3 Must-Watch Japanese Dramas Before Your Tokyo Trip

Tokyo, a city where the dazzling Shibuya Scramble Crossing meets the serene alleys of Asakusa. As Tokyo continues to be a beloved destination this year, we introduce three life-changing Japanese dramas that will elevate your travel excitement to the max. If you carry the emotions from the screen in your heart before you go, even ordinary Tokyo subway stations and backstreets will feel like scenes from a movie.


1. Netflix's 'First Love' (First Love 初恋)

Inspired by Hikaru Utada's iconic song 'First Love', this drama captivated the world with its stunning visuals, telling a story of poignant first love memories.

While its main setting is the snow-covered landscapes of Sapporo, the protagonists' reunions, farewells, and traces of their intense lives are romantically woven into various parts of Tokyo. Arrive in Tokyo with the drama's powerful resonance still lingering, and walk the streets with Hikaru Utada's melodies in your ears. You'll experience a miracle as Tokyo's blue night sky and the intersection lights transform into the nostalgic hues of first love.


2. Tokyo's Heartbeat: MIU404

If you want to feel Tokyo's most vivid and dynamic energy, we highly recommend this well-made police procedural about a mobile investigation unit. It features the overwhelming chemistry between two brilliant actors, Gen Hoshino and Gou Ayano.

The protagonists race day and night in their Unit 4 mobile police car through Tokyo's bustling main streets like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi, as well as the dark back alleys of Kabukicho. By meticulously capturing the real face of Tokyo hidden behind sleek skyscrapers and the city's breathless pace, the night streets of Tokyo you encounter after watching the drama will feel far more three-dimensional and exciting than before.


3. A Taste of Comfort in Humble Alleys: TV Tokyo's 'The Solitary Gourmet' (孤独のグルメ)

If 'gourmet' is the essence of your Tokyo trip, then a binge-watch of 'The Solitary Gourmet', the absolute textbook in this genre, is a must. The protagonist Goro Inogashira's perfect solo dining experiences as he seeks out hidden local eateries throughout Tokyo bring a satisfying sense of fullness just by watching.

It showcases the unadulterated flavors of real local alleys, far from fancy fine dining – like old izakayas in Monzen-Nakacho or cozy eateries in Nezu. By previewing Tokyo's humble culinary world, which unfolds with the famous line, "I'm... hungry," your journey to find your own hidden gems will become even richer.