Tokyo and its must-sees

Japan is a country that has attracted and amazed for ages, and even today, the Archipelago constantly ranks high on the list of dream destinations for the most seasoned travelers. This systematic enchantment is easily justified. Japan offers its visitors all the ingredients that make every trip memorable and unforgettable. From north to south, from city to countryside, or from mountains to the seaside, every corner of the Archipelago has assets that are a pleasure to discover.

TOKYO

What a pleasure it is to be carried away by the magic of Tokyo, this capital with a thousand faces! Tokyo is, of course, as you imagine it, but it also surprises with its many facets that are often overlooked. A capital of contrasts where it feels good to get lost. A megalopolis that leaves a lifelong impression. A city like no other!

In Tokyo, everything is constantly moving and daily life is lived under the sign of modernity: robots serve you sushi for lunch, the Tokyo Skytree, the second tallest tower in the world, pierces the sky... But the Japanese capital is also a city attached to its history and traditions. The Sensō-ji temple, located in the Asakusa district, dates back to 645: it is the oldest in the city. A true sense of tranquility emanates from it, far from the urban jungle of the surroundings...

TOKYO, BETWEEN MODERNITY AND TRADITION

Discovering the capital of Japan is a great shock. This city is fascinating, bustling, incredible, and without equal in the world! Indeed, Tokyo is a concentrate of Japan and you can spend, without getting bored for a single moment, more than a week there, taking the time to discover all its aspects. Within the gigantic Tōkyō, ultra-modern districts with skyscrapers competing in boldness and elegance neighbor residential areas with traditional houses and Shinto temples, with small holy statues at a street crossing and a bike path running along a canal... Here, modernism rubs shoulders with traditions. You leave a five-story store dedicated solely to cameras to eat in a small homemade udon restaurant.

If high technology is a religion here, Tōkyō is also the joy of eating Japanese delicacies at every street corner and making your own bento to your taste, stumbling upon a small second-hand kimono shop, discovering a craftsman who prepares fresh tofu every day in the traditional way. Of course, you will visit the Meiji Shinto shrine with its imposing gate and the woods that surround it, as well as the public gardens dominated by the Imperial Palace (Kōkyo), not forgetting to save time to discover the collections of the city's museums. For a great experience, treat yourself to a ryokan (traditional inn) or a bath in the nearby hot springs. And you better plan for it: you will come back with Japanese tableware!

THE MUST-SEE PLACES OF TOKYO

MEIJI-JINGU SHRINE

A haven of calm and freshness in the heart of Harajuku, the Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji is also the largest Shinto place of worship in the country. Comfortably nestled in the heart of a magnificent 72-hectare park, it is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. It was built between 1912 and 1920, and more than 100,000 trees from all over Japan were planted there to honor their memory.

TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM

The museum's incredible collections as well as the surrounding Ueno Park are essential for discovering the country's rich history. It is the largest and oldest museum in Japan. Originally, it was created in 1871 and formed the museum of the Imperial House. After its partial destruction in 1923 during the earthquake, the main building was rebuilt between 1932 and 1937. It contains about 100,000 pieces, but only part of the collection is accessible to the public. The museum covers just over 10 hectares and includes four main buildings:

• the Honkan in the center for Japanese art with sculptures (Nara, Kyōto, Kamakura), ancient fabrics, swords and armor, porcelains
• the Heiseikan, an archaeological building for Japanese prehistory
• the Tōyōkan, offering a gallery of oriental art from Southeast Asia, the Pacific, Korea and China, or Mediterranean countries
• the Hōryūji Homotsu Kan which houses the works of Hōryūji and masterpieces from the Asuka period. This last part is incredible! It contains sculptures, bronze monk statues, masks, textiles, paintings, and metal objects.
• Another room, Hyokeikan, hosts temporary exhibitions.

Of the four buildings, the most interesting for non-specialists is surely the Honkan.

IMPERIAL PALACE

The immense castle of the Tokugawa shogun, which became the imperial palace in the 19th century, occupies the heart of Tokyo. Once, it was one of the largest castles in the world. Today, it no longer has its former grandeur, but it can be a restful stop! Located in the very heart of Tokyo, it is a true green setting surrounded by concrete. You can only enter on December 23, the emperor's birthday, and January 2, the official day for New Year's greetings.

However, you can observe the ramparts and bridges overlooking the moats, as well as the East Garden. Located near the Ote-mon gate and covering an area of 21 ha, you can admire the foundations of past buildings, including the keep of the former shogunal palace destroyed by fire. A stop at the Ishibashi bridge is a must! It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Japan! In spring, a walk around the moats of the imperial palace is an opportunity to see magnificent cherry blossoms. To add a romantic touch to your getaway, you can rent a boat!

SHINJUKU GYŌEN

Everything turns pink and everyone celebrates spring with beers and bento boxes under a forest of cherry blossoms. This park was once the property of the imperial family before becoming public in 1949. It is divided into several areas, with a Japanese garden, an English or French garden, and even a greenhouse where many tropical species grow. It is a very popular place all year round for families and groups of friends. In spring, a human mass goes there for the cherry blossom, as more than a dozen different kinds can be admired. In autumn, it is pleasant to stroll under the alleys of red maples.

SENSŌ-JI

The oldest temple in Tokyo is also the most popular. In the surrounding streets, there is a permanent festive atmosphere.

Located in the heart of the Asakusa district, it is hard to miss this gigantic colorful complex that is as much a Buddhist pilgrimage as a big funfair. This is where Tokyoites gather to celebrate special occasions in one of the city's most famous places. Indeed, Sensō-ji is nothing less than the oldest temple in Tokyo, and is at the center of many celebrations throughout the year.

The Sanja-Matsuri, a festival that celebrates the three founders of the temple, takes place in May and attracts crowds. In July, the temple is in the midst of the Sumidagawa fireworks festivities, and in August, it dances to the rhythm of the Samba festival. For all these reasons, it is one of the must-see visits in the city. And the rickshaw pullers waiting for customers at the entrance to the temple would not contradict us!

According to legend, the temple was founded in 628 by two fishermen who had caught a statue of Kannon (goddess of compassion) in gold in their nets. Helped by a wealthy merchant who taught them the teachings of the Buddha, they built the temple to protect her. The Hon-dō, the main building, dates from 1651, but it was destroyed along with the Nio-mon gate and the pagoda during World War II. A replica of the Kannon-dō was erected as early as 1950.

SUMO TOURNAMENT

Literally translated, sumo means "mutually striking." This wrestling sport is typically Japanese and remains in our memories thanks to the atypical build of these wrestlers! Originally, these fights were dedicated to the gods. The goal was to promote good harvests. Today, this sport is no longer as popular, but it remains a must-see event for anyone curious about Japanese culture! When buying your tickets, try to get the best seats which are located to the north and south. That way, you will have the best view!

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