Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples
Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.
Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945.
Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.
4:30pm-6:00pm : Meiji Jingu Shrine
Pay your respects to the deified Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, at Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto shrine surrounded by a forested area crisscrossed with peaceful walking paths. At the temple itself, visitors give offerings, buy amulets and charms, and reflect on and write out their wishes. Walk through the treasure house to see belongings of the emperor and empress, and visit the museum annex next door, which hosts temporary exhibitions. Note that photography is not permitted within the temple’s halls.
9:30am-10:00am : Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
Catch sweeping views of the city from one of the two public observation decks at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings. Completed in 1990, the postmodern building designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange references a Gothic cathedral. Inside, the governing bodies for the entire Tokyo metropolitan area have their headquarters. At 202 m (663 ft), the building's observation decks each contain a cafe and souvenir shop. One of them stays open late, providing glittering views of the skyline on clear nights.
10:30am-12:00pm : Akihabara
Tokyo's hub for all things hi-tech, Akihabara serves as a haven for gamers, computer enthusiasts, and in recent times, fans of anime and manga. This "Electric Town" is the place to go when shopping for electronic devices, gadgets, and computer-related items. Roaming the streets of the lively neighborhood, you'll come across countless electronics stores, game shops, and internet cafes, but also a variety of anime distributors and maid cafes, cosplay establishments employing waitresses dressed up as French maids.
12:30pm-2:00pm : Senso-ji Temple
Completed in 645 CE, Senso-ji Temple holds the status of being the oldest temple in Tokyo. The temple grounds contain an independent Buddhist temple and a Shinto shrine. Enter through the imposing Thunder Gate and walk the shopping street, lined with about 90 food and souvenir shops and dating back to the early 18th century, up to the main hall. The temple complex, including the main hall, contains buildings both historic and reconstructed since World War II. Don’t miss the five-story pagoda and the garden and pond surrounding the "Demboin" (high priest’s residence).
4:30pm-5:30pm : Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Originally constructed for the private residence of "daimyo" (feudal lord) Naito in the Edo period, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden has served as a public park under the Ministry of the Environment since its reconstruction after World War II. Tour the park to see its three main sections: a traditional Japanese garden dotted with ponds intercepted by islands and bridges; a symmetrically planned French garden; and an English garden with sweeping lawns and cherry blossom trees. Stop by the greenhouse to inspect the permanent and special exhibits of tropical flowers.
10:00am-12:00pm : Imperial Palace
Home of the imperial family, Imperial Palace and its expansive grounds stand among the city's most popular attractions for foreign visitors. Badly damaged during World War II, the palace underwent a massive reconstruction project in the 1960s. Today, visitors tour the complex at the heart of the city to see the living and working quarters of the imperial family, as well as an array of historic landmarks that include lush gardens and a famous stone bridge. Keep in mind that you must book a tour by phone or via the palace website in order to join a guided tour on the day of your visit. Tour spots fill up fast, so reserve yours early to avoid disappointment upon arrival.
12:30pm-3:00pm : Tokyo National Museum
Among the country's, and the world's, largest institutions of its kind, Tokyo National Museum exhibits Buddhist and Japanese artwork, woodblocks, kimonos, and other cultural gems. Browse the museum's collection of more than 100,000 artifacts spread out over five different buildings to take a step back into the nation's past. Note that exhibits and displays feature descriptions and signage in English--you can also check out an English-language audio guide at the entrance.
3:30pm-6:00pm : Edo-Tokyo Museum
See how Japanese capital evolved into a global city at Edo-Tokyo Museum, filled with artifacts, exhibits, and models documenting the urban center's growth since the ancient times. Marvel at dioramas depicting the lives of samurai, explore replicas of Tokyo's 19th-century streets, and admire ornate kimonos as you follow the transformation of the city from a medieval hub to a high-tech metropolis. Don't miss the full-sized recreation of the Nihonbashi Bridge, the main entryway into historic Edo of the Tokugawa period. Grab a free audio guide to get more info about the displays inside the museum. Most exhibits feature English-language descriptions and signage, which makes tours all the more pleasant and rewarding. Check the website for information about temporary exhibits and special events.
10:00am-6:00pm : Tokyo Disneyland
The first Disney theme park outside of the United States, Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983 to provide the same magic and fun that makes Disney World famous. The park contains seven sections: a World Bazaar, the four classic Disney worlds (Westernland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Adventureland), Critter Country, and Mickey’s Toontown. Featuring many of the beloved rides and attractions based on Disney’s classic films, the park draws tremendous crowds. Research tickets in advance and wear comfortable shoes to navigate the park’s vast open spaces.
10:00am-2:00pm : Tokyo DisneySea
An original Japanese addition to Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea features nautically themed attractions, rides, and shows inspired by myths of the sea. The park contains seven different areas: Mermaid Lagoon, American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Arabian Coast, Mediterranean Harbor, and Mysterious Island. Check out the Venetian gondolas, an underwater world out of the imagination of the science fiction writer Jules Verne, and the S.S. Columbia steamship. Unlike its neighboring Disneyland, this park contains higher quality dining options where guests can order alcoholic beverages.
2:30pm-5:30pm : Tokyo Skytree
Piercing the skyline at 634 m (2,080 ft), Tokyo Skytree hosts a restaurant, a broadcasting tower, and an observation deck. Ride the elevator up, and then take in 360-degree views of Tokyo while climbing the five-story spiral staircase to the highest glass-walled panoramic viewing deck. A gift shop inside the tower sells sleek design items and souvenirs, and within the observation area you will find a cafe and a French-Japanese fusion restaurant.
10:00am-11:30am : Tokyo Tower
Symbolic of Japan’s economic rebirth after World War II, Tokyo Tower stands proudly at a height of 333 m (1,092.5 ft), defining the Tokyo skyline with its orange and white stripes. This lattice steel tower, modeled on the Eiffel Tower, holds a communications tower and two observation decks. Reach the decks by elevator or by climbing the 600 stairs to take in a view of the city below. Directly beneath the tower, visit the four-story building that houses restaurants, souvenir shops, and an indoor amusement park.
12:00pm-6:00pm : Odaiba District
Roam the streets and malls of Odaiba District, a popular Tokyo entertainment and shopping district situated on an artificial island. Created in 1850, the island has experienced a revival in the late 20th century, becoming a prominent hotspot for shopping and leisure activities. Wander among tall skyscrapers and eclectic modern buildings, browse countless shops, or check out numerous dining options there. For a more laid-back outing, take a relaxing stroll on the beach boardwalk or have a picnic in the park.
10:00am-10:30am : Hachiko
One of Tokyo's more touching attractions, the statue of Hachiko depicts a dog that became world-famous for the incredible loyalty to his owner. Nine years after his master's death, the dog still waited for him in the same spot near a local train station, repeating the same routine day after day. The bronze monument remains one of the city's top spots for photographs.
10:30am-11:00am : Shibuya Crossing
Take part in one of the most iconic scenes in Tokyo by joining the crowds through Shibuya Crossing, an enormous bustling intersection outside Shibuya station. Flanked by illuminated skyscrapers on each corner, the intersection buzzes with organized chaos as pedestrians cross in every direction at once. Watch the hypnotic movement of the crowds from afar--ideally from the windows of one of the surrounding buildings--before diving into the packed but orderly masses yourself.
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