TOKYO WITH ARABELLA PETERSON

NAME: Arabella Peterson WHAT YOU DO: Marketing & Content Specialist / Writer STAR SIGN: Aries LIVING: Sydney LOCATION: Tokyo

SLEEP

We stayed in a suburb called Yoga in the Setagaya district, It’s only 5 stops from the hustle-and-bustle of Shibuya and is such a lovely area. The Airbnb we stayed in was owned by an older woman named Chizuko and her husband, they invited us over for tea and yōkan (a jelly-like dessert made from red bean paste) and Chizuko shared stories about her family and travels.

Their hospitality was beautiful and quintessentially Japanese. If anyone wants to book a stay at Chizuko’s Airbnb, just send me a message and I’ll give you the details - I highly recommend!

Accomodation in Tokyo isn’t cheap, but Yoga was pretty affordable compared to the busier parts of the city.

We kept stumbling upon the most beautiful places on our walk to the train station every day including a tranquil shrine, a community garden that looked like it was straight out of a Studio Ghibli film and the most delicious sushi bar.

It was nice to go home to a slightly quieter area at the end of the day.

EAT

The food in Tokyo is incredible, you’re almost guaranteed to eat something delicious no matter where you are and there’s pretty much a restaurant on every corner.

I also have an obsession with novelty themed restaurants and bars, so we went to quite a few; but unfortunately my extensive research has proven that the more wild the concept, the dodgier the food.

My advice is to enjoy the experience, questionable food and all - but don’t arrive too hungry!

DO

Yayoi Kusama is one of my favourite artists so finally getting to visit her gallery was a dream come true.

The TeamLab exhibition is magical and definitely worth checking out too. You have to visit an onsen at least once on your trip, and put aside a few hours for it if you’re going to one with a sauna, baths, massages and relaxation rooms to read in.

SHOP

The vintage shopping is incredible in Tokyo, so even though fast fashion is rife it’s pretty easy to avoid if you’re determined to.

Unfortunately a lot of clothes and shoes didn’t quite fit me, but if you’re petite it’s a vintage dream! Shimokitazawa is my favourite spot for second hand and consignment stores and Harajuku has some amazing boutiques.

PACK

Tokyo is definitely the city to wear that amazing item of clothing that’s shoved to the back of your wardrobe because you feel it’s a bit too over-the-top for any occasions back at home. You can never feel too extra in Tokyo.

We went in spring which is not only the most beautiful time to go (in my opinion) but perfect for tran-seasonal outfits, it’s sunny and mild during the day and a bit chilly at night.

Pack boots or sneakers and a warm jacket.