Tokyo the Best Bits. I have been wanting to write more about my trip to Japan for AGES! Tokyo is one of those cities, you could read every guide/blog post/article watch every video out there and you would still miss something. The city is huge, like off the scale ginormous. But what can you expect when visiting the most populous metropolitan area in the world! Tokyo is seriously impressive and had me mesmerised from the bustling streets, bobbing along the river on a city boat cruise, to the captivating heights of the metropolitan government building. Having looked through my photos – believe me it has taken me weeks (I am still not through all of them). I thought I should share with you my favourite bits, the bits I don’t think you should miss, but believe me when I say this is just a starting point.

Needless to say I take my hat off to anyone who has managed to put together a ‘complete’ city guide to Tokyo – I think they’d be lying. Ooh I have also included Public Transport routes for each destination, as metro/subways are definitely the easiest transport option! 

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

Yes go here, entirely for the mirrored entrance – ride the escalators and look how snazzy it is. 

Public Transport:
Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Meiji-jingumae Station on the Chiyota/Fukutoshin Lines
Omotesando Station on the Chiyoda/Hanzomon/Ginza Lines

The Meiji Shrine (明治神宮 Meiji Jingū)

Located in Shibuya, near the equally fabulous Yoyogi Park – spacious and wonderful for an afternoon stroll in the densely populated city! 

You will find these Sake barrels on your wander through the soaring trees. According to a translation I spotted: these barrels are offered every year to the enshrined deities to state humble gratitude to brewers and to pray for the continuous prosperity of the sake industry. 

Public Transport
Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line 
Meiji-jingu-mae Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines.

Culinary Delights at an underground Depachika

The food scene in Tokyo is mad. There is an overwhelming plethora of eateries and you can not move for gastronomic delights in the most Michelin-starred city in the world. However, just touched down in Tokyo? Want to make life easy food wise? Head for one of the city’s expansive underground food halls or depachika. The name derives from the Japanese word depato, which means department store, and chika, meaning basement. I could not get over the variety of food available, notably the patisseries and fresh fruit selections! Takashimaya Shinjuku is a great shout, home to a Kit Kat store, roof top terrace and a fabulous array of Marchen sandwiches, filled with fresh blueberries and whipped cream. 

Public Transport

JR Shinjuku Station, New South Gate
Shinjuku Station of Toei Oedo Line 

Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑)

You may not be planning a trip during blossom season (though you should be) but Shinjuku Park is a fabulous escape from the crazy busy streets of Tokyo. As you can see it is a super popular spot for cherry blossom viewing during March/April due to its 400+ blossoming trees. The park is only open from 09.00-16.00 and there is a small entrance fee of 200¥. There is a marvellous array of landscaped gardens, green houses and water features. You could spend an entire day just wandering around taking in the surroundings. 

Public Transport 

Shinjuku Gate is a ten minute walk east from the “New South Exit” of JR Shinjuku Station
Or a five minute walk from Shinjukugyoenmae Station on the Marunouchi Subway Line.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁, Tōkyō Tochō) 

All, this incredible view cost us, was 25 minutes in the most highly organised and efficient queuing system I have ever experienced.  And you honestly can’t argue with that! Seeing the view from the 243 meter tall Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is free. Striking panoramic views are available from both towers and on a clear day it is possible to see Meiji Jingu, Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji. Although one of our first nights in Japan, this was definitely one of my favourites. I 10000% recommend arriving in time for sunset – see Tokyo in all its glory as the sun sets and the dazzling lights flood the metropolis as far as the eye can see. 

Public Transport

Tocho-mae Station on the Oedo Subway Line is located in the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Alternatively, the building can be reached in a ten minute walk from the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station.

Sensoji (浅草寺)

Tokyo’s oldest, most colourful and definitely most popular Buddhist Temple. Before you reach the Hozomon gate as pictured above, you can meander or (if you arrive after 10am walk slowly with every other tourist in Tokyo) along the Nakamise shopping street. Here you will be able to buy traditional Japanese souvenirs and a variety of traditional local sweet  treats. The grounds, temple and pagoda are simply beautiful and the atmosphere was splendid the day we visited. 

Public Transport 

From Tokyo station: take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa.
From Shinjuku Station: take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa. 

Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho

Tokyo by night is incredible, the city transforms into a universe of vibrant neon lights. Any of the districts lit up like this are worth a visit. I have included Kabukicho mainly because I could identify it my outrageous amount of photos and secondly because it is like nowhere I have ever been before. Think Khao San road, but a million times cleaner? Kabuchiko is Japan’s largest red light district featuring countless restaurants, bars, nightclubs, pachinko parlors and love hotels. It is advised to explore the area with caution, but I wouldn’t say anymore caution than most cities at night. 

Omoide Yokocho translates to Memory Lane or as it is more affectionately known – Piss Alley. It is a small network of alleyways filled with dozens of tiny eateries serving a plethora of Japanese delicacies including ramen, soba and sushi. The majority of restaurants are tiny, seating a handful of people on few chairs. As vegetarians, we didn’t easily come across anywhere that we felt we would be safe in the knowledge that we were eating meat/fish free food. But a little wander through was worth it all the same and it is such a contrast to the crazy neon world just a stones throw away. 

Public Transport

As with several of my recommendations Shinjuku station is probably the easiest stop. However, be careful in there you could probably spend a good year trying to navigate your way around! 

If you are a fan of Iced Tea – Japan has your back! 

Oo a quick mention to Lipton iced tea for being a mega babe. Yes I know we have this in the UK. I am just desperately jealous that we don’t have these adorable cartons for sale on every street corner in the UK. The wonderful world of street vending machines, I mentioned them here – they are terrific.  I also love this photo and now feel all nostalgic for hanami picnics in the sunshine. 

Shibuya Crossing 

It would be a shame to visit Tokyo and not experience the famous crossing intersection outside Shibuya Station. This place is heaving with people and it’s honestly a fascinating watch. When the lights turn red at this busy junction, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic comes to a complete stop and pedestrians traverse the crossing from every possible angle. If you don’t want to stand and pull a ridiculous pose as above. Or drag your boyfriend to the barrier of the central reservation to stand amongst the ridiculous traffic. Then observe this moment of insanely well organised chaos from the second story window of the nearby Starbucks.

Tokyo Water Bus – Asakusa 

On our final night in Tokyo, we took the water bus from Asakusa to Odaiba. The destination was not the reason for the journey, we were all about checking out the Tokyo skyline from a different perspective: the Sumida River. I mean I am no photographer but the elements couldn’t have fallen together any more perfectly if they tried for this one. If I remember rightly, we paid about 780¥ which if google is informing me correctly, is just over £5.00 each. Not only are the views to die for but you get to ride on that super snazzy, bond film worthy boat. 

WHERE TO STAY:

I always bang on about using booking.com and for good reason. There are so many perks, from becoming a Genius member, to discount deals – you can’t really go wrong. Just bear in my mind what you are looking for and filter that search down to the small print. For instance, we always filter for ratings 8+, Wifi and air conditioning.

I’ve popped some recommendations below that hopefully cater to your budget option, whether that be a sod it, it’s pay day let’s splash all the cash or a, I need a comfy bed to fall into asap kinda trip. Note that Tokyo is super well connected, so most central areas of the city are easily accessible.

A SPLURGE OPTION

Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo – This super swanky hotel is situated in the centre of Tokyo 900 yards from Tokyo station. The rooms are elegantly furnished and the upper floors offer terrific city views and there is a fitness suite and pool for good measure.

A SLIGHTLY KINDER TO THE BANK BALANCE OPTION:

Hotel The Celestine Tokyo Shiba  – has a fantastic outdoor space with a rooftop garden and lounge. It is located less than 5 minute walk from Mita subway station. The rooms have been elegantly decorated and boast great city views.

A BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION: 

Citan Hostel a quirky hostel with dorm rooms and private queen rooms. Located close to the metro, shops and main train station. Small but perfectly formed. Spotless shared bathrooms and an awesome bar/restaurant area. Be sure to get a coffee and a croissant from the deli cafe by reception in the morning.

As I said at the start, Tokyo is ginormous and I couldn’t possibly give you a day by day guide of absolutely everything you should do – we would be here for a LONG time. I think you could spend your entire life living in this city and you wouldn’t tick it all off. But I wanted to share with you my best bits of Tokyo. If you want to read more about Japan and the 31 reasons why I think you should book flights to the Japanese capital immediately, then click here. If you are looking for Japan travel hacks, this is your post.

Got a trip planned to Japan? Kyoto should 100% be on your list, check out this post!