Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the coolest cities on earth. This incredible blend of old-school traditions and super-fast modern vibes is something you cannot see anywhere else. As the capital of Japan, it is the ultimate place to visit in Asia. You have got the Imperial Palace where all the big shots are, along with first-class hotels, top-quality restaurants, and shopping scenes to kill for. Residing in East-Central Honshu, the largest among Japan’s islands, Tokyo is like an ideal home base for traveling throughout the rest of this beautiful country.
And of course, don’t forget to visit Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa – here you can plunge into history at the very heart of bustling life. Tokyo has quite a history, especially considering they had to rebuild the city after an immense earthquake in 1923 and following World War II. But now it is not only the marvel of a modern city but also known as the most expensive in which one might want to live. Now the good news – their subway and train service is so flawless that you can navigate with ease.
But it’s not only about the flashy things. Tokyo is a cultural city full of activities – museums, festivals, and food that will blow your mind, as well as sports like baseball and sumo wrestling which liven up the town. And the music and theater world? Madness from traditional Japanese dramas to a rocking concert.
So ready for Tokyo’s awesomeness? Take a look at our list of things to do and get the Tokyo feel.
- Tokyo Sky Tree
For the ultimate view of Tokyo, you can take a glass elevator and travel up to 450 meters above ground level in Japan’s tallest building, which is called Tokyo Skytree and towers at an impressive height of 634 meters.
The fourth floor is where your adventure begins; buy tickets and don’t miss the star point – visit SKYTREE GALLERY to learn some interesting facts about its tower.
The 350th level TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck is ready to take your breath away. Then, pay a visit to the cafe located on floor 445 for tea and an opening into the Tembo Galleria.
Walk along the glass tube walkway to level 450—the highest point that you can visit. The views up there are awesome! However, the fun does not end there. The Tokyo Skytree building also offers more such as a shopping destination and an indoor aquarium in the basement. A romantic dinner cannot do without Sky Restaurant 634 at level On the top of Tokyo Skytree isn’t only a high-rise building; it’s an entire adventure from the bottom to up.
- Sanrio Puroland
Since 1990, there has been this cool indoor amusement park called “Hello Kitty Land.” Imagine four floors filled with adorable and very cute things in pink. The fun is all on the first two floors.
On the first floor, you can mention Märchen Theatre, Entertainment Hall, Fairyland Theatre, and Discovery Theatre on one side next to My Melody and Kuromi’s Mymeroad Drive; Strawberry Hall in addition to Character Foodhall thereabout; even find a photo spot near Wisdom Tree.
On the second floor, you will find Sanrio Character Boat Ride, Kiki & Lala Twinkling Studio, Lady Kitty House and Shop as well as Games and Portrait Corners with lots of fun! The other two floors are the wonderland of shops and eateries.
Do not omit the musical performance entitled “Momotarō” performed by Hello Kitty Troupe. And hey, do not forget to take a selfie with the most beloved Sanrio character walking around this hectic playground. It’s a simple and fun place for everyone!
- Mori Art Museum
The Mori Art Museum offers the best of modern Japanese artwork, architecture, and design for all art lovers. Since its inception back in 2003, the museum has kept things fresh by constantly changing exhibits featuring both well-known and new artists.
They have more than 460 works ranging from paintings and sculptures to drawings, pictures, photos, mixed media videos, and installations. And it’s not just about the arts we associate with tradition – they also delve into anime, manga, film, and fashion to keep things current.
Located on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower, this museum provides more than art. After you are done gazing at the pieces, make your way to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. It is a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts as some big names such as Tatsuo Miyajima, Joseph Kosuth, Ai Weiwei, MikuraTajaJmu, and Sopheap Pich display their work here.
- Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is locally known as the Eiffel Tower of Tokyo because when you take a closer look at it, it resembles somewhat like an Eiffel Tower. It was constructed in 1958 and measures up to 320 meters high, with an Eiffel Tower-inspired facelift.
It is illuminated with warm lights just like the Eiffel Tower at night. It also has many viewing platforms just like the Eiffel Tower.
When it opened, this was the highest thing in Tokyo and even served as a broadcast antenna. To access the viewing decks, you can take elevators, escalators, or stairs from Foot Town levels that stretch over six floors starting from the bottom. These levels feature shops, restaurants, and even an e-sports entertainment complex.
Firstly, take the Main Deck 150 meters above the ground. Look around through the big windows, and pay attention to the glass-covered floor parts where you can look down. There’s also a café here.
250 meters high you may reach from the Main Deck taking escalators to the Top Deck. Enjoy the fantastic views and take some great pictures. On a fine day, Mount Fuji may even be seen from the distance. The Tokyo Tower is more than just a high edifice; it’s a super place to visit and appreciate the view.
- Hamarikyu Gardens
In the middle of hectic city life, near the Sumida River entrance, you can find lovely cherry trees in springtime along with yellow cosmos and Iris throughout warm summer months Yorudumae is also a spot to admire beautiful hibiscus flowers during autumn. Peonies and Japanese Camellia brighten up even winter.
This park has a long history dating back to the Edo period when it was owned by the Tokugawa shogunate. Over its lifetime, it has been used as an imperial palace and navy training ground. Then, in 1946, it became a public garden.
The centerpiece is a pool that contains seawater flowing in with the tides. In the middle is a traditional Nakajima teahouse. Or take a quiet walk, have some tea ceremony, or just rest under plum trees.
The park becomes even more special during Spring when cherry blossoms or sakuras transform the place attracting many visitors. It’s a junction where history and nature intersect to provide some tranquility amidst Tokyo’s frenzy.
- Mount Fuji Excursion
Know Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji which is also known as Fujisan or Fujiyama. 3,776 meters high and only 100 km from Tokyo. Tokyo’s speedy bullet train will get you to this dormant volcano in under two hours, so it is easy enough for a day trip.
Mount Fuji is considered to be a special place where spiritual journeys are held with a history going back over two million years according to locals. In 2013, this iconic mountain is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassed by the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Plan to visit during winter and catch a sight of Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peaks. But if you want to visit the mountain on foot, then the trails are available only in summer because of safety issues.
The Mount Fuji area delivers not only the mountain itself but also picturesque villages and peaceful icy lakes. Mount Fuji is a place of natural beauty and cultural significance, so immerse yourself in this memorable destination.
- Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine represents a special place in Japan, where it can recall around 2.5 million people who died while at war. It contains the spirits of those who had fought in great battles such as the Boshin War, Seinan War, Sino-Japanese War, and so on Building before World Wars; Mukden Incident /Mar co Polo Bridge Invocation.
Some Japanese also see the Yasukuni Shrine as controversial. In 1978, it included 14 Japanese war criminals from World War II, which further made the matter more debatable. Some regard Yasukuni as a way to celebrate Japan during wars, the hard times in which Japan has done well to move away from and into peaceful eras.
Built in 1869, Yasukuni Shrine records the names of those who perished during wars. Often, families of the deceased come here to offer things and perform rituals.
Nearby is the Yushukan Museum. It resembles a castle in medieval Italy designed by an Italian architect. Opened to the public in 1882, this museum has various things that were used during wars such as artifacts, memories, guns, and real warplanes. It enables people to relate their lives to Japan’s history of war.
