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Tokyo is a metropolis not like anyplace else on the planet. It’s the place technological developments outdate every other metropolis on the planet and but Tokyo nonetheless manages to retain a lot of its traditions, historical past, and distinctive tradition.
You possibly can wander round historic temples, sing karaoke till daybreak, have your espresso made by a mechanical AI-driven machine, and have your sushi delivered by practice, however that is only a fraction of the bizarre issues to do in Tokyo, Japan.
Should you’re visiting this vibrant and distinctive metropolis, you’re going to wish to seize a pen and paper and checklist down these unmissable points of interest in Tokyo, in any other case, you’re going to overlook out on numerous cool issues!
1. Be Served by a Robotic Waiter at Daybreak Avatar Robotic Cafe
One factor that separates Tokyo from the remainder of the world is how technologically superior town is, and you’ll actually see this side of Japan in its shopper know-how.
One instance of that is at Daybreak Avatar Robotic Cafe, which is strictly what it says on the tin. It’s a restaurant that has changed waiters with robots.
Have you ever ever had a meal purchased to you by a robotic dressed up as a human? I’m guessing the reply is not any.
When you would possibly suppose that the concept is to eradicate the human workforce, this couldn’t be farther from the reality. Robotic waiters are literally remote-controlled by disabled staff. It was created as a method of offering a possibility for many who are unable to go away the home as a result of medical causes.
If you’re served by a robotic waiter, you’re nonetheless speaking to an individual, they’re simply sitting at dwelling and controlling the robotic remotely through the web. Fairly cool, proper?
- Hours: 11.00am – 6.00pm (Closed Thursday)
- Tackle: 3 Chome−8−3, Nihonbashi Life Science Constructing, Chuo Metropolis, Nihonbashihoncho
2. Stroll throughout the Shibuya Crossing
Maybe one of the crucial iconic issues to do in Tokyo is to stroll throughout Shibuya Crossing. That is the world’s largest and busiest pedestrian crossing and can also be one of the crucial photographed scenes in Tokyo.
The sq. is surrounded by glitzy skyscrapers and flashing billboards displaying the most recent ads, which is especially spectacular at night time.
When the visitors lights flip crimson, the crossing turns into chaotic as 3,000 individuals cross from all angles. Should you’re touring with youngsters, ensure to control them in order that they don’t get misplaced within the crowd.
In truth, a high tip for many who wish to keep away from being thrown into the throng of individuals is to view the crossing from the 2nd flooring of the Starbucks at Shibuya Tsutaya. Not solely does it provide you with a view of the crossing from above, nevertheless it’s free to enter.
- Hours: 24 Hours
- Tackle: Shibuya Crossing, 1 Chome-21 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya Metropolis
3. Dine at An Intimate Ramen Restaurant
Making an attempt all of the scrumptious delicacies ought to be on the high of your checklist when planning an unforgettable Japan itinerary. One dish you can’t miss is ramen. It is a sizzling noodle soup that’s often served with rooster or pork.
One of many nation’s favourite ramen eating places is Ichiran, which has particular person, intimate (albeit anti-social) cubicles the place you’re steaming sizzling ramen is served to you through a gap within the wall.
After you have your ramen, a curtain is closed and also you’re alone in your little sales space. It’s speculated to eradicate all distractions so you possibly can consider the flavour.
There are a number of Ichiran shops all around the metropolis, however I recommend visiting the one in Shibuya because it’s essentially the most frequented by vacationers.
- Hours: 10.00am – 6.00am
- Tackle: 1 Chome−22−7, Shibuya Metropolis
4. Discover the Wonders of Cat Avenue, Harajuku District
The Harajuku District is Tokyo’s style district, although style right here is a bit more colourful and quirky than what you would possibly discover within the West.
Cat Avenue is probably one of the best road to see all of Harajuku’s bizarre developments. You’ll see many individuals sporting daring and eclectic style statements, and it’s additionally a terrific place to attempt unusual and great road meals.
You possibly can eat rainbow-colored sweet floss, a croquant chou (a sort of croissant and cream puff mixture with Hokkaido cream), fried potato, crepes, and mushy ice cream. Additionally, you will see a lot of locations promoting bubble tea.
- Hours: 24 hours
- Tackle: Cat Avenue, Shibuya Metropolis, Tokyo, Japan
5. Take a Day Journey to Hakone
The most effective issues to do in Tokyo in October is to take a day journey out to Hakone Nationwide Park. That is the closest park to town the place you possibly can see Mount Fuji within the distance.
One of many the reason why October is especially necessary is as a result of it’s the time of 12 months when the clouds disperse. Mount Fuji has a cloud protecting its peak 60% of the time, and the top of fall and the beginning of winter are one of the best occasions of 12 months to see it.
Should you’re visiting every other time of 12 months, it truly is a stroke of luck if Fuji pokes its head out of the clouds, however that doesn’t imply Hakone isn’t value visiting.
The nationwide park is made up of small villages, sizzling springs, and temples. It’s additionally the place you’ll see unimaginable views of Lake Ashinoko.
For these touring with youngsters, your little ones will love taking the Hakone Tozan practice as much as the very best village, after which a cable automotive to the village of Gora on the high of the mountain. The practice leaves from Odawara, so ensure to take a look at the Odawara Citadel when you’re within the space.
Should you get unfortunate with the climate, head over to one of many many onsens and luxuriate in a calming dip in one of many sizzling spring swimming pools. You possibly can simply spend two or three days exploring this rural nature spot, simply ensure to get a Hakone Move earlier than you go to.
- Hours: Park is open 24 hours, and the practice operates between 5:33 am to 11:26 pm
- Tackle: Prepare to Hakone Nationwide Park departs from: 1 Chome-1-1 Shiroyama, Odawara, Kanagawa
6. Go to the Meiji Shrine
Japan isn’t in need of Shinto shrines, however in Tokyo specifically, you will see a few of the most stunning. The Meiji Shrine is the largest shrine in Tokyo and is devoted to Emperor Meiji and his spouse Empress Shoken.
The shrine was inbuilt an iris backyard that the Emperor and Empress had been identified to go to. The realm is protected by a forest, which covers 70 hectares of land. The forested space is a recreation space for the individuals of Tokyo.
The shrine was inbuilt 1915, three years after the Emperor’s dying. The shrine was a nationwide challenge, combining the efforts of youth teams and different civic associations throughout the nation.
Every a part of the shrine was donated by totally different elements of Japan and was mentioned to have price US$26 million on the time.
The unique constructing was destroyed throughout WWI however was rebuilt utilizing group funding efforts.
Shrines are often free to enter, so they’re nice points of interest for households on a funds visiting Japan with youngsters.
- Hours: The shrine opens and closes at dawn and sundown which differs every day. The backyard is open from 5:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Tackle: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono Cho, Shibuya Metropolis
7. See the Stays of Edo Historical past at The East Imperial Palace Backyard
The Imperial Palace is a big park advanced that sits on the location of the previous Edo Citadel. The park is surrounded by moats and nice stone partitions and incorporates the fortress belonging to the Japanese Imperial household.
The palace was constructed when the household was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1888, nevertheless it was destroyed throughout WWII. A alternative was inbuilt the identical fashion, which you’ll see at this time.
Guests can’t enter the buildings however are free to wander the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The palace grounds are solely accessible by guided tour. The tour takes round 75 minutes and it’s greatest to ebook prematurely to keep away from disappointment.
- Hours: English excursions day by day at 10.00 am and 1.30 pm (Closed Mondays and Sundays)
- Tackle: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda Metropolis
8. Discover Your Fortune at Asakusa’s Sensō-Ji Temple
Maybe one of the crucial iconic websites in Japan is the Senso-Ji Temple within the Asakusa district. This historic Buddhist temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and in addition one of the crucial important.
It’s devoted to Kannon, the god of compassion, and receives over 30 million guests every year. The location can also be well-known for the five-story pagoda and Shinto shrine within the advanced.
The temple can also be a terrific place to find out about your future by taking an omikuji, a strip of paper that tells your fortune.
To do that, search for the sales space that has a group of metallic tins. Merely place a ¥100 coin in one of many metallic packing containers, give it a shake, and an omikuji rod will seem.
The rod can have Japanese symbols and a quantity on it. Go to the field with the quantity on the rod and take out one omikuji. This slip of paper will reveal your fortune.
- Hours: 6:00am – 5:00pm (6.30am – 5.00pm October – March)
- Tackle: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito Metropolis
9. Sing Karaoke Till Daybreak
Japan is the birthplace of Karaoke so it could be a disgrace to not give it a go when you’re in Tokyo!
Usually, karaoke is how the Japanese celebration onerous, hiring cubicles with buddies and colleagues and singing the night time away till daybreak.
For younger adults visiting town, spending the entire night time singing in a room with your pals is certainly up there as a loopy factor to do in Tokyo.
Should you’re touring as a household, you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the enjoyable in a family-friendly karaoke room.
Pasela Resorts is a karaoke venue that provides non-public, family-friendly karaoke rooms with a wide selection of western songs, and a few kid-friendly songs too. There’s even a bounce home for those who’re little ones are bored with singing.
- Hours: 11:30 AM – 08:00 AM
- Tackle: 1-chōme-20 Ueno, Taito Metropolis
10. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match
Should you’re in search of enjoyable and weird issues to do in Tokyo at night time, then get your self some tickets to look at a sumo wrestling match.
Sumo is a sort of non-violent fight that first started in Japan within the Japanese Center Ages. It began as a type of army coaching after which grew to become a preferred sport among the many lots.
It was additionally frequent for spectators to sponsor or guess on wrestlers, and was even used as a solution to elevate cash for shrines and temples.
The game is most well-known for the dimensions of its rivals. Sumo wrestlers achieve weight in order that it’s more durable for his or her opponents to knock them out of the world.
Should you’re serious about studying extra in regards to the sport and its historical past, you possibly can go to the city of Ryogoku, additionally known as a sumo city. Right here you possibly can see the place wrestlers reside and practice.
The Kokugikan Stadium is the place you’ll have the ability to watch matches.
- Hours: Depending on the match
- Tackle: 1 Chome-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida Metropolis
DAY TRIP IDEA: Grand Sumo Match Tour in Tokyo
Watch a Grand Sumo match with a small group of most 8 and real-time commentaries by an professional information. Strolling tour round Ryogoku, a sumo city can also be included. Be taught extra right here.
11. Loosen up in a Japanese Backyard at Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
Should you’re in search of extra stress-free issues to do in Tokyo then spend a number of hours wandering within the quaint Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard. The massive park is situated within the heart of town and was as soon as a part of the Naitō household’s residence throughout the Edo interval.
Should you occur to go to in late March and early April throughout cherry blossom season, you completely want to return right here to see the 400 semei yoshino and cherry blossom timber bloom. They solely bloom for every week a 12 months so that you completely can’t miss this for those who’re visiting initially of Spring.
The park options a number of small gardens that pay homage to different nations’ kinds, akin to an English backyard and a French backyard.
It additionally has the oldest conventional Japanese panorama backyard with a big pond with islands linked by bridges, in addition to a botanical backyard. It’s the proper place to hang around if town feels a bit of overwhelming.
- Hours: 9.00am – 5.30pm Tuesday – Friday, 7.00am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday, Closed Monday
- Tackle: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku Metropolis, Tokyo
12. Play Arcade Video games at Leisure Land
The district of Akihabara is legendary for its digital outlets and is nicknamed the “digital district” of Tokyo. Nestled within the coronary heart of this district is probably one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Tokyo.
Leisure Land is an arcade that provides 5 flooring of gaming amenities. Guests can select between over 100 video video games, crane machines, and arcade video games.
Not solely do you’ve infinite hours of enjoyable taking part in all of the totally different video games, however for those who’re fortunate you possibly can win some uncommon character merchandise as a memento to take dwelling.
- Hours: 10.00am – 12.55pm
- Tackle: 1 Chome-9-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Metropolis
13. Take Half in a Tea Ceremony
Consuming tea in Japan isn’t a easy matter of boiling a kettle and throwing a tea bag in a mug. In Zen Buddhism, a tea ceremony promotes concord, purity, and tranquility.
The entire course of of creating and consuming tea is taken into account a meditative course of. Each step, from the kind of tea you brew to the way in which that it’s brewed, has a particular that means.
Participating in a tea ceremony is likely one of the methods you possibly can expertise Tokyo’s extra non secular aspect. It’s additionally a chilled expertise in case you want a extra stress-free exercise.
- Hours: 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3.15pm
- Tackle: True Japan Excursions, 3-chōme−5−8 Minato Metropolis, Shibakōen,
14. Go to Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo has no scarcity of skyscrapers and viewpoints, however essentially the most well-known ones are Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree.
Each buildings are comparable in that they each have 360 panoramic views of town from their commentary decks. It’s mentioned that on a transparent day, you possibly can even see Mount Fuji within the distance.
Although situated in several elements of town, they provide the identical expertise, so it’s greatest to decide on which one to go to by proximity to different points of interest in Tokyo you wish to see.
Tokyo Tower
- Hours: 9.30am – 10.00pm (10.30pm on Saturday)
- Tackle: Tokyo Tower: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato Metropolis
Sky Tree
- Hours: 10.00am – 9.00pm
- Tackle: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida Metropolis
15. Be taught About Futuristic Robots at Miraikan
You’ve in all probability seen a good few robots whereas in Tokyo, whether or not you’re in search of them or not. They appear to be taking up town, so why not be taught extra in regards to the newest technological developments when you’re there?
The Miraikan is town’s museum of rising science and innovation and is the place you possibly can see the place a few of the newest and most superior applied sciences have been utilized, from the most recent in house journey to how it may be utilized to home life.
What brings most individuals to the museum is seeing the robotworld exhibit. That is an exhibition that reveals what life can be like if robots lived with us; from robotic pets to an android human servant, which seems freakishly lifelike.
- Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm (Closed Tuesday)
- Tackle: Miraikan, 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku
16. Try the Artwork Installations at teamLab
Should you’re a photographer and in search of a brand new playground to play in along with your digicam, then you definitely’ll love exploring the artwork installations inside teamLab.
The exhibitions change frequently, however the idea stays the identical. These holographic gentle installations can help you enter a multi-dimensional actuality. The artwork facility, established by teamLab, makes use of state-of-the-art digital know-how to create immersive artwork.
That is simply one other instance of how Japan has used know-how to achieve new ranges.
- Hours: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.00 am – 10.00 pm Saturday and Sunday, Closed Wednesday
- Tackle: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto Metropolis, Tokyo
17. Eat Ramen from a Merchandising Machine
Sure, we’ve already talked about attempting ramen earlier than, however it is a little totally different. One of many issues that make Tokyo distinctive is how merchandising machines are used to ship virtually every part.
You should buy soup, greens, sizzling canines, and even sensible gadgets akin to umbrellas, batteries, and in case of maximum emergencies…a spare workplace tie.
The most effective gadgets you will get from a merchandising machine is a frozen ramen ready-meal. When you do have to take your ramen dwelling and warmth it, you possibly can simply buy your meal from a 24-hour ‘Ramen Inventory’ merchandising machine from three locations all through town.
Should you ever really feel like a midnight snack, ensure to maintain your eyes open for extra merchandising machines as they pop up all through town.
- Hours: 24 Hours
- Tackle: Takadanobaba (2-13-6 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku), Nakano (2-28-8 Nakano, Nakano) and Itabashi (45-17 Oharacho, Itabashi).
18. Take pleasure in a Conventional Okonomiyaki meal
Japanese meals is certainly top-of-the-line causes to go to Tokyo and for those who’re a foodie fan, you’ll love tasting all of the distinctive cuisines right here.
Okonomiyaki (say that 5 occasions quick) is certainly up there as one of the crucial scrumptious native delicacies. It’s a sort of Japanese pancake dish historically cooked on a teppan (a flat sizzling plate) in the course of the desk. Your server will often pour the combination on the teppan and it’s as much as you to prepare dinner it.
As soon as it’s cooked to your liking, it’s then smothered in Japanese mayonnaise (not like Western mayo, it’s higher) and okonomiyaki sauce (a form of BBQ sauce).
Many various components go into okonomiyaki nevertheless it’s historically made with cabbage and pork.
You’ll discover okonomiyaki all around the metropolis however we are able to vouch for Sometarō close to the Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa as place to attempt it.
- Hours: 12.00 pm–2:45 pm, 5:30 pm–8:15 pm (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
- Tackle: 2 Chome-2-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito Metropolis
Useful Sources for Planning a Journey to Tokyo
Tokyo Lodging
- The Royal Park Resort Iconic Tokyo Shiodome: Earlier visitors preferred the spacious rooms, location, and affordability. See charges, opinions and availability.
Should you’re in search of different lodging in Tokyo, you should utilize the map beneath to check motels and short-term rental choices.
Well-liked Excursions in Tokyo
Listed here are a number of of the preferred and attention-grabbing excursions in Tokyo, Japan.
Japan Rail Passes
In case you are staying for longer than every week in Japan and are going to journey by practice between main cities, a Japan rail go would positively be the economical solution to go. You will need to purchase them earlier than you get to Japan. Try this website for extra data.
Extra posts on Japan Journey
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Supply: Breaking Travel News
