Tokyo Trip Tips

History

Tokyo has a long history and is believed to have been inhabited since the Jomon period. During the Nara Period (710-794), the Heijokyo Capital was established and became the political center of Japan. In the Heian period (794-1185), the Heian-kyo capital was moved to Kyoto, and Tokyo fell out of the political center of Japan, but flourished as the center of the Kamakura shogunate and the Edo shogunate from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) onward.

Culture

Tokyo’s culture is a fusion of traditional Japanese and Western cultures. Traditional culture includes kabuki, sumo, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement. There is a Kabuki-za theater in Ginza and a sumo stable in Ryogoku. There are also many temples in the area, including Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, Zojoji Temple, and Nezu Shrine. Please come and experience Japanese culture.

Tokyo is also a mecca for anime and manga, with many famous works such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Pokemon. There are many places related to anime and manga, and the Akihabara area is especially popular among anime fans. Anime stores, manga museums, and maid cafes are well worth a visit.

Tokyo Sky Tree

It is the tallest freestanding tower in the world, and from its observation deck you can see the entire Tokyo cityscape. The night view is especially breathtaking, and with an aquarium, planetarium, shopping mall, and other facilities in the Skytree town, it is a spot where visitors can enjoy themselves all day long.

Sensoji Temple

It is the oldest temple in Japan and one of the most famous temples in Tokyo. After passing through the gate called Kaminarimon, a shopping street called Nakamise-dori leads to the temple. Here, visitors can enjoy the downtown atmosphere with its rows of souvenir stores and restaurants. Senso-ji Temple boasts a history of over 1,300 years and is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions.

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Dowager Shoken, and is known as one of the largest shrines in Japan. The grounds of the shrine are filled with abundant nature and seasonal flowers, attracting many visitors. Various events are also held here, including Hatsumode (New Year’s visits to shrines) and wedding ceremonies.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is the world’s largest Disney theme park, consisting of two parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Both parks are a kingdom of dreams and magic that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. We hope you will come visit Tokyo Disney Resort and create fun memories.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is a 333-meter-high radio tower located in Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo, completed in 1958, and is well known as a symbol of Tokyo. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape. At night, the tower is illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Akihabara

Akihabara is known as a mecca for subcultures such as anime, games, and cosplay. It is also famous as an electronics town, with the latest electronic devices and appliances. There are also many maid cafes, making Akihabara an irresistible spot for otaku culture enthusiasts.

Imperial Palace

It is the residence of the Emperor of Japan and the symbol of the nation. During the Edo period (1603-1867), it was called Edo Castle and flourished as the political, military, and cultural center of the Tokugawa shogunate.

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are open to the public free of charge, and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the gardens and historical buildings. The Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, with its vast lawn and moat, are a popular place to stroll and relax.

Ueno Zoo

With approximately 3,000 animals, it is one of the largest zoos in the world. Popular animals include giant pandas, elephants, and giraffes. There are also penguin and sea lion shows and monkey performances, making it a popular spot for families and couples.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Located in front of Shibuya Station, this is the busiest intersection in the world, with approximately 3,000 people passing through at a single green light.

The Shibuya Scramble Square Observation Deck, located directly above the intersection, offers a 360-degree view of the intersection. There are also many popular tourist spots in the immediate vicinity, including the statue of loyal dog Hachiko, Harajuku, and Omotesando.

Tsukiji Market

It is known as one of the largest seafood markets in the world. The market is full of middlemen who handle fresh seafood, and the auction is lively and bustling.

Inside the market is the Tsukiji Outside Market, which is open to the general public, where visitors can taste fresh seafood, sushi, and seafood bowls. The surrounding area is also lined with souvenir stores and restaurants, and is crowded with tourists.

Sushi

Tokyo is famous as the home of sushi, and visitors can enjoy fresh sushi by visiting the Tsukiji market. There are also high-end sushi restaurants scattered in areas such as Ginza and Shibuya.

Ramen

Tokyo offers a wide variety of ramen styles. You can enjoy many different types of ramen, including pork ramen, soy sauce ramen, miso ramen, and tsukemen (noodles with dipping sauce).

Yakiniku

There are numerous yakiniku restaurants for meat lovers. Please try Japanese Wagyu beef. You may never be able to go back to the meat you usually eat!

Tempura

Tempura is characterized by crispy fried ingredients. Typical tempura restaurants include Tempura Tenshin and Tendon Tenya.

Seafoods

In addition to sushi, you can enjoy fresh seafood and Japanese cuisine at sashimi and Japanese restaurants. Restaurants in Tokyo are able to purchase from the Tsukiji market, making it possible to eat fresh and delicious seafood.

Monjayaki

Osaka is famous for okonomiyaki and takoyaki, while Tokyo is famous for monjayaki. Monjayaki is made by mixing lots of cabbage and other ingredients with dashi (Japanese soup stock) and flour, and eating the mixture in a sludgy state. In Tsukishima, a town not far from Tsukiji, there is a monja street where many monjayaki restaurants stand side by side.

Stroll near Sensoji Temple

Senso-ji Temple is one of Tokyo’s representative temples, and is home to many downtown attractions such as Kaminarimon and Nakamise Street.

The grounds of Senso-ji Temple are filled with sights such as the main hall and the five-story pagoda. In addition, there are various sightseeing spots around Sensoji Temple, such as Hanayashiki and Asakusa Engei Hall, where visitors can experience Japanese history and culture.

Panoramic view of Tokyo from the Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Sky Tree is the world’s tallest freestanding radio tower, standing 634 meters high. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Tokyo cityscape.

On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji and the mountains in the distance. The night view is also beautiful, with Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and other illuminated buildings shining like sparkling jewels.

Shopping

Tokyo is one of the world’s great shopping destinations. It offers a wide variety of stores, from luxury brands to casual apparel. You can also enjoy shopping in a wide variety of genres such as consumer electronics, sundries, and food.

In Omotesando, Harajuku, and Shibuya, you can tour the fashionable streets. In Ginza and Marunouchi, you can visit luxury brands and department stores. In Shinjuku, you can enjoy shopping at a variety of stores of different genres. You can enjoy shopping with slightly different tastes depending on where you go.

Drinking and walking around pubs

Tokyo has a wide variety of izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), where you can enjoy sake, sushi, yakitori (grilled chicken), and many other dishes.

Izakaya is a traditional Japanese drinking establishment with counter and table seating that can be enjoyed alone or in groups. They also offer a wide variety of snacks and dishes that go well with sake and beer.

Shinjuku Golden Gai, Nakamise-dori in Asakusa, and Yokocho in Ebisu are typical spots for drinking and are highly recommended.

Visit to Meiji Shrine

Meiji Jingu is the largest shrine in Japan dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Dowager Shoken.

In Japan, shrines are not only religious institutions but also popular cultural tourist attractions. Meiji Jingu Shrine is especially popular among foreign tourists because of its beautiful architecture, vast grounds, and historical background.

A visit to Meiji Shrine is a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Japanese Traditional Culture Experience

In Tokyo, you can experience a variety of traditional Japanese culture. Below is a list of recommended experience facilities, so please be sure to try out the ones that interest you.

• Tokyo National Museum: Visitors can experience the tea ceremony and see traditional crafts.
• Sensoji Temple: Visitors can try on kimonos and watch traditional performing arts.
• Edo Tokyo Museum: Experience the culture of the Edo period.
• Ryogoku Kokugikan: Visitors can watch sumo matches, the national sport of Japan.

Ueno Zoo

Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the world. The main attraction of the Ueno Zoo is its wide variety of animals. The zoo houses not only popular animals such as giant pandas, polar bears, elephants, lions, and giraffes, but also many animals that are rare in Japan.

The animals are also displayed in an ingenious way, allowing visitors to observe them in their natural habitat.

Sports spectating

In Tokyo, you can watch a variety of sports games. Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, and there are many stadiums in Tokyo, including Tokyo Dome and Jingu Stadium. In addition, soccer, basketball, martial arts, professional wrestling, and many other sports games are actively played in Tokyo, and there are many games that can only be seen in Tokyo.

Tickets for sports games can be purchased through the official websites of the teams and venues. They can also be purchased through travel agencies and ticket sales websites. We hope you enjoy watching sports games in Tokyo.

Spring

• Appreciating the Cherry Blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen: Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, where visitors can enjoy various varieties of cherry trees. The best time to view the cherry blossoms is from late March to early April. During this period, many people visit Shinjuku Gyoen to enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
• Participation in the Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival: Ueno Park is also one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, various events are held. You can enjoy eating at food stalls, take a ride on a houseboat to view the cherry blossoms, and many other ways to have fun.
• Enjoy tulips and pansies at Hanayashiki in Asakusa: Hanayashiki in Asakusa is the oldest amusement park in Tokyo. In late March and early April, when it is at its best, many tulips and pansies are in full bloom. Hanayashiki also has many attractions such as Ferris wheels and roller coasters, so it is recommended to enjoy the attractions while admiring the flowers.

Summer

• Watching Fireworks Display over Water: There are various fireworks displays over water in Tokyo, such as the Sumida River Fireworks Display and the Asakusa Hanayashiki Fireworks Display. Fireworks launched from the water are very powerful and breathtakingly beautiful.
• Enjoying Summer Festivals: Various summer festivals are held in Tokyo, including the Sanja Festival in Asakusa and the Kanda Festival. Food stalls and street vendors line the streets, and people in yukata (summer kimono) gather to enjoy the festivities.
• Summer Night Viewing: The city of Tokyo is sparkling in the daytime, but it becomes even more magical at night. The best places to view the city at night are skyscrapers such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree, and tourist attractions such as Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge.

Autumn

• Enjoying Autumn Foliage Stroll: The best time to enjoy the autumn foliage in Tokyo is from late November to early December. There are various popular spots to enjoy autumn foliage, but the most famous and recommended are the Imperial Palace, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen.
• Enjoying Art Appreciation: Tokyo is home to many art galleries and museums from around the world. Autumn is also the season for art appreciation, with special exhibitions and events being held at various museums.

Winter

• Watching Illuminations: In winter in Tokyo, the city is brightly illuminated by the spectacular lights of illuminations. Illuminations are characterized by their large scale, and spots such as the Tokyo Sky Tree, the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Roppongi Hills are well known.
• Enjoy Special Winter Events at Tokyo Disney Resort: At Tokyo Disneyland, the Christmas-themed “Disney Dreamlights” and at Tokyo DisneySea, the snow and ice world of “DisneySea Christmas” and other events will be held at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Festival

• Sanja Festival in Asakusa (May): Held every May at Asakusa Shrine, this is Tokyo’s representative summer festival. The procession of three portable shrines attracts about one million visitors. The highlight of the procession is the spectacular stalls and the powerful parade of the portable shrines. The portable shrines weigh approximately 1 ton and are carried by about 100 people.
• Sumida River Fireworks Display (August): This is the most famous fireworks display in Tokyo. Held every August, it attracts more than one million people. About 20,000 fireworks are launched from both banks of the Sumida River, coloring the night sky in a spectacular display. The venue for the fireworks display is easily accessible, being close to famous tourist attractions such as Tokyo Skytree and Sensoji Temple.
• Halloween in Shibuya (October): Halloween in Shibuya is one of the largest Halloween events in the world. Every year on October 31, people in costume gather at Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing for a large costume parade. In addition, various Halloween events are held throughout the streets of Shibuya, adding to the excitement.

Traditional crafts

• Edo faceting: Edo faceting is a traditional Japanese craft that has continued since the Edo period. By engraving patterns on the surface of glass, beautiful reflections of light are created. Edo faceted glasses and vases are popular souvenirs that allow visitors to experience traditional Japanese culture.
• Edo Mokumegome Ningyo: Edo Mokumegome Ningyo is a traditional Tokyo craft in which thin strips of cloth are attached to a carved wooden doll to represent its costume. There are many different types of Edo Mokumegome dolls, including Hina dolls and May dolls.
• Edo toys: Edo toys are traditional toys born in the Edo period. Most are made of wood or bamboo, and are characterized by their simple yet elaborate construction. There are various types of toys such as Zubombo (pop-up toys), Tondori Hari Hari Hari (pop-up toys), Teppo Kitsune (fox-shaped, wooden target practice), and many others.

Airplane

Shinkansen

This high-speed rail line starts from Tokyo Station and connects to major cities such as Osaka, Nagoya, and Hiroshima. The Shinkansen from Tokyo Station is very convenient and comfortable. It is highly recommended to choose a seat on the right side of the train in the direction of travel, as you can see Mt. Tokyo is a really convenient city, and you can go anywhere in Japan by Shinkansen. Especially, please keep in mind that this Tokaido Shinkansen line connects all major cities in Japan.

If you are going from Tokyo Station to Gunma or Niigata, use the Joetsu Shinkansen. During the winter skiing and snowboarding season, the area is very crowded and lively. During the spring, summer, and fall holiday seasons, the area is crowded with tourists who come to enjoy mountain climbing and Niigata’s delicious rice, sake, soba (buckwheat noodles), and other gourmet delicacies.

If you are heading for Nagano or Kanazawa, use the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Stops along the way include Karuizawa Station, a luxury resort in Nagano Prefecture, and Nagano Station, famous for Zenkoji Temple. Beyond that, Kanazawa Station, famous for its fresh seafood, and Tsuruga Station, the final stop, are very convenient. In addition to regular seats, there is also the one-rank higher “Green Class” and the highest “Grand Class”, allowing passengers to spend their tedious travel time in elegance.

If you are heading for Sendai or Aomori, use the Tohoku Shinkansen. Some stations on the way, there is a pattern of branching off from the Akita Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, and Hokkaido Shinkansen, making travel in the Tohoku region more convenient. The Tohoku region is famous for its hot springs. There are many other attractive tourist destinations where you can experience unique food culture, dialects, and other unique cultural experiences, so much so that you will not be able to experience all the value of the region in one or two trips.

JR

Traditional railroad line

JR conventional lines covering central Tokyo provide good access to Tokyo and surrounding cities. The Yamanote, Chuo, and Sobu lines provide easy access to tourist destinations.

Limited express train

Express trains are available from Tokyo to access nearby tourist destinations. Some of these trains are sleeper trains that depart at night and arrive at their destinations in the morning, just like hotels.

Subway

The subway network stretching across the city center is easily accessible to tourists and provides convenient access to major tourist attractions. The Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, are available. There is no need to worry about security at all. Japanese people often use it for work, and everyone is tired and dozing off. People rarely steal wallets.
Try dropping your wallet on the subway. Perhaps a kind person will pick up your wallet and let you know.

Private railway

In addition to JR, there are many other lines in Tokyo, including Odakyu Electric Railway, Tokyu Electric Railway, Keio Electric Railway, Keikyu Electric Railway, and Keisei Electric Railway. Although there are a number of operating companies, they all run every 5 to 10 minutes, and their arrival times are accurate, so no matter which line you use, you can get to your destination with peace of mind.

Airport shuttle bus

Limousine buses are available between the airport and central Tokyo and major hotels. Convenient access from Haneda and Narita airports.

Express bus

Express buses can be used to access regional cities and other tourist destinations.

Cab

Cabs are available in central Tokyo and provide convenient access to tourist attractions. Since many cab drivers speak Japanese, it is helpful to bring a map or address to indicate your destination.

Bicycle

Bicycles are available in some parts of the city center, and bicycle tours around tourist destinations are a fun way to get around.