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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 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.
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, has been dubbed the new hip hangout by trend-conscious Tokyoites, although it's far quieter...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...more
Shinjuku is a metropolis-within-a-megalopolis, an elevated neighborhood on top of the world's busiest station and Tokyo's western hub. This is modern Tokyo at...more
As any resident will tell you, Tokyo is nothing like the rest of Japan, and since you're on the island, you really should take a train journey into the verdant...more
Sumo wrestling is one of the quintessential Japanese sports, and there are three tournaments a year in Tokyo, all held at the sumo stadium in Ryogoku. Matches...more
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