PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP TO TOKYO
Tokyo is a city of surprises where you can find ancient temples tucked away among contemporary skyscrapers and people dressed in traditional kimonos next to those sporting cosplay outfits. Tokyo is the world’s most populous city, but despite this, the streets can occasionally be eerily quiet.
You’ll find every modern convenience (and then some), but because Japan was isolated from the rest of the world for a long time, technology has developed in a way that reflects the Japanese psyche, English is not widely spoken, and the impact of globalization has not yet had a significant impact. It is a true breath of fresh air among the countless locations that lost themselves in their efforts to satisfy tourists and adhere to universal ideals.
Tokyo is a city full of contradictions and surprises that pique your interest and leave you wanting more. A 7th-century temple, ramen from a vending machine, and a sumo match can all be done in one day. Tokyo residents are generally polite and accommodating, but they also like to keep you on your toes. There are plenty of things to do, see, and eat there. You can see what I mean by visiting a maid cafe or a Babymetal concert.
Tokyo is an amazing, chaotic, and crazy city. Explore the early-morning fish market, tour the imperial palace, take in the stunning cherry blossoms, party in Tokyo’s hip nightlife area, sing karaoke, and eat a ton of delicious sushi (after all, this is Japan).
Love Tokyo. I love that it’s a fast-paced modern city that still embraces its traditional roots; it’s one of my favorite cities in the world and I can’t visit it enough. When you expect chaos, the crowds are orderly, and there is an endless supply of amazing things to see and do. There is no way you could get bored here for weeks.
Today, Tokyo provides tourists with what seems like an infinite number of options for dining, entertainment, shopping, and culture. Districts like Asakusa and a wide variety of top-notch museums, ancient temples, and gardens allow visitors to fully experience the city’s history. Contrary to popular belief, Tokyo also has a number of lovely green spaces within easy train rides of the city’s center.
You may come across articles claiming that Tokyo is a year-round destination. While that may be true, some months are definitely better than others.
Spring and Fall are typically the best times to visit Tokyo. The weather is ideal and it gives you the opportunity to experience the cherry blossoms in spring and the colorful foliage of fall.
Admire the Sensoji Temple
The original Buddhist temple, which was constructed in the 7th century, is close to the Asakusa train station. A five-story pagoda and the renowned Kaminarimon, also known as the “Thunder Gate,” which was built in 941, are located near the current resurrected temple, which is exquisitely painted in deep reds. It is surrounded by modern skyscrapers.
Throughout the grounds, there are statues of various ancient gods and goddesses, lanterns, and more. The main hall contains a sizable statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The grounds are open round-the-clock and free to enter. From October to March, the temple opens at 6:30 a.M., but is open daily from 6 a.M. To 5 p.M.
Check out the Tokyo Tower
This brilliant replica of the Eiffel Tower, which was built in 1957 and has since been joined by numerous other towers across the nation, is made entirely of steel and stands about 333 meters (1,092 feet) tall. Prior to the “Skytree”‘s” construction in 2010 (SkyTree admission costs 1,800 JPY when booked online), it was Tokyo’s tallest building.
Although the main observation deck’s views are equally impressive (it’s 150 meters/492 feet up), you can pay to go up to the top floor of the Tokyo Tower, where you can get expansive views of the city from a distance of 250 meters (820 feet). You might even see Mount Fuji on a clear day. Fuji. It costs 1,200 JPY or 2,800 JPY to enter the top deck. At the tower base and main deck level, there are also a lot of eateries, stores, and exhibits that are kid- and kid-at-heart-friendly.
View the Toyosu and Tsukiji Fish Markets
When it first opened in 1935, Tsukiji Fish Market quickly became known as the world’s premier wholesale fish market. While the Tsukiji inner market (with its renowned tuna auctions) is closed, you can still visit the outer market, which has endless rows of wholesale stalls and restaurants serving seafood straight from Toyosu. For roughly $13,500, visitors can take a food and beverage tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market.