Top 5 things you MUST DO in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting Tokyo in 2020? Are you on the hunt for epic places and activities to do? Check out my Top 5 MUST DO’S in Tokyo! These must do activities and site are catered to everyone who has an interest for the Traditional Japanese Culture.
1. Senso-Ji Temple & Nakamise Dori Street
“Explore historic Asakusa and ancient temple Sensō-ji”
The symbol of Asakusa, Senso-Ji Temple.
Senso-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan with over 30 million visits annually. There’s a reason why this breathtaking temple is the most visited spiritual sites in the world! Around the central building, you can also see the Goju-no-To five-tiered pagoda, several smaller sub-temples, and charming little gardens, one of which houses Tokyo's oldest stone bridge and oldest wooden structure, Rokkakudo. To the right of the main hall, you will find Asakusa Shrine, where the three men who founded Sensoji are enshrined. Towering over the grounds from across the river is Tokyo Skytree providing striking contrast between modern and traditional in one view.
Senso-ji is easily accessible by public transport.
Sensoji is a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station, served by the Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, and Tobu Railway lines. It is also a 10-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Line.
Nakamise Dori Street is a fantastic way to experience and taste the fresh local delicacies. The Nakamise Dori Shopping Street is small street that is connected from the front gate connecting to the spectacular front entrance of the Senso-Ji Temple.
📍Culture Tourist Information Center
“Take home a perfect souvenir for yourself, family or friends”
The Sokichi Glass workshop is a great way to get creative and build your ‘Edo-Kiriko’ skills which have been around for 180 years. You can make an original glass with choosing dozens of glasses and samples which you will be carving custom patterns & shapes. Experience the essence of Japan at its vibrant best with Edo Kiriko, a traditional Japanese craft in which delicate patterns are carved onto glass. Select your favourite design from over ten beautiful patterns to carve along the sides or bottom, and carefully box your glass for taking back home.
Here was my attempt at carving my own custom glass
TIME
Weekdays : 10:15, 13:00, 15:00
Weekends : 8:30, 10:15, 13:00, 15:00, 16:45( +¥500)
90mins
They offer 120 mins course at 10:00, 12:30
(+¥1,000)
Pricing
Adults: ¥3,000
U18: ¥2,500
Transparent glasses: ¥0~¥500
Coloured glasses : ¥900~¥2,522
Access
From Asakusa Line Asakusa Station, exit at the 3rd exit, pass the narrow street side of Kaminari-mon Post Office, and turn right at a Chinese restaurant (Hong Kong Tei), turn left, and walk 300m.
From Ginza Line Asakusa Station, exit at the 4th exit and you'll pass two shops; a restaurant (Gonpachi) and a liquor store (Asakusa Yomo), after which you will arrive at your destination.
30 seconds on foot from Asakusa Station
“Doesn’t take up too much time in your jam packed day!”
This medium sized aquarium houses 10,000 sea creatures and can be found on the 5th & 6th floors of Tokyo Solomachi, which is an entertainment complex located at the base of the Tokyo Skytree.
The great thing about visiting the Sumida Aquarium is that it doesn’t take up too much time in your fully packed day to see the whole aquarium. We managed to see the entire aquarium in approximately 80 minutes taking our time at our own pace and still seemed to experience the aquarium in it’s full.
Stop by the gift shop for trendy gifts and souvenirs. Along with plush stuffed animals and tote bags adorned with the aquarium’s minimalist logo, the gift shop also sells quirky items like Japanese sweets in the shape of a penguin, sea turtles and other sea creatures.
4. Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin
“Have fun, get hands on & creative by moulding your own candy!”
This is a specialty store of sculptured candy in Imodo, Taito City, Tokyo. Sculpturing heated candy into various shapes with bare hands and scissors is a traditional technique that has been a popular entertainment for the common people since long ago. At the Asakusa Main Store, in addition to exhibiting candies in the shape of goldfish, cats, dragons, etc., hands-on experience classes (reservations required) are also held. The inside of the spacious shop is Japanese style and includes a café space for breaks.
“No better view than from Tokyo Skytree”
Get a 360 view from the tallest structure in Japan! Visiting here at sunset is an experience you should 100% do if visiting Tokyo!
The Tokyo Skytree shoots 634 metres tall with panoramic views of Tokyo. If you visit here on a clear day you may get lucky and see Mount Fuji in the far distant.When evening comes, the tower lights up in in one of three colors, traditional Edo purple, gold or baby blue. Although impressive from below, the truly spectacular scenes come from above. Take the elevator to one of the two observation platforms for a bird's-eye view of the city. Located at 350 meters and 450 meters, respectively, Tembo Deck—the first of the decks—give you views out to the horizon and their glass floor sections give you views straight down—not for the faint-hearted. For high-life entertainment after dark, head to the Skytree Round Theater, which mixes up the night view with project mapping.
Here is some gear i used on this trip
Main Camera: https://amzn.to/30E956u
Film Camera: https://amzn.to/38CmdMG
Microphone: https://amzn.to/2SF9tzb
Wide Angle Lens: https://amzn.to/2RbLV4q
SSD Drive: https://amzn.to/37HUngN
Ultra Wide Angle Lens: https://amzn.to/2G9v4sz
Zoom Lens: https://amzn.to/2sNNEDG
Tripod: https://amzn.to/2RbNboa
Camera Bag: https://amzn.to/37eOg4d
SD Cards: https://amzn.to/2GaWJJM