Tokyo is famous for many different things, but mainly as a glittering style capital of the East. The Ginza shopping district and large number of flagship stores from the famous fashion houses of the world only seem to cement that reputation. But the most populous metropolitan area in the world has much more to offer than just brand appeal.
Endless options
Tokyo is also home to a number of eclectic sub cultures and a rich vein of history that is often overlooked. Most guests see the modern skyscrapers, bullet trains, and technology zones and don’t look any deeper. You can get more out of your trip than a shiny new camera and phone, although to be fair, you may want to pick those up as well if you love being an early adapter!
Places to See
Naturally, when you turn your back on the modern and go for history, you will want to head straight for the Imperial Palace. Japan still has an Emperor, and the royal family actually lives in the palace. The curving swoops of the rooftops of the Edo Castle contrast brilliantly with the glass and cement skyscrapers surrounding it, so you will want to be sure to get this on film. You can then head to the Tokyo National Museum of Art to see more of the new-old contrast, carefully displayed for you to examine.
Arts and Entertainment
If you are in for an truly Japanese experience, you should try to see some Kabuki theater or a geisha show. Be warned though, if you speak no Japanese they can be hard to follow and tickets may be quite expensive. An alternative way to experience the uniqueness of refined Japanese arts would be to head to the bars.
Shinjuku is the home to a walking array of visual arts. Japanese locals love to dress up and display their fashion experiments here. You can see the rising Princess culture, as well as the anime-inspired cos play girls, who seem to be walking dolls. The boutiques in this area can be expensive, but you’ll find that the off-beat and handmade goods can be treasures for years after your trip.
Nightlife
Insiders know that the Japanese bartenders are among the world’s leading mixologists. Japanese culinary tastes are highly refined, with an emphasis on presentation and incorporati ng sweets, sours, and savory flavors to tease the palate. Roppongi Hills is home to the most upscale of the so called “shot bars” but you’ll find a more interesting blend near the Shinjuku area.
Hotels
You can stay in Roppongi or Shinjuku, but you will be lucky to find anything at all in the city! Hotels in Japan in general are notoriously expensive, and Tokyo is no exception. If you are brave, you can try the tiny capsule hotels with their 3 x 3 sleeping chamers, or get a room in a love hotel, which is a retreat for couples suffering from paper wall syndrome that rents in four hour increments. The less brave can stay in traditional ryokans on futons with tatami floors, or you can just accept the cost of cultural awareness and book in at one of the many international chains with a Tokyo presence.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Tokyo.
(Photo:Fotolia/Startouching)
