If you’re looking for a quick city break from Hong Kong, the capital of Japan is just a four-hour flight away. While Tokyo may seem similar to the Fragrant Harbour with its skyscrapers, busy streets and even its own Disneyland, it also offers tourists an engrossing and iconic culture that, dare we say, rivals even our own.
Not sure where to start with all the amazingness? Here are seven things you simply MUST do!
1: Sweet Sake at Sensoji Temple
Photo: Jia Wong
Completed in 645 AD, Sensoji is one of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temples, originally built for Kannon, the goddess of mercy. People still travel to the temple to worship today, while the streets outside have been expanded into a sprawling market – the longest stretch of which is over 200 metres. There are dozens of stores selling everything from folding fans to yukatas (traditional Japanese wear), and plenty of snacks and beverages. One of the most popular stalls sells hot, sweet sake, complimented by brown sugar mochi (sweet rice cakes).
2: Tsukiji Fish Market
Photo: Jim Fischer
This huge living ecosystem is now the biggest wholesale fish market in the world, having grown in popularity with tourists to the point where it’s being forced to change locations in November this year. The move will see the fishy phenomenon relocated to modern facilities in Toyosu, a mile-and-a-half away, while freeing up the former spot for redevelopment. Until then, if you want to watch the fish being auctioned off, be prepared to arrive SUPER early, as only 100 people are allowed in from 4am. After the auction, the market is open to the public, with almost every street boasting a store selling the freshest sushi and sashimi ever.
3: Tokyo Disney
Photo: Jia Wong
Boasting the world’s second-biggest resort after Orlando, Tokyo cannot be truly done without a visit to Disney. The theme park is split into two sections: Disneyland and Disney Sea – the latter of which is the only one in the world. You can purchase a two-day pass to visit both resorts, assuming you’re not too exhausted from just one day of Disney overload. Even though we visited in the off-peak season, it was still extremely busy, so make sure the first thing you do there is grab fast pass tickets for rides. Restaurant reservations are taken from the early hours, so get in there quick or be prepared to wait for up to an hour.
4: Shibuya Street Crossing
Photo: Antonio Tajuelo
This district is famous for the huge pedestrian crossing that runs diagonally at the crossroads, and the locals seem quite used to the throngs of tourists taking selfies as they run back and forth along the striped paving. The Shibuya district is also well known for shopping, and is supposedly a popular haunt for foreign celebrities, so keep your autograph book/rotten tomatoes handy.
5: Tokyo Observatory Deck
View from Tokyo Observation Desk. Photo: Balbo42
Spilt into two separate towers – North and South – these skyscrapers offer free entry for tourists to view the city from over forty floors up. It’s kind of like Hong Kong’s Peak but with an elevator instead of a tram. The view really is breathtaking, so don’t forget your selfie stick… as much as we hate to say that.
6: Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
Photo: John Weiss
Home to the Japanese Royal family, the Tokyo Imperial Palace keeps most of its grounds private, but the East Gardens are rather generously open to the public. Landscaped in the traditional Japanese botanical style, they boast plentiful temples to view and trees to lounge under.
7: Tokyo Skytree
Photo: Manish Prabhune
At over 600-metres, Tokyo Skytree stands as Japan’s tallest structure, as well as the world’s highest tower. In addition to being a popular tourist attraction, the tower also serves as the primary television and radio broadcast site of the local Kanto region. Below the tower is a spacious shopping centre, filled with restaurants, souvenirs shops and high street clothing stores.
