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

A visit to the palace on any other day will limit you to the view from the Imperial Palace Plaza but on Tenno Tanjyo-bi you will be permitted enter the Imperial Palace grounds via the famous Nijubashi Bridge (pictured below) from 9:30 AM to 11:20  AM to offer congratulations to the Emperor and His Family .

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino will appear on the balcony overlooking the crowd at 10:20AM, 11:05AM and 11:40AM.   You may also sign the Greeting Book from 12:30PM to 3:30PM in front of the Imperial Household Building.

The Imperial Palace of Japan has been home to the imperial family since 1868, when they relocated to Tokyo from Kyoto which had been the imperial capital for more than a thousand years. Japan’s monarchy is the longest hereditary monarchy in the world and there have been 125 reigning monarchs since 660BC.

Don’t miss this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Japanese royalty and be one of the few who has been granted access beyond the Imperial Palace Plaza.  Access the Imperial Palace (map) by taking the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nijubashi-mae Station or one of the other stations located in the area.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection