Hectic Tokyo
My last but not least stop in Japan was Tokyo. What to do in 5 days in this overwhelming, neon-light, modern city?
Akihabara
Also known as electric town where electronic fanatics like I could spend days browsing through the many 8 floor high stores. My personal favorite and biggest store is Yodobashi; if it’s pluggable, they have it. Because of the cheap prices compared to the Netherlands it can be rather difficult not to draw your wallet. The extra bonus is that you don’t have to pay the 8% sales tax as a visitor, so don’t forget to bring your passport!
Anime fans can also go wild here; figures, DVD, manga and other merchandise are overly accessible. I even walked into a huge store full of hentai related articles; toys, costumes, dolls, you name it.
Shibuya
Shibuya crossing is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Tokyo. Each time the stoplight turns green, hundreds of people cross the street. Sit at the Starbucks just above for a while to watch the pedestrians walk by.
This area also houses Shibuya 109, a 10 floor building full of cute little boutiques.
Harajuku
The center of Japanese youth culture and fashion is Harajuku. Takeshita-street is full of small independent boutiques with cute and reasonably priced clothing. Most are made for the petite Japanese figure but with some serious browsing l was able to send a good shipment home.
Done with shopping and want to do something cultural?
Asakusa
In Asakusa there is still a bit left of the old Tokyo. I planned my visit together with the Sanja Matsuri Festival. If Tokyo isn’t crowded enough already, on this weekend Asakusa is packed with people watching and joining the parade.
Odaiba
Not really cultural but just a fun place to be. An unmanned electric rail takes you across the rainbow bridge to Odaiba. Here is a life-sized statue of a Gundam which is a must see for those mecha fans. In the same area you get the feeling you’re in New York City with a smaller version of the statue of liberty.
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Hi Esther,
it is great that you enjoy Japan so much. I will be in Tokyo in August.
Did you had a chance to go to Nikko?
Cheers, mata ne
André
Hi Andre,
Japan was great, it felt like a vacation within my vacation. Unfortunately I didn’t go to Nikko, at that moment I was rather temple weary and wanted to explore the Tokyo city life as much as I could.
Actually there are many nice places I missed in Japan, so definitely a reason to come back 🙂
Great that you’re going in August, it sure will be hot then. I hope you make the most of it while you’re there.