Japan has a global influence that has only begun to flourish within the past 150 years. In that time it’s found a way developed a culture entirely its own, while finding ways to hold onto its incredible history. As Japan hosts more visitors each year, Tokyo continues to amaze the world and anyone that experiences it.
If you’re a “techy” or just enjoy electronics, there’s a place called “Electric Village” for you! On the street level amongst the buildings, you can find what many westerners would consider a flea market. Seemingly random booths with an array of motors, cables, wires, equipment, collectibles, action figures, and collectible cards among the treasures hidden within these vendor coves.
To say Tokyo is eclectic is truly an understatement! It can be eccentric and overstimulating, yet traditional and refined. It’s a place that offers so much in a way that makes it one of the most incredible cities in the world. The cuisine is some of the best in the world, and to add the culture makes this a “must visit” city!
Tokyo may be a global financial and industrial hub, but it’s definitely not for those that take life too seriously either. It’s not uncommon to find older men in suits in an Izakaya straight from work having some drinks and a laugh before heading home. If they see you’re a foreigner and having fun, don’t be surprised if they invite you to join them. But hey – that’s just Tokyo!
Tokyo is home to an interesting range of Japanese cafes. Try some kakigori (shaved ice), daifuku (sweet rice cakes), taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries), and matcha ice cream are top local recommendations for visitors. They also offer animal cafés (from a cat, dog, hedgehog, to snake cafes) for you to play with animals and adopt the animals and enjoy some coffee or tea.
The Tokyo Bay Connector Bridge otherwise known as the Rainbow Bridge is an incredible sight. The white supporting towers of the bridge are lit up at night in rainbow colors, giving the bridge its nickname. The lights are powered by solar panels during the day, and along with the illuminated bridge, the Tokyo backdrop makes it one of the most picturesque locations in the city.
The Tokyo International Forum is a colossal convention center located near Tokyo Station. It’s designed with striking features and in itself is an artistic expression of the capabilities of the architecture. On your visit, you’ll experience a variety of artwork, a diverse program of shows, plays, and musical performances, and enjoy The Forum’s wealth of cafes and restaurants.
Tokyo Tower was finished in 1958, 78 years after the original Eiffel Tower in Paris was erected. The tower stands 13 meters taller, and because of the materials used to construct it, is half the weight of the original. Thanks to the invention of the airplane the tower was painted International Orange and white so it could be seen more easily.
Tokyo Tower offers 2 different viewing decks for visitors. Its 150-meter main deck provides a three-dimensional feel of the cityscape of Tokyo. Its 250-meter top deck for a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo. Visitors can take an elevator or enjoy a 10-15 minute 600-stair climb around the outside of the tower.
Tokyo’s picturesque Sky Tree serves as a broadcasting tower and observation point in the Sumida municipality. The 333-meter tower was named the tallest in the world in 2010 and offers visitors an observation area at the top for stunning views of the cityscape below. The tower is busiest when the cherry blossoms bloom in March/April.
Around the middle to end of March for a couple of weeks, the city comes alive, and as blooming cherry blossoms line the streets and fill the air. The blossoms are part of Japan’s welcoming for spring and are part of Hanami, a tradition for appreciating the beauty found in nature. The cherry blossom is the national symbol of Japan and is a sight that’s beyond the capabilities of a photograph.
For the collectors, you can find some incredible items in the plethora of stores and multi-level arcades in Akihabara. Be careful of the prices, most stores here are privately owned, so they sell items at their price, not the actual price. That being said, most items are still lower cost than anywhere outside of Japan.
In Taito City, visitors often unknowingly walk by this historical Shinto shrine. Built-in 1627 by Takatora Todo, this shrine is known for its incredible strength throughout the history of Japan. Even in the face of wars and flattening earthquakes, it’s stood up to the most disastrous events in Japan’s history. Locals and visitors alike come to pray for good fortune and honor the resilience of the shrine.
Shibuya is known for its nightlife and Izakaya’s, but for a uniquely Tokyo experience visitors will also find maid bars. These are bars, but they each have a theme, like witches, animals, etc., giving a unique twist.
This street is famous for its beautiful chaos when the lights turn red. At peak times, it’s been estimated more than 1000 people from every direction crisscross the street seamlessly. There’s a lookout point where you can watch the people crossing on the square from the top of a building for free. There you’ll find an overlook with glass walls to photograph the square in action.
Hachiko Square is located in the bustling Shibuya district and was made famous for being home to the Hachiko sculpture. Hachiko would walk to meet his owner every day and waited at the spot where the statue is today. One day his owner died, but Hachiko continued to come back and wait for his owner another 9 years. The statue stands to honor a dog’s endless loyalty.
Shinjuku Station is one of, if not the busiest train stations in the world. Once you’ve survived the labyrinth, be prepared for sensory overload from the area’s endless means of food, fun, and entertainment. Visitors can find TOHO’s Cinema, a multiplex with Godzilla peeking over the roof, and every hour from 10 am to 8 pm he comes alive!
Kabukicho is the night-life district of Shinjuku and is full of over-the-top, futuristic glitz and glam that can only be found in Tokyo. If you love the bizarre and fantastical side of Japan, then the Robot Restaurant is for you. You’ll experience performances with flamboyant pageantry and a nearly seizure-inducing neon light show – all with robots of course.
The cuisine in Tokyo is some of the best in the world. Their ability to keep menus small ensures everything is crafted to perfection and executed with a consistency apart from anywhere else in the world. Tokyo continues to have the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world in the 2020 guide, with a total of 226 restaurants.
The greater Tokyo area is home to over 4,000 temples and shrines. The most popular is the Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji’s reign altered the course of Japan from an outdated country in the late 1800s, to the international hub it’s known for today.
The gate to the Senso-ji temple with massive lantern chochin
Senso-ji Temple is easily one of Tokyo’s most famous cultural sites, consistently hosting over 30 million visitors a year. The temple is nothing short of stunning. Visitors can partake in incense bathing when entering that’s performed by fanning the incense smoke over your face and body as a ritual to ward off illness and receive its healing capabilities. Make sure to grab a paper fortune (omikuji) before leaving. If it’s a good one, keep it! If it’s a bad one, tie it to one of the strings beside the temple so the fortune doesn’t follow you.
The Imperial palace used to be the largest fortress in the world as an impressive 3.4-square-km complex. Unfortunately, the palace is only open to the public two days a year (January 2nd and February 23rd), because the current emperor’s still living in the palace. Visitors can book a tour with the Imperial Household Agency to experience a small part of the world inside the walls of this incredible fortress.
While you’re visiting the Palace, be sure to take time to admire the palace bridges that form the entrance. These bridges are arguably the most cherished and photographed bridges in Japan. Behind the bridges, you’ll see the Fushimi-yagura watchtower. This tower was completed in 1559 and is one of three from the original 19 towers constructed for the palace.
Conclusion:
Tokyo is only a small part of the wonders of Japan but is an experience that offers something for everyone. It’s architecture, history, music, and television are only the tip of the iceberg. The future continues to shine bright on the land of the rising sun, and the world is better for it.