If you are thinking of traveling to Tokyo, Japan, you are in the right place. Tokyo, the capital and most populous city of Japan, is one of the largest metropolises in the world, with 12 million people at its center. 35 million people live in the Tokyo area. It is among the cities where life is most expensive.
This city, whose history dates back many years, used to be a small fishing town, but now it has become the capital of the east. Tokyo’s old name is “Edo”. With the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo 1603, the economy began to develop in the field of culture. Later, in 1868, Emperor Meiji ended the shogun’s rule and changed the name of the place to Tokyo.
Tokyo, which was heavily damaged after the 1923 earthquake, took time to recover, but later on, after World War II. The atomic bomb dropped by the USA in World War II destroyed the country. After this painful past, Japan has made tremendous progress and continues to show great progress in every field today.
Where Is Tokyo?
Japan; It is an island country in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean. Tokyo is located in the central part of Honshu, one of the islands that make up the country, on the shores of Tokyo Bay.
When To Go To Tokyo?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Tokyo. The best time to go to Tokyo is during the spring and autumn seasons. In Tokyo, where the subtropical climate is observed, the amount of precipitation is quite high. Summer months are humid and rainy. In winter, it is not preferred because it is cold and snowy.
Best Places To Visit In Tokyo
Imperial Palace
Located in central Tokyo, the palace is the official residence of the Emperor of Japan. Around the Imperial Palace, which was formerly Edo Castle, there are still moats filled with old water. This structure, which was heavily damaged in the Second World War, was surrounded by ditches for protection. The Imperial Palace is located in Chiyoda, close to Tokyo Station. The interior of the palace can only be entered on January 2 and on December 23, the emperor’s birthday.
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple is also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. It is a buddhist temple. It is one of the most colorful and popular temples in Tokyo. Its construction was completed in 645 and it attracts great attention as it is the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Entry to the temple is free.
Transportation: It is possible to reach Sensoji Temple by getting off at the Asakusa station of the Ginza subway line.
Ueno Park
Established in 1873 and home to many museums and temples, Ueno Park is one of the most frequently visited places by tourists. Also, the presence of Shinobazu Pond is another reason that attracts people here. Kaneiji Temple, the largest temple in the city, is also located in the park. Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art and National Science Museum are among the top museums in the country. Ueno Zoo, also located in the park, is the first zoo in Japan.
Admission to Ueno Park is free.
Transportation:With the Keisei metro line, if you get off at the Ueno metro station, you can easily reach the Ueno Park next to the station. It is also possible to reach here by using the JR Yamanote and Ginza subway lines.
Kaneiji Temple
Founded in 1625, Kaneiji Temple was one of the largest and richest temples in the city during its time. The ruins of the temple destroyed during the war, the five-story Pagoda and Toshugu Shrine are scattered around the park.
Transportation:You can reach the temple by getting off at Uguisudani station.
Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s first and most important national museum, was founded in 1872. In the museum; There are Japanese paintings, sculptures, swords, metal objects, textiles, briefly objects that comprehensively describe the history of Japanese art.
Transportation: You can reach the museum, located in the Taito district, by getting off at Uguisudani station.
Tokyo Museum of Modern Art
Founded in 1952, the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art has approximately 4,500 collections. Painting, sculpture, fashion, architecture, design and contemporary art works are exhibited in the Modern Art Center in the museum.
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s largest city parks with extensive lawns, ponds and woodlands. Before the park was established in 1967, the Tokyo Olympics were held in its area. The park, which includes the famous Meiji Shrine, is free to enter.
Transportation:The park is a 5-minute walk from Harajuku station.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a densely populated city center, home to the world’s busiest train station, Shinjuku station, and the Tokyo Government Building.
West Shinjuku area; eastern Shinjuku is the district with skyscrapers, homes, luxury hotels and twin towers; Kabukicho is the district of department stores, shopping malls and underground electronics stores, bars, entertainment venues, Japan’s largest and wildest Red Light District. Many subway lines are used to reach the area, but the easiest transportation is provided by the JR Yamanote line.
Tokyo Tower
Located in the center of Tokyo, this tower is the tallest steel tower in the world with a height of 333 meters. Built in 1958, the tower is 13 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. It is a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, Tokyo Tower acts as a broadcast antenna. There are cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in the tower.
Transportation: Metro stations are about 5-10 minutes walk from the tower. You can reach the tower by using the Hibiya metro line or the Oedo metro line.
Transportation In Tokyo
When you travel to Tokyo, you should also know how to get there. Tokyo is a metropolis in every way, so its transportation system may seem complicated at first. However, once you get used to the transportation system, you can easily go anywhere with public transportation.
Since the traffic is quite heavy in Tokyo, buses and taxis are not preferred. If you still want to take a taxi, you can travel with green taxis for a more affordable price. If you are going to travel by private vehicle instead of these, you may encounter parking problems other than traffic.
Subway
In order to use the subway and buses in Tokyo, it is necessary to buy Suica cards. Suica cards are charged according to the distance traveled. JR and Yamanote lines are used to travel in the city center. There are ticket machines and automatic ticket control machines at every station entrance and exit.
Bus
Suica card is also used in buses. The most preferred bus routes by visitors are as follows:
Toei Bus: Covers the main areas of the city.
Tokyo Shitamachi Bus (Sightseeing Bus): Visitors can use this bus to get around Tokyo’s famous places.
Sky Bus Tokyo: You can visit important points of Tokyo with these open-top buses.
Transportation from Narita Airport: At Narita Airport, each terminal has its own train lines. If you are going around Ueno, you have to use the Keisei trains. Since trains provide the fastest transportation, they are more expensive than buses. If you are going to Tokyo Station, the ticket price is halved if you show your passport.
Transportation from Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport): With the metro station located outside the Haneda airport terminal, you can switch to the metro line and reach the city center.
You can also go directly to Ueno, Asakusa from the airport by sightseeing shuttle buses called Skytree Shuttle.
Japanese Cuisine
Your trip to Tokyocontinues, if you can’t decide what to eat, then it’s time to talk about what to eat in Tokyo. Due to its location, Far East and Japanese cuisine generally consists of seafood. As most of us know, “sushi” is the indispensable food of the Japanese. Nigiri-zushi, one of the most popular dishes of Japanese cuisine, is a type of sushi prepared with rice flavored with sweet vinegar. It originated as a fast food meal in Tokyo. Tsukiji Fish Market is the go-to address for those who want to eat fresh sushi.
One of Tokyo’s most famous dishes, tempura, is created by dipping seafood and vegetables in dough and frying. The history of this flavor dates back to the 16th century. It is a must-try dish for fry lovers.
Popular Restaurants
- Kyubey
- Japanese Cooking Class Tokyo with Mari
- Tapas Molecular
- Cedros
- Ishikawa
Tip: It is not customary to leave a tip in Japan, it is optional.
Shopping in Tokyo
Wouldn’t you like to beautify your Tokyo trip with shopping? When you think of Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is technology. However, in Japan, the world’s most important technology producer, the prices of electronic products are not as cheap as it seems. Akihabara is a frequent destination for those who want to buy electronic goods. You can also find many electronic devices in Shinjuku at affordable prices compared to other regions.
Those who want to buy souvenirs and enthusiasts of traditional Japanese crafts can stop by the Oriental Bazaar in Harajuku. Gifts such as kimonos, woodcuts from the Edo period, dolls, fans, ceramics and paper can be bought from this market.
Tokyo Nightlife
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Roppongi are Tokyo’s best-known and most colorful nightlife areas. Shinjuku has restaurants, bars, nightclubs and massage parlors, as well as Japan’s largest Red Light District.
The Shibuya area also has countless nightclubs, bars, dance halls and places that appeal to a younger audience. Go-go bars, live music venues and jazz clubs are also available in the Roppongi area. With its lively atmosphere, Roppongi is the first choice of tourists. When you travel to Tokyo, do not leave without tasting the nightlife!
Popular Locations
- Tokyo Pub Crawl
- Blue Note
- The Room
- Mistral Blue or Train Bar
Tokyo Festivals
- Tenjin Matsuri – July 24-25
- Aizen Festival – 30 June – 2 July
- Sumiyoshi Masturi – 30 July-1 August
- Cherry Blossom Festival – starts on the last Saturday of March and lasts for two weeks
- Sumiyoshi Festival – April 22
- Hanami Festival – March-April
- Golden Week – May
- Bon Festival – July 13-15
Tokyo Public Holidays
- New Year (January 1)
- Adults’ Day (2nd Monday in January)
- Foundation Anniversary (11 February)
- Spring Equinox Day (March 20)
- Nature Day (April 29)
- Children’s Day (May 5)
- Maritime Day (3rd Monday in July)
- Respect for the Elderly Day (3rd Monday in September)
- Autumn Equinox Day (around September 23)
- Health and Sports Day (2nd Monday of October)
- Culture Day (November 3)
Labor Thanksgiving (November 23) - Emperor’s Birthday (December 23)
Tokyo Useful Information
- Emergency Assistance: 119
- Fire: 119
- Police: 110
