みなさん、こんにちは！帰国子女、海外経験者コミュニティーのBeyond Borderです！
『競争力を持った国際日本人になる！』、『日本の良さを再発見し、世界中に広めよう！』をスローガンに始まった、現在唯一の英文記事<Introducing Japan>第9弾！

What is your recommendation (ex: restaurant, store, food, Japanese stuff etc) to foreign visitors?

After being in Japan for a long time, I’ve come to realize that there are more to the sushi, kimonos, and the infamous matcha. It’s the same for every country. First come the common foods that everyone talks about, and then there will come a moment when you started to discover the spectacular, yet unique taste of Japanese culture! So let’s talk about the ‘can’t miss out spots’ in Japan once and for all.

If you have been to Japan then you have probably heard of Harajuku (if you haven’t, you’re missing out), the space where unique creatures hang out, have fun, and be whatever they want without being judge. It can be said as a community where individual characters can be express freely. Apart from the infamous Robot restaurant, Monster café and Laforet, Fico and Pomum is especially good for those smoothies craving days. Orders are usually ranging from 520yen~ and make sure to stop by early since it’s sold out fairly fast! For a chill atmosphere with some friends and decent amount of drinks, try a small café/lounge called Natural Stance. Otherwise, Takeshita Street is the place for you to explore for hours.

In term of special occasions like Christmas, New Years or an anniversary, I would recommend going to Roppongi Hills at noon or night. Trust me, the place looks absolutely magical, with many exciting things to see and do when there’s a special holiday or a new season is coming up. Speaking of which, my favourite ‘yakiniku’ (grilled meat) restaurant is Jojoen in Odakyu, Shinjuku. It can be super crowded if you come in the weekends, so make some time and enjoy the lunch menu in the weekdays instead. The fancy place can be expensive but if you have time, it will be one of your best experiences of food in Tokyo. For your additional information, if by any chance you are going to visit Hokkaido, please attend the Shiroi koibito factory. In there you can see the whole process of making their delicious cookies, chocolates and there is even a café where you can try the mega-soft and melt in your mouth ‘white roll cake’. Last but not least, try Gindako takoyaki shop in Shinjuku. It’s filled with octopus in the middle of a round crispy outer shell batter, shaping like a ball.

And last of all, you cannot miss out on Tokyu Hands in Ikebukuro. A store filled with all of your fun, exciting technologies, and useful, yet unique daily essentials. We’re talking about hats to planners, toys, bags and many more that is only found in Japan Tokyu Hands.

Hope you enjoy your journey! Cheers!