Ananya is a creator and entrepreneur, best known for her comedic skits and candid takes on life in Japan. Raised in California’s Bay Area, she began teaching herself Japanese at 13. After leaving a role at Amazon in 2023, she moved to Tokyo, where she’s built a following of more than 900,000. Her many ventures include running her own beginner language course, “Japanese with Ananya,” and hosting Tokyo Talks, a podcast about people shaping Japan’s creative and business scenes.

Here’s how she’d spend a perfect day in the capital city.

My perfect day in Tokyo is …

I’d kick things off with a run around Komazawa Olympic Park — I trained here for the Tokyo Marathon with Asics earlier this year and ran these paths so many times, every painted line is burned into my memory. I love how many people are already out moving early in the morning.

From there, I’d head straight to Long Weekend in Sangenjaya for a soy latte and butter banana bread. It’s my reset spot. I’d crack open a book and ease into the day. On a workday, I’d head home to shoot some content before making my way to my office at Eat Play Works in Hiroo to answer emails and record an episode of my podcast, Tokyo Talks.

Lunch would be at Harry’s Sandwich Company in Harajuku — it reminds me of home with its San Francisco-style sandwiches. I never get tired of wandering Harajuku, either. Beneath the tourist chaos are endless little streets I’m still discovering. I first fell in love with kawaii culture here, during my high school homestay in Japan, so there’s something nostalgic about it. Next, I’d pop into the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum nearby and check out whatever gacha machines catch my eye on the walk.

For dinner, I’d go to Sangenjaya Kunsei 201. Every dish, from appetizers to dessert, is smoked, and the whole experience is unlike anything else. I’d close the night at Thai Sakaba Jam with friends over bar bites and a Thai tea highball. Lately, though, I’ll be honest … I’ve been glued to my TV playing Pokopia instead of going out.

Tokyo’s best-kept secret is …

Coffee omakase. Hear me out — Koffee Mameya Kakeru is a multicourse coffee experience where baristas in lab coats walk you through intricate drinks and pairings. Ask them anything, and their love for coffee just pours out of them. I was flattered when the barista said I looked just like Ariana Grand.

A place I have always wanted to try is …

Naoshima, known as Japan’s art island — contemporary museums, Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculptures and traditional fishing villages all woven together off the coast of Okayama. The idea of experiencing art as you wander through nature? That’s a dream. Can’t wait to finally make it out there.

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Follow Ananya on Instagram at @hiananyaa_.