly stunning in the rain. It is a beautiful old Japanese house right in the middle of Daikanyama. Only 2 minutes walk from Daikanyama T-site!
This house was designated as an ‘Important Cultural Property’ in 2004.
The property is called Kyu Asakura House and entry is 100 yen.
It’s a beautiful spot to take a walk and take some gorgeous photos.
KYU ASAKURA HOUSE
渋谷区猿楽町29-20
29-20 SARUGAKUCHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN 10AM-6PM ( CLOSES AT 4:30PM FROM NOVEMBER – MARCH)
CLOSED MONDAYS
WEBSITE
Artbar in Daikanyama was one of my most fun date nights yet (and there are often afternoon sessions too- see the website below for details and reservations.)
I went with my date – my beautiful friend Kelly – and we chose a session with an extra large abstract piece of art.
I love all things creative so, to be honest, I was a bit worried about not being able to do things my own way – but you are welcome to follow the instructor to the ‘letter’ (stroke?) or completely go your own way.
Included in the price are wine and crackers – it was heaven!
Highly, highly, highly recommend!
They often offer sessions where you can paint traditional Japanese seasons too.
The studio is in Daikanyama.
ARTBAR, DAIKANYAMA
http://artbar.co.jp
Newoman Food Hall – is somewhere that I’ve only recently discovered.
There are so many beautiful eateries inside and (unlike the Food Hall in Ebisu that I found to be so disappointing) it has a range of different types of food and it’s just such a beautiful use of space.
The hall is made up of lots of separate restaurants: an Oyster Bar, High-end Sushi, Butcher & Beer counter, Bakery & Restaurant and a stunning restaurant called “Tavern S” at the back.
The entire hall is open until 4am and is completely non-smoking until 11pm.
The Tavern on S next to the murals has free wifi.
NEWOMAN FOOD HALL
新宿区新宿4-1-6
4-1-6 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY 7AM-4AM
DEPARTMENT STORE WEBSITE
If its really raining outside I highly recommend a shop at Takashimaya Times Square department store. Especially their food hall on the basement floor. It will blow your mind.
TAKASHIMAYA TIMES SQUARE
5-24-2 SENDAGAYA, SHIBUYA
渋谷区千駄ヶ谷
OPEN: 10AM-7PM
WEBSITE
Another idea for during the day (you’ll need an umbrella for this bit) or night is to go and see the Giant Godzilla in Shinjuku. He can be seen from the intersection with the Don Quijote Shinjuku East Exit Head Office Store on the corner. The statue is well lit at night too.
This intersection is 9 minutes walk from the JR Shinjuku Station South Entrance.
DON QUIJOTE SHINJUKU EAST EXIT HEAD OFFICE STORE
新宿区歌舞伎町1-16-15
1-16-5 KABUKICHO, SHINJUKU
Note that this area is Kabukicho and known as Tokyo’s red light district (although much more tame than other red light districts around the world – but still, you may see some “massage parlour” type signs ) but if you feel like venturing around the corner from Godzilla, there is an amusement centre called GAO (it’s right next to the famous Robot Restaurant.) I recommend this place solely for it’s Mario Cart Game. The machine takes a picture of your face so you “become” any of the Mario Bros Characters. 1 play is 200 yen and if you put the money in at the same time you can play against the person next to you.
You’ll see from the pictures below that I was not so good at getting my face in the frame when the picture was taken. My sister , however? A pro!
You might want to know ahead of time, this is NOT a non-smoking venue. We went at 11:30AM and a man was smoking up a storm right behind us.
This game centre is 9 minutes walk from the JR Shinjuku South Entrance.
GAO, KABUKI-CHO STORE
新宿区歌舞伎町1-6-8
1-6-8 KABUCHI-CHO, SHINJUKU
OPEN 10AM-MIDNIGHT
And then in the same area? The very famous Robot Restaurant. I’m crazy for this place. Way more than I probably should for someone who lives in Tokyo! It’s just so silly, funny and random. I recommend leaving your brain and logic at the door and just going with it. The show isn’t meant to make sense – it’s a rainbow feast for the eyes and ears.
*They do have afternoon sessions as well as night sessions – so that could be an interesting way to kick off a rainy afternoon, yes?
I recommend booking online and keep an eye out in the tourist magazines in Tokyo for discount coupons.
Oh…and even though it’s a restaurant, don’t eat there!! The sushi bento is ordinary. I recommend buying fast food in the first room and then popcorn and drinks during the show.
Once you’ve made your reservation, keep an eye on your email. Robot Restaurant is strict with their rules regarding dresscode and ticket collection timing. In the first room (before the theatre) check out the amazing restrooms!! (You don’t go back that way so this is your only opportunity.) If you haven’t had enough psychedlic action after the show is over : the American Bar & Cafe Ren is also pretty fun.
ROBOT RESTAURANT
1-7-1 SHINJUKU ROBOT BUILDING, KABUKI-CHO, SHINJUKU
新宿区歌舞伎町 1-7-1 新宿ロボットビル
OPEN: EVERYDAY (SHOWS IN THE AFTERNOONS & EVENINGS)
WEBSITE
In the same area, there is also a lovely, stylish izakaya in Shinjuku called Kichiri Mollis. It feels special but isn’t crazy expensive.
Kichiri is a chain of restaurants so, if you’re a fan, you can keep an eye out for them all over Japan. I would call the food ‘Japanese fusion’. The menu is in English.
The restaurant’s interior is minimal, chic and futuristic. I love it!
I recommend making a booking (especially if there are more than 2 of you.) Please note that tables are only available for 2 hour seatings – and last orders to be placed 30 mins prior to those 2 hours coming to an end.
Once you enter the restaurant, shoes go in a locker and you hang on to your key….
then you’ll be shown to your table….
After you’ve placed your order, your waiter will bring you an “otoshi” which is a tiny appetizer of the day. It’s probably best to think of this as a compulsory “table charge.” (This is standard practice in Japanese Izakaya Pubs)
The menu has so many options and their seasonal specials are also full of table theatrics.
There are also course menu options. There are other Kichiri’s all over Tokyo. For example: Ebisu, Ikebukuro, Ginza & Shibuya.
KICHIRI MOLLIS
新宿3-26-13新宿中村屋ビル6F
6th FLOOR, SHINJUKU NAKAMURAYA BUILDING, 3-26-13 SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY (EXCEPT AROUND THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD)
LUNCH: 11AM-3PM
AFTERNOON TEA: 3PM-5PM
DINNER: 5PM – MIDNIGHT
WEBSITE
Or do you want to have Sukiyaki or Shabu- Shabu?
This is a hot pot place called Nabezo Shinjuku Sanchome and …oh…my god……it gets busy busy busy!!!
They do take reservations but you’ll need to make sure you’re prompt as they will cancel your booking if you’re more than 1o minutes late. You can choose from a variety of nabe (hot pots) and the most popular are sukiyaki or shabu shabu.
We chose sukiyaki. It was 2400 yen per person for all you can eat meat and vegetables (from the self-serve buffet) for 100 minutes.
The menus here are in English (and so are cooking instructions!)
If you love this spot, make sure you check out their website below as they have lots of other branches all over Tokyo.
NABEZO SHINJUKU SANCHOME
新宿 3-30-11 新宿高野第二ビル8F
8F SHINJUKU TAKANO DAINI BUILDING, 3-30-11 SHINJUKU
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30AM-3PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5PM-11PM
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 11:30-11PM
WEBSITE
I really love the Toho Cinema in Roppongii (and the one in Hibiya too, actually.)
See my post here on cinema etiquette in Japan.
Or how about some culture, my darling? Lots of these are open kind of early and until quite late.
Why not check out Tokyo Timeout for the latest exhibits and installations at one of Roppongi’s galleries and museums? I love the Mori Art Museum, The National Art Center and the 21_21 Design Sight.
THE MORI ART MUSEUM
Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi
六本木6-10-1六本木ヒルズ
OPEN EVERYDAY 10am-10pm EXCEPT TUESDAY FROM 10am-5pm
WEBSITE
THE NATIONAL ART CENTER, TOKYO
7-22-2 Roppongi
六本木7-22-2
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & WEEKENDS 10am-6pm, FRIDAYS 10am-8pm, CLOSED TUESDAYS
WEBSITE
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
The Midtown Garden, 9-7-6 Akasaka
赤坂9-7-6 ミッドタウン・ガーデン内
OPEN 10am-7pm (CLOSED TUESDAYS)
WEBSITE
And…
If you’re already inside the Roppongi Hills complex, how about a “window-shop” at the very extravagant Doggie Grooming Salon “Joker”. These puppies customers are treated to the most amazing haircuts and their bath would equal any healthy (human!) health retreat standards. There is a dog & cat pet shop next door too. Be sure to check out the pet prices and the extensive range of pet strollers. You will be gobsmacked.
JOKER DOG GROOMING SALON
ROPPONGI HILLS COMPLEX,
HILLSIDE SECTION, B1 FLOOR, 6-11-1 ROPPONGI
六本木6-11-1 六本木ヒルズB1
OPEN 11AM-9PM
JOKER DOG GROOMING SALON
And just across the road from the Hill Complex, for a traditional Japanese lunch, some of my fantastic Japanese Mummy friends have shown me all the deliciousness of Kurosawa. The menu includes tempura, (raw or cooked) fish of the day, noodles, rice bowl of the day etc and can be ordered as a “teishoku set” with a miso soup, rice and tea. Don’t let the exterior intimidate you, the staff are used to English speaking patrons. Lunch is very reasonably priced as traditional Japanese lunch will cost only approximately 2000 yen.
KEYAKI KUROSAWA
3-2-15 Nishi-Azabu
西麻布3-2-15
OPEN 11-30-3pm, 5pm-11pm. CLOSED SUNDAYS
A great indoor dining + dining experience is in Gonpachi (otherwise knows as “The Kill Bill Restaurant”).
Is it totally touristy? Yes! It’s it great fun and very cool? YES! If you get to choose your day of the week, go on a Sunday or Wednesday night. They almost always have a Japanese drumming performance right in the restaurant. Ask about it when you make a reservation.
It’s a lively, picturesque setting for a meal. Don’t rush in – the entrance is filled with signed photos of famous visitors.
They have also just recently introduced vegan sushi here as menu option.
1-13-11 NISHI-AZABU, MINATO
港区西麻布1-13-11
OPEN: 11:30AM-3:30AM
WEBSITE
Hona in Roppongi (there is a big Spiderman character in the window so we know it as “The Spiderman Restaurant”) is a great option for teppanyaki in the evening. The staff are all energetic, fun and are happy to have little people around. It can be a bit noisy and smokey in the evenings so I always go as soon as they open. They do take reservations.
I love their yakisoba and okonomiyaki (both really easy dishes to ask to be custom made)
HONA
LUMIERE BUILDING MOTOAZABU 102, 3-2-21
元麻布3-2-21 ルミエール元麻布102
OPEN MONDAYS-SATURDAYS 6pm-2am, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS 5:30pm-12am
FACEBOOK PAGE
XEX Greenhills Roppongi is a great spot for dinner and drinks ( and even more reasonably priced if you head out for lunch – but the views and the ambience aren’t quite the same. ) This restaurant has a really special romantic feel and I love how you can move to the bar /lounge area afterwards for cocktails, cheese or dessert.
They have the entire menu on their website so take a look to see if it matches your tummy’s needs and budget.
They have an italian restaurant, sushi & tempura restaurant and beautiful old-school lounge/bar.
If you eat in the Japanese restaurant on a Wednesday, you’ll be able to see a Koto performance (see website for times.)
The lounge bar asks for a cover charge when a band is performing so be sure to ask first.
The staff at XEX speak beautiful English so you’ll even be able to make reservations for yourself etc.
Please adhere to the Xex Atago Dress Code. No shorts or sleeveless shirts for men , for example (see website for more info.)
* This restaurant isn’t for young children. Only Junior High School age and older kiddies on the weekdays and elementary ages and older on holidays and weekends. (Another reason why I love it for date nights!)
XEX ATAGO GREENHILLS
港区愛宕2-5-1 MORIタワー
MORI TOWER, 2-5-1 ATAGO, MINATO
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30-3:30PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5:30PM – 10:30PM (BAR OPEN UNTIL 4AM)
WEBSITE
Ok… now for the next few suggestions you’ll need an umbrella to dash between these spots – but they are close together, okay?
I’m sure you need a coffee with your face on it, right? Obviously.
If you go to the Nissan Crossing Cafe (exit A3, A4 or A5 of the Ginza subway station) second floor there is not only a cool view one of Ginza’s major intersections but also they offer to take your picture and then scan it onto you coffee foam!
They have cafe latte and matcha (green tea) lattes.
There is also a small cookie and cake selection.
I’ve never been here when it was really really busy! Maybe it just isn’t that well known yet?
There are elevators up to the second floor.
Nissan Crossing is a global flagship gallery for Nissan. It is free to walk in and take a look around.
The Sony Showroom is on the 4th and 5th floors of the same building, if you’re interested.
NISSAN CROSSING
中央区銀座5-8-1
5-8-1 GINZA, CHUO-KU
OPEN 10AM-8PM
And then just 3 minutes away (on foot) is the beautiful and brand new Ginza Six department store.
I recommend going to the B1 floor to check out the Ginza Six Chanel lipstick vending machine. You know, in case you want beautiful lips but can’t stand social interaction.
An option for a meal while you’re at Ginza Six Department Store is to head up to the 6th floor. The Premium Grand Food Hall is excellent quality and I have never seen it be crazily busy around lunch time. You can sit at a table and are handed a huge menu – huge because you have about 8 different restaurant menus combined. The brilliant thing is that, when dining with friends or family members, you don’t need to all want to eat the same thing.
There are options like Oyakodon (chicken & egg served on rice), Curry Rice, Wagyu Beef or Kobe Beef, Sushi or Sashimi, Ramen and Tempura. It won’t be your cheapest lunch out (prices for lunch are around 3000 yen a meal – much more if you have steak) but the quality is high and there is plenty of space for strollers etc.
There was also a Tsukiji Bento of the day for 2000 yen.
GINZA SIX
中央区銀座6-10-1
6-10-1 GINZA, CHUO-KU
SHOPS OPEN 10:30AM-8:30PM
RESTAURANTS OPEN 11AM-11:30PM
WEBSITE
Okay. So 4 minutes walk away is Kyubey. If I was okay giving my wallet a good workout, I’d head back to Kyubey Sushi in Ginza.
I recommend booking as far in advance as you can manage as it’s popular – but for good reason. This was one of the best meals of my entire life. (If you’re watching the budget a bit more closely, I’d try and get a lunch booking instead – for an amazing lunch set meal.
Dinner here just feels special and is the best way to really treat yourselves – the ultimate Tokyo Date Night dinner.
Following photo is courtesy of the Kyubey Website (as I was way too busy eating)
KYUBEY SUSHI, MAIN RESTAURANT AND ANNEX, GINZA
中央区銀座8-7-6
8-7-6 GINZA, CHUO-KU
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-2PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS, NATIONAL HOLIDAYS & NEW YEARS HOLIDAYS
WEBSITE
Or … If sushi isn’t your thing, I also love to dine at 6th by Oriental.
It’s right in the thick of the city and it’s kind of like Tokyo’s spin on a New York restaurant that spills out onto the street. Although, I don’t think you’d get to see the Yamanote Line slide by while dining in the big apple.
The lighting also makes it ideal for a stunning date night. It just feels special here.
The reception staff speak English well so feel free to call and book ahead.
The entire menu is also up on their English website (see below.)
(And psssst…. these guys also do a great lunch. )
6th BY ORIENTAL
千代田区有楽町1-12-1 新有楽町ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, SHINYURAKUCHO BUILDING, YURAKUCHO, CHIYODA-KU
OPEN FOR WEEKDAY LUNCH: 11AM-2:30PM
OPEN FOR WEEKEND LUNCH: 11AM-3PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5:30PM – 10PM (UNTIL 9PM ON SUNDAYS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS)
*Bar is open until even later
6TH BY ORIENTAL WEBSITE
For something different and a LOT more casual, across the road from 6th by Oriental is a Starbucks that has something called “Starbucks evenings” where they serve alcohol.
STARBUCKS YURAKUCHO
千代田区 有楽町1-10-1 有楽町ビル 1階
GROUND FLOOR, YURAKUCHO BUILDING, 1-10-1 YURAKUCHO, CHIYODA-KU
OPEN 9AM-10PM (UNTIL 9PM ON SUNDAYS)
Or.. if you feel like cocktails…. move on to Tír na nÓg ( formerly known as Iron fairies) in Ginza for cocktails.
Perhaps a fairy floss (cotton candy) cocktail? Or a cocktail that contains a squid tentacle or some wasabi perhaps?
If you live in Tokyo I’m sure you’ve sampled this “fairy world” bar in Ginza. It’s easy as the staff speak English and I’d only recommend booking if you have more than 4 people in your party. Just wander in and say cheers to the fairy dust and butterflies. There is often live music here too.
Drinks are around 2000 yen each.
中央区銀座5-9-5チアーズ銀座B1F
CHEERS GINZA BASEMENT FLOOR 1, 5-9-5 GINZA, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
OPEN 7PM – 4PM EVERYDAY EXCEPT FOR SUNDAYS WHICH IS OPEN 6PM-MIDNIGHT
*FYI : THEY HAVE JUST STARTED (APRIL 2018) A CAFE TIME FROM 11AM-7PM – I HOPE TO CHECK IT OUT SOON
WEBSITE
Reissue, the latte art cafe, is such a fun cafe to visit as their baristas are actually very talented artists. It’s located in the back grungy alleyways of Harajuku. You are shown to your seat , you choose your coffee or hot chocolate and then show a picture or photo (on your phone is fine) of what you would like on top. They really are so talented. It’s definitely not the cheapest cup of coffee ( around 1000 yen) but is a really fun thing to do for adults and children.
Reissue also serve rice, soup or salad lunch plates.
TANJI BUILDING, 2F, 3-25-7 JINGUMAE
神宮前3-25-7, TANJIビル2F
OPEN 10am-6pm
If you’re looking for somewhere for breakfast (open from 7am ! Almost unheard of for a proper sit down brekkie in these parts!)
It is worth the 13 min walk from Harajuku station or 11 minutes from Shibuya if you crave a western breakfast.
The building is designed so beautifully and it has a large outdoor terrace.
This place is just 11 minutes walk from Shibuya Station (and 14 mins from Harajuku, in case you feel like switching areas afterwards.)
Here is the Full Trunk Menu.
They serve Western-style breakfast.
If you decide to visit in the evening the hotel interior and bar doesn’t quite feel appropriate for children but the Trunk Kushi (skewered meat & veg) restaurant out the front of the hotel definitely is fine – with outdoor seating and, once again, enough space for a little wriggle.
TRUNK HOTEL (KITCHEN)
渋谷区神宮前５-31-7
5-31-7 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST: 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
OPEN FOR DINNER: 6:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.
TRUNK KITCHEN WEBSITE
Just a few minutes walk away is the BEST karaoke box set up I’ve ever seen!! It’s called Rainbow Karaoke in Shibuya and I’ve written all about it here.
Just halfway up the hill from Shibuya crossing is Uobei Sushi Restaurant. Turn right down an alley after Mos Burger and it’s on your right. This place is such a fun place to take children as all orders are made on an ipad with pictures and then the orders come zooming down a conveyor-belt and stop right in front of your seat. This is a fantastic place to try different kinds of sushi for the first time but it’s also great for fussy eaters as it’s also possible to order fries, noodles, ice-cream and fried chicken. You could even try a weird and wonderful sushi hybrid “cheeseburger sushi roll.” All dishes are around 100-200 yen each so it’s actually really difficult to spend too much money.
It’s not posh and the food isn’t going to be awarded a Michelin star anytime soon – but it’s such a fun way to dine.
*For adults only* Why not try a Japanese mixed drink called a Lemon Sour or a Lemon Chu-Hai ? Kanpaii ! (Cheers!)
It’s not possible to reserve a table so just tell the staff how many people and wait for your spot to open up. Customer turnover is really high so the wait has never been longer than 10 minutes for us before.
2 -29-11 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
渋谷区道玄坂2-29-11
OPEN WEEKDAYS: 10:40AM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS: 10AM-11PM
UOBEI SUSHI SHIBUYA DOGENZAKA DETAILS HERE
Right near the crossing is the very famous department store Shibuya 109. It’s the mecca for Kawaii shopping. It’s full of affordable, kawaii, glitzy, sparkly, kitschy, loveliesness all aimed at teenage and University-aged young women. It’s a great spot to enter – just for some very interesting window shopping. (In case the boys are feeling left out… these is also a Shibuya 109 Mens around the corner too.)
I highly recommend a trip to the B2F floor to the Print Club (purikura as it’s often called for short) .
Edit : As of May 22, 2019, Moreru Mignon in Shibuya has moved to the B2F in the basement. The theme is more about the purples and darker colours but it is equally as photogenic.
The store is equipped with curling and straightening irons ( for rental use) and there are plenty of make up mirrors to ensure you look your best at photo time.
The shop itself is…well… basically ….my little girls’ dream bedroom.
This place is crazily busy on the weekends so be warned (although it’s okay if you go first thing in the morning.)
First thing in the morning or last thing at night is probably the best way to get a good look around and use the photo booths.
The print clubs are all 500 yen each.
They even have an English instruction sheet.
Even if you don’t take photos in the machines – the shop itself is like one giant pastel photobooth.
MORERU MIGNON
渋谷区道玄坂2-29-1 SHIBUYA 109 B2F
2-29-1 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
B2 FLOOR, SHIBUYA 109 DEPARTMENT STORE
OPEN 10AM-9PM
WEBSITE
For other ideas for things to do in Shibuya, see my post here.
