As my time in Japan starts drawing to a close, a few people have asked me for a list of my favourite things to do in Tokyo. Nothing too different from what the guide books will tell you but here goes:
1.
Asakusa - Senso-ji temple is a must see, looks beautiful lit up night Check out the guardians at the main gate and then wander up the shopping arcades to the main temple and pagoda. Next to the main shrine is Asakusa Jinja, a small Buddhist shrine. If you are looking for traditional clothing the store right next to the Buddhist shrine has a great range at reasonable prices. Lots of great shops and izakayas in this area. Also only a short train ride from Ueno Park or you could catch the ferry from here down the river to Tsukiji fish markets & Ginza - see my previous post:
Rolling down the river
2.
Ueno Park - choice of many museums, shrines, lake, zoo. Tokyo National Museum is an interesting way to spend a few hours. 620 yen admission. The zoo is 600 yen, worth is just to check out the super cute pandas and monkeys.
3.
Meiji-jingu located right next door to the craziness of Harajuku this shrine area is a nice, relaxing spot to cruise around in at your own pace.
4.
Harajuku & Omotesando - Definitely worth having a wander around these two shopping areas. Sundays you are more likely to see people dressed up in their cosplay gear. Oriental Bazaar shop has some good quality souvenirs on Omotesando. Lots of tasty food options around here too especially if you have a sweet tooth, Lindt, Max Brenner, Ben & Jerrys....The architecture of the big brand name stores are pretty impressive too.
5.
Shopping in Ginza - shops open at 11am. Worth checking out the 12 floors of Uniqlo. Sony building has lots of fun gadgets to play with and the basement of departments stores have food halls with amazing things to make your stomach grumble.
6.
Imperial Palace East Gardens - closed Mondays & Fridays, gardens around the ponds are my favourite spots. Free entry but they give you a tag at the gate which you need to return when you exit. Close to Ginza if you need a break after shopping or a stroll to work off your lunch.
7.
Edo Tokyo Museum - 600 yen, closed Mondays, my favourite museum in Tokyo. Lots of scale models and interactive displays - see my previous post
Edo-Tokyo & Sumo museums- Head to
Popeyes afterwards for a taste of some of the 70 beers on tap.
8.
Golden Gai bars/ wander around Shinjuku/Karaoke - the Golden Gai bars are tiny, elbow room only drinking holes in the red light district of Shinjuku. Drinks are not cheap but the atmosphere is great. Shinjuku is a great place to wander around anytime of the day or night, lots of great restaurants, shops and people watching. And everyone needs to do some karaoke while in Tokyo. You will see the signs for Big Echo and other karaoke chains all over town. They are often all inclusive deals with drinks and or food packages.
9.
Akihabara - electric town! Still worth checking out despite the prices not being as awesome as they once were. Also lots of interesting geek shops and anime weirdness. Hit up
Tsukada Nojo izakaya for tasty dinner and drinks afterwards. (Also Kanda is not too far if you are looking for ski gear)
10.
Festivals/Sumo/Baseball - it depends on what time of year you are visiting Tokyo but if you can manage to make it to a festivals or see some sumo or baseball that is where you will see the locals in their element. Festivals are free to attend and are on throughout the year but mainly in summer. Sumo tickets go on sale a month before the tournament begins. Sumo is on during January, May & September in Tokyo. Tickets are available online at
http://sumo.pia.jp/en/ and baseball tickets through
http://www.japanball.com/tickets.htm
