Content creator Keegan Hasekawa’s perfect day in Tokyo

In our Perfect Day column, we ask famous Tokyoites to share how they spend their ideal day in their hometown.

Keegan Hasegawa was born in Fukushima and raised in Northern Virginia before moving to Japan four years ago for two reasons: to explore his Japanese roots and to pursue a career in software engineering. He ended up doing only the former. He has a lifelong love for all things creative and now spends his time highlighting Japanese artisan and fashion culture on social media in hopes of bringing attention to unique stories and people.

My perfect day in Tokyo would be…

On a perfect day, I’d start with a quick workout and then run by the Tama River, enjoying the peace and green before waking up elsewhere in Tokyo. Afterwards, I would pick up some friends and get a bagel and coffee from there. Bagels and bagels In Futakotamagawa.

Tokyo has amazing specialty vintage shops, but affordable thrift stores can be hard to find. However, just outside the city Bookoff Super Charity Sale Tarumachi is a warehouse-like treasure trove of everything from 1,200 yen indigo-dyed bootcut jeans to camping gear. Of all the thrift stores I’ve been to, this is by far the best.

I’ll be there after the treasure hunt May Cafe Located in Shibuya, it has the best taco rice in the city. Since it’s tucked away in a back alley, I’ve never seen this place crowded. It’s a great place to relax and get work done. As an avid music lover, I also want to check it out Daai Records. The walls are covered in vinyl signed by the artist, giving the space a cozy, interior feel. There is also a bar on site, an elegant way to start your evening.

Next will be bar juice In Shimokitazawa, it’s a cozy spot filled with vintage Star Wars action figures, playable N64s and a bartender ready to show off his favorite MTV VHS tapes. I honestly can’t think of a more perfect place to hang out.

I’ll end the night rallying my troops in the big karaoke room Karaoke Rainbow In Shibuya – it had a drum set, guitars and a giant neon sign. This is where my friends and I have some of the best memories.

Tokyo’s best kept secret is…

its people. While the city is stereotyped as being lonely, the mom-and-pop shops outside popular areas are filled with the most outgoing characters and great conversation. My advice: be sure to choose a store that looks like it barely passed a health inspection.

One place I’ve always wanted to try is…

that island Ozushima. I’ve been there in winter, but summer is supposed to be Okinawa style. Somehow, it’s located within Tokyo and exists solely by a traffic light. It has amazing nature, beaches and genuinely kind people – while I was there I noticed someone had left their car unlocked. I asked why. They replied, “This place is so small, if someone stole it, where would they take it? Besides, I probably know them.”

More information

Follow Keegan on Instagram.

Updated on November 27, 2025