Tokyo, the capital and largest metropolitan city of Japan is the perfect amalgamation of modernity and traditional Japanese culture.
It is one of the top cleanest cities in the world, and hence most the foreign tourists jump headfirst into Tokyo and then move on to other destinations within Japan. Tokyo, despite its busy status, is yet an expert in perfect timekeeping.
Here is a look into the top sightseeing spots of Tokyo –
SENSOJI TEMPLE:
Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple, which is located in the historic center of the city, the Asakusa area. Visitors enjoy taking photos of an iconic Kaminarimon gate (main entrance), strolling down “Nakamise Street” and the approach to the main hall of the temple with traditional street snacks. Asakusa is also an amazing district to eat traditional Japanese cuisine, as there are a number of long-established Japanese restaurants serving authentic dishes such as Sukiyaki, Tempura, and Sushi. Variety of traditional activities in this area, such as riding a Rickshaw, wearing a Kimono dress, etc. Besides, the area is very close to other tourist attractions such as Tokyo Skytree, Sumida River, and Kappabashi Street. Asakusa is a great area to experience the traditional Japanese culture and historic townscape while being in this modern Metropolis.
TOKYO SKYTREE:
Tokyo Skytree is an amazingly tall tower standing at 634 meters high. Originally a TV broadcasting tower it has restaurants and observation decks that offer tremendous views of the incredible Tokyo skyline. The panoramic night view of the whole city with neon intersections—looks like a vast LED circuit board. Families with children will enjoy the experience (especially speedy elevator rides), as will anyone that loves a jaw-dropping view.
WATCH SUMO WRESTLING (MORNING PRACTICE):
Sumo is a national sport in Japan, considerably started in ancient times, and it is one of the most unique and interesting Japanese cultures for foreign tourists. Watching Sumo wrestlers in action at close distance is very breathtaking, and knowing how hard they train physically and mentally. Numbers of Sumo stables (training rooms) are located in Tokyo, especially in the Ryogoku area (not too far from the Asakusa area and Tokyo Skytree), and some of them are open for public viewing of their morning practice. Watching and clicking photos of huge sizes, Sumo (with permission) is a one-of-its-kind experience.
SHIBUYA CROSSING:
Anyone remotely impressed that Tokyo is the most populated city in the world should visit the world’s busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing. Surrounded by massive billboards tower and LED lights flashing from every corner on well-dressed job goers, tourists, and bag-toting shoppers waiting and crossing in concert. The feeling is oddly soothing, a reminder that whatever our disparate paths in life, they all have a tendency to cross at one time or another. The best time to go is at dusk, one of the scramble’s peak times and in its most flattering light. The recently opened Shibuya Scramble Square tower above Shibuya station offers a birds’ eye view of the famous crossing, along with panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, perched 230 meters above street level.
ODAIBA, TOKYO BAY:
Odaiba, southern Tokyo, is a district located on a manmade island on Tokyo Bay, which is accessible via the Rainbow Bridge or Yurikamome train Line from the Tokyo mainland. Odaiba is one of the most entertaining districts in Tokyo where a number of shopping malls, restaurants, museums, and entertainment facilities gather. Odaiba is also famous for its stunning night view and is very popular among photographers. The view of illuminated Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge, and the skyscraper of the city on the other side of the ocean is amazing. The area is also known for high-tech entertainment such as robots at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan). You can easily spend a whole day on this pleasurable island. Cruising on Tokyo Bay around the Odaiba area is one of the most popular activities in the evening.
VR (VIRTUAL REALITY) WORLD:
VR (Virtual Reality) is one of the hottest spots for families with kids and the most cutting-edge experiences in the world nowadays, and now it became accessible to everyone. In Tokyo, more and more new spots are opening for the latest VR experiences with various themes and experiences.
Some VR theme parks provide multiple games and activities that visitors can spend all day, and it’s a great option, especially on a rainy day. Recommended VR spots in Tokyo are VR Joypolis in Odaiba, SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory.
teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM:
It is a perfect place to take Instagram photos. Lose yourself into the immersive digital artworks! teamLab Borderless, Odaiba is the very first digital art museum in the world. Since then, it has been one of the hottest spots in the city and now has become a must-visit tourist site for every type of traveler. It offers a unique interactive art experience with the latest high technology. A huge space displays multiple installations and artworks across walls and floors, and immersive installations of light and sound move and reflects by your movements and touches. A complete mesmerizing and self-drowning experience for everyone! A new museum is scheduled to open in 2023 in Central Tokyo after the closing down of the present teamLab Borderless, Odaiba at the end of August 2022.
SHOPPING IN TOKYO:
Ginza: Ginza is a paradise for affluent shoppers as it is home to elegant department stores, posh boutiques, and high-end brand shops.
Shibuya: A cluster of local shops to malls offering an assortment of clothes and accessories or anything that you explore and buy.
Shinjuku: Shinjuku is home to many department stores, markets, malls, and electronic stores. Be welcomed by the noise of hustle-bustle in this city.
Kuramae: Earlier a warehouse district, Kuramae is now a revamped place for artisans that is located beside the Sumida River. You will get clothes, leather goods, etc
Akihabara: Top most electronic market in Tokyo famous for games, arcade zones, maid café, anime merchandise and figures, and all types of electronics. Also must visit the marketplace in the evening time to click images with the glittering background full of neon led lights.
Discount Stores: 100 YEN Japan stores are incredibly famous among tourists. There are many 100 yen shops in Japan, with various store sizes depending upon location. One of the largest and most well-known franchised 100 shopping brands is Daiso. They are popular among tourists for buying Souvenirs. Other brands one can easily find are “Can Do” and “Seria”.
TOKYO DISNEYSEA:
Tokyo DisneySea is a fantasy theme park in Tokyo Disney Resort that is unique to Japan. While suitable for all ages, Tokyo DisneySea has seven themed ports: Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, and American Waterfront. Tokyo DisneySea is a dream world where anyone can have a great time!
YOMIURILAND:
Opened in 1964, Yomiuriland is a leisure and amusement park, with more than 40 rides catering to all ages and special activities varying throughout the seasons. Enjoy a day of thrilling rides, activities, and fun times with your loved ones during your visit to Yomiuriland Amusement Park! Feel that adrenaline rush on board the Bandit, a 1,560-meter long roller coaster that reaches the high speed of 110 km/hr. Be entertained by talented sea lions in their cute animal show and much more…
