Hello, our next stop is Tokyo. We wish those who are curious about Tokyo a pleasant reading. 🙂
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Famous for its dense population, innovative technology and rich cultural heritage, Tokyo offers visitors a unique experience. The city offers a wide range of attractions, from traditional temples to ultra-modern skyscrapers, from peaceful green parks to vibrant shopping malls. Tokyo is also known for its diverse gastronomy, art, fashion and entertainment scenes, from international cuisine to local delicacies.
How to Get to Tokyo?
Tokyo is mostly reached by air. The city has two major international airports to accommodate visitors from around the world.
Narita International Airport
Tokyo's main international airport, Narita, is located about 60 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights from many parts of the world land here. Train, bus and taxi options are available to get from the airport to Tokyo city center.
Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)
Haneda Airport is used primarily for intra-Asian flights and is closer to Tokyo city center. Haneda is easily accessible from the city center by train, bus and taxi.
Transportation by Train
Japan's high-speed train network (Shinkansen) connects Tokyo with the country's other major cities. For those looking to travel domestically to Tokyo, Shinkansen trains are a fast and comfortable option.
Transportation in Tokyo
Tokyo has one of the most developed public transportation systems in the world. There are many transportation options available to travel around the city:
Trains and Metro
Tokyo's train and subway network is the city's most efficient form of transportation. JR East, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway are among the main operators. These networks provide access to almost every part of the city.
Some JR train lines, such as the Yamanote Line, follow a circular route to major parts of the city and are particularly useful for tourists.
Buses
Tokyo has an extensive bus network. Buses are a good option for traveling to areas that are not served by trains. However, they can be slower than trains at times due to heavy traffic.
Taxis
Taxis in Tokyo are clean, reliable and comfortable. However, they are more expensive than other public transport options. They are recommended for short distances or places that are difficult to reach by public transport.
Bicycle
Cycling in Tokyo can be a fun alternative to get around, especially in some neighborhoods. Bike rentals are available in the city, but caution is needed due to heavy traffic and pedestrian-filled sidewalks.
Places to Visit in Tokyo
Tokyo offers a perfect blend of history, technology, culture and nature. There are many places that will provide visitors with unforgettable experiences:
Shibuya Junction
One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Shibuya Intersection is the perfect place to experience the dynamic atmosphere of Tokyo. It is an area full of shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment venues nearby.
Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
For those looking to explore the traditional side of Tokyo, Asakusa fascinates visitors with its Senso-ji Temple. The nearby shopping street, Nakamise Dori, offers a variety of souvenirs and traditional snacks.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, one of the city's icons, offers great views of the city. The tower also offers many restaurants and shopping options.
Meiji Shrine
Located near the busy Shibuya and Harajuku areas, Meiji Shrine is a tranquil haven to experience the natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere of Tokyo.
Akihabara
A haven for tech and anime enthusiasts, Akihabara is famous for its electronics stores, manga and anime shops, and maid cafes.
Tsukiji Fish Market
The old Tsukiji Outer Market is still open to visitors with its many restaurants and shops, where you can sample fresh seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine.
Odaiba
For those who want to experience the future today, Odaiba attracts attention with its modern shopping malls, entertainment facilities and interesting attractions such as the Robot Restaurant.
Shinjuku Gyoen
One of Tokyo's largest and most beautiful parks, Shinjuku Gyoen is particularly popular during sakura (cherry blossom) season.
What to Eat in Tokyo?
Tokyo is a gastronomic paradise, offering traditional Japanese dishes as well as international cuisine. Here are some of the delicacies you should try in Tokyo:
Sushi
Tokyo is home to world-famous sushi restaurants. You can find fresh and delicious sushi options at the restaurants around Tsukiji Fish Market.
Ramen
Various ramen shops offer different styles and flavors of ramen all over the city. Each area has its own style of ramen, so try different shops in Tokyo to find the style you like best.
Tempura
Tempura, a dish popular in Tokyo where vegetables and seafood are coated in a light batter and fried, is served with a variety of sauces and toppings at tempura restaurants.
Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is pork wrapped in poncho and deep-fried, served with rice and cabbage. Tokyo has many specialist restaurants serving this delicious dish.
Yakitori
Yakitori, chicken skewers cooked on small grills, are often served at bars and izakayas (Japanese pubs) in Tokyo. Yakitori pairs perfectly with a beer or sake.
Japanese Desserts
Don't forget to try traditional Japanese desserts such as matcha (green tea powder), mochi (rice cake) and anmitsu (jelly dessert).
Tokyo Festivals
Tokyo enriches the city’s cultural life with various festivals throughout the year. These festivals encompass traditional Japanese culture as well as modern art and entertainment. Here are some of the major festivals in Tokyo that you should attend:
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival
In spring, Tokyo's parks and gardens are decorated with the pink and white blossoms of sakura trees. During sakura season, people come out to picnic and admire the beauty of the flowers.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Held every July, this festival is one of Tokyo's largest fireworks displays. Thousands of fireworks light up the sky over the Sumida River, providing viewers with a spectacular visual spectacle.
Sanja Matsuri
Held in Asakusa in May, Sanja Matsuri is one of Tokyo's largest and most festive festivals, famous for its traditional Japanese music, dances, and mikoshi (portable shrine) parades.
Tokyo International Film Festival
The Tokyo International Film Festival, held every October, brings together filmmakers and cinema artists from around the world. The festival hosts screenings of various films and meetings with artists.
Kanda Matsuri
Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo's most important Shinto festivals, celebrated every two years in May at the Kanda Myojin Shrine. Processions, music, dancing and traditional costumes are the highlights of the festival.
Tokyo Nightlife
Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world with a nightlife scene. The city offers a variety of entertainment options to suit all tastes and styles:
Shibuya and Shinjuku
These two areas are considered the heart of Tokyo's nightlife. Shibuya and Shinjuku are home to lively clubs, bars, and izakayas (Japanese pubs). These areas, which are favored by the young population, are energetic and lively throughout the night.
Roppongi
Roppongi is another popular nightlife destination among international visitors and locals, with a variety of clubs, bars and upscale restaurants providing late-night entertainment.
Karaoke Bars
Karaoke is an integral part of Japanese culture, and there are karaoke bars everywhere in Tokyo. Singing with your friends in a private room is one of the fun things you can do in Tokyo.
Live Music Venues
Tokyo is also known for its live music venues that host a variety of music genres. From J-pop to jazz, rock to electronic music, venues offer a great experience for music lovers.
Night Clubs
Tokyo's nightclubs bring color to the night with performances by local and international DJs. Modern sound systems and visual shows ensure unforgettable nights in the clubs.
You can visit our Mikos Store Blog page for our different travel guide articles. You may also be interested in our Japan Travel Guide article. Enjoy reading.
