My time in Tokyo: guide to Shibuya and Nakameguro

Hey, I'm Sam, a 30-year-old from Birmingham (UK) who decided to trade in ‘the usual routine’ back home for an exciting adventure travelling Japan on a working holiday.

Yes, I just did it just before I was too old for the visa. So remember, it's never too late. Just go do it!

And with this can-do attitude in mind, here is my personal guide on things to see and do in two of the Tokyo areas I got to know a lot.

Shibuya city

Home to the famous Shibuya crossing (busiest in the world), embrace the busy streets and neon lights of this fun Tokyo district packed with a variety of things to do and a lively nightlife.

Weekend plans | In the morning, check out the Shibuya scramble crossing to see the coordinated rush in action. For the music lovers, go for a browse at Tower Records that sells vinyl and everything else in this nine-story flagship store. Next stop is the amazing Parco, which stocks many different fashion brands and also has a Pokémon centre inside. Still not shopped out? Head to 109 and browse the trendy Japanese fits available. For a mid-morning coffee break, check out Miyashita Park and sit outside if the weather is nice.

In the afternoon, head over to Harajuku. Grab lunch at a ramen restaurant called Kyushu Jangara noodle - the pork is just so sweet and delicious! Walk through Takeshita Street to absorb the anime and manga energy and try a tasty crepe while you’re there too. I then recommend paying a visit to one of my favourite Japanese brands, Neighbourhood.

For culture and history buffs, check out Meji Jinju, a historic shrine from the Meji period. If the weather is good, take a wander around Yoyogi Park close by too.

If all the walking has got you hungry, take a short ride on the Tokyu line (or walk) to Daikanyama and park up at Yuzutsu, a soba restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. The tempura and the buckwheat soba noodles, which are made by hand, are so good. After dinner, pay a visit to T site – a book lovers dream with amazing architecture. Finish the evening off with a stroll along the leafy Log Road and enjoy a beer at Spring Valley Brewery.

Nakameguro

My personal favourite neighbourhood is Nakameguro, with its cool coffee shops, restaurants and a sense of calmness. The calmness you never really associate with Tokyo, especially when the sakura trees have blossomed along the famous Meguro river.

Weekend plans | Kick the day off with a morning stroll along the Nakameguro section of Meguro River and pit stop for a coffee at one of the many cafe options in the area. For lunch, head to Wagyumafia along the river to enjoy a wagyu beef toasted sandwich with that unique Japanese hospitality. You will need to make a reservation in advance though.

Spend the afternoon shop-hopping with a visit to the capsule store, Peace and After, a brand I happened to work for to help out with their collaboration with Linkin Park. They have a great selection of clothes and various lifestyle collaborations, which showcase Japanese culture with streetwear.

In the evening, go to a sake bar/ sushi restaurant called Genpachi, only a few minutes away from the train station. The food is all sourced from the remote island Hachijojima, which is still part of Tokyo. The sushi from this island is called ‘shimazushi’, due to the use mustard instead of wasabi as it is difficult to grow wasabi there. They have a great selection of sake to try that pairs nicely with the shimazushi.

Finish the day off by kicking back and listening to some tunes at Epulor, a vinyl bar that sells coffee, dessert, cocktails and more.

On top of all that - the best advice I can give is to talk to the Tokyo locals and ask them where their favourite spots to go are. Walk around the lesser-known neighbourhoods and be open to trying new things. That is the big advantage of doing a working holiday, it gives you a chance to truly learn about the local culture and learn about where to go beyond the tourist trails.

If exploring the streets of Tokyo is on your travel wish list too, check out JENZA's working holiday options in Japan.