Tokyo, Japan — Where to Go
Tokyo Sightseeing Overview
From the hectic multi-road crossing at Shibuya (made famous in Lost in Translation) to the peaceful tree-filled gardens at Meiji-jingu, the city's key sights are varied and mesmerizing. Watch the fashion-obsessed teens every Sunday in Shibuya, step back in time in Asakusa's crowded street stalls, and revel in the neon lit view from the top of Roppongi's Tokyo Tower.
Unlike other cities of its size and significance, however, Tokyo lacks a definable center or landmark. Instead the city is divided into separate and wholly distinct neighborhoods, each with their own secrets to discover. The best way to navigate these mini-cities is on the excellent Metro system, specifically the Yamanote Line, a commuter train loop which passes through many of Tokyo's major stations.
But as with all of Japan, the key to discovering the true Tokyo lies in the details. Simply wandering though an area reveals the secrets that make this city so unique.
With no street names, however, finding exactly where a building is in Tokyo can be fiendishly difficult. Buying a detailed bilingual map will certainly help, and with so little crime to solve, the police in their boxes (called koban) on practically every corner are both plentiful and experienced in redirecting the lost traveler.
Lastly, study the large and detailed maps on display at every Metro station. These clearly show which exit is needed, in English.
Tokyo Tourist Information
The Japanese National Tourist Organization (JNTO) runs two Tourist Information Centers (TIC) in Tokyo, one in Narita Airport and one in central Tokyo. They both offer a wealth of information to the new arrival; detailed maps, guides to Japanese culture and hotel information. English speaking staff can book your accommodation commission free and are a fantastic source of local knowledge.
Tokyo Tourist Information Center (TIC)
10F, Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: (03) 3201 3331.
Website: www.jnto.go.jp
Tokyo Sightseeing
There are no sightseeing passes as such in Tokyo, but a couple of guides printed by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau offer discount vouchers to foreign visitors. The Tokyo Museum Guide for example offers discounts in art galleries and museums, while the Tokyo Handy Guide covers more than 30+ affiliated attractions.
Tokyo Sightseeing
There are no sightseeing passes as such in Tokyo, but a couple of guides printed by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau offer discount vouchers to foreign visitors. The Tokyo Museum Guide for example offers discounts in art galleries and museums, while the Tokyo Handy Guide covers more than 30+ affiliated attractions.
Key Attractions in Tokyo, Japan
Roppongi Hills
Created as a city within a city, this immensely popular complex offers visitors a taste of Tokyo's future. Every inch of Roppongi Hills has been beautifully designed; visitors can wander through peaceful Japanese gardens and beside water walls, then eat and shop in one of more than 200 restaurants and boutiques. Those exhausted from shopping can enjoy the 12-screen Virgin cinema, showing the latest blockbusters, and night visitors shouldn't miss the chance to catch the best view of the city at Tokyo City View.
Roppongi Hills, Minato-ku
Tel: (03) 6406 6000.
Website: www.roppongihills.com/en/information/
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Free admission.
Tokyo Tower
Opened in 1958, this 333m (1,092ft) red and white tower is an almost exact replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But standing several meters taller than the original, it also includes an aquarium, numerous gift shops and a waxwork exhibit. The 250m- (820ft-) high observation tower offers views as far as Mt Fuji.
4-2-8 Shinbakoen, Minato-ku
Tel: (03) 3433 5111.
Website: www.tokyotower.co.jp
Opening hours: Daily 0900-2200.
Admission charge.
Tsukiji Ichiba
Set your alarm clock early as visiting the world's biggest fish market before dawn has even broken is a sight not to be missed. Relocated to this area following the 1923 earthquake, the market is now open six days a week (it's closed on Sundays and national holidays). More than 2,000 tons of fish pass through here every day, and the main action starts with a tuna auction at a jetlag-friendly 0530, where each enormous brightly-labelled fish can sell for as much as ¥1 million.
5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku
Tel: (03) 3543 4176.
Website: www.tsukiji-market.or.jp
Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 0500.
Free admission.
Hama-Rikyu
Those exhausted by the fish market can seek solace at these nearby gardens. Hidden within a beautiful walled moat, this city oasis boasts manicured lawns, an ancient pine tree and three peaceful lakes. Once the hunting ground of a shogun, the tranquil garden now offers only peace, quiet and a view of Tokyo's famous Rainbow Bridge.
1-1 Hama Rikyu Teien, Chuo-ku
Tel: (03) 3541 0200.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission charge.
Tokyo Tocho
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices are notable both for their extraordinary architecture and the free observation decks on the 45th floor. Designed by Kenzo Tange, one of Japan's top architects, the monumental twin towers are said to be inspired by Notre Dame in Paris, although the imposing granite façade rather brings to mind scenes of Batman's Gotham City. The observation decks (one in each tower and both providing a cafe) are reached by high-speed elevator and give spectacular views over the city. When the Tokyo mist lifts, visitors can see Mount Fuji.
2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tel: (03) 5320 7890.
Website: www.metro.tokyo.jp
Opening hours: (North deck) Tues-Sun 0930-2230, (South deck) Wed-Mon 0930-1730.
Free admission.
Shinjuku-gyoen
Originally created for the royal family, these are perhaps the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo. The layout is meticulous and breathtaking, with both Japanese and French garden design, an imperial villa and a tropical greenhouse to explore. The place is filled with families on sunny days, as picnicking here is a Japanese tradition, although cafes are also on hand. The garden is particularly beautiful in the spring, when the cherry trees are in full bloom.
11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku
Tel: (03) 3350 0151.
Website: www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 0900-1630.
Admission charge.
Bunkamura
For a glimpse of international art, as well as the most innovative and exciting Tokyo can offer, this is the best gallery in town. But it is much more than just a museum, it is a multimedia building offering a complete range of music, cinemas and events.
24-1,Dogenzaka 2-chome Shibuya-ku
Tel: (03) 3477 9111.
Website: www.bunkamura.co.jp
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1900.
Admission charge.
Meiji-jingu
One of Japan's finest examples of Shinto architecture, the atmospheric Meiji Shrine is tucked away in the center of a dark, cool forest - an unexpected oasis in the center of the city. Passing through a vast wooden torii gate, the visitor follows the wide gravel path through the forest and into the shrine precincts. Completed in 1920, the shrine honors the memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, under whose reign Japan rapidly modernized and was opened to the outside world.
1-1 Yoyogi, Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku
Tel: (03) 3320 5700.
Website: www.meijijingu.or.jp
Opening hours: Daily dawn to dusk (can vary, but usually 0900-1700).
Free admission to the shrine, charge for the Gyoen Inner Garden.
Ueno-koen
The largest park in Tokyo, Ueno is where locals head when the cherry blossoms suddenly bloom. With over 1,000 trees it makes a spectacular sight every spring. Home to several important museums, as well as Ueno Zoo, the park is dotted with historically-interesting temples and shrines, including the Tokyo ‘branch' of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Taito-ku
Tel: (03) 3828 5644.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Free admission to the park and shrines.
Sensoji
Tokyo's most revered Buddhist temple, and a site of pilgrimage and tourism for many centuries, Sensoji Temple was founded in AD628, to enshrine a gold statuette of the Kannon Bodhisattva (the Goddess of Mercy). The temple and its five-story pagoda are concrete reconstructions built after a 1945 bombing raid, but the temple precincts are nevertheless always bustling with worshippers. Smoke from the huge incense burner in front of the temple is said to have healing powers.
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tel: (03) 3842 5566 (Asakusa Cultural and Sightseeing Center).
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours (grounds), 0600-1700 (shrine).
Free admission.
Tokyo International Exhibition Center
Commonly called ‘Tokyo Big Sight', and located on the reclaimed island of Odaiba in the middle of Tokyo Bay, this is Japan's largest convention center. Since opening in 1996, it has housed hundreds of world famous exhibitions.
3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku
Tel: (03) 5530 1111.
Website: www.bigsight.jp
Opening hours: Vary depending on events.
Free admission.
MegaWeb
The centerpiece of the Odaiba land reclamation project, MegaWeb houses the giant ferris wheel that plays such an important part on Tokyo's new skyline. This development also includes Toyota City Showcase, where petrol heads can both see the newest cars in development, and give them a virtual test drive.
Aomi 1-chome, Koto-ku
Tel: (03) 3599 0808.
Website: www.megaweb.gr.jp
Opening hours: Daily 1100-2100 (2200 Sat-Sun).
Free admission.
Kyoko Higashi-gyoen
The Imperial Palace East Garden, on the site of the old Edo Castle of the shoguns, is the only part of the Imperial Palace that is regularly open to the public. Entered through the Otemon Gate, once the main entrance to the castle, it is a pleasant formal garden, surrounded by a section of the original moat and incorporating walls and foundations of the inner castle. Special features include a teahouse, pond and waterfall.
Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: (03) 3213 1111.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1630.
Free admission.
Yasukuni-jinja
Perhaps the most controversial of all Tokyo's sites, this shrine houses the souls of those killed in various Japanese wars. The grand shrine displays various artifacts and contains a sumo ring and noh theater.
3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: (03) 3261 8326.
Website: www.yasukuni.or.jp
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Free admission to the shrine, charge for the museum.
Edo-Tokyo Hakubutsukan
Housed in what looks like a colossal white spaceship, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is a wonderful place for visitors to get a feel for Tokyo's history and culture. The permanent exhibition is divided into three distinct areas. The ‘Edo Zone' opens with a replica of Nihombashi ‘Bridge of Japan', taking visitors through ‘Tokyo Zone' post war reconstruction ending at ‘History Zone'.
1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku
Tel: (03) 3626 9974.
Website: www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 0930-1730 (Thu and Fri 2000).
Admission charge.
Further Distractions
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is a faithful replica of the Californian original, complete with Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, as well as shows, parades and firework displays. The unique DisneySea Park, set against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay, and offering several country-themed areas, is proving enormously popular amongst a more mature crowd.
1-1 Maihama, Urayasu-shi
Tel: (045) 683 3333.
Website: www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp
Admission charge.
Onsens
Literally translating as ‘hot bubbling springs', onsens are an essential part of Japanese life. First becoming popular more than 1,000 years ago, the baths are still scattered throughout Japan, and an onsen trip is an experience not to be missed. Two of Tokyo's best include Azabu Juban Onsen, 1-5-22 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku (tel: (03) 3404 2610), a traditional bath hidden among the cluttered residential and office buildings. The hugely popular onsen ‘theme park' Oedo Onsen Monogatari, 2-57 Omi, Koto-ku (tel: (03) 5500 1126; www.ooedoonsen.jp) recreates the experience of Edo bathing.
As with many aspects of Japanese life, strict onsen etiquette should always be adhered to. You bathe naked, no clothes or jewelry should be worn. Take off your shoes as soon as you enter and put them on the shelf or cabinet provided. Always wash thoroughly before entering the bath, make sure all soap is removed from your hair and body. Do not use any soaps or liquids in the bath. Do not bring a large towel into the bath, a small towel will be provided for you. Finally make sure you are dry before returning to the changing rooms.
Advertising Museum Tokyo (ADMT)
On the B1F-B2F floors of the Caretta Shiodome skyscraper, this small but fascinating permanent museum is dedicated to the wacky world of Japanese advertising. Using the newest technology, guests can touch screens to look through adverts both past and present, or study the 100,000 digital images held on a computer database.
Caretta Shiodome, 1-8-2, Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku
Tel: (03) 6218 2500.
Website: www.admt.jp
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 1100-1830, Sat 1100-1630.
Free admission.
