Tokyo – What to see in the biggest metropolis in the world

Tokyo, the world´s biggest metropolis in fascinating Japan

Tokyo is the bustling capital of Japan. Tokyo is a wonderful travel destination with a mix of ultramodern and traditional cultures. Known for its temples, festivals, and its rich cultural heritage, the city has been a favorite place for travelers and tourists of recent decades. The magical aura and impeccable beauty will make you fall in love with this amazing city. Skyscrapers, shopping centers, lollipops Japanese style, and a vibrant atmosphere are the things that will captivate your eyes. We cover it all.

Autumn in hidden park in Tokyo Bay Japan with view on skyscrapers and bridge on background during nice sunny day. Autumn in a hidden park in Tokyo Bay Japan with view on skyscrapers and bridge on the background during nice sunny day.

Tokyo, home of 10 Mio people

Tokyo is not only the capital of Japan but also the heart of all activities related to business, finance, science, contemporary culture, fashion, and entertainment. In addition to being an important cultural center in the world, it also houses some of the most innovative technological advances of today. Moreover, the city is by far one of the best tourist destinations in the world today.

 

Tokyo - Japan, Asakusa Temple Tokyo – Japan, Asakusa Temple

The bustling capital of Japan, Tokyo, is also a wonderful travel destination with a mix of ultramodern and traditional cultures. Known for its temples, festivals and its rich cultural heritage, the city has been a favorite place for travelers and tourists of recent decades. The magical aura and impeccable beauty will make you fall in love with this amazing city. Skyscrapers, shopping centers, lollipops, and vibrant atmosphere are the few things that will captivate your eyes.

Autumn in hidden park in Tokyo Bay Japan with view on skyscrapers and bridge on background during nice sunny day.

Autumn in a park in Tokyo Bay Japan with view on skyscrapers and bridge on background during a nice sunny day.

Tokyo is not only the capital of Japan but also the heart of all Japanese activities related to business, finance, science, contemporary culture, fashion, and entertainment. In addition to being an important cultural center in the world, it also houses some of the most innovative technological advances of today. Moreover, the city is by far one of the best tourist destinations in the world today.

A city full of contradictions, Tokyo is overwhelmed with its crowds, hyperactive neon, incessant noise, and unusual smells. In Tokyo, things are permanently rooted in culture or exist for a fleeting moment: pop groups have a lifespan of two weeks, while sumo traditions are carried out in the same place and form as for centuries. Tokyo has the latest trends in everything, fashion, clubs, food: you can buy almost anything in vending machines 24 hours a  day (which never seem to be out of order) and take naps at any time of the day in your own capsule when overwhelmed by All karaoke, kabuki, temple visits, and space-age shopping. Many of the best places to stay in Tokyo are within reach of all these things!

Things to do in Tokyo before and after the Olympic Games.

Robot restaurants and hotels

The extravagance of the high-tech machine with striking neon lights … is there any other place as unrealistic as this? Robot Restaurant is a crazy and entertaining place to watch the robot show while dining. The restaurant valued at 10 billion yen is located in the Shinjuku area, the largest red district in Tokyo often called “districts never sleep.” Of the hundreds of nightclubs in the area, the Robot Restaurant stands out for being totally unique and is something that can never be found anywhere in the world. It is entertainment on steroids, Take a look!

What to eat in Tokyo

We made a whole article on that subject with more than 30 dishes to choose from.

Japanese food from a-z

Japanese food from a-z

 

Robot hotels in China and robot hotels, wanna see how?

Robot restaurants in China: Hotpot made by robots

Outside Toky: Climbing Mount Fuji – why not?

We can count it as a day trip from Tokyo. If you are in Tokyo during the Olympic Games or at any other time, do not hesitate to experience this exclusive adventure. It will make your Olympic trip unforgettable, and you can even exceed your expectations at the same time adding pristine nature to your Tokyo trip. This is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Tokyo.

Mount Fuji and Lake Shojiko at sunrise in Japan

Mount Fuji and Lake Shojiko at sunrise in Japan

The official climbing season of Mount Fuji is from the beginning of July until the middle of September. There are four hiking trails designated to climb the mountain. Among them, the Yoshida trail is the most popular for both tourists and locals. To begin your trekking trip, you must first reach the 5th station of the Fuji Subaru line by direct buses from the Shinjuku bus terminal in Tokyo.
All kinds of useful hiking equipment, including food, can be purchased at the 5th station of the Fuji Subaru Line. Therefore, if you need anything, shop at the stores you find there.
To climb Mount Fuji, one must be prepared with the necessary accessories for walking, drinks, and food. And it takes determination, time and preparation to climb the mountain. On the other hand, if you think you don’t have so much time for this expedition, there is an alternative.

Outside Tokyo: Climb the smaller Mount Takao, one hour from down-town Tokyo

You also walk tot he top of Takaosan (Mount Takao). It is easy to climb the mountain with little preparation.Mount Takao is a mountain in the city of Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan. It is protected within Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. Standing 599 metres tall and located within an hour of downtown Tokyo, it is a popular hiking spot, with eight hiking courses and more than 2.5 million annual visitors.  In addition, there is a beer garden known as Mt. Takao Beer Mount. The food and drinks it offers are very delicious.

Mount Takao

Sumidagawa River Fireworks Festival in Asakusa One of the major fireworks displays of Tokyo. The evening sky of Edo-town Asakusa is brightly colored with several tens of thousands of fireworks. It is the night sky masterpiece with old Japanese house silhouette.

The Sumidagawa River Fireworks Festival in Asakusa is one of the major fireworks displays in Tokyo. The evening sky of Edo-town Asakusa is brightly colored with several tens of thousands of fireworks. It is a night sky masterpiece with an old Japanese house silhouette.

Enjoy fireworks shows, that will blow your mind

An essential part of the summer games in Tokyo will be the fireworks display throughout the capital. Fireworks celebrations begin with the Kamakura Fireworks Festival on July 10 and the Kurihama Perry Fireworks Festival on July 13 and include everything from classical shows (Sumida River, Jingu Gaien) to special festivals with movie themes (Chofu), and even smaller. large scale in western forests (Ome).
It is time to dust off your yukata, ensure the best observation spot well in advance, and enjoy the colorful show while enjoying a tasty festival meal. And if you need a drink after the show, try one of the best bars or restaurants open 24 hours a day.
Every year, people come and gather to see more than 12,000 fireworks coloring the summer night sky. Popular Japanese musicians also come to play in the place.

Tokyo, Japan, October 2017: People in the metro train subway in Tokyo City, Japan

Tokyo, Japan. People in the metro train subway in Tokyo City

Try refreshing Kakigori or shaved ice

Shaved ice is the representative of sweets during the summer in Japan. The typical Kakigori is created by shaving the ice so that it looks like snow and then syrup is put on top, but each store has its own unique variations. The shaved ice here uses natural ice that has been frozen by natural means and then finely shaved by hand, as in the old days. This shaved ice is very thin and therefore very soft in the mouth. Try some of this shaved ice that comes with homemade syrup and fresh fruits grown in different parts of the country.

Tokyo, Kakigori shaved ice

Kakigori shaved ice

These days, the city has given the humble Kakigori a gourmet makeover with a growing list of unique flavors and premium toppings. The classic strawberry will always be there, so why not opt for something elegant like red wine and white peach yogurt or avocado mascarpone?

 

Enjoy the cool breeze at the amazing Nihanbasi-based Eco Edo Nihonbashi art aquarium.

Every year they celebrate an event in the Nihonbashi area called “Eco Edo Nihonbashi” in the summer. This event is a modernized version of a piece of wisdom to cool off the heat of summer, which originated in the Edo period (1603 to 1867). They hold many events over the period of time, but the most spectacular would be the art aquarium, which features thousands of goldfish in an exhibition. This practice originated in how the people of Edo watched the goldfish to free themselves from the heat. There are also around 76 stores that sell products and sweets with a theme of goldfish. You can enjoy the cool summer breeze with the five senses during this event.

Eco Edo Nihonbashi link

 

Tokyo, Japan. Sumo fighters and sumo wrestlers training in sumo stables preparing for the sumo tournament in Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo, Japan. Sumo fighters and sumo wrestlers training in a sumo tournament in Tokyo, Japan.

Roar in a real sumo match

Seriously, how can you not want to do this? Go to Ryōgoku Kokugikan, a sumo-covered stadium, and buy a ticket to watch a real sumo match! You would think that there isn’t much for a well-trained man who pushes each other, but it’s really quite exciting! And if you really want to experience the whole package: the roaring crowd, the atmosphere full of energy and possibly throwing cushions after a particularly exciting game, then Friday and Saturday nights would be the best option for you. Alternatively, if you are interested in seeing sumo stars up close, sign up to see sumo training early in the morning!

Every Sunday each week, teens and young adults meet in Harajuku to show off a variety of clothing styles in Tokyo, Japan. Also known as Harajuku fashion.

Every Sunday each week, teens and young adults meet in Harajuku to show off a variety of clothing styles in Tokyo, Japan. Also known as Harajuku fashion.

Gauge the latest trends in Harajuku

This elegant district is the place where the funkiest, most extravagant, and most up-to-date fashion trends emerge. Go to the Jingu Bridge on weekends and enjoy a fashion show of the Harajuku subculture fashionistas: those extravagant styles will literally brighten your day! Meanwhile, shop at various fashion stores (tip: dress like a Lolita doll at Juliette’s House!), Eat, and just walk to immerse yourself in the vibes of this elegant and trendy district.

Close-up view of Sakura flowers cherry blossoms by Katsura River with traditional roofed boats Yakatabune parking by the riverside in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan~ Beautiful Japanese scenery in spring

Sakura flowers cherry blossoms by Katsura River with traditional roofed boats Yakatabune parking by the riverside in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan~ Beautiful Japanese scenery in spring

Go on a bay cruise on a Yakatabune

Enjoying the water on a Yakatabune, a traditional wooden pleasure boat is another of Tokyo’s long-standing summer traditions. Also found in Kyoto and other cities. Most of the time, these low barges are rented by groups for private parties, but Tsukishima Monja Yakatabune accepts reservations for its group cruises of only two people.

Traditional Japanese formal gardens, including water feature, sculptured trees and hedges, Imperial Palace Gardens,Kōkyo Higashi-gyoen, Tokyo, Japan.

Traditional Japanese formal gardens, including water features, sculptured trees, and hedges, Imperial Palace Gardens, Kōkyo Higashi-gyoen, Tokyo, Japan.

The best places to stay in Tokyo (also tips for the Olympics period)

Tokyo is huge, and although public transportation is excellent, it will be very crowded during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.
The Olympic venues are located in two zones: the Heritage Zone and the Tokyo Bay Zone.
The Heritage Zone is on the west side of downtown Tokyo.
The Tokyo Bay area is located on the Odaiba and Tatsumi Islands, both in Tokyo Bay.

It may be hard to find accommodations during the Olympics Games

If you plan to attend the Summer Games, or are just beginning to consider your trips, we recommend that you try to finalize your plans as soon as possible.
Given Japan’s dramatic increase in popularity in recent years, and during the late phases of the Corona virus, hotel beds may be harder to find. Tokyo is experiencing a hotel boom, but luxury accommodation capacity is extremely limited.

The Summer Games always have an extraordinarily high demand and, combined with the remarkable popularity of Japan, it is safe to say that many travelers will end up planning too late for their preferred accommodations.

The Tokyo Station Hotel

Disney is big in Tokyo: No less than 4 hotels from Deluxe to affordable – by many. All with the Disney brand visible everywhere and even with its own mono rail train taking you from a-z within the parameters of the Disney world area.

The Tokyo Station Hotel offers fantastic eastern and western style at Tokyo’s main station. This hotel, dating from around 1915, feels opulently European with antiques, chandeliers and large windows. There are 150 rooms plus a selection of lively bars and restaurants.

The Tokyo Station Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel

Shangri-La Hotels is a chain of top of the line hotels in carefully selected places like Bangkok, Hongkong, Manila etc.
Luxury defined in this central property includes spectacular views of the city. Contemporary rooms have huge glass windows, pampering bathrooms and have all modern comforts. Find a number of restaurants and bars, a shabby spa and easy access to the city, which makes it an excellent option, if you value a quality stay.

 

The Tokyo Disneyland Hotel located in front of the Tokyo Disneyland park with the Tokyo Disneyland station of the Disney Resort Line monorail system in Chiba, Japan

The Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

Disney is omnipresent, also in Tokyo with an impressive and a sure bet hotel. The Tokyo Disneyland Hotel located in front of the Tokyo Disneyland park with the Tokyo Disneyland station of the Disney Resort Line monorail system in Chiba, Japan.

Tokyo Disney Hotel

Four Marunouchi Tokyo Stations

A sophisticated five-star hotel with a central location in the city. The rooms have stunning views from floor to ceiling windows. An elegant restaurant serves excellent French cuisine combined with an excellent wine list. Exit to the luxury area of Marunouchi. 

Four Marunouchi

The Agnes Hotel And Apartments

A small elegant hotel in a quiet neighborhood. Simply dressed rooms have white sheets, floor-to-ceiling windows and large bathrooms (by Tokyo standards). An elegant restaurant serves French cuisine using only seasonal products. Arrangements for long stay are available. Very chic.

The Agnes Hotel, Tokyo

Andon Ryokan

A traditional guest house in a quiet neighborhood. The simple rooms are traditionally dressed with folding futons, large windows and almost nothing else. The living room is a more contemporary affair with new era furniture and striking colors. A friendly base for travelers on a budget.

 

One@Tokyo Tokyo

A bold company designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma, in the center of Oshiage, east of Tokyo. The intersecting wooden exterior sets the tone for the industrial conversion plywood and the interior concrete design. The rooms vary from comfortable to luxurious and the rooftop offers unbeatable views of the city.

Shibuya Granbell Hotel

A vibrant hotel in the heart of Tokyo. The rooms come in a variety of sizes and styles for all budgets. The design is contemporary with cheerful touches coming from touches of color and large candlesticks. Pizzas and drinks are served until dawn.

Keio Plaza Hotel

Japan’s first skyscraper hotel next to Tokyo’s busy Shinjuku station attracts guests who want to try Japanese culture. Choose Premier Grand rooms on the upper floors to enjoy first-class luxury with stunning views. A spectacular variety of restaurants and a rooftop pool make it difficult to beat.

Chinzanso Hotel

An elegant luxury property surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens. The rooms have a European-style air with heavy antique furniture, chandeliers and chintz fabrics. The proportions are huge (by Tokyo standards) and the views stunning. A quiet refuge within a bustling city.

Rayawadee Resort, Thailand

Rayawadee Resort, Thailand

Book Japan tours with top travel agencies

See tours, prices, dates and travel agency, and book safely using TourRadar, a world leader in ready-to-go travel tours.

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

Essential Japan

Japan One Life Adventures – 10 Days

Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

Japan Adventure

Visit Japan and Asia

Japan

You can certainly put together your own itinerary, or there are many travel agencies/tour operators that offer package tours that take in all the sights with guided excursions in a number of languages, who will ensure that everything runs smoothly. Everything is taken care of for you, and you may feel more comfortable with this option.

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