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Tokyo

There is no other place that combines the traditional with the ultra-modern in such a wonderful way. Here are my top five favorite ways to experience the city.

 

1. Hop on a city tour

One of the great pleasures in this safe city is to wander the side streets and alleyways. There are also iconic sights that you'll probably want to experience. City tours are a great way to get acclimated, especially if you are a little jet-lagged. I love a quick hop-on-hop-off type tour. Local guides are a great resource for insider knowledge of customs and recommendations. Guides will clue you into customs and etiquette for restaurants, public transportation, and at shrines and temples. 

2. Get a Bird's Eye View

See the sprawling metropolis (and, if you are lucky, Mt Fuji towering over it) from the top of the Shibuya Scramble Square building.  Watch the hundreds of people cross the intersection at the famous Shibuya Scramble, and then head back down to earth and try it yourself. Amazingly, people do seem to avoid colliding with each other. My advice: just go, and don't think about it!

3. Visit Iconic Shrines and Temples

        Meiji Jingu is a Shinto Shrine in the middle of the city, a green oasis with extensive forest and gardens plus the impressive Torii-gate entrance.

Dressing in kimono is popular, especially during festivals and holidays.

Senso-ji in Asakusa is the oldest temple in Tokyo. There are numerous buildings as well as elaborate gates, a 5-story pagoda, and the busy Nakamise shopping street.

 

4. Experience Zen

Often listed as one of the top free sites in the city, the 400 year-old garden at the New Otani Hotel allows for a break from the action. Once the residence of a samurai lord, the garden was preserved when the hotel was built for the 1964 Olympics.

 

Ueno Park is one of the major green spaces in the city. In addition to the landscape and gardens, you'll find some of the top museums here. The Tokyo National Museum is the place to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Japan. My favorite exhibits were the sculptures from the 7th century, gorgeous landscape paintings, and the 17th century textiles.

5. Check Out Cutting-edge Art and Technology

If you prefer a more modern art experience, take the retro-futuristic river cruise from Akasuka to Odaiba and check out the TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum. You'll walk through multiple rooms, each with different sensory and physical experiences, such as wading through actual water (wear pants that can roll up or rent shorts there- really!) with virtual carp swimming around you. Exhibits change, but all visitors become part of the experience.

You expect to see a lot of neon, and you won't be disappointed. Tokyo's street scene is bright and busy, and there is a lot to see on any city walk.  You'll find restaurants on many floors of tall buildings, bustling food halls in huge department stores, rooftop beer gardens, and amazing architecture. If your walking makes you hungry for a snack the ever-present 7-11 and Lawson convenience stores have surprisingly great selections. 

Thanks for coming along on this quick trip to Tokyo!

Peggy Dawson, VTA, ACC

Japan Specialist, Japan National Tourism Organization

978-460-5642 | peggy@cruiseplanners.com