Joanna James
From rickshaw rides, palace tours, busy crossings to kimono photo shoots, Japanese culture is a medley of sights and sounds that would draw you in in an instant. In the capital of Tokyo, feelings of wanderlust will overwhelm you and lead you towards the following destinations.
Take a tour through history while in the comfort of a rickshaw en route to exploring the bustling streets of Asakusa for one insightful and enjoyable adventure. Put yourself in the shoes of a former feudal lord that lived during the height of the Empire of Japan where being ferried around in a rickshaw was the norm as opposed to an option in these present times. Have your picture taken, learn of a few fascinating stories surrounding the early days of Japan and exchange pleasantries with your rickshaw driver (Jinrikisha driver) before moving on to your next destination.
Although a majority of the 3.4 sq km of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is off limits to the general public due to the fact that it serves as the official residence of the Emperor of Japan, inquisitive globetrotters can still immerse themselves in the history and heritage that echo from such a national treasure. As part of a guided tour, prepare to move past the Imperial Palace and in the direction of the Imperial Palace East Garden. Once inside, you could look forward to climbing one of the main keeps, wandering across the eye-catching Ninomaru Grove and setting foot within the Museum of Imperial Collections where a lengthy list of exhibits owned by members of the imperial family are displayed.
Credited with being the world’s busiest intersection, the Scramble Crossing or Shibuya Crossing as it is more commonly referred to is a sight for sore eyes and essentially, an experience that you should not ignore at any cost. Found a stone’s throw from lyf Shibuya Tokyo, which comes across as a modern lifestyle hotel in Shibuya Tokyo to be at, visitors to this region of Japan’s capital city will be well placed to be a part of a unique journey. Watch and wait until the traffic lights change before taking off in an attempt to reach the opposite end of the street as swarms of locals come at you from all directions.
If there ever was an opportunity to dress like a Japanese, then spending time at Kinumo, which is a costume rental store in Shinjuku City, Kabukicho will certainly do justice to this thought. Select from a range of Japanese clothing items that cover retro Showa outfits, theatrical attire to the much-cherished kimono and matching accessories. Better yet, hit the streets and look for the nearest restaurant or theatre where you can try to blend in.
Have access to a rewarding escape at Auberge Tokito that can be reached by calling by Tokyo’s Tachikawa area. Settle down to some high-end gourmet delicacies inspired by a cross section of local cuisine where your every whim will be attended to. Before you leave, try the three types of teas served at the tea ceremony room. Nestled in a garden, this facility affords a modern take on a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to those who wish to appreciate the nitty-gritties of the country’s culture.
Tokyo, the charming heart of Japan beckons travellers from all corners of the globe to embark on a journey of great learning and enjoyable living. Tuck into flavoursome fare, stroll through crowded streets and go back in time to when aristocrats had a say in governance, trade and commerce.
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.
