Tokyo, the cultural city of Japan celebrates a varied mix of cultural influences. There are people who call it the New York of Asia.
The city has witnessed startling development in the recent years. When to this city, you’ll be impressed by the interface between tradition and modernity. With deep roots in the Jomon culture, the city celebrates Chinese, Korean, Greek, Indian, European, and American influences which is why, one doesn’t just visit Japan, but the whole world, when in Tokyo. To experience a great day when travelling to Tokyo, here’s what you must do. We have your itinerary sorted!
MORNING Get up early to go to Tsukiji market: This is the famous market in Tokyo with all kinds of fresh seafood. Since dawn, the market begins to bustle. Sellers put on rubber suits and head on to their way for work. Tourists often come to this market because they want to join the tuna auction. To participate in the auction, mark your presence in the market at 5am. If waking up early on a vacation is not your way, well, that’s okay. You can go to the market and have a fresh breakfast at one of the shops here.
Explore Akihabara electronics neighbourhoods: Akihabara is one of Tokyo’s 23 central business districts, which is known by the nicknames ‘Electronic City’ & ‘game and comic heaven’. It harbours large stores specializing in computer and electronics parts. If you love Japanese comics, cartoons or games, you’ll be fascinated with Akihabara. The place also hosts Comiket, a bi-annual comic market which attracts many visitors.
I had planned my visit to Tokyo in August 2015 during the Summer Comiket, held at the Tokyo Big Sight. The amazing thing about the event is that you’re not just a visitor but a participant. It is a surreal and bewitching experience, especially if you are an art lover. People display their doujinshi artworks for sale and dress up as cosplayers. Since August is the hottest month in Tokyo, I’d suggest wearing attires that are airy and let your skin breathe. Don’t forget to withdraw cash well in advance and pack frozen water bottles.
NOON Sushi time: Sushi is a prominent dish of the Japanese cuisine. In Tokyo, you will find many stores selling sushi and seafood. The sushi in Tokyo is that one delicacy capable of urging you to go back again to the town.
To quench my craving for authentic Japanese Sushi, I headed to Kyubey, an authentic restaurant offering the finest Sushi I had ever had. The famous restaurant is easy to locate in the Ginza district and is at a walking distance from the famous Tsukiji fish market.You might also want to try learning how to make sushi rolls; a promising fun-filled experience. There are many restaurants that offer this experience, and I had mine in Kyubey.
AFTERNOON Entertain yourself at Tokyo, Disneyland: You can spend a whole afternoon in Tokyo Disneyland as this is the largest entertainment district of Japan. From Central Station in Tokyo, you catch the train to Maihama station. The feeling of seeing Disneyland is overwhelming – as if you are lost in a fairy world. You can buy souvenirs like stuffed animals, play games, or just enjoy the miraculous sights this place has to offer.
My visit was full of fun and frolic and I can proudly say, I made the most out of the day with more than a dozen rides, three parades, and a wondrous fireworks show at night. The place receives great footfall and people come dressed as cartoons, especially Disney characters. Avail the ‘Fast Pass’ facility at the popular rides to avoid long queues. There are ample restaurants in there so you don’t have to carry food, however, keep water bottles handy given that in summers, it’s extremely hot.
The most popular rides, astonishingly, are not the thrilling ones but rather the cute ones (kawaii as they call it). I loved going to the Cinderella Castle (super kawaii) and the Tom Sawyer Island. You must not miss the Peter Pan’s Flight which is actually an airborne tour full of surprises. The other good rides are Splash Mountain Ride and the Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek.
EVENING Have Ninja style dinner: To stir new feelings in your Tokyo trip, relish your dinner at the restaurant Ninja Akasaka. This is a famous restaurant in Tokyo and has a small, dark entrance, totally ninja style hiding in the darkness. In the restaurant, you will be taken to a fortress-like space protected by the ninjas. The setup is no less fantastic than any ninja movie you might have watched as a kid.
The rule of thumb is, you have to decode things like a ninja while you are here. You will be guided by the ninja staff to find a way to your table. To summon the staff after being seated, press the hidden button below the table – that is a cheat tip. The best dishes to try here are the shredded vegetable salad, the black fried chicken, and the Kingyo drink.
Drink sake and sing karaoke: You should be unable to leave Japan and Tokyo, in particular, without enjoying sake and singing karaoke. There are many karaoke bars serving sake here. However, you can go to Ikkon in Akasaka to enjoy fresh food, refreshing sake, and a mysterious ambience. The restaurant is modestly priced where you can experience authentic Japanese culture in a soothingly dark set-up. Best dishes to try are the salt baby-chicken and the seared tuna nigiri. My travel mates and I crooned to the songs of One-Direction on the soft cushiony floors.
From the neon-lit skyscrapers to the majestic palace sites, places in Tokyo can never be enough to fit in your travel diary. Visit the chief attractions and relax in the island town. And, in case you don’t know what to start with, use this go-to-guide as a solution.
Author Bio – Sahiba Sadana is a content writer, well-versed in SEO writing. Her works have appeared on Business Town, The Business Woman Media and other leading dailies. The English post graduate is a Sherlock Holmes fangirl. You can read a recent article by her on drones at The Absolute Reviews.