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Tokyo is a a neon-charged hive of exercise, the place centuries-old temples share sidewalks with towering fashionable skyscrapers. It’s the most effective cities on the planet to see how custom and expertise can seamlessly lock collectively harmoniously.
From the second you step off the practice, you’ll really feel it: the electrical power of a metropolis that by no means powers down, a spot the place meals from merchandising machines is nearly as good as Michelin-star eating places, the place robots are as frequent as cats, and the place a contemporary tradition is so distinctive, it may solely be recognized as from Tokyo.
Tokyo isn’t all fast-forward, there are additionally locations the place you may respect quiet moments. From manicured Japanese gardens, to scorching spring Onsens, to lavish parks, the place you need buzz or respiratory area, you’ll discover there are such a lot of issues to do in Tokyo to satisfy your vibe.
On this information, I share a few of my private favourite issues to do within the Japanese capital from my very own expertise. I share the place I’ve discovered the most effective sushi, Japanese art work, fashionable tradition, and must-do distinctive experiences, in addition to iconic landmarks.
High tip: If you’re staying for longer than per week in Japan and are going to journey by practice between main cities, a Japan rail go would undoubtedly be the economical solution to go. You could purchase them earlier than you get to Japan. Take a look at this website for extra data.
1. Be served by a Robotic Waiter at Daybreak Avatar Robotic Cafe
One factor that separates Tokyo from the remainder of the world is how technologically superior the town is, and you’ll actually see this side of Japan in its shopper expertise. One instance of that is at Daybreak Avatar Robotic Cafe, which is precisely what it says on the tin. It’s a restaurant that has changed waiters with robots.
Have you ever ever had a meal purchased to you by a robotic dressed up as a human? I’m guessing the reply is not any. When you may suppose that the thought is to get rid of the human workforce, this couldn’t be farther from the reality. Robotic waiters are literally remote-controlled by disabled staff. It was created as a means of offering a chance for individuals who are unable to depart the home because of medical causes.
While you’re served by a robotic waiter, you might be nonetheless speaking to an individual, they’re simply sitting at dwelling and controlling the robotic remotely by way of the web. Fairly cool, proper?
2. Stroll throughout the Shibuya Crossing
Maybe some of the iconic issues to do in Tokyo is to stroll throughout Shibuya Crossing, also called doing the Shibuya Scramble. That is the world’s largest and busiest pedestrian crossing and can also be some of the photographed scenes in Tokyo.
The sq. is surrounded by glitzy skyscrapers and flashing billboards displaying the most recent ads, which is especially spectacular at night time. When the site visitors lights flip crimson, the crossing turns into chaotic as 3,000 individuals cross from all angles. In the event you’re touring with youngsters, make certain to regulate them so that they don’t get misplaced within the crowd.
In truth, a high tip for individuals who need to keep away from being thrown into the throng of individuals is to view the crossing from the 2nd flooring of the Starbucks at Shibuya Tsutaya. Not solely does it provide you with a view of the crossing from above, nevertheless it’s free to enter.
3. Dine at an intimate Ramen Restaurant
Attempting all of the scrumptious delicacies must be on the high of your record when planning an unforgettable Japan itinerary. One dish you can not miss is ramen. It is a scorching noodle soup that’s often served with hen or pork.
One of many nation’s favourite ramen eating places is Ichiran, which has particular person, intimate (albeit anti-social) cubicles the place you’re steaming scorching ramen is served to you by way of a gap within the wall. After you have your ramen, a curtain is closed and also you’re alone in your little sales space. It’s presupposed to get rid of all distractions so you may focus on the flavour.
There are a number of Ichiran shops everywhere in the metropolis, however I recommend visiting the one in Shibuya because it’s probably the most frequented by vacationers.
4. Discover the Wonders of Cat Avenue, Harajuku District
The Harajuku District is Tokyo’s style district, although style right here is a bit more colourful and quirky than what you may discover within the West.
Cat Avenue is presumably the most effective road to see all of Harajuku’s strange tendencies. You’ll see many individuals sporting daring and eclectic style statements, and it’s additionally an awesome place to strive unusual and fantastic road meals.
You’ll be able to eat rainbow-colored sweet floss, a croquant chou (a sort of croissant and cream puff mixture with Hokkaido cream), fried potato, crepes, and delicate ice cream. Additionally, you will see a number of locations promoting bubble tea. Takeshita Avenue is the place to go on this neighborhood for anime-related purchasing.
TOUR IDEA: Loopy Cute & Kawaii Harajuku Meals Tour
5. Take a day journey to Hakone
In the event you’re visiting in Autumn, contemplate a day journey out to Hakone Nationwide Park. That is the closest park to the town the place you may see Mount Fuji within the distance.
One of many explanation why October is especially vital is as a result of it’s the time of yr when the clouds disperse. Mount Fuji has a cloud protecting its peak 60% of the time, and the top of fall and the beginning of winter are the most effective occasions of yr to see it.
In the event you’re visiting every other time of yr, it truly is a stroke of luck if Fuji pokes its head out of the clouds, however that doesn’t imply Hakone isn’t value visiting. The nationwide park is made up of small villages, scorching springs, and temples. It’s additionally the place you’ll see unbelievable views of Lake Ashinoko.
For these touring with youngsters, your little ones will love taking the Hakone Tozan practice as much as the very best village, after which a cable automotive to the village of Gora on the high of the mountain. The practice leaves from Odawara, so make certain to take a look at the Odawara Fortress when you’re within the space.
In the event you get unfortunate with the climate, head over to one of many many onsens and luxuriate in a soothing dip in one of many scorching spring swimming pools. You possibly can simply spend two or three days exploring this rural nature spot, simply make certain to get a Hakone Cross earlier than you go to.
6. Go to the Meiji Jingu Shrine
Japan is just not wanting Shinto shrines, however in Tokyo specifically, you’ll find a number of the most lovely. The Meiji Shrine is the largest shrine in Tokyo and is devoted to Emperor Meiji and his spouse Empress Shoken.
The shrine was inbuilt an iris backyard that the Emperor and Empress had been recognized to go to. The world is protected by a forest, which covers 70 hectares of land. The forested space is a recreation space for the individuals of Tokyo. The shrine was inbuilt 1915, three years after the Emperor’s dying.
The shrine was a nationwide venture, combining the efforts of youth teams and different civic associations throughout the nation. Every a part of the shrine was donated by completely different components of Japan and was mentioned to have price US$26 million on the time. The unique constructing was destroyed throughout WWI however was rebuilt utilizing group funding efforts.
Shrines are often free to enter, so they’re nice sights for these on a finances.
7. See the Stays of Edo Historical past at The East Imperial Palace Backyard
The Imperial Palace is a big park complicated that sits on the positioning of the previous Edo Fortress. The park is surrounded by moats and nice stone partitions and accommodates the citadel belonging to the Japanese Imperial household. The palace was constructed when the household was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1888, nevertheless it was destroyed throughout WWII. A alternative was inbuilt the identical fashion, which you’ll see as we speak.
Guests can not enter the buildings however are free to wander the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The palace grounds are solely accessible by guided tour. The tour takes round 75 minutes and it’s finest to e book prematurely to keep away from disappointment.
8. Discover your fortune at Asakusa’s Sensō-Ji Temple
Maybe some of the iconic websites in Japan is the Senso-Ji Temple within the Asakusa district. This historic Buddhist temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and in addition some of the vital.
It’s devoted to Kannon, the god of compassion, and receives over 30 million guests annually. The positioning can also be well-known for the five-story pagoda and Shinto shrine within the complicated. The temple can also be an awesome place to find out about your future by taking an omikuji, a strip of paper that tells your fortune.
To do that, search for the sales space that has a set of metallic tins. Merely place a ¥100 coin in one of many metallic containers, give it a shake, and an omikuji rod will seem. The rod may have Japanese symbols and a quantity on it. Go to the field with the quantity on the rod and take out one omikuji. This slip of paper will reveal your luck.
9. Sing Karaoke Till Daybreak
Japan is the birthplace of Karaoke so it could be a disgrace to not give it a go when you’re in Tokyo! Sometimes, karaoke is how the Japanese social gathering laborious, hiring cubicles with mates and colleagues and singing the night time away till daybreak.
For younger adults visiting the town, spending the entire night time singing in a room with your mates is unquestionably up there as a novel factor to do. In the event you’re touring as a household, you may nonetheless benefit from the enjoyable in a family-friendly karaoke room.
Pasela Resorts is a karaoke venue that gives non-public, family-friendly karaoke rooms with a big selection of western songs, and a few kid-friendly songs too. There’s even a bounce home in the event you’re little ones are uninterested in singing.
10. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match
In the event you’re in search of enjoyable and strange issues to do in Tokyo at night time, then get your self some tickets to look at a sumo wrestling match. Sumo is a sort of non-violent fight that first started in Japan within the Japanese Center Ages. It began as a type of army coaching after which grew to become a well-liked sport among the many plenty.
It was additionally frequent for spectators to sponsor or wager on wrestlers, and was even used as a solution to increase cash for shrines and temples. The game is most well-known for the scale of its rivals. Sumo wrestlers achieve weight in order that it’s more durable for his or her opponents to knock them out of the sector.
In the event you’re taken with studying extra in regards to the sport and its historical past, you may go to the city of Ryogoku, additionally known as a sumo city. Right here you may see the place wrestlers reside and practice. The Kokugikan Stadium is the place you’ll be capable to watch matches.
DAY TRIP IDEA: Grand Sumo Match Tour in Tokyo: Watch a Grand Sumo event with a small group of most 8 and real-time commentaries by an knowledgeable information. Strolling tour round Ryogoku, a sumo city can also be included. Study extra right here.
11. Chill out in a Japanese Backyard at Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
In the event you’re in search of extra enjoyable issues to do in Tokyo then spend just a few hours wandering within the quaint Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard. The big park is positioned within the middle of the town and was as soon as a part of the Naitō household’s residence through the Edo interval.
In the event you occur to go to in late March and early April throughout cherry blossom season, you completely want to return right here to see the 400 semei yoshino and cherry blossom timber bloom. They solely bloom for per week a yr so that you completely can’t miss this in the event you’re visiting initially of Spring.
The park options a number of small gardens that pay homage to different international locations’ kinds, corresponding to an English backyard and a French backyard. It additionally has the oldest conventional Japanese panorama backyard with a big pond with islands related by bridges, in addition to a botanical backyard. It’s the proper place to hang around if the town feels a bit of overwhelming.
12. Play arcade video games at Leisure Land
The district of Akihabara is legendary for its digital outlets and is nicknamed the “digital district” of Tokyo. Nestled within the coronary heart of this district is presumably some of the enjoyable issues to do in Tokyo.
Leisure Land is an arcade that gives 5 flooring of gaming services. Guests can select between over 100 video video games, crane machines, and arcade video games. Not solely do you may have limitless hours of enjoyable enjoying all of the completely different video games, however in the event you’re fortunate you may win some uncommon character merchandise as a memento to take dwelling.
The Ikebukuro neighborhood can also be place to go for arcade video games.
13. Take Half in a Tea Ceremony
Ingesting tea in Japan is just not a easy matter of boiling a kettle and throwing a tea bag in a mug. In Zen Buddhism, a tea ceremony promotes concord, purity, and tranquility.
The entire course of of constructing and ingesting tea is taken into account a meditative course of. Each step, from the kind of tea you brew to the way in which that it’s brewed, has a particular that means. Participating in a tea ceremony is likely one of the methods you may expertise Tokyo’s extra non secular facet. It’s additionally a chilled expertise in case you want a extra enjoyable exercise.
14. Go to Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo has no scarcity of skyscrapers and viewpoints, however probably the most well-known ones are Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree. Each buildings are related in that they each have 360 panoramic views of the town from their statement decks, although Tokyo Tower is the extra well-known one (designed to seem like the Eiffel Tower). It’s mentioned that on a transparent day, you may see Mount Fuji within the distance.
Although positioned in several components of the town, they provide the identical expertise, so it’s finest to decide on which one to go to by proximity to different high sights in Tokyo you need to see.
15. Find out about Futuristic Robots at Miraikan
You’ve most likely seen a good few robots whereas in Tokyo, whether or not you’re in search of them or not. They appear to be taking on the town, so why not be taught extra in regards to the newest technological developments when you’re there?
The Miraikan is the town’s museum of rising science and innovation and is the place you may see the place a number of the newest and most superior applied sciences have been utilized, from the most recent in area journey to how it may be utilized to home life. What brings most individuals to the museum is seeing the robotworld exhibit. That is an exhibition that reveals what life can be like if robots lived with us; from robotic pets to an android human servant, which seems freakishly lifelike.
16. Take a look at the Artwork Installations at teamLab
In the event you’re a photographer and in search of a brand new playground to play in along with your digital camera, then you definately’ll love exploring the artwork installations inside teamLab.
The exhibitions change recurrently, however the idea stays the identical. These holographic gentle installations can help you enter a multi-dimensional actuality. The artwork facility, established by teamLab, makes use of state-of-the-art digital expertise to create immersive artwork. That is simply one other instance of how Japan has used expertise to succeed in new ranges.
17. Eat Ramen from a Merchandising Machine
Sure, we’ve already talked about making an attempt ramen earlier than, however it is a little completely different. One of many issues that make Tokyo distinctive is how merchandising machines are used to ship virtually all the pieces. You should buy soup, greens, scorching canines, and even sensible objects corresponding to umbrellas, batteries, and in case of utmost emergencies…a spare workplace tie.
Top-of-the-line objects you will get from a merchandising machine is a frozen ramen ready-meal. When you do have to take your ramen dwelling and warmth it, you may simply buy your meal from a 24-hour ‘Ramen Inventory’ merchandising machine from three locations all through the town. In the event you ever really feel like a midnight snack, make certain to maintain your eyes open for extra merchandising machines as they pop up all through the town.
18. Take pleasure in a Conventional Okonomiyaki meal
Japanese meals is unquestionably the most effective causes to go to Tokyo and in the event you’re a foodie fan, you’ll love tasting all of the distinctive cuisines right here.
Okonomiyaki (say that 5 occasions quick) is unquestionably up there as some of the scrumptious native delicacies. It’s a sort of Japanese pancake dish historically cooked on a teppan (a flat scorching plate) in the course of the desk. Your server will often pour the combination on the teppan and it’s as much as you to prepare dinner it.
As soon as it’s cooked to your liking, it’s then smothered in Japanese mayonnaise (not like Western mayo, it’s higher) and okonomiyaki sauce (a form of BBQ sauce).
Many various elements go into okonomiyaki nevertheless it’s historically made with cabbage and pork.
You’ll discover okonomiyaki everywhere in the metropolis however we will vouch for Sometarō close to the Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa as place to strive it.
19. Take the children to Tokyo Disneyland
One of many high Disneyland’s on the planet, Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983 as the primary Disney theme park outdoors the USA. It combines the anticipated magic of basic Disney with a Japanese twist.
It has seven themed lands, from the fairy-tale world of Fantasyland to Tomorrowland and the adventurous thrills of Adventureland, the place you may experience beloved sights like “It’s a Small World,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Splash Mountain” however pair it with seasonal parades that mirror Japanese tradition.
Little youngsters will love Disneyland, and in the event you additionally love aquariums, take them to Tokyo Disneysea for a enjoyable day trip.
20. Pay a go to to the Ghibli Museum
Studio Ghibli is what put anime tradition on the map. It’s an animation studio that’s the one one to obtain an Oscar, and its motion pictures, corresponding to My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, are liked internationally.
The Ghibili Museum which opened in 2001 is a whimsical tribute to the legacy of Studio Ghibli, and options intricately designed displays, life-sized movie units, and unique art work that showcase the animation course of from sketch to display screen.
21. Go to the Tsukiji Outer Market
On the outskirts of Tokyo is the Tsukiji Outer Market, which emerged from the relocation of the well-known inside market in 2018. It’s the place you may see distributors promoting recent seafood and native produce, at work.
In the event you’ve ever puzzled the place your sushi comes from, this market gives you a glimpse. The Tsukiji Outer Market is energetic and genuine, and for culinary fanatics, shouldn’t be skipped.
22. Take a stroll down Reminiscence Lane aka Omoide Yokocho
In the event you’re in search of a novel expertise, take a stroll down Piss Alley. Sorry what? Omoide Yokocho, usually referred to as “Reminiscence Lane” or “Piss Alley,” is a slim, atmospheric community of alleys within the Shinjuku district that date again to the post-World Struggle II period.
Initially it was a hub for small eateries serving staff and vacationers, however now it has develop into a bit extra touristy. Nonetheless, it has retained its nostalgic allure with tightly packed izakayas, yakitori grills, and tiny bars, every backed onto dimly lit alleys.
Omoide Yokocho is timeless, and is likely one of the finest locations to go to pattern genuine Japanese road meals tradition.
23. Go to the department shops (Don Quijote and Tokyu Fingers)
An ideal spot for memento purchasing and to see how the locals reside, go to a division retailer.
The shops characteristic a number of flooring of high-end style, cosmetics, electronics, and conventional Japanese crafts, and still have superbly curated meals halls often known as depachika, the place yow will discover extra inexpensive eats.
Don Quijote, also called Donki or Don Don Don Donki, as you’ll quickly realise as you stroll within the entrance doorways and listen to the track, has all of your distinctive Japanese snacks and craft desires. I personally love the matcha cream puffs there, which isn’t probably the most “Japanese” snack yow will discover, however to me they’re nice.
Tokyu Fingers is the place to go for distinctive Japanese merchandise you may’t discover wherever else. Get distinctive cooking devices, magnificence merchandise, and different random objects you wouldn’t suppose to get your self like bathroom seat covers. If you wish to get quirky presents for individuals, I extremely suggest you go to those two department shops.
Finest time to go to Tokyo
The most effective time to go to Tokyo is within the spring (March to Could) or the autumn (September to November), as that is when the climate is gentle and sunny.
In spring, Tokyo is legendary for its cherry blossoms, the place the cherry timber bloom only for two weeks within the yr, turning parks and riversides into breathtaking seas of pink.
Autumn brings crisp air and beautiful foliage, in addition to clear skies, and is the most effective time to see Mount Fuji.
Summer season might be scorching and humid, and can also be when Japan has Golden Week, per week wherein there are 4 nationwide holidays again to again, that means the locals all take their holidays at the moment. It may be busy in rural areas this time of yr, although Tokyo is quiet.
The place to remain in Tokyo
If it’s your first go to to Tokyo, you is likely to be questioning the place to base your self. There are a number of nice neighborhoods for vacationers, however ideally you need to keep close to a metro. Tokyo is massive and never vastly walkable, so that you so long as you might be close to the metro you will get to all of the sights.
A preferred neighborhood is Shinjuku, an ultra-busy, neon lights, transport hub. It’s recognized for department shops, skyline views, nightlife, and has an enormous number of resorts. For someplace extra conventional, head to Asakusa / Ueno, which has temples, museums, older structure, and slower tempo. Ueno has parks, museums the place as Asakusa has nostalgia.
Shibuya and Harajuku are recognized for his or her youthful vibes, and is the place to go to buy style tendencies, discover distinctive cafés, and quirky outlets. Ginza close to Central Tokyo Station is one other standard spot for individuals who need to get to Tokyo sights simply. Listed here are just a few locations to think about as a spot to remain:
In the event you’re in search of different lodging in Tokyo, you should use the map beneath to check resorts and short-term rental choices.
Remaining ideas
Tokyo is a metropolis in contrast to wherever else on the planet. It’s the place technological developments outdate every other metropolis on the planet and but Tokyo nonetheless manages to retain a lot of its traditions, historical past, and distinctive tradition.
You’ll be able to wander round historic temples, sing karaoke till daybreak, have your espresso made by a mechanical AI-driven machine, and have your sushi delivered by practice, however this information reveals you only a fraction of the strange issues to do in Tokyo, Japan.
In the event you’re visiting this vibrant and distinctive metropolis, you’re going to wish to seize a pen and paper and write this record down. What do you suppose? What are you most excited to do? Tell us within the feedback.
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