A sanctuary in busy Shibuya
Trupti Biradar finds a peaceful spot to stay close to the boisterous, colourful, kitschy and quirky heart of Tokyo.
I’ve learnt to make okonomiyaki, eaten sushi off a conveyor belt, and watched the craziest show on Earth. All in just three days in Tokyo. It helps when you’re right in the heart of the city.
The space
This one-bedroom house is a seamless blend of traditional Japanese design with modern trimmings.
It’s clean, quiet and hidden away in a tranquil neighbourhood that’s just a five-minute walk from the bustling city ward of Shibuya. The property comes with a self-contained, fully equipped kitchen, two toilets, a shower, laundry, and living room. The property easily sleeps two to three people. There’s a large deck that’s shared with the main house on the property.
Worth stepping out for
You’re minutes away from Shibuya Crossing, where more than a thousand people seamlessly negotiate a pedestrian crossing when the traffic stops in all directions at once. All while they text, pose for photos, or wander slack-jawed and overwhelmed. To truly appreciate the view, head to Starbucks, it’s up a few storeys and gives you quite the view. In this part of Tokyo, you’ll find plenty of global high-street brands, restaurants, cafes, nightlife, grocery stores and more.
If you’re in Tokyo for a little while, it’s worth venturing out to Robot Restaurant. It’s probably the most tourist-y thing to do, but it’s an experience unlike any other.
In a basement in Kabukicho, a red-light district in Shinjuku, you’ll experience the most boisterous pop-culture show that exists.
Think samurai-wielding warrior princesses riding mechanical dinosaurs, three-metre-tall robots battle ninjas and a giant panda duel.
There are lasers and psychedelic flashing lights, dance sequences and drums – lots of drums. It’s intense but very enjoyable.
Head to Harajuku, just a few stops from Shibuya Station on the Yamanote Line. There, in Tokyo’s ‘‘kawaii capital’’, you’ll find the kitsch and colourful. Think rainbow pancakes, icecream that looks like a panda, cosplay stores, and vintage clothing.
Try the croquant chou at Zakuzaku – it’s a crunchy, almond-overed puff filled with sweet Hokkaido cream and is one of the best things you’ll ever eat. For a more hands-on food experience, wander down to Sakura Tei, where you can choose your own ingredients and make your own okonomiyaki on a little grill on your table. It’s open every day, and great value for money.
Highlight
The proximity to Shibuya is the biggest drawcard of this property.
Lowlight
This house is very close to the main house on the property so there could be noise disturbances.
The writer travelled at her own expense and stayed as a guest of Airbnb.