EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATIONS OF THINGS TO DO
✤ SKY BUS TOKYO
Take a tour of Tokyo's sights on a double-decker open-top bus. The route is as such that you can see Tokyo's famous landmarks while on board the bus. There are many different routes available in the night time and day time. On the Odaiba Night Course, the bus takes passengers to see the Tokyo Tower lit up against the night sky and also runs through the Rainbow Bridge.
✤ AMEYOKO (SHOPPING STREET)
Ameyoko, is the place to be if you want to shop till you drop! The busy market street along the Yamanote Line tracks between Okachimachi and Ueno stations, is where you can find various products such as clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food and spices. Ameyoko is one of the most famous shopping streets in Japan with more than 400 stores lined up in a 500 metre stretch. Opening hours and closing days depend on individual stores, but stores typically open around 10:00 and close around 20:00.
✤ TOKYO TOWER
The architectural wonder stands 333 meters high in the centre of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower is a self-supported steel tower and is about nine metres taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. Tokyo Tower was the country's tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, Tokyo Tower serves as a broadcast antenna. The tower's main deck at 150 meters is reached via elevator or can be accessed through the staircase which is appoximately 600 steps. There are also some "look down windows" in the floor to stand on, a souvenir shop and a café.
✤ TOKYO STATION
Tokyo Station is one of Japan’s busiest station by number of trains, and connects the entire length of the country through its bullet train network. The station isn't restricted to its rail connectivity as it also features many shopping areas inside and outside the ticket gates. One can explore First Avenue Tokyo Station, home to Tokyo Character Street; stroll around Yaesu Chikagai, an underground mall of 180 outlets; or pop into the upmarket department store Daimaru Tokyo branch, one of the biggest in central Tokyo.
✤ AKIHABARA
Akihabara is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops and has also gained recognition as the centre of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture. In this shopping district one can find many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga as well as the electronic stores. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March).
✤ TEAMLAB PLANETS TOKYO
An immersive experience, teamLab Planets Tokyo is a museum where you walk through water, and a garden where you become one with the flowers. The museum features four massive exhibition spaces and two gardens. Visitors are encouraged to enter barefoot so, they can truly experience the essence of the space.
✤ TOKYO CRUISE
There are many ways to enjoy the sights of Tokyo, but by boat is a highly recommended experience! There are 3 different cruises available and they are the HIMIkO, HOTALUNA and EMERALDAS. Manga and anime artist Leiji Matsumoto was inspired by the image of a teardrop when designing the HIMIkO and derived inspiration from a spacecraft whilst designing the HOTALUNA. The design of the HOTALUNA. The EMERALADAS is the third type of cruise available which has also been designed by Leiji Matsumoto and is based on the concept of being a ferry that children want to ride on.
✤ THE NATIONAL ART CENTER, TOKYO
The National Art Centre, Tokyo, is Japan's fifth national art museum. The National Art Centre, Tokyo, opened its doors to visitors in 2007 and is one of the country's most important art spaces. Don't miss out on the Fine French dining establishment with a view, Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musée and the extensive Art library on the third floor.
✤ GINZA
Renowned for being Japan’s premier shopping district, Ginza is one of Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district. The area features numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes. Also, for those who enjoy the theatrical arts a visit to kabukiza, Tokyo's premier kabuki stage is highly recommended. A visit is most pleasant on weekend afternoons when the central Chuo Dori street is closed to automobile traffic and become a large pedestrian zone.