Tokyo

• Discover Tokyo: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

It’s hard to keep up with Tokyo as it constantly evolves, with new buildings rising beside historic temples and parks. The neon lights shine bright, but quiet spots remain where you can escape the hustle and bustle. In quirky cafés, you’ll find the latest trends, while traditional practices still thrive in sumo training halls and serene shrines.

• Imperial Palace East Gardens

As the Emperor’s residence, the Imperial Palace is not open to the public, but you can visit the East Gardens. These gardens surround the remains of Edo Castle, which was the home of Japan’s rulers until 1888. While the main buildings are no longer standing, you can walk along the moat, entrance gates, and the impressive stone city walls. The gardens have beautiful pathways lined with pine and maple trees, ponds with water lilies, and a small tea plantation. If you visit in March, you’ll see the flowerbeds in bloom.

• Ginza Shopping District

Ginza is a shopping haven, featuring some of Japan’s priciest real estate. You’ll find luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton alongside unique Japanese shops. Check out Natsuno for over 2,500 types of chopsticks, or Morioka Shoten, which sells only one book each week. You can also stop by the first Hello Kitty store and enjoy a delicious anpan, a sweet red bean bun, from a local café.

• Shinjuku: The City Within a City

Shinjuku buzzes with energy, filled with skyscrapers, shopping malls, and tiny eateries. The area comes alive at night with flashing neon signs and lively music. You can get a great view of the district from the observatory deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. For a night out, visit fashionable wine bars or explore Golden Gai, known for its cozy bars and restaurants.

• Harajuku: Youth Culture and Fashion

Harajuku has been the center of Japanese youth culture since the 1970s. The streets are lined with independent shops offering a wide range of styles. On Sundays, Takeshita-Dori Street hosts a parade of unique street fashion, featuring everything from Lolita dresses to cosplay costumes based on popular anime characters.

• Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 645 AD. Legend says that two fishermen discovered a Buddha statue in the Sumida River and built the temple to honor it. Enter through Kaminarimon Gate to see the beautiful temple complex. Although some structures are modern, stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items have been here since the 18th century. Don’t miss the tradition of wafting incense smoke over yourself for good health at the Bentendo Shrine.

• Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world. When the light turns green, over 1,000 people cross the street in a chaotic yet coordinated manner. It’s especially lively on Friday and Saturday nights, and after the last train, it becomes eerily quiet.

• Meiji Shrine

Built to honor Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Meiji Shrine is surrounded by a peaceful forest donated by people across Japan. Wide paths lead you through this tranquil space, where you can write letters to the deities or leave wooden prayer plaques. The shrine is a popular spot for weddings, so you might witness a traditional ceremony while you’re there.

• Night Photography Tour

Join a night photography tour to capture Tokyo’s vibrant lights. A local photographer will show you how to use a tripod and long exposures to enhance your night shots of busy streets and neon signs, while also taking you to less popular spots for unique perspectives.

• Sumo Wrestling

Sumo wrestling, a sport with deep roots in Shinto traditions, is celebrated in Tokyo. You can attend a tournament at Ryōgoku Kokugikan or visit a sumo training stable to see the athletes in action. Tour guides explain the rituals and lifestyle of the wrestlers, and you can try chanko nabe, a hearty stew enjoyed by sumo wrestlers.

• Samurai Training

Learn from Tetsuro Shimaguchi, a well-known samurai sword artist, in a dojo setting. You’ll practice basic movements, stances, and even try a choreographed sword fight under the guidance of an expert.

• Best Time to Visit Tokyo

The best times to visit Tokyo are from September to November and from March to early May, when the weather is mild and rainy days are minimal. However, these are busy periods, so it’s wise to book in advance. While winter brings heavy snowfall and summer can be hot and humid, visiting outside peak times is still enjoyable.