Tokyo, in the 12th century was only a small fishing village
called Edo. It rose to prominence in 1590 when Tokugawa Ieyasu made Edo
his base and later upon becoming shogun; the center of his military
government.
Since then Tokyo has been the capital of Japan and has thrived to become one of the top three cities of the world (according to different surveys). It is a unique blend of modern and old; of shrines and skyscrapers. It has goliath malls, amazing food, tranquil landscape gardens full of cherry blossoms - it is a city when pulls you in and it's hard to let go. For the tourist it is a must visit. Here we list some of the top things (mostly without cost) to do when you're in this great beast of a city.
Jog or cycle on the park paths and around broad moats which surround the Imperial Palace. There's a Palace Cycling course which you can take.
Senjo-ji is Tokyo's most famous Buddhist temple and is visited by scores of pilgrims. Join their footsteps and visit this great temple located in Asakusa. Nakamise-dori, the street along which this is located is lined with colorful shops from which you can take away cool souvenirs.
Explore the area around Tokyo's Harajuku Station. It is known as Harajuku and is located between Shibuya and Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line. It is a captivating area full of shopping and an insightful look into the teenage culture of Tokyo. For the latter visit the Takeshita Street (and its side streets), as they are full of trendy shops catering to the latest teen fashion. If you're more interested in shopping, Omotesando Avenue is the place for you, it has all the major brands as well as good cafes and restaurants serving a more adult audience. Harajuku isn't limited to shopping only; famous places like Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park (free to enter), Ota Memorial Museum of Art and Nezu Museum are all nearby.
Do you recall the famous crossing shown in every movie which is based in Tokyo? It's called the Shibuya crossing and a sea of humanity is seen to cross it every few minutes. Be a part of it.
For the Anime fans, Tokyo's Anime Center is a haven. It was made to market anime and hosts regular events, interviews with creators as well as voice actors and also sells unique merchandise. If you love your anime (as you should) be sure to visit this.
If you wish to get away from the bustle of the main city, look no further than any one of Tokyo's beautiful botanical gardens. The ones which are free to enter include Happoen near Shirokanedai Station, and those attached to the Four Seasons Chinzan-so and the New Otani Hotel in Akasaka.
And be sure to catch any of the numerous weekly festivals which take place in different areas of Tokyo. Fire walking, cherry blossom viewing and parades, these make for fun viewing.
Since then Tokyo has been the capital of Japan and has thrived to become one of the top three cities of the world (according to different surveys). It is a unique blend of modern and old; of shrines and skyscrapers. It has goliath malls, amazing food, tranquil landscape gardens full of cherry blossoms - it is a city when pulls you in and it's hard to let go. For the tourist it is a must visit. Here we list some of the top things (mostly without cost) to do when you're in this great beast of a city.
Jog or cycle on the park paths and around broad moats which surround the Imperial Palace. There's a Palace Cycling course which you can take.
Senjo-ji is Tokyo's most famous Buddhist temple and is visited by scores of pilgrims. Join their footsteps and visit this great temple located in Asakusa. Nakamise-dori, the street along which this is located is lined with colorful shops from which you can take away cool souvenirs.
Explore the area around Tokyo's Harajuku Station. It is known as Harajuku and is located between Shibuya and Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line. It is a captivating area full of shopping and an insightful look into the teenage culture of Tokyo. For the latter visit the Takeshita Street (and its side streets), as they are full of trendy shops catering to the latest teen fashion. If you're more interested in shopping, Omotesando Avenue is the place for you, it has all the major brands as well as good cafes and restaurants serving a more adult audience. Harajuku isn't limited to shopping only; famous places like Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park (free to enter), Ota Memorial Museum of Art and Nezu Museum are all nearby.
Do you recall the famous crossing shown in every movie which is based in Tokyo? It's called the Shibuya crossing and a sea of humanity is seen to cross it every few minutes. Be a part of it.
For the Anime fans, Tokyo's Anime Center is a haven. It was made to market anime and hosts regular events, interviews with creators as well as voice actors and also sells unique merchandise. If you love your anime (as you should) be sure to visit this.
If you wish to get away from the bustle of the main city, look no further than any one of Tokyo's beautiful botanical gardens. The ones which are free to enter include Happoen near Shirokanedai Station, and those attached to the Four Seasons Chinzan-so and the New Otani Hotel in Akasaka.
And be sure to catch any of the numerous weekly festivals which take place in different areas of Tokyo. Fire walking, cherry blossom viewing and parades, these make for fun viewing.
