Tokyo is an ultramodern metropolis brimming with centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge technologies, providing many exciting places and activities for visitors and residents. Here are a few great spots you should visit when in this bustling metropolis.
No trip to Tokyo would be complete without experiencing Shibuya Crossing’s famed scramble intersection, where you can also enjoy themed cafes such as maid cafes with waitresses in cute outfits, or cat cafes filled with fluffy felines! San Francisco to Tokyo transportation is available through Cathay Pacific.
1. Tsukiji Honganji Temple
Tsukiji Honganji Temple stands out as an iconic structure that brings together traditional Japanese and Western architectural styles, making it a popular tourist attraction from around the globe. Admirers often comment on its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere; as well as being host to various activities including prayer and meditation sessions.
Tsukiji Honganji Temple’s main hall was constructed in 1934 under the direction of Ito Chuta, a renowned architect with studies in India, China and Turkey. His goal was to design a temple that represented Japan’s spirit and culture while reflecting Japanese values such as perseverance and wisdom – so there are elements from different countries like winged lions and animals as well as stained glass windows with Islamic arches incorporated into its design – alongside elegant black-and-gold color scheme as well as large Buddha statue.
Yasunaga Yugen took over as head priest at this temple in 2015 with the goal of making it more open and welcoming to visitors. He accomplished this goal decluttering its grounds and adding activities for visitors to enjoy, such as clearing away overgrown trees and shrubs that had obscured light from entering, clearing away overgrown tree roots that blocked light, installing cafes, as well as selling books related to Buddhism or religious subjects at their bookstore.
Tsukiji Honganji Temple not only features exquisite temple buildings but also has an interesting museum and events throughout the year, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. For more information please visit their website.
2. Akihabara
Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, is at the epicenter of Japan’s geek culture. A vibrant area filled with wide streets and giant screens that transport you directly into an anime set here (if that anime happens to take place here!). Though not for everyone, Akihabara still offers plenty of exciting things to do and see.
Akihabara is a must for any true fan of Japanese animation and manga. Activities in Akihabara center around visiting shops selling merchandise from your favorite shows or games – everything from body pillows and key chains to school folders will be on sale here! Some recommended stores include Animate, Mandarake and Lashinbang.
Akihabara offers visitors another delightful activity – visiting one of its Maid Cafes! These themed eateries feature waitstaff dressed as maids or butlers to serve patrons food and beverages. Cure is one of Akihabara’s most beloved Maid Cafes; in fact, it was one of its first.
Make sure to visit Kanda Myojin Shrine; its popularity has recently skyrocketed due to the anime series Love Live! School Idol Project, prompting many fans of this animated show to make pilgrimages there in support of it.
If you’re planning a visit to Akihabara, there are a number of hotels near which provide great rates and are within walking distance to main attractions and the Washington Hotel and Super Hotel Premier Akihabara are two prominent examples. Both offer comfortable rooms at a reasonable cost.
3. Daikanyama
Daikanyama, located just one train ride away from Shibuya’s bustle, offers sophisticated yet relaxed luxury. Dubbed Vogue “the Brooklyn of Tokyo”, Daikanyama features elegant low-rise buildings as well as boutique shops and cafes catering to Tokyo’s fashionable crowd.
Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya and you’ll arrive at Daikanyama Station within about 20 minutes, where Kyu-yatemate-dori offers many of the area’s premier restaurants and shopping spots. Take the central exit to Kyu-yatte-dori to access more great dining and shopping experiences in Daikanyama!
Find niche art galleries like those in Roppongi and underground music venues like Shimokitazawa as well as plenty of trendy boutiques that rival Ginza here. This area is the ideal way to spend an enjoyable day shopping, taking a drink break in one of Tokyo’s charming cafes, and sampling some of Tokyo’s delicious food offerings.
At the center of Daikanyama lies the stylish Daikanyama Address Dixsept complex, where fashionable boutiques and high-end accessory stores form an upscale environment. Here, it’s easy to spot local fashionistas as well as see what Tokyo’s young people are sporting this season.
Daikanyama is known for its eclectic coffee shops. Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line to reach Daikanyama Station’s central exit and head up Kyu-yamate-dori to Caffe Michelangelo – often featured in travel magazines and fashion shoots – before continuing up Kyu-yamate-dori to Kyu-yamate-dori for Tsutaya Books: an upscale bookstore where customers can relax with coffee while perusing new releases or getting creative services such as having classic films burned onto DVD or monogrammed stationary monogrammed on the same day!
4. Art Aquarium Museum Ginza
After enjoying great success as a seasonal event in Nihonbashi, the Art Aquarium Museum (also known as Goldfish Forest) found a permanent home at Ginza’s Mitsukoshi department store. This unique “life inhabited museum” features goldfish as living artworks through creative fish tank displays which use lighting, scent, and sound effects to create an enthralling ambience.
Navigating through different themed areas such as Procession of Courtesan and Round Window Rium will reveal stunning visual effects as you admire beautiful golden fish swimming in glass bowls. But, for maximum visual impact, check out Forest of Goldfish where cylindrical tanks arranged like tree trunks display beautiful lighting effects that pulse and change as you wander.
Check the museum’s website regularly for special events that could add something extra special to your experience. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier at museums, so planning your visit during the week would likely be best.
After exploring Tokyo’s luxury shopping district of Ginza, stroll through boutiques and designer stores. Don’t miss stopping at Ginza Six to take in its spectacular views and visit its roof terrace – designed as an oasis of greenery to enhance outdoor experience!
Ginza offers many tempting sushi restaurants and ramen bars perfect for lunch or dinner, such as Kagari with its high-quality ingredients and exquisite presentation of each dish, or more casual dining options such as YUZU with fantastic prices and delectable sushi dishes.
5. Yayoi Kusama Museum
Art lovers must visit this museum! Established in 2017 and dedicated to Yayoi Kusama’s work – known for her signature polka dots and immersive mirror rooms, but the museum also displays her paintings and sculptures – this new museum opened its doors last year and should not be missed!
Kusama herself established the museum to showcase her works and advance art itself. Its exhibits present her as an extraordinary talent who used creativity to overcome hallucinations and fear that had pervaded her life from an early age.
Visits to the museum are highly recommended, but be mindful that it can become extremely crowded. Admissions are strictly capped so as to prevent overcrowding; visitors should book their ticket online prior to coming. 90-minute slots are offered and payment can be made using any major credit card.
The first floor of the museum displays works from Kusama’s early career, with an emphasis on her paintings and sculptures inspired her childhood in the 1930s, where art provided an outlet to express hallucinations, anxiety, and other feelings she was feeling at that time.
From the second floor, visitors can observe several of Kusama’s infinity room installations – these rooms create the impression that space is infinite when filled with multiple small reflective surfaces that creates the appearance that space is endless. Furthermore, this museum showcases several dotted pumpkin sculptures as well as paintings called Searching for Love from her series that began back in 2009.
