How to Experience Tokyo Differently
Whether it’s your first time in Japan, or you’re a local hoping to do something different in Tokyo, there’s something for everyone.
Breakfast
Tsukiji Market
The early bird catches the worm … and the best sushi in town, too.
Tsukiji Market is the biggest – without “one of” as a prefix – wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. A visit to the market is both eye-opening and mouth-watering.
Aim to arrive earlier the better for shorter queue as well as freshest sushi. Some hardcore foodies take off when the sun rises, as early as 5.
Order like a local: “Omakase Set,” it means “I will leave it to the chef.” The chef will choose the best seasonal option for you.
5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Near Tsukijishijo Station (Toei Oedo Line)/ Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line)
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Morning Activity
After a filling breakfast, it’s shopping time.
Harajuku, a youthful district is best for shopping budget yet trendy clothing. There are ample choices for good quality second-hand clothes under JPY1,000.
The bustling shopping district is the home for many cute cafés, and it’s a perfect location for spotting the latest cosplay fashion trends.
Where to shop: WeGo. The vintage shop sells clothes and accessories at reasonable pricec. It’s so loved by local youth that its branches cover the whole country. But the Harajuku store is the main store.
Lunch
Harajuku food court/Sushi at Shizuoka
There are a dozen stalls selling different types of cuisines, including Chinese and Indian, on top of Japanese. Try bakudanyaki, a gigantic cousin of takoyaki (grilled squid ball) – about the size of a hand. It’s soft inside and crispy outside.
Otherwise, have sushi at S-Pulse Dream Plaza’s sushi court — a detour from Tokyo.
Afternoon Activity
An hour to two (depending on the transportation you take) away from Tokyo city center, Shizuoka is a lovely getaway from the craze in the capital.
The city’s port offers a nice view of Fuji Mountain. In clear days, consider riding on the Ferris wheel in the nearby entertainment complex, S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
S-Pulse Dream Plaza also houses a mega soccer shop (the area is famous for producing many soccer stars), a sushi museum and an interactive “Chibi Maruko-chan” theme park, one of the most popular Japanese cartoon. Upon arrival to the theme park, visitors will be given a mission list (available in Japanese, Chinese or English). You will have to look for clues at each check-point through familiar scenes in the cartoon. Great for all ages.
How to get there: JR Shinkansen, “Kodama” train will take longer (90 mins) but offer discount if purchased a day in advance whereas the “Hikari” train takes 60 mins. A shuttle bus will go directly from Shizuoka train station to S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
Dinner
思い出橫丁 Omoide Yokocho
Kabukicho, as the city’s best-known red-light district, has a lot more to offer than just sights of good-looking hostesses and metrosexual hosts. Cramped with a sizeable number of yakitori restaurants, Omoide Yokocho or “Memory Lane,” is one of the most laid-back but atmospheric alleys in Kabukicho.
Once you get there, you will be welcomed by the mouthwatering smell of yakitori. Secure a seat at the bar table (as if you have the choice in any of these tiny diners) to see the chef in action.
For the diners with decidophobia, these little shops often provide set menu and let the chef decide for you.
Evening Activity
You cannot leave Tokyo without seeing one of the most iconic site of Tokyo (forget about SkyTree, it’s not quite the classic yet): Shibuya Crossing.
The maze-like pedestrian crossing made famous in a lot of movies like Lost in Translation is the sleepless part of the city with great nightlife, shopping, food and people-watching opportunities.
Need more things to do around the world? Visit Trip Tipping for more.
