Japan´s vibrant capital and largest city (its metropolitan area with a mind-bending population of 37 million) blends futuristic innovation with pockets of traditional charm, its streets filled with a variety of allures including historical landmarks, culinary and cultural delights, world-class shopping, amazing entertainment, and of course cutting-edge technology. It´s a truly extraordinary and unique experience for the visitor.
Top 10 Sites and Sights
Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Iconic Organized Chaos
A central hub of a special ward in eastern Tokyo, the world´s biggest pedestrian crossing (top) is an amazing spectacle indeed; witness the sheer kinetic energy as up to 2,500 pedestrians cross it simultaneously. For the best views, visit the Starbucks across from the crossing.
Sensō-ji Temple: Ancient Majesty
Northeast of Shibuya, the Asakusa district of the Taito ward is home to Tokyo´s oldest Buddhist temple (below), completed in 645, is the world´s most visited religious site, fronted by the imposing Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), dominated my a massive paper lantern vividly painted in red and black to suggest thunder clouds and lightning. Inside you´ll find a five-story pagoda, various halls and shrines, and a contemplative garden, while the busy 200-meter street leading to the temple is lined with myriad shops and eateries.
Tsukiji Outer Market: A Foodie Extravaganza
Located in central Tokyo near the Ginza, this lively, sprawling 90-year-old complex whose narrow lanes are lined with some 900 stalls selling seafood, produce, and various other foodstuffs as well as a wide range of delectable prepared delicacies. from fresh sushi and sashimi to cooked dishes and sweets.
Tokyo Skytree: Sweeping City Views
Near Asakusa, Japan´s tallest tower (and the world´s third tallest, at 634 meters/2,080 feet) was built in 2012 and is the primary radio and television broadcaster for Greater Tokyo and beyond. And to visitors offers breathtaking vistas out over the urban landscape from its pair of multi-level observation decks. There´s also a shopping center and Sumida Aquarium at the base of the tower.
Odaiba: A Futuristic Entertainment Hub
A futuristic entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, its´s linked to the rest of the city by metro (a half/hour ride), water bus, and the Rainbow Bridge. In addition to numerous spots for dining and entertainment, top attractions include three shopping malls (one of which, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, features a huge statue from the Monbile Suit Gundam anime series, which transforms into "destroy mode" four times a day); Odaiba Marine Park with its an 800m (2,625-foot) beach and replica of New York City´s Statue of Liberty); museums such as the Museum of Maritime Science, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, the Tokyo Water Science Museum; the teamLab Borderless digital art museum experience; the Takoyaki culinary museum devoted to Osaka´s reknowned street food (in the DECKS Tokyo Beach shopping center).
Harajuku: Fashion and Youth Culture
In this district of Shibuya near the Meiji Shrine (see below), discover Tokyo's vibrant - and sometimes over-the-top - youth and cosplay culture (above) on its streets and in its small independent boutique shops (plus there are plenty of high-end luxury chain stores, too, especially along Omotesando). Top streets to check out include Takeshita Street and Cat Street.
Meiji Shrine: A Tranquil Oasis
Along with Buddhism, Japan has its own homegrown religion, Shinto, and this is one of its best known shrine complex, completed in 1921 and dedicated to Emperor Mutsuhito (1852-1912), posthumously known as Emperor Meiji, under whose rule Japan opened up to the West and made great advances. Also located in Harajuku and surrounded by a lush evergreen forest, offering a serene retreat from the busy streets. There´s now also a museum displaying artifacts and artworks from the shrine´s collection.
Roppongi Hills: Art and Nightlife Fusion
Located in Minato, this is a nearly seven-hectare (17-acre), 22-year-old multi-use megacomplex which besides offices and residences also includes a ton of shops, restaurants, cafés, and nightspots, as well as several parks and movie theaters, the Grand Hyatt Tokyo hotel, and the Mori Art Museum, showcasing contemporary work.
Ueno Park: Nature and Museums
A felicitous 54ha (133-acre) mix of nature and culture in the heart of Tokyo, one of its oldest parks (built in 1873) is known for Tokyo´s most famous springtime sakura (cherry blossoms) and is also home to Shinobazu Pond (grab a boat ride), Ueno Zoo, and a half dozen museums: the National Museum of Nature and Science, the Le Corbusier-designed National Museum of Western Art, the Shitamachi Museum, (history of Tokyo´s traditional working-class district), the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Japan´s first art museum, marking 100 years in 2026), and the Tokyo National Museum (Japan´s oldest, of national history and culture).
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Magical Escapes
For a magical day trip, take a 15-minute taxi or 20-minute subway ride to the suburb of Urayasu to the first Disneyland to be built outside the USA (in 1983). Most of the rides and attractions in the 115-acre park are pretty much copies of those at other Disney park, but there several which aren´t found elsewhere, such as the trackless dark ride Pooh´s Hunny Hut and the interactive Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek. And right alongside it is an even larger - and unique park called DisneySea, with water-themed sections such as American Waterfront, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island, and Port Discovery. What also makes both parks unique is the relatively buttoned down nature of the Japanese public. But they still make for a fantastic day out, particularly for families!
Insider Travel Tips
Navigating Public Transportation Like a Pro
If you wish to explore Tokyo's many treasures, you´ll need to master its extensive subway system - actually two systems, with a combined total of 286 stations. The rechargeable Suica and Pasmo cards will make it easier to travel on trains, and buses, as well as to use in vending machines (see below) throughout the city.
Timing is Everything at Tourist Hotspots
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as places such as the Senso-ji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree are often more tranquil and have fewer crowds.
Dine Like a Local on Hidden Lanes
There is nothing like Tokyo's culinary scene for foodies. Avoid the crowds and explore hidden alleyways like Shinjuku´s Omoide Yokocho bar district (above), where authentic Japanese cuisine can be found in street stalls and cozy izakaya pubs.
Stay in a Ryokan for a Traditional Experience
With tatami-mat floors, rice-screens, futon beds, onsens (hot-springs baths), and multi-course kaiseki meals, these traditional inns are often associated with more rural areas, but there are dozens of them in Tokyo, as well, from budget-priced to luxury.
Discover Tokyo's Secret Gardens
Amid the busy urban landscape, Tokyo is home to serene gardens that provide a peaceful escape from the city. Visit 58ha (144-acre) Shinjuku Gyoen in Shibuya and Shinjuku or 25ha ( 62-acre) Hamarikyu Gardens for a tranquil, natural experience.
Capsule Hotels for Cool, Space-Efficient Stays
Discover the unique wonders these singular hostelries (above), which offer a cost-effective (and a bit of a science-fiction-feeling) alternative to traditional hotels. Solo travelers, budget travelers, and those seeking a minimalist experience will find these lodgings ideal.
Learn Several Basic Japanese Phrases
Many Tokyo residents do speak English, but learning a few basic phrases (hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and so forth) can go a long way in enhancing your interactions and demonstrating respect for Japanese culture - and locals will be surprised and pleased by the effort.
Embrace the Vending Machine Culture
As there are more than five million vending machines (above) throughout Japan, you can be sure there are many thousands everywhere and anywhere in Tokyo. And they sell not just the usual drinks and snacks but also sometimes hot meals; fruits and vegetables; toys; collectibles; and small electronics.
For flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo, click here.
Comments