For my 30th birthday, I spent a week exploring a country that has been on my radar for quite some time. Traditional culture, elaborate architecture and delectable cuisine are just a few of reasons Japan has taken the #1 spot at the top of my favorites list. Offering endless attractions in the cities and tranquility in the countryside, there is always something to do regardless of your travel style.
Things To Do
Visit Tokyo’s Oldest Buddhist Temple
Walking through the gates of Sensō-ji Temple unlocks a blended world of religion, provisions and culture. The temple’s complex includes the main hall, 5-story pagoda and Kaminarimon, the famous “thunder gate.” While visiting, you may observe many locals participating in prayer, offering incense and even practicing temple etiquette by removing their shoes.
Connected to Sensō-ji’s main gate is Nakamise-dori Street – a colorful combination of shops and vendors offering customized keepsakes and local bites. I opted for a set of engraved chopsticks from Asakusa Takeya and enjoyed candied strawberries. This is the perfect place to spend the afternoon experiencing old Japan’s rich history.
Get a View From the Top
Standing at 1,092 ft is the Tokyo Tower. The communications and observation tower offers daily, self-guided tours that include a 360° view of the bustling city. For $23, guests can visit the top deck and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne or juice before the ride up. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office on the first floor of the tower.
Tokyo Skytree is not only the tallest tower in Japan, but also the third tallest freestanding structure in the world. At 2,080 ft tall, the Skytree takes a view of the city to new heights. The Skytree Post allows guests to send postcards home – international stamps are sold in the gift shop! Visitors can tour both the lower Tembo Deck and the upper Galleria from morning to night, but beware of crowds and long lines during sunset. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for a discounted rate or at the ticket office on the 4th floor on the day of your visit.
Pay Your Respects at Meiji Jingu Shrine
Located north of Shibuya is one of Japan’s Shinto shrines, Meiji Jingu. Shinto, the original ancient religion of Japan, values harmony with nature and “Magokoro,” or sincerity. A short walk surrounded by lush greenery leads visitors to the main sanctuary. I participated at the Ema table, where I wrote down my wishes and aspirations on a wooden plaque and hung at the shrine for the gods to answer.
Shop ‘Til You Drop at Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing where as many as 3,000 people walk simultaneously in all directions during peak hours. The famous crosswalk opens a world of vertical shopping centers, including MEGA Don Quijote. The 7-floor superstore is a mixture of chaos and abundance – there isn’t anything this place doesn’t have! Nintendo Tokyo and Pokémon Center are also must-visit Japanese staples when exploring Shibuya.
Stock up on Snacks at 7-Eleven
The first thing I did after checking in to my hotel was walk across the street to Japan’s holy grail, 7-Eleven. Open 24/7/365, these mini markets are full of everything you’ll ever need. Prepared meals, onigiri (rice balls), and the famous egg salad sandwiches are just a few of the endless food options you can find while wandering through the aisles. I became a nightly visitor during my trip, each visit collecting different pastries, candies and snacks I wanted to try.
Experiences
Immerse Your Body in Art at teamLab Planets
Interactive art museum, teamLab Planets, creates a unique experience that allows your body to become one with various exhibits. The artists continue to transform their productions so that no two adventures are ever the same. During my visit, the building was divided into three areas: garden, water and open air. Tickets range from $25-30, depending on popular dates and times. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, I would recommend booking online in advance for a weekday morning.
Race Through the Streets in A Go-kart
There’s no experience quite like zipping through the busy streets of Japan – in a go-kart! Japan Kart offers a variety of driving tours through many of Tokyo’s major landmarks. I opted for the 60 minute Asakusa Tour, which lead us past Sensō-ji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, through Akihabara Electric Town and Ueno Park, and under Tokyo Skytree.
There are a few important things to know before you’re ready to race. These are street legal go-karts you will be driving on the road alongside other vehicles. You will need a valid driver’s license to operate the karts. For my friends in the US, you can obtain an International Driver’s Permit at your local AAA for $20. When you check in for your tour, you’ll need to present your driver’s license, passport and IDP before you can hit the road. This exhilarating experience costs between $83-116 based on tour length, but the memories are priceless!
Test Your Tastebuds at Tsukiji Outer Market
Also known as Japan’s “food town,” the Tsukiji Outer Market is the epicenter for fresh, traditional Japanese cuisine. Shops, restaurants and vendors line the streets offering new culinary trends that will take your tastebuds for a ride. For not being an adventurous eater, I tried everything from wagyu beef skewers and BBQ eel to sweet potato chips and mochi dumplings.
Dining
Breakfast and Coffee
Feb’s Coffee & Scones is a quaint coffee shop located in Asakusa near Sensō-ji Temple. On their simple menu you can find lattes, espressos and americanos. I opted for the caffè latte and scone set. For those looking for a full breakfast, Feb’s special breakfast set will certainly cure your appetite.
Fuglen Coffee Roasters originated in Norway and came to Tokyo in 2012. At Fuglen Asakusa you can find a simple, yet modern atmosphere with two floors of seating. I’d recommend the brown cheese, sour cream and mixed berry jam Norwegian waffle paired with a caffè latte.
Suke6 Diner was the spot I chose for my birthday breakfast. Located on the river across from Tokyo Skytree, this decorative diner serves delicious breakfast. Guests can enjoy reading the morning newspaper while savoring a variety of their traditional menu options.
The Deck Coffee & Pie provides their expertise on two things: coffee and pie! The wooden interior and ambient lighting makes for a relaxing environment. The Deck offers a variety of savory lunch-style to sweet dessert pies that can be matched with one of their many coffees, teas or wines.
Lunch and Dinner
Craft Beer Factory Shinjuku Ale is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat. The extensive menu of craft beers on tap mix with the assortment of small plates they have to offer. I opted for the BBQ chicken skewer, gyoza and a small bowl of ramen.
Savoy Kaminarimon deserves a 10/10 rating from a pizza aficionado like myself. This intimate, Napoli-style pizzeria in Asakusa assembles hand-made pies and allows their guests to watch the baking process in the wood-fired oven behind the counter. These pizzas will have your mouth watering before you even take your first bite!
Wagyu to Worldwide is a burger lover’s paradise. Made with 100% Matsusaka beef and 100% Kuroge Wagyu, the restaurant prides itself on delivering the best Japanese quality wagyu to travelers that visit from around the world. This high-quality dining experience is a must-visit on your next trip to Tokyo.
Ichiran Ramen does one thing only: ramen. As the leading experts in classic tonkotsu ramen, you’re guaranteed to indulge in a flawless bowl of ramen every time. With 18 locations in Tokyo alone, Ichiran is easy to find and fairly priced.
Lodging
Location is one of the most important things to consider when choosing your lodging, especially in cities like Tokyo where using the subway is imperative for transportation. Surrounded by must-see attractions, highly-rated dining and a short walk from Asakusa Station, Stayme the Hotel Asakusa Riverside has earned my highest recommendation. Every room is equipped with full kitchen and laundry services and is spacious enough to accommodate groups. A kiosk at the front desk allows for easy check in and the hospitable hotel staff always respond to requests in a timely manner.
Transportation
The Tokyo Metro is the fastest and easiest way to get where you need to go in the busy city. Using the maps app on your smartphone, choose the train option to see all of the available routes to your destination. Stations are equipped with the electronic “tap” method as you enter and exit.
In your smartphone’s digital wallet you can add a Suica card, a prepaid rechargeable contactless payment used as a fare card for Japan’s transportation systems. You can transfer money from your debit card directly to the Suica to avoid having to purchase physical tickets every time you need to use the metro. This was an absolute life saver!
Once you’re within a district, everything is walkable. Pack your tennis shoes, because it’s common to walk 10-15 miles a day when you’re exploring everything Japan’s largest city has to offer. I’d recommend my favorite pair of Skechers. They’re affordable, comfortable and come in so many cute colors!
If you’re looking to travel further to cities like Kyoto, Osaka or Nagasaki, the Shinkansen Bullet Train is a great option. Traveling at speeds up to 200 mph, this is the fastest way to navigate to Japan’s most popular cities. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station, but cost significantly more than the metro due to the convenience of traveling further distances at higher speeds.
Helpful Mobile Apps
Klook
The Klook mobile app helps travelers discover the possibilities in the area by providing nearly half a million attractions around the world at your fingertips. Search through thousands of deals on the most top-rated landmarks and experiences. Users earn Klook cash for each reservation and review completed to use on future bookings.
Google Translate
I recommend downloading Google Translate before traveling abroad. Although most people in Tokyo speak English, there were a few occasions I needed the app. There is also a camera function that can be used to read signs and instructions, which I found to be extremely useful. Make sure to download the language in the event you’ll need to use it without internet access. I’d also recommend learning basic terms like “hello and goodbye,” “excuse me,” and “please and thank you” in the language of the country you’re visiting to show respect.
Visiting Japan has continued to open my eyes to the beautiful world of mixed cultures we live in. Tokyo is not only rich Japanese traditions, infrastructure and cuisines, but the city is spotless, the people are respectful, and the adventures are affordable. I hope if nothing else, that my writing inspires you to visit this beautiful city and helps you along the way.
Love Always.
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