IO things to do in Tokyo
Steeped in culture and lit by neon, discover Japan’s diverse capital
1 Shop shrine at Asakusa
Nakamise-Dori is an avenue of trinketty stalls paving the way to one of Tokyo’s most significant Buddhist shrines, Senso-ji. It somehow strikes a wonderful balance and there’s a palpable thrill as you enter the Asakusa complex via the ominous-sounding Thunder Gate.
A must-go for food-lovers and those curious about seafood consumption in Japan, Toyoso Market opened in 2018 in the Bay of Ascend the Tokyo Skytree for a kneewobbling Tokyo. Tourists can watch the wholesale market view of the metropolis far below. and tuna auctions from observation windows. The 634m-tall broadcasting tower opened in 2012. There are restaurants and a retail market onsite.
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Take it all in from the 35m high Tembo Deck or, up a further 100m to the sloping glass Tembo Galleria.
In Tokyo, snatches of tranquillity are worthy of investment. Set moat-side and adjacent to the Imperial Palace, with a backdrop of royal gardens and city vistas, the five-star Palace Hotel embodies both serenity and space. It’s one to stretch the budget for, if only for a night.
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Japan is not short on adorable tourist tat to toss your yen at, but for keepsakes of value, take the time to find a kimono or yukata. These beautiful garments vary from cotton to exquisite silks; modern twists to traditional cuts, custommade or vintage. Try Antique Mall in Ginza or Jotaro Saito in Roppongi Hills.
2 Scale the tallest tower 3 Daytrip to Nikko park
Take respite from the city’s relentless rush on a day trip to serene Nikko National Park, just two hours from Tokyo. Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenji will trigger a flurry of photosnapping, but an unmissable stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Shinto Toshogu Shrine.
4 Cross street at Shibuya
Participate in the deluge of humanity that is the pedestrian crossing at Shibuya. When lights turn red, up to 3000 people are disgorged from footpath to road at this iconic intersection. Of course, there’s plenty to cross the street for such as shops, izakayas and restaurants.
5 Dine with hedgehogs
Japan popularised the animal café and you’ll find many iterations of the format in
Tokyo. Cats? Sure, but for real kawaii value head to the Chiku Chiku Café not far from Shibuya station, where hedgehogs loll on miniature lounge chairs and in bathtubs in their well-kept dollhouses.
6 Watch a tuna auction Splurge palace-side Buy a vintage kimono 9 Sing your heart out
Sake-assisted singing sessions are nonnegotiable for visits to Tokyo. It may sound cliched but karaoke is still very much a part of Japanese culture. Step out of your inhibitions and into a rendition of your favourite ’90s pop anthem and remember, the worse you sing, the more fun it is. Start at Shibuya’s Karaoke Kan. IO
While the hype Gwen Stefani bestowed on Harajuku in the early noughties has simmered, this area of Shibuya remains a hotbed of experimental teen fashion and committed cosplay. Stroll the overpass near the station to spot the enthralling outfits of those who gather here (mostly on Sundays).