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.Find your trip
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.
For a taste of Japanese history this is where you’ll find Japan’s largest collection of Asian artifacts. 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 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.
Sumo wrestling is possibly Japan’s most recognised cultural event, you’d be mad to miss this spectacle. Dating back 2.000 years, Sumo is Japan’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.
The Senso-ji temple is an old-town Buddhism 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.
At the top of Mori Tower in the vast Roppongi Hills, this one of the major contemporary art museums in Tokyo combines breathtaking views with fresh artistic talent. Of particular note are the visual projections allowing guests to traverse through virtual imagery and environments. Also includes The Sun cafe, The Moon restaurant, a gift shop and a panoramic observation deck.
The museum is situated close to the sumo stables so there’s a chance you bump into the odd wrestling professional on your way to the Edo. Inside, a more thorough glimpse of Tokyo’s history is revealed, with exhibits depicting events like the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and traditional scenes from everyday life.
Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular park among tourist and locals alike and no wonder why - it is one of Tokyo's largest parks. With the large number of cherry (Sakura) trees and amazing greenhouses with tropical and subtropical flowers. This traditional Japanese landscape garden is the ultimate escape for relaxation.
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.
For a taste of Japanese history this is where you’ll find Japan’s largest collection of Asian artifacts. 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.
Café Eight’s Peking Duck has become legendary with 6 branches in Tokyo. Overflowing with expats and Japanese patrons, this restaurant has won people over with its irresistible combination of unbeatable prices and a wide range of delicious Chinese food.
Dinner at a traditional izakaya is not to be missed. Primarily serving as bar space, these ’sake places’ are also renowned for their tapas-style Japanese food. Seigetsu is a large izakaya but has been cleverly divided with delicate bamboo screens to give it a cosy feel. Relax in the comfortable surroundings under subdued lighting in an interior that is pure Tokyo.
Dine with the stars at the top of the Park Hyatt hotel, where the modern seafood and meat dishes easily match the standard of the restaurant’s location. Dinner on a weeknight is a pleasure, but the Grill is particularly famous for its Sunday brunch, when expats take over the dining room.
Elio lies off the beaten track just enough to convince people they’re eating in one of Tokyo’s hidden treasures. Receiving rave reviews from its many regulars, steaming bowls of pasta are served up amidst noisy chatter from local residents. Service is polished, and the atmosphere is Mediterranean in attitude.
Country-style French cooking at this Parisian bistro in Tokyo’s business district. The menu - consisting of juicy steaks and the ubiquitous ’frites’ - is written in chalk on large wall mirrors and prepared by the celebrated chef Masashi Hadachi. A casual crowd relax on red leather banquettes indulging in hearty sandwiches at lunchtime and more serious 4-course dinners in the evening.
This is a popular pizza joint where you can relish in California Gourmet premium pizza with an American beer. The chef prepares the food with fresh ingredients and serves only high quality food. Half-and-half pizza option is available, so there is always something for everyone.
Toh-Ka-Lin has been serving some of the finest Chinese cuisine in Tokyo since Hotel Okura opened in 1962. At this stylish restaurant, located on the 12th floor, you can enjoy food such as Peking duck or authentic Cantonese dim sum, prepared by Chinese dumpling masters, while looking out over Tokyo’s skyline. The restaurant also has one of the most extensive wine lists in the town.
Nirvanam or Nirvana in English has many meanings but in a simple way it can be described as "bliss" - highest state of satisfaction and happiness. This is exactly what the restaurant strives to achieve by offering appropriate ambience, friendly service and authentic Indian food. You will find this Indian restaurant in the heart of Tokyo, close to Tokyo Tower.
Café Eight’s Peking Duck has become legendary with 6 branches in Tokyo. Overflowing with expats and Japanese patrons, this restaurant has won people over with its irresistible combination of unbeatable prices and a wide range of delicious Chinese food.
Dinner at a traditional izakaya is not to be missed. Primarily serving as bar space, these ’sake places’ are also renowned for their tapas-style Japanese food. Seigetsu is a large izakaya but has been cleverly divided with delicate bamboo screens to give it a cosy feel. Relax in the comfortable surroundings under subdued lighting in an interior that is pure Tokyo.
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 at this area that also has an 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 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 trend: 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 service.
The largest comprehensive duty-free store in Tokyo with 7-storey sells electric household appliances, electrical beauty supply, 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 Barney’s of New York have all set up shop in this upmarket location. Well-established brands heave with equally well-dressed customers who can afford the clothes and the art in the surrounding Ginza galleries. For trendier labels, head to Harajaku and Shibuya.
Catering for a similar crowd to Ginza, the colorful street Harajaku has more of an edge. As well as the familiar Prada, Dior and Burberry, if you walk just round 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 at this area that also has an 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 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 41 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. Narita Express Trains: www.jreast.co.jp The Kesei Skyliner trains go from Narita to Ueno/Nippori station in approx. 45 minutes. Skyliner: www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/ae_outline/index.php For a cheaper choice, the Access Express goes to Higashi-Ginza station in approx. 65 minutes. Access Express: www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/nrt_access/index.php Limousine buses run regularly from Narite airport to key points in the city in approx. 75-125 minutes. Limoushine Bus: www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ Taxis are available for the 70 km journey but fares are astronomical.
Haneda Airport is served by the Tokyo Monorail in approx. 20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station leaving every 10 minutes almost around the clock. You may consider getting a 24/48/72 hours Welcome! Tokyo Subway Ticket to travel with Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway in the Keikyu Tourist Information Centre. Tokyo Monorail: www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp Keiyu: www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/ Buses run regularly from Haneda airport to key points in the city. For Tokyo city centre, it takes approx. 40 minutes. Keiyu Bus: hnd-bus.com/ Limoushine Bus: www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/
Japan may be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of all European Union member states, Australia, Canada, the USA, as well as several other world countries. The up-to-date list of visa exemptions by country may be found at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html Citizens of countries not listed as not requiring visa will need to apply in advance via a Japanese mission or consulate closest to them. Special visa requirements apply to citizens of China and the Philippines, as well as travellers visiting Japan as part of a cruise journey.
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 at ticket machines. www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/types/pass/index.html www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/index.html?src=gnavi The East Japan Railway (JR) is represented by green letters "JR" logo, offering the fastest service but in 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 runs by a private company. The subway consists of 9 lines with the light blue letter "M" logo. Subways and trains operate from 5am-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. www.tokyobus.or.jp Cycling is one of the most common ways to get around in Tokyo, if you’re feeling energetic. Some hotels will hire out bikes, but most will have further information on where to hire elsewhere.
Taxis are expensive but convenient in Tokyo. Weekend rates are even more expensive, as are rides between 11pm and 5am. Taxi stands are located in almost all busy areas and tipping is not expected.
Post boxes are red in Tokyo and the slot on the left is for domestic mail, the right one 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. Post office ATMs accept foreign bank cards. The fare for postcards in irregular shapes is different from the regular ones.
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 7days a week and sometimes 24/24. One of the biggest and 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, Sugi Drug Group and Tsuruha Drug. Here are some English-speaking pharmacies: National Azabu Supermarket’s pharmacy 4-5-2 Minami-azabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo Opening hours: 8.30am - 9pm (7days a week) www.national-azabu.com Yakuju pharmacy Roppongi Izumi Garden, 1-6-1 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo Monday - Friday:9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9.30am-2pm, 3pm-5pm
Japan’s current is 100V AC. Plugs have two flat-sided prongs.
Two airports serve Tokyo: Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport (mainly 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 41 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. Narita Express Trains: www.jreast.co.jp The Kesei Skyliner trains go from Narita to Ueno/Nippori station in approx. 45 minutes. Skyliner: www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/ae_outline/index.php For a cheaper choice, the Access Express goes to Higashi-Ginza station in approx. 65 minutes. Access Express: www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/nrt_access/index.php Limousine buses run regularly from Narite airport to key points in the city in approx. 75-125 minutes. Limoushine Bus: www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ Taxis are available for the 70 km journey but fares are astronomical.
Haneda Airport is served by the Tokyo Monorail in approx. 20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station leaving every 10 minutes almost around the clock. You may consider getting a 24/48/72 hours Welcome! Tokyo Subway Ticket to travel with Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway in the Keikyu Tourist Information Centre. Tokyo Monorail: www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp Keiyu: www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/ Buses run regularly from Haneda airport to key points in the city. For Tokyo city centre, it takes approx. 40 minutes. Keiyu Bus: hnd-bus.com/ Limoushine Bus: www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/
