Tokyo

Akihabara, also known as Akiba and named after a local shrine that used to exist here, is a district in the center of Tokyo that is legendary for its wide array of electronics shops. In recent years, it’s also gained acclaim as the center for Japan’s otaku – diehard fans of anime and manga cultures – as there are stores here that cater to the cult following. Visitors to Akihabara can find almost any electronics imaginable, including computers, televisions, cameras, mobile devices, home appliances, and electronic parts as well as second-hand electronic devices. It’s such a busy site that on Sundays its main street, Chuo Dori, is closed down for shoppers.

Chuo Dori Street, Tokyo, Japan

Asakusa was originally a temple town for the neighboring Senso-ji Temple, but is now a thriving downtown shopping district in Taito-ku that sits along the west side of the Sumida-gawa River. The town boasts a traditional and old-fashioned vibe with the iconic Kaminari-mon Gate and prominent giant red lantern drawing in a steady flow of worshippers and travelers throughout the year. Along its main street, Nakamise-dori, are several quaint shops that feature a variety of objects made from Japanese-style paper, including folding fans. This district is also known to host several traditional events annually; most popular is the fireworks demonstration along the river during the summer.

East Building, 3F, 1-20-4 Asakusa, Taitoku, Tokyo, Japan, Phone: 81-03-38-47-44-43

Recommended Activities for Families

In ancient times, the emperor and his nobility ruled Japan, but the era of the samurai emerged after two historic battles – the Genji and Heishi at the conclusion of the Heian era. From then on, samurai-centered Japanese culture developed through 700 years of history from the Kaakura to Edo eras. During the samurai age, many battles were fought against invaders, and the Samurai Museum honors the brave samurai warriors and their spirits with featured exhibits and interactive experiences. Guests are encouraged to participate in activities like a photo shoot where they can put on a kabuto (helmet) and samurai costume.

Samurai Museum, 2-25-6 Kabukicho, Eiwa Dairoku Building 1F, Shinjuku, 100-0021, Tokyo, Phone: 81-03-64-57-64-11

Chidorigafuchi is an astounding moat in the northwest area of the Imperial Palace, a historic site created in the Edo period. Its name comes from its shape, which is reminiscent of plovers, or chidori in Japanese, and is most notable for its 700-meter long walking path sheltered by roughly 260 cherry trees from a number of species. This tranquil place welcomes more than one million visitors yearly, most of whom come during late March and early April to enjoy the ethereal pedestrian path lined with cherry blossoms. During this season, the cherry trees are lit up with twinkling lights at night, offering a truly romantic setting.

Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Phone: 81-03-35-56-03-91

The Edo-Tokyo Museum opened in 1993 to serve as a place to showcase the culture and history of Edo-Tokyo as well as visualize the life and city of the future. A popular landmark and tourist attraction, the museum is housed in a one-of-a-kind building designed to emulate an elevated-floor warehouse. The museum features a permanent exhibition that displays original objects as well as replicas, giving guests the chance to explore the history of more than 400 years of Edo-Tokyo history. They also feature five to six special exhibitions each year and host various events, workshops, and lectures throughout the year.

1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 130-0015, Japan, Phone: 81-03-36-26-99-74

Attractions for Couples

Ginza ’s origins began in 1612 as a location for the silver coin mint and remained that until the 1800s, but after the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923, it was transformed into an upscale shopping center. A single square meter of land here is worth an astounding ten million yen, holding the title as one of Japan’s most expensive pieces of real estate. It features countless art galleries, boutiques, night clubs, department stores, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors to the area will have no trouble finding every leading brand imaginable, from fashion to cosmetics and everything in between.

1-11-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Phone: 8-13-52-21-11-11

The Imperial Palace sits at the site of the former Edo Castle, a giant park area enclosed by huge stone walls and stunning moats. Its position in the center of Tokyo allows Japan’s Imperial Family to make multiple public appearances on the balconies of their inner grounds. Guests to the palace are able to see the Nijubashi, the two bridges that span the moat from the Kokyo Gaien plaza at the front of the palace to the inner grounds. Though the inside of the palace is off-limits to the public, visitors are given the opportunity to take a 75-minute tour of the palace estate.

1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo, 100-8111, Japan, Phone: 8-13-32-13-11-11

The Meiji Jingu Shrine was established in 1920 along with Yoyogi Park, a forest created from the hard work of the people of Japan and generous donations of more than 100,000 trees. Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the celestial souls of Emperor Meiji and his partner Empress Shoken. Shinto is Japan’s original ancient religion, and is deeply grounded in Japanese culture. Visitors can enter the shrine complex via the torii gate to experience the tranquil silence of the forest, which lies in stark contrast to the bustling city. Visitors will also see the Meiji Jingu Treasure House, displaying the Emperor and Empress’s personal belongings, and the inner garden, a powerful spiritual vortex.

1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8857, Japan, Phone: 8-13-33-79-55-11

The Nezu Museum was opened in 1941 to preserve the collection of pre-modern East Asian and Japanese art that was accumulated by businessman Nezu Kaichiro throughout his lifetime. After his passing, his son Kaichiro Jr. established a foundation and later opened the museum in his honor to display his father’s collection of 1860–1940 era artworks. The museum resides on the former Nezu residence and has been expanded several times throughout the years. It started with over 4,600 works and has since grown into just under 7,500 pieces of various genres of pre-modern art, including calligraphy, ceramics, paintings, textiles, armor, metalwork, and more.

6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062, Japan, Phone: 81-03-34-00-25-36