Japan travel: Things to do and see in Tokyo

As of Oct 11, Japan reinstated visa-free of charge travel to dozens of nations around the world, together with Australia, ending some of world’s strictest border controls place in put to slow the spread of Covid-19.

And like several Aussies, I was really thrilled to journey to Tokyo in what would mark my initial trip to the vacationer hotspot.

I have typically been explained to about the cool vibe in Tokyo as effectively as how superb the food, bars, evening-daily life and buying is – and let us just say anyone is ideal. It did not disappoint.

Having said that, there was 1 thing that took place while I was discovering Tokyo that still left me a little pink-faced.

The Japanese are extremely huge on regard, a thing I definitely appreciate about them (as perfectly as their amazing feeling of model).

A buddy of mine who travels there on a regular basis experienced presented me an etiquette rundown on the dos and don’ts in Japan right before my excursion.

There was 1 detail I vaguely remember him stating – and that was not to take in though going for walks the streets.

Really do not take in and walk at the exact time

Of study course I forgot this alternatively vital rule the second I spied an ice-cream and waffle cup – and proceeded to devour it in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo’s most well known up-industry purchasing, dining and enjoyment district which is packed whole of folks.

As I stood on the road proceeding to inhale the sweet take care of I recognized I was obtaining some rather prolonged stares.

I wiped what I considered should be ice product off my facial area. But inevitably my friend’s phrases came back again to me.

It is identified as “arukigui” – which merely suggests “walking though eating” – and it is considered rude in most areas of Japan.

They think you can not basically love your foods if you are walking, which is a honest position.

There are a number of exceptions, this sort of as ingesting while standing up coming to a vending equipment (there’s literally thousands and thousands in Japan).

Even so, as a common rule, do not do what I did and as a substitute try to consume your meals in the exact location you purchased it, or wait until eventually you get to your resort.

Rarely any street bins

And then I faced yet another embarrassing blunder. I (very) promptly acquired there aren’t numerous avenue bins in Tokyo.

However, it just goes to clearly show how respectful and clear Japanese people today are as inspite of this, there is not an ounce of garbage on the streets.

As an alternative, locals tend to just take their garbage house and dispose of it there.

But for the up coming hour it intended I experienced to hold my now-melted cup of ice cream in my hand.

Proving just how beautiful the locals are, a very kind waiter from a nearby cafe available to acquire the cup off my hands, tossing it into a bin at the rear of the cafe’s counter.

Why will not you come across any bins? They were largely taken off from Japanese cities adhering to the 1995 sarin fuel assaults on the Tokyo Metro, according to Bloomberg.

It pressured residents to adopt some of the world’s most disciplined squander disposal tactics.

As this sort of, really don’t make the oversight I produced. Alternatively, get a bag to have your rubbish in (so you do not have to maintain it in your hand) and be guaranteed to consider it with you back again to your lodging to get rid of.

Usually, you will come across some bins in more substantial community areas these kinds of as parks and educate stations.

Seven have to-see matters in Tokyo

There’s so substantially to do and see in Tokyo, but if, like me you have confined time, right here are my prime 7 issues to do in 72 hrs.

Golden Gai

Golden Gai is 1 of all those not-so-key solution places and is a need to if you like to have a drink.

In a charmingly scruffy aspect of the generally neon-lit Skyscraper District, acknowledged as Shinjuku, you will uncover a assortment of mismatched tumbledown bars that line the alleyways.

I experienced no plan what to anticipate but I was blown away by just how tiny some of the bars had been – most only match about two people, additionally the bartender.

To be genuine, half of the working experience is just wandering as a result of the tightly packed alleyways, with each individual smaller entrance fully specific and special.

One particular bar included climbing a pretty limited and slim set of stairs, where by a friendly, quirky bartender greeted consumers at the top.

It’s vital to hold in mind some bars have an entry rate – the most I paid (out of the 3 bars I frequented) was $10. A indicator is generally exhibited on the door, with some specifying “no foreigners”, “no visitors,” or “regulars only” – which, though you may possibly disagree, is their proper.

Due to the fact the areas are so small, some bars reserve seats for their regulars who are likely to settle in there for the evening instead than bar-hop all around as most travellers (like myself) do.

Nonetheless, there are lots to pick from so you won’t be limited of options.

Meiji Shrine and Senso-Ji Temple

Definitely make time to check out the Meiji Shrine – it is committed to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken.

Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line’s chaotic Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and its spacious grounds in addition the adjacent Yoyogi Park offer going for walks paths that are good for a comforting stroll.

The shrine was destroyed throughout Entire world War II but was rebuilt soon after.

It takes about 10 minutes to wander from Harajuku Station but it’s 1 of the most tranquil walks you will do as you are surrounded by tranquil forest.

Senso-Ji Temple is also a must. It is found in Asakusa and is Tokyo’s oldest and most vibrant temples.

Once you get there, you will wander via the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) exactly where you will come across a 200m extend of stores stuffed with Japanese souvenirs (yukata) and different other traditional snacks.

The strip then normally takes you to the temple’s 2nd gate, the Hozomon., where by the major hall is located alongside with a 5-storied pagoda.

I seen a tiny, stone fountain with ladles perched on top rated and realized that these are termed chozuya/temizuya, exactly where men and women use them to purify on their own with water in advance of likely inside the temple or shrine. Just across the fountain locals were being covering themselves with smoke from an incense burner – also thought to purify and mend the system of the individuals traveling to the temple.

There is no cost for either the Meiji Shrine or the Senso-Ji Temple.

teamLab Planets Tokyo

Ok, you may perhaps have witnessed this all above your social media feeds, and although it is tremendous touristy – it’s a will have to-do.

For roughly $32, the modern day art museum sees website visitors going for walks by h2o and a back garden exactly where you “become one particular with the flowers”.

It is actually one of a kind and brain-blowing and is a single of these issues you have to working experience for you to understand — and of training course it delivers for some spectacular photos.

There are four significant exhibition spaces and two gardens and all up it takes about an hour to wander through.

“By immersing the complete physique with other persons in these massive system immersive artworks, the boundary among the system and the artwork dissolves, the boundaries amongst the self, many others, and the planet turn into ongoing, and we explore a new partnership devoid of boundaries between ourselves and the globe,” it suggests on the museum internet site.

Very best ramen in Tokyo

Clearly this is purely subjective, but Ichiran Ramen is fingers down a single of the best ramen areas in Tokyo. It’s also a franchise so there are plenty of places to pick out from together with Shibuya which is the 1 I went to.

The common ramen chain is a person of the most well known Tonkotsu (pork-based mostly broth) ramen dining establishments in Japan – and I realize why. It tastes astounding.

It took me a while to come across as it is found in an alleyway, but its dazzling pink shopfront built it easy to location. There was no line so I walked straight in.

Once you go down the stairs you will discover a number of vending devices with many varieties of ramen to choose from.

I went in for the classic ramen which value about $17. Immediately after you pick out the place you want to sit, you then wander by means of a curtained doorway wherever you will discover singular booths. You sit in your chosen region and wait for your food. There’s a tiny shutter in entrance of you and that’s the place the waiter will provide you your foodstuff.

You’re handed a piece of paper with the choice to personalise your ramen, picking out just about anything from richness of broth and noodle texture to the quantity of garlic and spicy crimson sauce you want. There’s also water on faucet which is positioned to the still left of your tiny table.

It’s quite silent in there apart from the sounds of slurping – an sign of pure pleasure.

World’s major Uniqlo

What is a vacation with no shopping? Ginza is 1 of Tokyo’s leading buying districts packed with up-sector boutiques and ritzy cocktail and sushi bars.

And among the the superior-roller stores you will come across well known Japanese informal have on retailer Uniqlo.

It’s also the world’s largest Uniqlo with a whopping 12 storeys. What you find there, you won’t discover in Uniqlo stores in Australia. Sad to say for the men, they require to go all the way to the best with men’s apparel starting from the eighth ground.

Lucky for us ladies we only need to go to the sixth ground – just as properly, as I only made it up that considerably. It’s tiring!

Really don’t make the error I manufactured and be confident to get your sneakers off prior to you enter a fitting room. I did not and a staffer was swift to convey to me normally. There’s a basket exactly where you can pop your shoes in that is located reverse your fitting room.

Batting cages

Baseball is 1 of Japan’s favorite pastimes. So it is no surprise that batting centres are a well-liked kind of entertainment by the place.

It is also something super fun to do before heading out to dinner or a bar.

You can uncover batting centres rather a lot all over the place in Japan. Though the measurement and format of every single centre will be different, the program is really a great deal the very same no matter where you go.

All you need to do is pick out how lots of video games you want to pay out via a vending device and some will spit out a token (“medal”) although other individuals will give you a card.

Then you head to your selected cage and just one-by-just one you have a switch at smacking some balls. At the venue I went to, you can decide on the pitch speed.

Some locations also have a bar, so you can have a couple of drinks though waiting around your turn. Bats and helmets are also provided.