Tokyo

Tokyo Travel Guide

Welcome to Tokyo, the vibrant and bustling capital city of Japan! This guide is designed to help you make the most of your visit. From world-class attractions to hidden gems, we’ve got you covered.

Places to Go:

  1. Tsukiji Fish Market (Toyosu Market): Experience the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s largest fish markets. Try fresh sushi at a local sushi restaurant.

  2. Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa: Tokyo’s oldest temple, surrounded by the vibrant Asakusa district with traditional shops and restaurants.

  3. Shibuya Crossing: Known as the busiest intersection in the world, it’s a must-see for its crowd and the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crosswalk.

  4. Meiji Shrine: A peaceful shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, located in a beautiful forest.

  5. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A large park offering a variety of landscapes including English landscape, French formal garden, and Japanese traditional garden.

  6. Odaiba: An artificial island with shopping malls, restaurants, and attractions like the Rainbow Bridge, Palette Town, and the teamLab Borderless digital museum.

  7. Akihabara: Known for its many electronics shops, especially video game-related stores, and anime stores.

  8. Harajuku: Famous for Takeshita Street, with trendy fashion boutiques, crepe stands, and the colorful street culture of Harajuku girls.

Activities:

  1. Sumo Wrestling: Watch a live sumo match at Ryogoku Kokugikan during the six official tournaments held each year.

  2. Robot Restaurant: Experience a futuristic cabaret show filled with robots, dancers, and lights.

  3. Nightlife in Roppongi: Visit clubs, bars, and restaurants in this vibrant district.

  4. Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami): In spring, enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms at Ueno Park or Chidorigafuchi Moat.

  5. Day Trip to Nikko: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its shrines and natural beauty.

Where to Eat:

  1. Izakaya: Japanese gastropubs serving a variety of dishes, often with a local beer or sake.

  2. Ramen Shops: Try different types of ramen in each district, such as Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen in Saitama or Miso ramen in Asakusa.

  3. Sushi Restaurants: From high-end omakase (chef’s choice) restaurants to casual conveyor belt sushi places.

  4. Tonkatsu Restaurants: Try the classic Japanese breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet dish.

Where to Stay:

  1. Shinjuku: Convenient for shopping, dining, and nightlife, with easy access to other areas via the JR Yamanote Line.

  2. Asakusa/Ueno: Close to popular attractions like Senso-ji Temple and Ueno Park.

  3. Ginza: High-end shopping district with luxury hotels and restaurants.

  4. Shibuya: Known for its youthful atmosphere and trendy shops.

Things to Know:

  1. Language: English is not widely spoken, so it’s useful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases.

  2. Etiquette: Bow slightly when greeting someone, remove your shoes when entering homes or temples, and don’t blow your nose in public.

  3. Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Japan, as service charges are often included in the bill.

  4. Public Toilets: Many have a “washlet” with heated seats, bidet functions, and air deodorizers.

Transportation:

  1. JR Yamanote Line: A circular train line that connects major stations in Tokyo.

  2. Subway (Metro): Extensive network with convenient connections to many areas.

  3. Bus: Useful for getting to places not served by the subway or train.

  4. Taxi: Convenient but can be expensive, especially during peak hours and for long distances.

  5. Travel Cards: Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on trains and buses.

Tips:

  1. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of cultural differences and always act respectfully.

  2. Stay Safe: Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.

  3. Try New Things: Embrace the unique experiences Tokyo has to offer.

  4. Plan Ahead: Check opening hours and make reservations when necessary.

  5. Use Maps: Tokyo can be overwhelming, so have a map handy or use GPS navigation.

Enjoy your trip to Tokyo! With its blend of tradition and modernity, there’s always something new to discover.