Tokyo
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Tokyo
Tokyo's technological leaps and passion for everything new have made the rest of the world sit up and take notice. A city made of smaller cities, Tokyo's neighbourhoods are individual and unique in what each can offer, from cultural sights to vast shopping malls. Get ready for a whirlwind of modernity and tradition in the neon-lit Japanese capital.Hitta resa
This nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religion. Take in the huge 11-metre cypress tree torii (gate) before wandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful inner buildings.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and discover Japan's natural wonders around World Heritage Mount Fuji and Hakone in just one day. Visit the 5th Station of Mt Fuji, explore the Ninja House, and relax in a Japanese Garden. Later, experience the vibrant energy of Owakudani, the Great Boiling Valley, go for a landscape ride on a sky gondola then feel the breeze from a Lake Ashi cruise.
The Senso-ji temple is an old-town Buddhist institution. Though a major tourist attraction, this is primarily a traditional, local site where worshippers cast coins, clap ceremoniously and bow in respect to an image of Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion.
This stylised theatre performance consists of elaborate choreography and make-up combined with colourful traditional nagauta music. The plays are dramatic and exciting, though, in the 17th century, female kabuki performers were banned - men now play the roles of both genders most convincingly.
Crossing the streets in front of the Shibuya Station is an experience on its own. Approximately 2.500 people cross the road at a time. Many street artists gather in this area to show their performances. You can also find the statue of the famous and loyal dog Hachikō between the station and the intersection.
Experience Tokyo in a fun and unique way on a street go-kart tour dressed in costume from your favourite game or anime character. Zip past iconic landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, and enjoy stunning views of Tokyo Bay.
Sumo wrestling is possibly Japan’s most recognised cultural event. Dating back 2.000 years, Sumo is the country’s national sport, and as such combines religious, athletic, and traditional features. There are several places to watch, check the tour schedule on their website to find out which suits you best. There is also a Sumo museum.
For a taste of Japanese history, this is where you’ll find Japan’s largest collection of Asian artefacts. The main gallery, Honkan, displays an impressive assortment of swords, masks, wood-block prints and kimonos while other "don’t miss" features include the 7th-century bronze-seated Buddhas in the Horyu-ji Homotusukan.
This nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religion. Take in the huge 11-metre cypress tree torii (gate) before wandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful inner buildings.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and discover Japan's natural wonders around World Heritage Mount Fuji and Hakone in just one day. Visit the 5th Station of Mt Fuji, explore the Ninja House, and relax in a Japanese Garden. Later, experience the vibrant energy of Owakudani, the Great Boiling Valley, go for a landscape ride on a sky gondola then feel the breeze from a Lake Ashi cruise.
There is something for everyone happening in Roppongi. You could get caught here for a day with such an array of activities. There are more than 200 shops, restaurants and cafés present in this area which also has intriguing architecture and impressive design gardens.
This enormous shopping enterprise, located in the busiest part of Tokyo, aims to be the world’s greatest fashion museum. It covers departments for cosmetics, household goods, food, fashion and electronics, regardless of traditional or cutting-edge products.
Japan’s oldest department store has stores in Ginza and Nihonbashi. Womenswear, accessories, menswear, toys, childrenswear and restaurants from the fourth basement floor to the 12th floor. Mitsukoshi welcomes visitors from all around the world, with free Wifi, a Tax-Free Counter and Foreign Tourist Information Centre.
If you want to have a cue on Japanese fashion trends: keep up with Shibuya 109. Shibuya 109 is the synonym of stylishness: chic clothes and dresses, fancy but comfy shoes, accessories, purses and more. Take your spoils to the highest level to have a tea break, and then, shop till you drop!
Visit Tokyo’s best-known gift shop to stock up on trinkets for friends back home. Get a kimono, washi paper, Japanese patterned fabric, sensu fans, or a tea set. There are English-speaking staff on each floor. They also offer gift-wrapping and overseas shipping services.
The largest comprehensive duty-free store in Tokyo with 7 storeys sells electric household appliances, electrical beauty supplies, video games, fashion items, cosmetics, baby goods and sports goods. A good place to shop cheaply and get some travel souvenirs.
For label lovers, the district Ginza is a retail heaven. The Japanese adore their fashion items and clothes from big designers. This is where you’ll find the usual suspects - Chanel, Hermes and even Barneys of New York have all set up shop in this upmarket location. For trendier labels, head to Harajaku and Shibuya.
Catering to a similar crowd to Ginza, the colourful street Harajuku has more of an edge. As well as the familiar Prada, Dior and Burberry, if you walk just around the corner you’ll find the funky teen stores of Shibuya. One of these, the 109 store (2-29-1 Dogenzaka), is said to inspire the mad and consistently madder styles seen on the Shibuya streets. At 109 and others like Laforet Harajuku (1-11-6 Jingumae), young women’s wear is packed to the rafters.
There is something for everyone happening in Roppongi. You could get caught here for a day with such an array of activities. There are more than 200 shops, restaurants and cafés present in this area which also has intriguing architecture and impressive design gardens.
This enormous shopping enterprise, located in the busiest part of Tokyo, aims to be the world’s greatest fashion museum. It covers departments for cosmetics, household goods, food, fashion and electronics, regardless of traditional or cutting-edge products.
Two airports serve Tokyo: Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport (mainly for internal flights). Narita Airport is accessible by the Narita Express Train (N'EX), which is the fastest way to get from the city centre to the airport. It takes approx. 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and 40 minutes to Ueno Station. Trains depart approx. every half hour. You may consider getting a N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket in the JR EAST Travel Service Centers and from JR Ticket Offices at Terminal 1 or 2. This ticket allows you to transfer to any other JR stations within Tokyo once. The Kesei Skyliner trains go from Narita to Ueno/Nippori station in approx. 45 minutes. For a cheaper choice, the Access Express goes to Higashi-Ginza station in approx. 65 minutes. Limousine buses run regularly from Narita airport to key points in the city in approx. 75-125 minutes. Taxis are available for the 70 km journey but fares are astronomical.
Haneda Airport is served by the Tokyo Monorail in approximately 20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, leaving every 10 minutes almost around the clock. Keikyu’s limousine buses run regularly from Haneda airport to key points in the city. For Tokyo city centre, it takes approx. 40 minutes.
During the high season, mid-June to mid-September and late April to early May, the weather in Tokyo is very hot and humid. It is also the peak tourist season, which you will quickly notice from long lines at the museums and higher accommodation rates. Early June through July is also the rainiest part of the year. By August, the heat is at its peak. This is the month many students and workers are on summer vacation. April and November, the weather is dry and sunny. It is considered a pleasant time to be in Tokyo. It is also in April when locals and visitors flock to Tokyo's urban parks to witness the bloom of cherry blossoms trees. Winter is the low season (from January to March), and if you don't mind colder weather this is a good period to travel to Tokyo. The humidity is low and snow is rare. During this time the accommodation rates are slightly lower.
Travellers from most countries will need a visa to enter Japan unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. Nationals from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and many European countries can enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives. However, visitors from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate before travelling. Always check the latest entry requirements as they can change.
Tokyo has one of the most efficient train and subway systems in the world. Trains are clean and fast and all stations have signs in English. The major train and subway systems are East Japan Railway (JR), Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway. There are other railway companies. Each company has its own ticket. A variety of tickets and passes are on offer to make it easier than buying individual tickets for every trip. You can also consider getting a prepaid Suica Travel pass to travel on JR, subways, and buses. These can be purchased at JR ’Green Window’ areas or ticket machines. The East Japan Railway (JR) is represented by the green letters 'JR' logo, offering the fastest service but at a higher price. It operated overland train lines are colour-coded, the most frequently used line in Tokyo municipality is the Yamanote line (green). Tokyo Metro is run by a private company. The subway consists of 9 lines with the light blue letter 'M' logo. Subways and trains operate from 5am to midnight. Toei Subway operates 4 subway lines by the Bureau of Transportation with a green shape logo. Buses in Tokyo are run by several different companies. It is less confusing to take the subway or train around the city, but bus routes are efficient. Nevertheless, few signs are in English which makes navigation difficult. Bus route guides in English are available at Toei subway stations and hotels.
Taxis are expensive but convenient in Tokyo. Weekend rates are even more pricey, as are rides between 11pm and 5am. Taxi stands are located in almost all busy areas and tipping is not expected. In Tokyo, several ride-sharing and taxi-hailing apps are available to make transportation even more convenient, such as Uber, DiDi, and GO.
Postboxes are red in Tokyo and the slot on the left is for domestic mail, and the right one is for international. English script is acceptable when writing addresses and stamps can be purchased at convenience stores. Post offices are indicated by a red and white ’T’ and are located everywhere.
Pharmacy in Japanese is 'Yakkyoku'. Generally, pharmacies are open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and closed on Sundays, while drugstores are usually open 7 days a week and sometimes 24/24. One of the biggest and most popular pharmacy chains is Matsumoto Kiyoshi. They have stores scattered around the whole island and offer original brands of drugs and medicines including cosmetics and beauty products. Other chains in Japan are SunDrug and Tsuruha Drug.
Two airports serve Tokyo: Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport (mainly for internal flights). Narita Airport is accessible by the Narita Express Train (N'EX), which is the fastest way to get from the city centre to the airport. It takes approx. 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and 40 minutes to Ueno Station. Trains depart approx. every half hour. You may consider getting a N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket in the JR EAST Travel Service Centers and from JR Ticket Offices at Terminal 1 or 2. This ticket allows you to transfer to any other JR stations within Tokyo once. The Kesei Skyliner trains go from Narita to Ueno/Nippori station in approx. 45 minutes. For a cheaper choice, the Access Express goes to Higashi-Ginza station in approx. 65 minutes. Limousine buses run regularly from Narita airport to key points in the city in approx. 75-125 minutes. Taxis are available for the 70 km journey but fares are astronomical.
Haneda Airport is served by the Tokyo Monorail in approximately 20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, leaving every 10 minutes almost around the clock. Keikyu’s limousine buses run regularly from Haneda airport to key points in the city. For Tokyo city centre, it takes approx. 40 minutes.
