Tokyo, ultimately, is a unique city that has been able to harmonize tradition with the best and most cutting-edge cosmopolitan forefront, incorporating the respect and good manners of Japanese culture. If you are looking for a mix of very ancient, very modern, but always fascinating and different culture, Tokyo may be your place. For years, Tokyo, logically, is a leading city in terms of visits, commerce, gastronomy and the best leisure resorts. Ultimately, visiting Tokyo should be contemplated as a journey through time, since it is a journey through history, customs and the development of Japanese society. This guide to explore Tokyo is a small tribute to this city and its people, it will be irremediably incomplete but will try to be of help and transport you to a magical place.
Tokyo city is the capital of one of the geographically most extensive and culturally most advanced nations in the world. Japan, located in the Eastern Hemisphere, has the highest population density of any country in the world and its idiosyncrasy is unique on the planet. Its roots are ancient and come mainly from two important cities, Kyoto and Nara. The Tokyo metropolis is not only a city but a conglomerate of diverse cities and populations. Its streets, illuminated by thousands of signs and bounded by strange names, tell a story full of tales of samurais, powerful samurais, and great wealth that conquer and triumph, but which finally fall under the current mask, modern and powerful. The city of Tokyo is located on the island of Honshu, located southwest of the Kanto Plain. This plain has been the cradle of numerous cultures. Currently, the city is divided into 23 districts (ku), 26 cities (shi) and 5 villages (machi) that make up the Tokyo metropolis.
Getting to Know Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world. Located in the Kanto region, the ultra-modern Japanese capital offers a little something for everyone to enjoy. The city blends the ultra modern with tradition in a quirky infrared hallucination. The neon-lit skyscrapers of Shinjuku and Shibuya, and the traditional charm of Asakusa and Ueno, showcase two of Tokyo’s most prominent faces. And if you hear the siren song of mega-cities, visit Tokyo Tower and soak in hot springs to calm your nerves. Embark on a memorable journey as you navigate Tokyo’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Tokyo: an ever-growing megalopolis of approximately 13.5 million people, with the largest proportion of its population being salaried workers. Tokyo has been developed and molded by its historical and cultural background – whether reflected in neighborhood street layouts, shop facades, buildings, or in civic planning. There are others, however, who know the city only by name, and still more who have never so much as set foot in Asia.
Geography and Climate
Tokyo is located on the eastern coast of the island of Honshu, the biggest of the four islands that make up Japan. It neighbors many highly populated prefectures in the Kanto region, such as Chiba and Saitama, and is surrounded by the three large prefectures of Gunma, Tochigi, and Yamanashi. The extensive Tama River separates Tokyo from the prefectures in the west. The Izu Island and Ogasawara Island Chains, both of which are under administrative control of Tokyo Metropolis, are further locations of the city. One salient feature about Tokyo is its unique geography. Most central districts are located around Tokyo Bay. The heart of the traditional administrative, economic, and cultural quarters is the bay, which makes accessibility and fertile fishing grounds crucial in the flourishing urbanization.
Furthermore, as the capital city of Japan, Tokyo is the largest producer of wealth in the country, 34.9% of the nation’s GDP originating from Kanagawa, Tokyo, Saitama, and Chiba collectively, and 34.5% of all jobs in the Greater Tokyo Area. The main business and entertainment districts are found in the city of Chiyoda’s Marunouchi, the commercial districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku, and the two special wards of Chuo and Minato, where many of the high-rise buildings are clustered. Large majorities of the foreign companies operating in Japan’s capital are also based in the two aforementioned special wards. Finally, the Tokyo government, as well as the main parliament, the Supreme Court, the national council, and the offices of the Prime Minister are all situated in Chiyoda. Well over 80% of the wards in Tokyo lie in the Greater Tokyo Area’s 23 special districts.
History and Culture
Tokyo is a city of many faces. It has all the hallmarks of a modern metropolis, yet much of its distinctive history and culture has survived intact. Oftentimes, these come together to provide a fascinating contrast as broken-down old houses sit in the shadows of towering neon-lit skyscrapers. Tokyo is rich in the teeming commercial districts of Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro, each offering a unique kaleidoscope of entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities. The city follows the stately Sumida-gawa River, and on its shores lies Asakusa, home to the fascinating Senso-ji Temple. Underneath it all lies the underground railway system, one of the marvels of transportation technology that whisks hundreds of thousands of commuters around the city by day; by night, these same bright, clean, efficient services turn into the lifeline of the city’s nightlife.
In terms of entertainment and nightlife, Tokyo ensures that nobody will ever have the time to be bored. The hard-working people are ready to relax, and the city offers various means of relaxation including the Kabuki Theater, the Roppongi Hills where there are regular concerts and dancing to suit the music in your soul, and even the chirping of the crickets, a pastime which is enjoyed by many in the city parks come summertime.
Top Attractions
While Tokyo is not short on landmarks, visitors to the capital may feel compelled to keep heading back to certain iconic attractions at the expense of missing out on Tokyo’s more overlooked gems. The following are 15 of Tokyo’s most famous attractions ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. These are the must-see spots that Tokyo’s 11 million residents are proud to boast as part of the fabric of their bustling metropolis.
Historical Sites
If you simply adore historical sites and buildings, then you will enjoy Tokyo tremendously. The city happens to be more than five centuries old, and therefore it goes without saying that when it comes to preserving historical relics, no other city in Asia comes close to Tokyo. This guide lets you in on some of the best historical sights in Tokyo that you must not miss out if you are interested in the history of Tokyo. One of the places that we suggest you visit if you are interested in the history of Tokyo is the Edo Architecture. This site features traditional buildings such as the dance stage, nor and the sentry post that has the three crest of the ancient shogunates. Apart from that, there are plenty of traditional performances on the stage as well as live entertainment and snack and beverage shops.
Then we also have the Marishiten Tokudai-Ji Temple. These temple grounds happen to be more than six centuries old, and you will find numerous statues here which relate to the old religion of Buddhism that was practiced by the Japanese in the olden days. The garden here is also designed in the traditional Japanese style, and you will be pleased to know that it is open to the public most of the time. Just head in and soak up the sun and the quiet atmosphere when you are at the temple garden. The Yasuda Auditorium is another one of those locations that you simply have to visit if you have an interest in the history of Tokyo. This auditorium has been designated as a historical site, and the auditorium stands as a testimony to the old days of old glory. It is here that the Tokyo Art Festival is held as well.
Modern Landmarks
Landmark Tower – You will find Yokohama near the Tamagawa River, south of Tokyo. The city is well known for its waterfront area which is adjacent to Tokyo Bay. It is a place where you would also find the Landmark Tower, the tallest building in Japan. It is home to the best observation deck in Japan which offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the Tokyo skyline. The deck is located on the 69th floor, and you would experience a speed of about 12.5m/s while ascending it. If you are hungry, then you would find plenty of shops on the ground floor. It is also home to the second-highest hotel called the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel. It features a bar and a fine dining restaurant that has sweeping views of the city. It is impressive to know that this building can sway up to 5ft when the wind is very strong!
Tokyo Skytree – The Tokyo Tower is one of the most recognized landmarks in the city that was constructed in 1958, but starting with 2012, it was overshadowed by the Tokyo Skytree. This is located near the Asakusa district and the Oshiage station. It is regarded as the world’s second-tallest structure after the Burj Khalifa. The tower’s height is 634m, and it has an observation deck supported by beams, which is around 154m above the ground. Here, you would find seven levels housing various restaurants, observation decks, and shops, as well as a candy store. These areas are connected by a spiral slope that revolves 360 degrees around the base. At night, the tower is illuminated in different colors and designs. The Tokyo Skytree is influenced by traditional Japanese architecture and the intricate geometric pattern which was popular during the Edo era. One of the best times to visit the Tokyo Skytree is during sunset, as you would find fewer people, and you would also enjoy unique views.
Culinary Delights
In Tokyo, the terms “local cuisine” and “typical lunch” have no place. Tokyo’s restaurants reflect an absolute variety in both food and ambiance. The only limitations to dining out in Tokyo are your lack of imagination and ability to pay! In Tokyo, you can try uranuki, a degreased quail, accompanied by quinoa risotto, or French-Japanese fusion at Sky Lounge Stellar Garden or Sky Restaurant 634. The latter is on the 52nd floor and has 360-degree views around Tokyo. You can even snack while watching a Sumo tournament, or opt for a multi-course traditional Kaiseki dinner. Either way, prepare for captivating food art and rich flavors that represent Japanese cuisine. The Tajima Steak House in Ginza, with its aged Kobe beef and organically prepared wagyu, is a must-try. Local desserts consist of walnut Yokan bars filled with natural sweeteners and buns and mochi filled with tsubu-an.
When you explore Tokyo, you can cater to your changing tastes at different times, so whether you just need comfort or style, you are guaranteed to find it in Tokyo. Japanese chefs consciously take the waste of nature, and often the whole dish is a living work of art. Many of Tokyo’s food outlets are also located in the city’s most iconic buildings. While it’s a great opportunity to sample traditional Japanese cuisine, diners will also be treated to breathtaking views beyond their meal. The bustling area beneath Tokyo Station offers a variety of dining options, including fine Italian dining in the Kitte attached to the station building. And if Tokyo Tower is on your list of destinations to visit, you can enjoy an excellent dinner and presented view from the Tower’s first-floor restaurant. In Asakusa, Nakamise Street is the place to go for a bowl of traditional ramen, while the nearby Katsukura has some of the best pork offerings in the city.
Traditional Japanese Cuisine
The variety of Japanese cuisine has made it one of the most sought-after in the world. Authentic flavors and ingredients accompanying a Japanese presentation provide both a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Japanese cuisine not only utilizes native ingredients to the fullest, but it also expresses a respect and understanding of the changing seasons and the food traditions unique to each locality.
Japanese cuisine is best enjoyed in an atmospheric environment. The usual setting is a traditional tatami-mat room carefully laid out with tatami mats, elegant table settings, and a view of a Japanese garden. Kaiseki is the epitome of Japanese cuisine where Japanese chefs pay respect to the taste of every season, and mix tradition and culture in the selection of local ingredients to create special dishes.
Ryotei are Japanese-style restaurants featuring fine dishes built on closely orchestrated local ingredients reflecting the changing seasons. These eateries often operate in traditional Japanese-style homes and while advancements in construction have produced many modern variations in the design of ryotei, the comfort and privacy of the guests is always there. Many of the best ryotei are tucked down side streets and are very difficult to find.
Kaiseki dining is expensive and the selection and presentation of the food is truly an art. Given the setting and the culinary expertise involved, however, it is truly one of the most fascinating experiences you can enjoy in Japan.
Street Food and Izakayas
When visiting Tokyo, do not miss the opportunity to sample the street food. There are vendors on many street corners, making takoyaki, pancake-like balls with fried octopus inside, taiyaki, dessert fish-shaped cracker filled with chocolate, dorayaki, fish-shaped pancake with sweet lima bean paste inside, and yakitori, meat on skewers. Plastic molds are employed to shape the food. All of it is cooked to perfection on pan grills, then sold with a wide range of dips. The foods are fun to try and make an inexpensive and delicious snack.
During a Tokyo vacation, enjoying an evening at an izakaya is an absolute necessity. Japan’s version of a pub, the food is usually hearty and goes down well with beer or sake. They also offer the chance to sample an array of Japanese dishes in a single setting. The country’s conservative nature means that izakayas are typically tiny establishments. Patrons sit on stools around the bar. The menu is often displayed on the wall in Japanese script; a basic knowledge of the language will enhance the entire dining experience. Keep in mind that it is also commonplace for British-style English pubs to open in the evening as well.
Outdoor Adventures
For a budget-friendly escape from the sensory overload of city life, head to any of the many public parks or gardens in Tokyo for a refreshing outdoor experience. Over 90% of the tree types naturally found in Japan can be found in Shinjuku Gyoen. In addition to the Easter, Western and traditional Japanese styles, there are also many attractions throughout the park for the enjoyment of younger visitors. Marked by a white, three-tiered stone pagoda, the Ni No Maru garden derives its name from the Warring States Period, and it is surrounded by a Japanese rock garden and a grove of Taiwanese cherry trees.
Visitors can rent out their own kit and have a drink afterwards in the nice onsen café, or you can pay extra for a reasonably priced massage. Incidentally, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari is also a fantastic experience which mixes onsen bathing with a nice Edo-period onsen village thematization. Many goods on promo in stores, lifestyle events, and great dining options. Here you will find enjoyable attractions such as guided canoe and kayak excursions along the river. Up to 8 people can participate in one guided canoe tour, going downstream from the Oume Kayak base. Bicycles can be rented at a set price at this Ome-No-Mori Outlet.
Parks and Gardens
One of the anomalies of modern Tokyo is the sheer number of green spaces interspersed across the city’s urban sprawl. Although the skyline is frequently vast and concrete, Tokyo comprises no fewer than four major parks and gardens, offering an often much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Navigating away from the neon underbelly of Shibuya, for example, Ueno-koen is a sprawling mixture of museums, art galleries, shrines, and beautiful cherry blossoms, primed for hanami viewing spectaculars in the spring. Yoyogi-koen, located in close proximity to the bright lights of Harajuku and Yoyogi, is, by comparison, a mixture of serene forests, stylish picnic parks, and one of the only places in the city considered suitable for those who relish the idea of frolicking in the sun.
The largest of Tokyo’s parks however, and by a considerable margin, is that of the magnificent Shinjuku-ku which is home to the beautiful sprawl that is known as Shinjuku Gyo-en. Another seasonal wonder, this magnificent park is most famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, and the colorful chrysanthemum exhibitions that take place in the autumn. There are approximately twenty thousand trees here, and so the park is widely considered as the best area in Tokyo to witness the city in full bloom. The park offers a full 144 acres of cultivated beauty, making it one of the best-having parks in the city by far. The delicate appreciation of Japanese gardens can be fully appreciated here almost in solitude, and they cater well to both the bonsai enthusiast and the artist in need of a little inspiration. Once the eerie silence of this magical park becomes all too much, the unrivaled data splurge of Shinjuku is located in very close proximity to the gates.
Hiking and Nature Trails
A large part of Japan is mountainous, as is a large extent of its major island Honshu. Tokyo is largely situated in the flat to gently rolling Kanto Plains, but as it is surrounded on three sides by steeply rising mountain ranges, it is easy to take an excursion into the hills. At these spots, far away from the towering skyscrapers, it is easy to walk highly rewarding nature and hiking trails. Best of all, the hiking routes around Tokyo are well-marked and easily accessible, making them perfect for hikers.
The Okutama area of western Tokyo offers a wide variety of nature trails, and it is located less than two hours from downtown Tokyo. Maehata-machi, close to Okutama Station, is at the very edge of Tokyo, offering hiking trails into the Okutama and Hinohara Mountains in the western part of Tokyo. The trails here are mostly easy, with good views of the Tama River waters, and can take up to half a day to complete. Be sure to visit the higher grounds and see the Okutama Lake Reservoir from above. This lake is the source of Tokyo’s drinking water, tucked away in a deep mountain valley. Surrounding the lake is the newly set Mori-no-mura.