Tokyo It is one of the great capitals of the world. It is a city that vibrates with people, activities, tourist possibilities, it does not matter if you go in summer, winter, spring or autumn. There is always something to do.
For twenty years now tourism has been growing, and today, as you walk through its streets, you will hear all the languages of the world. Thus, Tokyoites begin to be more open, more social and it is something that, if you have not been there yet, it is time to enjoy.
Tokyo
Today is the capital of the country although it was not always. It is a city that changes all the time, if that is possible, so if you went a few years ago when you come back you will surely find many changes. For example, last year several blocks flew to this one near Shibuya station and the shops or little bars where I used to spend my afternoons in 2018 ... they were not in 2919. Just like that!
It is true that Tokyo is a city with many people, people who live in it and who come from the surroundings to work. It is not a place with many skyscrapers, although it has very tall and strange buildings. I once read that it is something like "a big town" and I think that description matches a lot. It is not a high city, it is a large city.
When should you go to Tokyo? Well based on my personal experience definitely don't go in summer. My city is hot and humid in this season so I thought it wouldn't affect me but no, Tokyo is literally an oven hot and humid and it is very uncomfortable to get around. At the very least, if it's your first time in Tokyo, don't go in the summer.
The best month to visit Tokyo is may. Sun, warmth, long days. Later, autumn is also very nice and winter, although it has short days and frosty nights, is very sunny. That being said, what can you do in Tokyo?
Tokyo Tourism
The city has many things to see and do and it always depends on what your particular tastes are. A trip alone is not enough, but for a first time in Tokyo you can think of some places that you cannot miss.
So let's start with classic tourist attractions in Tokyo. In the central Tokyo are they Imperial gardens, the former park of the Edo Castle, from medieval times. It is free to enter and you will see moats, walls, ponds and old buildings. It is not a big deal but at least on the first trip you should not miss it. To go you just arrive at Tokyo Station and walk a bit.
ahikabara It is also in the central area of Tokyo although it has its own train station. Is he neighborhood of electronics and otakus things, So the public is divided between those looking for electronic components and those, from all over the world, looking for magazines, dolls and merchandising from your favorite anime series or manga. The main street, Chuo Dori, on Sundays, turns pedestrian between 1 and 6 pm.
The part north of tokyo It also has top attractions for a first time in Tokyo. Asakusa is the traditional neighborhood and the Buddhist temple of Sensoji is its main attraction. It dates back to the XNUMXth century and is accessed by walking through Nakamise, a pedestrian street lined with souvenir shops. It is a neighborhood to walk although you can also pay for a half-hour tour in rickshaw for two people for about 9000 yen, 90 dollars.
The past of Asakusa has kabuki theaters, prostitution and mafia but much has been lost by the bombings of the Second War and its rebirth has been more peaceful. After walking around here you can either take a boat on the Sumida river and go to Odaiba Either cross the bridge and visit the Tokyo Skytree. If you can, make both visits. The cruise ship is charming, whatever the ship is, and you have a wonderful view of Tokyo.
And the Tokyo skytree it is something spectacular. It is convenient to go with the sun and stay at sunset. It looks like you are inside a spaceship. And you can stay for dinner or have a beer contemplating Tokyo at your feet, 450 meters from the second observatory. It's lovely. It opens from 8 am to 10 pm and the entrance costs, for foreigners, for both observatories, 4200 yen, about 43 dollars.
If you like museums here in the north is the Edo Museum - Tokyo and the Tokyo National Museum. How do you get to this area of the city? By metro, basically, or by combining train and metro if you have the Japan Rail Pass.
To the west is the party. Simple as that. If you have to look for accommodation, always choose a hotel or apartment or hostel in western Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku. If you are looking for night, people, youth, shops, bars, restaurants, this is the best area of all and staying here ensures that you have everything close by and you should not move much. After renting flats all over Tokyo, the last two years we rented 10 minutes from Shibuya and it was the best thing we did. On foot everywhere!
Shibuya is the youth district par excellence. There are huge shops, bars and restaurants everywhere and New Years, Christmas or Halloween are celebrated here. The multitudinous intersection of streets in front of the Hachiko exit from the station is popular all over the world and you cannot miss it, day and night. But in truth, the area offers much more than this part and you have to dare to walk around, get away and get lost.
This year I have discovered corners that I did not know and that are divine: Shibuya stream, opened in 2018, with three floors of bars and restaurants and offices next to a stream that emerges from the ground and has a pedestrian walkway around it, and the small viewpoint that is right in front of the station and that, I don't know why , I had not discovered before.
If you are looking for images that remain in your memory then go to Shinjuku at night. The lights and the brightness blind you. It is a larger district than Shibuya and is around the busiest train station in the world. Two million passengers pass through here every day and it is very easy to get lost. More for these days that are under construction for the Olympic Games next year. There is everything and you have to dare to get into elevators and go up or down, looking for where to eat or where to drink.
Westerners are used to bars and restaurants on the street, but here that practically does not exist. That is why you have to go to the entrance of the building, read the signs of what is on each floor and dare to go. That easy. When the elevator doors open you will discover other worlds. Also here in Shinjuku is Golden gai, the small neighborhood of narrow streets with super small bars.
Today Golden Gai is very touristy but it is worth getting to know it because the Japanese are quite friendly and open to talking with foreigners, alcohol in between. Most of these bars charge 700-800-1000 yen just to sit down. These bars open from 7 pm and all morning.
During the day you can visit the Metropolitan Government offices, with its viewpoint at 243 meters free admission, or the Shinjuku Park. Another park is the Yoyogi Park, to go around by day, after taking a walk through the crazy Harajuku neighborhood, the center of youth fashion and the cosplay.
Also nearby is the Korean Quarter, in Shin Okubo. You can go by train or walking and if you like the k pop And all that this is a place that for some time now has been receiving a lot of tourism. Both day and night.
And what do we find when south of tokyo? Well, the elegant area of Roppongi, Tokyo Tower and Odaiba Island. Not by little you must stop knowing it. The Tokyo Tower is a classic and cannot be left out with its 333 meters high, two viewpoints and attractions. Starting this month some spare parts are finished so if you go later the tower will be like new.
In Roppongi is the Mori Tower, in the center of Roppongi Hills. This building is 238 meters high and has an observatory floor upstairs and weather permitting you can go out to the helipad. I advise it, it's great!
Knowing these places you will basically know the essentials of Tokyo on your first visit. There are more, of course, beautiful experiences like museums of digital art or kayaking through the inner streams, for example, but you will see that once you get to know Tokyo you will want to return. And return. And return.