International
Tokyo
Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations for the region. Japan maintains a strong sense of traditional and cultural history while also being a world leader in innovative technology and fashion. Tokyo, in particular, is an exciting and bustling city that boasts a wide range of activities.
Here are some reasons you should visit Tokyo:
1. Explore the quiet of the gardens:
Rest assured: traditional Japan hasn't fled the nation's capital yet. Like islets of beauty and peace amongst the concrete billows of the construction frenzy, Tokyo fondly cherishes its gardens.
Seven of them are protected as Cultural Heritage of the city, a few amongst these dating back to the 17th century. Be it Kiyosumi-Shirakawa's stones carefully selected from all over the country, the seasonal blossoms of tiny Mukojima-Hyakkaen, the unexpectedly graceful Anglo-Japanese garden hybrid of Kyu-Furukawa or the imposing Hamarikyu on the seaside, Tokyo's gardens win over everyone's heart.
2. Akihabara
For those with a strong interest in tech gear or geeky hobbies, Akihabara is the place to go. The area has many shops carrying everything from toy models to the latest digital devices. Beyond the gadget stores, there are large department stores you can visit. Make sure you have control of your budget, as this is a higher-end district with prices to match. Shopping is a major pastime in this city. You can find the latest boutique fashions as well as tons of vintage shops and everything else in between. When you’re out, be sure to have your passport. You won’t be able to haggle at most places but there are some shop owners who might give you additional discounts.
3. Watch the Yomiuri Giants play a home game
Only in Tokyo can you witness the Kyojin (Giants) play a home game at the Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo. The Yomiuri Giants are one of the most popular professional baseball teams in Japan. While you’re at the Dome, be sure to check out the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame for a look at the history of the sport in Japan and its legendary players.
4. Take a stroll through the world’s busiest crossing
Shibuya’s enormous scramble has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Skip seeing Shibuya Crossing and you might as well not even come to Tokyo. After joining the crowds, spend the afternoon shopping for the latest fashions or cozying up in a stylish café to watch the world go by.
5. It’s the most diverse place in Japan
Japan is a very homogenous country, for better or worse. But in cosmopolitan Tokyo (and Yokohama, which bleeds into the same metropolitan area) you’ll have plenty of chance to see other cultures mixed in with Japanese.
Check out Shin-Okubo for a slice of Seoul in Tokyo – it’s worth the trip if only for the street food, like warm hottoku (hotteok in Korean) pancakes filled with melting brown sugar and cinnamon. Or head to Nishi Kaisai if you’re after a proper Indian curry; the Japanese version (kare raisu) is delicious, but as they got the original recipe from the Brits, it’s hardly authentic. A short trip away, in Yokohama, is Japan’s biggest Chinatown, which you should visit for the steamed buns alone.
It’s also endlessly varied, with wooden buildings sitting next to modern towers forged out of glass and steel, and haute cuisine restaurants alongside shacks that have been serving the same three noodle dishes for generations. Whether you’re interested in food, art, sports, architecture, nightlife or fashion, you’re sure to find Tokyo fascinating.