27 things to do in Tokyo
Ultimate metropolis, Tokyo is one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world. Modern high-tech living, urban design and cutting-edge architecture define the world's largest city. But dig a little deeper under the contemporary veneer and you'll find centuries-old stone temples, shrines and lanterns nestled among quirky, cartoonish creations and neon-lit nightlife. It is this contradictory nature that makes the beauty of this extraordinary city. Tokyo is the beating heart of Japan, here are our top recommendations for exploring the capital of the land of the rising sun ...
1. Tokyo can be a destination purely for the delicious and exciting food scene. Dip into a hearty bowl of tonkotsu (pork broth) and Ichiran, tucked away behind the steam locomotive on display at Shinbashi Station, is arguably the best place in town.
2. The world famous Sukiyabashi Jiro sushi restaurant in Ginza is owned and operated by sushi master Jiro Ono and was the first sushi restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars. Well worth a visit, but note that reservations can only be made through the concierge at a luxury hotel.
3. If you're up for an early departure, don't miss the hustle and bustle of Toyosu Market (formerly held in Tsukiji which closed in 2018 after 83 years). The fish are sliced, diced and distributed at incredible speed - the epitome of Japanese efficiency. You can sample the freshest raw fish at a series of sushi bars, and peek at live fish auctions and sales from a second-floor vantage point.
4. The Yakitori alley leading from the Ginza area under the tracks of Yurakucho station is where you will find izakaya (bars) and Yakitori (grilled fast food) joints under the tracks of Tokyo station. Here you can sit and people watch, as employees, students, shoppers, and late-night revelers have dinner at the booth.
5. For the best sushi in town, head to Ichibancho Teruya right next to Hanzomon metro station. Not only will you taste some of the best sushi in all of Japan, but you'll also have the unique experience of chatting with an English-speaking chef - and everything will be prepared right in front of you.
6. Shinjuku is the place to go for the bustling neon-lit streets and amazing architecture, including the Prada building and the Dior building. This area is great for shopping, but there are also art galleries and museums to explore.
7. Akihabara, in central Tokyo, is the center of game, manga and anime culture, very popular in Japan. Numerous electronics stores, maid cafes and anime stores provide a self-proclaimed paradise otaku (unconditional fan) or for those who are just curious about the strange and the wonderful.
8. Cat Café MOCHA is one of Tokyo's quirky but utterly endearing concepts. The Cat Café in Harajuku is an elegant, light and airy nook for the ultimate kawaii (cute) experience. About twenty cats roam the light-flooded cafe and a wooden tree stands in the center with seats built into the branches for the cats to perch in the canopy.
10. The heart of Tokyo's nightlife in Shinjuku, Shibuya and Kabukicho is a multi-level experience, with different restaurants, bars and clubs on each floor. Have fun going up tiny elevators and going through doors to explore until you find what you're looking for.
11. There is no shortage of karaoke bars in Tokyo. Karaoke-kan is a typical karaoke bar, where the drinks are cheap and alcoholic, and the customers are fun, loud and full of personality. This karaoke bar is familiar with international travelers and is cheap, easy, and right in the heart of Shibuya.
12. The famous "zebra crossing" in Shibuya demonstrates the remarkably orderly energy of Tokyo; five intersections converge at the world's busiest crossroads and bustling crowds move together to create "orderly chaos".
13. The famous Tokyo Skytree is Tokyo's tallest skyscraper, eclipsing everything else in this low-rise neighborhood, but be sure to book in advance if you want to climb to the top. It has the highest observation deck in town and the panoramic views are from science fiction.
14. Roppongi is not to be missed, a lively entertainment district popular with Westerners, with stylish boutiques, more English-speaking restaurants and bars, and cultural sites. Explore the Art Triangle in the neighborhood made up of the Mori Art Museum on the 53rd floor of the Hills Mori Tower (take an elevator to the observation deck on the 54th floor), the National Art Center (the largest and the most prestigious art museum in Japan) and Suntory Art Museum.
15. The Edo-Tokyo Museum traces the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo through architectural models, woodcuts and maps. The exhibition looks at reference literature, historic pleasure districts, traditional houses, the changing lifestyle of the ruling class and much more. There is also a restaurant on the top floor which offers panoramic views of Tokyo.
16. Being the oldest museum in Japan, the Tokyo National Museum is a national treasure in itself. It's home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Japanese art, from samurai swords and fabulous kimonos to ancient Buddhist carvings and woodcuts. It also happens to be located in one of Tokyo's oldest public parks, Ueno; a hundred hectares dotted with ancient shrines, temples, ponds and thousands of cherry blossoms.
17. Visit the mighty Senso-ji temple in the traditional Asakusa district; with its giant red lantern at the door and the bustling Nakamise archway with kimono fabrics among other traditional goods on display, it has a fabulous lively vibe.
18. Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, the first Emperor of modern Japan, and his wife, which was built soon after their deaths and then rebuilt after WWII. The resort is surrounded by a lush green forest in the heart of the city and provides the perfect escape from the busy metropolis.
19. For a museum or art gallery experience like no other, teamLab Borderless Museum is home to digital art installations and immersive experiences, offering a unique blend of art and technology in several light and sound exhibits. different.
20. The Park Hyatt (made famous in the movie Lost in Translation) is the last word in sophistication and service standards in Tokyo, with an incredible rooftop pool and free gym where you can view the panorama. of the city at night. Bars are open until the early hours of the morning, then head to the rooftop to see Mount Fuji in the distance on a clear day at sunrise.
21. While competition is fierce between several high-end hotels in Tokyo, Aman Tokyo is ahead for us. The absolute pinnacle of sophistication, this sleek property strikes the perfect balance between understated chic and sheer luxury, which is evident from the moment you step in as you walk through the sleek yet understated entrance to the burgeoning, designed lobby by the famous Kerry Hill.
22. The ancient sport of sumo is a fascinating and entertaining spectacle steeped in tradition. Japan's national sport has professional tournaments that take place six times a year in different cities, and three of them are held at the Ryoguku Kokugikan (Sumo Hall) in Tokyo. If you are lucky enough to be here when there is a sumo tournament it is worth a visit.
23. Upon arrival or departure from Tokyo, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and beautiful Naritasan Park are located close to Tokyo Airport. Take an hour to explore the temple and the incredible flowering tree-lined gardens and tranquil temples.
24. If the bright lights and busy streets get too overwhelming, bask in the peaceful and magical groves of the Sagano Bamboo Forest outside of Tokyo. It's smaller and more secluded than Arashiyama, but just as beautiful.
25. The cherry blossom season is not just about flowers; although not an official Japanese national holiday, a festival atmosphere spreads across the country as the flower opens days later in Tokyo. Japanese people of all ages come together in harmonious multigenerational groups to o-hanami picnics under the branches of trees in parks like Shinjuku Gyoen.
26. Once an Imperial Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen became a traditional Japanese garden after WWII. The 144-acre park includes pockets of formal French and English landscaped gardens, and stunning and unforgettable landmarks are scattered throughout the beautifully maintained plot.
27. If Tokyo is your only stop in Japan, visit a onsen the hot spring bath should be on your list. Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku is a wonderful 24-hour space with a huge choice of spa experiences, including gas baths and outdoor stone baths.
Here are some of the fantastic things to do in Tokyo. Hope this list helps you experience the best of Tokyo on your next Japanese adventure.
James Jayasundera is Founder and CEO of Ampersand Travel. Ampersand Travel creates bespoke and luxurious travel experiences in Asia, the British Isles and Southern Africa. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to enhance your profile, please contact us.
