A Local's Guide to Tokyo, Japan - This Way

A Local's Guide to Tokyo, Japan

Describe who you are in 3 sentences:
My name is Vibe Baumann, I live in Copenhagen with my boyfriend and my dog. We love to get outside and explore new areas of the city, go to bars and restaurants. I am very adventurous and will try anything (at least) once.

What is your relation to this city?
I came here for the first time with my family in 2016 and have been back since to visit Tokyo, but also other Japanese cities. I fell in love with vibe, the culture, and of course the food.

Best experience?
I was visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine which is located inside a gorgeous forest in the middle of Tokyo, but while we were there a traditional Japanese wedding took place. It was a fantastic experience and not something you see every day.

Weirdest experience?
Going to "The Robot Restaurant", where they have huge robots almost controlling the restaurant. It is something you only see in Tokyo and is so exaggerated.

Your top 3 hangout spots?
1) The mall called Isetan in Shinjuku especially their food court. If you want to grab something quick and delicious, this is the place to go if you are nearby.
2) "Café Kitsune" is a small beautiful and so cozy coffee shop. They make good coffee and the area is a really nice area with shopping and good food.
3) Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Favourite restaurants?
- "Tapas Molecular Bar"
- "Ippudo - Saiseisakaba" is located in Shinjuku and have the best 'yakitori'. It is a very local spot as well and you can only stand up.

Best date place?
The New York grill at the park Hyatt. It's an amazing place that rose to fame because of the movie Lost in Translation. It has a great view, good jazz music, and a very nice atmosphere in general. People probably know the place from the movie ‘lost in translation’. There is live jazz, good view and a good atmosphere.

Best Sunday spot?
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the most beautiful Imperial Palace garden. The park is a place where all the local come and use it as if they were at home. It is their place of peace and tranquility.

If you were to live in another place, where would that be and why?
Then it would probably be Los Angeles. I have always been a huge fan of that city and could see myself living there. The city offers everything from surf, city life and nature. And of course, it’s almost sun all year around.

Where is your escape place from this city?
Aman Tokyo everything about this place is magical.

Best 5 local advices?
1. It’s a must to try a very traditional Japanese hotel called a 'Ryokan'.
2. Snack like a local. Japan has a huge selection of snacks as many tourists are 'missing out' on. Try for example Japan's national snack 'omusubi' if you're on the go.
3. Go to an Izakaya bar and drink a beer with all the locals. It is similar to a pub and everyone go there after work.
4. Try a tea house. Tea is indispensable in Japanese life. "Kosoan teahouse" is good and very traditional.
5. Head into Ryogoku to catch a sumo practice or see a match.
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