Tokyo
Asakusa Kaminarimon
Sensoji Temple: This is the most famous temple in Asakusa. Niomon Gate and the five-story pagoda are also part of the temple’s attractions. Sensoji Temple has a long history dating back to the Edo period, and the surrounding area is crowded with tourists visiting the souvenir shops along Nakamise-dori.
Nakamise-dori: This shopping street is known as the approach to Sensoji Temple and is lined with souvenir stores, restaurants, and traditional crafts. The area is filled with people enjoying sightseeing and shopping as they walk along.
Kaminarimon: This is the nickname for the Niomon Gate of Sensoji Temple, characterized by its large lanterns. In front of the Niomon gate, there is a statue of Lord Niou, and it is a popular spot for tourists and visitors to the temple.
Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center: There is an observatory that offers a panoramic view of Asakusa and a wonderful view of the Sumida River and Tokyo Sky Tree.
Sumida River & Sky Tree
The Sumida River is a major river running east to west through Tokyo, emptying into Tokyo Bay. The area surrounding the river is dotted with historical sites and tourist attractions, with the Tokyo Sky Tree being particularly famous.
There are also various cherry blossom viewing spots along the river, offering beautiful scenery along with the nearby Tokyo Skytree.
Tokyo Sky Tree, completed in 2012, is the tallest radio tower in the world at 634 meters. It has been certified as a Guinness World Record. It is also known as a tourist spot, and from the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo and the surrounding landscape. The night view from here is especially beautiful, allowing visitors to enjoy the lights of the city center and the night scenery.
Tokyo TOWER
Construction and History: Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and was initially built as a transmission tower for television broadcasting. Modeled after the Eiffel Tower in France, Tokyo Tower has a distinctive and beautiful design.
Height: At 333 meters, Tokyo Tower was the tallest tower in Japan when it was first built. It was later surpassed in height by the Tokyo Sky Tree, but it remains a beloved symbol of the city of Tokyo.
Observation Deck: Tokyo Tower has a large observation deck and a special observation deck, each offering panoramic views of Tokyo’s cityscape, mountains, and ocean. The night view is especially beautiful, with the city illuminated by lights.
Odaiba
Odaiba is located far from the city center, but is known as an area rich in tourist facilities and entertainment. Odaiba means “turret” and takes its name from the maritime gun emplacements built in the 19th century to protect the city from the arrival of American black ships.
Today, Odaiba is a popular area for young people and families looking for a relaxing vacation while still in Tokyo. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, beach volleyball and triathlon swimming competitions were held in Odaiba.
Ueno & Akihabara
Ueno and Akihabara are two neighboring districts in Tokyo, but they are quite different in style, theme, and atmosphere. Ueno is also home to the Ueno Zoo, many national museums, art galleries, parks, performing arts venues, and a boating pond. It is also a place where visitors can become familiar with history, culture, and art while enjoying the seasonal changes, especially cherry blossom viewing in spring, lotus in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
Akihabara, on the other hand, is the land of many electronics enthusiasts and constitutes a fascinating mix of high-tech and popular subcultures such as Japanese manga and anime.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku Station is considered a major transportation hub, and in 2007 was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having an average of 3.64 million passengers per day. Large department stores such as Isetan, Takashimaya, Keio, and Odakyu are located here.
Shibuya
Shibuya is located in central Tokyo and is a bustling area where youth culture, fashion, and entertainment gather. It is home to many shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes, and the world-famous “Shibuya Scramble Crossing” is a hub of the city center with a lively and energetic atmosphere that is at the forefront of the latest trends. The statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog, in front of Shibuya Station is also famous.
Harajuku
As soon as you get off at Harajuku Station, you will find Harajuku’s main street, Takeshita-dori. A wide variety of stores, including giant rainbow marshmallows, various accessories, and piles of apparel, line the street, welcoming people to the area.
Another recommended spot in Harajuku is Meiji Shrine.
Meiji Jingu Shrine is a sacred place where vast grounds and beautiful nature coexist, which is rare in central Tokyo, and is famous as a healing place where one can deeply experience Japanese history and traditions.