Expedite a Remarkable & Seamless Journey to Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital and the most populous city of Japan, and lies in the Kantō region on the Honshu Coast, the largest Japanese island. Tokyo ranks among the most advanced cities in the world, with high-tech skyscrapers, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant pop culture, including anime, manga, and its modern gaming scene. However, even with advancements, the city still embraces its roots and culture, which intertwine traditions and futuristic innovations, providing a unique experience for its visitors. The city has become a popular tourist hotspot, attracting millions of visitors, with the number growing significantly each year. If you are also planning a trip to Tokyo, consider reviewing the subsequent sections of the article to gain essential knowledge to ensure a smoother experience.
Important Information about Tokyo
- Country: Japan
- Population: 14,254,039
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Primary Airport: Haneda Airport (HND)
Top Things to do in Tokyo
During your visit to Tokyo, travelers can relish endless possibilities, with a plethora of things to do. Whether it is the exploration of bustling, thriving cityscapes or the experience of traditionality from close, it has it all. Therefore, below is a list of some of the most captivating things to do in Tokyo. Here are some things to do while you're staying in Tokyo:
- Enjoy the Live Sumo Shows: Current sumo wrestling is the evolved form of bout-based wrestling, which was held to entertain the Shinto Gods during the early Nara Period. In Tokyo, Sumo wrestling is more than just a match; it's a cultural event where you will witness the raw, electrifying energy of wrestlers and the crowd.
- Explore Akihabara's Pop Culture: The Akihabara neighborhood is a religious site for Japanese pop-culture enthusiasts and a major shopping centre for video games, anime, manga, electronics, and other gadgets, giving it the title of Electronic City. Beyond this, the place is packed with retro arcades, cosplay cages, and electronic shops decorated with electronic signs.
- Witness the Cherry Blossoms in Yoyogi-Koen: Yoyogi Koen, or Yoyogi Park, is a prime picnic spot for those seeking to relax under the Cherry blossom trees. With over 600 trees of different types, a lively atmosphere, and a vibrant crowd, the place becomes a key location during the peak bloom. The Yoyogi-Koen is one of the largest parks in the city, where Tokyoites arrive to escape their daily lives with barbecues, sake-sipping, and a DJ.
- Find Peace in Rikugi-En: Rikugi-En is one of the most fascinating locations, once ruled by feudal lords from the 10th to the 19th centuries. It still holds the charm of traditional Japan from the Shogun era, making a pleasant transition from the bustling city of Tokyo.
- Learn about Spirituality in Senso-JI: Senjo-JI is a Buddhist temple in Asakusa, said to have been founded more than 1000 years before the city existed. The temple holds a timeless charm that transports visitors to Tokyo's golden age. It is an iconic site that tourists must visit to enjoy a peaceful blend of spirituality and tranquility.
Top Places to Visit in Tokyo
Each year, over 10 million travelers visit Tokyo to witness its marvels, whether the fine skyline, high-tech attractions, or historic locations. The city has something to explore at every turn, giving travelers the opportunity to discover something remarkable. Though visiting every place might not be possible, which is why, below are some places you shouldn't miss to experience the best of Tokyo:
- Mori Digital Art Museum: It has become a popular spot, so you must purchase tickets in advance. The museum displays the interactive digital artworks that flow smoothly without any limitations, creating a separate world. The Museum is created by teamLab, which uses projectors, lights, and sound to offer visitors a distinct experience, creating a setting of glowing forests, crystal worlds, and interactive water projections.
- Meiji Shrine: The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who led Japan toward modernization and made significant contributions to what Japan is today. The shrine features a peaceful forest oasis, spiritual practices, and traditional ceremonies, such as weddings, and cultural appreciation within the city.
- Tsukiji Market: Tokyo's historic food district, famous for fresh seafood, produce, kitchenware, and street food. It is a hotspot for food enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to explore Japanese culinary culture and enjoy traditional sushi and other dishes.
- Asakusa: While other places are advancing, Asakusa still retains Japan's charm and traditional atmosphere, with the famous Senso-ji and its iconic Kaminarimon gate. The region is delightful to wander, especially when you seek delicacies, as it offers great street food and small cafes everywhere.
- Shibuya Crossing: The renowned five-way street crossing near Shibuya Station. The intersection is a world-famous location, where thousands of pedestrians cross simultaneously when the signal turns green. Though it looks chaotic, witnessing the surroundings with bright neon lights, digital billboards, and shimmering buildings, offers a great experience.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
Tokyo remains in high demand among tourists, but when the weather is most pleasant, more travelers prefer to visit the city. The best time can differ, depending on one's preference, expectations, and purpose, which is why all three seasons are explained below to allow you to choose the time that matches your expectations, whether you wish to travel during the pleasant weather, crowd frequency, or depending on the budget:
- Peak Seasons: The peak seasons fall between March and May, when it is spring. The weather remains calm and pleasant, allowing visitors to conveniently explore Japan without any hassles. However, due to higher demand, prices may skyrocket, making things challenging if you have a tight budget.
- Shoulder Seasons: During summer, Japan can be extremely hot and humid, and crowds may thin a bit, but plans may be interrupted by sudden rain and hot weather. Additionally, when summer ends, the typhoon season begins, complicating things further for travellers. Though the prices drop significantly, making it a little convenient for savvy travelers.
- Low Seasons: Low seasons occur during winter, from December to February, when Japan sees the lowest tourist crowds. However, Japan offers great skiing and winter activities, which also lure travelers even on chilly days. Also, prices remain most affordable during winter, making it an ideal time for budget travelers.
Cuisines/Food to try in Tokyo
Japanese cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, while preserving their natural flavours and presenting them artistically. Thus, Japanese cuisine is among the world's top cuisines, delivering mouth-watering taste and flavour you will never forget. Though you will have a wide variety of street food and traditional dishes, it can make you confused about what to start with. Thus, to ease things up for you, below is the list of some of the top Japanese dishes you should be trying while you're in Japan:
- Taiyaki
- Ramen
- Tsukemen
- Udon
- Sushi & Sashimi
- Okonomiyaki
- Tonkatsu
- Shabu-Shabu
- Yakiniku
- Donburi
Things to Keep in Mind when Visiting Tokyo
Though you will have no hardships while visiting Japan, as the Japanese are known to be polite and generous to their guests. Additionally, when you visit a certain nation, you must respect its customs and beliefs to ensure a convenient experience. Thus, below are some things you should keep in mind when looking forward to a smoother travel experience when visiting Tokyo:
- While traveling on public transport, you must remain quiet, silence your phone, and avoid making calls. Japanese people believe that public transportation should be a peaceful space.
- Tipping is not seen as a generous gesture, and regardless of your pure thoughts, it can be considered rude behaviour. The Japanese believe in earning only what they deserve.
- When traveling across Japan, consider carrying your own trash and disposing of it only when you see a dustbin, often at convenience stores, hotels, and other places.
- When entering someone's home, a temple, a restaurant, or a traditional centre, consider removing your shoes.
- Consider carrying a significant amount of cash when traveling in Japan, as cashless payments are not yet widely accepted, especially at small vendors and rural shops.