The Neighborhood Daikanyama, Tokyo, Japan

One of the biggest misconceptions about Tokyo is that it's all crowds, concrete and neon lights. While you can certainly find those things here, there's more to Japan's capital than Lost in Translation would lead you to believe. Tokyo is chockfull of quiet nooks worthy of your travel checklist, and to kick off my new neighborhood series on the blog, I'm sharing my favorite and the one I call home: Daikanyama.

Artsy, sophisticated and intimidatingly hip, Daikanyama is often likened to Manhattan's SoHo district - albeit a quieter, subdued version. Littered with open-air cafes and trendy upscale boutiques, this neighborhood is largely a weekend destination for Tokyoites looking to while away a Saturday sipping cold-pressed juice and shopping for high-end fashion. What drew me to Daikanyama was its relaxed vibe, tree-lined streets and unbelievable eateries. Amazingly, this suburbia-like oasis is just a 20-minute walk from the world's busiest intersection (aka, the Shibuya Scramble). Read on for my recommendations on what to see and where to eat, drink and shop in DKY! ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).