Tokyo Sightseeing
Tokyo and sightseeing is a bit like which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Seriously, how could you come here and not sightsee? I've lived here since 2001 and I'm still sight seeing everyday : )
In this section we'll take a look at different places you can wander round and explore at your own pace.
Must see sights during your Tokyo stay
- Harajuku - Omotesando Hills, access to Yoyogi Park and some distinctive fashions abound.
- Shibuya - home of the young trendsetters and the famous Hachiko crossing.
- Ebisu - named after the beer that made this areas fortune, now an upmarket and elegant area of Tokyo.
- Odaiba - a seaside city with some shopping with a difference, playgrounds for adults as well as children, and a great view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.
- Asakusa - old style Japan comes alive with traditional shops, ceremonies and temples.
- Ueno - a range of museums, Ueno zoo, Ueno park and a shopping street with a history.
- Ginza - top end fashion boutiques and some excellent restaurants that are oozing with class.
- Akihabara - meet the Tokyo maids and Otaku that bring a voltage of their own to this famous Electric Town.
- Kichijoji - out of the city centre with a character all its own.
Sometimes it's best not to have an agenda. Just pick your starting point and then go wherever your nose takes you. Getting off the main roads and taking a stroll through the back streets will open your eyes to the variety of life that's hidden behind the modern face of Tokyo.
Walk past the local tofu or tatami shop and see the process behind these age old products. Listen to the sounds of good old fashioned commerce as shopkeepers call out their welcome to passing customers. Or find a local park or Japanese garden to relax in.
Check the Japanese calendar and Japanese festivals pages to see if there are any special events going on during your stay. Festivals and celebrations are one of the best opportunities to see the more traditional and cultural aspects of Tokyo and Japan.
All areas have a local shotengai (high street) where you can feel the sense of community that most definitely still exists between the shopkeepers and their customers. The shouts of 'Irasshaimase!' combined with the hubbub of everyday life gives the local high streets an energy of their own.
Despite its corporate and up market image, Tokyo retains much that is traditional within its boundaries. For an example of old style commerce at its best, visit Tsukiji fish market. Experience the hustle, bustle and noise as the selling, buying and bartering goes on around you.
A note of caution. Sadly or not, depending on your take, in April 2008 Tsukiji restricted the entry of non-business participants (i.e. you and me) to the hours of 5am - 6:15am. In addition, you can now only watch the auction from a designated viewing area. Why? Unfortunately too many tourists were entering and getting in the way of the real business of the morning. Fair enough I say.
Finally, if you are thinking of traveling on from Tokyo to some more far flung tourist spots, check out these adventure travel destination ideas and see if they give you inspiration. Happy travels!
This section will constantly be under review so check back often, or let us remind you, so you don't miss any new additions.
