Earlier this year, my husband and I took a sightseeing trip to Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto & Nara), without our kids. While we missed them, it was wonderful spending one-on-one time with my husband. (And not having to deal with teenagers who have might not have enjoyed looking at all the blossoms, temples and shrines that we visited.)
I’d wanted to see the blossoms in Japan for years so I was beyond excited to visit Japan. We were away for 10 days and that was a perfect length of time – what with work obligations and being away from the kids. But however long you spend in Japan, I don’t think it’s ever long enough to see everything you’d like to see there. It’s the most amazing country! Those of you who have been to Japan will know just how marvellous that place is, and to those of you who haven’t – add it to your list! Seriously. There’s so much to see and explore there – and the food is delicious!
So I thought I’d put together a list of awesome things to see and do in each of the three cities we visited there – as a possible itinerary for any of you who may be planning a trip to Japan.
Okay, first up: Tokyo. This is truly an über-cool city – particularly their fashion, and also the seamless way the old temples and shrines live within that modern city.
We spent four days there and although we tried hard to see as much as we could during that short time, there were so many other places that we would love to have seen, had we been there longer. Travelling around Tokyo takes a fair bit of time – and even though we used the metro trains and buses extensively, there was still a good amount of walking involved to visit all the sites. But in my opinion, the local travelling and walking is an exciting part of any travel experience (albeit rather tiring at times) – those are often the best times to soak up the atmosphere of the place and get down to some serious people-watching!
Right, diving in:
1. Take a walk around the Imperial Palace East Gardens
We visited these beautiful gardens on our first morning in Tokyo – to see the blossom trees in bloom. And we were rewarded with some beautiful trees and a sprinkling of falling blossoms too!
A former site of Edo Castle, these gardens are no longer home to any of the main buildings, but you can still see:
- the moat,
- some of the remaining walls,
- the foundation of the castle tower,
- majestic entrance gates, and
- a few impressive guardhouses.
Worth a visit.
2. Visit the Imperial Palace
If you want to take a tour of the palace grounds (one cannot enter the buildings as Japan’s Imperial family actually live here), be sure to book online beforehand (although apparently, you can book at the gate too, but, your timing might be off). However, if that’s not a priority for you, walking around the East Gardens and then along the moat around the outside of the palace, is also very enjoyable and you get pretty good views of the buildings.
3. Take in the Meiji Shrine
Torii (traditional Japanese gates) are most commonly found at Shrines – so if you see one of these beauties, it means that you’re either entering a Shrine area, or you’re at a Shrine. Such a huge Japanese symbol, this. (It even has its own emoji!)
I photographed the one below at the entrance to the forest where the Meiji Shrine is located. If you go through this gate you can walk through the forest which is both beautiful and relaxing. We were enthralled by the leaf sweepers who work hard to keep those paths meticulous. Those men displayed such skill. And wow, that can be a full-time job at certain times of the year!
On your way through the forest, make time to stop and take in the beauty that is these barrels of sake because they are so unique and a Japanese icon, in my mind.
And then go on to enjoy the actual Shrine. Take your time walking around there – it’s gorgeous. I tended not to take any photos right at the holy place as I didn’t want to be insensitive.
Sorry, I couldn’t get enough of those amazing structures!
4. Experience a Sukiyaki meal
Sukiyaki is basically a Japanese stew that’s cooked in a hot pot at your table as you dine. We found a great little restaurant after doing a spot of shopping one day, were brought up to speed on what to do and off we went. While your hotpot warms up at your table, you go off to choose your vegetables, noodles and tofu, and on your return, your broth should be boiling and your thinly cut slices of (raw) meat should have arrived. You throw all of your ingredients into your broth and cook. As simple as that. There are also some dipping sauces (or raw egg, if you’d like) and we had some tasty side salads too.
This was such a lovely lunch experience, one we won’t forget – and very welcome on a cold day like it was on the day that we went.
5. Go to the Ginza district
And enjoy some fun shopping – you’ll find both high-end shops and many other more affordable stores. And time your visit so that you get to hear the clock strike the hour – always a good experience, in my book.
6. Enjoy a cocktail and some jazz at the New York Bar
If you enjoyed the movie, Lost in Translation (with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson) or you simply enjoy great views, cocktails and jazz, make a point of stopping in at the Park Hyatt and head up to the 52nd floor New York Bar. You won’t be disappointed.
We ordered a lobster roll and a Wagyu burger from their snack menu and both were delicious and sufficient for dinner that night. Also, their cocktails are sublime. New York vibe at its best.
7. Go up the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
It’s free. And has spectacular views from up there! On a clear day, you can even see Mt Fuji apparently. You could also go up the Tokyo Skytree or the Tokyo Tower, but we found ourselves in Shinjuku with some time to spare, so we chose the Government Building to take in the views.
Saw these cute ladybirds outside the building when we exited. (Tourists take photos of ALL the things, it’s true. Hahahaha.)
8. Experience the Shibuya Crossing
It’s got to be done. And in my case, more than once. 😉 I loved being part of the craziness of crossing that intersection. Do yourself a favour and give it a go because it’s an adrenalin rush! We bought coffees at the Starbucks on the crossing and headed to their upstairs seating area to watch all the hundreds of people (Starbucks has a seating area that overlooks the crossing). Such fun.
9. Go to the Robot Restaurant
Now here’s a show like nothing we’ve ever seen before – bright, loud, a little tacky and very entertaining. It’s got to be experienced once, I reckon. Just seeing these (sometimes) huge floats and robots being manoeuvred around a relatively small area, is phenomenal. And the costumes are from the future!
Pro-tip: Book before you get to the country so that you’re assured seats, as this is a popular attraction. We booked online and although the ticket confirmation email took a while to come through, it all worked out in the end. There is the option to include dinner with your ticket entry, but we chose the ticket and 1 drink option and went for dinner elsewhere after the show.
10. Get to the Tsukiji Nippon Fish Market
And try a warm, just made Tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette – made by cooking together layers of egg in a rectangular pan) – they’re so good. I also had some melon (I know, at a fish market) that was the sweetest melon I’d tasted in a long time.
We did try some fishy morsels in the Tsukiji Outer Market as well, but it was too early for me to really get into the whole sushi breakfast thing. This market is definitely worth a visit because there’s so much to see and so many interesting foods and stores to wander around. Go early.
11. Pop in at the Kawaii Monster Cafe
You will be amazed by this rainbow paradise because it’s loud, bright and super crazy.
We had just had a big lunch at a sushi restaurant in the area so we popped into the Monster Cafe for dessert. I would have been interested to taste the rainbow spaghetti or the rainbow burger, but I was very happy with my chihuahua treat! (I love that husband of mine who indulged my crazy desire to go to this wacky place! Thanks, babe!)
12. Visit Akihabara and soak up Electric Town
“Electric Town” gets its name from all the lights you see in the area and also the type of stores that you find there. This shopping district specialises in computer games, anime and computer goods – so you’ll be spoilt for choice. We picked up a mobile charger here as our phone batteries were taking a hammering from all the google maps searching (Grant) and photo taking (me). Hahaha.
13. Explore the Harajuku shopping area
It’s a must-see. Start by buying a rainbow candyfloss in a big cone shape, then check out the crazy fashions and wander around the fascinating stores. It will all enthral you. It’s heaven for any shopaholics.
Enter this area at Takeshita Street because then you’ll get to see this cute view:
14. Eat all the ramen in Tokyo
And that won’t be difficult because there are ramen restaurants everywhere! Search TripAdvisor in the area you find yourself and pick one of the top-rated ramen restaurants. By doing that you’re sure to get delicious ramen, especially when you see a long queue of locals outside a restaurant. We waited in a queue for an hour for lunch one day – but boy was it worth it!
We had such a great time in Japan and were amazed on many occasions by the kindness of the people. The Metro and hotel staff were amazing. The guy who walked around the block with us in search of a restaurant we were looking for. Similarly, the saleswoman who left her store to show us another store we were looking for down the road! They were all so helpful, respectful and sweet. I think this is a great way to live your life.
Have you been to Tokyo? If you have, what other places or experiences would you add to this list? I’d love to hear your recommendations, so please leave a comment below.
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