Tokyo: The Loudest Japanese Tea Party Ever

Tokyo is the quintessential urban dwelling, a city with character, and how. It’s all neon billboards and heavy traffic and people, people people jostling through its narrow street. With almost one-fourth of Japan’s population living here, Tokyo is as loud, and as vibrant as a city can get and perfect for many things – as your entry point into your Asia vacation, as a starting point of you discovering Japan’s destinations of interest.

A concrete jungle, Tokyo might disappoint some who come looking for stereotypical ‘Eastern’ characteristics. But Tokyo has its own character and once you get used to its rhythm, the city will win you over. Space is the biggest problem of this overflowing city, giving birth to innovatively shaped buildings and land is the biggest luxury ever.

Never the ones to look to the West for inspiration, Tokyo residents are fiercely proud of their past heritage. Tokyo dictates the world when it comes to pop culture, youth fashions and technology. Technology is pervasive in Tokyo, from its psychedelic nightclubs to its innovative video games to its animated films.

When in Tokyo, pause for a moment and take a second to acclimatise yourself to its heady vibe. Then lose yourself in the city, discovering its many tourist attractions – from the Imperial Palace, its ikebana arts and walking through its neighbourhoods. Let’s discover them with this Tokyo travel guide.

PLACES to VISIT in Tokyo – Best Destinations

• Asakusa: Visit shops full of traditional crafts, old world inns and a beautiful Senso-ji Temple. This is Tokyo’s most atmospheric and colourful area.
• Akihabara: If you’re a gadgets freak, this is the place to head to. Tokyo’s ‘electric town’, the district is futuristic and a wee bit strange. This is a great place to pick up some anime (Japanese animation) and manga!
• Shinjuku: Miniature Tokyo, this is loud, bright and very, very Tokyo, transporting you to the world of comic book super heroes.
• Meiji-jingu: This is the city’s most respected Shinto Shrine. Come here for some peace and tranquility. With its expansive lush grounds, it offers many respites.

Tokyo – TRAVEL TIPS

• Banks shut at 3 pm everyday – make sure you make your currency conversion and other such business before they shut.
• When with the Japanese, if sitting on your knees, Japanese style, is uncomfortable for you, you can sit cross legged or by tucking your legs to one side.
• Pack umbrellas if you’re travelling from May to July.
• Japan has a complex social etiquette system, quite baffling to outsiders. Don’t panic – you’ll learn on the trip, but when in doubt, do as everyone else is doing.
• If taking food from a shared plate, turn the chopsticks around to use the other end. Never cross your chopsticks when you put them on the table, it’s considered rude.
• When you enter a restaurant, the entire staff will greet you together, saying Irasshaimase which means welcome. Respond by raising your fingers and indicating how many people will require seating.
• While ordering food, ask if the restaurant has an English menu. The Japanese word for bill is okanjō kudasai.

BEST TIME to Visit Tokyo

Spring is one of the best time to visit Tokyo – from March till May. June is the rainy season when the humidity might be too much to take for a trip.

BEST WAY to Reach Tokyo

• Air: Tokyo is well connected with major Indian cities by air.
• Train: Tokyo has one of the biggest train stations in Japan and remains fluidly connected with the rest of the country by train.

ACCOMMODATION

Tokyo has numerous clean, if compact hotels to stay in. You can choose to stay at family run bed and breakfast kind of places as well. Central Tokyo has all the up market, posh hotels. If you’re looking for something cheaper, head to Shinagawa, Asakusa and Shinjuku.