Top 5 summer spots in Tokyo

1. All C's Café in Koenji

Situated north of Koenji station, this small café is a little hidden. You have to go up a staircase and enter through a door that looks the like the door of a regular apartment. Just a small signboard at the bottom of the stairs tells you that there is a café hidden here. You can check their homepage for more detailed access information.

Even though it is nice to visit throughout the year in summer the people at All C's Café in Koenji will usually have limited summer parfaits that you won't want to miss out on.

This is a photo of last year's watermelon parfait.

These parfaits at All C's Café are perfect for the hot seasons and at around 1,000 yen are reasonably priced. However, you also have to order at least one drink.

English menus are available but limited seasonal food items are usually not listed on the English-language menu so make sure to check out their Instagram or Twitter feed.

The cafe is usually not crowded but you might have to wait for a short while on weekends.

2. Pokémon Center

Similarly, you can visit the several Pokémon centers in Tokyo throughout the year but in summer they will usually have special campaigns and events making them a top summer spot in Tokyo for fans of the anime.

This year, starting from July 20, visitors will receive a Pokémon center limited novelty for every purchase over 4,000 yen. Also during summer at the Pokémon center there will be special events held on weekends where you can participate in small games and win prizes.

Here you can find a detailed schedule.

Pictured above is a game at the Pokémon center where players have to stack up Pikachu plushies on a big Snorlax plushie without making the Snorelax topple over. These are designed for children but adults are allowed to participate as well. Although the difficulty level is a little to easy for adults I would say.

3. Shibuya 109

At top summer spot in Tokyo for shoppers!  If you are looking for a bargain during the summer in Tokyo go check out 109 in Shibuya.

Over several floors at Shibuya 109 you can find stores of several Japanese clothing brands mostly aimed at women in their teens and 20s. During summer they always have a big summer sale where a lot of items are reduced to around 50%. However, you might want to bring ear protection as all shop tenants try to catch your attention by screaming at the top of their lungs. This year the summer sale at 109 will go on until July 31.

At certain times of the day there will be "time sales" where items will be reduced further for a limited time, usually one hour. Some shops announce them on social media.  For others you will just have to be in the right place at the right time.

The shopping center is easily reachable if you leave Shibuya station at the Hachiko Exit. 

4. Shirohige Cream Puff Factory

Shirohige Cream Puff Factory sells cream puffs in the shape of the character Totoro from the anime, "My Neighbour Totoro."

Shirohige Cream Puff Factory is easy to reach on foot from the station Setagaya Daita.  You can eat inside or take them out. They are priced at around 400 to 500 yen.

As a Ghibli fan, this is a must-visit. This cafe is also nice in every season but only in summer can you enjoy the limited flavors of peach and mango cream. The manga cream puff has a really intense mango flavor and is quite sweet, whereas the peach cream puff is a little lighter in flavor and sweetness. They also offer several kinds of pasta if you are really hungry.

5. Odaiba Kaihin Koen (Odaiba Seaside Park)

This place is perfect for your summer beach vibes making it a top summer spot in Tokyo. Although it is not recommended for swimming in the waters along on the 800-meter-long beach you can enjoy relaxing at the beach or all kinds of beach and water sports. If it gets too hot, you can just head for some of the shopping malls or restaurants in Odaiba and chill. You can also enjoy a great view of Rainbow Bridge.

Odaiba Seaside Park is perfect if you want to go to the beach but do not want to travel too far.

It is only a short walk Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station or the Daiba station.

How did you like my top 5 summer spots in Tokyo? Where do you like to go during summer in Tokyo?