Tokyo Hotels and City Guide

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It may surprise some to see how diverse Tokyo is. In fact, together with the greater surrounding areas, it is a collection of wards, towns, villages and cities housed under a single name. This ever-expanding metropolis is considered the capital of Japan and is home to over 12 million people. Welcome to one of the most populated areas on the planet. Although the pace may be quick for the locals, you as a visitor can take the time to truly experience all that this fascinating place has to offer.

Considering how large this city truly is, here is a snapshot of some of the more popular areas visitors explore. Of course, there are more than the ones listed but hopefully this will give you a good starting point. Known as Tokyo’s capital, Shinjuku’s landscape of skyscrapers house fantastic shopping centers and large hotels. The Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest on the globe as it transports over three million passengers each day. Make your way to the east side of this district and you will arrive at Kabuki-cho. This area is famous for its bars and clubs. Marunouchi is considered one of the main business districts in Tokyo. Banks and corporations line the streets, showcasing the stunning growth this area has experienced over the years. Ikebukuro is an impressive city center whose Sunshine City once was Tokyo’s tallest building. Although others have taken that claim, it is still an impressive site to see. Shiodome is another great place to see the legendary Tokyo skyscrapers. Those interested in learning about Tokyo’s history will enjoy Asakusa as it gives you a glimpse of what old Tokyo used to be.

Much of Tokyo is known for its impressive skyscrapers but a trip to Ueno is a treat from the expected. Its zoo and museums attract visitors from all over as do the beautiful flora that thrive in the park and Shinobazu Pond. Other gardens and parks that are worth visiting in Tokyo include the Rikugien, the Koishikawa Korakuen, Todoroki Valley and Palace East Gardens. Aoyama is considered more of a neighborhood than a district but nevertheless its zip code attracts visitors as well. Exploring the stunning homes and parks is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. The Tokyo Dome City is an interesting complex filled with ways for you to relax. You will find it next door to the Tokyo Dome stadium. Ameyoko is another treat, but for different reasons. The markets that line its sides are a great place to some shopping. For those interested in exploring Tokyo’s markets, the Tsukiji Fish Market is a must as it is one of the largest of its kind throughout the world.

Spend your day shopping and night dining along the waterfront of the Odaiba area. It is quickly becoming the place to be seen in Tokyo. Omotesando, Aoyama, Ginza and Yurakucho are also famous for their stores and house labels that many of us can only dream of owning. Akihabara is the place to shop for less. Lined with discount stores selling all types of electronics you just might be surprised at what you can find. The Kinshicho district, located on the eastside of Tokyo, district is another fantastic place to spend your hard earned money. Something unique in Tokyo are their 100 Yen stores. Think of them as your local $1 store. Now, why would you want to spend time here? Although it would be best to avoid the electronics section, they have aisles filled with fantastic trinkets. Chopsticks, origami paper, Hello Kitty and fans are only a few of the treasures you can find. Of course, after a long day of exploring you may want to visit Akasaka. It is a great place to enjoy an exquisite meal and enjoy the luxurious clubs. For those who are young, or just young at heart, the Shibuya district is a great option. The trendy clubs, boutiques and stores are a Mecca for the youth of Japan. An interesting site is to watch the throngs of people make their way across the Hachiko exit in front of the Shibuya station. It is known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Another famous area for Japanese teenagers is the Harajuku district.

Despite the obvious presence of impressive skyscrapers and throngs of people, Tokyo also has a wealth of exciting sites to visit. Tokyo Tower, modeled after the Eiffel Tower, is a symbol of the economic influence Tokyo has had on the world. The views from its observation deck are truly breathtaking and on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji. Its main floor houses a wax museum, aquarium and much more. Another famous is the amazing Imperial Palace. Located in the heart of the city, it is the residence of the Emperor of Japan. Although much of the original was demolished during World War II, the rebirth of the existing structure is a sight to behold. Please note that this is an actual residence and so there are large areas that are closed to the public. The East Garden is an ideal place for guests visiting the grounds. However, the inner palace is open on January 2nd and the birthday of the Emperor so if you are eager to get a glimpse inside, these two days are your opportunity to do so.

Next to the Palace lies Kokyo Gaien. These palace gardens are filled with tourists partly because of its location near the royal residence but also because of the stunning array of flowers and trees. Make sure you bring your camera. You may be interested in seeing the various temples and shrines located throughout Tokyo. The Sensoji Temple is an impressive structure housed in the Asakusa district and the Zojoji Temple can be found beside Tokyo Tower. The Meiji Shrine is dedicated to revered Emperor Meiji and the Yasukuni Shrine is dedicated to the Japanese fighters who fought in the wars. Another interesting temple is the Sengakuji shrine, whose graveyard is home to past samurai fighters. Other sites nearby Tokyo include Mt. Fuji and Hakone National Park. Also, the Kusatsu Onsen is a great hot springs resort, Fuji Five Lakes (another resort) and Kairakuen, which is famous for its plum trees. Only a half hour away from Tokyo lies Yokohama, another impressive Japanese mega-metropolis.

Brazil is known for soccer, the USA for baseball and Britain for cricket. Japan is known for Sumo Wrestling. The center of this activity is the Ryogoku. It is an incredible sport to watch and the best time to do so is in the middle of January. You may not be able to fight like a sumo wrestler or samurai but you can definitely relax like one. Tokyo is home to a few fantastic spas, known locally as Onsen. However, what makes some of authentic ones a tad different from the spas at home is the communal aspect of the bathtub. It is normal to be in your birthday suit with other guests and enjoy the soothing warm water. There are of course other spas in the area that offer you all the privacy you need but this is definitely a unique way to experience some local culture.

Tokyo can be a city where you can easily get lost. The good news for you is that even if you happen to lose your way, you will only discover more of what it has to offer.