- Taking Part in a Festival. Tokyo and its surrounding cities offer a myriad of annual festivals, ranging from processions of portable shrines to ladder-top acrobatics. Be ready to battle good-natured crowds, as festivals can be unbelievably packed.
- Strolling a Japanese Landscaped Garden. There's no better escape from Tokyo's urban jungle than a stroll through one of its landscaped gardens, especially in spring when irises, wisteria, peonies, azaleas, and other flowers are in bloom. Top picks are Rikugien Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen, and -- in nearby Yokohama -- Sankeien Garden.
- Soaking Away Your Cares. Tokyo now has its own hot-spring spas, thanks to drilling that released therapeutic waters from deep below the surface. Top on my list is Oedo-Onsen Monogatari, a theme-based spa that emulates bathing houses of yore with its feudal-era replica architecture, shops, restaurants, indoor and outdoor baths, and more.
- Hunting for Bargains at Flea Markets. You never know what treasure you might find at one of Tokyo's weekend outdoor flea markets, where vendors sell everything from used kimono to antiques and curios. Go early, and be sure to bargain.
- Experiencing the Serenity of the Tea Ceremony. Developed in the 16th century as a means to achieve inner harmony with nature, the tea ceremony is a highly ritualized process that takes years to learn. You can experience a shortened version at several Tokyo hotels.
- Getting the Royal Treatment at Department Stores. Tokyo's department stores are huge, spotless, and filled with merchandise you never knew existed; many also have first-rate art galleries. Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza boast the greatest concentration of department stores. Service in a Japanese department store is an unparalleled experience: Be there when it opens, and you'll see employees lined up at the front door, bowing to incoming customers.
- Attending a Kabuki Play at the Kabuki-za Theater. Kabuki has served as the most popular form of entertainment for the masses since the Edo Period. Watch the audience as they yell their approval; watch the stage for its gorgeous costumes, stunning settings, and easy-to-understand dramas of love, duty, and revenge.
Tokyo Travel Experiences
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Day 2 - Tokyo
This is going to be a long blog entry. Two reasonsI have the time because it is 06:50 and Amy will be in bed for a few more hoursThis is... Continue reading »
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Premiere journee a Tokyo
5 heures du matin- le lendemain de notre arrivee.Ce matin je me suis reveille dans un autre monde. Nous sommes a Tokyo. Apres une marche... Continue reading »
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Tokyo
Monday, November 26—Tuesday, December 4: JapanWanting to make the most of our 7-day unlimited Japan Railway pass, we decided to spend our... Continue reading »
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Fast Paced Tokyo
I arrived into Tokyo from a short flight over from Seoul. I lugged my ever-expanding backpack through three metro changes and one l... Continue reading »
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Tokyo, Japan
I arrived in Japan last Sunday May 17th. It was great! The plane ride wasn’t so bad and we even get our own hotel rooms. Tokyo is an AMAZ... Continue reading »
Popular Tokyo Hotels
- Imperial Hotel
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