Tokyo (known as Edo up until 1868) is Japan's capital and the country's largest metropolis. In the 20th century alone, Tokyo suffered earthquakes, fires and devastating bombing resulting in repeated redevelopment. After centuries of renovation and expansion, Tokyo has grown vertically to accommodate its 12 million residents.
Today, the buzzing and futuristic city is in constant flux. New trends disappear as quickly as they arrived. Yet, age-old traditions are deeply rooted reflecting a city that is both ancient and highly modern.
Getting around Tokyo:
Tokyo has two main airports. Narita airport handles international traffic exclusively, while Haneda airport deals with domestic flights and a few international flights.
Traveling from Narita Airport
Avoid getting a taxi to the city center as it is very costly. Members of the Taxi Council will now charge fixed fares based on destination zones e.g. a trip from Narita to Shinjuku will cost 21,000yen (US$220), excluding highway tolls. The best options would be to take the Airport Limousine Bus directly from the airport costing 3,000 yen (US$30) one way or the JR Narita Express Train costing around 3,310 yen (US$35) one way, depending on your destination.
Traveling around the city
Tokyo's public transport system is excellent, with numerous subway lines. If you're going to be in Tokyo for a few days, it's may be more convenient to purchase a refillable, contactless card that automatically deducts fares, such as the Suica (for use on subways and major bus services in Tokyo) or the Pasmo (for riding on the JR and major bus services.)
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is one of the fastest trains in the world and connects major cities north and south of Tokyo. The train is only slightly less expensive than flying, but the train stations are conveniently more centrally located than airports.
Generally speaking, taxis are expensive. Tokyo taxi drivers rarely speak English, so if you don't speak Japanese, it's a good idea to have your destination written down in Japanese. Note that taxi doors open and close automatically.
Don't miss...
There is so much to see and do in Japan, contrasting between traditional cultural experiences to the more colorful, neon light filled chaos.
Tsukiji fish market is located by the Sumida River. Be ready for an early start though - it opens at 5am! Here you will see restaurateurs bantering at the auctions for the best catches of the day. Visitors aren't officially allowed at this time, but as long as you don't get in the way and don't take any flash photos, your presence will be tolerated.
For first time visitors, Tamaki Naiki, Director Marketing & Sales for BCD Travel in Tokyo recommends a visit to The Imperial Palace, home of Japan's Emperor and imperial family. The palace itself is closed to the public, but you can wander around its outskirts and to visit the beautiful East Gardens. Here you can catch a glimpse of the palace's most famous landmark, the double-barreled bridge (Nijū-bashi), apparently the most photographed scene in Japan.
Imperial Palace
Ginza is the most stylish stretch of the city, with suitable pricey shops and restaurants! Tech-heads shouldn't miss the Sony Building, where the latest gadgets can be found as well as a whole floor devoted to the PlayStation.
Shibuya is a sprawl of gleaming office blocks with illuminated billboards and surrounded by relentless surging crowds. Take a walk across the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station, where pedestrians spill out like marbles as traffic stops in all directions, when all the lights turn red in unison.
In the north of Shibuya, visit the Shinto Meiji-jingu Shrine dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West. The shrine is nestled amongst the Meiji Shrine Inner Gardens containing some 125,000 evergreen trees, providing a peaceful setting.
Where to eat:
Tokyo is teeming with places to eat. You can stumble across numerous noodle, ramen, sushi bars and "curry-rice" shops just about anywhere.While dining in Japan, Tamaki advises on a few rules of social etiquette you should remember:
- Do not pass food directly from your set of chopsticks to another's and don't stick your chopsticks upright in your food when you've finished - both actions denote funerary customs.
- If you have already eaten with your chopsticks, use the opposite end to take food from a shared plate.
- If you're eating with other people, don't pour your own drink. Fill your neighbor's glass and wait for them to reciprocate.
The culinary power of Tokyo has risen dramatically and you can find many western style places to eat. In fact, Michelin - the keeper of the world's culinary standards - has awarded more stars to restaurants in Tokyo than to those in any other city in the world, two thirds of which serve Japanese dishes.
Shopping:
You can easily find traditional Japanese items and the latest goods in Tokyo. Generally the city can be pricey, but you can find some cheap gifts at the 100Yen shops (similar to the $1 shops found in the U.S.) dotted around the city.
The Ginza is Tokyo's version of New York's 5th Avenue and rather expensive. Well-known department stores are attractively displayed with scheduled fashions shows, exhibitions and tea ceremonies.
Takashimaya Times Square is a popular department store in Shinjuku geared towards all ages. The basement-level food floor is a great place to taste free samples of different Japanese foods. In the same mall you will also find a branch of Tokyu Hands, the "Creative Life Store," catering for the serious hobbyist or homeowner. You'll find everything here from kitchenware to travel accessories to an electrically-warmed sheep pillow!
If its electrical goods you are after, then head to the Akihabara district. There are over 500 shops that sell electronics suitable for international use, with English speaking staff available. The prices are about 30 percent lower than the regular prices, and you can bargain too.
