Japan’s capital city is a mind-boggling kaleidoscope of futuristic skyscrapers and blinding neon lights that illuminate the centuries of culture and heritage lying in the shadows. One of the world’s most forward-thinking destinations, Tokyo can be intimidating to first time visitors, yet, given time and in similar fashion to Kyoto, it is a city that travelers come to adore, making it rank alongside London, Paris and New York as a must see once in a lifetime city. Boasting sparkling shopping malls, ground breaking architecture and the latest in technological developments, Tokyo is a mecca for consumerism, yet flip the coin and find a cultural rich city peppered with ancient Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and bonsai filled gardens.
Tokyo is every bit the epitome of the old blending effortlessly with the new where busy commercial districts of high flying businessmen merge into old medieval lanes walked by kimono-clad women and karaoke bars spring up next door to traditional teahouses. Today the commercial and entertainment side of the city seemingly takes precedence and the sights are not always obvious to the naked eye, however, those that step back from the chaos will find the rewarding and captivating side of Tokyo. Breakfast on sushi at Tsukiji early in the morning, explore the Buddhist temples of Asakusa during the afternoon then, following a plate of steaming noodles from a café, shop for tomorrows trends in Akihabara and Shibuya.
For long having a reputation as a pricey city and one to be avoided by budget travelers, visitors to Tokyo are often pleasantly surprised by its affordability. The streets are lined with cheap izakaya restaurants, tickets for the theatre and sumo wrestling events come at bargain prices and the majority of the historical attractions are free of charge. Furthermore, for those that can handle the noise, the changing faces of Tokyo’s streets provide a stimulating glimpse into the life of this enigmatic city.
Tokyo Sightseeing - Tourist attractions and activities in Tokyo are boundless, with the most challenging task being to know where to start. Boasting abundant temples, shrines, palaces and gardens there is literally something on every corner that will astound and amaze. Stop by the Tokyo Tourist Information Centre and pick up a map and walking tour ideas. A good way to go is by district, making sure to check out futuristic Akihabara, traditional Asakusa and the artsy suburb of Roppongi. Many visitors find themselves particularly drawn to the shrine of Meiji-Jingu, Nikko mausoleum, gardens of Shinjuku-gyoen, Tsukiji Market and Sensoji Temple.
Tokyo Museums - To see all of Tokyo’s well-presented museums and galleries would be a commendable experience, however, the following are a selection of the best.
Edo-Tokyo Museum - Fascinating insight into Tokyo’s history and culture housed in a building resembling a spaceship.
John Lennon Museum - Perhaps an unlikely addition, however this museum does a fine job in showcasing the life of Lennon, including exhibits on family trips to Japan with Yoko Ono.
Mori Art Museum - Rotating exhibitions of up-and-coming artists from around the world located on the 53rd floor of the RoppongiHillsMoriTower.
Panasonic Centre - Visit the Panasonic showroom for the latest in technological developments.
Tokyo National Museum - Japan’s oldest and biggest museum houses the world’s largest collection of Japanese art and ancient artefacts such as kimono, samurai swords and ceramics.
Theme Parks in Tokyo - Being a forward-thinking and fast paced city, it will come to no surprise that the city is home to a handful of parks offering high adrenalin activities to thrill-seeking travellers. The leader by a long way is Tokyo Disneyland, home to all the expected Disney fun and a carbon copy of its California counterpart. Smaller, less expensive parks around the city are Hanayashiki and Megaweb. For rainy days, the city also houses the Sunshine International Aquarium and Tokyo Sea Life Park.
Shopping in Tokyo - Like London, New York and Paris, Tokyo is a fashion conscious city where new trends fade out as quickly as they came in. Those in search of the latest in designer clothing should make a move for the boutiques of the Ginza district or Shibuya’s Omotesando Avenue. Techies should check out the newest developments and bargain electronics at Akihabara and those in search of traditional souvenirs will do best heading for Asakusa. For the ultimate Tokyo food market experience, arrive early at Tsukiji fish market for a breakfast for fresh sushi.
Tokyo Festivals
Asakusa Sanja Matsuri - Tokyo’s biggest festival at its largest shrine where worshippers take to the streets to carry mikoshi (portable shrines) in lively processions. Takes place on the third Sunday of May.
Kanda Matsuri - Also in May, this 3-day festival celebrates the gods of the Kanda Myojin shrine with a series of lively parades.
Fuji Rock Festival - Big name artists from across the globe come to perform at the Naeba Ski Resort during a weekend in July.
Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo - Japan’s national sport, where two oversized men come face to face in an attempt to wrestled each other out of a small ring, is a must see event when in Tokyo. Nihon Sumo Kyokai is the home of sumo and the website is full of information regarding event listings and ticket allocations.
Tokyo Nightlife - 24-hours are never enough for a day in Tokyo and the city is as vibrant by night as it is throughout the day. From the karaoke-party bars of Roppongi to the swanky lounges of Shinjuku to the artsy vibe of Ebisu, even for long-term residents there is never a shortage of watering holes and new venues to explore.
Bars in Tokyo
Fiesta - Boisterous Roppongi karaoke bar offering punters the chance to test their vocals in a variety of languages.
Goshiki - The ‘beer cuisine’ is brimming with tasty beers from local microbreweries to a decor hinting at an English-pub.
Heartland - Popular Roppongi beer hall attracting an artsy and fashion conscious crowd.
New York Bar - Made famous by the movie Lost In Translation, this slick lounge bar sits on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt.
Clubs in Tokyo
Alife - Huge Roppongi nightclub with a strict dress code and above average cover charge.
Blues Alley Japan - Laidback basement club and one of Japan’s finest venues for live jazz.
Gas Panic - Lively party bar cum club that attracts boozed up youngsters and scantily clad Japanese women.
SECO - Hidden beneath the train tracks of Shibuya is an intimate house club pulling in big name DJs.
Theatres in Tokyo
Bunkamura - Specialising in dance productions, this venue is an all-in-one museum, bar/restaurant, concert hall and theatre complex.