Tokyo is one of the most tantalizing cities on the planet. No matter your age, gender, or interest there are a ton of amazing things to do while on vacation in Tokyo. While I can count hundreds of reasons to vacation in Tokyo, here are 5 of the best.
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1. Tokyo City Grandeur Mixed With Japanese Culture
Tokyo is a perfect mix of ultramodern, neon-lit skyscrapers with historic temples and shrines. It is home to the Sensoji Temple. Built in the 600s, Sensoji is both the oldest and the most colorful Buddhist temple in Japan. But it is simultaneously one of the most techno-savvy cities in the world!
This modern city of about 14 million people began as a simple fishing village called Edo. With the establishment of a feudal system, Edo became the political center of the country in 1603. Today, Tokyo is a vibrant city known for bustling streets, ancient temples and shrines, futuristic technology and world-class cuisine. Tokyo hosts a vibrant business center and is home to Shiibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world!
Imperial Japan
The Meiji Shrine, otherwise known as the Shinto Shrine, is dedicated to the deity of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji (1868-1912) ushered in the modern era and made Japan one of the world’s major powers. The Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum will provide a sense of what the city looked like before Imperial power was restored and the city was renamed Tokyo in 1868.
Emperor Meiji and his family were the first to reside at the Imperial Palace. This palace opened in 1888 but was destroyed during World War II. After the war, it was rebuilt in the same style. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it is the former site of Edo Castle. The surrounding grounds are massive and open to the public. You can make a full day of getting lost in the gardens, which are particularly stunning.
Modern Day Tokyo
Tokyo is famed as a leader in technology and its bustling streets, lined with towering neon-lit buildings, are evidence of that. As a world leader in automobiles, robotics, and smart-phone technology, Tokyo offers sites and experiences not available in any other single destination. Be sure to bring plenty of yen so you can explore and shop to your heart’s content. To see the mix of old and new Tokyo in one sweeping view, visit the Tokyo Tower or the Tokyo Skytree. These structures offer the best views of the city. On the ground, check out one of the amazing museums or technological experiences Japan is known for.
2. The Weird and the Wonderful
Tokyo offers an eclectic mix of weird and wonderful sites and experiences to enjoy on your vacation. The Gracery Hotel pays homage to the Japanese movie icon Godzilla with a “real” steam-breathing monster just outside the Café Bonjour on level 8. You can also see him from the street if you have a good eye and catch him at just the right moment.
Themed restaurants are all the rage in Tokyo. You can experience themes ranging from the Alice in Fantasy Book restaurant, to Vampire Cafes, and Sumo Wrestling Restaurant. You can sit across from a Moomin character at the Moomin Bakery and Cafe and the Pokémon Café is a must for any Pokémon or Nintendo fan! At Maidreamin’, the waitstaff dress like maids and at Cat Café Mocha you can play with the cats while you enjoy your food.
Anime and Manga fans will find Tokyo to be a veritable paradise on earth. As the birthplace of anime and manga, Japan is filled with shops, museums, restaurants, and other sites. Fans of Kawaii can take a Kawaii Tour, but if history and culture interest you, check out a Geisha Experience or the Samurai Experience. You could just do it all in the Anime, Manga, Game, and Maid Cafe Tour!
3. The Majestic
While Mt. Fuji is technically 2.5 hours from Tokyo, no list of reasons to vacation in Tokyo would be complete without mentioning this majestic site. Besides, if you are lucky enough to find yourself in Tokyo on a clear day, you can see it from various places in the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and is well worth a day trip. No trip to the mountain would be complete without visiting the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. This station is halfway between the base and the peak of Mount Fuji. It offers tremendous views and is the starting point if you are one of the brave souls planning climb to the summit.
There are several things to do in the area surrounding Mr. Fuji, including a visit to Oshino Hakkai village. This traditional Japanese village features pools fed from the snow-melt of Mount Fuji. Also, the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway leads to an observation deck providing amazing views of the mountain.
The easiest way to visit Mount Fuji is by booking a private tour or to join a group tour. You can also consult this article for details on how to skip the tour and go on your own by bus or train.
4. The Food
Who doesn’t dream of a steaming hot bowl of ramen or a delectable array of sushi when planning a Tokyo vacation? Look for places filled with locals and remember, the longer the line, the better the food! You can find quick meals can be found across the city at Stand-up Sushi Bars and you will never go wrong with ramen on a cold day. But don’t let your dreams stop there! Tokyo has more Michelin starred restaurant than any other city in the world!
If you prefer that a guide assist you in finding the best cuisine, consider taking a Food Tour. There are also all those themed restaurants in the city, but those are more about the fun role-play experience than the food! Want to create some of the great food from your Tokyo vacation once you are home? Consider taking a Cooking Class!
5. Amazing Thrills and Chills
Most people don’t think about spending part of their Tokyo vacation at Disney, but Tokyo Disney is Truly Magical. Granted, Disney is always magical, but a visit to Tokyo Disney and DisneySea is also culturally enlightening. Nobody, “Does Disney” quite like the Japanese “Do Disney!” It is phenomenal! While the parks are similar to those found in the states, there are some amazing surprises and one-of-a kind experiences you can only encounter in Japan.
The Fuji-Q Highland, located at the base of Mt. Fuji, is world renowned for its thrilling, Guinness World record-breaking roller coasters. The Takabisha roller coaster is the steepest steel roller coaster in the world with a drop angle of 121 degrees. The elaborate, anime-themed rides and attractions provide unique experiences for the entire family. Add two wildly “haunted” attractions in the mix and the Fuji-Q Highland is the perfect theme park for thrill seekers.
Sanrio Puroland is an amazing indoor theme park where all your “kawaii” dreams come to life as you meet your favorite Sanrio characters (including Hello Kitty).
Tokyo Dome City truly offers something for everyone during their Tokyo vacation. In addition to being the home of professional Japanese baseball, the complex includes an array of attractions including museums, a skating rink, bowling alley, and even a spa with natural hot spring water!
Are You Ready to Vacation in Tokyo?
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