The lazy girl’s guide to showing people around in Tokyo

I had a few friends visiting Tokyo a couple of weeks ago but I was dead busy. Fortunately, I managed to clear my work and come up for air for a day, so how do I give the best of Tokyo in just one day without killing myself and my comrades?

Torn between all my favourite places in Tokyo, I chose the Harajuku/Omotesando area, which is probably the default destination for most “tour guides” like me. It’s easy, central, and fun.

Get off at Meiji-jingumae station (Chiyoda line) or Harajuku station and make a right. The sights of Kiddyland and cool togs at Comme Cas will fade away and you will see this.

Isn’t it magnificent? I come here several times a year when I have guests and I always love taking a walk into Meiji-jingu Shrine.

This is probably the most organized and pretty wish plaque set-up I’ve ever seen in my travels in Japan. There are the twisty paper ones on tree branches or wired fences in Kyoto but they don’t look as impressive as this hexagonal structure packed with wooden plaques of handwritten desires and prayers in all sorts of languages. If I have a bit of time, I always try to read a few and never fail to chuckle or feel uplifted.

If you’re lucky, you might spot a wedding, and that day, there were three. How amazing is that?

I would also recommend wandering off to take a look at the Meiji Emperor’s favourite fishing spot. You would have to pay a small fee to enter the area but it’s worth the trip if you’ve never been. It’s actually a very tranquil garden with a large pond where you could have a moment of peace in this busy city.

After some cultural sights, a snack would be in order and I would encourage you to take your charge through the impressive Omotesando street flanked by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior and their sisters. I walk through it all the time and don’t think much of it as I have to get from A to B, but when I bring someone there, they never fail to exclaim in wonder, “This is so Tokyo!”

Go right up to the top floor of Omotesando Hills and look for this.

This is the best strawberry sorbet I’ve ever had in my life.

I thought the white stuff on top was just whipped cream but it was actually melted marshmallow. Heaven in your mouth — highly recommended but tread with caution as it’s got lots of calories!

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and do be brave and wander into the side lanes because that’s where all the cool places are hidden. Tucked away galleries and boutiques will also make this an entertaining walk.

Total time: one afternoon. Fun factor: Awesome.

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