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Once you set foot in Tokyo, you will not believe that this city is over 400 years old and was once only a castle town. Today, not only is Tokyo the fashion hub and the capital of Japan, but it is also filled with ancient museums, shrines, and cutting-edge skyscrapers that look like they are wrapped in neon lights.
It is quite perplexing how, on the one hand, Tokyo is full of traditional places like temples, and on the other hand, you will find fashionable shops almost at every corner.
Japan is home to various tranquil parks and ancient buildings, so the best way to explore Japan is by simply wandering the streets.
TIP! The Japanese government has now introduced the convenient e-Visa system to ease the process of visa handling. Eligible travelers can submit their visa application online following a quick and intuitive process.
The approved electronic Japan Tourist Visa is then delivered to the applicant’s email inbox in the form of a PDF file.
Recommended Read: Places to visit in Japan
The Best Time to Visit Tokyo
- Fall (late September to November)
You will find comfortable temperatures during these months, and all the summer heat and crowds will be gone. During these months, the temperature is quite moderate except for September when it touches the high 80s.
The rainy season occurs in September and October, so make sure to bring your umbrellas if you visit at that time. The temperatures drop to the high 50s and 40s from October to November, so a light jacket would be useful.
- Spring (March to May)
In spring, temperatures can be up to the 60s and 70s, and you will see both people and colors returning to the streets and parks.
Spring is also the season of the renowned Cherry Blossom, and people rush to the parks to witness this, so do not be surprised if you find the atmosphere congested. We would still recommend keeping a light jacket as night temperatures can get low.
How to Get Around in Tokyo
As far as getting around in Tokyo is concerned, you need not worry at all. Tokyo has one of the best transportation systems in the world. It is fast, clean, and cheap. Therefore, most tourists use the subway or the train for its convenience.
When going somewhere far, taking the train would be the best option as they are less time-consuming and cheaper than taxis.
Although the trains are quite efficient, they can be very confusing for newcomers. But if you get lost somewhere, there is no need to panic as there are station workers at every train station who will guide you and the Japanese people are also very helpful. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, consider exploring the country through one of the many Japan tour packages available, which can provide guided experiences and make navigating the transportation system easier for travelers.
Apart from the train or subway, taxis and buses are also available. Taxis can be more comforting than trains, but they also cost more. They are best to use when there are 3 or 4 of you, and the destination is not that far.
Buses can take you to places where trains cannot, but their schedule is quite hectic to work out.
All in all, it is best to quickly get used to the stops and stations of the trains, so you do not have to use taxis or buses. If you do not feel like taking any of these, walking is also a great option. It is completely safe, and you will see the city in more detail.
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Tokyo
Famous Attractions of Tokyo
Although you will find numerous sightseeing places in Tokyo, some of them are exceptionally good and should be your priority. If you want to experience Tokyo’s largest festival, Sanja Matsuri, go at the end of May.
1. Asakusa
The Asakusa samba Carnival happens on the last Saturday of August, a major gathering for the native people. If you are a geek for ancient temples, you will want to visit the Temples of Asakusa, which will give you a sense of old Tokyo.
An added extraordinary feature of these temples is their entrance through the 1000 years old Kaminari Gate. Sensōji Temple, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple, also falls in the same route.
2. Imperial Palace
Tokyo is sometimes referred to as the center of Japan. And the Chiyada sits right in the middle of Tokyo. It is a special ward located in the city center. It has a very tiny population of 66,675, but ironically that is not what makes it so special.
It consists of various beautiful attractions for tourists, such as the Imperial Palace, which is the home of the Japanese Imperial Family. The land on which this palace is built is the most expensive in the world, mainly because it has offices of 19 fortune 500 companies, and it contributes to almost 1/4th of the GDP of Japan.
Apart from this, the Chiayada also consists of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, which are just a treat for your eyes.
3. Kitanomaru Park
The Kitanomaru Park, which has the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, is also located here. You will also find tennis courts, concert halls, and restaurants in the Hibya Park.
Moreover, if you visit between January and December, you will be able to enjoy the famous Cherry Blossom trees.
You might be wondering, “wow, if Tokyo has all these attractions, it might be very difficult to visit all of these,” and you are right. But that still should not keep you from going there, and with a bit of organized planning, you will have an exquisite and memorable trip of your life.
Booking the places you want to visit in advance will save you from a lot of hassle in this fantastic city.
Also Read: Things to do in Tokyo
Tokyo’s Must-Try Foods
- Sushi: You can’t say no to sushi when you are in the food capital of Tokyo. The skills and availability of fresh seafood make Tokyo’s sushi incomparable to that of anywhere else in the world. Sushi is so deeply embedded in Japanese culture that you will find it at every corner of Japan.
- Ramen: I’m pretty sure that you all are aware of this word, but you have no idea how good ramen actually is until you try it in Tokyo. Ramen has changed the cuisine of Japan, and you will find it in every nook and cranny of the city.
- Tempura: Japan is famous for having restaurants that serve only tempura. I know it sounds bizarre, but it is true. You can have all kinds of tempura in just one city, Tokyo. This deep-fried shrimp will show you a whole different side of seafood.
- Japanese Curry: Just like rajma chawal is the convenient dish of India, the Japanese curry is the same for Japan. They are not that spicy when compared to other curry types, so even children and the elderly can taste this delicious, traditional piece of cuisine.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo is visited by millions of tourists each year. Tokyo Tour Packages offer immersive experiences in Japan’s vibrant capital.
Thanks to the newly introduced e-Visa system, you can get your Japan visa online without ever leaving your home! Apply for yours at least 3 business days before the planned trip and explore Tokyo fully.