Top 5 Places to See in Tokyo

Shibuya

Tokyo is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their life. Certainly different from any other in the world, it`s a place that immediately fills the soul with excitement and wonder. 

From the eclectic art and fashion styles to the incredible architecture, shopping and food selection, each area is filled with hidden surprises around every corner.

Shibuya

Best known for having the infamous “scramble crossing” scene where thousands of people cross the street at once, it’s a very energetic part of the city that offers some of the best people watching experiences in the world.  Here you will find anything from cheap eateries, posh bars; modern and vintage boutiques to large shopping malls packed tightly in an already busy area. 

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu

In stark contrast to the buzz found in Shibuya, you can find a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of the city, where the famous Meiji Jingu shrine is located. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this shrine is surrounded by an immense and perfectly manicured landscape that includes over 170 acres of forest.  Certainly a quiet escape from the rest of the city, you can often view traditional ceremonies that take place during the weekends.

 

Akihabara

Akihabara

Known as every geek’s heaven, Akihabara is one of the most famous areas in the world for everything electronic, it’s also the best place to find anything related to anime, comics/manga, action figures and more.  Here you will find the always busy Maid Cafes, where all staff members are dressed as maids and serve guests food and drinks, or simply stick around to play games with customers.

Asakusa

Asakusa

To get in touch with the more traditional side of Tokyo, you should visit Asakusa where the famous and oldest Sensoji Temple is located. On the way to the temple, you can walk along Nakamise Dori, which is a pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and stalls that sell anything from traditional Japanese sweets to traditional Japanese toys, and gifts that are ideal as keepsakes and gifts.

Odaiba

Odaiba

Yet another area far different from the rest of the city, you will find Odaiba island, which is located across Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge. To get there, you can either drive or take a journey along the Yurikamome monorail that weaves between large business buildings like the Shiseido headquarters, the Nippon TV tower and the Pokemon Center.

At Odaiba, you can view the unusual Fuji TV building, stroll along the beach, enjoy some great dining and shopping or learn about some history at the last Edo Era canon battery that’s open to the public.

With such a rich mix of modern technology and ancient tradition, Tokyo is the place that will change the way you see the world and leave you with an incredible experience that will last in your heart forever.

 

*written by Guest Writer Miho, who loves to travel the world and has lived and breathed Tokyo for several years.   She shares Tokyo fashion and travel tips in The Tokyo Fashion Guide, http://www.thetokyofashionguide.com 

*This is the first in a series of articles called "The Top 5 Places to See in ....."  An open invitation is given to any reader to submit an article listing the top 5 places in their home village, town, or city that they would show to visitors. Thanks, Max.