Tokyo

東京

Japan's capital and largest metropolitan area, blending ultra-modern skyscrapers with historic temples and traditional neighborhoods. Essential for experiencing contemporary Japanese culture, world-class museums, shopping, and dining across distinct districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa.

Things to do

• Senso-ji Temple — Tokyo's oldest temple, featuring a massive red lantern and bustling shopping street (Nakamise) selling traditional souvenirs and snacks.
• Shibuya Crossing — The world's busiest pedestrian crossing, a controlled chaos of thousands crossing simultaneously in this iconic downtown intersection.
• Meiji Shrine — A serene Shinto shrine nestled in a forested area dedicated to Emperor Meiji, offering a peaceful escape from the urban energy nearby.
• Tsukiji Outer Market — A vibrant wholesale fish and produce market where visitors can sample fresh sushi, seafood, and street food from numerous vendor stalls.
• teamLab Borderless — An immersive digital art museum featuring interactive installations that blend light, sound, and technology in transformative exhibition spaces.
• Shinjuku Gyoen — A expansive public park with Japanese, English, and French garden sections, ideal for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.
• Tokyo National Museum — Japan's largest art museum housing samurai armor, ukiyo-e prints, Buddhist sculptures, and artifacts spanning centuries of Japanese history.

Food to try

• Ramen — Wheat noodles in savory broth (tonkotsu pork, miso, or shoyu soy-based), with toppings like chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, and nori, found in ramen-ya shops throughout the city.
• Sushi and Sashimi — Raw and prepared seafood over vinegared rice, best experienced at conveyor-belt sushi restaurants (kaiten-zushi) or high-end omakase counters.
• Tonkatsu — A breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet served with tangy tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and rice, a beloved comfort food across Tokyo.
• Tempura — Lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables served with a delicate dipping sauce, traditionally eaten at specialized tempura restaurants.
• Okonomiyaki — A savory pancake layered with cabbage, meat or seafood, and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, cooked on a flat griddle.
• Monjayaki — A molten, cheese-like variation of okonomiyaki with a thinner batter that diners cook and eat directly from a personal hot plate at the table.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect quiet on trains — Avoid phone calls and loud conversations on public transportation; eat and drink sparingly; priority seating near doors is reserved for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers.
• Remove shoes when appropriate — Take off shoes when entering temples, shrines, some restaurants, ryokan inns, and traditional homes; look for shoe racks or ask staff when unsure.
• Cash is still king — While card usage is growing, many small restaurants, temples, and shops accept cash only; ATMs at convenience stores like 7-Eleven accept foreign cards.
• Bow as a greeting — A slight bow (even a small nod) is appreciated when greeting, thanking, or apologizing; the deeper the bow, the more respectful the gesture.