Tokyo Recommended Activities Vol. 03

Are you planning a trip to Tokyo? Are you currently looking for the best activities and places to visit in Tokyo? Tokyo is one of the most captivating cities in the world, offering a plethora of tourist attractions, including historic landmarks, unique art museums, sleek skyscrapers, and cultural experiences.

For first-time visitors, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do in Tokyo, especially if your time is limited. Therefore, careful planning of your trip and selecting where to go and what to do is crucial to make the most of your travel experience in Japan.

If you need some ideas on the best places to visit and activities to do in Tokyo, check out my Tokyo Bucket List, which introduces must-see spots in Tokyo. It's a list of classic tourist attractions, historic landmarks, unique cultural experiences, and the latest trendiest spots where you can experience both traditional and modern Japanese culture. Take a look!

For those planning to visit Tokyo or wanting to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, be sure to check it out!

Studio Ghibli is a famous animation studio led by director Hayao Miyazaki, known for creating numerous popular films such as "My Neighbor Totoro," "Laputa: Castle in the Sky," "Nausicaä," "Princess Mononoke," "Spirited Away," "Ponyo," and many more. His animated films have gained immense popularity both in Japan and internationally, inspiring numerous artists and film enthusiasts. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a unique museum in Tokyo dedicated exclusively to Studio Ghibli's works, making it a must-visit destination for Studio Ghibli film fans.

This museum showcases the art and technology of animation, along with famous movie characters like the Catbus from "My Neighbor Totoro" and the robot from "Laputa: Castle in the Sky." Inside the museum, you can also find a cafe and a gift shop. It is located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Tokyo.

Please note that the Ghibli Museum requires advance reservations, and tickets are not sold at the museum itself. Be sure to book your tickets online before your visit.


Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Museum
https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/

Ramen is one of the most popular Japanese dishes among foreigners, alongside sushi and Wagyu beef, and it is a beloved food among Japanese people as well. In Tokyo, there are thousands of ramen shops, and the Shinjuku area, with over 300 ramen shops, is often referred to as the most competitive ramen battleground in the city. Therefore, if you're a ramen enthusiast looking for the best ramen in Tokyo, simply visiting Shinjuku is your best choice.

In the Shinjuku area, you can find a variety of ramen shops, from the well-known Ichiran to tsukemen (dipping noodles) and even Halal ramen. Be prepared to wait for 30 minutes or more, especially during the lunchtime rush, at popular ramen shops. Dining in Shinjuku allows you to savor the authentic and delicious culture of Japanese ramen, making it a must-visit for ramen lovers.

Visiting an observatory in Tokyo is a must for tourists, especially because the view of Tokyo from above, especially at night, is truly breathtaking. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is recommended for several reasons, one of which is that while most observatories in the city charge an admission fee, the observatory on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, at an altitude of 202 meters, is free to enter.

Moreover, this building is conveniently located right near the west exit of Shinjuku Station, an area known for its towering skyscrapers. Along with other attractions in the Shinjuku area, such as Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) and the Robot Restaurant, it's an excellent spot for a night out in Tokyo.

Are you interested in the kawaii culture and Japanese fashion? If so, you'll know where to go to get what you need. Yes, the answer is Harajuku. It's the kingdom of kawaii culture, with hundreds of chic and stylish boutiques, trendy shopping malls, and cafes. Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the epicenter of teenage culture, offering incredibly affordable, trendy, and colorful fashion items and unique accessories.

In the backstreets of Harajuku, you'll also find many high street brands like Bape and Supreme. The main streets of Harajuku, such as Omotesando Avenue and Meiji Avenue, are lined with large shopping malls like Laforet and Tokyu Plaza, along with Omotesando Hills, providing an enjoyable shopping experience for adults. Harajuku is located near the Shibuya area, and you can easily walk between the two (it takes about 20 minutes). Harajuku is an excellent area for exploring street art and finding cool photo spots if you're a photography enthusiast.

Additionally, Harajuku's streets are lined with cafes, crepe stands, and food stalls, making it easy to take a quick break in between shopping. From rainbow cotton candy to stacked pancakes, this epicenter of kawaii culture offers a wide variety of colorful and eye-catching Instagram-worthy food items.

Explore the heart of Tokyo's pop culture, Harajuku, in half a day! Join the "Harajuku Fashion & Pop Culture Tour" to explore the highlights of the Harajuku area, including important historical landmarks, kawaii culture streets, and colorful cafes. Click the link below to book the tour at a special discount!


Book a Harajuku Fashion & Pop Culture Tour!
https://www.magical-trip.com/product/71206ca6-2c1c-4efa-ad0e-201f71b90e28

Ueno Park is a spacious park located not far from the Asakusa area, known as the heart of Tokyo's old town. Ueno Park is a diverse and expansive green space featuring a variety of attractions and facilities, including museums, a zoo, historical buildings, and abundant natural beauty. It's particularly popular for cherry blossom viewing during the sakura season, attracting crowds of people. The park is so vast that you can spend an entire day exploring without getting bored.

In addition to Ueno Park, be sure to visit Ameya-Yokocho Street, another prominent tourist spot in the Ueno area. This shopping street is lined with discount stores, grocery shops, and food stalls, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. The Ueno area also offers many budget-friendly guesthouses, making it a popular choice for backpackers.

Odaiba is a district located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay in the southern part of Tokyo. It can be accessed via the Rainbow Bridge or the Yurikamome monorail. Odaiba is one of Tokyo's premier entertainment districts, with a concentration of shopping malls, restaurants, museums, and entertainment facilities. This area is particularly known for its high-tech entertainment, including the robots at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), digital art at Mori Building Digital Art Museum, and cutting-edge VR experiences at Tokyo Joypolis. You can easily spend a full day on this fun island.

Odaiba is also famous for its beautiful night views, making it a favorite spot for photographers. The illuminated Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, and the cityscape of high-rise buildings across the sea create a truly magnificent sight. Cruising around Tokyo Bay in the vicinity of Odaiba is one of the most popular evening activities in Tokyo.

In this list of things to do, we've introduced some of Tokyo's most popular tourist attractions and destinations. However, since there are still many unexplored places in Tokyo, we'd like to share some of Tokyo's best-kept secrets.

Whether you've already visited most of Tokyo's famous tourist spots and landmarks or if you're looking to explore new and off-the-beaten-path locations, visiting Tokyo's hidden gems can be the perfect choice for you.

There are several alternative places for those who want to avoid the crowds at popular Tokyo tourist spots like Tsukiji Fish Market, Akihabara, Harajuku, and Asakusa. You can explore hidden fish markets like Adachi Fish Market or lesser-known otaku spots in Nakano. There's also Nakano Broadway, the shopping paradise of Shin-Okubo Korea Town, and the Instagram-worthy Hie Shrine. Tokyo offers untouched natural beauty in places like Okutama and the Ogasawara Islands.

Explore these hidden treasures in Tokyo to experience a different side of the city and enjoy unique experiences away from the crowds.

There are plenty of other things to see and do in Tokyo, and seasonal events and activities are not to be missed.
We will be writing a four-part series, so be sure to read the next installment.