Top 10 Things to do in Tokyo, Japan


If I had to narrow down the top ten things to do in Tokyo, here it is:

  1. Ooeda Onsen Monogatari Hot Springs. If I could spend a whole day there, I would’ve. There is an entrance fee of ¥1,980 (about $20.) This fee includes a yukata and basic services such as foot bath and indoor/open air baths. There was so many services to choose from. A few of those services were feet therapy (little fishies eating your dead skin), massages, facials, sand bath, and rock slab bath. These services have an extra fee, but I think the money you spend is definitely worth it. I splurged on 15 minutes of fish feet therapy and 40 minutes on a body massage. The experience of wearing a yukata and indulging in a Japanese pastime is worth the trip to Ooeda Onsen. Also, there are food shops inside for you to eat from and enjoy.
  2. Shibuya Crossing. If you’ve watched Lost in Translation or the Amazing Race Season 9, then you know what Shibuya Crossing is all about. Take the train to Shibuya and exit from Hachiko Exit. From there you will see the Hachi Statue and the Crossing in action. Soak in everything in its fast paced-ness. I enjoyed my view from the L’OCCITANE Cafe.
  3. Hachi Statue. Since you’re already in Shibuya and exiting from Hachiko Exit. You might as well stop by and pay a visit to the Hachi Statue. Any dog lover would. I just love the story of Hachi and his loyalty to his Master, that I HAD to stop by and have several pictures taken with him.
  4. Genki Sushi. Also in Shibuya, Genki Sushi is a place that will amaze you in technology and in nourishment. You order thru a tablet and your sushi or nigiri will be delivered to you through a conveyor belt. Not only is it efficient and delicious, it is also economical. A plate starts at ¥120 (about $1.)
  5. Visit a Park. There is Shinjuku Gyoen or Yoyogi Park. I personally visited Shinjuku Garden and loved it! It wasn’t even in full bloom yet but just seeing the traditional Japanese Garden, Ume trees, and people just lounging and reading their books in the benches; or eating their onigiri in the grass; or painting a picture, is worth a trip to the park.
  6. Sake Tasting. Just as there is Wine Tasting, there is Sake Tasting. What’s a visit to Japan without having some Sake?
  7. Tsukiji Fish Market. I would highly suggest hiring a guide if you don’t have a friend who can take you around and know the ins and outs of the place. Many foreigners travel there and snap pictures but don’t know where to buy good sushi, or where to buy the best tuna croquette.
  8. Shopping. If you want to buy a good camera or electronic item, Akihabara is the place to go. If you want to buy high end fashion, Ginza is where you should be. If you want to buy good deals, Don Quijote is one place not to miss. I found myself shopping for Tokyo Bananas and other Japanese snacks at Odaiba Diver City Mall, the Tokyo Skytree, and at the airport.
  9. Dipping Ramen. I have never had dipping ramen until this trip. You squeeze a lime in your noodles, which is in a separate bowl from the broth. Dip your noodles in the broth and eat it while you slurp some of the broth goodness.
  10. Tokyo SkyTree or Tokyo Tower. Now, if you had to choose between an old landmark or a new one, which would you choose? Also, if you could choose to go 333 meters or 350 meters above, which would you choose? Of course, I opted for Tokyo Skytree which is the newer landmark and goes from 350 meters to 450 meters above.

Now, if you have extra time in your schedule, I would also recommend going to a museum. There are several. One that I visited was the Edo-Tokyo Museum. A good look into the history of Edo and the evolution of Tokyo.

And, it goes without saying, but Japan is also home to one of the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses which is located in Ebina. This is just a train ride away and is worth a visit if you are in town.

All the things above is not listed in any particular order, I would recommend doing things by each borough or ward in Tokyo. So much to do and so little time is often the dilemma. Plan your day wisely by deciding which ward to visit and spend a day there. If you wish to visit more than one ward a day, choose to visit wards that are near each other or something you will pass by on the way back to your hotel. Happy Travels!

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