We asked Manon, a former travel specialist at our sister brand Japaventura, for her recommendations on the top sights in Tokyo. Manon has French and Japanese roots and has been able to explore Japan since she was a child. She knows about everyday life in Japan, both through her family and after attending Japanese schools. Here are her favourite places to discover on a first visit to Tokyo.
1. The Roof of Tokyu Plaza in Harajuku
Are you looking for a quiet and undisturbed place without getting lost in an unknown and inaccessible area? Would you like to relax with a cup of coffee for half an hour without going to a crowded place? I have the solution for you: the roof of Tokyu Plaza shopping mall! This "department store" is known for its "mirror ball entrance" that gives the impression of stepping on a diamond. Tokyu Plaza offers a particularly quiet and green upstairs terrace in the heart of Tokyo. The Starbucks serves you Japanese-style coffees, including matcha specialties. But to make it more regional, other drink stands are there to give you more choice.
- Address: 4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
- Access: Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line, or Meiji-jingumae Station on the Chiyota/Fukutoshin Lines, or Omotesando Station on the Chiyoda/Hanzomon/Ginza Lines
The green roof of Tokyu Square in Harajuku. - Source: Edomura no Tokuzo - Wikipedia
2. Walk in Shinsui-Park and stroll through Wasen
Vast Shinsui Park—stretching nearly 1.8 kilometres in length—was built mostly on reclaimed land above the Oyokogawa River, which flows through Sumida District. There are five different areas, each with its own atmosphere: the Tsurikawara area for fishing, the Kappakawara area where children can play, the Hanamomiji area which immerses you in the atmosphere of a valley and its gorges, the Palet Plaza area where events are organized, and the Blue Terrace area dedicated to sports.
It is also possible to take a ride in a wasen, a traditional Japanese boat. Imagine yourself sitting in this little boat in the middle of Tokyo. Is that even possible? In an idyllic setting, in the heart of the Japanese capital, the volunteers of the Wasen Tomo no Kai association offer water rides from March to November (every Wednesday) and from December to February (every Sunday), weather permitting, from the morning until the early afternoon. The park is also close to the famous 634-metre high Tokyo Skytree Tower, so it’s worth visit!
- Address: Yokojikkengawa Shinsui Koen; 1-1-1 Minamisuna, Koto-ku in Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line, or a 5-minute walk from Honjo-azumabashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
Shinsuin Park in Spring - Source: Harumeki - Wikipedia
3. The Tsutaya bookshop in Roppongi
In the heart of Roppongi—a chic and popular expat district known for its many nightclubs—Tsutaya Bookstore offers a peaceful haven for insomniacs, music lovers, and readers. It is open seven days a week and has a beautiful and welcoming entrance area with trees. You will find many beautiful books about Japan as well as the latest Japanese and international music. Enjoy a hot coffee or matcha drink to comfort you in winter, or iced to cool you down on hot summer nights. Leaf through a book from the bookstore while comfortably seated in a leather chair, just as if you were at home.
You'll be surrounded by Japanese people, expats, freelancers working on their computers, and students sleeping on their books. Upstairs, you can enjoy the music and enjoy the latest stationery and audio equipment. If you get a little hungry, just take the pedestrian bridge to the nearby supermarket, which is open 24 hours a day!
- Address: ６丁目-11-1 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo 106-0032
4. Cat Street
While most Tokyo tourists head to Takeshita Dorii for Japanese eccentricity and Omotesando for luxury, few adventurers come to Cat Street. This very long, winding street, spanning an ancient river and running perpendicular to Omotesando, is a must for fashionistas and Japanese hipsters. The spiritual home of street fashion in Tokyo will delight not only shopaholics, but also those looking for a little tranquility in the heart of the capital. Visit the Design Festa gallery, a fascinating building designed by Tadao Ando that houses the Armani Casa brand, and the Pook and Koop figurine shop. It is also home to free exhibitions by young artists and is the ideal place to take a break from sightseeing or shopping,
- Access: Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line), Omotesando Exit or Meiji-Jingumae (Chiyoda Line), Exit 4
The quiet and classy street of Shibuya. Source: Dick Thomas Johnson - Flickr
5. "And people" Café in Shibuya
Fancy a break? Take a break at the And People cafe in Shibuya. My cousin Mucchan introduced me to the cafe on my first solo trip to Japan. Far from the kitsch of some Japanese establishments, this place has created its own universe. With the curtains, branches, and strange sofas, the airy and natural atmosphere is different from the usual Tokyo environment. A little tip: try the matcha latte, it's amazing!
- Address : 10-2 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku
Matcha latte, hot or iced, with a small traditional treat (wagashi) and matcha ice cream. - Source: Tribune - Flickr
6. The New York Bar in Shinjuku
For real foodies who want to enjoy a breathtaking view, there is the New York Bar. Known for being the main location in Sofia Coppola's film Lost in Translation, it is still destined for connoisseurs of the scene. Located at the top of the magnificent Park Hyatt Hotel on the 52nd floor, the New York Bar offers an experience that awakens all the senses in a trendy and "jazzy" atmosphere. Take time to savour the cocktails. And what about the view? Impressive, of course. Attention: the seats near the huge bay windows are the most popular. Come early enough not to miss the sunset!
- Address : PARK HYATT TOKYO 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, 163-1055
View of the "Lost in Translation" in the New York Bar in Shinjuku - Source: Nacho - Flickr
7. The Ghibli-Museum
Friends of Hayao Miyazaki's animation, young and old, immerse themselves in this universe by visiting the Ghibli Museum. Whether they want to commemorate good times, buy lots of original gifts, or just want to have fun in a wonderful setting, the Ghibli Museum is a must-see! In addition, the museum includes the studio's new productions and also offers excellent temporary exhibitions. Also, getting to the museum is very convenient because if you get off at Kichijoji Station, you'll take a walk in the heart of Inokashira Park. Otherwise, you can always catch the famous "neko-bus" (the cat bus featured in My Neighbor Totoro) from Mitaka Station! (Note that a reservation is required.)
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Address: 1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013
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Access: Inside Mitaka Inokashira Park. At Mitaka Station, take the JR Chuo Line. About 20 minutes from Shinjuku Station. From the south exit of Mitaka, it's about a 15-minute walk along the Tamagawa Josui "Waterworks"
Totoro at the Ghibli-Museum. - Source: Lucius Kwok - Flickr
8. Tokyu Hands and Kitty Land
At Tokyu Hands in Shibuya, there's everything you could want on more than 15 floors. From furniture to kitchen accessories, travel gear, bicycles, cosmetics, models, and even magic tricks, everything is included! And for any traveler who loves stationery and the creative arts, you'll love it. Kiddy Land is for children and adults! Here you will find the entire Disney and Sanrio universe (including Hello Kitty) as well as Star Wars and Harry Potter fan items that are not available in other parts of the world. In addition to the originality of their concept, Tokyu Hands and Kiddy Land is also the perfect place for last-minute gifts!
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Tokyu Hands: Address: 12-18 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Access: 5-minute walk from Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station
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Kiddy Land: Address: 6 Chome-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001. Access: Station: Meiji-jingumae Station "Harajuku"
Kitty Land: Hello Kitty's Store, but not only that! - Source: Danny Choo - Flickr
9. Club SEGA
Note for video game and arcade fans: The SEGA clubs are waiting for you. You probably already know about SEGA, a Japanese company that develops and publishes video games, and manufactures kiosks and arcade systems. So the SEGA clubs are huge arcades that usually stay open past midnight. In addition to role-playing and racing games, there is also a third floor entirely dedicated to Purikura, entertaining photo booths. The right place for original and colorful souvenir photos! Visit the area dedicated to the game world: Akihabara. You can find several SEGA clubs there, but the main one is in Chuo Dori. You won't miss it with its big red front and six floors!
- Address: 1-10-9 Soto-kanda, Chiyoda-ku
- Access: Open daily from 10am to 1am. Ride the Yamanote Line and get off at Akihabara
he musical arcade games of a Sega club. - Source: IQRemix - Flickr
10. Das Shin-Yokohama Ramen-Museum
Japan's second-largest city, Yokohama, is located near Tokyo. Once there, don't hesitate to visit the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum to learn all about the famous Japanese noodles called "ramen." As soon as you enter the museum, you are on a journey through time. Indeed, you will enter a district that has been completely redesigned since its inception at the beginning of the 20th century. You can move around freely and of course take a seat in one of the many ramen restaurants. In just a few hours, you can try as many different types of ramen as you want. Most regions are represented here, and each of them has its own specialties. Choose smaller portions to get the most out of your meal. Vegetarian dishes are also available. But whether you're full or not, don't hesitate to taste the biscuits and sweets from the old pastry shop on the spot or to take away.
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Address: 2-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama City, 222-0033, Japan
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Access: Shinyokohama Station
Tokyo in the early 20th century, reconstituted for tasting our favourite ramen at the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. Source : Douglas P Perkins - Wikipedia
Curious about Tokyo? If you’re in your 30s and 40s, check out our Best of Japan highlights tour that will take you to Japan’s beating heart.
