At Shimokita Rokkaku, meals are unfussy, local and deeply satisfying, delivering well-executed Japanese staples in a laid-back, neighbourhood setting. The menu is shaped around comforting set meals; go for grilled fish or karaage if you’re unsure. It gets busy between 12–1pm, so time it just before or after to avoid the queue. It’s cash only, so swing by a nearby 7/11 beforehand to withdraw – quick, easy and fee-free. 

Slow Wine leans into low-intervention bottles from small producers, with a list that shifts regularly and invites a bit of curiosity. The food follows suit: seasonal, pared-back dishes designed to sit alongside the natural wines rather than compete – vegetables treated simply, and small plates with just enough acidity or texture to sharpen a glass. Inside, it’s compact and warmly lit, with wood surfaces and close-set tables that blend European flair with Japanese restraint.

Aelu focuses on objects that sit between utility and craft. The gallery presents a rotating selection of ceramics, textiles, and small works by emerging Japanese makers – hand-thrown cups with uneven glazes, stoneware plates with muted, earthy tones, naturally dyed cloths, and simple woven pieces – all available to shop and take home. The display is deliberately sparse, giving each object space to breathe, grouped loosely by material or tone. You’ll notice subtle differences in glaze, weave, and form. Surfaces, finishes, and irregularities are part of the appeal.

This innovative restaurant has quite a dedicated following in Tokyo thanks to the very Instagrammable edible works of art that the very adventurous chef dreams up!