Joanna James
Starting from Shibuya Crossing to historic Asakusa, charming cherry blossoms and enchanting temples not to mention the delightful array of food and drinks, Tokyo remains one of the best destinations in the world for the discerning traveller. Being a major Asian city with all these attractions with much to see and do picking what is best can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor to Japan. Use the following plan in the order of your choice during the week’s stay in this exciting city.
With charming streets lined with shops, and classical architecture from the traditional Edo-era to withstand fires and preserve nature, the enchanting ancient temples such as Sensoji and Kamiraminon the Thunder Gate make Tokyo’s Asakusa neighbourhood an ideal place to start your discovery of this wonderful city. Whilst Asakusa provides a glimpse of the capital city’s rich history complementing that are trendy boutique hotels and the sky-hugging Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world which is the broadcasting tower of Tokyo. Enjoy a pleasant day around this area savouring the past and shifting to the modern as you watch the Skytree lit up and perhaps end your day taking a romantic cruise along the Sumida River as enjoyed by many visitors from furnished apartments in Tokyo.
Stroll down the beautiful paths formed by cherry trees flanking the famous Meguro River, spend time browsing the Indie shops selling an array of goods from sneakers, to books and many more, plush boutiques selling branded clothing and accessories, trendy cafes with snacks and coffee, craft beer taprooms, restaurants offering authentic Japanese and international food you can spend a whole day here as you capture lasting memories. The paths become laden with cherry blossom canopies during the spring and present a lovely walk at all times of the year.
A popular Shinto shrine in Japan, Meiji Shrine is surrounded by a lush forest enabling you to admire the natural beauty of the surroundings with trees standing strong for many centuries. This shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken who led the way to modernize Japan. After spending some serene time at the shrine embark on the walking tour from Harajuku to Shibuya, two vibrant districts offering shopping for trendy fashions, and cafes with all sorts of mouthwatering dishes and snacks. Don’t miss the experience of the famous scramble crossing as enjoyed by guests from Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo.
Take the train to Ueno station and visit this quaint indoor plus open-air market, Ameyoko. Spread over a large area, the market offers over 400 stores situated under the railway line. Clothing, souvenirs, handicraft items and varieties of food can be obtained from this bustling market.
Being in Tokyo for one week, you must certainly visit the Imperial Palace. With free guided tours to explore the inner grounds and the adjacent East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Thereafter head to Marunouchi Naka-dori street, a famous illumination spot in Tokyo. Be awed by the glowing champagne hue of 1.2 million low-energy bulbs being lit up artistically to entertain visitors. Explore the shops before moving on to exploring the upmarket Ginza area.
This city has become a buzzing hub of electronic retailers drawing scores of visitors and locals to the city. Ranging from stalls at little nooks and corners to mega-stores line the city sidewalks. Booths specializing in manga, anime and video games draw many visitors as do shops selling toys and collectables. Lose yourself in this electronic arena for a day.
Experience a traditional Japanese hot spring experience at an onsen. Generally found close to volcanoes, surprisingly you still find a few around Tokyo too. As you come to the end of your holiday, it is good to experience this coupled with a good meal at a restaurant before you leave Tokyo.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
