Tokyo offers many tourist attractions and many valuable experiences.
Here I would like to introduce some of the special experiences available in Tokyo that even I, as a Japanese citizen, are interested in and do as soon as i get the time.
Jinrikisha rickshaw – Wagon 🏃♂️ (Asakusa)
A vehicle in which a passenger is carried on a two-wheeled wagon (rickshaw) and pulled by a person, it was a common means of transportation in Japan about 100 years ago.
Today, rickshaw run for tourists in tourist attractions such as Asakusa in Tokyo and the city of Kyoto.
The main difference from sightseeing by car or bus is that a open rickshaw allows visitors to directly feel the scenery and atmosphere around them, rather than through a window.
A photo of yourselves riding a rickshaw against the backdrop of a traditional landscape will be a special memory.
In addition, the pullers are well versed in the history and culture of the area, so you can listen to detailed explanations and interesting stories as you move along.
The fee will be about 1,0000yen for a 30-minute ride for two people.
Sumo Tournament / Limited Time Only 🇯🇵
Many people are familiar with sumo, Japan’s national sport, which is held for 15 days in January, May, and September and can be seen at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The rituals before a match, such as entering the ring and stepping on the four-legged stool, are very prestigious, and the clashes between wrestlers are much more powerful than what you see on TV.
Sumo is a sport that places great importance on courtesy, and is steeped in ancient traditions, rituals, and culture. Understanding these things will help you enjoy watching sumo even more deeply.
For example, the sumo ring is treated as a sacred place, and rituals are performed before a match, with the wrestlers paying their respects to their opponents by holding their palms together.
From this point of view, watching sumo is not only an interesting sporting event, but also one of the best opportunities to experience in great depth the numerous Japanese traditions and cultures.
This is one of the special things you can only do for a limited time every year, you can find more seasonal and limited time only events in Tokyo in our article about this.
Maid Cafe 🎀☕️ (Akihabara)
This is not a typical café at all. In this café, you are called “Master” or “lady” and treated as such. When you enter, you are greeted with a “welcome home” that makes you feel as if you have returned to your own home.
I would assume it is a rather unusual experience if you have not seen it before, if you like this sort of spot to visit we have an article where we list more unusual but exciting spots in tokyo.
When the menu is served, the maids will say “moe moe, kyun kyun” to your food and drinks, and cast a spell to make them taste even better.
The maids wear cute costumes and the inside of the restaurant is a different world. I am sure you will have an enjoyable time.
Tsubameyu ♨️ (Ueno)
This is a historic public bathhouse that has been selected as a tangible cultural property. The standard public bathhouse often seen in cartoons has a large Mt. Fuji painted on the wall. This sento is no different.
However, I had never seen such a sento in person. You can experience Japanese-style baths in various places, but I believe that here you can experience the traditional sento culture.
Sento are popular among foreign tourists, so please visit them.
Tsukiji Market/Toyosu Market Auction 🐟 (Tsukiji)
Tsukiji Market and Toyosu Market is one of the largest wholesale fish markets in the world. Early in the morning, freshly caught tuna is brought in, and vendors compete with each other to bid on the freshest and best quality tuna.
The auction, which begins around 5:30 a.m. and lasts for an hour, is conducted using unique hand signals and shouting, which even Japanese people cannot understand. However, many people gather to watch the spectacle, which is very much worth seeing.
There is a gallery for tourists, but in order to visit, you must make a reservation in advance for the lottery. However, it is recommended for both children and adults.
Scramble Crossing 🚥 (Shibuya)
This world-famous intersection is said to be used by as many as 500,000 people a day. It is a wonder that people do not bump into each other at the crosswalks, which are lined with straight, left, right, and diagonal pedestrian crossings, even though people are walking in various directions.
Not only look at the crosswalks, but actually cross them. If you would like to view this intersection from above, please check best places to visit Tokyo for recommended locations.
Golden Gai 🍺 (Shinjuku)
This is an area where small bars and drinking establishments are clustered in a small area, crowded with business people, but also visited by many tourists from home and abroad. Many bars
have only about 10 seats, allowing visitors to enjoy drinks in an at-home atmosphere where they are close to each other, both physically and mentally.
Kabukicho ✨ (Shinjuku)
Kabukicho is a town that represents the culture of night entertainment in Japan. This area is densely populated with host clubs where men serve women and cabarets where women serve men. Hostesses are skilled talkers and entertain customers with their conversation.
Some hostesses seem to speak foreign languages, and while actually entering a hostess club may be an enjoyable experience, simply walking around the Kabukicho area can be an enjoyable experience as well.
You may encounter hostesses who are dressed up in fashionable clothing, and the large, popular faces of hostesses are painted on the signs advertising their stores, a sight that is probably difficult to see in other countries.
Try Monjayaki 😋 (Tsukishima)
It is one of Japan’s traditional grilled dishes and is popular especially in Tokyo. Monja Street in Tsukishima is one of the most popular places in Tokyo.
Here in Tsukishima, there are many monja restaurants lining the streets. Here are three of the most popular ones.
| 🏠 Name | Kura | Tsukishima Monja Moheji | Koboreya Honten |
| 📍 Address | 3 Chome-9-9 Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0052 | 3 Chome-16-9 Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0052 | 3 Chome-16-9 Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0052 |
The dough is made by mixing thin flour with water and baked with ingredients such as cabbage, pork, and cheese.
It may seem similar to okonomiyaki, but the appearance and taste are completely different.
Monjayaki is made by stir-frying all the ingredients while mixing them together, but the mixture does not solidify and remains thick.
What is unique about monjayaki is that it is eaten with a spoon-like object specially designed for monjayaki.
The monjayaki is cooked on the teppan in front of you while you share it with friends and family, so you can enjoy eating it while having fun.
Shopping 🛍️ (Harajuku)
Harajuku is known as a mecca for young people’s fashion, with its trendy, cutting-edge, and unique items.
The goods and accessories sold in Harajuku are colorful and character-based, with the concept of “kawaii(cute)” being the main theme. The cute items are so cute that you can’t help but fall in love with them.
Crepes and sweets are also popular here, and they all look great in photos. You will see many people taking pictures with their purchases.
Harajuku has its own unique culture and atmosphere that makes it a fun and different shopping area.
Conclusion
Japan’s tourist destinations and culture are diverse, ranging from the traditional to the modern and trendy.
These places and experiences offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the charm of Japan. Visitors can enjoy a blend of old-world Japanese flair and modern lifestyles.
If you are still on the lookout for more great things to do in Tokyo you can click through to my best activities in Japan article!
