EAT. DRINK. TOKYO

Erika Hobart 

Instagram: @erikaexplores

erikahobart.com 

Inside My Favorite Places

• Omoide Yokochō. 

Gritty and nostalgic, this maze of tiny bars and restaurants is crammed into the narrowest of alleys and pays homage to the black markets that existed in Japan following World War II. I love the glowing lanterns, the scent of charcoal, and the rowdy businessmen blowing off steam. The truth is that Japanese culture can be as brazen as it is demure and traditional, and this is a fantastic place to observe that.

• Sensō-ji. 

One of the most-visited spiritual destinations in the world, Sensō-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and one of its most significant. It was bombed and destroyed during World War II, but rebuilt shortly after. The temple now represents rebirth and peace to the Japanese people.

• Yanaka Ginza.

This charming street allows pedestrian traffic only and is lined with cute little shops selling items like traditional Japanese ceramics and sweets. It’s perfect for finding authentic and meaningful souvenirs and for sampling some of the city’s best street food. 

• Bar Orchard. 

Run by a husband-and-wife duo, Bar Orchard is hands down the most fun bar in the city. There’s no menu: You simply choose your favorite fruit from a selection of seasonal fruits on display, as well as your preferred spirit and how strong you like your drinks. It’s an outing that’s bound to be full of delicious surprises and laughs. 

• New York Bar. 

Park Hyatt’s bar, located on the 52nd floor, has the most stunning view of Tokyo at night and was famously featured in the film Lost in Translation. It also hosts a live jazz performance every evening that’s absolutely magical to take in amid the glimmering city lights.

Erika is a Japanese-American travel journalist and photographer based in Marrakech, Morocco.