Visitors Guide: First Time In Tokyo
After living in Tokyo for almost six years, I frequently get asked for recommendations. So, here goes my Tokyo recommendations from a locals point of view. I have also received confirmations on this feedback from friends and family members who have visited.
Keep in mind that not all of the places listed have English menus or know English, so if you feel like you are being turned away, its probably just a language barrier. However, I've been told that the closer we get to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the better the English is becoming in the city.
Also, I recommend going in Spring or Autumn. Flowers or the leaves changing. If you want to see the cherry blossoms (sakura), be flexible as it changes by a week of two each year. For updates, there is a sakura forecast site.
Frankly, pick a few things you really want to do and then go with the flow once you get there. I've seen too many people going in with an itinerary only to have the jet-lag get the better of them. I can guarantee you will be back no matter what.
Temples/Shrines You're in Asia, so of course you have to see some temples and shrines. You probably don't need to see them all, so save yourself the stress of running all over town and just pick one or two. I hate to say it, but it's kind of true, once you've seen one, you've seen them all (or at least a lot of them).
Senso-ji
Mejijingu
Zojo-ji
View from Above If you just want a good view of the city, these are my favorite spots. Even on cloudy days, its nice to take an elevator up high above the clouds.
Tokyo Tower
SkyTree
Park Hyatt
Parks If you go to the parks, you'll see the standard blue tarps. You can buy one in almost any convenience store. Pick up some snacks and drinks (including alcohol, try a chu-hai) and take them to the parks. Enjoy an afternoon of watching nature, people and relaxing in the park like the locals do.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Hama Rikyu Imperial Garden
Uneo Park
Sightseeing Select few of my favorite places to people watch and wander around.
Shibuya Crossing - Busiest intersection in the world. You can also watch the Shibuya Crossing live cam from anywhere in the world.
Daikanyama - Its a small area with shops and restaurants. Great place to grab a coffee and get lost in the small streets or check out my friends over at King George for lunch.
Tsukiji Fish Market - Get there before 8am to see the market, or before 3am to get a limited number of spots to see the auctions
Omotesando - Lots of shopping, however, the architecture was developed by many different famous architects. Read up on the design before exploring and you'll appreciate it much more.
Trains - Yeah, I know this sounds stupid, but seeing how orderly the trains are is pretty awesome. Rush hour is an even more interesting experience. Go to the major stations and you'll probably get shoved onto the train. Wait for the next one and it wont be any different. Just politely shove your way onto the trains.
Meguro River / Nakameguro- Primarily spring through autumn when the trees are in bloom or full of leaves.
Museums Honestly, I haven't been to many museums in Tokyo, and most of the time I went for limited edition installations. But, based on where I've been or friends recommendations here you go:
Mori Art Museum - Great place to wander.
Yayoi Kusama Museum - Check for tickets immediately as they only post one month at a time and sells out quickly.
Meguro Parasitological Museum - If you get grosses out easily, don't go here.
Drinks Drinks are everywhere. Check out an Izakaya or a local bar and you can't go wrong. For those who don't know, an Izakaya is a place that you go to drink and they small eats. So much better than bar food, but still the main activity is drinking.
Shinjuku Golden Gai (tiny tinny bars)
Park Hyatt (New York Bar from lost in translation)
Food It's usually pretty easy to just use Trip Advisor and search for restaurants wherever you are when you get hungry. Its pretty hard to find bad food.
Tatemichiya - Isakaiya, no English menu, located in Ebisu
Tunaki (sushi) - This is one of my most favorite places in the world, and usually my rule is that I have to take you...! Located in Ebisu
Blacows - Best burgers in the world! (Well, other than this one spot in New Zealand.) Located in Ebisu.
Chopsticks - Great izakaya in Shibuya.
35 Steps - Another fun izakya in Shibuya, but a bit tricky to find.
Nabezo - Shabu shabu, cheaper, all you can eat. Probably will have a bit of a wait.
What Not To Do
Don't get mad, these are just my personal opinions.
Afuri (ramen) - Not impressed
Imperial Palace -Not much to see there, its better as a running path
Harajuku / Takeshita Dori - Its interesting and maybe good for the kids, but otherwise its just a cheap shopping area. No more girls dressed up as dolls which is why it used to be exciting.
Roppongi - Much more of a party area at night for foreigners. Roppongi Hills is a nice place to find dinner or wander around.
Odaiba - Its interesting because its an island of trash that got full so they built on top of it. Theres also a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty in the water, but otherwise its just a shopping mall.
