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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 top-of-the-line cities on the earth 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 vitality of a metropolis that by no means powers down, a spot the place meals from merchandising machines is pretty much 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’ll be able to 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 very best 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 move would undoubtedly be the economical method to go. You will need to purchase them earlier than you get to Japan. Try this website for extra info.
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 town is, and you may actually see this facet of Japan in its client 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. Whilst you would possibly assume 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 method of offering a possibility for individuals who are unable to go away the home because of medical causes.
Whenever 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 one of the vital iconic issues to do in Tokyo is to stroll throughout Shibuya Crossing, often known as doing the Shibuya Scramble. That is the world’s largest and busiest pedestrian crossing and can also be one of the vital photographed scenes in Tokyo.
The sq. is surrounded by glitzy skyscrapers and flashing billboards displaying the most recent ads, which is especially spectacular at evening. When the visitors lights flip pink, the crossing turns into chaotic as 3,000 individuals cross from all angles. Should you’re touring with children, ensure that to keep watch over them so that they don’t get misplaced within the crowd.
In reality, 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, but it surely’s free to enter.
3. Dine at an intimate Ramen Restaurant
Making an attempt all of the scrumptious delicacies needs to be on the high of your checklist when planning an unforgettable Japan itinerary. One dish you can not miss is ramen. This can be a scorching noodle soup that’s often served with rooster 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. Upon getting your ramen, a curtain is closed and also you’re alone in your little sales space. It’s alleged to get rid of all distractions so you’ll be able to consider the flavour.
There are a number of Ichiran shops everywhere in the metropolis, however I recommend visiting the one in Shibuya because it’s essentially 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 would possibly discover within the West.
Cat Avenue is presumably the very best avenue to see all of Harajuku’s strange traits. You’ll see many individuals carrying daring and eclectic style statements, and it’s additionally an amazing place to attempt unusual and fantastic avenue 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 comfortable ice cream. Additionally, you will see numerous 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
Should you’re visiting in Autumn, take into account a day journey out to Hakone Nationwide Park. That is the closest park to town the place you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji within the distance.
One of many the explanation why October is especially necessary is as a result of it’s the time of yr when the clouds disperse. Mount Fuji has a cloud overlaying its peak 60% of the time, and the tip of fall and the beginning of winter are the very best occasions of yr to see it.
Should you’re visiting another 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 price visiting. The nationwide park is made up of small villages, scorching springs, and temples. It’s additionally the place you’ll see unimaginable views of Lake Ashinoko.
For these touring with children, your little ones will love taking the Hakone Tozan practice as much as the best village, after which a cable automobile to the village of Gora on the high of the mountain. The practice leaves from Odawara, so ensure that to take a look at the Odawara Citadel whilst you’re within the space.
Should 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 could possibly simply spend two or three days exploring this rural nature spot, simply ensure that to get a Hakone Go earlier than you go to.
6. Go to the Meiji Jingu Shrine
Japan just isn’t 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 loss of life.
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 value US$26 million on the time. The unique constructing was destroyed throughout WWI however was rebuilt utilizing neighborhood funding efforts.
Shrines are often free to enter, so they’re nice points of interest for these on a price range.
7. See the Stays of Edo Historical past at The East Imperial Palace Backyard
The Imperial Palace is a big park advanced that sits on the positioning of the previous Edo Citadel. The park is surrounded by moats and nice stone partitions and comprises the fortress belonging to the Japanese Imperial household. The palace was constructed when the household was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1888, but it surely was destroyed throughout WWII. A substitute was inbuilt the identical model, which you’ll see right this moment.
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 ebook prematurely to keep away from disappointment.
8. Discover your fortune at Asakusa’s Sensō-Ji Temple
Maybe one of the vital iconic websites in Japan is the Senso-Ji Temple within the Asakusa district. This historical Buddhist temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and likewise one of the vital important.
It’s devoted to Kannon, the god of compassion, and receives over 30 million guests annually. The location can also be well-known for the five-story pagoda and Shinto shrine within the advanced. The temple can also be an amazing 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 packing containers, give it a shake, and an omikuji rod will seem. The rod can 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 success.
9. Sing Karaoke Till Daybreak
Japan is the birthplace of Karaoke so it could be a disgrace to not give it a go whilst you’re in Tokyo! Sometimes, karaoke is how the Japanese social gathering laborious, hiring cubicles with associates and colleagues and singing the evening away till daybreak.
For younger adults visiting town, spending the entire evening singing in a room with your mates is certainly up there as a singular factor to do. Should you’re touring as a household, you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the enjoyable in a family-friendly karaoke room.
Pasela Resorts is a karaoke venue that gives personal, family-friendly karaoke rooms with a big selection of western songs, and a few kid-friendly songs too. There’s even a bounce home if you happen to’re little ones are bored with singing.
10. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match
Should you’re searching for enjoyable and weird issues to do in Tokyo at evening, then get your self some tickets to observe 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 navy coaching after which grew to become a well-liked sport among the many lots.
It was additionally frequent for spectators to sponsor or guess on wrestlers, and was even used as a method to increase cash for shrines and temples. The game is most well-known for the dimensions of its opponents. Sumo wrestlers achieve weight in order that it’s more durable for his or her opponents to knock them out of the world.
Should you’re fascinated by studying extra in regards to the sport and its historical past, you’ll be able to go to the city of Ryogoku, additionally known as a sumo city. Right here you’ll be able to see the place wrestlers dwell and practice. The Kokugikan Stadium is the place you’ll be capable to watch matches.
DAY TRIP IDEA: Grand Sumo Event Tour in Tokyo: Watch a Grand Sumo event with a small group of most 8 and real-time commentaries by an professional information. Strolling tour round Ryogoku, a sumo city can also be included. Be taught extra right here.
11. Loosen up in a Japanese Backyard at Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
Should you’re searching for extra enjoyable issues to do in Tokyo then spend a number of hours wandering within the quaint Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard. The big park is positioned within the heart of town and was as soon as a part of the Naitō household’s residence throughout the Edo interval.
Should you occur to go to in late March and early April throughout cherry blossom season, you completely want to come back right here to see the 400 semei yoshino and cherry blossom bushes bloom. They solely bloom for per week a yr so that you completely can’t miss this if you happen to’re visiting firstly of Spring.
The park options a number of small gardens that pay homage to different international locations’ types, resembling 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 town feels a bit overwhelming.
12. Play arcade video games at Leisure Land
The district of Akihabara is known for its digital outlets and is nicknamed the “digital district” of Tokyo. Nestled within the coronary heart of this district is presumably one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Tokyo.
Leisure Land is an arcade that gives 5 flooring of gaming amenities. Guests can select between over 100 video video games, crane machines, and arcade video games. Not solely do you’ve gotten limitless hours of enjoyable taking part in all of the completely different video games, however if you happen to’re fortunate you’ll be able to win some uncommon character merchandise as a memento to take dwelling.
The Ikebukuro neighborhood can also be a superb place to go for arcade video games.
13. Take Half in a Tea Ceremony
Ingesting tea in Japan just isn’t 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 best way that it’s brewed, has a particular that means. Participating in a tea ceremony is likely one of the methods you’ll be able to expertise Tokyo’s extra religious facet. It’s additionally a relaxing 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 essentially the most well-known ones are Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree. Each buildings are comparable in that they each have 360 panoramic views of town from their commentary decks, although Tokyo Tower is the extra well-known one (designed to appear to be the Eiffel Tower). It’s mentioned that on a transparent day, you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji within the distance.
Although positioned in numerous components of town, they provide the identical expertise, so it’s finest to decide on which one to go to by proximity to different high points of interest in Tokyo you need to see.
15. Study Futuristic Robots at Miraikan
You’ve most likely seen a good few robots whereas in Tokyo, whether or not you’re searching for them or not. They appear to be taking on town, so why not be taught extra in regards to the newest technological developments whilst you’re there?
The Miraikan is town’s museum of rising science and innovation and is the place you’ll be able to 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 exhibits what life could be like if robots lived with us; from robotic pets to an android human servant, which seems to be freakishly lifelike.
16. Try the Artwork Installations at teamLab
Should you’re a photographer and searching for a brand new playground to play in along with your digital camera, you then’ll love exploring the artwork installations inside teamLab.
The exhibitions change frequently, however the idea stays the identical. These holographic gentle installations permit you to 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 achieve new ranges.
17. Eat Ramen from a Merchandising Machine
Sure, we’ve already talked about making an attempt ramen earlier than, however this can be 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 canine, and even sensible gadgets resembling umbrellas, batteries, and in case of utmost emergencies…a spare workplace tie.
Probably the greatest gadgets you will get from a merchandising machine is a frozen ramen ready-meal. Whilst you do have to take your ramen dwelling and warmth it, you’ll be able to simply buy your meal from a 24-hour ‘Ramen Inventory’ merchandising machine from three locations all through town. Should you ever really feel like a midnight snack, ensure that to maintain your eyes open for extra merchandising machines as they pop up all through town.
18. Take pleasure in a Conventional Okonomiyaki meal
Japanese meals is certainly top-of-the-line causes to go to Tokyo and if you happen to’re a foodie fan, you’ll love tasting all of the distinctive cuisines right here.
Okonomiyaki (say that 5 occasions quick) is certainly up there as one of the vital 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 cook 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 components go into okonomiyaki but it surely’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 a superb place to attempt it.
19. Take the children to Tokyo Disneyland
One of many high Disneyland’s on the earth, Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983 as the primary Disney theme park outdoors the US. 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’ll be able to experience beloved points of interest like “It’s a Small World,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Splash Mountain” however pair it with seasonal parades that replicate Japanese tradition.
Little children will love Disneyland, and if you happen to additionally love aquariums, take them to Tokyo Disneysea for a enjoyable time out.
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, resembling My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, are liked the world over.
The Ghibili Museum which opened in 2001 is a whimsical tribute to the legacy of Studio Ghibli, and options intricately designed reveals, life-sized movie units, and authentic art work that showcase the animation course of from sketch to display.
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 internal market in 2018. It’s the place you’ll be able to see distributors promoting recent seafood and native produce, at work.
Should you’ve ever questioned the place your sushi comes from, this market will provide you with a glimpse. The Tsukiji Outer Market is energetic and genuine, and for culinary lovers, shouldn’t be skipped.
22. Take a stroll down Reminiscence Lane aka Omoide Yokocho
Should you’re searching for a singular expertise, take a stroll down Piss Alley. Sorry what? Omoide Yokocho, usually known as “Reminiscence Lane” or “Piss Alley,” is a slender, atmospheric community of alleys within the Shinjuku district that date again to the post-World Conflict II period.
Initially it was a hub for small eateries serving staff and vacationers, however now it has grow to be a bit extra touristy. Nonetheless, it has retained its nostalgic appeal 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 avenue meals tradition.
23. Go to the malls (Don Quijote and Tokyu Palms)
An ideal spot for memento purchasing and to see how the locals dwell, go to a division retailer.
The shops function a number of flooring of high-end style, cosmetics, electronics, and conventional Japanese crafts, and still have fantastically curated meals halls generally known as depachika, the place yow will discover extra reasonably priced eats.
Don Quijote, often known as Donki or Don Don Don Donki, as you’ll quickly realise as you stroll within the entrance doorways and listen to the tune, has all of your distinctive Japanese snacks and craft goals. I personally love the matcha cream puffs there, which isn’t essentially the most “Japanese” snack yow will discover, however to me they’re nice.
Tokyu Palms is the place to go for distinctive Japanese merchandise you’ll be able to’t discover anyplace else. Get distinctive cooking devices, magnificence merchandise, and different random gadgets you wouldn’t assume to get your self like rest room seat covers. If you wish to get quirky items for individuals, I extremely suggest you go to those two malls.
Greatest time to go to Tokyo
The very best time to go to Tokyo is within the spring (March to Might) or the autumn (September to November), as that is when the climate is gentle and sunny.
In spring, Tokyo is known for its cherry blossoms, the place the cherry bushes 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 very best time to see Mount Fuji.
Summer time could be scorching and humid, and can also be when Japan has Golden Week, per week during which 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 perhaps 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 large and never vastly walkable, so that you so long as you might be close to the metro you will get to all of the points of interest.
A well-liked neighborhood is Shinjuku, an ultra-busy, neon lights, transport hub. It’s recognized for malls, 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 traits, discover distinctive cafés, and quirky outlets. Ginza close to Central Tokyo Station is one other fashionable spot for individuals who need to get to Tokyo points of interest simply. Listed here are a number of locations to contemplate as a spot to remain:
Should you’re searching for different lodging in Tokyo, you need to use the map under to check resorts and short-term rental choices.
Remaining ideas
Tokyo is a metropolis in contrast to anyplace else on the earth. It’s the place technological developments outdate another 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 historical 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 exhibits you only a fraction of the strange issues to do in Tokyo, Japan.
Should you’re visiting this vibrant and distinctive metropolis, you’re going to wish to seize a pen and paper and write this checklist down. What do you assume? What are you most excited to do? Tell us within the feedback.
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