Japan’s Largest Metropolis Is a Feast for the Senses

 

It’s hard to describe Tokyo in its entirety ー the cacophony of sounds, the visually arresting sights, the endless number of things to do in Japan’s capital city. Despite the contrasts between modern landscapes such as that of Shinjuku and the appeal of old Japan in districts such as Asakusa, the co-existence of this city’s many facets somehow just makes sense.

 

Here, we recommend some of Tokyo’s most unique activities to get the most out of your Tokyo adventure.

 

Gaze at the Tokyo skyline from the Shibuya SKY observatory

 

©Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Recent years have seen the development of Shibuya into the glittering, ultra-modern district that it is today. One of those developments is the Shibuya Scramble, and with it, the Shibuya SKY observatory that takes visitors to the top of its 47 stories for an astronomical sight of Tokyo’s skyline ー the view is stunning day and night. Going up there costs a good 2000 yen for a same-day ticket, but it is worth the price tag for great photo opportunities and a lasting impression.

 

Immerse in the world of ninjas while dining at Ninja Tokyo in Akasaka

 

 

Located within the Akasaka district in Tokyo, Ninja Tokyo is a fusion of exquisite course meals and ninja-related entertainment. The entrance to the restaurant may be a little inconspicuous but once you find it,  you’ll be led into a maze-like space and seated in a private cave. The menu here consists mainly of scrumptious course meals, with dishes such as grissini (Italian bread) fashioned in the shape of a throwing star and served with honey. Vegetarian and halal options are available here too. Delight in the novelty of ninja magicians coming out and performing exceptional tricks for your group while you’re enjoying your meal!

 

Go for a rickshaw ride around old-world Asakusa

 

 

 

Asakusa is the charming old-world district of Tokyo that houses the famous Sensoji Temple in the middle and the many old-school Japanese cafes, restaurants and quaint boutiques around it. One of the best ways to explore the depths of Asakusa is on board a rickshaw ride. Many of these rickshaws, known as jinrikisha (人力車) in Japanese, line the street in front of the Kaminarimon gate at Asakusa; the friendly rickshaw riders approach customers for potential rides. For the full experience, dress up in a kimono (or a jinbei, for the guys) before going on your adventure!

 

Make fake food replicas at Kappabashi

 

 

If there’s one thing that’s unmistakably Japanese, it is the display of fake foods outside restaurants. These foods are, of course, plastic or wax replicas, and there is an entire industry in Japan dedicated to creating them. There are many stores on Kappabashi street that sell these food replicas and offer experiences to create your own replicas!

 

Visit the impressive teamLab Planets TOKYO exhibition at Toyosu

 

koi pond - teamLab, Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People - Infinity © teamLab

 

You may have already spotted one of teamLab’s surreal exhibitions, held from Tokyo to San Francisco, on your Instagram feed. The exhibitions have been equal parts mesmerising as they have been creative and innovative in their executions. The teamLab Planets TOKYO exhibition, which can be seen at Toyosu, allows visitors to experience art through their bodies with textures, sounds and sights changing with every step you take. For example, the Infinite Crystal Universe artwork sees a maze of crystals and lights reflected all around using mirrors, creating a sense of infinity! Guests can also draw figures on the ‘water’ surface of the installation. Furthermore, this exhibition has been extended by another year and will only close by the end of 2023. 

 

Flower installation - teamLab, Floating Flower Garden; Flowers and I are of the Same Root, the Garden and I are One © teamLab

 

An exhibition titled Flowers and I are of the Same Root featuring a floating flower garden is also currently running. With Japan’s border now open, there isn’t a better time to pay teamLab Planets TOKYO a visit!

 

Shop at the newly built Miyashita Park

 

SHIBUYAKURITSU MIYASHITA PARK

 

Along with the aforementioned Shibuya Scramble, part of Shibuya’s modernization sees the revamp of the famed Miyashita Park. Formerly a public park along the Yamanote train line with a futsal court attracting Japanese youths, it has now become an ultra-modern, glitzy-looking complex with many retail stores, an entire food street filled with eateries and bars known as Shibuya Yokocho, and a rooftop park equipped with various sports facilities (some facilities are reservation-only). Stop by the Starbucks at the rooftop park, designed by fragment design founder Hiroshi Fujiwara, for a thirst-quencher! It sells streetwear-infused merchandise such as tumblers and t-shirts aside from your favorite Starbs drinks!