Want to visit Tokyo but not sure where to start? Keep Reading...
With delicious food, bustling night life and a rich culture, Tokyo should definitely be on your 2024 bucket list. But with so much to see and do it is sometimes hard to know where to even begin, especially if this is your first visit to Japan. This Guide will provide you will a fool-proof guide to travelling Tokyo, giving you the best food and drink spots, shopping districts, parks, temples, and so much more.
Where to stay in Tokyo?
With 23 districts, Tokyo is not short of accommodation or places to stay. But which is the best district to stay in? Somewhere that is close to the main sights, has restaurants and bars nearby and is also close to a train station to help you move around the city quickly? You should look to stay in the districts of Shibuya or Shinjuku. Neighbouring each other, Shibuya and Shinjuku are a great place to stay for first-timers visiting Tokyo, there is so much going on that you won't have to travel far to find great sushi, traditional Sake bars, parks filled with cherry blossoms and two major train stations leaving the whole city at your feet.
8 Activities You Can't Miss in Tokyo:
1. Visit the top of Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Tower. These skyscrapers offer a once in a lifetime view of the largest city in the world, you can watch the sunset over this amazing city or go at night to see the city come to life. If you go on a clear, sunny day it is even possible to see Mount Fuji.
2. Tsukiji Outer Market. Now if your a Foodie you will definitely not want to miss Tokyo's famous food market found in the Chuo district. Open from around 5am it is best to head to the market as early as possible to skip big queues - the perfect excuse to have a matcha soft serve ice cream at 9am if you ask me. Note that the market is closed on Sundays.
3. Shibuya Crossing and Shopping District. You have probably seen the crazy Shibuya Crossing on TV or TikTok, but seeing it and walking it in real life is something else. You can have a great view of the crossing if you visit the Starbucks in Magnet 109, so order yourself a Matcha and watch the organised chaos unfold. Other than the crossing, Shibuya is also famous for its shopping and food. This would be a great time to grab some ramen or sushi, and buy yourself some souvenirs.
4. Meji Jingu Shrine. A Shinto Shrine found in Shibuya and surrounded by lush forest, this is a great place to surround yourself with both culture and nature. Right next to Harajuku Station, this is one of Tokyo's most popular shrines and is definitely worth the hype.
5. Try a Sushi-Train at Sushiro. You can't visit Tokyo and not have Sushi right? Even though Sushiro is a chain restaurant with numerous venues across Tokyo, it is a great way to dive in to Japanese culture and try lots of different types of Sushi. Ordering on an iPad next to your table, Sushiro offers affordable but fresh sushi that arrives to you on a conveyor belt, which is an amazing experience in itself.
6. Shinjuku Golden Gai. Fancying a few drinks after your dinner in Shinjuku? This is the place to go. The Golden Gai district is made of six narrow streets/alleyways that hold small and unique bars where locals and tourists alike go to drink their beer and Sake. This bar district is truly one of a kind, and is a must visit when you are in Tokyo.
7. Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple. Arguably one of Tokyo's most popular sites, Senso-Ji is the city's oldest religious building. On your way to Senso-Ji you will walk through Nakamise-dori, a shopping street that sells some amazing food, crafts, and souvenirs. While this spot gets busy, particularly on the weekends, it is a still a land mark that you cannot miss.
8. Yogi Park. If you are lucky enough to visit Japan during Cherry Blossom season (usually between March and April), Yogi Park offers a breathtaking view of pink trees against the backdrop of Shibuya. I would recommend popping into one of the convenient stores on your way and having a picnic underneath the Cherry Blossoms.
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