GUIDE Ultimate guide to Tokyo Bursting with around-the-clock activity, Tokyo visits are never short of adventure
Time-honoured tradition and fast-paced future meet at bustling crossroads in Japan’s capital city
Tokyo is a modern city built on tradition. Soaring skyscrapers sit side by side with perfectly preserved shrines and temples.
The city’s old traditions live on through food and festivals you can experience today. Turn the corner on one of Tokyo’s streets and you could be transported back to the bygone Edo Period (1603-1867), turn another, and you could find yourself in the heart of a subculture hub that’s out of this world.
Location
Tokyo is located in the Kanto region, in the east of the Japanese archipelago.
World-class eats
Omoide Yokocho, a famous drinking and eating quarter in Shinjuku. Image: Yulia Grigoryeva/Shutterstock.com
Tokyo is a foodie paradise and boasts some 200 Michelin-starred restaurants! Must-try dishes include sushi, yakitori and ramen, all of which can be found down yokocho (alleyways), under train stations or in reservation-only establishments. Not limited to Japanese cuisine, many international chefs also call Tokyo home.
Neon nightlife
A street in Shinjuku at night. Image: iamshutter/Shutterstock.com
Explore the city that never shuts down. Go laneway bar-hopping through some of the city’s famous spots; Nonbei Yokocho and Ebisu Yokocho in Shibuya and Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku. After dinner and drinks, get a bird’s eye view of the sparkling city by visiting Tokyo Tower (open until 10:30pm), then head to a karaoke bar or hit the dance floor in the club districts of Roppongi. If you’re looking to unwind, stroll through one of the many illumination events held in the city, or take a night cruise around Tokyo Bay.
Natural wonders
Chidorigafuchi Moat during sakura season. Image: f11photo/Shutterstock.com
If you want to catch the beauty of cherry blossoms in Tokyo, check out some great viewing hotspots that the city has to offer! Enjoy an evening walk as you stroll along Chidorigafuchi Moat or the riverside of Nakameguro, witness the spectacular nighttime illuminations of the cherry trees at Ueno Park or relax under the cherry trees at Inokashira Park!
In autumn, experience the Japanese tradition of momiji-gari (maple leaf hunting) as trees around the city turn into vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. Marvel at the golden ginkgo trees that line Icho Namiki Avenue, enjoy nighttime illuminations at Rikugien Garden or explore the expansive Showa Memorial Park.
Tradition and heritage
Torii gate at the entrance to Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu). Image: Bule Sky Studio/Shutterstock.com
Visit beautiful temples and shrines such as Sensoji Temple, Kanda Shrine or Meiji Shrine. Head to Tokyo’s Marunouchi district to take a tour of the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Palace is still in use by the Imperial family, surrounded by beautifully preserved moats and walls and nestled in the middle of its 17th century parks.
If you’re visiting in January, May or September, why not watch a sumo match at Ryogoku Kokugikan. You can also learn more at this ancient sport at the Sumo Museum, which is located on the premises.
Seasonal festivals and events
Kanda-matsuri Festival at Kanda Shrine. Image © TCVB
Japan has more festivals (matsuri) than most, with each one celebrating tradition in spectacular fashion. Popular festivals include Kanda Festival, Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival and Sanno Matsuri.
Keep an eye on the Tokyo Motor Show that is held every two years in autumn, featuring advanced technologies and cutting-edge designs from manufacturers from all over the world, from practical passenger cars to dazzling concept cars.
Don’t forget the annual Tokyo Marathon that runs through many of the city’s sightseeing spots. Join the race or simply cheer for the local and international runners.
Art and culture lovers
Peruse artistic collections that capture the past, present and future. Popular museums include The National Art Center, Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum. Those looking for something a little different, the Yayoi Kusama Museum, Ghibli Museum and teamLab Planets are highly recommended.
Consider a visit to Kabukiza Theater in Ginza to learn about the traditional theatrical art form of kabuki.
Neighbourhoods
Panoramic view of Tokyo at dawn, featuring the Sumida River and Tokyo Tower. Image: FenlioQ/Shutterstock.com
There are a total of 23 wards (districts), 26 cities, 5 towns and 8 villages in Tokyo, each its own tiny world, with its own distinct ‘thing’:
Shibuya
Home to the famous ‘Shibuya crossing’, Shibuya is the city’s major entertainment, dining and shopping district.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the largest neighbourhood not just in Tokyo, but Japan! You’ll find just about everything; luxury hotels, department stores, cheap eat alleyways, museums, bars and the sprawling Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Ginza
Ginza is where you go to shop, featuring hundreds of luxury flagship stores and fine-dining establishments.
Harajuku
This one-of-a-kind district is home to Japan’s quirky street fashion subcultures and youth culture shops.
Akihabara
Head to Akihabara to geek out on manga, anime and electronics. It’s also where you find maid cafes and otaku shops.
Asakusa
Known as the ‘old part of town’, Asakusa is filled with temples, izakaya, ryokan and quaint family businesses.
Shimokitazawa
Tokyo’s charming ‘hipster’ neighbourhood Shimokitazawa is lined with cafes, bars, shops and some concert halls.
Yoyogi
Wedged between giants, Shinjuku and Shibuya, this neighbourhood is home to the city’s most dynamic park, Yoyogi Park.
Ueno
Known for Ueno Park that’s filled with colourful markets and some major attractions including Ueno Zoo and world-class museums including the National Museum of Nature and Science.
Jimbocho
Tokyo’s central neighbourhood is surrounded by universities. A great spot to shop for books and snowboarding gear!
Subculture suburbs
Harajuku girls taking a photo. Image © TCVB
Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s weird and wonderful subcultures—there’s something for everyone! See fictional characters brought to life with cosplayers in Harajuku, witness rockabilly alive and kicking in Yoyogi Park or embrace your inner otaku and geek out in Akihabara.
Accommodation
Accommodation comes in all different sizes, shapes and budgets. Wake up on tatami to a traditional breakfast at a Japanese inn (ryokan), relax in a spacious apartment hotel room or gaze out at a sparkling cityscape with a view of Tokyo Tower from your luxurious hotel room.
How to get around
Tokyo is accessible by air, land and sea; served by two international airports (Haneda and Narita), citywide rail and subway networks and the Port of Tokyo. There are a wide range of economical train passes and tickets available.
