Tokyo is a modern metropolis with majestic skyscrapers and crowded streets; it impressed us for its energy, for the fast pace of western culture which collides with ancient traditions. Neon signs in bright colors, mangas, electronics stores, teens latest fashion trends are opposed to temples, onsens (link) and ryokan (traditional hotels where you sleep on tatami and futons). Tokyo is a city of contrasts.
We tried to make a list of our top ten.
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Tsukiji, the fish market
Tsukiji market, the largest fish market in the world, has always been a sacred place for Japanese restaurateurs who go there every morning to choose the best fish cuts that, in most cases, are used to make the best sushi in the world. Thanks to its growing popularity, the fame of the Tsukiji market has also spread abroad. Walking the fish stalls is a very unique experience, where you can admire a multitude of fish species, including giant tunas.
After conflicting decisions, procrastinations and uncertainties which lasted for years, in June 2017 the local government announced that the market will be moved from the historic site of Tsukiji – which also gave its name to the market – to the artificial island of Toyosu. At the moment there are no official news about the timing of the relocation.
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The Imperial Palace
This is the residence of the emperor and his family; the doors of this palace are only open twice a year, on January 2nd and December 23rd (the day of the Emperor’s birthday). The inner gardens can be visited by online reservation only. The oriental garden of the palace is open all year long and represents a good place to escape the city noise.
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Ginza and Kabuki Theatre
Not far from the imperial palace there is Ginza, the most elegant district of the city dominated by boutiques of the main international brands (Tiffany, Chanel, Luis Vuitton, Prada, etc.).
A few steps away there’s the world-famous Kabuki theatre where traditional performances take place. An opera show can last up to four hours so, if you really want to see it, you can buy the ticket just for a single act. We opted for that and it is something we highly recommend. Here you can find all the information you need. (https://www.kabukiweb.net/)
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Asakusa
It represents the heart of the lower part of the city and a neighborhood where you can still breathe the atmosphere of ancient Japan. The main attractions are the Senso-ji Buddhist temple and Nakamise Dori, the shopping street with souvenir shops, kimonos, yukatas, sweets and so much more. Before entering, visitors perform the purification ritual by immersing their hands and face in the smoke produced by the brazier at the entrance. On the left side of the Temple, you can see the Five-story Pagoda.
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Shibuya
Another shopping and entertainment area located in the west part of Tokyo. It is a lively, energetic, crowded, busy neighborhood where the world-famous Shibuya Crossing is located. Its core is Shibuya 109, a shopping center where you will find the latest fashion trends, even if some might be questionable. At the exit of the subway station there is the statue of the dog Hachiko who, after the death of his master, kept coming here to wait for him every day, for 11 years.
Shibuya is also the best place for the famous Love Hotels: a series of themed hotels, destination for couples looking for their privacy and intimacy.
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Shinjuku
At night it is dominated by neon colorful lights, small restaurants and thousands of people. The Tokyo Town Hall is located inside the “Metropolitan Government Office”, designed by Kenzo Tange. You can enter the building and go to the 40th floor, from where you will be able to enjoy the panoramic view of Tokyo for free, maybe while sipping a good cup of tea.
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Harajuku
This district of Tokyo was founded around the Harajuku station (JR Yamanote Line). This area is considered the core of the most extreme teenage cultures of all Japan. The Harajuku bridge is in fact the meeting point of the super-fashionistas and manga cosplayers: ranging from “gothic lolitas” and to the latest manga character. This is the area where fashion stores offer the most sophisticated and avant-garde styles (Takeshita Dori Street, Meiji Dori and Omotesando Dori).
In Harajuku you will also find the Meiji Jingu, one of the main Shinto shrines of Tokyo. The access gates to the sanctuary (the so-called torii), built with 1500-year-old cypress wood, are the largest in the country.
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Ueno
Ueno Park is the largest and oldest one of the city. It is considered the most beautiful park in Tokyo. Inside there are temples, pagodas, shrines, a pond, a Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum, which is the largest and oldest of all Japan. Inside the imperial-style palace, you might want to see the richest collection of Japanese art in the world.
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Odaiba – Tokyo bay
Odaiba is a large artificial island located in Tokyo Bay, which can be visited with the Yurikamome, a monorail which passes over the Rainbow Bridge and connects the island to the mainland.
We recommend going there at sunset when sun beams are reflected into the bay and on the glass windows of huge, ultra-modern skyscrapers.
There are several shopping centers on the island, including the Aqua City and the Venus Fort, which are inspired by Venice. Nearby, you will see Palette Town’s Ferris wheel.
Not far from Aqua City there is the Fuji TV building: designed by Kenzo Tange and it is home to one of the most important private TV stations in the country.
Finally, if you have not been in New York yet, you will be able to see a replica of the Statue of Liberty. http://www.tokyo-odaiba.net/en/pdf/map.pdf
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Sumo
Sumo, the traditional Japanese fight, takes place only 6 times a year starting from January. Three of the six tournaments take place at the Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, in the old Ryogoku district. The other three take place in Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. There are three main things to know if you want to attend a Sumo tournament:
- When and where they take place
- How to buy tickets
- Where to sit (there are three types of tickets: Arena-style chair seats, Japanese-style box floor seats, Ring-side floor seats)
On these websites you will find some useful information.
https://boutiquejapan.com/sumo/
http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/year_schedule
