"My current fave is Ten to Sen, a spicy ramen spot in Shimokitazawa with charming, friendly service and loads of veggie options as toppings. The broth is perfectly spicy—and with a cold beer? Hard to beat.

My other favorite is Lawson, which is not a restaurant but a next-level konbini, or convenience store!”

"Tokyo is stunning and enormous but also very walkable. Our family loves to go to Daikanyama T-Site because it opens first thing in the morning and has something for everyone: coffee, amazing art books and magazines, and toys, books, and free activities for kids. Then we’ll walk along the Nakameguro canal—all before most people are up and out for brunch.”

"We are moving to the Shimokitazawa neighborhood soon, and I will be sending all our visitors to Yuen Bettei Daita, a beautiful ryokan-style hotel in the area with hot spring spas, a tea room, and easy access to all the great vintage shopping and restaurants nearby.”