Tokyo is one of the most advanced cities in Japan, Asia and the entire world. Millions of tourists flock here every year, attracted by the unique Japanese culture and its cutting-edge technology. We went to Tokyo during “Momiji-Gari“, the time to admire red maple leaves, but it is a place to go any time of the year. Here I will show you the key districts and attractions of Tokyo and will tell you how we were getting around there.
Let’s start with thinking of Tokyo as a city of contrasts, where sightseeing is not about single attractions, but entire districts that are strikingly different from each other. So, posh Ginza District is home to the offices of world-famous brands, while Akihabara attracts fans of Japanese anime culture and is also known for its overwhelming number of computer stores. The spirit of medieval Japan still lives in Harajuku, and Shibuya is a gathering place for Tokyo’s youth, offering any kind of entertainment, from shopping to bars and clubs.
We stayed in the Minato city, known as a business and nightlife center. It has excellent connections to all other areas of Tokyo and to the central station, where you can catch a train for Kyoto and Osaka. Starting from Hamarikyu Park, we indulged in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea House and then headed to Asakusa, one of the most visited districts. Besides the famous Senso-ji Temple, the area is full of souvenirs and crafts shops. Senso-ji is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo, where you can feel the Japanese architecture and see the ancient Japanese artifacts preserved here. Close to the Temple you will find one of the main modern attractions of the city – Tokyo Sky Tree – that offers a stunning view of the city. This “heavenly tree” ranks as the tallest structure in Japan.
We decided to watch the Japanese sunset on the island of Odaiba. It is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay connected to the city by the Rainbow Bridge. The name of the island “Daiba” means “artillery batteries” and is directly related to its history. In the beginning six small fortresses were built here to protect the capital against attacks from the sea. Today the Odaiba area is a leisure and tourism zone. It also has a copy of the Statue of Liberty that is 4 times smaller compared to the famous American monument. It was placed opposite the Rainbow Bridge in 1998.
We spent all the next full day visiting the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyoen Imperial Garden. The world-famous Imperial Palace will enchant people interested in history, but also lovers of beautiful landscapes. The palace complex is a huge area, and the garden laid out as part of it, will delight the eye at any time of the year. The tradition wants that the best time to visit it is the cherry blossom, but it is no less colourful at Momiji-Gari, time of admiring the red maples.
Apart from the Imperial Palace gardens, Tokyo has the Shinjuku Gyoen Imperial Garden that lies where the Shibuya and Shinjuku districts meet. After the concrete and glass of the Japanese capital, this garden is a true oasis for nature lovers. During the cherry blossom and maple hunting, this garden is packed with tourists and photographers from all over the world, so it’s best to visit early in the morning.
Tokyo is a city where everyone will find something he loves. Whether you like noisy bars and multi-floor geeky games centres or narrow Japanese streets in neighbourhoods that still preserve “that very one” Japanese spirit. This city can draw your energy out and fill you with new meanings, it can exhaust and breathe life into you, but I do believe that everyone should see it at least once in their lifetime!
