Eko, as know as The Master of Tokyo Walker who doesn't like early mornings, shares with you how to enjoy Tokyo mornings like the Brooklyn way.

The theme is Tokyo Morning Cruising like Brooklyn. 

The reason why I said Brooklyn even though here is Tokyo is because the place I recommend, Kuramae, is called the Brooklyn of Tokyo in Japan. Kuramae is located close to Asakusa and this neighborhood in the northeast of Tokyo faces Sumida River.

Of course, Asakusa is a world-famous tourist spot, and you should definitely visit there, but that's something the guidebooks will tell you about it.

So, in this paragraph, I'm going to suggest the best morning in East Tokyo based on my overwhelming geographic knowledge from endlessly walking the streets of Tokyo when skipping college programs and still doing numerous street photography shoots in the city.

06:00 - 08:00

The best time for Senso-ji

Spend this time freely. If you're traveling or on a business trip from abroad, you might be jet-lagged, so I won't force you to wake up early. 

However, early morning at Senso-ji Temple is very pleasant. The shops aren't open yet, but after this time, the place gets crowded with tourists, and it becomes impossible to shoot photos. If you want to beautifully capture the famous red gate of Senso-ji, this time is best. 

Of course, the stores in main street are also closed outside business hours, but the Japanese graphics painted on the shutters can be enjoyed as art. 

You'll be walking a lot afterwards, so just going and returning is enough. If you really want to enjoy Asakusa, please revisit during business hours.

Senso-ji

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eoFfgGyvKnS9rCnX7

08:30

Breakfast with the most historic bread in Tokyo

Breakfast at Tokyo's best bread at "Pelican Cafe," operated by "Pan no Pelican," which is known by everyone living in Kuramae and boasts over 80 years of history. 

This classic bakery sells only bread and rolls, but it's so popular that you can't buy it without a reservation. Many top hotels and traditional cafes use Pelican's bread. 

The recommended choice is the simple "Grilled Toast" but if you're up for a hearty meal, "Ham Cutlet Sandwich" or "Ham and Fried Egg Toast" are also good options. There are also side menus like soup and potato salad. Note that Sunday is a closed day. 

The store opens at 9 am, but there can be a line before opening, so it's good to arrive at the shop with plenty of time. 

Pelican Cafe

HP(EN): https://pelicancafe.jp/en/

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hLrmNe219sfwEAhL7

10:00

Best coffee in East Tokyo

East Tokyo is a sacred place for coffee. There are truly wonderful roasters everywhere. So, if possible, hold off on coffee at "Pelican Cafe" and go pick the best cup. Honestly, it's quite hard to narrow it down to just one shop, but if I have to recommend just one, I'd go to "LEAVES COFFEE ROASTERS." 

This roaster, run by a former professional boxer, is one of the top in Japan for its dedication to roasting. Notable is the introduction of the legendary Probat UG-15 manufactured in the 1950s and the masterpiece of modern roasting machines, Giesen W6A. 

The cup brewed from beans focused on aroma is truly supreme, and being selected as a Notable Roaster by the coffee authority "Sprudge" is proof of its excellence. Tell the barista your preferences for the day and get the best cup brewed for you.

LEAVES COFFEE ROASTERS

IG: https://www.instagram.com/leaves_coffee_roasters/

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/owCjizszRZ1hRSd46

FIY: https://sprudge.com/yasuo-ishii-of-leaves-coffee-roasters-the-sprudge-twenty-interview-190261.html

10:30

Finding good arts

Surprisingly, East Tokyo has many museums and archives. As there are various types from temporary exhibitions to permanent collections, please check the exhibition schedules and head to your favorite place.

“The Sumida Hokusai Museum"

A museum that introduces the life and art of Katsushika Hokusai, the most famous Ukiyo-e artist in Japanese history, who was active from the late 1700s to the mid-1980s. The architecture designed by Kazuyo Sejima who won the Pritzker Prize is also attractive, and you should feel the fusion of classic and modern.

HP: https://hokusai-museum.jp/?lang=en

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o9TNVXXmTNEkQPVj6

"Fukagawa Edo Museum"

This museum recreates the townscapes of the late Edo period at full scale, and the transitions of the day are dramatized with sound and lighting, among others. You can go up to the shops and row houses to touch the daily utensils, etc. There's no better place to learn about life in Japan in the 1800s. Here is one of my favorite museums.

HP: https://www.kcf.or.jp/fukagawa/josetsu/

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mkLFnUF1PKiURgvVA

"Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT)"

The most respected contemporary art museum in Tokyo. From top domestic and international artists like Tadanori Yokoo and David Hockney to emerging Japanese artists, no museum in Tokyo surpasses its curation and planning capabilities. The author also visits several times a year.

HP: https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/en/

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ys72KxBzmDK8aqTu7

12:00

Having enjoyed the best morning in East Tokyo, it's time for lunch. But my tour guide ends here. If you want to know the best lunch spots in this area or the next coffee spot, send me a DM after nominating.