Discover more places in Japan
- Japan
- Tokyo
- Asia
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written by Ties Lagraauw
updated 11.03.2024
Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.
With its sushi and sumo, geisha and gardens, neon and noodles, it may seem that Tokyo is in danger of collapsing under the weight of its own stereotypes. Yet ticking off a bunch of travel clichés is rarely this much fun, and as you might expect of the planet’s largest metropolis, there’s also enough nuance here to keep you entertained for a lifetime. Ordered yet bewildering, Japan’s pulsating capital will lead you a merry dance: this is Asia at its weirdest, straightest, prettiest, sleaziest and coolest, all at the same time.
Caught up in an untidy web of overhead cables, plagued by seemingly incessant noise, the concrete and steel conurbation may seem the stereotypical urban nightmare. Yet step back from the frenetic main roads and chances are you’ll find yourself in tranquil backstreets, where dinky wooden houses are fronted by neatly clipped bonsai trees; wander beyond the high-tech emporia, and you’ll discover charming fragments of the old city such as temples and shrines wreathed in wisps of smoking incense.
Centuries of organizing itself around the daily demands of millions of inhabitants have made the capital of Japan something of a model metropolitan environment. Trains run on time and to practically every corner of the city, crime is hardly worth worrying about, and convenience stores and vending machines provide everything you could need (and many things you never thought you did) 24 hours a day.
With so much going on, just walking the streets of this hyperactive city can be an energizing experience. It need not be an expensive one, either – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how affordable many things are. Cheap-and-cheerful izakaya – bars that serve food – and casual cafés serving noodles and rice dishes are plentiful, the metro is a bargain, and tickets for a sumo tournament or a kabuki play can be bought for the price of a few drinks.
You may not figure out exactly what makes Tokyo tick – and you’re sure to get a little confused while trying – but the conclusion is inescapable: Japan’s powerhouse capital is a seductive and addictive experience
Tokyo, a city where the past coexists with the future, offers endless experiences for every type of traveller. From historic temples to neon-lit skyscrapers, here are 12 must-visit places that showcase the city's diverse charm:
One way to ease yourself into the many places to visit in Tokyo is by taking a relatively crowd-free turn around the Imperial Palace – the inviolate home of the emperor and a tangible link to the past. From here it’s a quick hop to Marunouchi which has been busily restyling itself as a chic shopping and dining destination to rival glitzy Ginza.
High on your sightseeing agenda should also be the evocative Shitamachi area, Tokyo’s northeast quarter, where the Edo-era spirit of the city remains. Asakusa’s primary focus is the major Buddhist temple of Sensō-ji, surrounded by a plethora of traditional craft shops. The leafy precincts of Ueno Park contain several major museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, and are best to be discovered on a private tour with a local guide who knows the city in and out. From here it’s an easy stroll to the charming and tranquil districts of Nezu, Sendagi and Yanaka, packed with small temples, shrines and shops.
In Kanda you’ll find the Kanda Myōjin, one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines and home to one of the city’s top three festivals, the Kanda Matsuri; and across the Sumida-gawa is Ryōguku, home to the colossal Edo-Tokyo Museum and the National Sumo Stadium.
Cross back over the river again to drop into the weird, wired and wonderful world of Akihabara, the one-time “electric town” rebooted as the focus of Tokyo’s dynamic manga and anime scene.
Roppongi’s nightlife can exhaust the most committed hedonist, but save some energy to return by day to explore the art triangle formed by the National Art Center, housed in one of the city’s most dazzling architectural spaces; the various art and design institutes of the mammoth Tokyo Midtown development; and the excellent Mori Art Museum, atop the Roppongi Hills complex.
In the north of Tokyo offbeat pleasures include the rickety Toden-Arakawa Line, the city centre’s last tramway; the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Myonichi-kan in Ikebukuro; and a trio of pretty Japanese gardens: Rikugi-en, Chinzan-sō and the Kyū Furukawa Gardens.
It costs nothing (other than a few hours’ sleep) to experience the frenetic early-morning fish market at Tsukiji, on the edge of Tokyo Bay. Hama Rikyū Onshi Teien, one of the city’s loveliest traditional gardens, lies close by. Across the bay from here, and linked to the main city by the impressive Rainbow Bridge, is Odaiba, a futuristic man-made island, where you’ll find the Miraikan, Tokyo’s most fascinating science museum, and the touristy, fun public bathhouse Oedo Onsen Monogatari.
Fashionistas should head towards on-trend Shibuya and Harajuku, and the super-chic, boutique-lined boulevards of Aoyama. When you’ve reached consumer saturation point, retreat to the wooded grounds of nearby Meiji-jingū, the city’s most venerable Shinto shrine, or peruse the delicate woodblock prints and crafts and artworks in the Nezu Museum, the Ōta Memorial Museum of Art or the Japan Folk Crafts Museum.
If you’re looking for a quick and convenient trip to the countryside, sacred Mount Takao, just an hour west of the capital, provides a verdant escape. Last, but not least, there’s Yokohama, a whole other city – Japan’s second largest, in fact – right on Tokyo’s doorstep and well worth visiting for its vibrant Chinatown and breezy waterfront districts.
On the west side of the city lies Shinjuku, bursting with towering skyscrapers, endless amounts of neon, TV screens several storeys tall, and arguably the world’s most complicated railway station. The attractions include the monumental Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the beautiful gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen, and the lively and raffish Kabukichō entertainment area.
Make sure to read all about the best things to do in Tokyo.
High-speed trains put several important places to visit within day-trip range of Tokyo, including the ancient temple and shrine towns of Kamakura to the south and Nikkō to the north, Nikko can also be visited on a day tour from Tokyo. Mount Fuji, 100km southwest of the capital, can be climbed between June and September, while the adjoining national park area of Hakone offers relaxed hiking amid beautiful lakeland scenery and the chance to take a dip in an onsen – a Japanese mineral bath.
Discover Tokyo like a local with our insider tips, guiding you to the city's hidden gems and lesser-known experiences. From tranquil spots amidst the urban rush to culinary adventures off the beaten path, these recommendations will enrich your exploration of Japan's dynamic capital.
Many visitors to Tokyo expect to see something a little quirky during their stay – here are a few tips from Roshi, our travel expert, to sample the city’s more intriguing facets.
Intrepid author Martin Zatko has explored every corner of Tokyo in a quest to better understand the machinations of this fascinating city. Here are some of his favorite places and experiences.
Tokyo, a city that effortlessly blends the ultramodern with the traditional, offers an endless array of sights, tastes, and experiences. Yet, the allure of Japan doesn't end within the city's boundaries. Just a stone's throw away, a world of enchanting landscapes, rich history, and serene beauty awaits.
Thesea re 5 great day trips from Tokyo!
"NIKKŌ is Nippon," goes the town’s slogan. It’s only half-correct, though: visitors to Japan come prepared to take the ancient with the modern, but this town, 128km north of the capital, is up there with the most traditional in the country. It certainly lives up to its billing better than Kyoto, the vaunted dynastic capital way out west. Most visit Nikkō to see the World Heritage-listed shrine complex of Tōshō-gū, which sits at the base of mountains crisscrossed by the outstanding hiking trails of Nikkō National Park.
It’s also worth investigating the far less crowded Tōshō-gū Museum of Art, and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, before crossing the Daiya-gawa to explore the dramatically named Ganman-ga-fuchi abyss, which is in fact a modest gorge flanked by a tranquil walking path. The most beautiful parts of the aforementioned national park are around Chūzenji-ko lake, some 17km west of Nikkō, and the quieter resort of Yumoto, higher up in the mountains.
The best reason to venture 100km west from Tokyo to the Fuji Five Lakes area is to experience Mount Fuji, Japan’s most sacred volcano and its highest mountain at 3776m. Respectfully called Fuji-san, it has been revered for its latent power (last erupted in 1707) and near-perfect symmetry. Most beautiful from October to May when crowned with snow, the official climbing season spans July and August. Even without tackling the ascent, being close to Japan's most iconic symbol is unforgettable. Besides Mount Fuji, the Fuji Sengen-jinja shrine in Fuji-Yoshida, the area's transport hub, offers a wonderfully atmospheric visit.
Between the sea and a circle of wooded hills. The town is steeped in history, and many of its 65 temples and 19 shrines date back some eight centuries, when, for a brief and tumultuous period, it was Japan’s political and military centre. Its most famous sight is the Daibutsu, a glorious bronze Buddha surrounded by trees, but its ancient Zen temples are equally compelling. Kamakura’s prime sights can be covered on a day-trip from Tokyo, but the town more than justifies a two-day visit, allowing you time to explore the enchanting temples of east Kamakura and follow one of the gentle “hiking courses” up into the hills, or head out west to Enoshima and its own clutch of appealing sights
Japan’s reputation for being an expensive place to visit is a little outdated in many fields, but it’s certainly justified as far as accommodation goes. However, the quality of accommodation in Tokyo is generally very high at all levels, from luxury hotels to budget dorms; security and cleanliness are top- notch; and except at the bottom end of the scale, you’ll usually find someone who speaks at least a smattering of English. While there are few bargains, if you look hard you’ll find plenty of affordable places. You’ll often find the best value – along with plenty of atmosphere – at a traditional ryokan or a family-run minshuku, the Japanese equivalent of a B&B. The cheapest beds are provided by privately run hostels, mainly in the city’s northern districts. Capsule hotels are a little more expensive but certainly worth trying once, if only for the experience.
With Tokyo the size it is, and with each district boasting its own character, it’s important to consider which part of the city to use as your base.
It's important to consider the feel of each area, and where landmarks are located, before deciding where to stay in Tokyo.
One of the best times to visit is in the spring, from April to early May. At the start of this period (known as hanami) flurries of falling cherry blossom give the city a soft pink hue and by the end the temperatures are pleasant. October and November are also good months to come; this is when you’ll catch the fireburst of autumn leaves in Tokyo’s parks and gardens.
Avoid the steamy height of summer (late July to early Sept), when the city’s humidity sees its citizens scurrying from one air-conditioned haven to another. From January through to March temperatures can dip to freezing, but the crisp blue winter skies are rarely disturbed by rain or snow showers. Carrying an umbrella is a good idea during tsuyu, the rainy season in June and July, and in September, when typhoons occasionally strike the coast. When planning your visit also check the city’s calendar of festivals and special events for any that may interest you. Note also that many attractions shut for several days around New Year when Tokyo becomes oddly calm, as many people return to their family homes elsewhere in the country.
Read all about the best time to visit Japan.
Get ready for the gastronomic experience of a lifetime: when it comes to eating and drinking, few places in the world can compare to Tokyo. The number, range and quality of places is outstanding, with practically any world cuisine you can think of available alongside all the usual – and many unusual – Japanese dishes. The city’s range of places to dine runs the gamut from simple noodle bars up to high temples of gastronomy where the eye-popping beauty of the food on the plate is matched by an equally creative approach to interior design.
Contrary to what many people think, there’s no need to panic about the cost of
eating out in Tokyo. Even Michelin-starred restaurants often offer bargain set-meal specials for lunch, and there’s a plethora of fast-food options, including stand-up noodle bars and conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, many clustered around and inside train stations. If you’d rather eat well and party at the same time, then izakaya (bars that serve food) are the way to go; a few with especially good food are reviewed here, others are in the “Drinking and nightlife” chapter. There are also a great number of local chain restaurants, where prices are at a minimum, and English-language menus are guaranteed; the quality of food at these places is often surprisingly good.
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written by Ties Lagraauw
updated 11.03.2024
Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.