7 coolest streets to explore in Tokyo

This 1.3km-long shotengai shopping street in Shinagawa is home to around 400 restaurants and shops. It's one of the longest shotengai in Tokyo and popular for its shitamachi downtown ambience as well as its delicious croquettes – you’ll find over 20 different shops selling them. In summer, the shotengai celebrates its annual Togoshi Ginza Matsuri festival with a number of events ranging from street performances and stamp rallies to sports such as soccer and volleyball. Togoshi Ginza is so popular, the street even has its own mascot called Gin-chan. You can meet the cute cat character at the shotengai's information centre.

BUY Beautiful minimalist ceramics and kitchenware at Mokumoku Ishi. The store offers Japanese-style kyusu teapots, tenugui towels with different motifs, tableware and more.

EAT Togoshi Ginza is home to some incredible international cuisine, including authentic Irish dishes served at Kyojin Stewhouse.

DO For a break from the hustle and bustle, drop by the quiet, leafy Togoshi Hachiman Shrine. Although it's just off the main strip, it feels completely removed from the busy shotengai.