Red Bull's driver Yuki Tsunoda talks us through the must-see places in Tokyo ahead of his home race at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Whenever Yuki Tsunoda returns to fast and furious Tokyo after months of (literally) racing around the globe, it's the city's bountiful food options that help remind him he's home.

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Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda, the youngest ever Japanese F1 driver, began his career at AlphaTauri in the 2021 season. He has driven 90 races for the team, which rebranded as RB at the start of the 2024 campaign. At the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, he became the first homegrown racer to score a point at the Suzuka Circuit since 2012.

"When I'm back I always make a detailed plan of where I'm going to eat," declares the young Red Bull driver; known for being one of Formula 1's biggest foodies. "On every single street and every single block there are so many great restaurants. The competition for food is so high as currently Tokyo has the highest concentration of Michelin star restaurants in the world.

A native of Sagamihara city, around 47km south-west of Tokyo, Tsunoda – who now lives in Faenza, Italy – heads straight to Tokyo whenever he's back in Japan. "Even when I return to Japan now, which happens around three times a year, I normally stay in Tokyo," he says. "That's where I can do business, enjoy the food and experience the nightlife. It's always so fun to be back there."

Each April, Tsunoda's return to Tokyo is particularly triumphant when he races in his home Grand Prix. For Tsunoda, what separates the Japanese Grand Prix from the other tracks is the scintillating and contagious atmosphere, which he insists he "can feel in the car". Every time Tsunoda emerges at the Suzuka Circuit, he's greeted with a tidal wave of cheers and support that only increases when he's in the car and racing around the circuit.

The excitement was particularly vibrant at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, when he finished 10th to become the first Japanese drive to score points since 2012. "As soon as I got out of the car, I could see so many people were happy," he says. "With that kind of support, you just feel like a hero. You also feel extra pressure too, and responsibility. But it's a special feeling."

After the race, Tsunoda had no shortage of ways to celebrate. As the world's most populous metropolitan area, home to more than 41 million residents as of 2024, Tokyo is constantly abuzz with energy and excitement. Visitors (and locals) get lost in its bustling markets and bask in its futuristic, neon-lit shopping and nightlife sectors, while the city's many parks, gardens and ancient temples mean there's also room for contemplation and self-reflection.

Here are Tsunoda's top ways to enjoy Tokyo – off the grid.

The city now known as Tokyo began life as a small fishing village called Edo, inhabited since ancient times. Today, its centuries of rich history are proudly on display in its captivating backdrop of modern skyscrapers set against historic temples. Each of the city's 23 wards offers unique sights – like youthful, trendy Shibuya with its iconic "scramble" street crossing; and Ginza, lined with elegant luxury boutiques.

Tip:

The best time of year to visit Tokyo is undeniably the end of March or in April, says Tsunoda. There's one very good reason for that: cherry blossom season. "They're only around for a very short time, so you need a bit of luck. But the cherry blossom trees bloom across all of Tokyo. It makes the city so beautiful." Tsunoda's favourite place to enjoy the sight is down by Meguro River. It's home to a tree-lined path that's more than 4km long; a picturesque and relaxing place to soak up Japan's natural wonder.

When Tsunoda wants to soak up Tokyo's modern-meets-ancient scenery, he heads to Asakusa, a........

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