This week I’m going to be talking about some of the lesser known activities or facts that a new visitor to Tokyo may want to know. If you live here already then these may not be new to you but then again they might not be!  My goal throughout this series has been to try and make Tokyo as accessible for a first time visitor as possible. I hope these ideas help and please share your own hidden gems in the comments section below.

Lesser Known Facts And Figures

The Japanese love their four legged friends. I’m an animal lover and grew up in a house of cats and I often struggle with the way both cats and dogs are often treated as a substitute for children in many modern Tokyo households.

Don’t be surprised to see a dog fully clothed being pushed in a pram or carried in a bag. If you want to see this in action for yourself – Odaiba (one of my favorite places for totally different reasons) – is a good place to visit. Don’t miss the cat shop that is right underneath the Tokyo Decks shopping center. Go down to street level and the shop is on the corner. You can’t miss it – just head for the big pink kitty! Cat shop website – sorry it’s in Japanese only.

If you’re a fan of karaoke and want to go somewhere a little more lavish than the usual Tokyo karaoke venue, head down to a place called Lovenet in Roppongi. You can choose the style of the room for your singing fest. Themes range from an Arabian style room to an Aqua suite! Yes, if you’ve ever fancied singing in the bath with your friends, this is the place to do it.

Tokyo has many top class restaurants if dining in style is your thing. For those looking for a little adventure as well as a good meal why not try eating out Ninja style. The Japanese love theme style entertainment and the Ninja Akasaka restaurant lives up to expectations. The website is in Japanese but if you ask at your hotel I’m sure someone will be able to help you make a reservation.

Looking for a list of the top ten places to get a drink in Tokyo? Look no further. Gaijin Tonic has the answers for you.

An excellent resource for some of the less publicized shopping and activity options in Tokyo is a site called Tokyo Bazaar. Ever wondered if where to buy a sample of the plastic food displays that are found outside almost every restaurant in the city? See Asakusa Sato to see what I mean!

Japanese food is world famous for its healthy and nourishing ingredients. Want to have a go at making one of the key dishes for yourself? Making soba from scratch is not as hard as you may think. The Tsukiji Soba Academy is the perfect place to learn a new skill that you can show off once you get back home again.

Other things to try include a night a love hotel, seeing if you can spy a stormtrooper, better known as Danny Choo , dancing his way through the streets of the city.

If you looking for something more spiritual, why not stay overnight at a Buddhist temple, the Taisoji Soto Sect Temple, to experience a genuine zen moment and try zazen meditation for yourself.

A big thank you to Honor for sharing her knowledge of Tokyo with us over the last four weeks.  If you are looking for more information about things to do in see in the city be sure to visit and bookmark her site, Tokyotopia.

Other Articles in the Japan: A Closer Look series:

• Japan: A Closer Look at Hokkaido
• Japan: A Closer Look at Tohoku – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Chubu – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Kanagawa
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo Practicalities
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo – Part 1 & Part 2

Image Credit: UKTokyoite

As promised, we’re heading to the northern half of the city in Part 2 of our Things To See And Do In Tokyo. If I missed one of your favorite places or activities, please share your recommendation in the comments at the end of the article so others can enjoy it too!

Things To See And Do In Tokyo

I know Asakusa is mentioned in all the guide books but it is a place I love to take a wander, especially along Nakamise Dori the old style shopping street pictured on the right. Grab a bite to eat at one of the food stalls set out around Sensoji Temple and see some traditional methods for making Japanese products in action. It always amazes me the patience and skill involved in making items such as a fan or a hairbrush.

If you love books then a visit to Jimbocho to see if you can find a hidden treasure should be on your agenda.

The Imperial Palace in the Hibiya/Marunouchi district of the city stands on the grounds of the original Edo Castle where the Shogun Tokugawa set up his home. The gardens that surround the Palace are extensive and if you need a break from the city buildings this is a good place to stroll and relax. If you can find the Nihonbashi bridge (pictured on the right) that crosses to the Palace, just around the corner to the left is a little cafe that is set in the grounds of a water and fountain garden. It’s lovely on a hot summer day!

Ueno used to be a major trading area for goods moving north from Tokyo. Today it is host to a number of attractions that continue to draw tourists and residents alike:

• Ameyoko shopping street was used for black market goods during WWII. You can still pick up some bargains here from the local traders and shops, just be ready for the crowds.
• Ueno park is a famous spot for viewing the cherry blossom festival known as hanami – again be warned this does get crowded.
• There are several museums in Ueno that continue to put on some outstanding special exhibitions as well as offering their regular galleries. Choose from the National Science Museum, for Japanese and Asian art and culture there’s Tokyo National Museum, or the National Museum Of Western Art for starters.
• I should also mention Ueno Zoo if zoos are your thing. In truth I find it hard to recommend this place as I personally felt the enclosures were small and some animals did not look particularly happy to my inexpert eye (this was a couple of years ago now). It does have a good reputation though so take a look and see if its something you want to put on your itinerary.

If you happen to be in Tokyo when the Grand Sumo Tournament is being held I personally highly recommend getting along there and joining in the fun. There’s a great atmosphere and its not just about watching the fights themselves. Join the fans at street level eager to grab a glimpse and perhaps shoot the perfect photo of their favorite sumo wrestler.

While you’re in Ryogoku (the name of the district where the tournament is held), visit the Edo Tokyo Museum to see how Tokyo developed from the 1600s to the city we know today.

Finally I’d like to take you out to the Western side of the city – I know I promised north but I can’t miss this place off my list! Kichijoji, found at the end of the Inokashira line, is home to Inokashira Park. Go at the weekend to see the street art and flea market in full swing.

Book in advance if you want to visit Studio Ghibli, famous for its unique display and demonstrations of animation.

Next week will be the last of this Tokyo series where we’ll take a look at some of slightly more odd things worth knowing about the city. In the meantime, visit Tokyo Tourism Information or drop by my site, Tokyotopia, to learn about lots of other great things to do and see in Tokyo. Have a great week!

Other Articles in the Japan: A Closer Look series:

• Japan: A Closer Look at Hokkaido
• Japan: A Closer Look at Tohoku – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Chubu – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Kanagawa
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo Practicalities
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo – Part 1

Image Credit: UKTokyoite & Shane Sakata, Personal Collection

Where to begin?  This was a really tough article to plan for because there’s just no way I can cover everything in Tokyo that you can see or do! Bear in mind that there are 23 wards that make up greater Tokyo. Each one has its own characteristics and individual set of things to do.  With that in mind I’ve put together some of my favorites in the southern part of the city but don’t think of this as a definitive list. Please feel free to share your personal recommendations in the comments to this article.

Things To See And Do In Tokyo

The first thing I would say is to take half a day (more if you fancy it) and just follow your nose. Go walk about somewhere and see what you find, just be sure to wear some comfy shoes! 23 wards there may be but, at least in the case of central Tokyo, it is pretty easy to get from one place to another using the Tokyo Metro system or Japan Rail.  Jump off the train somewhere and embark on your own little adventure into the back streets of the city.  Early morning is a great time to do this if you want to see things like the local tofu shop in operation and to see the city come to life as the sun rises.

Futako Tamagawa is one of my favorite haunts, where you will find views of the Tamagawa River separating Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture.

If you prefer something a little more structured,  choose one of the Tokyo walking itineraries (PDF File) presented by the Japan National Tourist Association before you put on your walking shoes.

More mainstream in nature but a place I’ve always enjoyed wandering round is Odaiba. Watch the sun rise and set with the famous Rainbow Bridge in the foreground, have a look round the shops, visit a museum, or play some video games.   There’s something for almost every taste in Odaiba.

• Visit the rather funky VenusFort shopping center with its very own indoor outdoor theme and cool fresco ceilings.
• Try your hand at video games or take a virtual trip at the amusement center next to Tokyo Decks called Sega Joypolis (entrance pictured on the right).
  
• Jump on the Giant Ferris Wheel for a sixteen minute view of the Tokyo Skyline.
  
• Visit Monogatari onsen for a relaxing soak, massage or other spa treatment.
• Take in the exhibits at  the Museum of Maritime Science or the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Moving on, why not go local for a day. Get out of the city center and into one of the more local suburbs that lie outside the Yamanote line that loops around central Tokyo. I live to the south of Tokyo so this is the area I know best. I love a little area called Musashi Koyama that is two stops south of Meguro station on the Meguro line. The Palm shopping mall is supposed to be the longest in Tokyo and is full of knick knack type shops as well as one of my favorites for buying food items that can be hard to find in Japan, Kaldi Coffee Farm. Here’s a local commentary about the Musashi Koyama area which is worth a look and a smile (you’ll understand the smile when you read it).

Get a more historical sense of the city and enjoy some really beautiful surroundings at Meiji Jingu shrine in trendy Harajuku (lantern at shrine entrance pictured above – top). The shrine was built in honor of Emperor Meiji who brought an end to Japan’s isolation from the rest of the world. Many major events take place here and if you happen to be visiting when there is a Japanese festival occurring on the calendar, Meiji Jingu is a good place to catch the action as it unfolds.

Next week I’ll be looking at some of the things to do and see in the Northern half of the city so make sure to check back. In the meantime, visit Tokyo Tourism Information or drop by my site, Tokyotopia, to learn about lots of other great things to do and see in Tokyo. Have a great week!

Other Articles in the Japan: A Closer Look series:

• Japan: A Closer Look at Hokkaido
• Japan: A Closer Look at Tohoku – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Chubu – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Kanagawa
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo Practicalities

Image Credit:  UKTokyoite, Personal Collection

Oh, and did I mention that Honor interviewed me as part of her Tokyo People Series?  Check it out after she tells you about some of the practicalities about visiting Tokyo.

Take it away Honor…

The Kanto region of Japan, located in the middle of Japan’s main island of Honshu, is host to one of the busiest and most populous capital cities in the world: Tokyo. In part 1 of this series we’ll take a look at the practicalities of visiting Tokyo and cover what you need to know and be prepared for before you arrive.

Packing Your Bags

First things first, what do you need to bring with you? Despite being one of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo still lacks some of the necessities that you may take for granted at home.

Some things that you should bring with you when you come:

• Toiletries & Medicine – Not all the brands you use may be readily available in Japan so make sure you have enough to cover you during your stay or be prepared to experiment.
• Deodorant – It may sound crazy but don’t expect to buy this after you’ve landed. You need to bring it with you. There are a couple of Japanese brands here but I’ve tried them and trust me, they don’t work.
• Plug Converters – If you are bringing along electronics that have three prongs make sure to pick up some inexpensive converters as Japaneses sockets only accept two prongs.

For more information about what to pack in your bags see these Tokyo packing tips.

You also need to consider the time of year you will be traveling as the weather changes considerably between summer and winter. Should you pack light cotton clothes or a fleece and winter coat? Some of your answers will also depend on whether you are just staying in Tokyo or plan on visiting other parts of Japan such as Hokkaido or Tohoku as well. I’ve found Wunderground is a great resource to help decide what you will need to pack. Find out what the Tokyo weather is doing right now at Wunderground.

Show Me The Money!

If you are a regular traveler you might be surprised at how difficult it can sometimes be to access your cash in Tokyo. It’s not impossible but it’s definitely better to be prepared. So what’s the deal?

The banking system in Japan is still largely domestic and many Japanese banks still do not recognize international Visa or Mastercard options. American Express gets even less of a look in and if you have anything like Maestro or Cirrus the odds get even worse.

Thankfully, there are work-a-rounds available. Shinsei Bank has recently made the move to accept international Visa Plus cards and their ATMs are open 24 hours, 365 days a year. Seven Eleven convenience stores – which you can find in almost all areas of the city – also operate Seven Bank. Their ATMs accept any of the options that I mentioned above and again, as convenience stores are open 24 hours, so are the ATMs. For locations and accessibility follow the link to Seven Bank.

If you want to know more about costs in Tokyo and get access to a handy currency converter, see this guide to Tokyo prices.

Getting Around

Last but not least, it’s a good idea to start planning how you will get around before you land at Narita or Haneda airport.

The easiest and least expensive way to travel in Tokyo is by train. Once you get your head around it you can navigate your way to just about anywhere you want to go with just a short walk once you arrive at your closest station. Learning a little about the lines available and layout of the city, however, will really help to lessen the chance that you’ll end up standing in the middle of a station scratching your head, as you try and figure out which way you’re supposed to go. This is particularly true if you’re dealing with some of the bigger stations such as Shinjuku, Tokyo or Shibuya.

So which Tokyo train map do you need? There are three that I regularly use to plot my routes. Follow the link to download them all and start planning where you will go and how you will get there during your Tokyo vacation.

Need help to figure out which is the fastest or cheapest route? Jorudan or Hyperdia let you type in your start station and desired end station and they’ll figure out the rest for you. Perfect!

Next week, we’ll be taking a look at some of the must see places in Tokyo and what you can expect to find there.  In the meantime, if you just can’t wait to get started, visit Tokyo Toursim Information or drop by my site, Tokyotopia, to learn about lots of great things to do and see in Tokyo.

See you next week.

Other Articles in the Japan: A Closer Look series:

• Japan: A Closer Look at Hokkaido
• Japan: A Closer Look at Tohoku – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Chubu – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Kanagawa

Image Credit:  Flickr, suitcase, Shane Sakata, personal collection