Ramen

There are soooo many different types of ramen and it's hard to recommend just one.
Please see the wiki page for the overview.
You just need to try them until you find the right one.
The followings may be some good benchmark ramen.
All ramen vending machines's top row - left column is always their recommendation, so order that for the 1st time.

Tonkotsu Raman (=Pork broth Ramen)
ie-kei, kyushu-kei are categorized in this group.
Difference between Ie-kei and Kyushu-kei is Ie-kei usually have thicker noodle and kyushu-kei has thin noodle. Kyushu-kei ramen place you can choose the hardness of the noodle and also get noodle refile (Some places are free and some are 100yen) by saying "Kaedama Please!!".
Try from Rasuta or Gakkin for Yoyogi Blue and Red Apt.
Gakkin Ramen (Kyushu-kei): http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130403/13098088/
Rasuta Ramen (Ie-kei): http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130403/13019788/

Shio Ramen (= Salt Ramen).
I personally don't like at all but seems very popular among ramen girls.
The taste is usually very light and healthy.
Afuri (3min walk from Harajuku station) http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1306/A130601/13095244/

or

Torisoba Soruto  (Chikin broth ramen Salt)

Good Shio ramen place to try in Shimokita.

https://plus.google.com/107898879495364207092/about?gl=jp&hl=en

Shoyu Ramen (= Soy sauce base Ramen)
The simplest form of ramen. I personally don't like at all.
I will update if I find some good one near Yoyogi.

Gyokai-kei (= Fish source Ramen)
I will update if I find some good one near Yoyogi.

Miso Ramen (= Miso based Ramen)
You can start with a newly opened Miso ramen restaurant. 10min walk.
Kaku-A http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130403/13172323/

Tsukemen (Dipping Ramen)
As a default, they serve you cold noodle and hot soup.
If you feel awkward dipping cold noodle into hot soup, tell them "Atsumori" when you give the ticket, then they will serve you hot noodle (which I always do).

Yasubei (10min walk from Shinjuku)　http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13001055/
Mita seimenjo (10min walk from Shinjuku)　http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13119950/

FYI, below is only my favorite ramen.
Unless you really really love oily ramen with thick noodle and massive cha-shu, don't go.
The taste is much stronger than tonkotsu ramen.
Plus you need to wait in a queue for 1 hour easily.
Senrigan (20min walk from Yoyogi-hachiman station)　http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1318/A131811/13099150/

Live Music Near Yoyogi

More than 300 live venues and clubs in Tokyo and at least 30 of them are in walking distance, so if you like music, please check artists info you like before coming to Tokyo and find out where they will be playing.

Closest live venues from the apt
Zher the zoo
1min walk from Yoyogi station west exit.
http://www.ukproject.com/zherthezoo/

Labo
2min walk from Yoyogi station west exit.
http://www.yoyogi-labo.com/top/top.html

Barbara
2min walk from Yoyogi station north exit.
http://www.yoyogi-barbara.jp/index.html

Alteca
Acoustic Live bar located between the red apartment and the blue apartment.
http://www.artica.co.jp/

Womb
Many guests go to this club. In Shibuya. Not walking distance.
http://www.womb.co.jp/

Additional Info
Tokyo live event listing in English http://www.tochoh.com/
Tokyo live house http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2137155008642809001
Tokyo clubs http://www.tokyo-club.net/ 
Tokyo clubs http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2134361604310465701 

Osaka and Kyoto areas

If you are coming from Kyoto/Osaka area by bullet train, have left side seats so that you get to see mt.Fuji.
If you are going to Kyoto/Osaka area, have right side seats if you would like to see mt.Fuji.

Kyoto 
Food in Kyoto
Tenkaippin Ramen: One of the most well known tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen is originally from Kyoto. You get to choose Assari (light taste) and Kotteri (thick taste) when you order.

Osaka
Osaka Food
Okonomiyaki  and Takoyaki (Octopus balls) are everywhere.
Every 50m you see either one of them.

Zauo
This izakaya is interesting. Fishing izakaya.
There are fish in watertank and you can do fishing inside the izakaya.
After you catch fish, they can make them sashimi, or fly or sushi.
For sushi, you can even try to learn how to make it.
There are several shops located in Tokyo too.
http://www.zauo.com/index.html

Udongura
My #1 favorite in the world. I never liked udon but this changed my idea about udon. It's located in middle of nowhere so unless you really really love udon, don't go. 2000yen-3000yen.
Googlemap
Tabelog

Sightseeing Spot
Tenshinbashisuji Shotengai 
The longest local shopping street with bunch of interesting stuff that you don't see anywhere else.
Yelp

Tsutenkaku
Used to be a wacky district with bunch of weirdos when I was a kid, but now looks quite a local interesting shopping and izakaya district. They did a good job. The tower itself is not so tall and not so interesting, but the surrounding area is fun.

For the 1st Time Tokyo Travelers

◎ About Transportation
1. Tokyo train system is super convenient but quite complex. Make sure you have some train apps or train maps. My recommendations are below.
trains.jp (can look up your route in English. Very simple and easy app for Tokyo trains.)
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/trains.jp/id344946340?mt=8
android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bside.extremeambient.net
NAVITIME for Japan Travel (Advance version of above)
iTunes: http://www.navitime.co.jp/pcstorage/html/japan_travel/english/
android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navitime.inbound.walk&hl=ja

2.  JR Railway pass or Suica?
If you plan to travel many places in Japan, JR Railway pass is more beneficial, but if you are only travelling inside of Tokyo, Suica is good enough.
Suica (or any other train cards) is very convenient. You pay 500yen as deposit and charge anytime. You can get around 300yen back from deposit when you don't need it anymore. You can also pay for foods and drinks via this card at every convenience store. Most Japanese people use them.

3. The last train is usually 1:00am and the 1st train is around 4:40am.

4. Taxi is easy to get anywhere, but expensive (easily more than 1000yen for 15min). UBER is also available in Tokyo https://www.uber.com/ja/cities/tokyo

5. Bus
 A tiny blue bus called "Hachiko Bus" goes around Yoyogi-Harajuku-Shibuya area. It may be interesting to try it when you are tired of using train. http://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/eng/com_bus/ Refer to "Jinguno Mori Route"

6. Rental Cycle
The closest Rental Bike shop is Cogicogi in Shibuya. 1620yen/day.

Rental Bike Shop List in Tokyo.
http://rentabike.jp/index.html

7. Temporary Storage
There are coin lockers at almost every station. Also the following is the convenient temporary luggage storage areas near the apt.

Temporary Luggage Service in Tokyo Station:
http://www.sagawa-exp.co.jp/ttk/english/service/tenimotsu.html

Temporary Luggage Service in Shinjuku Station:
http://honest-afc.com/shinjuku-expressway-bus-terminal/

◎ General Tips
1. Free wifi
There are not many places with free wifi. You can utilize NTT Free Wifi Plan too. http://flets.com/freewifi/index.html
or
Visit SHIBUYA Wi-Fi

2. Shop Open Time
Many places even coffee shops and bakery open later than other countries like US. Yoyogi Starbucks opens from 7:00am but Yoyogi village bakery and coffee shops open from 9:00am. Please make sure to check the store opening time .
On the other hand, many izakaya, bars and restaurants open until quite late like midnight to 3:00am - 4:00am.

3. Where to withdraw JPY
- Seven-Eleven convenience stores (24 hrs open) are the easiest places to withdraw JPY using your International CC. (Other convenience stores ATM don't accept International CC).
Else if you need exchange currency, the closest International banks are located in Shinjuku.
http://www.tokyo-card.co.jp/wcs/shopdtl.php?no=2
http://www.tokyo-card.co.jp/wcs/shopdtl.php?no=3

4. LINE

LINE is the most used communication app than Skype, whatsup, viber etc. 

5. JP Adapter

The Japanese adapter is type A like below.

◎ Other Useful Information

http://tabelog.com/en/

the biggest restaurants review site in Japan

http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

Train timeline and route search

http://vegan.japanteam.net/en/index.htm

http://www.happycow.net/

For vegitarians and vegans

http://www.ntt-bp.net/jcfw/en.html

Search free wifi in Japan

http://www.tofugu.com/

Interesting site introducing many Japanese culture etc.

Sushi

There are thousands of sushi restaurants in Tokyo and very hard to recommend one.
If you are planning to visit fishing industry part of Japan, sushi is usually cheaper and better there, so have sushi there instead of in expensive concrete jungle Tokyo.
The following are several sushi restaurants in Tokyo that I can recommend (or located close by).

Sushi Darihan
5-10min walk. 2 closest sushi restaurants are located next each other. Budget around 3000-5000yen. Closest sushi from the apt.
Googlemap
Tabelog Darihan

Tsukiji fish market sushi restaurants. 
All places should be pretty fresh and good. Choose the one with some queue.
Use Toei Oedo line to Tsukijishijo. You don't need to change train and takes only 20min to get there.

Midori Shushi
Shibuya's pretty good Sushi. Budget around 4000yen.
Never been but its super popular and make you wait for a few hours.
http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13004624/
http://www.picrumb.com/best-restaurants/shibuya/umegaoka-sushino-midori/

Toriton Soramachi
http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1312/A131203/13141243/
Belt convey sushi in Tokyo Sky Tree.
Should be English menu. Around 2000yen.

Numazuko
http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13004192/
One of the popular belt-convey sushi in Shinjuku.
Of course Shinjku has lots of sushi especially around robot restaurants area (because of the rich hosts and hostess). This one is located west part of Shinjuku and quite cheap like 2000yen.

Sushi Iwa in Ginza
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2014/08/05/food/sushi-iwa-high-end-michelin-starred-sushi-at-a-medium-price/#.VE82r_mHRhw
Very very popular sushi restaurants for travelers and not so expensive. Around 20000yen.
Need reservation in advance.

Sushi Isshin (The contract expired and not available anymore...)
One of my favorite sushi restaurants. It's an only membership sushi restaurant, so I need to go there with you (I have the membership). We need to book at least 2 months in advance so let me know if you want to go. Around 11000yen for 1 person.
http://narumi.blog.jp/archives/2751570.html

Shintanaka
One of my favorite sushi restaurants. 70min all-you-can-eat sushi. This needs to be booked a few weeks in advance so let me know if you want to go.
Around 5000yen for 1 person,
http://yamama48.hatenablog.com/entry/mawaranai-sushi

The following are some top notch sushi restaurants in Tokyo. Dinner is crazy expensive (like 30000yen-50000yen) but lunch time is more decent.
Many places need to wait but no reservation required for the lunch time.
http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2133237776670395201

Popular Local Towns Near Yoyogi

All the well-known tourists spots (ie. Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Roppongi etc) are excluded from this list.

Shimokitazawa
Use Minamishinjuku station, not Yoyogi. 8min by Odakyu line
Local version of Harajuku where lots of young actors, actresses & musicians live.
Many used clothes shops, cafe and tiny theaters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimokitazawa

Okubo or Shinokubo
1 station north of Shinjuku
Korean town.
Great place if you like Korean food and Korean music.
http://okinawa.stripes.com/travel/shin-okubo-japans-seoul-town-attracts-visitors

Koenji
15min by JR Soubu line(#3 line in Yoyogi station):
Musician town where many used clothes shops, tattoo shops and live houses/bars.
http://www.japanvisitor.com/tokyo/tokyo-area-guides/koenji

Nakano
10min by JR Soubu line(#3 line in Yoyogi station):
Nakano broadway is quite popular for vintage/antique toys etc.
http://www.nbw.jp/index_e.html
Also hundreds of tiny local izakayas/bars are located and fun to walk around to have drink everywhere.

Kichijoji
20min by JR Soubu line(#3 line in Yoyogi station):
One of the most popular areas for young people to live.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inokashira_Park
http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/tourists/areas/areamap/kichijoji.html

* Of course, there are bunch more interesting places so if you have specific town you want to go, please let me know.

Kamakura

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2166.html

The easiest direction to Kamakura

Yoyogi: Yamate line towards Shibuya line#2 

↓7stations 

Shinagawa: Take JR yokosuka line towards Kamakura 

↓10stations 

Kamakura

Total 1:10min 

920yen

If you plan to go little bit further, there are bunch of hot spring in Atami area (which is another 1 hour further from Tokyo).

For your reference, when I go to Kamakura, I usually do the following. 

Go Kamakura for eating/sightseeing 

http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2135946288630722601 

http://retty.me/area/PRE14/ARE34/SUB3401/PUR1/topic/249/

and go to Enoshima for the aquarium and the beach. 

http://www.enosui.com/english.pdf

and Enoshima iseland for more sightseeing. 

http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2135411205436979301 

Not traditional Japanese foods but the following are some of my favorite places to eat in Kamakura area. 

http://tabelog.com/kanagawa/A1404/A140402/14000276/ 

http://tabelog.com/kanagawa/A1404/A140402/14011661/ 

http://tabelog.com/kanagawa/A1404/A140403/14046636/ 

Buying Gifts

Don Quijote 
Especially recommended for cheap funny gifts.
- Shinjuku
http://www.donki.com/search/shop_detail_en.php?st_store_id=29 
- Shibuya
http://www.donki.com/search/shop_detail_en.php?st_store_id=21

Harajuku Takeshita street
Especially recommended for teenage cheap clothes & accessories
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html

Village Vangurad
Especially recommended cool toys etc.
- Shinjuku
http://www.village-v.co.jp/shop/list/detail/?code=423
http://www.village-v.co.jp/shop/list/detail/?code=478

- Shibuya
http://www.village-v.co.jp/shop/list/detail/?code=447
http://www.village-v.co.jp/shop/list/detail/?code=462
http://www.village-v.co.jp/shop/list/detail/?code=488

- Shimokitazawa
http://www.village-v.co.jp/shop/list/detail/?code=13
(personally this one is bigger and the best)

Grocerry Stores
In Japan, it's cheaper to buy alcohol etc in grocery stores than the airports.

Bars & Craft Beers Near Yoyogi

I don't drink whiskey etc so please share me if you find something good!

Hub (Pub)
Probably the biggest British style chain pub in Japan. They are located everywhere but the one in front of Yoyogi station West exit is the closest. 2nd floor is a Spain Bar I sometimes go.
http://www.pub-hub.com/index.php/menu/lists/HUB
Googlemap

Tullamore (Pub)
3min walk from Yoyogi station east exit.
http://www.tullamore.jp/
Googlemap

Tanne (Germany Beer Bar)
1min walk from Yoyogi station west exit.
http://www.tanne-pf.co.jp/
Googlemap

Cafe Hoegaarden (Belgium Beer Bar)
15min walk from the apt. Its located next to Udon restaurant "Shin".
http://www.brussels.co.jp/shop/shinjuku
Googlemap

Koenji Beer Kobo (Japanese Craft Beer Bar)
http://beerkobo.web.fc2.com/
4 shops located in Odakyu line.
Very at home DIY Japaneses Craft Beer Brewery popular for locals.

Nakano Beer Kobo Googlemap
Koenji Beer Kobo Googlemap
Asagaya Beer Kobo Googlemap
Ogikubo Beer Kobo Googlemap

Craft Beer Bar GRATIALLIGO
http://gratialligo.jp/
literally in front of the red apt...discovered by my guests.
Brand new tiny tiny Craft Beet Bar across the street.

Watering Hole (Craft Beer Bar both Domestic and Overseas)
http://wateringhole.jp/
(http://airbnbdaisuke.blogspot.jp/2014/10/1-day-getting-around.html)

Tap Room (Japanese Craft Beer Bar)
3min walk from Harajuku.
http://bairdbeer.com/en/

Zoetrope in Shinjuku
I cant drink whiskey but this place is famous for whiskey.
http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/16602/Zoetrope

Bar Gen Yamomoto in Azabujuban
They only have their daily special cocktails.
http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/21239/Gen-Yamamoto

Additional Info:
Rate Beer Tokyo (English page)
http://www.ratebeer.com/places/city/tokyo/0/105/

15 Best Craft Beer Bars in Tokyo
http://www.timeout.jp/ja/tokyo/feature/6079

Tokyo IPA Bars
http://craftbeer-tokyo.info/tag/ipa/

Good Food in Yoyogi

For Ramen, Please see here.
For Sushi, Please see here.

Tamariba
1-2 min walk. One of my favorite izakaya that specializes in Yakitori.
Definitely one of the best yakitori izakaya in Tokyo.
Negima Tare (Chiken with green onion like below) is probably the most basic.
Budget around 2000-3000yen.
Googlemap

Tabelog

Yoyogi Village
3min walk. Outside bars & cafe that is very popular among trendy preppy young locals. Free wifi. Bakery can warm up your bread if requested.
You can bring your bread to the coffee shop and eat there. The coffee shop even gives you 50yen discount if you show them the bakery receipt.
http://www.yoyogi-village.jp/top/index.php
Googlemap

Ajito
1-2 min walk. Monjayaki and Tokyo style okonomiyaki Some guests like this okonomiyaki better than Osaka okonomiyaki. Budget around 2000-3000yen.
Tabelog
Googlemap

TEMPORARY CLOSED Tanden
5min walk. Quite good yakiniku with decent price (3000yen - 4000yen).
Googlemap
Tabelog

Kobe Wagyu Beef Yakiniku Ikuta 
https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130403/13029895/
A bit pricey (around 9000yen/person) but has good yakiniku with kobe beef and so close to the Yoyogi station.


Shin
15min walk. My top 2 favorite udon noodle in the world. (#1 is this place in Osaka).
Expect to wait for 15min-30min outside.
Googlemap
Tabelog
Another popular new-school udon places called "Tsurutontan" are also located in Shinjuku and Roppongi.

Sushi Darihan
5-10min walk. 2 closest sushi restaurants are located next each other. Budget around 3000-5000yen. Closest sushi from the apt.
Googlemap
Tabelog Darihan

Watering Hole
10min walk. One of the most popular Tokyo Craft Beer bar located near by.
Googlemap
http://wateringhole.jp/

Burgers Base
Chili burger is quite good and some guests' favorite burger. Around 2000yen. Dont know its a wise idea to try hamburger on your 1st day in Tokyo (especially if you are from Western Countries), but since its so close and so popular, I post it anyway.
Googlemap
Tabelog

Onyasai
Inexpensive all you can eat Shabushabu around 5000yen.
2min from Yoyogi west exit.
Googlemap

Yoyogi　Bar
One of my favorite local Italian + Japanese restaurant specialized in meat.
Around 4000yen.
Googlemap
Tabelog

tama-awa 
https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130403/13200104/
This place concept is "Craft JP Sake & Cheese", so if you like both, its a must go place for Yoyogi stay!!

Mouyan Curry
My favorite Japanese style curry restaurant. Lunch time is 1000yen buffet.
About 15-20min walk from the apt.
Shop1
  Googlemap
  Tabelog
Shop2
  Googlemap
  Tabelog

=========================== 

From here to below are more intermediate or bit higher price foods. Most cases, they need reservation. Let me know if you want me to make a reservation. 

Kokugyu
5min walk. Hi-end yakiniku around 10000yen+. Whenever I go, there are many rich couples.
http://www.kokugyu.com/

Imahan
3min walk. One of the best known shabushabu in Japan around 15000yen+.
My favorite shabushabu restaurant. Same restaurants are located in several areas and they are specialized in Sukiyaki, that is also amazing.
http://hirachitaiju.com/chat/shabushabu-yoyogi_imahan-is-champion/

Asami’s House Checkin Guide

General Info:

Address:

JP:東京都渋谷区東2-18-7 アトウビル402号室 150-0011
EN: Tokyo-To Shibuya-Ku Higashi 2-18-7 Room#402
Zip 150-0011

Closest Station:

-JR Line – Shibuya Station (East Exit from the South Exit Gate / New South Exit if you are taking the Narita Express)

-JR Line – Ebisu Station (West Exit) 

You can use the google map or refer to the following route from Shibuya to the apt.

Smart Lock Checkin:

Please checkout 12) in advance for your smooth checkin.

1) Find the South Exit at Shibuya Station and head for the East Exit by turning Right after exiting the gate.

2) Go to the end of the Passageway and turn right.

3) Go up the stairs or take the elevator depending on how much luggage you have.

4) Keep Going straight on the bridge/overpass.

5) When the passage splits up, go towards the right as the arrow shows. Head for this building which is the Shibuya Police Building.

6) Go down the stairs as if you are going towards the Police building.
Please remember there are no elevators so you have to carry your luggage down by yourselves. Go down the stairs here Police Building.

7) After you came down the stairs, just keep going straight following the direction you came from. It will take about 8min from there. And you will see a starbucks on the way. Maybe take a break? :)

8) There is a LARGE grocery store called LIFE on the way. You are on the right road if you see this and it’s a great place to pick up your grocery.

9) There is a post office on the way. You can send parcels, post cards from here.
And if you need to withdraw money from your bank/credit card, this is the place to do it because in Japan the only two ATMS that you can use are from the Postal Bank ATM or Seven Eleven ATM.

10) When you see this Bicycle shop, you have reached the building. Go through the entrance where the arrow is pointing.

11) Go inside and take a left and there is an elevator you can take. Please go up to the 4th floor.

12) You’ve reached the house!! and here is the movie how you open the smart key.
First touch the panel and four random numbers will come up.
Touch all the numbers and all the numbers will light up.
Then input the password provided by my airbnb message and the key is unlocked.

General House Rules

- Checkin time = 15:00pm or later
- Checkout time = 11:00am or before
- Garbage/Trash = The garbage room is in 1F. But unless you know how to distinguish garbage in JP, please bag them and leave them inside the apt and we will take care of it after your checkout.

- No smoking inside the house. (you are more than welcome to go outside and smoke but no smoking allowed within) It WILL trigger the fire alarm.

- If you are staying there longer for 3 days, please water the plants if you can.
- Please Turn off AC when you go out/check-out. Again, I will need to charge you, so please be mindful. (it can be a waste of energy and money)
- Leave all towels and sheets where they are. If you left something, please let me know as soon as possible so I can have the cleaners retrieve it.

Wi-Fi

- ID : asamirocks  & PW : jivamukti108

- UNLIMITED so please use as much as you like and take it outside on your convenience, but please do NOT lose it.

- Model 501HW HUAWEI
- In case there is no Internet...

1. Plz first check your ID and PW.
2. try to restart the pocket wife device.
3. If there is still no Internet, plz reset the device by pressing #8 reset bottom for 5sec.

Recommended Places nearby

1. Grain Bread and Brew
http://www.grainbb.com/
One of the best and closest coffee shop!

2. Mamma Luisa’ｓTABLE
https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1303/A130302/13179464/
Stylish Italian Cafe

3. Pillar Cafe
http://pillar-cafe.net/
Cute Cafe you can also rent a bike!!

4. Coin Laundry and Sento (Public bath)
http://www.1010.or.jp/map/item/item-cnt-344
This public bath has been there for 100years!!
Address : 渋谷区東2-19-9

The Apt Room Structure 

Thank you and Enjoy your Stay in Shibuya!!