Information Travel

Some of the best places to visit in Tokyo!

5 areas you can enjoy when you visit Tokyo for sightseeing!

Tokyo is a unique city where historical buildings and modern buildings coexist.

Plenty of people coming and going in the city, plenty of fun to be had!

Here are five locations: Asakusa, Akihabara, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza.

Please refer to the contents of this article.

Asakusa (浅草)

Asakusa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo.

There is a large temple called Sensoji Temple(浅草寺), and also TOKYO SKYTREE(東京スカイツリー), the world's tallest radio tower.

Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo.

The history of Sensoji Temple dates back to 628.

Although it has often been destroyed by fire, it has played an important role as a place of prayer for many years.

By 1685, many stores had opened along the approach to Sensoji Temple, and the area was crowded with worshippers every day.

These stores still exist today under the name "Nakamise (仲見世)".

Since it was a place where many people gathered, many entertainment facilities such as playhouses were built nearby, and the city flourished.

However, part of the building was damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and although repairs were safely completed, it was destroyed by fire in an air raid by the U.S. Army on March 10, 1945.

The buildings and powerful gates of Sensoji that you can see today were rebuilt after 1958.

At the entrance to Senso-ji Temple is a large gate called "Kaminarimon (雷門)".
As you proceed from the entrance towards the main hall, you will see a pagoda called "Joukouro (常香炉)", which emits smoke.
It is said that the smoke emitted from this place has the effect of purifying the body, and that if the smoke is applied to a part of the body that is not feeling well, the person will feel better.
While some people bathe in the smoke for prayers to alleviate the symptoms of illness, many worshippers bathe in the smoke on their heads so that their wishes to be wise will be fulfilled.

In contrast, the TOKYO SKYTREE, a modern structure, is a 634-meter tall radio tower for television, which became operational in 2012.

The tower has an observation floor where you can take pictures and look through telescopes at heights of 340-450 meters.

At the 340meter level, there is a spot where the floor is made of glass, providing a thrilling experience.

A commercial facility called "Tokyo Solamachi (東京ソラマチ)" is attached to the site, where you can enjoy shopping and eating at restaurants.

▶︎For the official website of Tokyo Solamachi, click here.

The "Sumida Aquarium (すみだ水族館)" in Tokyo Solamachi is also a great place to visit.

▶︎For the official website of Sumida Aquarium, click here.

The Sumida River(隅田川) flows nearby, and a large fireworks display is held in the summer.

You can enjoy as many as 20,000 fireworks of great power!

Another factor that will impress you is the beauty of the night view of Tokyo.

There are also sightseeing boats called "yakatabune (屋形船)" on the Sumida River.

These boats travel slowly along the Sumida River while enjoying the scenery around Asakusa. You can also enjoy a delicious meal on board.

Some places where you can shop a little differently.

"Kappabashi Dogu-gai (かっぱ橋道具街)" is an area where there are many stores that sell tableware and cooking utensils to restaurants operating in the Asakusa area.

You can buy interesting products at three stores: "Sato Sample(佐藤サンプル)", "Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya(元祖食品サンプル屋)", and "Tokyo Biken(東京美研)".

You can buy food sample models at these stores.

Food sample models are plastic models that are faithful reproductions of food that can be found in Japanese restaurants.

These stores also sell key chains and miniature size food sample models.

At "Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya(元祖食品サンプル屋)", you can make your own food sample models if you make a reservation in advance.

It's hard to move around when there are so many places to sightseeing.

In that case, take a "Jinrikisha (人力車)"!

A "Jinrikisha" is a vehicle in which customers ride in a car that is pulled by human power.

The Jinrikisha staff also serves as a tourist guide, so you can enjoy sightseeing more.

Finally, I would like to introduce Asakusa's specialties.

"Kaminokoshi(雷おこし)" is a famous snack in Asakusa. It is made by roasting steamed rice, making it swell, seasoning it with sugar or syrup, and then hardening it.

"Taiyaki(たい焼き)" is a pastry made of flour, baked in a fish-shaped pan, and filled with bean jam.

The red bean paste is made from red beans cooked in sugar, and the aroma of the beans and the sweetness of the sugar are very delicious.

Akihabara (秋葉原)

Akihabara was a town lined with stores specializing in electrical equipment and electronic components.

Nowadays, it has become a center of Japanese pop culture, especially anime and games.

Akihabara is a town where many stores selling computers and software were opened as Japan's economy grew after the end of the war.

Originally, many of these stores were electronics mass merchandisers, independent stores that repaired computers, and stores that sold electronic parts, but as CDs became more popular, there were more record stores and CD stores that dealt with music content.
Later, the popularity of electronic games led to the opening of many stores selling game contents and goods of characters appearing in the games.

As CG illustrations became popular, animation culture flourished, and stores began to sell goods featuring anime characters.

Akihabara is a town where you can see this kind of cultural transition.

In Japanese, the term "Otaku(オタク)" refers to people who love anime, games, and manga.

Let me introduce you to the joys of "Otaku Town".

Akihabara, also commonly known as "AKIBA", is a paradise for those who love anime, games and manga.

"Akihabara Denki Gai(秋葉原電気街)" is a historic shopping district with about 500 stores selling computer parts, electronic components, and otaku goods.

It is no exaggeration to say that this is the center of Japanese pop culture, where you can enjoy goods and contents of famous works such as "Evangelion", "Gundam", "Sailor Moon", "Final Fantasy", and "Pokemon".

There are so many stores that it is impossible to do a quick tour, so if your schedule is limited, I recommend going to "Radio Kaikan(ラジオ会館)".

Radio Kaikan is one of Akihabara's most famous commercial facilities.

"Maid cafe(メイドカフェ)" are also an indispensable part of sightseeing in Akihabara.

A maid cafe is a name for a restaurant or cafe where customers are served by cute waitstaff dressed in maid costumes.

Customers who come to the store are called "Goshujin-sama(ご主人様)" and are served by the maids.

"Goshujin-sama" means Master in English.

You can chat with the maids, sing along with them, and in some stores, small concerts by the maids are held.

However, there is a serious dark side to the stores where you can have a sweet moment.

There are many maid cafes in Akihabara, but most of them are malicious stores that charge high prices.

Only established stores that have been in business since 2000 or so can be safe.

Here are some typical maid cafes that you can use with peace of mind.

"@home cafe Akihabara Honten(@ほぉ〜むかふぇ 秋葉原本店)" is a popular maid cafe where you can feel safe and secure.

In addition to Japanese, services are available in English and Chinese, and the store is large enough to enjoy to the fullest.

▶︎For the official website of @home cafe, click here.

The next one recommend is "Akiba Zettai Ryouiki(アキバ絶対領域)".

You will be served by a cute maid wearing a cat ear shaped catsuit.

This store operates on the concept of a kitten that has taken on human form and is pining for its master.

This store also allows you to listen to the maids sing and take pictures with them.

Meal menus are available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, but you can use a translation app to communicate with the maids.

"Akiba Zettai Ryouiki" has four stores, each with a different store design and costume.

▶︎For the official website of Akiba Zettai Ryouiki, click here.

Another place recommend is the "CURE MAID CAFE(キュアメイドカフェ)".

This store is a maid cafe with a calm and elegant atmosphere.

Instead of singing or chatting with the maids, you can enjoy tea and food in a relaxed atmosphere while the maids serve you quietly.

The interior is made of wood and bricks, giving it a classical atmosphere.

This cafe is actually the birthplace of the maid cafe.

▶︎For the official website of CURE MAID CAFE, click here.

Now that I've focused on "Otaku culture," I'd like to tell you about some of the other places I've visited.

"3331 Arts Chiyoda" is a museum where you can come into contact with many works of art.

The museum is run out of a disused junior high school building, and also has a cafe and souvenir shop.

▶︎For the official website of 3331 Arts Chiyoda, click here.

"Maach ecute Kanda Manseibashi(マーチエキュート神田万世橋)" is a stylish commercial facility that reuses an old disused station building.

The building has a retro look with its characteristic red bricks, and there are 12 stores inside.

You can enjoy shopping and dining here.

▶︎For the official website of Maach ecute Kanda Manseibashi, click here.

Shibuya (渋谷)

Shibuya is a town where many young Japanese people gather.

It is a place where the most advanced fashion and music culture is prevalent in Japan.

The "Scramble Crossing(スクランブル交差点)" in front of Shibuya Station sees as many as 500,000 people a day coming and going.

This is being streamed live on YouTube 24 hours a day.

The bronze statue of a dog called "Hachiko(ハチ公)", located near the entrance to Shibuya Station, has long been familiar to Japanese people.

"Hachiko" is a real dog, born in Akita Prefecture in 1923, and his breed is Akita Inu.

"Hachiko" is a nickname, and the official name is "Hachi".

"Hachi" used to take his owner, a university professor, to and from Shibuya station on his way to work.

One day, however, the owner collapses and dies during a presentation at a conference.

"Hachi" waited in front of Shibuya station for 10 years for his owner who never came back, until he himself passed away.

A bronze statue was created in honor of the bee's healthy love and loyalty to its owner.

Most people in Japan know this story, and the bronze statue of Hachiko is very familiar.

It is a symbol of Shibuya, and is often used by Japanese people as a landmark for meeting people.

There are many IT company offices in Shibuya, and in addition to Japanese IT companies, Google and Amazon also have offices here.

One of the best ways to enjoy sightseeing in Shibuya is to visit the various clothing stores and general stores.

There are so many commercial buildings in Shibuya, I'll show you them all at once!

Opened in 1979, "Shibuya 109(渋谷109)" is one of the most iconic commercial facilities in Shibuya, and with over 100 stores, it is still a leader in fashion trends for young people in Japan more than 30 years after its opening.

Most of the stores sell fashion items for women in their teens and twenties.

You can see Japanese "kawaii" fashion designs.

▶︎For the official website of Shibuya 109, click here.

"Shibuya PARCO(渋谷パルコ)" is a commercial facility where many fashion brands and restaurants are located.

Most of the floors are occupied by fashion-related stores, and the wide variety of brands available makes shopping enjoyable for all ages and genders.

There is also an art gallery where you can experience the sensibilities of various artists.

▶︎For the official website of Shibuya PARCO, click here.

"Shibuya Hikarie(渋谷ヒカリエ)" is a commercial facility where you can find not only fashion stores, but also cosmetics, restaurants, cafes, movie theaters, and many other stores.

It is also connected to Shibuya station, so you can go there without getting wet even if it is raining.

▶︎For the official website of Shibuya Hikarie, click here.

Although a bit chaotic, "Shibuya Center Gai(渋谷センター街)" is also a good place to start.

It is an old shopping street with many stores crowded together in a very wide area.

The area is divided into 6 blocks, and in addition to fashion-related stores, there are many restaurants, karaoke bars, and convenience stores.

There are also bookstores and general stores, and I think it is a tourist area that condenses the culture of Shibuya.

Shinjuku (新宿)

Shinjuku is one of the largest commercial areas in Japan.

There are so many restaurants, bar, department stores, and other commercial facilities centered around Shinjuku Station.

Just like in Shibuya, many fashion brands have opened their stores here.

There is also an electronics store, a movie theater, and a karaoke bar, making it a very enjoyable place.

"Kabukicho(歌舞伎町)", where many stores are densely packed in Shinjuku, is called "the town that never sleeps" because the lights on the signs never go out 24 hours a day and all kinds of stores stay open.

"Kabukicho" name of the place, but there are no facilities where you can see the traditional Japanese art of "Kabuki(歌舞伎)".

I would like to introduce some of the recommended tourist spots, but before that, I would like to give you a few notes.

"Kabukicho" is one of the most unsafe places in Japan.

This area is home to a large number of the Japanese mafia, known as the "yakuza(ヤクザ)".

They do not directly harm travelers or the general public, but shooting incidents may occur during conflicts between Yakuza.

In Japan, it is forbidden to have guns and they are not distributed, but they have their own routes to get them.

Also, please do not follow the staff who are guiding you to the restaurants in Kabukicho.

You may be charged a high amount of money, which is very different from the amount you are offered when you enter the restaurant.

In addition, it is even more dangerous at night, with many street people and drunks walking around. Please stay away from the area.

Let's take a look at some of the safest places to visit in Shinjuku.

The "Tokyo Metropolitan Government(東京都庁)" is located in Shinjuku.

This skyscraper has an observation floor where you can get a panoramic view of Tokyo.

The view from 202 meters above the ground is very beautiful, and at the restaurant attached to the building, you can have a meal while enjoying the view.

Artwork is on display, and anyone can freely play the piano that is set up.

Note : There is a limit to how long one person can play.

▶︎For the official website of The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, click here.

"Lumine Est(ルミネエスト)" is a commercial facility that attracts young people, just like Shibuya.

There are fashion stores, restaurants, cafes, and other stores.

It is a shopping center that can be reached right outside the station.

▶︎For the official website of Lumine Est, click here.

"Shinjuku ALTA(新宿アルタ)", where many fashion brands for women in their teens to 30s are located, is also recommended.

The building has a huge outdoor display where you can see various advertisements from Japan.

If it's raining, you don't have to worry about getting wet if you go through the underground passage from Shinjuku Station.

▶︎For the official website of Shinjuku ALTA, click here.

There is another commercial facility that can be reached directly from Shinjuku Station.

"Shinjuku MYLORD(新宿ミロード)" is a shopping mall that offers a wide variety of fashion, sundries, cosmetics, cafes, and restaurants in a stylish and modern atmosphere.

In winter, the building is decorated with illuminations and is very beautiful.

▶︎For the official website of Shinjuku MYLORD, click here.

There is also a historic Japanese department store.

"Shinjuku Takashimaya(新宿 高島屋)", a department store of the Takashimaya Group established in 1831, is a large scale store that houses luxury fashion brands, furniture specialty stores, and general merchandise stores.

▶︎For the official website of Shinjuku Takashimaya, click here.

"ISETAN(伊勢丹)" was founded in 1886, and "Shinjuku ISETAN(新宿伊勢丹)" is the main store.

The building was built in 1930 and has a retro atmosphere.

Isetan is also a department store, but since it was originally founded as a kimono shop, it mainly deals in high-end fashion brands.

▶︎For the official website of Shinjuku ISETAN, click here.

If you are interested in Japanese history, the "Samurai Museum(侍ミュージアム)" is a great place to visit.

Can see displays of "Kacchuu(甲冑)", "Kabuto(兜)", and "Katana(刀)" used by samurai.
Can also take photos wearing replica Kacchuu and watch a "Tate(殺陣)".

Note : Kacchuu = Armor, Kabuto = Helmet, Katana = Sword, Tate = Samurai sword fight performance.

▶︎For the official website of SAMURAI MUSEUM, click here.

If you are interested in traditional performing arts such as "rakugo(落語)" and "manzai(漫才)", "Shinjuku Suehirotei(新宿末廣亭)" is a good place to go.

The exterior of the building is characterized by its old-fashioned, traditional appearance.

The performance is divided into a daytime session and an evening session.

The performance is in Japanese, but I think you will enjoy it because of the "Kijyutsu(奇術)" and "Kirie(切り絵)".

Note : Kijyutsu = Magic, Kirie = Paper-cut art.

▶︎For the official website of Shinjuku Suehirotei, click here.

In Shinjuku, you can see one of Van Gogh's masterpieces, "Sunflowers".

The "Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum(損保ジャパン日本興亜美術館)" of Art also exhibits other works by Gauguin, Cézanne, and Grandma Moses.

The museum is located on the 42nd floor of a high-rise building.

▶︎For the official website of Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum, click here.

Ginza (銀座)

Ginza is one of Tokyo's premier commercial districts.

The area is lined with luxury fashion brands, jewelry stores, high-end watch stores, and bars, making it a gathering place for the wealthy.

It is also famous for being the most valuable area in the entire land of Japan. The area around "Kyuukyodo(鳩居堂)", which deals in calligraphy and painting supplies, is worth 27 million yen per square meter.

Among the streets lined with specialty stores of world-famous brands such as Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, and Armani, the "Wako Main Building(和光本店)" is particularly symbolic of Ginza.

"Wako(和光)" is a branch of the "Hattori Clock Shop(服部時計店)", which was founded in 1881.

Hattori Watch Store is now developing and selling watches under the name of "SEIKO(セイコー)".

A beautiful building with a sense of history catches the eye.

There are also places in Ginza where you can see traditional Japanese culture.

The "Kabuki-za Theater(歌舞伎座)" is a facility dedicated to the traditional Japanese performing art of "Kabuki(歌舞伎)", and has hosted a variety of performances since its opening in 1989.

There will be two performances, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

Each performance lasts about 4-5 hours, so if you want to do some sightseeing in other places, it is recommended to see the show in the "free seat" section.

"Free seat" allows you to leave the theater at any time.

Free seats are located on the fourth floor of the "Kabuki-za Theater".

Also, kabuki is performed using the old Japanese language.

The language as it is is not understandable even for Japanese, so please get an earphone guide at the reception.

It will be translated into modern Japanese, English, and Chinese as the performance progresses.

"KIRARITO GINZA(キラリトギンザ)" is a complex where you can enjoy sophisticated fashion brand stores and gourmet food. It is a one-minute walk from Ginza 1-chome Station and a five-minute walk from Ginza Station.

▶︎For the official website of KIRARITO GINZA, click here.

There is also a showroom for "SONY(ソニー)", one of Japan's leading electronics manufacturers.

In Ginza, there is a building owned by Sony called "Sony Building(ソニービル)".

The facility has displays of the latest SONY products as well as past products such as the original "Playstation(プレイステーション)".

The building was built in 1966, but still features a simple and beautiful design that doesn't look old.

Incidentally, this year marks the 70th anniversary of Sony's founding.

Unlike other districts, the streets of Ginza are lined with brand-name specialty stores.

Enjoy shopping to your heart's content!

Useful Japanese phrases

You can learn useful and basic Japanese.

●観光 [kankou]

　Meaning : Sightseeing

●楽しい [tanoshii]

　Meaning : Fun

●買い物 [kaimono]

　Meaning : Shopping
●歴史 [rekishi]

　Meaning : History

●美術 [bijyutsu]
　Meaning : Art

If there's any other Japanese you'd like to know, just ask in the comments or on Twitter（@The_ROJ）!