Tokyo

Police, fire brigade and ambulance

Vacations abroad usually go very smooth. And Japan is actually one of the safest countries in the world. Safer than pretty much any western country. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to be well prepared for your journey. So when you go on vacation to Japan you could consider putting the local emergency numbers in your telephone.

If you want to reach the police then you can simply call 110. If you need an ambulance or the fire department, then you can call 119.

Public holidays and festivities in Japan

Japan has quite a few holidays throughout the year. The interesting thing about them is that Japan actually has quite a few holidays dedicated to nature itself. To get the most out of your vacation you should take into account which days of your vacation might be public holidays. The year 2024 has the following holidays.

1 January – New Year’s Day.
8 January – Coming of Age Day, which celebrates people who have become 20 years old.
11 February – Foundation Day, which is the national holiday of Japan.
23 February – The Emperor’s Birthday.
20 March – Vernal Equinox Day, on which people appreciate nature.
29 April – Shōwa Day, in which the Shōwa period and the coming holiday filled week is celebrated.
3 May – Constitution Memorial Day.
4 May – Greenery Day, which is another day where nature is celebrated.
5 May – Children’s Day.
15 July – Marine Day, in which the ocean is celebrated.
11 August – Mountain Day, in which we get to appreciate the beautiful mountains of Japan.
16 September – Respect for the Aged Day.
22 September – Autumnal Equinox Day, on which we remember our ancestors and the dead.
14 October – Health and Sports Day is held annually on the second Monday in October.
3 November – Culture Day.
23 November – Labor Thanksgiving Day.

As you can see there will be plenty of things to celebrate this year. It should be noted that if a holiday falls on a sunday, then the Japanese people will be free the following monday. And if a day falls in between two holidays, then that day also becomes a holiday. Some holidays are also tied to certain astrological moments. For these reasons the moment on which each holiday is celebrated can differ each year.

Opening hours in Tokyo

Tokyo is the perfect place to go shopping, as you have many different shopping districts with a wide variety of shops where you can find pretty much anything. It’s a true world city with a brilliant local flavour added to it.

The opening hours in Tokyo are just as diverse as the shops themselves. Most shops in Tokyo are open from around 10:00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening. It’s also normal for many restaurants to temporarily be closed between lunch and dinner.

These times aren’t set in stone however, as there are plenty of shops that are open 24/7. And I noticed a trend of department stores in the Ginza shopping district opening from 11:00 to 21:00. Museums and attractions tend to be open from 10:00 until 17:00.

You can also expect stores to be open every day of the week. Especially in the weekend stores tend to be open. But it’s not uncommon for stores to close on the slowest day of the week, which is usually Monday or Wednesday.

Weather and climate of Tokyo

Tokyo has an interesting climate, as the summers and winters take place a month later than we are used to. The hottest month of the year is august, with an average temperature of 26.4 °C (79.5 °F) during the month, while the coldest month of the year is january, with an average temperature of 5.2 °C (41.4 °F) during the month.

The summers tend to be warm and humid, while the winters tend to be cool. On average Tokyo had 10 snowy days a year, which happen sporadically from december to march. So chances are it won’t snow when you are in Tokyo.

From June 8 to July 20 is considered the rain season of Tokyo. Which is why some people suggest that March, April, October and November are the best months for visiting Tokyo, as you will avoid most of the hot temperatures and rain, which you will encounter during the summer months. But in my experience Tokyo is a great place to visit throughout the year.

Visiting during the spring is especially nice, as you will find the characteristic cherry blossom trees in the parks of Tokyo. With the last week of march and the first week of april being the perfect time to enjoy them. Although the forecasts can differ from year to year. The colorful red and yellow autumn leaves from mid october to early december are also a beautiful sight to behold.

Languages spoken in Japan

The main language of Japan is Japanese, but it’s perfectly possible to get around in Tokyo without speaking Japanese. A lot of people in the touristic parts of Tokyo do speak a little bit of English. Just enough to answer your question. Their English usually isn’t very fluent, people will have trouble finding words and tend to speak with strong Japanese accent. But due to how helpful Japanese people are it’s usually still quite easy to get around.

If you need some more advanced English then you could try using the Google Translate app on your phone. And then show the Japanese person the written Japanese translation of your question. Letting the app pronounce Japanese usually doesn’t work as well.

In the subway and on the train station you will usually also find the signs in English, which makes it very easy to find your way.

The menus in restaurants are usually also available in the latin alphabet, which they call Romaji in Japan. Dishes also often have pictures or even plastic versions of the dishes on display, so you could also point to a certain dish or take a picture of a dish on your phone and show that to the waiter. You certainly won’t starve in the land known for its excellent cuisine.

Taking the taxi in Japan is a bit harder. Because in Japan many streets don’t have street names, as people often refer to building blocks instead. Blocks of buildings are numbered in Tokyo, but usually by the date in which they were build, which can be quite random. This means it can be quite hard to explain to a taxi driver where you want to go if you have more niche destinations in mind. So if you take a taxi in Japan, it’s always good to have a map with you so you can show the driver where you want to go. The Google Maps app on your phone should be sufficient.

Knowing a handful of key phrases can be quite useful in Japan. Especially knowing that “Thank you” is arigatou, “Yes” is hai. ”No” is iie and “I don’t understand” is wakarimasen. Knowing what the Kanji’s, which are Japanese characters, for male 男 and female 女 are can also be quite useful when you need to go to the toilet or to Japanese hot springs.

Tipping culture in Tokyo

There is no tipping culture in Japan. The Japanese take pride in the fact that they serve customers well. And customers should always expect good service. That’s why tipping for good service is not done in Japan.

So in restaurants and taxi’s you are not supposed to tip. Many Japanese people also do not feel comfortable accepting tips. Some Japanese people may even find it rude if you try to tip them, as you are implying they are poor or are rating their service. So to save face it’s not uncommon for them to refuse the tip. If you want to be on the safe side, then do not tip.

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into little sculptures. A quirky little trend in Japan is that some customers in restaurants use the paper around chopsticks to fold origami art. And leave that for the waiter. So if you truly want to thank a restaurant for good service, then you could brush up on your origami skills and leave your impressive creation behind for a smile.

Paying and currency

In Japan they pay with the Japanese yen. The most common way to pay in Japan is still cash money. So it’s always a good idea to carry cash money with you. As a tourist it’s also quite handy to have a few coins that you can use for vending machines.

In most places in Japan they do not accept credit cards. The places that accept credit cards are ever increasing, so most department stores and high end restaurants do accept them. But especially in smaller shops, restaurants and rural areas you can’t expect your credit card to be accepted.

The funny thing is that in Tokyo there are prepaid cards for public transportation, called IC Cards. And many shops and vending machines also accept payments from these cards.

In Japan you can expect restaurants and bars to have a service charge. This is a hidden fee that is paid per customer and restaurants tend to be quite vague about it. It’s not really optional and it’s highly uncommon for people to reject it. The waiter will bring you a small appetizer as a compensation, but if you don’t eat it you will probably still have to pay for it. This often surprises tourists, so it’s something you should be aware of.

Another thing of note is that some restaurants can have a minimum food or drink requirement, which basically means that you have to order something if you sit down. In many restaurants you have to order at least 1 drink.

Culture and values of Japan

For us westerners Japan can be found on the other side of the planet. This also means that the Japanese perceive things very differently from us. The core values the Japanese people hold are roughly the same as ours, but they can have very different ways of doing things. Sometimes they do things the exact opposite way of what  we are used to, which gives us some nice food for thought about our assumptions in life.

In this meet the cities guide we will mostly cover the cultural differences that might affect tourist, as to make your life easier.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. And easily more safe than most western countries. But the gangsters in Japan tend to have elaborate tattoos on their body. This has caused tattoos to be a bit of a taboo in Japan. So in Japanese hot springs, which are bathing houses or onsen as the locals call it, they usually do not allow guests with a tattoo. There are an increasing number of hot springs where tattoos are allowed, but the majority of them still reject people with tattoos. Before entering a hot spring you are also supposed to have showered first, as the baths are mostly just meant for relaxation.

In Japan people love to focus on the moment. So it’s considered a bad manners to eat while you walk. Even with something as simple as a mere sandwich it’s considered impolite to walk around with it while eating. So it’s best to stand still while you eat, which is perfectly fine. Although there are some street food markets where eating and walking is acceptable.

In Japan you might see people wearing face masks.There are many reasons why some people wear them. There are people who wear them to keep their breath warm during the winter. Some people wear it because they worry about pollution from cars. While others might have a cold and don’t want to infect other people. But to many people, especially youthful people, it’s considered a fashion accessory. And some girls are just shy and do it to avoid social interaction, walk around more confidently, even without wearing makeup. As you can see there are countless reasons why people can wear them, so it’s actually nothing to worry about.

It’s important to note that calling in the train is not allowed in Japan, with the exception of the high speed trains. So if you get a call, please take it in the space between train compartments. You are allowed to send text messages or play games on your phone of course.

Yamanote Line

The Yamanote Line is by far the most important railway line in Tokyo. The Yamanote Line does a round trip through the center of Tokyo, allowing you to visit the most important sights with ease. During the day the trains arrive every 2,5 minutes, so you never have to wait for them to arrive.

The most important stops for tourists are Shibuya and Shinjuku, which are both fantastic shopping areas, Akihabara, for the typical Japanese gamer and anime culture, Ueno, if you wish to check out museums, and Tokyo Station, which is the central station near the Imperial Palace. If you have the time you could also check out Yūrakuchō, if you wish to visit the Ginza luxury shopping district, Shinbashi and Hamamatsuchō, which is within a 15 minute walking distance of the landmark Tokyo Tower.

It takes about an hour for the Yamanote Line to do a complete round trip. So even if you go the wrong way, you will always arrive at your destination eventually. If you have no idea where to go in Tokyo, then remember you can always go to a large railway station and find the Yamanote Line and it will bring you to your destination.

On this website you can download a map of the Yamanote Line in Tokyo. The green line represents the Yamanote Line.

Almost all railway stations where the Yamanote Line stops are also connected to the metro and subway lines, allowing you to proceed your journey to less common destinations using the underground lines.

Taking the Metro in Tokyo

As Tokyo is a huge city it’s easy to underestimate the distance between places. Even when things appear nearby on the map you might have to cover quite a bit of distance to reach it. That’s why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself the the extensive metro / subway system of Tokyo. As taking the metro is by far the easiest way to get around in Tokyo.

You might have to get used to how everything works, but once you get the hang of it it’s all quite easy and logically laid out. The metro system of Tokyo is also quite speedy, clean and safe, making it an excellent way to travel for tourists.

There are two major railway operators active in the center of Tokyo. Tokyo Metro is one operator, who operates nine metro lines. And Toei Subways operates four metro lines. There are other operators outside of the city center, but they aren’t really relevant to most tourists. Both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subways have their own metro tickets which you can only use on their lines. Luckily it’s also possible to purchase a one-day combination metro ticket, which works on both lines.

During rush hours it can get quite busy in the subway of Tokyo, which is why there are some carriages that are exclusively for females (and small children). Of course, taking this wagon is optional.

On this website you can download the official pdf map of the subway of Tokyo. Which can be quite useful for planning your journey. Although a more simple map of the subway of Tokyo is also available, which I personally find easier to read.

Tokyo also has buses, but they drive less often than the metro and they usually take more time to reach a destination. So for common tourist destinations you are better off taking the subway. If you go to a more niche location outside of the city center, then the bus becomes a more viable option.

Karaoke Kan

Karaoke is one of those things that are considered typically Asian, as you throw all conventions to the wind. If you want to go out then one of the most hilarious and cozy things you can do is hold a private karaoke session with your partner or friends.

Japanese people often come here after a long day of work, to wind down with some colleges. They order a couple drinks and if they get hungry some snacks like noodles or popcorn, and sing in a fun and relaxing social setting. This is easy to do as Karaoke Kan is quite an affordable Karaoke chain. And you can easily recognize the buildings by their red neon letter sign with a blue border.

Karaoke Kan is certainly one of the most popular karaoke chains in Tokyo and offers plenty of English language music. Of course there is plenty of Japanese music, but of course the Japanese are well familiar with the American and British musical legacy. All musical genres are pretty well represented in the offering of Karaoke Kan.

The Karaoke Kan branches can be found in most touristic districts as well. They can be found near the train stations in the most popular districts in Tokyo, so Karaoke Kan is usually quite easy to find for travelers like us. For the exact location you only have to look north of Shibuya station, north of Shinjuku station, west of Asakusa station, on two sides of Akihabara station and south of Ueno station. So if you are looking for one of the best places in Tokyo to enjoy some Karaoke, you will be happy to know Karaoke Kan can be found pretty much anywhere.

Arguably the most famous karaoke bar in Tokyo must be the Karaoke Kan north of Shibuya station though. As it was here that the karaoke scene with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson for the movie Lost in Translation was filmed in room 601 and 602. So if you are a movie buff it can be fun to check out.

Shidax

Shidax is a very popular karaoke chain in Japan and is also quite reasonably priced. It prides itself on being a restaurant and karaoke in one, which means besides karaoke they offer an extensive menu of little pancakes, Japanese treats, pizza or skewered meat. At Shidax you do have to order at least one item from the menu if you rent a karaoke box, but there is plenty to choose from so that shouldn’t be an issue. The karaoke boxes, which are the private rooms where you can do karaoke with your buddies, also look quite luxurious. In our experience the karaoke boxes look quite a bit fancier than its competition in the same price range, so you get a lot of value for your money.

Shidax also has special themed rooms for different demographics, for example a room with toys in case you bring kids along, a room for people who bring their dog along, a golf simulation room and so on. The both the variety and quality of the services provided by Shidax ensure that it can easily be considered one of the best karaoke bars in Tokyo.

The Shidax Karaoke boxes are housed in large buildings that you cannot miss, as they have big glowing letters saying Shidax on it. Shidax isn’t super widespread in Tokyo, but they can be found in the most important nightlife areas. You can find Shidax in the nightlife area of Tokyo called Roppongi and in the nightlife area Kabukicho of Shinjuku. The easiest one to reach one is probably the one directly to the west of Asakusa train station, on the side of the famous Sensoji buddhist temple, which you should visit anyway during your vacation.

Big Echo

You don’t really have to wonder what to sing at Big Echo karaoke as this karaoke box shop has every song your heart desires, from popular James Bond songs and famous British artists to obscure J-pop and popular anime songs. It’s no coincidence that Big Echo karaoke is arguably the largest karaoke chain in Japan!

Big Echo is one of the best karaoke bars in Tokyo because it offers a wide variety of rooms, including ones that allow you to record yourself singing and burn it on a cd. So you can always relive the magic you experienced in Tokyo. And of course you can treat yourself to some lovely japanese foods while outshining your favorite artist. Try out one of the anime themed rooms. And Big Echo also offers costumes so you can sing in style in your cosplay outfit.

As you wander through Tokyo you might wonder if there is any karaoke bar near me. With Big Echo karaoke bars this is always the case. You can find multiple Big Echo karaoke bars near pretty much every train station in Tokyo. The Shinjuku train station alone has three bars to the north of them, Shibuya two to the north of the train station, you will find two karaoke shops near the Ginza train station and Akihabara also has one to the east of the train station. All of them are located right next to the respective train station. So if you are looking for a Big Echo karaoke bar you never have to look far.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

The five star Mandarin Oriental hotel is the cream of the crop when it comes to hotels in Tokyo. This award winning hotel has been the top public choice on several review websites and has even won an award as the best hotel in the world. Due to its impeccable service, sleek design and perfect location. The staff loves to go the extra mile to satisfy the visitors of the hotel.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo can be found on the top floors of the 195 metres (639 ft) high Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. This ensures the rooms, restaurants and facilities in the hotel offer a grand view over the skyline of Tokyo. Landmarks such as the Tokyo Tower and on a good day even Mount Fuji can be seen from the hotel.

The hotel has a beautiful design with a modern Japanese style to it, with wood, water and nature being recurring themes in the crisp design. This style has ensured the hotel radiates traditional warmth and modern luxury. Combined with the amazing view the hotel is a great place to settle down at after long day of exploring Tokyo.

The Mandarin Oriental has an excellent location in the very heart of Tokyo, within walking distance of the Royal Palace and Tokyo central station, from which you can reach every major touristic site in the city, such as the Ginza shopping district.

All rooms in the hotel are very spacious, which we found rather pleasant. They also have large windows offering a spectacular view over Tokyo. With a nice bath with a rainforest shower. A widescreen television and a desk. And in the morning you can join the breakfast buffet or order from the a la carte menu.

There are a number of fine dining restaurants within the hotel, each with its unique atmosphere and niche, including a Cantonese restaurant, a French cuisine restaurant, the Michelin starred Tapas Molecular Bar, the oriental lounge bar and more. In total you can sit down at 11 restaurants and bars sit down for a bite to eat, so you can be sure to be well taken care of.

For health and relaxation the hotel also offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments for men and women in its spa. There is an extensive fitness center and you could even consider going out jogging at the nearby Imperial Palace East Gardens.

Staying at this premium hotel also has a rather premium price, which is not out of the ordinary for hotels of this class in Tokyo. Making this hotel most suitable for business travelers and people with luxurious tastes.

Conrad Tokyo

The centrally located Conrad Tokyo hotel is also a highly rated hotel offering five star accomodations. As you probably know the Conrad hotels are the luxury hotels of the Hilton family and this hotel in Tokyo certainly lives up to its name. With great service and plenty of facilities this skyscraper hotel offers a thoroughly pleasant stay to its guests.

The Conrad Tokyo hotel sports a stylish minimalist design where you can unwind in confort. With spacious rooms, one of the biggest you will find in Tokyo actually, overlooking the Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay on one side of the hotel and panoramic view of the Tokyo skyscrapers on the other side. The rooms are equipped with all the needed facilities, including a comfortable bath, air conditioning, a wide screen television, a desk for you to work at and neat little extra things like a coffee maker.

From the rooftop bar of the hotel, called TwentyEight, you can enjoy the stunning views while making spoiling yourself with a nice cocktail. Or sit down with your partner to enjoy some typically Japanese tea and a small bite to eat. Tokyo is known for its fantastic food offering and when you stay at the Conrad you don’t even have to leave the hotel for a world class diner. The hotel also offers four top notch restaurants, including two michelin starred ones and an all day restaurant. So you can wake up with some pancakes while enjoying michelin starred French, Chinese or Japanese cuisine in the evening. A fun fact is that in the past Gordon Ramsay has also had a restaurant in this hotel.

The hotel hosts a rich amount of facilities, from recreational ones like an indoor pool, a sauna, a spa for facial and body treatments, and fitness facilities with a view, to practical facilities like a laundry service.

Behind the hotel you will find the serene Hamarikyu Gardens which are perfect for a morning stroll. Within walking distance to the north you will find the Ginza shopping district and the shimbashi railway station, making this an excellent choice for travelers who come to Tokyo for great shopping and dining. It’s also relatively close to major attractions such as the Tokyo Tower.

The Tokyo Station Hotel

If you are looking for European styled luxury in the heart of Tokyo, while having the entire city at your fingertips, then the Tokyo Station Hotel is for you. This five starred hotel is housed in the monumental central station of Tokyo so regardless what your plans of the day are, you will never have to walk far get there. The building itself has an Amsterdam-styled exterior and the romantic interior will remind you of a refined British elegance.

Of course one of the pros of this hotel is that you are well connected to the entire city, as it is housed on Tokyo Station after all, which allows you to get the most out of Tokyo’s extensive metro network. But even if you prefer to walk you will find the location to be excellent, as you will find yourself within walking distance of the Ginza shopping district and the Imperial Palace East Gardens nearly in front of your door.

The hotel is sound proofed so you can be sure of a good night’s rest. The rooms are equipped with all modern day luxuries like a proper bath and a television. Unlike the other five star hotels, wifi is free in this hotel. Just like making (international) phone calls. Which is a pretty neat service.

The guests of this hotel praise the breakfast buffer for a good reason, as they have western and freshly cooked Japanese offering for you to enjoy, from freshly baked bread and fruits to miso-soup and grilled fish. Although breakfast as room service is of course also a possibility.

As you can find 10 restaurants and bars in this hotel all your culinary needs will be satisfied. From Italian and French to Chinese and Japanese teppanyaki and sushi cuisine are served here. With a highly rated and attentive staff catering to your needs. And if you need to relax you can always try to hot spring and sauna in the hotel or check out the fitness lounge.
At Meet The Cities we recommend this hotel to the cultural traveler that wishes to explore all parts of Tokyo, while starting and ending the day in luxurious comfort.

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

The Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba is a four star hotel on the Odaiba district of Tokyo, an artificial Island in the heart of Tokyo, which is nice for travelers needing some space and waterside scenery. The hotel offers a pleasant view of the Tokyo Bay, with the Rainbow Bridge and the skyscraper filled heart of Tokyo.

Odaiba, where the hotel resides, is pretty unique in Tokyo, as you will find plenty of activities there, such as the Gundam statue, huge shopping malls, arcades, a giant ferris wheel and so on. If you wish to go to the old center of Tokyo you can take the tram which stops in your street.

The rooms in the hotel are clean and provide in all comforts, including a bath, desk and television. You even get to enjoy free wifi throughout the hotel. The design of some of the rooms is a bit old fashioned, but does radiate a certain warmth.

Hotel Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba has plenty of facilities. During the summer months the hotel opens its outdoor pool so guests can cool off while enjoying a view of Tokyo Tower in the background. The hotel conveniently has its own currency exchange machine. There is a beauty and wellness center, an acupuncture center, a spa and a paid fitness center.

On the top floor of the hotel you will find a grill and a Japanese teppan-yaki restaurant with a stunning panoramic view of Tokyo Bay and a clear view of all touristic highlights of the city. A perfect place to take some evening pictures of Tokyo. In total the hotel has 10 restaurants and bars, so whether you prefer Italian food, a nice grill, a great buffet, Japanese or Chinese food, everything is available. There is even a fresh bakery. And in the evening you can sit down at the bar and be delighted by a host of aromatic liquors.

This hotel is perfect for travelers who come to relax and wish to settle in a calmer area of Tokyo, while still enjoying the exceptional views, enjoy different cuisines and easy access to the city center.

Park Hotel Tokyo

The four starred Park Hotel Tokyo is pretty interesting hotel with its own character. The hotel pioneered turning rooms into cultural works of art themselves. On one floor all the rooms have been hand painted by artists with vibrant and colorful typically Japanese decorations, giving each room its own distinct atmosphere.

You can find the Japanese and nature themed design throughout the building. And the main lobby of the hotel is a true eye catcher with a ten-storey high glass roof which bathes you in light. So the hotel has quite a pleasant and sleek design to it.
Next to the artistic rooms the hotel also offers normal rooms, of course. Besides a stunning view each room in the hotel comes with a bath, television, free wifi, an international power adapter and other necessities. As the hotel can be found on the top floors of the 172.6 m (564 ft) tall Shiodome Media Tower, you can be assured of great panoramic views over the skyline of Tokyo on each side of the building. So from your room you will be able to spot the Tokyo Tower and surrounding temples, the historical city center or the Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge.

The Park Hotel Tokyo can be found in the city center within walking distance of the Ginza shopping district and Shimbashi Station where you can find the subways. The hotel also lies almost next to the Hamarikyu Gardens where you can escape the busy Tokyo city life in favour of absolute serenity.

We found the hotel to have excellent service, but the facilities such as the spa and fitness room were rather modest. A big plus is that you will find several Japanese restaurants within the hotel. For the breakfast buffet you can pick between a proper western and Japanese offering, such as miso soup, grilled fish, different kinds of fruits, bread, bacon and eggs, cereal and so on.
We were pleasantly surprised by this hotel and all the small things that sets it apart from the rest, combined with its great central location, so we can certainly recommend it to travelers that want a more personal atmosphere in a hotel.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier

If you want to settle in a central location in Tokyo so you can easily reach all cultural and shopping areas of the city during the day, while enjoying a nice view of the city’s primary sights in the evening, then the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier is a great pick. As the hotel is located on the 16th to 26th floor of a large complex you can always be assured of great views over Tokyo. With the Tokyo Tower in the background on one side of the hotel and the Tokyo Bay on the other.

The Mitsui Garden Hotel can be found within the popular Ginza shopping district, where you will find an abundance of shops and restaurants. And if you want to travel through Tokyo further you can simply walk to the Shimbashi station which is right behind the hotel. Being so centrally located makes it one of the best hotels in Tokyo to explore the city from. And if you want to escape the busy city life, then a stroll through the Japanese Hamarikyu Gardens is a great way to clear your mind.

The hotel rooms offer a wall sized window allowing you to immerse yourself in the views. If you came to Tokyo to enjoy a leisurely vacation then it might be a fun idea to book a hotel room with a bathtub in front of the window, so you can relax in bath overlooking the city. On top of that free wifi is included with your stay. And the prices of the rooms are quite reasonable for Tokyo.

There is one restaurant in the hotel, on the highest floor, where a breakfast buffet with Western and Japanese food, a buffet lunch and a la carte dinner are held. The breakfast and dinner at the hotel is quite proper. And in the evening the cocktail bar of the hotel opens up.

Pasela Resort

Pasela regularly gets voted as the best karaoke venue in Tokyo. That’s because they are unlike the other karaoke chains, as they offer nice dishes and great themed, anime and video game themed karaoke boxes. It’s quite stylish and nerdy at the same time and it’s marvelous. Especially Pasela Resorts in Akihabara is worth visiting, as that’s the one located in the manga and gaming district of Tokyo and has the matching designer rooms. When you’re in Tokyo you might as well go all out and visit the geeky things Tokyo is famous for.

The other Pasela karaoke venues, which can be found in Ginza, Roppongi and Shibuya, prefer a more upscale design, which is also why they refer to themselves as a resort. So if you are in a more professional crowd then you might want to avoid Akihabara and pick one of these locations for your nightly karaoke session.

The signature dishes of Pasela are the various honey breads it offers. Which are hard to describe, but they are basically an fancy ice cream dessert on top of a giant bread with honey. We’re not making this up, and it is in fact quite tasty. It’s not the cheapest place to get a karaoke box, but the immersive atmosphere makes more than up for it.

Uta Hiroba

If you are looking for karaoke on a budget then Uta Hiroba is unbeatable. And for that reason it’s also one of the more popular chains in Tokyo. As far as we’ve seen this place has some of the cheapest karaoke boxes in Tokyo. Added to that, they also offer ‘all you can drink’ deals, so you can always keep yourself hydrated and ready to sing.

Among other locations, Uta Hiroba can be found pretty much on the main street of Shinjuku, so it’s hard to miss. There is a wide variety of English songs, although the list is less up to date than with its competitors. The buildings is also not as flashy, but that’s perfectly fine if you are just looking for a good time and want to have fun.

Uta Hiroba also has a nice menu, where they offer things from takoyaki and ramen to strawberry pancakes. At Meet The Cities we also noticed they have regular actions and discounts, like during the summer they sometimes have all you can eat ice cream at some locations. Which is just icing on the cake for us.

One Coin Bar Champion

The nightlife area Golden Gai in Shinjuku, Tokyo is known for its many little bars. As you can imagine this is a good place to start looking for karaoke bars if you want a fun night out. One of the most notable karaoke bars here is fittingly called Champion, which is short for One Coin Bar Champion.

This standing bar is extremely popular among travelers for a good reason. Karaoke here costs less than a dollar, but of course they do expect you to get a drink. Unlike the karaoke boxes that other places offer, you can sing your songs here at the bar, making it closer to the western concept of karaoke bars. The people working at the bar are also surprisingly friendly and tend to speak a fair word of English.

Just like the other bars in Golden Gai it’s quite small. And if you get tired of karaoke you can just do a pub crawl in the area, to make your evening complete. So you can’t really go wrong with it.

Sumo wrestling at Ryogoku Kokugikan

The national sport of Japan is sumo wrestling and it’s a major attraction in Tokyo. This 1500 year old sport is soaked in Japanese traditions and the wrestlers are admired as national heroes. The aim of the wrestler is to either push the other wrestler out of the ring or ensure that he touches the ground with any body part besides his feet. The sumo wrestlers tend to get huge as there is an obvious benefit to throwing your weight into the fight. And the entire lives of the wrestlers are in service of the sport, from how they look to what they eat for dinner.

When you’re Tokyo you have the unique opportunity to visit a Sumo wrestling tournament and enjoy the ceremonies surrounding the event. Ryogoku Kokugikan is the main Sumo arena in Tokyo where you will find the traditionally Japanese wrestlers facing off in a grand contest. Visiting one of these Sumo matches in Tokyo is a fun highlight for any vacation.

Tokyo Disneyland

The most popular Disney theme parks on the planet can be found in the very heart of Tokyo, Japan. Disneyland is known for it’s family friendly attractions, the rich music and dance shows and of course its stellar cast of cartoon characters and classic fairytales. Partially due to it’s great location, this park is actually a popular destination for almost all Japanese locals who are looking for things to do in Tokyo and desire a day filled with surprises and entertainment. Tokyo Disneyland can be found in Tokyo Bay, which is easy to reach by public transportation from pretty much anywhere in Tokyo as the Maihama Station is right in front of the door.

Tokyo Disneyland is divided into seven themed lands. Each land has it’s own setting, attractions and restaurants. In the World Bazaar you will find a penny arcade. In Adventure Land you will find child friendly attractions like the atmospheric Pirates of the Caribbean ride. In Westland you will find cowboy American themed attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster, a shooting gallery and you can take the Mark Twain riverboat around the park. But it’s also possible to canoe around from Critter County. In Fantasyland you will find attractions based on some of the most popular Disney characters, such as Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Pinocchio and Peter Pan and a 3D movie at Mickey’s PhilharMagic. In Toontown will find many attractions for smaller children, such as a slower roller coaster, the house of minnie mouse and spinning cars set in the world of Roger Rabbit. Tomorrowland is the final land with the most well known attraction, the space mountain, and several interactive attractions.

It’s a good idea to prepare your journey well by buying the tickets to Tokyo Disneyland online. Single and multiple day passes for the park are available online. But it’s also possible to combine a visit to the park with a stay at one of the Disney hotels.

Samurai experience

The honorable travelers among us who want to learn more of the ways of the samurai can opt in for a true samurai experience. The history of Japan is closely tied with the history of the samurai, so it comes as no surprise that many travelers want to know more about this caste.

In Tokyo you will find several ways to get to samurai experience. There are several workshops available in Tokyo where you will be introduced to traditional Japanese swordsmanship. Another memorable thing to do in Tokyo is to get into a photoshoot with traditional samurai armor on, so you have something to reflect back on even years after your journey.

Kabuki theater

The Japanese have their own traditional style of theatrically performing dramas called Kabuki, which comes from the Japanese word for bizarre due to the expressive nature of the plays. The elaborate plays often portray or parody historical and everyday events which may lead to moral conflicts. It is also common that the most memorable scenes of grander stories are played out. The dynamic stages of Kabuki theaters also allow for sudden surprises and reveals popular in Japanese dramas.

Kabuki actors are easily recognizable by their white makeup, uniquely painted faces, elaborate wigs and the typical Japanese outfits that are worn. During the performance you will also see the actors dramatizing poses and facial expressions meant to portray the nature of the characters. Amusingly all characters in the plays, even the female characters, are traditionally portrayed by male performers.

The visually stunning plays are also accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments, such as the clapping instrument Hyoshigi, ambiantic noh and takebue flute, the three stringed Shamisen, the ko-tsuzumi hand drums and the threatening Taiko (or more specifically o-daiko) drums. They are played live both onstage and offstage setting the mood for the moment.

There are multiple theaters in Tokyo where you can find Kabuki plays. The primary theater of Tokyo is the Kabuki-za Theater. It’s also a good pick for travelers as the theater allows you to rent a headset for the English language version of the portrayed story.

When you are wondering what to do in Tokyo then you should definitely entertain the thought of visiting a Kabuki theater. The Kabuki theaters are one of the most immersive tourist attractions in Tokyo as all elements of authentic Japanese culture come together in a grand display for you to enjoy, from exotic songs and dance to beautiful outfits.

Meiji Shrine

One of the most recognizable religious shrines in Japan is the Meiji Shrine complex, in which the former emperor Meiji is honored. The emperor is remembered for it’s role in the Meiji Restoration, a period of major social, economic, industrial and military reforms in Japan.

The meiji shrine can be found next to the Yoyogi Park and is one of the best places for sightseeing in Tokyo for several reasons. The shrine complex consists of several traditionally Japanese buildings with warm wooden architecture and is surrounded by a forest with strolling paths. These paths will lead you past trees from all over Japan and flower fields such as the Iris garden.

As you pass through the massive 12 meter high Torii gate guarding the park you are aware you enter sacred land. This shinto shrine is a place where you will find traditional shinto activities, so you can buy good luck charms and leave wooden notes with your wishes behind. People come here to say a prayer and even to hold traditional Japanese weddings.

The Meiji shrine is a good place to visit in Tokyo if you want to experience a bit more of the spiritual life of the Japanese. But tourists looking for a little good luck charm are also highly recommended to come here.

Shibuya, for youthful fashion shopping

The most popular shopping district in Tokyo is Shibuya. Shibuya is known as a trendy and youthful shopping area and it is easily one of the most recognizable and vibrant places in Tokyo as it’s filled with tall buildings, big screens and neon lights. Strolling around in the evening in Shibuya makes you feel like you ended up in a steampunk movie set in Japan.

For the best shopping experience its best to go north from station Shibuya. Here you will find the famous Shibuya crossing, the busiest intersection in the world, with the famous Aikita statue. From here you can enter the Center Gai street, where big brands, restaurants, arcades and nightlife all come together. This is often considered the birthplace of the radical fashion trends in Japan, so there are an abundance of alternative fashion to be found here. And if you prefer to stay indoors you can check out the eye catching department stores such as the 183 meters tall Shibuya Hikarie and the 109 department store.

If you walk further north or take the metro to Harajuku station then you will find the Harajuku district on your east side. As you arrive the first thing you will see to the south east is Omotesandō street, which is often called the Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. This name is a reference to the famous street in France, as you will find several architectural highlights in here which house big brand luxury fashion stores, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada. But for regular shoppers there are also more accessible retailers such as Zara and H&M.

For teenage fashion and youth culture you will want to check out Takeshita Street, which lies parallel north of Omotesandō street, where you will find fashion for different Japanese subcultures, from kawaii candy colored dresses to tight black jackets. This area is considered the teen Mecca of Tokyo, which also reflects in the food offering in the area, as you can get some delicious sweet and often fruit and whipped cream filled crêpes here in between your shopping sessions as well.

Within Shibuya you will also find Yoyogi Park and the matching Meiji Shrine, which you can also visit if you want to combine your shopping trip with a moment of relaxation.

Ginza, the largest department stores in Tokyo

For your luxury shopping needs you have to go to Ginza. This area is known for its large department stores that draw people to Tokyo and high end fashion brands. The sophisticated shopper will also find there are also plenty of art galleries to be found in Ginza. It is especially appealing to go shopping in Ginza on the weekends, as the streets are closed off for cars then, giving it a serene vibe perfect for going on a shopping spree.

Ginza can be found south of Tokyo central station. But the best way to reach it is by taking the metro to Station Ginza, which has exits towards the heart of the Ginza shopping district. The main street in Ginza is called Chuo Dori, which means central avenue. It is here and in the intersecting streets that you find the upscale department stores and shopping malls of Tokyo.

The Ginza 4-chome intersection intersection of Chuo-dori is considered the beating heart of Ginza, with the landmark Wako and Mitsukoshi department stores. If you go into the side streets you will come across stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Uniqlo, the most famous fashion brand in Japan, and Chanel. In front of the Uniqlo building you will find the largest shopping complex of the district, called Ginza Six. Here you will find 241 upscale stores, with everything such as Japanese restaurants, flagship fashion stores and cosmetics and of course a stunning rooftop garden that you can’t miss.

When it is time to fill your tummy then we recommend settling down in a Ginza restaurant for some nice yakitori, which is a typically Japanese skewered chicken, making your day complete.

Shinjuku, with countless shops for everyone

Shinjuku is known as a energetic, colorful and hip neighborhood of Tokyo and certainly one of the better places to go shopping in Tokyo as it’s filled with countless of shops, bars and restaurants and a large nightlife area. At night the whole area lights up like a casino, which is a pretty fun experience.

Shinjuku is known for its tall buildings and abundance of department stores, with a wider range of options for all budgets than the more high fashion Ginza district. This also makes it a great place to look go souvenir shopping for friends and family back at home. You will also find a decent amount of 100 yen shops and budget shops, such as the Don Quijote Shinjuku Store, with fun little takeaway items.

But you can also just go luxury fashion shopping for yourself. In the department stores of Shinjuku delicious food and designer fashion shopping often go hand in hand. For high fashion brands you can visit places giant department stores like Takashimaya Times Square, Odakyu and Isetan Shinjuku. Of course local favorite stores such as Uniqlo are also well represented in Shinjuku.

Shinjuku is one of the best places to go shopping in Tokyo. But Shinjuku also has some great hidden spots for the keen traveler. If you are in the area you could for example check out the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan building, where you can enjoy a beautiful 360-degrees panoramic view over Tokyo for free.

You can reach Shinjuku by taking the metro to Shinjuku Station, which is by far the busiest railway station in the world as more than three and half million people visit that station daily. Leave it on the north east side, and you will find yourself entering the world of Shinjuku, where the characteristic little Japanese bars, fashion stores and department stores will greet you with colorful signs.

Akihabara, the gaming and anime stores

Akihabara is a niche shopping area, known for its J-pop, anime manga and Otaku culture. It’s basically heaven for people who come to Tokyo for their guilty pleasure of enjoying Japanese teen media. Besides that, Akihabara is also perfect when you are shopping for games, consoles and electronics. And it’s often considered a bastion for arcade gaming. In the evening Akihabara also shines bright with a sea of light, telling you that you have arrived at the right place.

You can reach Akihabara by going to Akihabara station. The main street, also known as Chuo Dori, is on the west side of the station. Chuo Dori and its side streets are where the magic happens. You will find large multi-floored anime department stores here such as Animate and Kotobukiya, which are amazing for fans of this niche.

In this district you will also find plenty of stores with cool gadgets and electronics. Directly next to Akihabara station for example, on the north east side, you will find a 9 floor electronic and gadget store called Yodobashi Akiba, which you will find all the toys and gadgets you will ever need.

For rare items you can also find second hand anime stores, such as the Mandarake Complex, which is pretty much the biggest manga store in the world, with rare magazines, figures and pretty much anything else you will not find elsewhere.

And once you are done with shopping you can always sit down at one of the arcades or maid cafes and enjoy some typically Japanese downtime. Even if you aren’t into the niche Japanese teen culture we at Meet The Cities think a visit to Akihabara is well worth a visit for the visual experience.

Akihabara Washington Hotel

The Akihabara Washington Hotel is the perfect hotel for anime and gaming fans. Surrounding the hotel is the colorful and lively Akihabara district, also known as Otaku Town, with large billboards with flickering lights on the street and where gaming arcades, anime, manga and maid cafes can be found wherever you look.

The rooms of the hotel are modest and practical with a neutral design. With free wifi, a widescreen television, and a bathroom with all the little conveniences like a toothbrush or a power converter (which you can request at the front office) in case you forgot one.

Next to the hotel within a minute walking distance is Akihabara Station, from where you can reach pretty much any place in Tokyo. So if you want to go to Ueno Park for example to visit some of the most important museums in Tokyo, you can either walk 2 kilometers (1,4 miles) or take a 5 minute trip with the subway. So its location is super convenient.

So the cultural travelers who are youthful in mind and need a place to crash in the evening and a proper breakfast buffet will find everything they want in this hotel.