Tokyo By Night

Tokyo is a frenetic, fast-paced, neon lovers, dream of a city. When the sun goes down, it lights up with it's neon billboards and skyscrapers so that it almost seems like it's daylight outside. At night, it seems like a whole different place than the one you walked around earlier that same day.

Our first evening in Tokyo we headed to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building located in the Shinjuku neighborhood to visit it's free observatory. We waited in a fairly short line to go up at sunset and watch the sky darken and the neon turn on. (There are two observation decks but only one was open the night we were there. Hours are 9:30am to 11:00pm) It's a 360-degree view (all interior) of Tokyo.

I knew that I wanted to try yakitori - which is grilled chicken served on a skewer traditionally at happy hour. But since I don't speak or read Japanese I couldn't decipher where to go get it. We had read in a guide book some of the places that were known for happy hour so we just headed in that direction. There were hawkers outside some of the restaurants so we just went with one of those. And it was a good decision.

We later determined - we think- that this was a popular chain restaurant - but we didn't care. It was great! We took off our shoes and had yakitori, salmon croquettes and sushi. Much fun and good food! And very reasonably priced.

One of the most famous places in Tokyo is Shibuya Crossing. Rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world, and located in front of  the Shibuya station, all lights at this intersection turn red at the same time and everyone "scrambles" across the street. There is a prime viewing spot from the 2nd story of the Starbucks across the street. You will need to purchase something to sit at a table there and...good luck finding a seat. It was so crowded when we were there we just stood to watch.

On our last evening in Tokyo my daughter used a restaurant review site and GPS to take us to a restaurant located near Shibuya station.  Gonpachi Shibuya is located on the 14th floor of what looks to be an office building. The elevator empties you into a very cool restaurant with a yakitori grill and tatami rooms with low tables. By far my favorite restaurant we went to in Tokyo - and I would go back again if I return. Maybe every night if I could afford to.  (Be aware this restaurant is not cheap but is good for a special splurge night)

My daughters then went to the Sky Bar for very expensive cocktails to celebrate our week in Tokyo. Me - I successfully navigated my way back to the hotel by subway because sometimes sisters need some time alone together without their mom. And sometimes mom's are just tired after a week in Tokyo.

Photo Credit: Most of these photos were taken by my oldest daughter. Thanks sweetie!


How about you? Have you been to Tokyo? And did you go out at night?



I'm linking up! Please visit: Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox,,Weekend Travel Inspiration at Reflections Enroute, The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond and Weekend Wanderlust at A Brit and A Southerner!