Tokyo, Japan — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Tokyo
Sightseeing in Tokyo can bring about sensory overload if you're not careful. Animated billboards, the buzz of a densely packed and highly energetic population, and glittering, gleaming architecture all compete for your attention. One thing is certain though, you'll never be bored.
The transport system is excellent, good value, and easy to figure out, even for westerners. However, the best way to view the city remains the oldest way: on foot, walking the streets, taking in the multitude of sights and sounds on your way. You'll be sure to find plenty of unexpected treasures, from little temples on a side streets, to the warm smile welcome of a local shop keeper.
Tokyo really does have something for everyone. Westerners honeymooners come to cultivate romance amidst the cherry blossoms, shoppers will find exactly what they're looking for and plenty on top of that, and even backpackers can find a way take in the culture without breaking the bank. The temples and museums listed below are well worth your time, or you can lose yourself in the neon lights of Shibuya, check out the hip Harajuku girls in Takeshita Street or cosplayers in Akihabara, and take the elevated train from Shimbashi station to the bayside Odaiba district, and ride on the giant ferris wheel.
If you're curious, you can also take a class in any number of traditional Japanese art forms, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, martial arts, massage, flower arranging or meditation. Tokyo also has a number of neon-lit pachinko parlours with men, women and childrentrying their hand at the popular game. Japanese sports such as baseball and sumo wrestling are also fun ways to get a taste of Tokyo culture.
Shopping in Tokyo
Tokyo has refined shopping into an urban art form and essential cultural experience. The result is quite possibly the most futuristic shopping environment in the world where you can purchase everything from underwear to watermelons from vending machines while never interacting with a human. Tokyo is also at the cutting edge of fashion and design, as a wide-eyed stroll through Ginza and Shibuya districts will confirm. Tokyo is also famous for its electronics stores, the biggest concentration of which can be found in Akihabara, Tokyo's 'Electric Town'. Despite the wide range you will struggle to find genuine bargains and don't expect to negotiate too much on price.
Shopping malls have also been taken to another level here - in some cases, up to 20 levels. Shinjuku Station is surrounded by multi-level shopping stores selling everything under the sun. Big name chains such as Keio and Isetan can be accessed directly from the station. They both offer tax-free shopping and European language assistance. For a more upmarket department store experience, visit Mitsukoshi which has several branches throughout the city.
Tokyo isn't known for flea markets, but two that are worth a visit for artisan-style gifts are Togo Shrine in Harajuku on the first and fourth Sundays of each month, and Nogi Shrine on the second Sunday of each month. There are many small markets around the various temples and shrines. Essential purchases include traditional items like Duruma dolls and crafts such as ceramics and chop-sticks. Kimonos are another good purchase although those made from pure silk, as true kimonos are, will be expensive. On a more modern note, the very latest gadgetry and electronics gear will also be perfectly emblematic of your visit to Tokyo. A good place to browse for souvenirs is the Oriental Bazaar and Omotesando, both of which offer good value and plenty of interesting human scenery.
A popular sight is the otakuarea of Akihabara. There you'll find colorful manga and anime stores, and you may catch some fans and promoters wandering around in fantastical costumes.
One of the surprising aspects of shopping in Tokyo is that despite the vast buildings and slick modernity surrounding everyone, there are still traditional neighborhoods and quiet districts to be found. Here you can find specialist stores selling unique and frequently hand made items such as micro-brewed sakeor beautiful lacquerware.
Tokyo Nightlife
Nightlife in Tokyo is huge. They have everything from geisha bars to jazz or 'hostess' clubs, dive bars referred to as 'shot bars' and zany themed dance clubs. It is legal to drink out in the streets and vending machines even stock cans of beer!
A good way to enjoy Tokyo's nightlife is in an izakaya, a pub-style watering hole serving food and drink. Western-style bars are much more expensive than those with local flavor, though chains like The Hub have happy-hour prices that are more reasonable.
Roppongi is the top nightlife district in Tokyo, where the locals are very friendly to gaijin(Westerners). Be wary of hostesses and 'patrons' who try to lure you into one of the districts many gentlemen's clubs, where drinks are prohibitively expensive. Shibuya also has a number of nightclubs, and Shinjuku is home to both Tokyo's red-light district and its primary gay bars. While Shinjuku is famous for its crazy atmosphere, women are advised not to walk around alone. For less expensive bars that cater to students and backbackers, go a little further to the Shimokitazawa, Koenji and Nakano districts.
Many bars and lounges impose a 'table charge', which includes snacks like nuts or chips. Not all venues charge and policies vary, so ask before you order anything. Note that the legal age for both drinking and smoking in Japan is 20.
Those looking for a more cultured evening can catch a traditional Kabukiperformance at the Kabuki-za theater in Ginza. Tickets range from ¥3,000 to ¥22,000, or you can catch a single act for as little as ¥800. Other popular forms of theater include the restrained and refined Noh, and Bunrakupuppet theater. You can also see traditional Western music performances by the Tokyo and NHK Symphony Orchestras at various theaters around Tokyo. Check the Japan Times for concert information.
For detailed nightlife listings, grab a copy of the free Metropolis publication.
Attractions for Kids
Not everyone's ideal vacation destination with children, Tokyo is surprisingly well geared towards kids on vacation in this bustling city. With a dazzling array of technological attractions, scientific museums and a rich and colorful history, children should find there is plenty to explore round Tokyo.
The Baji Equestrian park is a great place to take kids to watch horse shows and even have a pony ride, or for a more exhilarating day out, head to the Tokyo Dome City where children can enjoy countless rides and games at the amusement park and parents relax and pamper themselves in the spa. The Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall is also a great attraction for kids to enjoy with its indoor gyms, computers, crafts areas, mini-theater and rooftop playground, it's Tokyo's largest public facility for children.
On a sunny day, why not pack a picnic and the Frisbee and head off to Shinjuku Park, or Hama-Rikyu Sunken Garden for a stroll or just to admire the cherry trees and blossoms. Or for those days when the weather turns bad and outdoor activities for kids are no longer an option, visit the Panasonic Center, or soak up a bit of culture at one of Tokyo's many museums, such as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Museum of Maritime Science or the National Science Museum. You'll find a number of skating rinks, sports clubs, and swimming pools dotted around the city as well.
