Sights and activities in Tokyo
Tokyo Skytree – a big landmark that you must visit while you’re in Tokyo. Located just outside the city, the building is Japan’s tallest structure and among the highest in the world. From one of the observation decks you will be treated to a marvellous view over Tokyo city. For more spectacular views, visit Tokyo Tower or one of the many skyscrapers around the city, many of which have their own observation decks.
The Sensō-ji temple – located in Asakusa, this ancient Buddhist temple is the oldest one in Tokyo and definitely one of the most significant.
Shinjuku Gyoen – one of the most popular parks in Tokyo.
Tokyo Disney Resort (which includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) – a major theme-park attraction for the whole family. Other theme parks that can be found within a reasonable distance of the city center are Tokyo Dome City Attractions and Sanrio Puroland.
Animation film studio Ghibli – a must-see attraction for anime enthusiasts. Note that the place is very popular, so reserving tickets beforehand is a good idea.
Yoyogi Park – a perfect place for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoying picnics, walks and other outdoor activities. The park becomes especially magical in spring, when cherry blossoms adorn the trees, and in autumn, when vibrant foliage paints the landscape in hues of red, orange and gold.
Ryōgoku with its Kokugikan stadium – the centre of Japanese sumo wrestling. In addition to sumo tournaments held in January, May and September, the Ryōkogu area hosts a sumo museum. There’s a good chance to spot real sumo wrestlers as well!
Shopping in Tokyo
If you cannot find what you are looking for in Tokyo, it does not exist. Affordable electronic devices, wild designer fashion, traditional kimonos and antiquities, Hello Kitty merchandise and anime and manga are just a few examples of the things you can buy in the shopping areas, malls and centres scattered throughout the city.
Roppongi Hills shopping mall – located in Roppongi district’s enormous shopping area, it offers restaurants and cafes, museums and luxury hotels, and, of course, world-class shopping. This is also the place to go for trying out Tokyo’s nightlife and club scene.
Shibuya – another trendy shopping district in Tokyo is the centre of Tokyo street fashion and trends. The Shibuya crossing, just beside the station, is world-famous for its enormous size and the crowds using it at rush hour.
Ginza – is all about luxury shopping and famous brands. You’ll find all the major designers here.
Akihabara – whether or not you want to buy electronics, there is plenty to see and do in Akihabara. The district is also known as Electric Town.
Harajuku – Tokyo’s number one place for young, trendy and colourfully extreme fashion – well worth a Sunday visit when the latest in crazy fashion appears!
Asakusa – the place to visit if you want to find popular souvenirs, such as samurai swords, kimonos or Japanese dishes.
Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, but do not let that fool you. The reputation is mostly based on super-expensive restaurants, hotels, department stores and boutiques; prices in most shops are reasonable.
Japanese food and drink in Tokyo
Did you know that Tokyo’s restaurants have collected more Michelin stars than the restaurants of Paris and London put together? In addition to fine dining, Tokyo boasts a wealth of Japanese cuisine for all budgets. A tip for those interested in cooking or eating seafood is to visit the large Tsukuji fish market in central Tokyo, where the daily catch is auctioned early in the morning.
Kobe beef – considered the best piece of beef in the world, a Kobe steak is a highly-recommended taste experience for those travelling with a thick wallet. This meat is well known for the fact that it almost melts in your mouth due to its unique fat marbling – achieved by serving the cattle wine and professional massages.
Tempura – a dish of vegetables, fish or shrimps dipped in batter and then deep fried until crispy. Tempura is usually served with a sauce.
Ramen – noodle soup containing pork and onions, miso or soy sauce, is both inexpensive and filling and is often served at snack bars.
Yakitori – skewered chicken that makes for a tasty snack along with any alcoholic beverage for example in izakayas.
Tonkatsu – a deep-fried pork cutlet often served with shredded cabbage. Tonkatsu is a very popular dish and is perfect for a quick lunch or as a light meal.
Sushi and sashimi – raw or cooked seafood served in small, attractive pieces and combined with vinegar-flavoured rice and other ingredients, such as vegetables or other sorts of meat.
Fugu – puffer fish is a popular delicacy in Japan, despite the fact that if prepared with inexpert hands, the dish is lethal.
Tea – the most popular beverage in Japan and a very important part of the Japanese food culture. Green tea is most common and is also used in the famous tea ceremonies.
Sake – rice wine that can be served cold or warm.
Did you see a queue and the prices? You can usually tell the restaurants with best price-quality ratio by the queue out front. Also, as a good rule of thumb, if the prices are not shown, the restaurant is expensive.
Sights and activities near Tokyo
Nikko – a 90-minute train ride from Tokyo gets you to the Tosho-gu Shrine – consisting of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest – and Tokugawa-shogun mausoleum. The city of Nikko is considered one of Japan's top tourist attractions and is definitely worth a visit.
Hakone – visit the hot springs in Hakone National Park or take a tour at the museum, just 60 minutes away from Tokyo by train.
The bullet trains are the best way to travel between big cities and other transport hubs. With speeds of over 300 kilometres per hour, even long distances are covered in no time at all.
