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Why visit Tokyo?
Being one of the most popular travel destinations of the year, Japan maintains a strong cultural and traditional history while being a world leader in advanced technology and unique fashion. ‘So why visit Tokyo?’, you might ask. As the bustling capital city, there are just so many things to do!
You will surely get your culture fix in a city full of traditional food, digital tech gear, cute anime, historic temples, observation towers, karaoke bars, hedgehog and puppy cafes and the most charming, polite and hospitable people you will ever meet. With just so much to see and do, you could spend months here and still not see everything. So I’ve narrowed it down for you to make the most of your visit to Tokyo. Tick off these top 10 activities and you will be guaranteed a rich cultural experience, unique memories, plenty of selfies and a thirsty desire to come back!
1. Shibuya crossing
There is no better welcome to Tokyo than being part of the busiest intersection in the world! When the green man signals, it’s like one giant beating heart as hundreds of people (up to 3000 at peak hour) scramble across in all different directions. Once you’ve raced across it, walked backwards, sideways, posed in the middle and taken a selfie, snapchat and insta story, you’ll be wondering how else you can view this city icon.
The best view is from the top floor of Starbucks, which is right at the crossing. You don’t even have to order a drink, just head upstairs and watch the Shibuya scramble!
Next, wave Hi to Hachiko, the Akita dog statue at the side of the crossing, next to one of Shibuya station’s exits (beware there are a LOT of exits, even a kilometre apart!) A famous meeting point in Tokyo, this statue represents loyalty and faithfulness from the saddest dog story of all time where a loyal dog became famous for waiting at the station every night for Professor Ueno to return from work, even for 9 years after his owner passed away. #mansbestfriend
Tokyo Food Show
From the statue, entertain your taste buds at Tokyo Food Show situated right down the Shibuya station steps. Japanese food courts are NEXT LEVEL as you can try free tasters of almost any delight, be it a sample of mochi, Japanese cheesecake or even some king fish #trybeforeyoubuy and none of that scowling or resentment you may experience in the western world…it’s like YOU’RE doing THEM a favour by eating their food for free! You could last weeks on just Japanese supermarket meals as they are restaurant quality. Bento boxes filled with teriyaki salmon, sushi, sashimi, udon noodles and meat skewers, followed by an abundance of pastries and sweet treats. You will be like a kid in a candy store…except in a Japanese supermarket!
2. Shopping at Takeshita street, Harajuku
If you’re a branded girl like me (real this time, I promise no Cuggi bags or Adibas shoes) you’ll find all your Nike, Adidas, (Champion & Converse are really big in Japan) in this street. Takeshita street is (not where you take a shit) one long and busy street with shops on both sides so it makes sense to go down one side, grab some Takoyaki (octopus balls) or Okinomiyaki (traditional savoury pancake) at the end and make your way back up. If you’ve ever seen a Harajuku girl, their fashion is...unique, to say the least, so if Nike isn’t for you then there are plenty of Harajuku fashion stores along this strip too. #kawaii
Shopping in Shinjuku is another experience as you'll never guess what weird and random things you'll find! Head into Don Quijote, the biggest discount chain store in Japan (there are 160 across Japan!) that has everything from nail accessories and make-up to toys, electronics, lollies and even skimpy outfits and crazy hats.
There is even a whole level dedicated to different coloured contact lenses. Ever wondered how you would look with purple eyes? In the country characterised by kawaii, now's your chance to try it out! Grab a 100 yen ($1) matcha green tea soft serve on your way out!
3. Robot restaurant, Shinjuku
Have you ever seen a giant shark wrestling Kung Fu Panda?…didn’t think so! #onlyinjapan
Offering several performances a day, this epic performance is simply unmissable. Showcasing a chaotic and super random story involving dragons, warriors, giant snakes, laser lights, drummers, dancers and superheroes, you won't know what to expect next!
The show is divided into several acts with drummers and warrior princesses in one and massive machines with Dinosaurs blowing smoke in another.
You won’t really know how to react and might even have a seizure from the lights and J-pop electro music blasting through the speakers. You will leave feeling very confused but this performance is definitely like no other in the world! Tacky, wacky and weird, the Robot show will make you feel like a child again.
It costs about $70AUS and goes for approximately 3 hours (with breaks) and although it’s called Robot Restaurant, they don’t give you any food apart from popcorn so I’d suggest heading out into Shinjuku early to grab some ramen first!
You'll find endless ramen joints but don’t stress about which one is best, they are ALL unbelievably delicious since most of them are family-run and have been using their secret family recipes for generations!
4. Watch sumo wrestlers practice for FREE
I’m sure I’m not the only one who came to Japan with ‘Watch a Sumo wrestling match’ on the top of my bucket list. Better still, you get to watch them practice for FREE and they even come outside at the end of their training session for photos with tourists. Yes, even the biggest, angriest and scariest of the Japanese have a soft spot. Watch them squat, scream, slap and cuddle (sorry, *wrestle).
You’d be surprised at how flexible they are and it’s quite amusing to watch these athletic giants with massive quadriceps but even bigger bellies sitting in the splits. How many of you can do the splits? And what’s your excuse!? 😉
It is slightly ironic that the national sport in a country consisting of some of the skinniest and most gentle people in the world involves two obese men trying to shove each other out a ring…
Fun fact: A typical sumo wrestler's diet consists of 20,000 calories a day, that's 5-10 bowls of rice per meal and up to 6 pints of beer at lunch (empty calories for added weight). When getting drunk and putting on weight is your job…
5. Tokyo Metropolitan building: free 360 degree view!
There are many ways to view the city skyline from Tokyo SkyTree to Tokyo Tower, but the Tokyo Metropolitan building in Shinjuku offers a free observation deck for a panoramic view of Tokyo and beyond.
On a clear day from the 243m building (observation deck is 202m), you can see famous landmarks including Mt Fuji, Tokyo SkyTree, Meiji shrine and Tokyo Dome. It can be reached in a ten minute walk from the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
6. Tsukiji fish market
In a country who’s diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world owed to the major component of fresh seafood, Tsukiji fish market is a must-see experience, even if you’re not a seafood fan.
As the largest wholesale fish market in the world, people will arrive at Tsukiji market as early as 3am for the famous tuna auction. Although the tuna auction isn’t on anymore because of the opening of the new Toyosu market, there are a variety of eateries offering tasty raw fish options including sashimi.
Consisting of Tsukiji inner and outer markets (adjacent to each other), the outer market is where you find pottery stalls, restaurants, fresh and processed seafood.
We spent a good hour browsing through all the noodle bowls, tea cups and dressing pots, each individually handmade with very reasonable prices, making for a great souvenir or gift.
As the fresh fish is delivered directly here from the inner market, Tsukiji fish market is one of the best places to enjoy seafood in Tokyo so splurge on a sushi breakfast or lunch before heading to the inner market.
7. 100 yen sushi train
Sushi is undoubtedly the king of Japanese food (Ramen is the queen!) Some people even come all the way to Japan just for its food and cheers to that! So if you’re a fan of sushi and you’re a fan of cheap eats, then a sushi train restaurant is the place for you! If you’re not, well sushi train IN japan should be on your bucket list for sure!
I highly recommend Kira 5 sushi train not just because their sushi is scrumptious but for every 5 plates that you finish, you drop them into a slot and play a game on the screen.
If you win, a ball drops through a shoot to your table, revealing a tiny present. Talk about playing with your food! #fisharefriends We won a cute sushi key ring. In true Japanese style, each table has an ipad if you feel like ordering a special dish that you can’t see on the conveyor belt. You should do this anyway because special orders come whizzing to your table on the separate ‘Shinkansen’ (bullet train) conveyor belt, suitably named for its super speedy arrival at your table!
The best thing about this place is that each plate is only 100 yen ($1) so you will easily play 3 games when you go with a group of friends. Prepare yourself, as traditional Japanese sushi is quite basic (fish + rice), don’t expect the colourful and intricate western creations of avocado, egg, cheese, cooked tuna and colourful sauces because you definitely won’t find no California roll over here!
Since it’s a chain, you’ll find Kira 5 sushi all over Tokyo in various districts as with most other sushi train chains. Expect a wait of 1-2.5 hours on a Saturday night so I’d suggest arriving a few hours in advance to grab a ticket and coming back later!
Don’t forget to say ‘Oishii’ – yummy!
8. Eat at an Izakaya
An Izakaya is a traditional, Japanese-style cosy pub, usually set up in an alleyway among other ones, where locals (and tourists) come together to eat, drink and socialise.
Eating at one of these is a quintessential Japanese experience and if you’re overwhelmed by the vast number of izakayas to choose from, the selection of food options is the next big hurdle!
The concept of Izakayas is to serve small dishes of Yakitori so that you can try everything. Yakitori are Japanese-style meat skewers. There are skewers of eggs, fish, chicken, pork, even tongue and liver.
So if you’re up for a truly authentic night of traditional food, drinks and banter then head to one of the many Izakayas found in Tokyo city!
9. Meiji shrine & Asakusa Sensoji Temple
There are 77,394 temples in Japan according to the Agency for Cultural Affairs so visiting at least one is simply a requirement for your cultural trip itinerary. Asakusa Sensoji temple is the Eiffel tower of Paris or the Big Ben of London. It’s also one of Japan’s most colourful and popular Buddhist temples and Tokyo's oldest temple!
When you enter through the ‘Thunder gate’, you'll feel like you’re part of an ancient Japanese war movie. You pass through Tokyo’s biggest souvenir market - 200m of shopping before you get to the next gate.
From Japanese fans to wooden souvenirs and traditional local snacks, you’ll eventually reach the main hall, 5-story pagoda and Asakusa shrine. We just missed the annual festival of the Asakusa shrine but that would definitely be a cultural tick off the bucket list!
Meiji shrine
In a city with a population of 9.2 million (36 million in greater Tokyo metropolitan area), the last thing you would expect to see in the middle of the city is a forest! Yep, Meiji shrine spans 174 acres sprawling between Shinjuku and Shibuya. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, there are 120,000 trees in this forest! As you pass through two of Japan’s largest torii gates, you will transition from the outside bustling city into the pure forest grounds of the shrine…well, that’s what the gate symbolises.
As with most other shrines you’ll visit across Japan, you will notice a Chozuya which is used to purify yourself as shrine etiquette is very important. The aim is to wash one hand first using the ladle then the other. Some people even rinse their mouth but just make sure you don’t drink the water!
Further into the shrine, surrounding a sacred tree is a wishing wall where ema tablets are hung by visitors after writing little messages or drawings on them.
Meiji shrine is easily accompanied by a visit to Harajuku shopping street (see number 2), a visit to the hedgehog café or a stroll/run around Yoyogi park nearby.
10. Take a day trip to Mt Fuji
Visit Fuji-Q theme park OR walk around the island / ride paddle boats:
A trip to Japan is almost incomplete without a visit to the majestic Mt Fuji! That being said, I have visited Mt Fuji island 3 times now and have still never seen it. Being the highest volcano in japan at a height of 3,776m, the clouds and poor visibility often block its view so consider yourself lucky if you see the the top!
If time doesn’t permit a visit to Mt Fuji island then another great viewing spot of the mountain is from a train between Osaka and Tokyo. If you’re up for climbing the mountain, Mt Fuji is open to climb between July and August but if you’re visiting any other time of the year then enjoy a leisurely walk around the island.
A great place for this is the Fuji Five Lake region. Along this walk around the island, we paddled in a giant swan boat across Fuji lake, which was a workout in itself!
Mount Tenjō is a 1103m high mountain that offers one of the best viewing spots of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. The best part is that it’s only accessible by a creeky cable car ride above the spine-tingling Suicide forest!
The Aokigahara forest, also known as Jukai, the Sea of Trees, is a famous spot owed to the Japanese horror film, ‘The Forest’ and certain youtubers. In the country that has one of the highest suicide rates in the world plus a horror-loving culture, particularly involving ghosts, gore and possession, it’s impossible to avoid those shivers up your spine!
Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park:
Another great place to view Mt Fuji is from the highest and fastest roller coasters in Japan!
Mt Fuji island deserves two day trips, one for exploring the island and one for an exciting day of thrilling roller coasters!
Ideally, spend a night there as the bus ride from Tokyo is 2 hours each way and if you miss your bus then you can’t simply choose a spare seat, you have to buy a new ticket as it assigns you to one specific seat in true Japanese ordered fashion.
Fuji-Q Highland amusement park is located near the base of Mt Fuji and has 2 haunted houses and lots of roller coasters. In fact, the park holds world records for the world’s steepest roller coaster, world’s most spins in one roller coaster, highest acceleration at launch time and the largest set of maneki-neko (those Japanese cat displays you find in Asian shops that wave and symbolise luck).
Top tip:
Don’t be stingy, just lash out that 100 yen for a poncho on the cat ride because you WILL get soaked and laughed at by everyone as you pour water out of your shoes. It’s a well spent dollar I’m telling you...
Other things to do in Tokyo:
Imperial Palace
Hedgehog, puppy, owl or cat cafes: expect a long wait (at least an hour) and to share the animals with all the other tourists!
Hope you have time to tick off the top 10 activities to do in Tokyo! Sayonara and arigato for reading!
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