The Best Places To Visit In Tokyo

by Rick Kushin

Japan’s capital, Tokyo, is a popular destination with tourists, due to the variety of attractions it offers. This is partly due to the many prefectures located within the region. The attractions are many, ranging from the skyscraping Tokyo Tower, to the majestic Imperial Palace Gardens.

There are four main areas in Tokyo which warrant any visit. From the bright neon lights of Shinjuku, to the high tech bee’s nest of Akihabara. One must not forget the fashion hubs of Shibuya and Harajuku, and these places are definitely a favorite with tourists who have been to the country.

Shinjuku has the train station with the highest traffic of the whole world. It is at the heart of an area that has both commercial and business buildings. You can find the biggest local and global companies in Shinjuku, next to a hub of restaurants, bars and clubs for the merry makers.

There is something for everyone in Shinjuku. The hundreds of restaurants specialize in the best of Japanese food, from sushi to teriyaki. Shinjuku’s nightlife bustles with life, and the red light district provides a view of the other side of Japanese entertainment. The beautiful garden of the Shinjuku Gyoen Imperial Gardens is a haven for busy businessmen or families who seek refuge on a peaceful afternoon.

Moving further up north is Shibuya, the place where the life of young Japanese resides. Shibuya houses everything hip and trendy about Japan, and there are long streets of fashion malls mixed with the ever present restaurants and cafes. This is also the place for people watching in Japan, with great looking Japanese men and women filling the streets.

Harajuku can be found next to Shibuya. It houses some of the best young fashion talents in the Japanese industry, where designers open their own boutiques to showcase their latest clothes. Harajuku is also home to some cultural sights such as the Meiji Shrine, where thousands of Japanese and tourists gather everyday to experience the tranquility it offers and to offer their prayers.

The Japanese sub-culture that is cosplay can also be found in Harajuku. Cosplayers don their costumes of characters in animated cartoons complete with makeup, and converge on Harajuku Bridge every week. They go about their own business of spending a day out, while amused onlookers snap pictures for remembrance.

Akihabara is another famous section within Tokyo. It is the home to millions of otakus, who are named thus to represent their fascination with manga, anime and electronic gadgets and toys. But it is not exclusive to them, as electronics can be bought at attractive prices, such as computers, the latest gadgets and cameras. With Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihaba showcasing the different sides of Japanese culture, the country is never short of surprises and attractions for the visitor.