Skip the tourist trap. We’re asking locals and well-versed folks only for their edit of the secret spots they visit time and time again.
The best way to explore Japan’s Tokyo? Walking or using public transport. This is according to Norihito Endo, an esteemed chef born and raised in Tokyo. Endo took over the kitchen at Melbourne fine dining institution Ishizuka for three nights earlier this month, so he’s familiar with Aussie culture and knows what would appeal to us.
“Many tourists perceive Tokyo as ‘busy’ or ‘mechanical’ but there are plenty of quiet backstreets and places where you can experience the warmth of the local community,” Endo says. “Beyond famous spots like Asakusa or Harajuku, exploring areas like the local markets in residential neighbourhoods show a different side of the city.”
Endo recommends riding the JR Yamanote Line and getting off at stations that pique your interest. One station he recommends stopping at is the Ebisu Station. He describes it as a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. It’s also where his restaurant Ebisu Endo is located — a location he’s proud of.
“We offer an omakase course, featuring the freshest seasonal seafood paired with carefully selected Japanese sake, such as aramasa and senkin,” he says. “It’s the perfect way to experience the best of what we have to offer.”
Once you’ve finished dining at Ebisu Endo, Endo recommends you stroll along the Meguro River or relax at Yebisu Garden Place. Built on the former site of a beer brewery, Yebisu Garden Place is a commercial complex with a dozen buildings, a hotel (Westin Tokyo) and an array of shops and restaurants, including Michelin three-star Joel Robuchon. It’s also home to a photography museum.
If you want to stay in Ebisu, Endo recommends the Westin Tokyo as it’s an easy walk to Ebisu Station. There are also boutique hotels in the area with charming, unique experiences, he says. In Tokyo generally, Endo recommends a tourist visit local markets and small eateries.
“While Tsukiji and Toyosu Markets are well-known, there are also hidden gem izakayas around Ebisu,” he says. “Sampling Japanese sake while chatting with locals can be an unforgettable experience.”
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