Experience world-famous Japanese hospitality while soaking in the best of what Tokyo has to offer.
1. Shibuya Crossing
One of the busiest intersections in the world and often featured in movies such as The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and Lost in Translation, get lost in the crowd and soak yourself in Tokyo’s rush hour here. If you’re not big on crowds, watch pedestrians navigate through the iconic intersection just outside Shibuya Station from a distance at one of the surrounding buildings.
2. Try eating in a booth
When in Japan, having a bowl of piping hot ramen is a must. Head to Ichiran Ramen, known for its flavourful broth, as well as eating in an individual booth, where the only form of communication with your waiter, is through an order pad.
3. Visit a temple
Whether it’s Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji in Asakusa, or the Meiji Shrine dedicated to one of Japan’s most esteemed emperors, the Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken at Harajuku, take a relaxing stroll amidst the verdant walkway. When you reach the main temple, you can make offerings, buy charms, or pen your wishes down.
4. Experience an onsen bath
After a long day of walking, take a dip into one of the hot springs in Tokyo. The onsen, which is native to Japan, will expose you to a whole host of new experiences, including bathing in the nude with other hot-spring lovers.
5. Shop till you drop!
From luxury goods to offbeat apparel and accessories, there are plenty of places to head to. Ginza for its high-end brands, Shinjuku for the department stores, Kuramae for artisan crafts, Daikanyama for bohemian sensibilities, Harajuku for hipster buys, and Akihabara for electronics.
6. Visit Mount Fuji
When planning your itinerary, save a day or two to visit the famous cultural icon. You can sign up for day tours, or take the bullet train and make your way there yourself. I personally recommend at least a night’s stay in one of the ryokan’s there. Not only does it add to the experience, it’s for practical reasons too; if you’re unlucky enough to head there on a cloudy day, you won’t be able to see the mountain’s famed snowy peak..