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see + do
Tokyo see + do
Tokyo is so sprawling, so huge in its dimensions, so confusing in its maze of subway lines that it's difficult to pinpoint exactly where the city begins and ends, let alone where to begin a day's exploration. Most visitors tend to spend the bulk of their time in the central commercial neighborhoods, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Aoyama-Omotesando, and Roppongi. The real pleasure in Tokyo, though, is not so much in the specific sights (among them the Tokyo Sky Tree, due to be the tallest tower in the world when it officially opens in 2012), but in wandering the urban landscape itself, with its clash of the traditional and modern—discovering hidden enclaves that seem forgotten by time, eating at tiny noodle shops and drinking in cubbyhole bars, shopping for one-offs at quirky boutiques, and paying tribute to Tokyo's ancient cultural roots at its many museums and Buddhist temples. Don't hesitate to take a subway or commuter train out to the residential neighborhoods and explore. A one- or two-stop ride away from Shinjuku or Shibuya stations (both commuter-rail terminals) on any line is worth the trip. Many expatriates live on the charming, hilly streets of Yoyogi near the park of the same name. In Shimokitazawa, the narrow lanes near the station are jammed with funky shops and eateries and crowds of young people. The free weekly magazine Metropolis is a good English-language resource for art, music, cinema, and nightlife listings.
Leave the bedlam of Harajuku behind and walk to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful, wooded haven dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852–1912). Pass through the giant...more
Japan is famous for its rustic hot springs (onsen), and even Tokyo has its own mineral-rich baths. Azabu-Juban Onsen sits above a natural source whose dark...more
This contemporary art museum sits on the 53rd floor of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. It has large, stylish spaces and an ambitious exhibition program with a...more
Nakameguro, a spillover district from fashion-centric Daikanyama, is now a destination in its own right; it's been dubbed the new hip hangout by trend-conscious...more
A wonderful museum devoted to mingei or folk art, the Nihon Mingei-kan was founded by scholar Soetsu Yanagi in 1936. The mingei movement highlighted the beauty...more
This tatami-floored museum (you must wear slippers inside) has one of Japan's best collections of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and offers a respite from the crowds...more
The pink portals of the Almond Coffee shop, a landmark for decades, mark the epicenter of the infamous nightlife district you either love or loathe. Sweaty bars...more
Tokyo's oldest temple is said to have originated in 628 when fishermen found a small gold statue of Kannon in their nets. Senso-ji, or Asakusa Kannon, as it's...more
The crossing in front of Shibuya station, one of the busiest intersections in the world, is a sight in itself, with thousands of pedestrians and huge video...more
Those looking to escape the neon lights and towering buildings of Shibuya will find a bohemian respite just five minutes away in Shimokitazawa. The...more
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