The culture of the Japanese capital - the sights of Tokyo. The most interesting and unforgettable sights of Tokyo The main attraction of Tokyo
There is no azure sea or hot beaches here. Here you cannot climb a mountain and see the world spread out at your feet. I’ll tell you more, this huge city is stuck in traffic jams for half a day, compared to which at rush hour it’s a deserted desert. Many residents here wear gauze bandages from time to time to escape the smog. Here they speak the most incomprehensible language on earth, and when they want to write something, they draw pictures. Cars here drive backwards, and the light of an available taxi is red. Earthquakes occur here about once a week...
Why do people come here?! After all, there are so many beautiful places on earth. Why here..?
But because here there is something that is not found anywhere else. Amazing architecture, unique history and traditions, breathtaking cuisine, smiling, welcoming people, mysterious culture. This city attracts like a magnet, sparkling with evening lights, telling its countless stories. A city that is ready to give the best memories to anyone who comes here.
His name is Tokyo.
I've been here many times, and Tokyo, even if it sounds trivial, always turned out to be something new for me. It’s better to say, it turned into some new fantastic facets.
The first time it began with the yellow water of Tokyo Bay, the city was covered with haze, it seemed that it was not there at all, only lights in the fog...
When you arrive by plane, the mood is completely different. A huge modern airport, where everything is moving, everything is in a hurry. You imperceptibly join the general flow, from which it is not so easy to get out.
Once I arrived by train, but I didn’t see the city right away: first I went underground to the area where my hotel was, then I traveled underground from the metro to the lobby of this hotel, then I took escalators and elevators to my room. During all this time I never had to go outside.
Tokyo is different at different times of the year, everyone takes away their own, personal memories from here. I suggest you find out what my impressions of this city are.
How to get thereThere are several ways to get to Tokyo. The fastest and most popular is the plane. You can come here by ship: Tokyo is a large port, it receives many passenger ships from all over the world, however, this is not always convenient. Finally, if you're already in Japan, you can get to Tokyo by car or train. As for tourists and generally everyone who comes from Russia, we mostly get here, of course, by plane.
By planeThere are regular flights between Tokyo and Moscow. Direct flights are operated twice a day by Aeroflot and Japan Airlines.
The Aeroflot plane takes off from Sheremetyevo at 19:00. Travel time to Tokyo is 9 hours 35 minutes, arriving at Tokyo Narita Airport at 10:35 the next day.
Japan Airlines departs from Domodedovo at 17:15, the flight lasts 9 hours 20 minutes, arriving in Narita at 8:35.
Now the cost of tickets for direct flights starts from 17.5 thousand rubles, but prices greatly depend on factors such as the season and the choice of airline. For example, flying with Aeroflot is cheaper than flying with Japan Airlines.
There are at least a dozen more options to get from Moscow to Tokyo using routes with transfers. Almost all major airlines from Lufthanza to Korean Air offer such options. Aggregator sites, for example, the Travelask section, will help you choose the best air travel option.
Narita Airport, mentioned above, receives the vast majority of international flights and is the real air gateway to the Japanese capital.
From Narita to the center of Tokyo is 75 kilometers, there are several ways to get from here to the city.
I prefer the N "EX train. These trains depart directly from the main airport terminal at intervals of 20 minutes; in one hour they deliver passengers to the center, for example, to areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro. Such a trip costs 28 USD / 3,000 JPY ( Japanese yen).
In addition to N"EX, Skyliner trains run to Tokyo, there is also a high-speed route JR Sobu Line. They are not so convenient, these trains can only reach peripheral metro stations. However, both are significantly cheaper, 15–20 USD / 1,500–2,000 JPY.
From Narita you can also get to the city by bus or taxi. There are several bus routes, and as for taxis, there are always plenty of them here. Buses depart from the main terminal, tickets will cost 3.5–5 USD / 350–500 JPY. But when choosing this method, remember about traffic jams, they can seriously ruin your mood.
By trainIf you are already in Japan and traveling to Tokyo, then you won’t find a better way than the train. From any part of Japan, trains will take you to the capital in the shortest possible time with maximum comfort. Trains arrive at Tokyo Station, but if more convenient, you can use other major Tokyo transport hubs.
Tokyo train stations are conveniently connected to the metro; in fact, once you arrive in Tokyo, you won’t even notice how you got to the address you need.
Approximate prices for trains to Tokyo from other cities are as follows.
- Tokyo - Osaka (Super Express Shinkansen) - 135 USD / 14,000 JPY.
- Tokyo - Sapporo (Super Express Shinkansen) - 205 USD / 21,000 JPY.
- Tokyo - Yokohama (local train) - 5 USD / 500 JPY.
Another way to get to Tokyo is by bus. Bus service in Japan is no worse developed than train service; in fact, a bus will take you to the capital from anywhere in Japan. The main disadvantage compared to the train is travel time. But he is perhaps the only one. Everything else is a complete plus. Starting from the cost of travel, ending with the opportunity to enjoy Japanese landscapes. The largest Japanese bus operator is Willer Express, which also offers the most budget ticket options.
To make it easier for you to understand the difference between a train and a bus, I will give an example of the most popular route connecting Tokyo with Osaka. Travel time by train is 3 hours, by bus - 8 hours, the cost is 135 USD / 14,000 JPY and 48 USD / 5,000 JPY, respectively.
Bus terminals are located in Tokyo next to the largest train stations, making them an integral part of the capital's transport system.
You can find more information about Japanese buses.
By carTraveling by car can also be a good option. Just like with the bus, you can get to Tokyo from literally anywhere in Japan. All large and most small islands are connected by tunnels and bridges, which allows you to move without stopping.
However, it seems to me that a memorable and full of impressions traveling around Japan by car has a number of serious drawbacks. First of all, it's quite expensive. Japan has many toll roads, and traveling long distances will inevitably take a toll on your budget. Secondly, it's quite tedious. Especially for tourists from Russia: after all, in Japan, traffic is on the left, which means that on any trip you will need increased concentration.
By ferryClue:
Tokyo - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow − 6
Kazan − 6
Samara − 5
Ekaterinburg − 4
Novosibirsk − 2
Vladivostok 1
When is the season? When is the best time to goI really like to visit Tokyo at the end of March, when the sakura blossoms, and in the fall, in the second half of October, when you can see the brightest autumn colors.
Many people like to come here on Christmas Eve. Despite the fact that Japan is not a Christian country, the holiday is felt very well here, especially in the center and areas favored by foreign guests.
The most tourists here, perhaps, are at the end of March and at the beginning of April: after all, the cherry blossom festival in all its splendor can only be seen in Japan. Travelers come from all over the world; hotel rooms for this season are booked long before its onset.
The most budget-friendly season for travel is perhaps the end of summer, as well as the end of October - November. At this time, you can find tours with discounts of up to 30–40%.
Tokyo in summerSummer is the holiday season and probably the most convenient time to travel. But I think it's still not the best time to visit Tokyo. At this time of year it is hot here (on average +25–30 °C), in July and August even too much. Add to this high humidity and you get the full picture.
If your visit falls during the summer months, try to find a hotel closer to the water and away from the central areas busy with traffic. Perhaps the best solution in this regard would be to book a hotel in the area of the Disney Sea amusement park.
Tokyo in autumnAutumn is one of the best seasons to see Tokyo in all its glory. In September and October it is still warm here (+18–22 °C), and November, with its average temperature of +12–15 °C, is also not a very cold month. When you walk through the streets and parks of the Japanese capital at this time of year, it seems that the “lush decline of nature” was observed precisely in Tokyo.
At this time, it is best to go on excursions to temples and parks. Be sure to visit Hama Rikyu Park, an amazing piece of untouched nature surrounded by skyscrapers in the heart of Tokyo. Or one of the oldest parks in Tokyo - Koishikawa Korakuen. I will tell you more about all this below.
Tokyo in the springIn my experience, there is no better time to travel to Tokyo than the spring months. Spring, more precisely the period of late March and early April, marks the peak of the tourist season: cherry blossoms. This is a special period for the Japanese. For them, the tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring still has a very deep meaning, often incomprehensible to foreigners.
However, even those who are little familiar with Japanese culture will be able to fully enjoy what they see here: numerous companies of Japanese of all ages, sitting on the grass right under the trees, and the trees themselves, which at this time are covering with their white and pink color the whole city.
Starting from mid-March, Tokyo is already quite warm; the temperature, even at night, rarely drops below +10 °C; spring weather will not spoil your mood. But there are a lot of tourists, the hotels will be crowded, and this must be remembered.
Tokyo in winterIt so happened that I never had to visit Tokyo in winter. I was once in Yokohama, which is very close to the capital. I remember that it was chilly and windy outside.
During the winter months, temperatures in Tokyo rarely drop below zero. However, winter is winter, and the snowless but cold streets of Tokyo are hardly the kind of landscape that might interest a tourist.
Unless, of course, it's a special occasion like Christmas Eve. According to the reviews of many of my friends, these days in Tokyo is as interesting as in any other world capital. Lots of lights, music, liveliness on the streets - all this creates a real holiday in the soul.
Tokyo - weather by monthClue:
Tokyo - weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?Tokyo is a huge city.
Despite the fact that there is a clear geographical center, it can be said that the Japanese capital consists of several administrative districts of approximately equal status.
Each of these areas has its own characteristic features, its own history, its own objects of tourist interest, and its own prices. These are Ginza and Marunouchi in the geographical center, as well as the surrounding areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Roppongi, Ikebukuro. I’ll say right away that Tokyo is absolutely safe; unlike most large cities in Europe, there are no areas that should be avoided.
Marunouchi and Ginza are the most convenient in terms of location. Here, within walking distance are such attractions as the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo International Forum, the capital's best department stores and boutiques. From here it is equally convenient to get to any of Tokyo's districts. However, for the average tourist, the center has a serious drawback - accommodation here will be quite expensive, on average for 4 and 5 star hotels it is 400–800 USD / 40,000–80,000 JPY per night.
One of the most popular areas of Tokyo is Shinjuku. It is not only conveniently located in relation to the main attractions, but also literally overflowing with everything that attracts tourists so much: there is excellent shopping, a lot of excursion routes.
There are many hotels in Shinjuku, but unlike the center there is a much wider choice: along with expensive hotels in this area you can also find more budget options. The average price for rooms in 3, 4 and 5 star hotels is 200–700 USD / 20,000–70,000 JPY per night.
The Asakusa area with its huge number of inexpensive hostels, small hotels, and traditional Japanese ryokans is best suited for those who are on an average budget; on average, for 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, room rates range from 80 to 300 USD / 8,000 –30,000 JPY per night.
Along with this, many people believe (and I completely agree with them) that there are few places left in Tokyo like Asakusa, where you can still feel the spirit of the old city.
Nightlife and shopping for every taste and budget are what attract tourists to the Shibuya area. In addition, Shibuya is also a major transport hub; several lines of the Tokyo metro converge here.
Shibuya has a lot to offer the tourist, but has the same disadvantage as the central areas: hotels here are mostly 4 and 5 star with prices of 300–600 USD / 30,000–60,000 JPY per night.
The Ikebukuro district among Tokyo districts is, as it were, on the second line. It is considered to have a less stellar reputation than Shinjuku or Shibuya.
However, this is more a matter of personal preference. It seems to me that Ikebukuro is an excellent, quiet area, with many opportunities for those who would like to optimize their living budget. There are many decent 3-star hotels and small, clean hostels with average prices of 80–250 USD / 8,000–25,000 JPY per night.
Roppongi is the most international district of the capital of Japan. There are many embassies and other foreign missions located here and in its surroundings.
For tourists, Roppongi offers a service that can be called foreigners friendly. Here you can find English pubs, elegant French wine bars, and Italian trattorias. There are many hotels in Roppongi to suit every taste and budget, from 80 USD / 8,000 JPY for a hostel to 700 USD / 70,000 JPY for a luxury hotel room.
One of the most cozy and convenient places in central Tokyo is the Shiodome district. This ultra-modern piece of the Japanese capital differs from others in the convenience of its internal structure.
In addition, like the Tokyo Station area, it is perhaps the most convenient in terms of accessibility to the main tourist attractions. Hotels in Shiodome are more expensive than in Asakusa, but here, among the many elegant hotels, you can find quite affordable options, on average for 3, 4 and 5 star hotels it is 150–500 USD / 15,000–50,000 JPY per night.
From other areas of Tokyo, I’ll just briefly note:
You can book a hotel in the area you like using the familiar booking service (), and you can compare prices from different services in the travel search section.
There is also a selection of private apartments in Tokyo - options and prices.
What are the prices for holidays?From what I told you about the districts of Tokyo, it is obvious that prices for accommodation in the city fluctuate in a very wide range: you can find a hotel for 70 USD / 7,000 JPY in Asakusa, or you can (if desired and have the appropriate capabilities) rent a room for 1,000 USD / 100,000 JPY in Marunouchi.
The same applies to prices for food and excursions, although the range is smaller. You can find a restaurant with dishes for 200 USD / 20,000 JPY and above, and at the same time have a great lunch for two for 25 USD / 2,500 JPY.
As with any tourist city, the best way to save money in Tokyo is to go a little away from the main tourist routes. There prices will be lower and there will be fewer people.
Clue:
Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things
Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Japanese yen, ¥
Main attractions. What to seeIf I were asked to briefly tell you what is interesting about tourist Tokyo, I would be a little confused. There are too many things that come to mind. This is history - famous temples and museums; and architecture - from ancient to the most modern; and culture - Tokyo galleries and theaters. And the pulse of nightlife and chic shopping. A short story will not do here. And in the long one, much will be left out of brackets.
Top 5 GinzaThe Tokyo area I would recommend heading to first. It’s like “everything in one”: old traditions, trendy boutiques, the best restaurants, traditional art. Ginza is several blocks in the very center of Tokyo, not far from Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.
The best time to walk around Ginza is on the weekends. For several hours, the central street of the block turns into a pedestrian zone. Just walking around there, leisurely visiting department stores and small cafes, will be a pleasure.
How to get there:
Another capital attraction. Actually, this is an ordinary wholesale market, but those who have visited here unanimously say that they have never seen anything like it.
The fish market makes a tremendous impression; it is perceived as a single mechanism that clearly does its job. Tsukiji attracts a lot of tourists, for whom a certain infrastructure has been created there. And this is despite the fact that the most interesting time of its operation is completely non-tourist: for example, the tuna auction, where you will have a unique opportunity to see how the best Tokyo restaurants purchase elite varieties of tuna and other fresh fish, opens early in the morning at 5:30.
How to get there:
Working hours:
- The main market is open from 5:00 to 14:00.
- The wholesale market is open to visitors after 9:00.
- Tuna auction runs from 5:25 to 6:15 (accepts no more than 120 tourists per day)
Entrance:
Free.
Skytree TowerThe new 634-meter Tokyo TV tower has become a symbol of the modern city. This is the tallest building in Japan.
Of course, the most interesting thing is to get to one of the viewing platforms of the tower; they are located at an altitude of 350 and 450 meters. To say that the entire city is visible from there is an understatement. It's just at your fingertips. A great place to take souvenir photos.
How to get there:
Opening hours:
From 8:00 to 22:00 (entrance until 21:00).
Entrance:
- View deck on the first level - 20 USD / 2,060 JPY.
- View deck on the second level - additional 10 USD / 1,030 JPY.
The famous Tokyo area is another must-see item. Many people, when talking about the sights of Tokyo, put it in first place. Skyscrapers are the hallmark of Shinjuku, its memorable image. The main center of tourist interest is rather the large shopping and entertainment area around Shinjuku Station.
I think that in order to feel the flavor of this unique place, it is best to wander in the evening along narrow streets like Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai, or go to the Kabukicho district with its old winding streets.
How to get there:
Shinjuku Station on Yamanote, Chuo, Keihin-Tohoku Lines.
Shibuya areaIt is believed that Shibuya is a kind of trendsetter in the modern city. Everything is a little special here, not like other places. People in cafes and restaurants are more elegant, women's hairstyles are more interesting; for some reason Parisian boulevards come to mind...
You can easily spend the whole day here, followed by an evening, because Shibuya is a huge shopping center "Shibuya 109", this is the famous monument to the faithful friend the dog Hachiko (yes, that same one!), this is the Meiji Shrine with a huge park.
How to get there:
The Sensoji Buddhist Temple is one of Tokyo's most popular temples among tourists. Legend says that in 628 AD, two brothers fished out a statue of the goddess Kannon from the Sumida River. No matter how they tried to return the statue to the river, it always returned. So a temple arose on this site, the construction of which was completed in 645.
Now it is the oldest temple in the Japanese capital. This alone puts Sensoji among the first historical attractions of Tokyo. However, many also come here to see a magnificent example of temple architecture - the Kaminarimon Gate, which translates as “thunder gate”. Along with the Imperial Palace and the Sky tree, Kaminarimon has become a symbol of Tokyo.
How to get there:
Asakusa Station on the Ginza Subway Line.
Opening hours:
- The main hall is open from 6:00 to 17:00.
- The temple area is open 24 hours a day.
Entrance:
Free.
MeijiMeiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine built in 1920 in memory of Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of a modern Japan. It was during the Meiji period that reforms began that turned the feudal country into a powerful industrial power.
Together with the nearby Yoyogi Park, the temple forms an extensive architectural and park area. Visitors to Meiji Jingu have the opportunity to get acquainted with Shinto rituals, explore the Shoken Emperor and Empress Museum, and visit the “Closed Garden”.
Meiji is the most visited temple in the country. In the first days of the new year, more than 3 million people come to it. No other temple can compare with Meiji in this regard.
How to get there:
Opening hours:
- The temple area is open from sunset to dawn, admission is free.
- Museum - from 9:00 to 16:30 (entrance until 16:00); ticket price - 5 USD / 500 JPY.
- Internal garden - from 9:00 to 16:30 (entrance until 16:00); ticket price - 5 USD / 500 JPY.
There are hundreds of museums in Tokyo, the exhibitions of which can tell visitors about literally everything: from the latest technology to anime.
The peculiarity of the museum space of the Japanese capital is that it deliberately makes life a little easier for those tourists who like to visit museums but have limited time. Tokyo's Ueno Park, where several truly first-class museums are located in one place, offers such tourists a unique opportunity to see a lot of interesting things in a short time.
Tokyo museums have several general rules:
If you are interested in something specific, I recommend checking out the list of Tokyo museums and planning your exact route in advance. If your interests are broad, then I advise you to visit one or more museums in Ueno Park, as well as get acquainted with the museum triangle in the Roppongi area.
Ueno MuseumsHow to get there: Ueno metro station.
Tokyo National MuseumExposition: numerous exhibits of the museum tell about the history of the Japanese capital.
Opening hours: daily from 9:30 to 17:00, closed on Mondays.
Ticket price: 6 USD / 620 JPY.
Museum of Western ArtExposition: the museum exhibits works of art from Europe and North America, created in the period from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.
Working hours
Ticket price: 4 USD / 430 JPY.
Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of ArtExposition: The main focus of the museum is the placement of temporary exhibitions telling about the latest trends in the development of art in Japan and abroad.
Opening hours: daily from 9:30 to 17:00, closed on Monday.
Ticket price: some exhibitions are paid, there is no fixed price.
National Museum of ScienceExposition: the museum perfectly shows the stages of development of Japanese and world science. Attention is focused on areas such as biotechnology, genetic engineering, and neuroscience.
Opening hours: daily from 9:30 to 17:00, closed on Monday.
Ticket price: 6 USD / 620 JPY.
Roppongi Art Triangle Mori MuseumExhibition: temporary exhibitions of cutting-edge Japanese artists.
How to get there: Roppongi metro station.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
Ticket price: 17 USD / 1800 JPY.
National Art CenterExhibition: a lot of interesting exhibits telling about the history of Japanese art from ancient times to the present day.
How to get there: Nogizaka metro station (exit 6).
Working hours
Ticket price: 9.5 USD / 1000 JPY.
Suntori Art MuseumExhibition: temporary exhibitions of contemporary Western and Japanese artists.
How to get there: Roppongi subway station (exit 8).
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Tuesday.
Ticket price: 12.5 USD / 1,300 JPY.
ParksThere are more than enough parks in Tokyo; perhaps each of the districts can boast of something of this kind. I would divide Tokyo parks into three main categories:
- Parks in general, that is, places for walking, communicating with nature, in order to take a break from the bustle of the city.
- Parks that attract special attention in the fall.
- Parks that become places of pilgrimage during the cherry blossom season.
I can’t say that I visited many parks in Tokyo, but I was able to see some at different times.
Parks in the classical senseOf those parks that fall into the first category, I remember two.
These are Hama Rikyu and Yoyogi Park. They are publicly accessible and open 24 hours a day.
"Hama Rykyu"A large landscaped park in the very center of Tokyo. It is located along the shore of Tokyo Bay, and its other side faces the skyscrapers of the Shiodome district, which looks paradoxically harmonious.
The park is a 10-minute walk from Shimbashi Train Station or a 15-minute walk from Shiodome Subway Station on the Oedo Subway Line.
"Yoyogi"This is a place arranged according to the canons of Western park design: large spaces, lawns, well-groomed paths, a lot of water. An ideal place for jogging and picnics.
The park is located next to the Meiji Shrine, a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line.
Autumn colors of Tokyo "Rikugien"At the end of September - beginning of October, the park becomes a real place of pilgrimage. It seems that the beauty of autumn nature literally attracts the entire city here.
Rikugien is located a 10-minute walk from Komagome Station on the Namboku Subway Line. In autumn and spring it is open until 21:00. Entrance fee: 3 USD / 300 JPY.
"Koishikawa korakuen"Compared to other parks, Koishikawa Korakuen is relatively small, but this is precisely its charm: it literally looks like a corner of a protected forest.
You need to get to Iidabashi Station (Tozai, Yurakucho, Namboku and Oedo subway lines). The park is open from 10:00 to 17:00. Entry will cost 3 USD / 300 JPY.
"Shinjuku Gyoen"The park is located in the very center of Shinjuku and is clearly visible from the nearby skyscrapers. In autumn, it looks like a fabulous spot of bright colors against the backdrop of the gray landscape of an industrial metropolis.
You can enter the park from three different directions. It is more convenient to get to Shinjukugyoenmae Station by taking the Marunouchi Subway Line and then walk for 5 minutes. The park is open from 9:30 to 16:30. Entrance - 2 USD / 200 JPY.
Sakura seasonThe time when Tokyo parks are most popular. Perhaps all residents of the capital visit the park at least once during this season in order to admire the colors of the new spring or simply pay tribute to an ancient tradition.
All of the parks listed above are good during the cherry blossom season. I’ll add two more to them, which at this time simply become centers of pilgrimage.
"Ueno"I already talked about this park above in the “Museums” section. Ueno is Tokyo's largest and most popular park during the cherry blossom season. Naturally, it is also the most “overpopulated”: literally under every tree there is a group of people relaxing here, the mood is very lively. The park is located a stone's throw from the Ueno metro station and admission is free.
"Sumida"But here everything is a little different. This park is located on both banks of the Sumida River near the Tokyo Skytree. Here you can admire the sakura from the deck of a pleasure boat or sit in a quiet cafe on the shore.
Sumida Park is located near Asakusa Subway Station and admission is also free.
Tourist streetsWe often talk about famous European streets that attract the attention of tourists. Often their very names sound like chapters from guidebooks: Champs Elysees, Ramblas, Nevsky Prospekt...
In Tokyo, such centers of gravity are areas, sometimes informal, that do not correspond to strict administrative divisions. I have already mentioned some of these areas when talking about Tokyo attractions. Here I want to dwell on only one of them. But he will dwell in detail, because he deserves it.
Everyone who comes to the capital of Japan strives to visit this area at least once. It is famous for its art galleries, boutiques featuring the world's best brands, expensive department stores and fashionable restaurants. The old town, cutting-edge trends, traditional art and the best food are all represented here; it seems that both history and modernity can literally be touched with your hands.
This area is called Ginza.
Perhaps the most famous and most striking fact about Ginza is that the cost of one square meter here exceeds 10 million yen (that's about 100 dollars) - the most expensive land in Japan.
Ginza translates to "Silver Court". The area got its name from the mint that was located here from 1612 to 1800. And the modern appearance of Ginza began to take shape after the devastating Tokyo earthquake of 1923, which wiped out everything that was in this area of the capital. The best time to visit Ginza is on weekends, between noon and 6 pm.
At this time, the central street of the Chuo Dori district becomes pedestrian and turns into a huge walking area. What's the first thing to see while walking around Ginza? It depends on personal preferences, on what time you have, and finally on your mood.
You can start with lunch at one of the restaurants in the ancient Yurakucho district. Go further to the Police Museum. Or in the Sony building, where in one place you will see all the new products from one of the most famous electronic companies in the world. You can buy a ticket to the world famous Kabuki theater and see this amazing example of Japanese culture with your own eyes. Finally, you can go to one of the huge department stores located here or browse the boutiques.
To make it easier to make the right choice, I will briefly tell you about the main attractions of Ginza:
You can get to Ginza by subway or train. The first option is to go to the Ginza metro station, use one of the following lines: Hibiya, Marunouchi or Ginza. The second is to take the Yurakucho Subway Line or the Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Yurakucho Station.
For those who still doubt whether to include Ginza in the program, I can add that you will definitely remember it. And photographs against the backdrop of its sights will definitely become part of your personal history.
What to see in 1 dayIf you build the program correctly, you can see a lot of interesting things during the day. As one option for such a program, I would suggest a tour “The History of Tokyo and Its Future”, which would start in the Asakusa area from the oldest Tokyo temple, Sensoji, and end in the futuristic district of Odaiba.
So, at 10:00 we arrive at Asakusa metro station.
We pass the Kaminarimon gate of Sensoji Temple (10 minutes).
We move towards the temple, pay attention to Nakamise dori street (30 minutes).
We explore the surroundings of the temple, the ancient streets nearby (30 minutes).
We head to the Sumida River (10 minutes), board a cruise ship.
River cruise (1 hour) - the whole center of Tokyo is at your fingertips. During the cruise you will not see the beauty of nature, but you will be able to get a good look at the modern architecture of the largest metropolis in the world.
We get off at the final stop of the cruise - the pier in Hama Rikyu Park.
We walk around Hama Rikyu Park (1 hour).
We head to Shiodome Station (10 minutes).
We take the Yurikamome monorail and head to Odaiba station (20 minutes). There will be no problems figuring out which train you need: it is the only one there, departing every 15 minutes.
Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, where large shopping centers, amusement parks, museums, and showrooms of large Japanese companies are concentrated. For convenience, we will divide the tour of Odaiba into several stages:
We end the program at 18:30.
I guarantee that there will be more than enough impressions from such a day. And I warn you in advance that my legs will ache very much for some time :).
What to see in the areaAmong the most interesting places in the vicinity of Tokyo, I would highlight Kamakura, one of the ancient capitals of Japan with its famous stone statue of Buddha.
And, of course, Nikko is a small town and national park of the same name, the burial place of one of the most significant Japanese shoguns, Tokugawa Ieyasu, as well as the center of unique temples.
KamakuraThe city is an hour's drive from Tokyo. Back in the 12th century, after the first military ruler of Japan (shogun), Minamoto Yoritomo, came to power, Kamakura became the center of the country's political life.
Subsequently, after the capital was moved to Kamakura, it continued to serve as the capital city in eastern Japan.
Now it is a small town, literally permeated with history. Temples and monuments will accompany you every step of the way.
From Tokyo to Kamakura it is a little more than 50 kilometers; the best way to get there is by Yokosuka line train from Tokyo Station.
NikkoThe city and the national park of the same name are located a two-hour drive from the capital.
The city's most famous landmark is Toshogu Shrine, which is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Japan.
It was built in 1600, but long before that Nikko became a center of pilgrimage for representatives of both religions widespread in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism.
And now every year Nikko attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists during the autumn months. In this regard, Nikko paints can hardly be compared with anything...
From Tokyo to Nikko there are 120 kilometers, the most convenient way to get there is by rail. Taking the Tobu Line from Asakusa Station will take you to Nikko in just over two hours.
Food. What to tryBooks have been written about Japanese cuisine. The names of some Japanese dishes are hardly known to everyone on the planet, and the word sushi has long gone beyond the boundaries of gastronomy.
The alphabet of the Japanese language, of which there are two, consists of syllables. None of them contain the syllable “shi” that we so often hear and say. There is something close to the syllable "si", which is pronounced with a slight hiss. In the Russian linguistic tradition, since the emergence of Japanese studies, the syllable “si” has always been used. Therefore, for us, sushi (the English spelling) is always “sushi”, and sashimi is “sashimi”.
Globalization has changed the world and us, and in general I have no objection to Mitsubishi becoming Mitsubishi and Toshiba becoming Toshiba. But sushi, at least according to the purposes of the further narrative, let it be “sushi”.
Knowing this nuance, by the way, will help you find a common language faster: an ordinary Japanese will hear and understand the word “sashimi”, but never the word “sashimi”.
The cuisine of the Japanese capital is, of course, first and foremost, Japanese cuisine. However, it was Tokyo that had a very great influence on the development of national cuisine, adding metropolitan charm and shine to many now widely known Japanese dishes.
Such dishes include nigiri zushi, the most common type of sushi. A piece of fish placed on top of rice requires much less cooking time than classic types of sushi, which is what made nigiri zushi so popular.
Tempura is another dish that has been transformed by the influence of Tokyo chefs.
Before the Edo era (the old name of Tokyo), only vegetables were used as ingredients for tempura, but the capital added the whole range of seafood to them, which, in fact, determined the recipe for the dish in its current form.
Considering the abundance of opportunities that are scattered literally throughout the city, I would rather focus here on the “zones” that offer the whole gamut of Japanese (and not only) gastronomy.
Yurakucho is a very interesting place: dozens, if not hundreds of establishments of different sizes, where you can find literally everything - from simple Japanese soba to exquisite French wines.
The area is around Yurakucho Station on the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku train lines, as well as the Yurakucho subway line. You can also get there from Ginza (Ginza station on the Marunouchi and Hibiya subway lines).
Also for those who might be interested in a unique gastronomic experience, there is Tsukiji Market in Tokyo.
Firstly, in the restaurants around the market you can try literally the whole variety of seafood. Secondly, the dishes prepared here will allow you to get acquainted with what the “first”, real (and the only) freshness is.
How to get there: Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line.
In the Shinjuku area, it makes sense to walk along Omoide Yokocho Street. The same flavor as in Yurakucho, only on a slightly smaller scale.
How to get there: Shinjuku Subway Station on the Shinjuku Line.
Finally, if you want to take a break and try something non-Japanese, there is China town in Ikebukuro (Ikebukuro subway station on the Shinjuku line), Korea town in Shinjuku (Shinjuku subway station on the Shinjuku line), and even France town (station area Subway Iidabashi and Kagurazaka lines Hanzomon).
Budget
The average check for lunch for two without drinks for restaurants and cafes in this category is 50–70 USD / 5,000–7,000 JPY.
Expensive 
For restaurants in this category, there is usually no such thing as an average bill, and I won’t give it here either. But the status of an institution of this kind should not actually scare away. Here you can eat together and drink a glass of wine, paying 120–150 USD / 12,000–15,000 JPY.
HolidaysJapanese holidays (matsuri) are a special, unique tradition. They are diverse: matsuri includes both admiring sakura and a pilgrimage to a Shinto shrine. Very bright, sometimes too noisy, they always involve a large number of people.
Tourists love to watch festive processions; in fact, such observation itself is participation in the holiday. If this is a regular procession, you can join it. If the pilgrimage is to a temple, you can go there. It is not forbidden to take part in themed parades, but for this you will need to prepare, for example, find an appropriate costume.
The main Tokyo holidays, as a rule, are deeply rooted in history. Perhaps one of the most interesting is Tokyo Jidai Matsuri, or “Tokyo through the prism of eras.”
This large parade, which takes place on November 3, has a relatively recent history. People who come to the Asakusa area on this day literally see the history of Tokyo passing before their eyes. Everyone unanimously says that the brightness and detail of some of the costumes is simply amazing.
Tokyo New Year is a big holiday in a big city.
However, if you are in Tokyo at this time, try to be closer to the city center or the centers of the main districts: the main festivities take place here. Shibuya and Shinjuku are very beautiful and crowded; Roppongi can be even more interesting, where there is a little more European culture than the rest of Tokyo.
In general, many interesting festivals are held in Tokyo every year; it would be difficult to even list them, let alone talk about them. I'll just mention a few:
Safety. What to watch out for Tokyo is absolutely safe. When people ask me how this can be in a huge city, I don’t know what to answer. When asked to give an example of some minimally dangerous situation, I don’t know what to answer. During my entire stay in Tokyo and in Japan in general, I have never encountered such a situation. Even late at night in the Hollywood scenery of some narrow street in Shinjuku, dimly lit by Tokyo standards, when three large Japanese men walk towards you with an unsteady gait and shout loudly, you should expect that, as they approach, they will give way to you and say “sumimasen” (Sorry).
I think that all the problems that exist in large tourist centers exist in Tokyo one way or another. And petty thieves in cafes, and pickpockets. But their scale is incomparable with Europe, and therefore is almost invisible.
To summarize what has been said: in Tokyo you can relax and live in peace at any time of the day or night. Of course, you shouldn’t provoke your surroundings by leaving an open purse full of wads of dollars on the table, but if you don’t do this, then most likely you won’t have any problems.
Things to doIn addition to museums and shopping, Tokyo provides many other, non-standard opportunities to spend time. For example, you can go to the Yanaka area (Ginza metro station), perhaps the only area of Tokyo that survived the war, just to look into ordinary Japanese houses and eat real rice cakes there.
On Sunday evening you can go to the small Jingubashi Bridge (Harajuku Subway Station). Don’t forget to take a camera or camera: you won’t see such a number of young people representing any, most unimaginable subcultures, such an abundance of outfits, variety of hairstyles and makeup anywhere else.
After sunset, the city will look great from one of the many observation platforms located on the roofs of skyscrapers.
However, those who are going there, remember: in terms of the amount of adrenaline, staying at such sites is equivalent to extreme sports. And be prepared for the skyscrapers to sway slightly...
For lovers, Tokyo shopping is a symphony. High pleasure. As in any world capital, literally everything is presented here: from the latest cutting-edge trends to the best examples of mass fashion. I would add, for any wallet. Even in Ginza, you can find boutiques that are unavailable in other cities on a good day and stay within your budget.
More affordable prices can be found in the vicinity of the centers of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and quite a few interesting European shops in the Roppongi area.
It’s quite difficult to navigate among all the diversity, but in general terms, I would break shopping in Tokyo into several areas or ideas and act based on specific priorities.
If we need something clear, simple and reliable, we go to department stores. These are, for example, Printemps, Mitsukoshi in Ginza, Sibur 109 in the area of the same name, Isetan in Shinjuku. Or the one that is closer to you geographically.
If we are talking about something new and unusual, then you need boutiques in Yoyogi, Shibuya, Shinjuku.
If we are looking for something specific, we turn to the “thematic” areas:
Bars. Where to go Experts say that Tokyo bars are by many criteria the best in the world. Sometimes they go even further, believing that thanks to new technologies, as well as the courage of the creators, some Tokyo bars are on a completely different level, which so far only exists here. Along with such “breakthrough” establishments, the city has a huge variety of traditional ones in the best sense, offering drinks and snacks for every taste.
In my opinion, if any of you want to make a tour of Tokyo bars, then these two criteria are worth dividing your initial search.
Futuristic barsI would include, firstly, Mixology Laboratory as a super place. Bartender Shuzo Nagumo's card says "Grand Mixologist," and some of the bar areas actually resemble a science laboratory. Maybe you'll get lucky and try his famous martini, made with foie gras vodka, chocolate marc, nutmeg and aged in a smoke-filled bag.
The average cocktail here costs 20 USD / 2,000 JPY. Dinner with cocktails and a change of dishes - 120 USD / 12,000 JPY.
Opening hours: from 18:00 to 01:00 (closed on Sundays).
Address: 3F, 1-6-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku.
How to get there: Tokyo Station via Yamanote, Chuo, Marunouchi, Sobu lines.
Other interesting bars from the same category:
All three super bars are in approximately the same price category.
Classic barsThere are many establishments from this segment in Tokyo; I repeat, there is a place for every taste. To experience this diversity, simply spend an evening in Ginza and check out some of the bars located here:
- Bar Evans - jazz and cocktail classics:
- Opening hours: from 18:00 to 02:00 (closed on Sundays).
- Address: APA Ginza Chuo Bldg B1F, 3-8-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku.
- How to get there: Ginza station on the Hibiya, Ginza, Marunouchi lines.
Clubs and nightlife It's impossible to try to cover Tokyo nightlife in detail without sounding like someone who has taken on the vast. Tokyo literally lives at night; the pace of its nightlife is no lower than daytime life. As is its diversity. Well after midnight, you can catch a theatrical performance or visit a super-hip multimedia space that turns fantasy into reality. Go to a presentation of an auteur film by a Danish director or go on a tour of the outskirts of Shinjuku.
But perhaps the simplest and most understandable way to spend an evening and night is to go to a nightclub. Just choose which atmosphere suits you best. I would like to mention a few interesting nightclubs here.
First of all, this is the famous Womb, a place where clubbers from all over the world strive to get to. An inconspicuous building in the Shibuya area with a discreet sign transforms inside into a real kingdom of light and music. There are performances on all four floors of the club; in total, the club can accommodate up to 1 thousand guests at a time. Regular music: house and techno.
Admission is paid, the price depends on the program. Cocktails cost from 7 USD / 700 JPY, beer and snacks from 5 USD / 500 JPY.
Opening hours: on Fridays and Saturdays - until the morning.
How to get there: Shibuya Subway Station.
They say this about the Oath club:
The main thing is to have enough strength until the morning.The club is inexpensive, with very impressive equipment. The music is the same as in Womb. Drinks and snacks from 5 USD / 500 JPY.
Hours: Open until 8am on weekends.
How to get there: Located at Shibuya Subway Station.
Solfa is a completely different format. The dance floor is designed for 60–70 people, the atmosphere is more like a home party.
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday open until 6 am.
How to get there: Located near Nakameguro Subway Station (Hibiya and Tokyu Toyoko Lines).
Souvenirs. What to bring as a giftWhat gift should I bring from Tokyo? What's the best thing to buy as a souvenir of your trip? Perhaps these are the most difficult questions. There are too many possibilities: from ordinary souvenirs and postcards to traditional Japanese dolls and chic kimonos. Here everyone chooses to their own taste.
I think the best advice here would be to name a couple of trusted places where gifts and souvenirs are presented in all their diversity.
Souvenirs from TokyoThe gift shop at the National Arts Center offers a full range of traditional souvenirs from clothing to accessories.
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00.
Address: B1F National Arts Center Tokyo, 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku.
How to get there: Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Line (Exit 6).
BingoyaIn fact, this is the best place in Tokyo: 6 floors of wonderful souvenirs, all traditional crafts are represented.
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 19:00.
Address: 10–6 Wakamatsucho, Shinjuku-ku.
How to get there: Wakamatsu-Kawada Station on the Oedo line (Kawada Exit).
How to get around the cityI communicate a lot with those who visit Tokyo regularly or occasionally. I can say that when it comes to how to get around the city, the general consensus is that the metro is the most convenient option of all. Taxis are used quite often, but in a specific way. That is, not “get there,” but rather “drive up” a short distance: from the station to the hotel, from the restaurant to the metro, etc.
In some cases it is convenient to use the bus. For example, if you live a couple of stops from a metro station. If this is your case, you can purchase a single pass for the bus and metro, and you will avoid many problems. Detailed information about travel and discount tickets can be found in.
Taxi. What features existTaxi is a convenient and popular form of transport, however, like many things in Tokyo, it has its own characteristics.
Taxis in Japan are expensive. This high cost consists of two things: the actual cost of use (gasoline, car depreciation) and associated costs - additional costs for toll roads and, which happens very often, loss of time due to traffic jams. Therefore, the general recommendations are:
Using a taxi to get from or to the airport is extremely unprofitable. There are excellent trains and comfortable buses for this. But to get from the metro to a theater or club - these are exactly the routes on which you need to get acquainted with taxis. And there is a lot to see here: drivers dressed in uniforms, in caps and shiny shoes, cleanliness and lace capes in the cabins, automatic doors for passengers.
Taxis in Tokyo operate only by meter; it is not customary to give tips - they are not taken. Payments by card occur normally.
You can take a taxi on the street by raising your hand, or you need to walk to the nearest parking lot. They are located near train stations and metro stations. At the hotel the car will be ordered by the receptionist.
The approximate cost is:
- landing and first 2 kilometers - 6 USD / 600 JPY;
- every next 0.5 kilometers - 1 USD / 100 JPY;
- driving in traffic and parking for 2 minutes - 1 USD / 100 JPY;
- waiting for a taxi 2 minutes - 1 USD / 100 JPY;
- after 22:00 the tariff surcharge is 20%, after 23:00 - 30% and higher.
But most importantly, remember: if the light on the roof lights up red, it means the car... is free!
TramsTokyo trams are rather exotic. There is now only one Arakawa tram line left in Tokyo. If you are lucky enough to be in this area and have some free time, I recommend just driving a couple of stops.
The ticket is inexpensive, costs 1.6 USD / 160 JPY, and you will get a positive impression.
MetroWithout a doubt, when exploring Tokyo, you will most often use the subway. If only because no other urban transport can compare with the metro in terms of price and speed of movement. I'm not talking about quality, it is always at its best.
The Tokyo metro is an extensive network of lines, very well connected with the main directions of city trains. A perfectly well-oiled mechanism; you can set your watch by the movement of subway trains. All information about trains, their intervals, stops, and transfer stations is available on the Internet, in particular, in the form of mobile applications (for example, hyperdia.com). This allows you to accurately calculate your route and get to where you need to go.
There are a total of 9 lines in the Tokyo metro, and they, as I already said, cover the entire huge city. Typically, tourists on the Tokyo subway use single tickets, their cost varies between 1.8–3.2 USD / 170–310 JPY per trip. But you can also buy convenient refillable PASMO travel cards. All types of tickets can be purchased at ticket offices and vending machines, the latter being more convenient. The machines have an option to switch to English, this makes it quite easy to understand the menu and other issues.
The metro is safe, however, when planning your trips, you need to remember such a factor as rush hours. Usually this time is between 8:00 and 9:00 am, sometimes between 17:00 and 18:00. This is especially noticeable in the Tokyo subway; trains leave some stations critically overcrowded. Situations during rush hours are so extreme that the metro administration is fighting them with no less extreme measures. On some lines at such times there are special teams of “compactors” who, so to speak, optimize the number of people in the cars. The most congested routes during peak hours may be from Nakano to Shinjuku, from Kinshicho to Ryogoku, and from Kiba to Monsen Nakacho.
BusesTokyo buses are good for everyone: they are convenient, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive. However, traveling by bus in Tokyo has one very significant drawback: the car travels on public roads. This means that you can easily get stuck in a traffic jam.
This is probably why bus routes in the metropolis are organized in such a way that they fit into the overall urban transport system as much as possible. The main purpose of Tokyo buses, especially in the city center, is to provide convenient transportation for passengers to subway station areas and train stations. If your place of residence is located some distance from the metro, it makes sense to look for a bus route.
Buses run on the lines from 7:00 to 22:00, boarding and disembarking are carried out at stops. Their schedule is also posted there. Bus tickets cost from 1.5 USD / 150 JPY. Prices within transport zones are fixed.
Transport rental General informationJapan and Russia are members of different international conventions governing traffic rules. Therefore, based on the letter of the law, in order to drive in Japan, a Russian must obtain a Japanese license.
However, in practice, due to the fact that Japanese agencies do not require the presentation of special documents, many of our compatriots take the opportunity to rent a car.
You can rent a car from the age of 18, in addition, you must have more than one year of driving experience. For registration you will need a passport and international license.
There are many rental agencies in Japan. Some of them have independent status, some are branches of global holdings. You can choose a car for yourself in advance, for example. 
Renting a compact car (for example, Toyota Corolla), including insurance, will cost around 80 USD / 8,000 JPY per day.
When signing a rental agreement, be prepared to pay a deposit equal to the total cost of the rental. As a rule, this amount is blocked on your card, and within two weeks after the end of the rental period it is unfrozen. Some agencies allow cash bail.
According to the terms of the rental, the car is issued with a full tank, and it must be returned in the same condition.
To avoid misunderstandings, experienced rental agency users recommend taking the time to thoroughly inspect the car for any external defects before renting it.
Costs Gasoline- The cost of Regular gasoline (corresponds to AI-92) is 1.4–1.8 USD / 140–180 JPY per liter.
- The cost of diesel fuel is 1.3 USD / 130 JPY per liter.
Japanese toll roads are considered to be among the most expensive in the world. Specific prices depend on the direction and distance; guidebooks recommend 22–25 USD / 2,200–2,500 JPY for every 100 kilometers of roads.
Parking
Traffic on Japanese roads (both on expressways and in cities) is fairly calm. Drivers are usually polite and helpful. However, there are a number of factors that I would strongly recommend that those who are planning to use a car take into account:
- Driving on the left is the first and most serious of these factors;
- traffic jams as a huge problem in megacities;
- toll roads, there are many of them; with frequent trips or long distances, this can become quite significant for your budget;
- Many road signs, especially on peripheral roads, are not duplicated in English, which creates serious problems from time to time.
The main advice I give to all motorists without exception is to remember that all your decisions on the road will be made in the unusual situation of driving on the left. Take your time, do not speed, and do not be distracted while driving.
Practice shows that if you follow these simple recommendations, you can avoid many problems.
And good luck on the roads!
Tokyo - holidays with childrenTokyo is the energy of business life, night lights, expressways, chic shopping. When you read or hear stories about the capital of Japan, the question involuntarily arises: “is it worth going there with children?” My answer is yes. There are so many things to do in Tokyo with children that loving parents may not have time for themselves...
Among all the variety of Tokyo water parks, children's attractions and museums, Disneyland certainly reigns, a place where you can spend more than one day and give more than one happy hour to your children.
On the one hand, Disneyland in Tokyo is similar to its counterparts in other parts of the world: these are the World of Adventure, Wild West, and City of the Future parks. On the other hand, it also has something that makes it stand out - this is Disney Sea and its corners “Medieval Mediterranean”, “Mermaid Lagoon”, “Mysterious Island”. The parks are open from 9:00 to 22:00.
Ticket pricesFor the convenience of those who want to please their children (and at the same time themselves), there are several types of tickets: from one-day tickets to tickets that allow entry after 18:00. A one-day ticket costs 75 USD / 7,400 JPY for adults, 65 USD / 6,400 JPY for teenagers 12–17 years old, 49 USD / 4,800 JPY for children from 4 to 11 years old.
!Car rental is also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!
Anything to add?
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The Japanese automobile industry is known far beyond the borders of the state. One of the most popular brands coming out of the production lines of the Land of the Rising Sun is Toyota. An entire museum and exhibition complex is dedicated to it - Toyota Mega Web, which is one of the ten best automobile museums in the world, and according to some ratings even tops it. The exhibition consists of six halls, in each of which guests can not only look at cars and their parts, but also touch, experience, and even feel. For example, switch gears on different gearboxes or hear the noise of the engine.
The museum's largest exhibition is the Toyota City Showcase, where all existing and still under development models of this brand are presented. Here guests have a unique chance to travel back in time through different auto eras, taking pictures first with a rarity from the 1960s, and then with an ultra-modern, not yet released model, more reminiscent of a lunar rover. However, the most popular among visitors is the Ride One hall. After all, here all adult drivers with a license can choose the model they like and take a test drive through the museum’s pavilions.
The duration of the route, however, is not too long - only 1.3 kilometers. Toyota Mega Web also took care of those who do not yet have a license. In the Kids Hybrid Ride One pavilion there is a small 150-meter go-kart, during which little guests can get their dose of adrenaline.
Getting to the Toyota Mega Web Museum is not difficult; it is located near the Aomi metro station on line U10. The doors of the exhibition and entertainment center are open daily from 11-00 to 21-00, admission is free. You will only have to pay extra for a test drive or karting, 300 yen respectively. There are traditionally many people who want to visit the world of Toyota, so you should prepare for the fact that there is always a queue of potential visitors at the entrance. However, the short wait is worth it!
Traditionally, Disneyland is associated with Paris. Few people know that this is an American project and the first amusement park under this logo outside the United States appeared in Japan. Today it is a huge complex occupying 47 hectares, where guests of all ages will surely be able to find entertainment to their liking. Conventionally, it is divided into 7 thematic zones. The first one that visitors find themselves in is Fantasyland, where you can visit Cinderella’s castle, take Peter Pan’s flight, or just chat with funny cartoons. For example, Dumbo the elephant.
Older guests are attracted to Adventureland, which is conventionally divided into two parts - the tropical jungle and the world of pirates of the Caribbean. Here the attractions and entertainment are not so harmless, and some of them can even be called extreme. In Toon City, you can take pictures with the legendary life-size puppets. Mickey Mouse is the most popular among guests, but others also do not go unnoticed.
You can travel back in time by looking into Tomorrowland. This zone perfectly reflects the essence of Japan - to catch up and surpass the whole world. All the attractions in this area are futuristic and even fantastic. But in the Wild West, guests will find cowboys and, of course, the legendary roller coaster - the most popular of all attractions in the world. You can complete your trip to the world of Disney in the Land of Animals, an area aimed at little guests, or at the World Bazaar - where would you be without themed souvenirs?
Tokyo Disneyland is not located in the city itself, but in its closest suburb - Urayasu. But despite this, getting to it is not so difficult - first by subway to Tokio station and then by Tokyo Disney Resort bus. The amusement park is open from 9-00 to 22-00, but in the summer months and weekends it opens its doors earlier. Exact information can be found on the official website. As for the cost of tickets, it cannot be called low at all. An adult ticket for the day will cost 7,400 yen, a child (guests 4-11 years old) 4,800, a teenager (guests 12-17 years old) 6,400. There are discounts during the winter months.
The Imperial Palace is a sacred place for all Japanese. Indeed, despite the fact that the ruler has only nominal power, he is revered and even idolized. The history of the palace began back in the 15th century. Today, many old buildings have been preserved on its territory, but there are also modern ones, made in the classical Japanese style.
Unfortunately, tourists and even local residents do not have the opportunity to see them all. Only the East Park is open to visitors. By appointment, by registering on the website of the Imperial Palace Administration, you can also take a tour to the courtyard of the complex. Naturally, without visiting the palace. The imperial chambers are a sacred place into which public access is prohibited. However, the park also has plenty of attractions and places that deserve attention.
The first thing that catches the guests' eyes is the authentic landscape design, in the traditional Japanese style. Flowerbeds and paths perfectly complement the bridges, the most noticeable of which are Nijubashi and Meganebashi. It is impossible to pass by the Fushimi-yagura tower, which once served as a guard tower. It has been here since the distant times of the shogunate.
Art fans should definitely check out the Peach Hall, where classical music concerts regularly take place. Stars whose names are known throughout the world are not uncommon on this stage. The park at the Imperial Palace is beautiful at any time of the year, but it is best to visit it in April and March, when the cherry blossoms bloom. In addition, on December 23 and January 2, you can witness a unique spectacle - the imperial couple goes out onto a balcony covered with bulletproof glass to greet their people.
Getting to the palace is not difficult; it is located near the Tokyo metro station. You can walk through the park from 10-00 to 15-00 on any day except Monday and Friday. There is no entrance fee - just get a token and return it at the end of the walk.
Some people associate Japan with the high-quality automobile industry, others with the wonders of the scientific and technological process, and some immediately remember funny anime cartoons. Many of them were filmed at Studio Ghibli, and tourists visiting Tokyo can immerse themselves in a magical world by visiting the themed museum.
The museum's exhibition is not too large, but the size is compensated by what is called quality. Every detail in the halls and even service areas has been thought out. Guests either unexpectedly come across traces of unprecedented animals in the corner, or funny and very cute cats on the taps in the toilets. The museum’s “tricks” will be a pleasant surprise - secret passages, intricate labyrinths and magic lanterns. The latter illustrate very literally what animation is.
Guests are also attracted by a stand with sketches of various cartoons. Here you can get acquainted with the work of famous and not so famous authors and get to know anime from the inside. Of course, the Ghibli anime studio museum primarily attracts young guests. Moreover, not only among tourists - local schoolchildren, who cannot imagine their lives without anime, also often drop by the studio. But adults, especially fans of Japanese cartoons, will certainly find something interesting here. After all, this is a special, unique culture of Japan, undoubtedly worthy of attention.
Anime World is located at 1-4-25, Kajino-cho Koganei-shi, 184. You can get there by subway, the nearest station is Mitaka. Then you can walk around the rather colorful quarter, it will take about 20 minutes, or take a traditional Japanese shuttle bus. A noticeable sign and bright doors, which can rightly be called fabulous, are noticeable from afar.
Entrance tickets are not too expensive, 1000 yen. However, you should take care of purchasing them in advance - the number of museum visitors is strictly limited, no more than 2,400 people per day. During school holidays in Japan, the queue for the museum can even last 1-2 weeks.
Japan has everything. And even a small corner of French Provence, carefully recreated in the Little Prince Museum. While planning it, in the land of the rising sun they noted their respect for one of the most famous European writers - Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It is surprising that a thematic museum appeared so far from his homeland.
Entering the gates of the museum, guests immediately find themselves in a completely different reality. Colorful streets, bakeries, from which, as is customary in France, the smell of croissants, small shops and shops. The Japanese even made signs and markers not in their own language, but in Exupery’s native language. This was the final touch to create an authentic atmosphere.
After walking along the colorful streets, guests sooner or later come across a two-story house - a copy of the one in which the author of the Little Prince lived. The writer's personal belongings are collected on the ground floor of a small exhibition, and on the second floor there is a library. The only work presented in it is The Little Prince. But it was published at different times and in different languages.
You can take a break after a walk in a French restaurant. The dishes on the menu are exclusively European, devoid of Japanese flair.
Exupery's world is located in the small town of Hakone. You can get to it from Tokyo by intercity shuttle bus, and it’s simply impossible to get lost - all roads and signs lead to the museum.
The entrance ticket costs 1600 yen, a discount is provided for schoolchildren and students, they can visit the world of Exupery for 700 yen. Along with the ticket, guests receive a waybill, which you must pay attention to. Those who have made all the check marks at the exit are given a small souvenir. More colorful gifts can be purchased at your local store.
The Miraikan Museum, or as it is often called the Museum of the Future, is an exhibition that presents the latest achievements of scientific and technological progress. And the Japanese, as you know, know a lot about this matter.
The first thing that attracts attention is the building itself in which the museum is located. Modern, futuristic, reminiscent of either a ship or a flying saucer. It can rightfully be considered an architectural landmark.
Inside, six floors of real wonders await guests. True, permanent exhibitions are located only in two of them, 5 and 6. The remaining halls host no less interesting temporary exhibitions on technical topics.
All exhibits in the permanent exhibition deserve special attention. The main one is considered to be the Geo-cosmos globe - a huge ball consisting of numerous OLED monitors. Each of them allows you to obtain information about a particular process occurring inside or outside the globe. As a result, a holistic dynamic picture emerges.
There are halls in the museum in which guests can learn a lot about themselves. For example, take fingerprints with a special scanner and analyze them with a computer program, or find out how the brain works.
And finally, the highlight of the museum is the ASIMO robot, named after science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. He can talk, answer questions and, of course, move around in space. His actions are a real technical show that everyone can watch.
The Miraikan Museum is located on the artificial island of Odaiba and can be reached by subway. The doors are open to visitors from 10-00 to 17-00. The price of a ticket, which includes visiting the permanent exhibitions, is 620 yen, for children - 210. On Saturdays, young guests can visit the museum for free.
The metro is one of the integral components of Tokyo; it is the most popular form of transport among local residents. Guests often find it difficult to understand the intricate layout, intersection of lines and other subtleties of movement. In order not to get lost in the underground world, it is best to begin your acquaintance with it at the Tokyo Subway Museum.
The museum building can be seen from afar - a huge wind generator is installed next to it, providing electricity to the entire complex. This is the first thing that attracts attention. The second is a real turnstile, into which you need to throw a coin and get the coveted ticket. Just like in a real subway.
And finally, after the formalities are settled, guests find themselves in the real world of the metro! Here you can get acquainted with historical documents, diagrams of different periods, and technical tools. And, of course, go into the carriage and sit on a soft chair.
Young guests are invariably attracted by the huge model illustrating the operation of the metro. Unfortunately, the figures cannot be touched - they are hidden under glass. But, nevertheless, this does not make the number of visitors crowding here less.
Older guests can try their hand at one of the stimulators - you can be a driver or a dispatcher. During the excursion, museum workers do not forget to acquaint visitors with the rules in force there, and also help them understand the intricacies of lines and transitions.
In order to get to the Tokyo Subway Museum, you will still have to take the subway, which you are yet to get acquainted with. It is located near Kasai station. Doors are open any day except Monday, from 10-00 to 17-00. The entrance ticket costs the same as real metro travel. A very symbolic moment.
The park is located near Harajuku Station. On Sunday, here you can meet musicians who perform in public for the first time in search of their audience and loyal fans, photographers selecting the right angle to shoot models, Elvis Presley admirers skillfully copying their idol, rockabilly dancers and other creative personalities.
In summer, it’s a good place to hide from the sweltering heat in the shade of trees, watch locals walk with children and dogs, and play sports. If you are lucky and find yourself in the park during the cherry blossom season, be sure to have a picnic and enjoy the indescribable beauty of this place. Entrance to the park is free.
This place will be appreciated by travelers with children, because here you can play with animals and even ride a pony for a nominal fee. For couples who want to enjoy romance in the park, you can rent a boat for a few tens of rubles, which is practically nothing. Keep in mind that the park is only open at certain times: from 10 am to 11.30 am, and after a short break, you can safely stroll from 1.30 pm to 3 pm.
You can soar to the skies and capture the city from a bird's eye view by climbing to the observation deck of the capital's government building. A high-speed elevator will take tourists to the 45th floor. At an altitude of 202 meters, you can enjoy the panorama of the city, take beautiful photographs and feel the atmosphere of this place. Entrance for visitors is open from 9:30 to 23:00. Registration ends 30 minutes before closing. Free admission.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, and the cost of its construction was about $1 million. Overall, it's definitely worth a visit.
You can also find interesting entertainment at Tokyo's Tsukiji fish and seafood market. From specialized viewing platforms, curious travelers will be able to see a fish auction and watch how local traders deftly cut up huge fish.
Also, just for fun, you can stroll through the market, get acquainted with the goods and be surprised at how diverse the underwater world is, the representatives of which are now waiting for their buyer. If you decide to visit the Tsukiji market, you will have to get up early, since it opens at three in the morning, and by lunchtime you will not find anyone here.
If you are interested in various high-tech gadgets and don’t mind testing them absolutely free, then you should definitely visit the Sony Building, where the company’s five-story showroom is located. Here are all the latest Sony products that you can not only try, but also purchase. The Sony Building is open to visitors daily from 10.00 to 20.00. Also here you can visit the Toyota, Nissan or Honda showroom.
Tokyo nightlife lovers also have something to offer. Without compromising your budget, you can have fun and dance at the Ruby Room nightclub, which is located at: Kasumi Bldg 4F, 2-25-17 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. The main audience is foreigners, which means you can feel quite comfortable here. If this club is not to your taste, then next to it, within a few minutes' walk, there is another club attractive to budget tourists - Oath. Here you can also dance absolutely free until 5 am on weekdays and until 8 am on weekends to the music of popular Japanese DJs.
You can rent a bike completely free of charge and ride along a specially equipped path in the Palace Cycling Course park. This can only be done on Sunday from 10 am, but keep in mind that the number of bicycles is limited and the rule applies: those who are not on time are late. You can get to the park from the Nijubashi-Mae metro station.
Visiting Japan and not visiting the Sumo Wrestling Museum is an unforgivable mistake. This sport is treated with great respect here, and in the museum you can see photographs of famous sumo wrestlers, engravings, costumes and other interesting exhibits. You can visit the museum on weekdays from 10.00 to 16.30. Museum address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku.
This museum was founded in memory of the tragic event of 1923, which claimed the lives of many people and destroyed most of the city in 1923. It was then that an earthquake was recorded, which was given the name Kanto. The memorial museum is located in Yokoami Park, where you can see other buildings dedicated to this tragic incident.
Are there many cities in the world that, in a short history, have experienced many devastating earthquakes, fires, wars, changed their name and face, but continued to remain one of the largest in the world? Perhaps, except for the capital of Japan, Tokyo, you won’t remember such people. Today, in this city, antiquity is combined with modernity, oriental traditions with European ones, glass skyscrapers with ancient stone buildings, because of which the sights of Tokyo arouse genuine interest among tourists from all over the world. And there is something to see here!
Imperial legacy
Tokyo, in comparison with many other capitals of the world, is a rather young city - it is just over four centuries old, but there are also interesting historical sites in it.
So it is located in the very heart of the city. The first buildings of this castle complex appeared back in the 16th century, and then were gradually completed and expanded, eventually turning into the largest palace complex in the world. Nowadays, the territory of the castle is divided into two parts. In the western wing is the Imperial Palace itself, which houses the chambers of the current Japanese Emperor Akihito, as well as his relatives and courtiers.
During the war, the palace was destroyed by American aircraft and then rebuilt. It is noteworthy that the imperial chambers are not hidden behind seven locks, but are available to visitors and tourists two days a year - on the New Year and on the emperor’s birthday. The stone walls of the castle and some of its internal buildings are a national treasure of Japan and are protected by law.
And the eastern part of the castle was allocated to the Eastern Garden, the decoration of which is the ancient Otemon gate, which once served as the entrance to the imperial castle. In the garden itself, surrounded by the walls and gatehouses of the inner castle, traditional Japanese and rare plants are planted. Also in the park there is a pond, a waterfall and a tea house.
Buddhist and Shinto shrines
When listing the ancient sights of Tokyo, it is impossible not to recall two famous temples in this city - Meiji Shrine and Asakusa Shrine. Emperor Meiji played exactly the same role in the fate of Japan as Tsar Peter I did for Russia. At the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, he led his country from the deepest Middle Ages to the leadership of world powers. The heirs appreciated the merits of the emperor and after his death they erected the Meiji Shrine - one of the most perfect examples of Shinto architecture, where the spirit of the deceased emperor and his wife has been revered for many decades. This temple is located among a living forest, like an oasis located in the very center of the city. Near the temple there is a beautiful iris garden, which is especially beautiful in June when the irises bloom. On weekends, lush wedding processions can be seen in and around the temple.
And Asakusa Temple is one of the oldest and main Buddhist temples in Tokyo. True, today on the site of the structure erected in the 6th century there is only a concrete copy, but this in no way detracts from the significance of the shrine. Nakamise Street, which is festively decorated at any time of the year, leads to the temple and has been the site of brisk trade for many centuries. And if once it sold exclusively religious objects, amulets and souvenirs, now “divine” goods have given way to clothes, shoes, bags and other ladies’ accessories. Shop owners expect that tourists who visit Asakusa Shrine and are in high spirits will definitely buy something.
In addition to these two temples, you can find many others in the Japanese capital. In Tokyo, both Shintoists (pagans) and Buddhists coexist peacefully. Among such temples, a special place is occupied by the Shinto Shrine of Peace in the country, located near the Imperial Palace. After the end of World War II, this temple was dedicated to all compatriots who died on the battlefields. And the museum opened at the temple tells in detail about those distant events.
Amazing objects of our time
Among the main attractions of Tokyo, created after the end of World War II, is. The Japanese are proud of it with the same reverence as the French are of their Eiffel Tower. In the middle of the last century, this tower was the tallest in the world (its height is more than 330 meters), but later lost the palm, although it is still included in the list of the 29 tallest buildings in the world. The tower is painted in traditional Japanese colors - white and red. At its top there are two observation platforms (at an altitude of 150 and 250 meters), from which picturesque and amazing views of Tokyo Bay and the city itself open. At the foot of the tower there are small shops, restaurants and museums (the Wax Museum and the Tokyo Guinness World Records Museum).
True, since the beginning of the new century, Tokyo Tower has been successfully competing with the observation deck located on the 52nd floor of the Roppongi Hills building complex. Here, from a bird's eye view, you can also get acquainted with the architectural development of the Japanese capital.
Another observation deck is located on the 45th floor in the new building of the Japanese City Hall, which was built in the Shinjuku area - one of the main administrative, financial and commercial centers of Tokyo.
During the winter months, you can even see the national symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji, from here.
Also in the Shinjuku area are Tokyo Opera City (this complex also houses the New National Theater) and Takashimaya Times Square (a huge shopping and entertainment complex).
Since there is not so much free land on the Japanese islands, the Japanese are persistently trying to “grab” at least crumbs of space by the sea by building man-made islands. Among the attractions of Tokyo is the man-made island of Odaiba, located in the middle of Tokyo Bay on the site of a former garbage dump. The island is connected to the city by the amazing Rainbow Bridge.
Today, on the island, which amazes all visitors to the Japanese capital with its appearance, there are office buildings, entertainment complexes, parks and attractions. The architecture of Odaiba has long been the face of modern Tokyo, and this place is worth a visit if only for the amazing view that opens up while traveling to the island from the window of the train moving along the automated monorail.
This is where the showrooms of leading Japanese companies Toyota and Panasonic are located. But tourists come here not only to get acquainted with the latest innovations in the field of automobile manufacturing and high technology, but also to admire the gorgeous views of Tokyo at night, illuminated by electric lights. When these lights are reflected in the waters of the bay, it seems that the Japanese capital is illuminated even from below. The man-made island also houses the National Museum of Science and Technical Innovation, the Museum of Maritime Art and one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels. The diameter of the Giant Sky Wheel is 115 meters, and it looks especially impressive in the evening, when it is illuminated by many colorful lights. The Ferris wheel makes a full circle in 16 minutes - this time is enough to enjoy contemplating the views of Tokyo Bay, the man-made island and the Japanese capital itself.
If you wish, in Tokyo you can come into contact with non-standard entertainment - visit the information center about safety rules and behavior during an earthquake. In addition to lectures and video demonstrations, the short training course also includes a simulation of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, which leaves tourists with an unforgettable experience.
Fashion centers and Japanese restaurants
Residents of the Japanese capital are also proud of their Omote-sando street, which is called Tokyo's Champs Elysees. Not so long ago, the world's leading high fashion companies opened their branches here, so you can often meet tourists from all over the world here. Prices in stores on Omote-sando are much lower than in other world capitals. And on this street there are cozy cafes and restaurants where Tokyo youth like to gather in the evening.
But if we consider the sights of Tokyo in terms of fashionable shops, then how can we not mention Ginza - a shopping showcase of Tokyo, where almost every walk along the streets of the Japanese capital ends. It is in this area that the best shopping shops and restaurants with authentic Japanese cuisine are concentrated. True, the prices in these establishments are simply exorbitant. Also in this area are the Kabuki Theater, one of the symbols of Japan, and the office of the Sony Corporation, which has a special hall demonstrating the latest developments of the famous manufacturer.
And all the flavor of Japanese trading and culinary traditions can be seen at the Tsukiji market - the largest vegetable and fish market in the country.Every day at 5 a.m., auctions for the sale of lots and individual tuna carcasses, which are one of the hallmarks of Tokyo, begin here. True, only the most resilient tourists can withstand this spectacle. And at 6 o’clock in the morning the doors of sushi bars open here, where visitors are already waiting for dishes from fish freshly purchased at the market.
Places for a pleasant stayTo fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle of Tokyo residents, you need to take time to visit the Samurai Sword Museum, the Tokyo Stock Exchange and attend a sumo wrestling competition at least once.
Tired of walking around the old city and modern quarters, you can relax in Tokyo gardens and parks - unique objects of Japanese culture. Most of them are created by hand, the landscape and vegetation in all parks are carefully thought out. Modern Tokyo cannot be imagined without parks such as Shinjuku (all the plants here are in the Japanese, English and French park traditions); Yoyogi (people of all ages gather here for picnics and outdoor activities); Rikugien (tourists are especially attracted to the artificial pond with islands and houses for the tea ceremony).
If you have free time, tourists are advised to visit the Japanese onsen baths - a kind of analogue of public baths, where the main procedure is immersion in a bath with heated mineral (or ordinary) water. In addition to bath treatments, many onsens also offer a wide range of spa services: sand baths, massages, peeling, beauty treatments and foot care with Garra Rufa fish (they feed on dead skin cells).
Tokyo is a young city by world standards. He is only 400 years old. Over its history, Tokyo has experienced many fires, devastating earthquakes and war, gave its name to an entire historical era, changed its name and its face.
Now modern Tokyo is a huge metropolis, merged with the neighboring cities of Kawasaki and Yokohama. At the same time, we can rightfully say that Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where antiquity coexists with modernity, European culture coexists with eastern culture, and the concrete jungle coexists with ancient temples.
Sights of TokyoWhat to see in Tokyo? It all depends on how much time you have to explore this huge metropolis. Below I list the most important attractions of Tokyo, which are the hallmark of the city.
Imperial Palace and Garden
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The Palace of the Emperor of Japan is located in the heart of Tokyo. The first castle buildings appeared here in the 16th century.
Today the castle territory is divided into two parts. The Imperial Palace itself is located in the western part. Here, in the Fukiage Garden, are the personal chambers of the current Emperor of Japan Akihito, his relatives and numerous courtiers. This part of the castle is closed to visitors.
In the eastern part of the castle, on the territory of the old fortress, the Eastern Garden of the Imperial Palace is now laid out.
The few buildings remaining from Edo Castle, as well as the stone walls of the castle, were declared a national treasure in 1963 and are protected by the state.
Tokyo Tower with observation deckOne of the symbols of the city is the Tokyo Tower. The Japanese are as proud of it as the French are of the Eiffel Tower. In the year of construction (1958), it was the tallest tower in the world. The tower has two observation decks offering stunning views of the city and Tokyo Bay.
Roppongi Hills - Tokyo's best viewpointSince 2003, the Tokyo Tower has been competing with the Roppongi Hills building complex, which houses 6 floors of shops, offices of large companies, a cinema, a Hyatt hotel, a television studio, a concert venue and many restaurants.
On the 52nd floor there is a wonderful observation deck, from where you can see the city from a bird's eye view, as well as get acquainted with plans for the further architectural development of Tokyo.
Happoen Garden - tea ceremony and Japanese garden artTea entered Japan in the 8th century. But only in the XV-XVI centuries. The tea ceremony turned into a kind of ritual and philosophical mini-performance, in which every detail, object, order of things had its own special, unique meaning.
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You can include a visit to a tea ceremony in your city tour. The tea ceremony lasts 20 minutes and is held either at a table or on the tatami.
Omote-sando and Harajuku area - the center of fashion and design |
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The Japanese call Omote-sando Street Tokyo's Champs Elysees. Recently, leading high fashion companies have opened their branches here. Prices in Omote-sando are comparatively lower, and fashion is more democratic than in Ginza, which is why this area is a favorite place to hang out among young people.
Meiji Shrine |
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Emperor Meiji played the same role in the fate of Japan as Peter I did in the history of Russia. At the end of the 19th century - the beginning of the 20th, he brought the country out of the dense Middle Ages into a number of world powers. The Japanese appreciated the emperor's deeds and after his death they built the Meiji Shrine, where the spirit of the deceased emperor and his wife is venerated.
Shinjuku - skyscraper districtThe Shinjuku area is one of the most important administrative and commercial subcenters of the capital. The first Japanese skyscrapers were built here. The new Tokyo City Hall building was also built here. There is an observation deck on the 45th floor.
Asakusa Buddhist TempleAsakusa Temple is one of the main and oldest Buddhist temples in Tokyo.
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The always festively decorated Nakamise street leads to the main building of the temple complex, which is essentially an endless series of shops (hence its name - “among the shops”). Since ancient times, near the temples there has been a brisk trade not only in religious objects, amulets and souvenirs, but also in all sorts of things, including food. This tradition has not been broken here either, and most of the shops sell things that are not “divine”: shoes, clothes, bags. The expectation is that a visitor to Asakusa who is in a good, festive mood will definitely buy something.
13 bridges of the Sumidagawa RiverPleasure steamers regularly cruise from Asakusa down the Sumidagawa River. There are 13 bridges across the river, each of which has its own history.
Odaiba - a man-made island in the middle of Tokyo BayThe river journey ends at the man-made island of Odaiba. Showrooms of Panasonic (Panasonic Show Room) and Toyota (Toyota Show Room) are located here. The island offers stunning views of Tokyo at night, illuminated by lights, and the magnificent Rainbow Bridge. The lights reflect on the calm waters of Tokyo Bay, where restaurant boats float, illuminated by red lanterns.
Ginza - Tokyo's shopping showcaseA tour of Tokyo ends with a walk around, where the most fashionable shops and the best restaurants of authentic Japanese cuisine are located.
Tsukiji Market |
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Tsukiji is the largest fish and vegetable market in the Japanese capital. The tuna carcass auctions, which take place at 5 a.m., are a special attraction that hardy tourists will definitely want to see. The first sushi bars open here at 6 a.m., serving sushi from fish freshly purchased at the market.
- Map of the Tsukiji market indicating the location of the tuna auction (PDF, 660Kb)
- . Be sure to read before heading to the market in the morning on your own!
Other attractions can be seen on the second day of your stay in Tokyo. These are the so-called "attractions of the second day"
- Samurai Sword Museum
- Wonderful Japanese-style gardens in Tokyo: Korakuen, Hamarikyu, Rikugien
- Tokyo Stock Exchange
- Sumo wrestling competitions (depending on the season), judo training at the Kodokan Hall
In Tokyo, it means you are going to the capital of Japan for the first time. Anyone who has been to Tokyo at least once knows that this city is full of not only historical buildings, but also modern structures that are of no less interest.
Tokyo is one of the youngest cities in Japan and one of the largest metropolises in the world. Along with New York and London, Tokyo is home to a cluster of stock exchanges. This city never sleeps. Its small streets and houses intertwine with skyscrapers, forming a subtle interweaving of history and modernity. Here, temples are frequent neighbors of shopping centers, and centuries-old buildings stand next to houses whose roofs are hidden behind the clouds. Tokyo consists of 23 districts, each of which represents a separate city in itself. The capital of Japan is not only the economic center, but also the political, industrial and cultural heart of this Asian country.
Tokyo is the capital of shopping and entertainment. What is the famous Tokyo Disneyland worth? It was built more than 20 years ago and several other large parks and entertainment complexes have grown around it. If you are looking for clubs and shopping, then you should definitely visit the Shibuya district, where several of Tokyo's tallest skyscrapers are located, as well as most of the headquarters of Japanese corporations. Tokyo is a city you can't help but visit. In this article we will look at what to see in Tokyo.
Meiji ShrineMeiji Shrine, or as it is also called Meiji Jingu, is the tomb of Emperor Meiji and his consort. It is of such interest to tourists because it is the largest sanctuary, which, by the way, appeared on a public initiative. The shrine is located in the Shibuya area, in one of its parks.
The temple owes its existence to a social movement that arose after the death of the emperor and his wife at the beginning of the last century. The Second World War burned the temple to ashes, however, it was successfully reconstructed.
The Meiji building is a unique temple format: cypress was used in its creation, and the building itself stands among a garden that can only be found in Japan. The garden is full of trees and shrubs thanks to the residents of Tokyo who decided to donate plants for the temple.
Sports competitions are often held in Meiji's outer garden. Also in the garden there is a memorial with as many as 80 frescoes depicting moments in the life of the emperor and his family.
To get to the temple you need to go to the Eega or Harajuku stops. You can also get to the temple by subway, taking the Chieda or Fukutoshin lines to Meiji Jingu-mae Station.
“The energy of the place is just great. I came here for a walk with my wife several times. The park around the temple is simply amazing, as is the temple itself. If you are lucky, you will meet a luxurious wedding on your way, they are often held there.”
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of the busiest areas of Tokyo. Shinjuku was once a tiny town located next to a postal station. Shinjuku today is a crowd of white collar workers and millions of night lights. It is in this area that the tallest skyscrapers of the Land of the Rising Sun are located, and the local train station has the largest capacity in the world. So, about 3.5 million people pass through it every day, which is not comparable to any other station in the world. The train station is the heart of the Shinjuku area.
Small shops and malls on half the street, outdoor advertising that has already blocked entire blocks, restaurants where you can taste the most unimaginable dishes - all this is Shinjuku. Separately, it is worth noting the Imperial Park, where you can stroll in peace and tranquility. This park is perhaps the only quiet place in the entire area.
You can get to the area by taking a train from Ueno Station to Shinjuku Station. The trip itself will take no more than 20 minutes.
“Great area, my husband and I really liked it. It’s noisy and crowded, of course, but there’s everything there: a place to go shopping, have a tasty snack, and just take a walk. If we come to Japan, we will definitely visit Shinjuku again.”
Miraikan Museum
Miraikan is a museum of the future, the main showcase of what Japan has achieved in the age of advanced technology. Astronautics, computer science, physics, biology and, of course, robotics. Here you can not only read the signs for the exhibits, but also see them in action: turn them around, look at them and even turn them on.
The museum has six floors, and as you walk through them you will not only look at advanced developments in the field of robotics, but also find out what is in a monkey’s head and how the Internet works. You should set aside at least half a day to visit the museum. The main exhibit is the humanoid robot ASIMO. Save it for dessert so you can spend at least a couple more days impressed by the museum. The museum is located at 2.3.6, Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, opening hours from 10:00 to 17:00.
“I was not impressed by the museum. The idea of the museum is not bad, but I expected a lot more from visiting it. Of course, the most interesting thing is a humanoid robot.”
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is a replica of the Eiffel Tower. It was built in 1958 for video and television broadcasting throughout Tokyo and Kanto. The height of the tower is just over 300 meters. Tokyo Tower is considered the world's tallest structure made of steel.
At night, the TV tower is illuminated by more than a hundred floodlights. The tower is painted white and orange. On the ground floor there is a huge aquarium, which is considered one of the best in Tokyo. This aquarium contains more than 40 thousand fish.
On the third level there is the Wax Museum, which in terms of the richness of its collection can compete with the famous Madame Tussauds museum. The 3rd tier also houses a holography exhibition.
“The tower is impressive. The height is more than 300 meters, there are several tiers where you can walk, as well as visit various shops and other interesting places.”
Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Market is one of the largest markets in Tokyo. Here you can buy anything: fish, fruits and vegetables, seafood, as well as meat and even flowers. More than 2 thousand tons of fish and other seafood are sold at this market per day.
This market does not sleep day or night: hurrying buyers, hospitable sellers, motorcyclists and motorists... Yes, this place can be considered one of the most colorful attractions of the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Every year there are only more and more visitors to the market. At the Tsukijo market you can not only buy groceries, but also visit the famous tuna auction, as well as go to the external market, where you can have a bite to eat at a Japanese restaurant or do a little shopping in boutiques. The market can be reached by taking the subway: Take the Hibiya Line until you reach Tsukijo Station.
“One of the best ratios in terms of price-quality.” Everything is cheap and fresh. Of course, the crowd of people is not very pleasing to Russian tourists, who are accustomed to a more relaxed pace of shopping, but the market is definitely worth a visit.”
National Theater No
Theater is an integral attribute of Japan, as are sushi, anime and the plaid skirts of Japanese schoolgirls. Noh theater is masks: cheerful, funny, sad and simply terrible. The theater is located in the temple of Melpomene, and performances are accompanied by drums and, of course, a flute. Noh theater makes an indelible impression on those who have become acquainted with Japanese culture.
Noh theater originated in the 14th century. The main idea of the theater is a story about the world of spirits, gods and demons, as well as the life of monks. Each performance lasts from 3 to 6 hours.
Ticket prices for performances range from 2,300 to 4,600 yen. But quite recently it found a second life: at the end of the last century, a huge building was purchased for the National Japanese Theater. It is located in the Shibuya area.
“The performance unexpectedly made a very strong impression on me. I would like to see something more like this in my life. Incomparable to any other theaters and performances that I have been lucky enough to attend.”
Kabuki-za Theater
The only theater dedicated to kabuki. It is located in the Chuo region. The Kabukiza theater is incredibly popular among both Japanese and visitors. It is located in a building that is believed to be the fifth incarnation of the theater, as the four previous buildings burned down.
This theater has 4 floors and almost 2 thousand seats. Near the theater there is the Kabuki-za Tower office building, and on the ground floor of the theater there are shops with souvenirs and tea houses.
The theater is aimed at tourists. So, you can use audio accompaniment and the audio guide will explain to you everything about the plot, role, costumes and the course of the performance itself.
“A very original performance. I remember it for many years. What I didn’t like was the audience: noisy and constantly chewing something.”
Toyota Mega Web Exhibition Center
Fans of supercars will definitely not remain indifferent from visiting this exhibition center. It has several floors, which form a huge complex, where you can not only admire the products of the Japanese automobile industry, but also visit an amusement park and Toyota showroom.
The exhibition center houses not only classic exhibits from the Japanese automobile industry, but also impressive “cars of the future.” The center provides visitors with the opportunity to even try out the cars in action. Fans of vintage cars will also appreciate the Toyota Mega Web center, where you can take pictures against the backdrop of cars from the 1950s to the 1970s.
There are as many as 6 exhibitions in the center museum. The most impressive and large exhibition is the Toyota City Showcase, where you can look at both existing models of the famous car concert and as yet unrealized concepts.
“In Siberia, Toyota is the most common car brand. I couldn't miss the opportunity to visit the museum and was not disappointed. For ridiculous money (about 100 rubles) you can arrange a real test drive. In general, I recommend visiting."
Disneyland and Disney Sea
This Disneyland became the second in the world after the American one. The amusement park is located in the Urayasu area and occupies just under 50 hectares. Tokyo Disneyland has 7 zones, and also has shops, restaurants and even. You can move between Disneyland facilities either on foot or by rail.
Among the thematic zones we can highlight “Fantasy Land”, “Toon Town” and “Toonland”, where you can meet not only Mickey Mouse, but also Cinderella, Chip and Dale, and Dumbo. Every evening there are shows and fireworks in the park.
Next to Disneyland there is a water park that travelers like even more than Disneyland itself. The water park is not as crowded as at Disneyland, and the attractions are designed more for adults than for children.
“We visited both Disneyland and the water park. I liked it both ways. There is a fast pass system that allows you to skip the line at popular attractions. Both Disneyland and the water park cannot be covered in one visit. I want to come back again."
Imperial Palace in Tokyo
The Imperial Palace is where the Emperor and his wife lived. The palace is surrounded by a wonderful garden and a water canal. The building is located in the heart of Tokyo. Visiting the attraction is free, however, you can enter the territory of the palace itself only if you register in advance. So, you can book a place to visit the attraction on its official website.
In the garden there is a wall made of stone that remembers the Edo era. A couple of centuries ago, the palace was given to the samurai. The palace has a wonderful collection of various art objects, such as paintings or painted Japanese kimonos.
Getting to the palace is easy: you can get to it by train from Narita Airport or from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station.
“Great place. Probably the most impressive thing I visited during my trip to Japan. The energy of the palace simply cannot be expressed in words.”