Looking to stay on the cutting edge of food and drink trends in Tokyo? Sure, keeping track of all the new restaurants, bars, shops and stands opening across the city every month can feel exhausting and almost hopeless – but that's where we come in. Sparing you the trouble of wading through long lists of shiny promotional pics and hollow praise, we've compiled a handy list of the top five spots to start business this month. Check out our editorial team's picks below, and make sure to leave a comment if you think we missed something.
Do we sense a New York salad trend? It's hard not to get that impression, as Tokyo has seen a handful of very similar green-specialist eateries set up shop over the past year. Following the example of success story Crisp Salad Works, which operates three branches in the city, WithGreen just opened in Kagurazaka, and now Ebisu is getting some love with the launch of Green Brothers. We're not quite sure about their Big Apple credentials, but at least the shop will be offering everything from fully vegan options to extra-aromatic coriander bowls and seasonal specials.
Just when it was starting to feel that Tokyo ryokans were on the verge of extinction, along comes a major new player. Hoshinoya Tokyo will be one of the capital's very few luxury ryokans – and it's going to be located in central Otemachi, just a short walk from Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. The 19-storey (including two underground floors) building will house tatami-floored suites, as well as a spa, Japanese restaurant and conference facilities, while offering the same standard of service that's earned awards for its sister resorts in places including Karuizawa and Kyoto.
3) Flipper's
Just when we thought the Tokyo pancake boom was over, summer 2016 rolls along with a score of new 'cake shop openings. But something is different this time: instead of the thin Hawaiian-style creations offered by the likes of Cafe Kaila and Eggs'n Things, these upstarts are serving up super-fluffy, airy, melt-in-your-mouth fare made with ricotta, buttermilk or meringue. Joining Gram, A Happy Pancake, Micasadeco and company is this Shimokitazawa joint that's set to charm sweets fiends with pancakes topped simply with fruit or the shop's original maple butter cream.
Combine your budget stay in Tokyo with dance tunes and craft coffee at this Hatchobori hostel, which sits right above the station and promises a dawn-to-dusk party atmosphere. In addition to the usual dorms and private rooms, Wise Owl offers furnished apartments and houses the Howl bar, which is equipped with a top-of-the-line sound system and DJ booth. Imbibers will enjoy the specialist sake bar, while your days of exploring Tokyo are sure to start well with a cup of the hostel's coffee, made with beans from Sangenjaya's Obscura.
Styled on the wildly popular Sake Market, this umeshu and fruit liquor joint stocks over 100 varieties of sweet booze from all over Japan, including strawberry-, peach- and fig-flavoured nihonshu. Now opening its second outpost after debuting in Shibuya last winter, Shugar Market operates on a simple system: pay ¥3,240 at the door and you'll get access to all the spirits in the house – browse freely, pick out any bottle and cup of your choice and pour drinks for yourself and your buddies. Bringing your own food is allowed, and there's even a free-to-use ice cream machine on the premises.
Catching up? Check out the hottest openings in June here