See and Do in Tokyo

There is so much to see and do in Tokyo - new expats should prepare for some serious sensory overload! The visual landscape is animated by flashing billboards, the constant hum and buzz of the densely packed population, and the gleaming, shining buildings that compete for your attention. The good news is that no matter how much leisure time you have, you'll never get bored.

Getting around to see the sights is easy. The transport system is excellent, cheap and pretty easy to master, even for the newly arrived expat in Tokyo. That being said, if expats don’t mind the walk, feeling out Tokyo on foot is highly recommended.

Take your pick from these key Tokyo sights and get to know your new home city.
 

Tokyo Tower
Where better for expats to get a sense of perspective than from atop the soaring Tokyo Tower, rising 1,091 feet (332m) into the sky? This architectural masterpiece was modelled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, although Tokyo’s version has 4-storey high Foot Town at the base.
www.tokyotower.co.jp
Tel: (0)3 3433 5111

Imperial Palace
The heart and soul of traditional Tokyo, this magnificent royal palace, home to the current King, has wonderful gardens that are open to the public.

Yasukuni Shrine
Built to honour the two and a half million Japanese who perished in conflict, mostly in World War II, the Worship Hall itself is a simple Shinto-style building. To the north of the shrine is the Yushukan Museum, which features interesting artefacts like the human torpedo and a kamikaze suicide attack plane.
www.yasukuni.or.jp
Tel: (03) 3261 8326

Edo-Tokyo Museum
This museum is devoted to the celebrating Tokyo’s history, art, culture and architecture using inventive displays, including a replica of an ancient Kabuki theatre, and various maps and old photographs.
www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp
Tel: (0)3 3626 9974

Akihabara
Looking for electronics and gadgets? Well, look no further than Akhibara, renowned electronic wonderland with all the bargains, cutting edge innovation and expert advice you could ever want. An essential attraction even if you’re only window shopping.
www.akiba.or.jp/english/index.html

Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, was built in 628 AD and still attracts hoards of devotees, especially when one of the numerous associated festivals is running. The summer fireworks display held here is widely known, and the nearby Demboin Garden is a tranquil retreat from the city.
www.senso-ji.jp

Tokyo Disney Resort
This is a mega-theme park that directly mimics the original version in California. Apart from the usual fun rides and characters, there is DisneySea Park and several hotels.
www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp
Tel: (045) 683 3333

Tokyo National Museum
Home to the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, this outstanding museum has exhibits including antique kimonos, paper-thin pottery and classical woodblock prints.
www.tnm.go.jp
Tel: (0)3 5405 8686

Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is a pleasant and calming shrine close to Harajuku Station. Originally built as a tribute to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, the shrine is located in a breathtaking evergreen forest environment.
www.meijijingu.or.jp
Tel: (0)3 3403 1171

Kabuki-za
Expats in Tokyo should make the effort to see some traditional Japanese Kabuki theatre at least once, and in all likelihood, only once. The Kabuki-za is the main venue for performances and set in a lovely building.
www.kabuki-bito.jp
Tel: (0)3 6745 0333