Tokyo and its Must-Sees

Japan is a country that has fascinated and amazed for centuries, and even today, the Archipelago consistently ranks high on the lists 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 Seashores, every nook of the Archipelago has charms that are a delight to discover.

TOKYO

What a pleasure it is to be swept away by the magic of Tokyo, this capital with a thousand faces! Tokyo is undoubtedly as we imagine it, but it also surprises with its many facets that we often overlook. A capital of contrasts where it is pleasant to lose oneself. A megalopolis that leaves an indelible mark on our minds. A city like no other!

In Tokyo, everything is constantly moving and everyday life is experienced 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 Senso-ji Temple, located in the Asakusa district, dates back to 645: it is the oldest in the city. A true serenity emanates from it, far from the urban jungle of the surroundings...

TOKYO, BETWEEN MODERNITY AND TRADITION

Discovering Japan's capital is a great shock. This city is fascinating, bustling, incredible and unparalleled in the world! Indeed, Tokyo is a concentrate of Japan and one can spend more than a week there without getting bored for a single moment, discovering all its aspects. Within the gigantic Tōkyō coexist ultra-modern districts with skyscrapers vying in boldness and elegance and residential areas with traditional houses and Shinto temples, with small sacred statues at a street corner and a bike path running along a canal... Here modernism rubs shoulders with traditions. One leaves 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 delights at every street corner and making your own bento to your taste, stumbling upon a small shop selling second-hand kimonos, discovering an artisan who prepares fresh tofu daily in the traditional way. Of course, you'll visit the Meiji Shintō Shrine with its imposing gate and surrounding woods and public gardens dominated by the Imperial Palace (Kōkyo), not forgetting to leave time to discover the city's museum collections. For a great moment, treat yourself to a ryokan (traditional inn) or a bath in the hot springs nearby. And better plan for it: you'll come back with Japanese tableware!

THE MUST-SEE PLACES IN TOKYO

MEIJI-JINGU SHRINE

A haven of calm and freshness in the middle of Harajuku, the Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji is also the largest Shinto worship site 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 Ueno Park all around are essential for discovering the rich history of the country. It is Japan's largest and oldest museum. Originally created in 1871 as part of the Imperial Household Museum, it was partially destroyed during the 1923 earthquake and reconstructed between 1932 and 1937. It contains about 100,000 items, but only part of the collection is accessible to the public. The museum spans just over 10 hectares and includes four main buildings:

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

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

IMPERIAL PALACE

The immense castle of shogun Tokugawa became an imperial palace in the 19th century occupies Tokyo's heart. Once one of the largest castles in the world, today it no longer holds its past grandeur but can be a restful stop! Located right in Tokyo's center, it's a true green haven surrounded by concrete. You can only enter on December 23rd, Emperor's birthday, and January 2nd for official New Year's greetings.

However, you can observe ramparts and bridges overlooking moats as well as East Garden near Ote-mon gate covering an area of 21 ha where you can view foundations of past buildings including former shogunal palace's dungeon destroyed by fire. A stop at Ishibashi Bridge is essential! It's one of Japan's most viewed tourist spots! In springtime strolling around imperial palace moats offers opportunity to admire beautiful cherry blossoms. For added romance rent boat!

SHINJUKU GYŌEN

Everything turns pink as everyone celebrates spring with beers and bento boxes under cherry blossom forest. This park was once imperial family property before becoming public in 1949 divided into several spaces featuring Japanese garden English or French gardens even greenhouse growing many tropical species frequented year-round by families groups friends human mass visits during cherry blossom season more than ten different kinds admired autumn pleasant walk under red maple alleys.

SENSŌ-JI

Tokyo's oldest temple also most popular surrounding streets permanent festive atmosphere.

Located central Asakusa district hard miss colorful giant complex part Buddhist pilgrimage part big fair Tokyoites gather here celebrate special occasions one city's most famous places indeed Sensō-ji nothing less than Tokyo's oldest temple center numerous celebrations throughout year.

Sanja-Matsuri festival celebrates temple’s three founders held May attracts crowds July temple fireworks festivities Sumidagawa August dances Samba festival reasons it's city's must-see attractions rickshaw drivers waiting customers temple entrance wouldn't disagree!

According legend founded 628 two fishermen found golden Kannon statue (goddess compassion) nets helped rich merchant taught them Buddha’s teachings they built temple protect it Hon-dō main building dates 1651 destroyed Nio-mon gate pagoda WWII replica Kannon-dō erected 1950.

SUMO TOURNAMENT

Literally translated sumo means "mutually striking"*. This wrestling sport typically Japanese memorable thanks fighters' unique builds! Originally these fights dedicated gods aimed promoting good harvests now less popular still must-see event curious about Japanese culture! When purchasing tickets try securing best seats located north south best view!