Tokyo Things to Do

Pescetarians (fish eaters) will have no trouble dining out in Tokyo or Japan but for true vegetarians and vegans, finding a meal free of fish extract (bonito), the main non-vegetarian addition to an otherwise vegetarian dish, can be tricky.

There are dozens of excellent shopping districts in Tokyo – each offering a slightly different ‘flavour’. Here’s our quick guide to the biggest and the best

In a city like Tokyo where space is at a premium, Capsule Hotels are a popular option for cash-strapped travelers and local salary men and women who miss the last train home.

Shimbashi is a business district in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, with small, hole-in-the-wall bars and restaurants frequented by salary men and women. Sandwiched between Ginza and Shiodome, Shimbashi is famous for its tiny eateries jammed under the railway tracks and it buzzes day and night on weekdays as workers scurry to and from work, meetings and Yakitori bars.

So you have just one day in Tokyo and want to see as many iconic sights and have a many unique Tokyo experiences as possible? Better fasten your seat belt.

Don’t worry if hunger pangs hit you after midnight, most izakaya’s stay open until the wee hours.

As with all museums in Japan, free museums are often closed on Mondays and opening hours can differ. It is also worth remembering that some of Tokyo’s larger museums offer free entry to selected exhibitions or on certain days of the month.

If asked to name the world’s gourmet capital, many of us would immediately shout ‘Paris!’, but alas, this is no longer the case. In fact, since 2010 Tokyo has lay claim to this title thanks to its incredible wealth of Michelin-star rated restaurants.

It’s only natural that aesthetes, artists and creatives be drawn to Tokyo and Japan. The country’s ancient history and culture combined with Tokyo’s cutting-edge, kooky and adventurous spirit has spawned a visual feast of art, design, architecture and fashion.

Ippan Sanga is a time for citizens to exchange New Year’s greetings and see the Imperial Family, who make several appearances throughout the day to wave to the public from a palace balcony facing the East Garden.