1. Place of Worship
The shrines and temples of Tokyo hold significant value towards Japan’s history and culture that dated back for many centuries. Many have been rebuilt since their founding due to earthquakes, fires or war. Despite that, they still retain its magnificence, attracting and sharing their stories with thousands of visitors daily. Here are some of my favourites!
Shrines
1. Meiji-Jingu Shrine (Harajuku)
(Source: Alexis Jetsets)
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan Opening Hours: Daily, 5am – 6pm / 10am – 430pm (Museum Closed on Thursdays) / Inner Garden Daily 10am – 430pm Admission Fees: Free Admission / 1000 (¥) Museum / 500 (¥) Inner Garden More Info Here
2. Kanda Myojin Shrine (Kanda)
(Source: Live Japan)
Address: 2 Chome-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan Opening Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm More Info Here
Temples
1. Senso-Ji Temple
(Source: NZ_Hotels.com)
Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan Opening Hours: Daily, 6am – 5pm More Info Here
2. Zojo-Ji Temple
(Source: SilverKris)
Address: 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku Opening Hours: Daily 9am -5pm More Info Here
2. Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is the Emperor of Japan’s primary residence which comprises of the main private residence, museums and a large park available to the public. The main area itself is not open for public, however there are guided tours of the palace grounds (no entering of buildings) that lasts for about 75 minutes. Prior bookings are required. You can still visit the Imperial Palace East Garden or surrounding parks which are open to the general public!
(Source: Japan Guide)
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan Opening Hours:
Imperial Palace Area (Guided Tours) 1000 am – 1330pm, Closed on Sundays & Mondays
Imperial Palace East Garden 0900am – 1630pm, Closed on Monday & Fridays For guided tours booking & any other information click here
3. A Unique & Quirky Momento
If you are interested in a different and eccentric side of travelling, Tokyo has many unusual experiences for travellers to try, be it the first or tenth time. Here are some ideas for you!
Capsule Hotels
If you’re on a budget and looking for a cheap, comfortable and also breaking the norm of staying in hotels or homes, capsule hotels are in abundance and found almost anywhere around the city. Most of the capsule hotels are clustered around main train stations and airport, making it convenient for on-the-go travelers! Not to worry, there are the basic amenities available for you during your stay.
Click here to find out more.
(Source: JRailpass)
Vending Machines
Imagine walking down streets with a plethora of vending machines at every corner, selling some expected items such as drinks but also unexpected and peculiar items such as work shirts, hamburgers and even fried chicken. Japan’s vending machine concept has been viral on social media, enticing visitors to see what it has to offer.
Click here if you want to find more vending machines.
Ps: More unique machines can be found in the Akihabara neighbourhood!
(Source: Timeout)
Onsen
After a long day of sightseeing, shopping and eat to your hearts content, Onsen are the perfect way to relax and alleviate any tension and stress. Japan has numerous Onsen that reflects its history, culture and etiquette that is well-respected amongst locals and visitors alike. Onsen are available in Tokyo and other prefectures that is worth visiting with Japan’s high speed rail.
For more information about Onsen, click here
4. Go on a food-escapade
Tokyo is one of the world’s popular dining destinations that features a wide spread of both local and regional Japanese and International cuisine. Great local specialties food can be found at every price range in Tokyo and in abundance. Here are some of must tries in Tokyo!
1. Nigiri – Zushi
Probably one of the must have when visiting Japan, Nigiri-Zushi are served at all sushi restaurants from conveyor belt sushi to Michelin-grade restaurants. Head towards Tsukiji Market for the best and fresh sushi!
2. Tempura
Another must have are the ever popular Tempura which are widely available at markets and restaurants. A visit to Tempura-ya / Tempura Arai is a must to enjoy tempura whole-heartedly.
Other must tries are Soba, Chankonabe, Monjayaki and if you are a big fan of savoury food, try Dorayaki, Wagashi (Traditional Japanese Sweets) and Anmitsu. If these aren’t really to your liking, there’s the alternative of Mac Donald Ice Cream (It can never go wrong :) )
3. Themed Dining
One of the most innovative ways of dining is to experience something peculiar yet interesting, definitely something worth remembering. Here in Tokyo, themed dining and cafes are a norm, where visitors can not only enjoy delectable delicacies but also be in awe by its surroundings! Some examples include Maid & Butler Cafes, Moomin, Gundam and AKB48 cafes.
(Source: Japan Guide)
Another form of themed dining that Japan are famous for are food theme parks where an assortment of specific local food are all sold in one area, leaving you spoilt for choices! Some food theme parks include Gyoza Stadium in Ikebukuro and Ramen theme park in Aquacity on Odaiba.
Find out more food places here https://trulytokyo.com/eat-like-a-local-in-tokyo/
5. Shopping & Markets
Harajuku
Harajuku is renowned as a fashion town where people are clad in outstanding pastel coloured apparels, cafes, creative pop-cultured vibes and also the birthplace of the kawaii (cute) culture.
Takeshita Street is the embodiment of Harajuku, with a wide assortment of fashion items, general goods and accessories that are affordably-priced. If you’re a big fan of kawaii culture, head on down to Kawaii Monster Café for pastel coloured greatness. There’s a lot you could do at Harajuku, click here to find out more!
(Source: Sean Pavone / Dreamstime)
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae 1-19 Access: Right by the JR Harajuku Station Takeshita exit
Shibuya
The center for youth fashion, culture and photography, Shibuya modernised and colourful district has attracted visitors to relish the atmosphere while shopping and dining. A prominent landmark would be Shibuya Crossing, adorned with neon advertisements and giant video screens and flooded with pedestrians each time the crossing light turns green. If you’re a photographer, this is definitely a great photo op!
Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan Access: Shibuya Station
Ginza
Known to be the most sophisticated and luxury district of Tokyo, Ginza offers visitors with high-standard departmental stores, art galleries, cafes, boutique shops, night clubs and restaurants. Visitors can expect both international and local brands with a wide range of goods!
Address: Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan Access: Ginza Station / Yurakucho Station
Tsukiji Fish Market
Consisting of a few blocks of wholesale and retail shops and restaurants packed along narrow lanes, Tsukiji Fish Market serves some of the best and fresh sushi breakfast or lunch. Most restaurants are typically open from 5am till noon or early afternoon. Skip the hotel breakfast and head on down to Tsukiji Fish Market!
Address: 4 Chome-10-16 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan Access: Adjacent to Ginza Shopping District
6. Day Trips
Disneyland & DisneySea
Are you a huge fan of Disney and want to be part of a magical adventure? Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park based on films produced by Walt Disney and is modeled after California’s Disneyland. On the other hand, DisneySea is inspired by myths and legends of the sea, a different approach but still providing a fun-filled and enchanting experience for all!
Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am – 10pm Book your tickets here
Kyoto
Getting to Kyoto from Tokyo is easy! Hop on the Shinkansen Hikari bullet train from either Shinagawa Station or Tokyo station. The estimated journey to Kyoto will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes. The standard one-way fare is 13,080 – 13,500 Yen, however, it will be much more affordable with a JR Pass.
Click here to check the train schedules
Upon arriving in Kyoto, head towards Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Nishiki Market, capturing amazing photos and enjoying fresh seafood at a really affordable price!
Mt.Fuji & Hakone
Another great day trip option will be towards Mt.Fuji (Kawaguchiko Viewpoint) and Hakone, which will take around an estimate of 150 minutes and 90 minutes respectively. Do note that the trip to Kawaguchiko requires several changes to local transport services; nevertheless the view is worth the journey!
Getting to Hakone is easy as it has its own Shinkansen (Bullet-train) Station, Odawara. However, local travelling within Hakone is not covered by JR Pass; do get the Hakone Freepass should you require it.
A visit to Japan is probably incomplete without seeing the iconic Mt.Fuji! There are many viewpoints to witness Mt.Fuji being majestic in the background. Here are some recommendations:
From Tokyo:
1. Bunkyo Civic Center
2. Mount Takao (Takaosan)
From the Fuji Five Lake Region:
1. Northern Shore of Lake Kawaguchiko
2. Chureito Pagoda
3. Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
4. Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Mid-April to June only)
At Hakone, head towards Owakudani, Lake Ashi andHakone Shrine for a quick visit before heading back to Tokyo. Oh! Don’t forget to try their local black hard-boiled egg!
Hope this helps in your upcoming trip to Japan! I definitely can't wait to share with you more experiences here in Japan and our itineraries to make your journey more memorable and fun! Till then! :)
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