RSSAn Introduction to Visiting Tokyo
Apr 26
Images of Japan range from the ancient temples of Kyoto and Nara, to the mystical mountain shrines of the Kii peninsula, to the ultra modern skyline of Tokyo and its denizens who have a penchant for dressing like Little Bow Peep and the odd cartoon hero. People tend to either bypass Tokyo completely or spend their whole time in the city depending on their preferences and what they are looking for in Japan.
The truth is Tokyo is way more than funky clothes, luxurious inventions and earthquake resistant buildings. The truth is Tokyo, or Edo as it used to be once called, has as much tradition and customs as the other regions of Japan. Everyone who is staying in Japan, regardless of what you’re attracted to, you should plan to to check out everything that Tokyo has to offer before you move on to explore the rest of the country.
Tokyo is a growing destination that is part cutting edge and part old traditional small town that blends together in a wonderful mix of fashionable and traditional. With about thirty-three million people living in the greater Tokyo Metropolitan area it is tough to get beyond the concrete and neon front that a lot of people see and never move beyond.
If it’s your first time in the city there are a number of attractions that you should not miss. Start your tour in Shinjuku and a walk with the young generation in their quest for the latest name brands. Move on to Meiji Shrine to the south were you are welcomed into a quite forested park at the center of which sits a massive wooden Shinto shrine where, if you are lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of a traditional Shinto wedding. Exit the grounds through a large tori gate and into Harajuku and mingle with the young hip crowd dressed in costume play. Walk and take pictures with Little Bow Peep, Goth sweethearts, and the anime characters.
Move on to the more traditional areas of Tokyo (shita-machi, or lower town) and visit Asakusa area with the oldest and grandest temple in Tokyo, Sensoji. Head to Akihabara for a break back into the modern world with the latest gadgets and the peculiar culture of Maid Caf’s that have sprung up to service the Otaku (diehard fan) of the cartoon and comic genres. Loaded up with a new camera head up to Ueno Park where you can stroll amongst cherry blossom trees, ancient temples and visit the Ueno Zoo and pay a quick visit to their newest additions from China, the adorable Giant Pandas Bili and Xiannu.
As nighttime begins (no, you’re unable to do all of the above in 1 day) it is time to burrow into the endless small alleys and night fun that Tokyo promises. If you are starving visit Shinjuku, decide on a tiny alley and head down it. There are actually tons of small areas to discover and experience dinner just like the locals.
Search for a cute izakya (like a tapas bar) where you can try out a nice assortment of food and drinks. When you’re feeling buzzed hit the Roppongi or Izabuchuban wards where the night life really gets going with thousands of bars and night clubs. You should be prepared for a long night as the clubs stay open, and packed, until 4 am or so. Go wild right until the trains begin and get a bowl of miso ramen from a shop to help deal with a hangover.
Whenever you get back to your hotel, shower, take a 5 minute nap and then rinse and repeat. Tokyo has an energy that hopefully will keep you stimulated and alert your entire adventure.
You can find more great tips and advice on visiting Tokyo and the best things in Tokyo to see and do.
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