City Guide: Tokyo

Do you have a match day ritual when playing or watching?

We usually play 11-a-side games in the morning before working. And play futsal at night, two or three times a week. When there is a big game, we gather at our friends’ cafe, restaurants, or someone’s home.

Is there a pitch in the city that means something to you?

Over a year ago, we had an iconic pitch on the rooftop in Shibuya, but that is now closed. Yoyogi futsal courts are our main pitch for futsal, and Setagaya Park is for 11-a-side games.

The spot in the city with the best football vibe but no actual football?

4BFC in Sendagaya is packed with football community gear from all over the world. Also, Baggage coffee in Harajuku is run by a fellow soccer lover, so you’ll find plenty of football vibes throughout the shop.

What is the best pre-match spot for atmosphere?

I always drop by my friend’s cafe near the venue. I have friends running cafes and restaurants all over Tokyo. Check out Kissa Ray, Friend in Hand, Cosmos Juice Tomigaya, (ee) Coffee, RoJean.

If you’re not at the stadium, where do you go to watch football?

We usually hang out at a friend’s cafe, Port Tomigaya, to catch the game together. We often have watch parties after their business hours.

Where do you usually go after a game?

Heading to the sauna is my post-match ritual. Tokyo has an amazing sauna scene with so many good options - Totopa has a really good atmosphere.

The meal you’ve had most often this year, and where?

I love this restaurant called FFF by Yoyogi Park. A soccer buddy of mine runs it, and they actually just hit their one-year mark. The food is super healthy and creative, definitely worth a try.

A record shop that makes Tokyo for you?

My Korean friend’s spot, Kompakt Record Bar, is finally hitting Tokyo this month. Ella Records, Beams Records and Record Station Japan; a great second-hand store.

Somewhere you go that has nothing to do with football and everything to do with how you think.

I live in Daikanyama, so the T-Site is my daily spot.

The best new place in the city?

Soho House Tokyo, which opened recently, isn’t easy to get into, but I highly recommend visiting if you get the chance to.

The Tokyo ‘classics’ that have been there forever and are still great?

Flaneur in Shibuya – a curry shop run out of a traditional tobacco kiosk. Aoyama Beniya – a traditional Japanese confectionery shop. They have run their business for generations, deeply rooted in the local community, serving us wonderful meals. They are both my soccer teammates.

Where in the world for one match?

I’d love to watch a match at Old Trafford – it’s a place where I’ve played before and holds so many memories for me. My friends from Soho Warriors in London would have to join. I’d be thrilled to experience the game together with them.

Your top ‘insider tip’ for a football fan visiting Tokyo for the first time?

Please contact me, or visit 4BFC or Baggage Coffee and ask the staff anything. We’ll make sure to find that special place you’re looking for.

Last minute advice for Tokyo visitors?

Tokyo has everything. The more specific you are about what you want to see or what interests you, the deeper I can take you into the heart of the city. These days, the number of tourists is increasing, but everyone tends to flock to the same famous spots. I really want you to experience the “real” Tokyo instead.