The 13 essential things to do in Tokyo

You go to Japan and you don’t know what to visit in Tokyo, take a look at our 13 contours in Tokyo! Follow the guide!

Visiting Tokyo is a megalopolis of nearly 14 million inhabitants. No worry, because the capital is, in fact, a mosaic of neighbourhoods, each with a very special soul. Everyone visits easily on foot, or by bike , and to go from one to another, metro very easily. Everything is perfectly indicated in the Roman and Japanese alphabet, and just follow the colors of the lines.

You will constantly pass between ancestral traditions and futuristic life, both forming a colorful high patchwork. We invite you to discover the 13 essential things to visit Tokyo at best.

1. Shopping in Ginza, Shibuya and Shinjuku

Impossible to visit Tokyo without going at least once Shibuya . You probably already know this neighborhood, it is the one who owns one of the most frequented crossroads in the world. What a spectacle that the observation of the crowd crossing in continuous lines! All of these pedestrians go to one of the fashion shops buildings in this neighborhood.

A Ginza , the atmosphere is different, we are in the temple of luxury. If you’re looking for an unusual garment, it’s definitely there to go.

For a more differentiated shopping, it is on the side Shinjuku we have to go. You will find everything in the countless commercial galleries, and the latest photo equipment in Electric Street.

2. Akihabara

Who says Japan says advanced electronic equipment. In Akihabara, it is not a street, but a city that can be described as electric! About ten minutes from Central Station , you will bathe in a very agitated atmosphere. Blinking neons, audible advertisements announce major electronic stores. Armed with patience, they are many.

You can take a break in a video games room or a Mayd coffee , where your drinks will be served by waitress in domestic uniform. The district is also the realm of manga and figurines, a must remember any visit to Tokyo.

3. Museums

What to do in Tokyo to grow? It is impossible to visit Tokyo without making one of its museums, to learn more about the city and the country. We advise you in particular:

• Edo-Tokyo: Located in the Ryogoku district, this museum is located in a building built in 1993. The building’s architecture is inspired by a former warehouse and everything has been designed to make the visit as fun as possible. Inside, you will cross Japanese history, from the EDO period, in the 1600s, to the present day. Allow at least 4 hours for the visit. Outside, the Museum of Outdoor Architecture presents Japanese habitat through the centuries.
• Hokusai Museum: Not far from the Edo-Tokyo, is the brand new Hokusai Museum. You will contemplate the landscapes characteristic of the work of this Japanese artist, born in 1760 in this area. The author of the famous Vague does not leave indifferent.
• Ghibli: if you liked The trip of Chihiro and My neighbor Totoro, go to Mitaka, in the western suburbs. This museum is dedicated to the director Miyazaki and his magical world.

4. TeamLab Borderless

The Art Gallery MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM is not a museum, but a sort of laboratory of digital experiences. His other name is indeed TeamLab Borderless .

A hundred participants from the digital world, whether scientific or artistic, immerse you in the world of virtual image. Small or large, you will also become actor, thanks to interactive installations and specially designed spaces for children.

5. The Toyosu market

You probably heard about it. Tsukiji market , known to be one of the must-sees in Tokyo. It was no longer adapted to current standards and a new fishing temple was opened 3 km from the old . The presence of visitors in the Tsukiji aisles was not without problems of hygiene.

The Toyosu can therefore seem to be too sanitized, because the visit is made from an arranged circuit, behind windows. The show is no less interesting, especially if you can attend the screaming sale, From 4:30 in the morning, for one to two hours. A tasting of fresh sushi is on the spot!

6. Cosplay in Harajuku

Young Japanese people love to escape the rigid rules of their lives in society. In particular, on weekends, they are many to wear clothes inspired by cartoons to come to Harajuku.

Have fun recognizing your favorite heroes among the Cosplay colour fairy, or costumed show. It is also in this neighborhood that you will be able to buy your own Cosplay outfit.

7. The temples

Many religions are represented in Japan, the two main being Buddhism and Shintoism. The iconic buildings that it is good to visit in Tokyo are:

• The Shinto Shrine Meiji Jingu: built in 1920, this sanctuary became one of the most venerated in Tokyo. Its portico (Tori) was stained in a 1,500-year-old wood and is the largest in Japan. it stands in the middle of a vast wooded area, with a wide variety of species. They were the faithful who had to offer these trees in tribute to Emperor Meiji.
• Buddhist Temple of Senso-Ji : located in the traditional district of Asakusa, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It dates back to the year 645 of our era.

8. Tokyo Dome

To visit Tokyo in an original way, nothing better than an event gathering the crowds! The 55,000-seat stadium Tokyo Dome hosts mainly trainings and matches of the Baseball team Yomiuri Giants , as well as basketball or wrestling games, for example.

This is also where the greatest concerts of the bands or singers of the moment are given. A good time spent in an atmosphere of Japanese lees is definitely one of the things to do in Tokyo.

9. The Skytree Tower

Difficult to realize Tokyo's general physiognomy when walking or subway. To obtain a global view of the capital, it is possible to take a ticket to access the Skytree observation platforms, the Japanese broadcast tower, the highest infrastructure in the country.

A little less high, but free, Tokyo City Hall also offers an overview of the city.

10. Parks

What to do in Tokyo to rest between two visits? Go to a park or garden, like:

• Shinjuku Gyoen: Between Shinkuju and Sendagaya train stations, this former imperial park includes three English, French and Japanese-style gardens. A must during the flowering of cherry trees.
• Yoyogi Park: In Harajuku, between Shibuya and Shinjuku, this park is the ideal place to take a break after shopping. On Sunday, you will find even the fans of Cosplay.
• Jardin du Palais Impérial : If it is quite difficult to visit the Imperial Palace, it is not the same for some parts of the outdoor garden. The entrance is free and will allow you to see some parts of the building, while walking in a pleasant setting.

11. Roppongi

What to do in Tokyo at night? If you like to party and dream of discovering some naughty places, it is in the district of Roppongi that you have to go. It is a cosmopolitan area where foreigners are welcome.

You can attend a show, dance and even try karaoke. Attention, however, some ends of nights are rather agitated...

12. Japanese culinary specialties

We can’t imagine visiting Tokyo without trying a few restaurants. They usually specialize, you can taste excellent sushi and sashimis, but also ramen or soba noodles, seafood in tempura, eel or yakitoris, small chicken brochettes.

To know what a dish contains, it’s easy, just look at the image or representation in molding.

13. Mount Fuji

You still have a little time to visit Tokyo and its surroundings? Enjoy a trip to the legendary Mount Fuji.

You'll have to. about 2 h to 2 h 30 by bus so you can easily visit one day. Try to include a sunrise or sunset.

How to go to Tokyo?

By plane

• Air France and Japanese companies Ana and Japan Airlines operate direct lines from Paris, for approximately 12 hours Flight.
• Finnair offers cheaper flights, with stopover in Helsinki and many other companies can transport you to Japan with two stopovers.

The best is to use a comparison of flights, type Ulysses, to choose the best route, according to your criteria.

Once on site, Narita Airport is located 1h from the centre of Tokyo, you have the choice between bus, train or taxi (more expensive). If you choose the train, the best thing is to buy a pass Japan Rail Pass at the railway station at the airport. In 1:30, you arrive at Tokyo Central Station. If you choose the bus, Airport Limousine Busles and bus Keisei ensure the journey to the big hotels - even if you do not live there (Airport Lumousines Busles)- and to the main stations.

By train

If you are a follower of slow travel or include your visit to Tokyo in a world tour, here is the route that we recommend:

• You can get to Moscow by train approximately 36 hours, with possibility of diapers.
• From there you can take one of the three mythical trains that is TransiberianTransmongolian or Transmandchourian.
• From Vladivostok, with Direct Ferries, you can book a ferry who will take you to Japan, with a stopover in South Korea.

Getting around in Tokyo

Once on site, it is easy to move to the Japanese capital. Priviously walking or cycling at the same time admire the landscapes. If your trips are longer, we recommend public transport as well the metro as the train . On a regular basis, however, we advise you to avoid peak hours so early in the morning and at the end of the day. You can also use the taxis or Jinrikisha (carriers).

Where to stay in Tokyo?

Sleeping in the Japanese capital often represents one budget . However, you can experiment with new types of accommodation, which can be included in the list of must-sees in Tokyo:

• The most classic is Ryokan, a typical inn, made of traditional materials, such as bamboo, wood or rice paper. You will sleep on a futon mattress on a tatami, after sliding the sliding door. Many inns are equipped with shared hot baths (onsens ).
• For a futuristic and minimal accommodation, choose a hotel, provided you do not suffer from claustrophobia! Do not hesitate to help you with Compare hotels to select the best offer.
• ♪ Airbnb at the inhabitant are perfect for a total immersion in Japanese culture.

Good trip to Japan! Unforgettable memories!