You're pretty much guaranteed to see a traditional wedding, but head here on Sundays to see the Elvis' and Harajuku Girls.
You need to go through a Don Quijote while you're in town, but just look at this PLATINUM Don Quijote. Glorious.
Must-go: retro gaming mecca; bring yen to play the arcade games upstairs. Getting lost in Akiba & then stumbling into this spot was the moment that got me to quit my job to go off to start foursquare.
This is the owl cafe of your dreams! All the owls you can pet for the low low price of ¥1500! (a bit tricky to find, follow the map) ps: Don't pet their bellys or they bite!
Stop whatever you're doing on Takeshita St & find this place (2nd or 3rd doorway on right, downstairs, after you walk under arch headed away from train station). Photobooths will turn you into anime!
In our 8 days in Tokyo, we tried 9 diff ramens & THIS ONE was our favorite. (I wish we went back!) It's a short walk north of Shinjuku Station. Look for the 4-5 steps you gotta climb to get in.
This was rec'd to me as Best Ramen in Tokyo & it didn't disappoint. You order with 2 variables -- spicyness (I went 2 of 4) and numbing (I went 3 of 4). Numbing is amazing (& I'd rec'd going 4 of 4)
One of the Golden Gai spots we really enjoyed -- bartender was super drunk, customers were super drunk, stairs were super steep, hilarity ensued.
Another great find in Golden Gai. Great cocktails, but if you leave here without trying a Japanese whiskey (great selection btw) you're a dummy.
Explore the cemetery as a great escape to the chaos of more crowded neighborhoods. Look for the "foreigner" section in the north side to see the contributions of ex-pats past.
You want the pork, not the fish. Pork = round or cutlet-looking. Fish = fish sticks. Beware the fish sticks.
Awesome hipster-esque vintage / antiques store. Don't miss the room in the back left with vintage American flags, patches, etc
If you're staying nearby, this is a great spot to walk off your Golden Gai hangover (or to just escape the madness of Shinjuku or Shibuya)
