Exploring Tokyo!

Team Lab also known as THE famous date spot in Japan is an amazing art collective that was started by a bunch of artists in Tokyo back in 2001. Although it’s famously known as somewhere to go with your special someone, as someone who went in 2019 with family friends, I can confidently say it’s not exclusive to just dates. It’s an incredible light and sculpture exhibition that you’ll find yourself lost in and there are many collections that you can interact with as well! I had a lot of fun with the rooms which showed lights that reacted to your touch. (I have no idea how that works, but somehow it does) You may have heard of Team Lab or have seen pictures of the exhibition as it’s quite famous, so it isn’t the most hidden gem ever, but I still thought that it was worth sharing as it’s no longer just exclusive to Japan! You can visit this page on the Team Lab site to see what other countries they offer their exhibitions in. I do want to note that because their main collections are in Japan, I don’t think that the collections they offer in other countries are the same, but I’m certain many are still worth visiting if you don’t think you’d ever find yourself in Japan! 

 

Next, is a true hidden gem found in Nakameguro, Tokyo, called ハカタホタル (Hakata Hotaru) that I discovered on TikTok a little bit before my last trip to Japan in summer of 2022. One of my favorite ways to utilize the TikTok app is to find amazing cafe’s in Japan to go to for the next time I’m there and this one just seemed so incredible that I knew I had to go and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. This place, which I thought was a cafe, is actually a restaurant that offers amazing desserts, like the mango parfait shown in the image above. The chef here was amazing who put so much time and care into every dish he made and you could tell that he put his blood, sweat, and tears in creating his recipes. I ordered two items, the mango parfait and the tempura burdock root udon. The parfait had fresh cream, ice cream, shortbread, and mochi inside and was topped off with the juiciest mangos and cherries. The cold udon was hands down the best udon I’ve ever had in my life, it was so fresh, perfect for the hot Japanese summer and the noodles were so bouncy and perfectly cooked. Although this restaurant seems to be more known for their sashimi (raw fish) dishes, side items like the udon are just as incredible. Here is the link to their Instagram account to see more of what they have to offer (also the only way to make a reservation which is required to dine here) and the link to their other Instagram account that showcases their desserts more. I do want to make a disclaimer that it is a little on the pricier side, especially the parfaits, but if you’re willing to splurge a little, I 100% recommend this location! 

My last share with you all today is perfect for those who love to go thrifting! 下北沢 (Shimokitazawa) is what I would describe as a vintage shop neighborhood that offers you retro escapism in the busy city of Tokyo. Although the clothes sold here are not the most budget friendly (I know the total opposite purpose of thrift clothes!) I personally love coming here for the vibes and the cafe’s. On my bucket list is this cafe called, Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory, which makes Totoro shaped cream puffs, the perfect dessert for all Studio Ghibli lovers like me! If you love cafe exploring and all things vintage and retro, Shimokitazawa is the place to go!