Feel the Joy of Traveling as You Discover the Best of Tokyo through these Unique Experiences
A country where modern technology marvels and ancient traditions are fused beautifully, Japan remains, undoubtedly, a timeless wonder offering a plethora of possibilities for every traveler – including Filipinos of course.
Filipino travelers are also becoming more frequent visitors of Japan for a number of reasons, which include the country’s local food, culture, natural landscapes, historic sites, and a lot more.
To help ease the burden of plotting an itinerary for first-time Filipino visitors to Japan, we've compiled a list of three must-experience neighborhoods in Tokyo that will easily introduce you to the culture and character of the country.
Bustling Shibuya
Shibuya Crossing, arguably the busiest pedestrian crossing on the planet, excites with the abundance of lights everywhere. There's no better place to be welcomed to Japan than here. During rush hour, more than 3,000 people cross at once from every direction, yet everyone seems to effortlessly weave in and out of the crowd.
Shibuya Crossing is a perfect place to be reminded of what makes Japan great. Driven by its workforce comprising of the best minds in technology, arts, business, science and more, one easily notices how every precious second counts here. As you get lost in the maze of the crowd and listen to the sounds of their footsteps, you will come to realize that it is sometimes best to pause and, well, watch people come and go.
Rows of shops and dining options surround Shibuya Crossing, making it an ideal place to wander around on foot. A few steps away from the main crossing is the statue of the popular Japanese dog Hachiko.
Photography tip: The best viewpoint to photograph the famed scramble crossing in Shibuya is from MAG’S PARK, located on top of the MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109 department store. Another alternative is the Shibuya SKY, a 360° open-air observation deck located on the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.
|
MAG’S PARK
Shibuya SKY |
Fun-filled Koenji
Hip, trendy and cool are the first words that come to mind when describing the neighborhood of Koenji.
The 1960s radical movements in Japan organized by students and hippies gave rise to today's progressive, bohemian Koenji neighborhood in western Tokyo. The area is now known as a hotspot for people interested in underground music, retro fashion, and hipster bars. You may find vintage clothing and bargain shops, as well as pubs and restaurants without breaking the bank at Koenji Junjo Shopping Street.
Located only 10 minutes by train from Shinjuku, Koenji is a well-known trendy haven thanks to its abundance of antique shops, live music venues (known as "live houses" in Japan), and its bustling arts scene. Travelers enjoy its low-key vibe that is packed with character. If you're looking for a break from the hectic hustle and bustle of the other places in Tokyo, consider spending some time in this laid-back area.
Travel tip: Expect to encounter local music artists and other eccentric characters as you make your way exploring the many clothing stores, music bars and art venues here.
Pop Culture Haven Nakano
It is common to think of Akihabara when talking about otaku and anime culture in Japan. However, Tokyo is also home to another major pop culture hub: Nakano.
A neighborhood only five minutes by rail from Shinjuku, Nakano is well-known for its flourishing vibrant subcultures, quirky cafes and bars, anime-themed stores, vintage stores and bookstores.
Nakano is not only an oasis for otakus but the neighborhood's many quaint stores and old-style homes also give a fascinating glimpse into a storied past. A trip through the alleys provides a personal connection to Tokyo's historical past.
If you’re a ramen lover, you'll be happy to know that Nakano is home to many restaurants, some of which are family-run.
Nakano is also close enough to central Tokyo so you can easily spend an afternoon exploring the area. You may find the unassuming yet eccentric town to be a more pleasant companion than the bustling locales surrounding it.
Shopping tip: Don't leave without visiting Nakano Broadway. This virtually windowless 13-story marketplace is packed with over 240 shops selling everything from hard-to-find manga to every household, hobby, and collector's items you can think of.
| Nakano Broadway Address: 5 Chome-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan |
Lost in Translation in Tokyo No More
These three locations barely cover the city of Tokyo, but they are more than enough to give any traveler a sense of Japan's vibrant culture and wonderful people, along with many options for bargain hunts and gastronomic delights. Just remember to keep an open mind, and you will undoubtedly feel at home in Tokyo and the rest of Japan.
About the author
Pinoy Adventurista is a passionate travel writer, adventure junkie and author of travel blog http://www.pinoyadventurista.com. His passion for writing has made him choose a travel blogging career in which he enjoys traveling while sharing his experiences and travel guides to help fellow travelers plan their trips.
He believes that traveling is about sharing with others, either stories, tips or good times. Pinoy Adventurista aims to inspire, persuade and encourage others to live their dreams, to travel and find their own adventure of a lifetime!
