50 Prime Issues To Do in Japan’s Coolest Metropolis

There are cities you go to as soon as. After which there may be Tokyo. I’ve traveled to Japan’s capital a half dozen occasions, and every go to appears like getting into a brand new model of the identical wildly fascinating place. Simply after I assume I’ve understood it, town exhibits me one other layer. 

There is perhaps a tiny noodle store tucked down an alley, a centuries previous shrine hidden behind skyscrapers, or a neighborhood café serving espresso that appears extra like sculpture than breakfast drink.

If you’re visiting for the primary time and searching for unforgettable issues to do in Tokyo, this can be a great spot to start.

Shibuya Ward

Shibuya is among the most recognizable components of Tokyo. It has the flashing screens, crowds, trend boutiques, and late-night power that most individuals image after they think about fashionable Japan.

Stroll Throughout Shibuya Crossing

The Shibuya Crossing intersection is usually referred to as the busiest pedestrian crossing on this planet, and when the lights change you shortly perceive why. A whole bunch of individuals surge into the intersection from each course. You’ll see enterprise commuters, youngsters with procuring baggage, vacationers clutching cameras (like me!) and locals shifting with practiced effectivity.

It’s positioned instantly outdoors the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station at 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya 150-0043. For a distinct perspective, watch the crossing from the 2nd-story window of the Starbucks on the North facet or from the forty seventh flooring of Shibuya Scramble Sq. constructing (extra on that beneath). 

➞ If you need some assist navigating the crossing, be part of the Shibuya Highlights Strolling Tour. It is going to take you there and some different spots within the space. Or simply comply with my Good One Day Itinerary for Shibuya, Tokyo

Get the View at Shibuya Sky

Make your technique to the tall Shibuya Scramble Sq. constructing and climb to the forty seventh flooring, to the Shibuya Sky. This rooftop observatory will get you a surprising 360-degree panoramic view of town. You may even see the chaos of the well-known Shibuya Crossing from means up there.

They solely enable a restricted variety of folks at a time, so throughout peak seasons, I like to recommend getting tickets upfront (in any other case you’ll be able to attempt to get them when you arrive). They’re out there on their web site, however I encountered some glitches with it. It’s a lot simpler to make use of Klook to purchase them.

Make a Cease at Meiji Shrine

A brief stroll from the busy streets of Shibuya sits one in every of Tokyo’s most peaceable locations, Meiji Jingu. The doorway begins with a large picket torii gate that leads into a large gravel path and a forest of greater than 100,000 timber, and Meiji shrine. It feels surprisingly quiet contemplating the shrine sits in the course of town, proper beside Yoyogi Park.

The shrine was constructed to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, necessary figures in Japan’s modernization. Earlier than approaching the principle corridor, guests cease at a purification pavilion to rinse their palms and mouth with water, a small ritual symbolizing cleaning earlier than prayer. Even if you’re not significantly religious, the calm environment and towering timber make this one of the memorable stops in Tokyo.

Stroll By way of Yoyogi Park

Proper subsequent door to Meiji Jingu is Yoyogi Park, and it appears like Tokyo’s yard. On weekends you will notice associates picnicking on the grass, musicians practising beneath the timber, and the occasional group rehearsing dance routines within the open areas. It’s a simple place to decelerate for an hour between sightseeing stops.

The park additionally carries a little bit of historical past. The land as soon as held army barracks and later turned a part of the Olympic Village throughout the 1964 Summer season Olympics. At this time it’s best identified for its large strolling paths and seasonal magnificence. Spring is particularly fashionable when the cherry blossoms bloom and locals collect for hanami picnics beneath the timber. Fall is equally beautiful, when the leaves flip shades of gold and crimson and the park feels calm and nearly storybook quiet.

If you’re a backyard lover then don’t miss the 6-hour non-public Japanese Backyard Tour that may take you to 10 totally different ones!

Wander Harajuku 

Harajuku is the place Japan’s youth tradition, avenue model, and “kawaii” or cute trend actually come alive. Takeshita Road is the center of all of it, full of rainbow-colored snacks, crepe stands, and classic boutiques (however don’t skip the facet streets too!)

The neighborhood can be an animal lover’s paradise. You’ll find cafés that includes cats, owls, pigs, capybaras, even otters. And if sweets are your factor, Harajuku has a ton of crepe cafés. We stumbled upon among the best matcha crepe spots, Kotobukiseian Harajuku Matcha, with yummy tiramisu and berry choices.

Whilst you’re exploring, don’t miss  Cafe Reissue for the 3D latte artwork. My first latte had a tiny 3D bear perched on the froth, so cute I nearly felt responsible consuming it. You may carry a photograph of something you want and they’re going to attempt to recreate it.

➞ In case you’re brief on time, see my good someday itinerary for Shibuya.

Shinjuku Ward

I all the time inform first-time guests that Shinjuku is the place to return once you wish to see Tokyo flip up the quantity a bit of. The neon lights glow brighter right here, the streets keep busy late into the night time, and there may be all the time one thing uncommon across the subsequent nook.

Bar Hop in Golden Gai

One of the crucial memorable nights I’ve had in Tokyo began in Golden Gai. This tiny pocket in Shinjuku is six slim alleyways that maintain greater than 200 miniature bars, lots of which seat fewer than ten folks. 

Every bar tends to have its personal persona. Some are devoted to jazz music, others to motion pictures, literature, or just the passions of the proprietor. The very best method is solely to wander till one thing catches your eye and step inside. You may end up sharing drinks with a neighborhood common, a bartender who loves basic movies, or vacationers from half a dozen nations. 

➞  A number of bars I like to recommend are, Artwork Bar Shuten-doji, Deathmatch in Hell, and Bar Asyl. However, should you’d really feel extra comfy taking a tour, I like to recommend both Viator’s Bar Hopping with a Native Information or the Native Bar & Izakaya Crawl

Get Near the Large Godzilla

Shinjuku has all the time had a playful facet, and nothing captures that higher than the large Godzilla peering out over the neighborhood. The well-known monster head sits atop the Resort Gracery Shinjuku and rises about 39 toes above the encircling terrace. From the road beneath you’ll be able to spot the reptilian eyes and sharp tooth watching over the buildings of Kabukicho.

If you need a more in-depth look, take the elevator as much as the terrace degree the place you’ll be able to stand nearly nose to nose with the creature. It feels appropriately dramatic for a metropolis that after hosted the unique Godzilla movies. Followers may even e book one of many themed Godzilla resort rooms, which turns the entire expertise right into a barely surreal sleepover with Japan’s most well-known film monster.

Eat in Piss Alley

Only a few minutes from Shinjuku Station sits one other slim alley referred to as Omoide Yokocho, although many individuals nonetheless consult with it by its previous nickname, Piss Alley. The title comes from its gritty previous, however in the present day the lane has develop into one of the atmospheric locations within the metropolis to seize an informal meal.

Tiny eating places line either side of the walkway, each sending out the smoky scent of yakitori grilling over charcoal. Inside you sit shoulder to shoulder with locals whereas skewers of hen, greens, and different specialties arrive one after one other. Some eating places serve extra adventurous dishes, like Motsunabe (an offal hotpot), if you’re feeling particularly courageous. Others preserve issues easy with chilly beer and completely grilled bites. 

Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard

When the tempo of Shinjuku begins to really feel a bit of overwhelming, the right escape sits only a brief stroll away at Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard. The park spreads out over spacious lawns, quiet ponds, and winding paths that invite you to decelerate for some time.

The backyard blends a number of kinds of landscaping, together with conventional Japanese gardens alongside English and French impressed areas. It was initially a part of the property of the Naito household throughout the Edo interval earlier than finally changing into a public park. At this time it affords one of the peaceable breaks from the encircling metropolis. In spring it turns into particularly fashionable when the cherry blossoms bloom and guests collect beneath the timber for one in every of Tokyo’s most lovely seasonal shows.

Different Areas Round Tokyo

Watch Wrestling Observe at a Sumo Steady

Watching sumo wrestlers practice is among the most genuine Japanese conventional experiences you’ll be able to have in Tokyo. Practices happen inside conventional coaching stables, the place the wrestlers start their day early with hours of drills, sparring, and ritual. The room fills with the sounds of stomping toes, heavy respiration, and our bodies colliding towards the ground of the observe ring. And it’s intense!

Most stables are positioned within the Ryogoku district, although solely a handful enable guests. Stables like Kasugano Beya and Takasago Beya often welcome visitors to look at the coaching, nevertheless it’s typically tough to determine how and when to go. I like to recommend reserving upfront by an organization like Viator. This one is extremely advisable: Tokyo Sumo Morning Observe Tour at Steady

Ideas: You will need to keep in mind that this isn’t a efficiency. The wrestlers are centered on critical preparation and guests are anticipated to stay respectful and silent. 

Uncover Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is town’s oldest temple and one in every of its most beloved landmarks. The expertise begins on the well-known Kaminarimon Gate, the place a large crimson lantern hangs dramatically over the doorway. From there you comply with the full of life pathway of Nakamise Road, a centuries previous market crammed with snack stalls, souvenirs, and conventional crafts.

By the point you attain the temple grounds, the environment shifts barely. Guests collect across the massive incense burner, wafting the smoke towards themselves for luck earlier than strolling up the steps to wish. All the space feels vibrant and historic on the identical time. 

Attend a Kabuki Theater Present

For a very totally different sort of cultural expertise, spend a night watching kabuki theater at Kabuki-za Theatre. Kabuki is one in every of Japan’s most well-known performing arts, combining music, dance, elaborate costumes, dramatic make-up, and stylized storytelling right into a theatrical efficiency that feels each historical and visually hanging.

Even when you don’t perceive the language, the visible spectacle alone makes the expertise worthwhile. The actors transfer with fastidiously choreographed gestures, and the stage design usually shifts in shocking methods all through the efficiency. If committing to a full present appears like an excessive amount of, the theater affords single act tickets that present a shorter introduction (that’s what I did!).

Spend the Night time within the Hey Kitty Room

Tokyo has a beautiful sense of caprice, and nowhere is that extra apparent than contained in the Hey Kitty rooms on the Okayeio Plaza Resort Tokyo. The second you stroll by the door you might be surrounded by the acquainted bow-wearing character. The bedding, partitions, and décor all lean fortunately into the theme.

What stunned me most is how comfy the rooms nonetheless really feel. It may simply tip into novelty, however as an alternative it comes throughout as playful and charming. Even breakfast carries the theme with character formed touches. You actually don’t have to be a lifelong Hey Kitty fan to take pleasure in it. 

Use all of the Buttons on a Japanese Rest room

This may sound like an uncommon suggestion, however experiencing a Japanese rest room is virtually a cultural occasion for first time guests. The nation has turned an on a regular basis lavatory fixture into one thing that feels nearer to a private spa. Heated seats welcome you the second you sit down, whereas in-built bidets supply adjustable streams of heat water.

Many bogs additionally embody sound options designed to masks noise, which is each sensible and amusing once you first encounter it. The management panels can look a bit intimidating at first, with rows of mysterious buttons and icons, however a part of the enjoyable is determining what each does! 

Expertise TeamLab

Some museums are supposed to be noticed quietly from a distance. teamLab Borderless is the alternative. This immersive digital artwork museum surrounds guests with continually shifting projections of sunshine, coloration, and motion. Total rooms remodel into residing landscapes the place flowers bloom throughout the partitions and lanterns glow overhead.

What makes the expertise so distinctive is that there isn’t any set path by the museum. You merely wander from area to area, discovering new installations as you go. Some rooms invite you to climb or work together with the art work, whereas others really feel nearly dreamlike because the projections transfer round you. 

Attend a Baseball Sport

Baseball isn’t simply one in every of America’s favourite pastimes, the Japanese are keen about it too. Issues are simply achieved a bit otherwise once you attend a baseball recreation in Japan, like waving umbrellas for residence runs, snacking on edamame and having cheerleaders. Although the Yomiuri Giants on the Tokyo Dome draw bigger crowds, you can too see the Tokyo Swallows play on the out of doors Jingu Stadium.

It might be potential to snag some tickets on the day of the sport, however not assured! So, if seeing a Japanese baseball recreation is excessive in your issues to do record then purchase tickets to a recreation on-line: Tokyo Swallows or Yomiuru Giants.

Play a Sport of Pachinko

The primary time I stepped right into a pachinko parlor in Tokyo, the noise alone almost pushed me again out the door. Think about tons of of tiny steel balls clattering directly, lights flashing in every single place, and rows of gamers staring intensely at their machines. Pachinko sits someplace between an arcade recreation and a nationwide pastime.

The idea is straightforward sufficient. You launch small silver balls that bounce by a maze of steel pins, hoping they drop into successful pockets. The trick, in fact, is studying find out how to management the machine effectively sufficient to make that occur. In districts like Shinjuku, complete buildings are devoted to pachinko. Even should you solely step inside for a couple of minutes, it’s a fascinating glimpse right into a uniquely Japanese obsession.

Go to an Animal Cafe

Solely in Tokyo are you able to spend the morning sightseeing and the afternoon sipping espresso whereas an owl watches you from a perch. Animal cafés have develop into one of many metropolis’s most curious experiences, starting from cat cafés to owl lounges and even locations the place capybaras wander the room like mild landlords.

The idea is straightforward. You order a drink, settle right into a seat, and spend time interacting with the animals in a managed setting. Cat cafés are the commonest, however there’s additionally canine, capybara, pig and owl cafes too. 

Right here’s a number of animal cafes I like to recommend: Canine Cafe Rio Akihabara, Owl cafe tokyo Akiba Fukurou or Cat Cafe MOCHA Ikebukuro

Expertise an Onsen

After a protracted day navigating Tokyo’s crowds and practice stations, few issues really feel higher than soaking in an onsen. These sizzling spring baths are a deeply rooted Japanese custom and an expertise that feels each restorative and cultural on the identical time.

There are many them in Tokyo (you’ll be able to see a few of the finest ones right here), however I like to recommend Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita.

Take part in a Conventional Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony strikes at a very totally different tempo than the remainder of Tokyo, each gesture is deliberate. The host fastidiously prepares matcha, turning the easy act of serving tea right into a small efficiency crammed with symbolism and custom.

One of the crucial lovely locations to expertise it’s at Happo-en Backyard in Tokyo’s Shirokanedai district. That is the place I did it! The grounds alone are value visiting, with historical bonsai timber, koi ponds, and winding paths that really feel worlds away from town streets outdoors. Sitting within the picket tea home whereas a bowl of freshly whisked matcha is ready in entrance of you is surprisingly calming. It turns into much less in regards to the tea itself and extra about appreciating the quiet second.

There are many different tea ceremony choices round Tokyo, so should you’re searching for one thing else I like to recommend becoming a member of one in every of these experiences: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo, Asakusa Maikoya or Tokyo Tea Ceremony in Asakusa with Kimono, Matcha & Wagashi

Go to the Imperial Palace

Proper within the middle of Tokyo sits the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s Imperial household. Surrounded by huge stone partitions and large moats, the palace grounds really feel surprisingly peaceable contemplating the skyscrapers that rise throughout it.

The internal palace itself solely opens to the general public on particular events like New Yr’s Day and the Emperor’s birthday. Fortuitously, the encircling areas are open yr spherical. The Imperial Palace East Gardens are particularly beautiful for a stroll, with large paths, quiet lawns, and views of historic watchtowers that after protected the unique Edo Citadel.

Go to Tokyo Disneyland

Welcome to the happiest place on this planet—Disneyland Tokyo version! It’s extremely advisable that you simply spend at the least 2 days right here to take pleasure in all of the great sights and meals. There are a number of enjoyable sights distinctive to Tokyo Disneyland, like Dream Lights with a magical nighttime gentle parade (Minnie oh! Minnie!), the interactive Monster’s Inc. Journey & Go Search and Western River Railroad to call a number of.

To make your expertise simpler, you’ll be able to prebook admission e-tickets. Additionally take into account splurging a bit of by staying on the Tokyo Disneyland Resort which is a brief stroll from the theme park.

Go to the Crimson & White Cats at Gotokuji Temple

In case you have ever seen a small ceramic cat elevating one paw within the window of a store, you have got encountered the maneki neko, Japan’s well-known beckoning cat believed to carry good luck. Gotokuji Temple is usually related to the legend behind this image.

Guests come to the temple to see the 1000’s of small white cat statues positioned across the grounds as choices. Every one wears a crimson collar and tiny bell whereas elevating a paw in welcome. Strolling by the rows of statues feels oddly pleasant, particularly for anybody who has ever owned a fortunate cat figurine.

Sleep in a Ryokan

For a glimpse into conventional Japanese hospitality, spending an evening in a ryokan is difficult to beat. These historic inns usually function tatami mat flooring, low picket tables, and futon bedding that’s specified by the night.

Many ryokan additionally embody communal baths and punctiliously ready multi-course dinners served in your room. Even in Tokyo yow will discover choices like The Edo Sakura or the fashionable Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita, that protect the expertise whereas nonetheless providing consolation for vacationers unfamiliar with the custom.

Meals Experiences Price Having

Eat Your Manner By way of the Outer Tsukiji Fish Market

Though the well-known tuna public sale has moved to Toyosu Market, Tsukiji stays among the best locations in Tokyo to discover Japanese meals tradition. The outer market is full of distributors promoting every little thing from freshly sliced sashimi to grilled seafood skewers and fluffy tamagoyaki omelets.

Arriving early helps, each to beat the crowds and to see the market in full swing. Distributors slice huge tuna with the boldness of surgeons whereas guests wander from stall to stall sampling bites. One second you might be consuming grilled scallops on a stick, the following you might be sipping miso soup whereas watching a fishmonger expertly break down a tuna the scale of a small bike. It’s wonderful!

There are many locations to select from, however I like to recommend not lacking Tsukiji Ihachi honten/ A5 Wagyu Steak, tomizuru tsukiji and TSUKIJI USHITAKE.

Splurge on an Omakase Meal

Eating omakase model means putting your meal fully within the chef’s palms. There isn’t any menu to review and no choices to make. You merely sit on the counter and watch as course after course arrives, every dish highlighting seasonal components and the chef’s specific ability.

Tokyo is among the finest locations on this planet to expertise this model of eating. Eating places like Sushi Saito, Shinjuku Sushi Hatsume, and Sassa have develop into nearly legendary amongst Japanese meals lovers. However, we did our omakase meal on the fairly priced Okonomiyaki Imari in Shibuya, the place standout dishes included the agosuji with garlic shoots and the tonpeiyaki egg omelet with completely grilled pork.

Take a Meals Tour

One of many best methods to know Tokyo’s meals tradition is to hitch a neighborhood meals tour. Guides lead small teams by neighborhoods like Shinjuku or Asakusa, stopping at tucked away eating places and avenue stalls alongside the way in which.

Excursions usually embody stops for yakitori skewers, ramen, sake tastings, and even premium wagyu beef. A few of the finest experiences mix a number of stops so you’ll be able to pattern a wide range of dishes in a single night. 

There are such a lot of nice ones to select from, however my high picks are these: 

Take a Sushi Making Class

After consuming a few of the finest sushi of your life in Tokyo, it turns into tempting to learn to make it your self. Sushi lessons across the metropolis supply a surprisingly enjoyable technique to perceive the craft behind what seems like such a easy dish.

Many lessons start with a go to to a market the place you’ll be able to see the components up shut earlier than heading into the kitchen. In a single class I took, we chosen contemporary tuna from Tsukiji first after which discovered find out how to slice the fish correctly and form the rice by hand. It shortly turns into clear how a lot approach goes into even the smallest piece of sushi. The very best half, in fact, comes on the finish once you sit down and eat every little thing you simply made!

For an amazing expertise e book Viator’s Sushi Making Class that features a sake ceremony and Matcha expertise. 

Get Your Meal From a Merchandising Machine

Japan takes merchandising machines to a degree the remainder of the world has barely imagined. They seem on almost each avenue nook in Tokyo, and so they promote way over bottles of soda.

Some machines dispense sizzling meals, together with ramen, hamburgers, eggs, and even soup. I as soon as grabbed a can of heat corn soup from a merchandising machine for lunch, anticipating one thing mediocre. It was surprisingly good. The sheer comfort turns into a part of the appeal. When you’re wandering town late at night time and all of the sudden really feel hungry, likelihood is a merchandising machine meal is just a few steps away.

Go to Dinner at a Ninja Restaurant

At Ninja Shinjuku a small robotic within the nook begins to talk to you as a sliding door opens and leads you down a slim hallway. Shoji doorways open and lead you to a small room the place dinner is served. This isn’t the kitschy place the place spry ninjas pop down from the ceiling and serve mediocre meals, it’s extra of a molecular gastronomy expertise the place smoke billows out of a field to uncover a fantastically executed salad and Kobe beef is served with a trio of distinctive dipping sauces.

Dessert was served inside a basement room, together with a “ninja present” which actually was extra like a magic present—spectacular none the much less. Throughout my go to, dessert included a tiny bonsai tree made fully of sweets, with branches that needed to be trimmed with scissors earlier than consuming.

Purchase a Japanese Knife

For anybody who likes to prepare dinner, bringing residence a Japanese knife from Tokyo appears like buying a small murals. Japanese knives are well-known for his or her extremely sharp edges and meticulous craftsmanship.

Top-of-the-line locations to buy is Kappabashi Road, usually referred to as Tokyo’s kitchen district. The road is lined with retailers promoting every little thing from skilled knives to the plastic meals fashions displayed in restaurant home windows. I left with a fantastically balanced knife that has simply develop into one in every of my favourite instruments within the kitchen.

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