Guide to Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, the largest city in the world, is the capital of Japan and overflows with culture, commerce and people.

Japan has something for every traveller, from those seeking peace, tranquility and history of ancient Old Tokyo to the gleaming future and bustling, yet organised, modern centre.

Top reasons to visit Tokyo

Explore Japanese history, learning the way of the Shogun and samurai.

Watch sports such as traditional Sumo wrestling, or baseball

Visit famous movie locations such as New York Bar, on the 52nd floor of Park Hyatt, setting of ‘Lost in Translation’.

Enjoy the home of sushi, the world-famous raw fish/vegetable/rice dish with endless variety.

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Main areas of Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolis covers 23 regions, over 2,000 square kilometres, and spans to the mountains in the west and the subtropical islands to the south.

The main suburbs of Tokyo are Yokohama, Kawasaki and Chiba, which spread outwards from the Yamanote Line.

Kyoto

Was the original Imperial power base, where the emperor and imperial family lived until after the Meji Restoration, when they moved from what was then called Edo and renamed the city Tokyo.

Top Attractions in Tokyo

• Boat ride along Sumida River from Asakusa, or Inokashira Park
• Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea)
• Sanrio Euroland (Hello Kitty)
• Yurikamome elevated train
• ferris wheel at Odaiba district
• Baseball at Tokyo Dome (Yomiuri Giants), Jingu Stadium (Tokyo Yakult Swallows)
• Public baths (sent) - LaQua, Oedo Onsen
• Imperial Palace East Gardens
• sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market

Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the fashion and cosmetic centres of the Eastern world, and along with electronics, antiques, anime magazines, Hello Kitty items and kimonos, shopping is intensive and frantic here.

Bear in mind cash is the main method of payment in Tokyo shops, and credit cards are not always widely accepted.

• Antiques - Antique Mall in Ginza, Antique Market in Omotesando
• Books - Jinbocho, Blue Parrot
• Cameras/Electronics - Akihabara
• Fashion - Shibuya, Harajuku
• Department stores - Seibu, Tobu, Sogo, Marui Man, Takashimaya
• Kitchenware - Kappabashi Street
• Music - Ochanomizu
• Souvenirs - Nakamise, Oriental Bazaar
• Markets - Yanaka Ginza, Ameyoko

Eating in Tokyo

Tokyo local delicacies include:-

• sushi (nigirizushi) - fish pressed onto rice
• tempura - prawn or vegetable in crispy batter with sauce
• unagi
• ramen (noodles)

Look out for Red Pepper, a free guide to local restaurants with pictures, maps and vouchers.

Recommended restaurants include Gonpachi, Fuglen Tokyo, Harajukugyozaro, Nihonryori Ryugin, Ippudo Ramen, Ichiran, Akihabara Radio Kaikan, Matsuya, Yabusoba, Kujiraya and La Bisboccia.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Tokyo

The party never stops in Tokyo, with an abundance of great bars, karaoke spots, lounges and nightclubs.

Two typical Japanese experiences are ‘all you can drink’ menus (nomihodai) , usually 90 to 120 minutes long, or the more traditional izakaya - a smaller, pub-like atmosphere.

Tourists and non-locals are better visiting areas such as Roppongi, Shibuya, Ginza, Ebisu or Shinjuku.

• Bars - Popeye, Beer Station, The Hub
• Cocktails/Lounges - New York Bar, Gen Yamamoto, Kamiya Bar,
• Drinking Tours - Bar Quest Roppongi
• Museums - Ghibli Studios, Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Modern Art, Ueno Zoo, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovations
• Theatres - National Noh Theatre, Kabuki-za
• Music - Nippon Budokan

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