5 Reasons to Visit Tokyo ASAP
Traveling to Tokyo, Japan will leave you speechless then turn you into a storyteller. At every turn, there is something to stand in awe and wonder of. Traveling to Tokyo is like being transported into the future (literally if you’re coming from the States). The high-tech city is a cultural hub for the latest trends in art, technology, and fashion. It’s no wonder celebrities like Will Smith and Pharrel frequently visit the city for inspiration and innovation. But you don’t have to make a million bucks to feel like royalty in Tokyo. The city is affordable for travelers on all budgets. While Tokyo is known for its fast and furious lifestyle, you can still slow down and connect with the deeper parts of yourself. All aspects of Japan’s rich culture are present in this wonderful city.
1. The culture’s incredibly eclectic.
Holidays, are also huge in Japan. New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in Japan. During the spring and summer, they celebrate, Matsuri, which is celebrating the God of the land and sea. If you want to learn about Japanese traditions, visit Kyoto. Here you will find several classic Buddhist temples, palaces, and traditional Japanese wooden houses. If you’re not able to venture out to Kyoto, Tokyo has no shortage of shrines and temples. Tokyo’s oldest shrine called the Sensoji Shrine offers a quiet place in the middle of a bustling metropolis.
2. Everything’s wildly futuristic.
Tokyo is the city of the future and lightyears ahead in the area of tech, fashion, and art when compared to other parts of the world. To experience the perfect mix of science and art visit teamLab Borderless, a digital art museum. You’ll want to carve out at least 3-4 hours in your itinerary to immerse yourself in the unique art there.
If you love all things anime, then you’ll surely want to experience where it all originated. Head to Akihabara, a huge anime district in Japan. The street of Akihabara is filled with comic book shops, arcades, and everything you need to geek out. The area has small street stalls and big department stores such as Yodobashi Multimedia Akiba.
3. The fashion is next level.
Japan has long become a world fashion trendsetter and has gained influence over street fashion and high-end brands. You have probably heard about Harajuku, the trend that combines a burst of bright colors, teased hair, and high-platform shoes. You will find followers of Harajuku fashion in many places in Japan including Tokyo that has its own epic Harajuku district brimming with stores, boutiques, and thrift shops. However, Tokyo has many other fashion subcultures, as the Japanese love to put their twists on jumpsuits, blazers, and other wardrobe staples.
4. The food is random but incredible.
Most of us think of sushi as a staple of Japanese cuisine. While sushi is a must-try when you travel to Tokyo (make sure to try the sushi conveyor belts) you should also try other dishes from Japanese cuisines such as Sashimi and Tempura. The food in Japan is always fresh and rich in taste, and a place to eat is easy to find. Tokyo has thousands of eateries for different price points and tastes. If you are traveling on a budget, you will find shops with noodles and other traditional Japanese dishes literally on many street corners. We recommend trying the Udon noodles for sure.
If you are a sea-food lover then you traveled to the right place. Toyosu Fish Market is located just outside of Tokyo and is one of the largest wholefood fish markets in the world. Plenty of restaurants and shops come to the fish market to get their products. Visiting the market should be on your to-do list, and if you’re up for an early morning they even have a tuna auction starting at 5:30 AM!
5. The nature is otherworldly.
Peace and zen are a part of the culture in Japan, and you can find plenty around every corner. From breathtaking views of Mount Fuji to exploring the iconic Bamboo forest, there is no shortage of natural beauty in Japan. A few national parks in Tokyo to witness are Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, And Imperial Palace East Garden. The nature in Japan is stunning and you can spend all day wandering and getting lost. While in Japan, remember to embrace the peace and serenity that awaits you.