Okay, we’ve named this guide “Tokyo”, but really we’re narrowing in around Parklet - the adorable bakery in Nihonbashi that’s open from breakfast through to evening drinks.
Parklet was founded by two people with impressive hospitality backgrounds that include California’s iconic Tartine Bakery and Chez Panisse. That should be enough to get you excited by the style and quality of bread and pastries on offer.
The name Parklet means “small park”, aptly named as the bakery’s floor-to-ceiling windows extends out onto one. The space is light-filled and calm, a lovely spot to escape the city and sit down for an hour or two.
Local Guides are brought to you by your friendly concierge, Worktones. We’ve got the plug on the best restaurants, cafes, bars and other gems in the neighbourhood by those who know a thing or two about serving up good times in the area.
Since Japan was the third most visited country for Australians last year, we reached out to our friends at Parklet for some recommendations.
The Parklet team helping us put together this guide to Tokyo:
- Yu Fujisawa - Parklet Bakery Manager.
- Junko - Parklet Kitchen Staff.
- Nami - Parklet Kitchen Staff.
- Yuto Ishii - Barista/Service Staff.
- Haruka - Director of Operations.
What's your go-to when you knock off?
- Yu - Timsum Wine Shop.
- Junko - I drink beer at In the House, a craft beer-only bar in Harajuku. Or I drink coffee at See more Glass, a Harajuku place I've been going to since I was a student.
- Nami - Coffee Country or Switch Coffee.
- Yuto -Timsum, Citan or Yofuke no Hitobit.
Where are you eating on a day/night off?
- Yu - Asakusa or Hamacho
- Nami - Kakan Tomigaya.
- Yuto - Sol’s Coffee Roastery.
- Haruka - Le Cabaret for nice apero with a glass of wine.
It's staff party time... where would you take the whole team?
- Yu - K5 HOTEL DANCE (Cafe Lounge).
- Junko - Drink Georgian wine at Mundo Fuji in Suidobashi, or eat Uzbek food at Caravanserai Pao in Higashi-Nakano.
- Nami - Parklet.
- Yuto - Sabasu Pizza.
You have a 15 minute lunch break... where are you grabbing a quick bite?
- Yu - Commissary Nihonbashi.
- Junko - 15 minutes is too short! I buy some rice balls (ONIGIRI) and tea at one of Japan's excellent convenience stores.
- Yuto - I usually go for soba called Kanda Matsuya.
- Haruka - Baby J’s for their famous Fried Chicken sandwich or their salad with fried tofu.
Gotta kill time... where are you going window shopping?
- Yu - Mitsukoshimae, Tokyo / Coredo Muromachi shopping centre.
- Junko - Spiral Hall in Aoyama. It hosts exhibitions, has high-end shops, and even has a cafe bar.
- Nami - 8 ½.
- Yuto - Probably Jimbocho. I love books, and there’s something oddly calming about being surrounded by all those old shops and busy buildings in the middle of Tokyo. It’s chaotic, but peaceful. I still don’t really get why.
- Haruka - Ginza. There are many high-end stores and some old-style “Kissa-ten” (coffee shops). Sometimes I get a pint of Guinness at PUBLIC HOUSE Little GANG in Okuroji.
Parklet wear Worktones custom embroidered Rocky Aprons.
