With the Summer Olympic Games heading to Tokyo in 2020, now’s the time to start thinking about a trip to Japan. Whether attending the Games or not, Tokyo has plenty of experiences to offer tourists in the capital.
Soak up the view from the Skytree
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The Toyko Skytree, the city’s newest attraction, is the tallest tower in the world as of 2018. Particularly stunning at sunset, the windows offer views over the capital to as far as Mount Fuji. Below the tower there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy, including a planetarium, an aquarium, and over 300 shopping and dining options.
Visit Sensoji Temple
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As the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital, Sensoji Temple is one of Tokyo’s most famous and photographed temples. Although originally founded in 628, the current building is more modern having been rebuilt after WWII. Its five-story pagoda and trails of incense will take you back in time, and wafting the incense smoke over your body is said to cure any ailments you may have.
Escape the summer heat at the beach
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With the Olympics falling in the summer, escape to Tokyo Bay for a barbecue, birdwatching, swimming, and a cool breeze. You can rent a barbecue spot in Kasai Rinkai Park, and all of your food, equipment, and cookware will be provided. The same park includes an enormous Ferris wheel, or visit Odaiba Seaside Park for its range of restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby. Pleasure cruises also depart from Odaiba or Asakusa, taking you out onto the waters of Tokyo Bay.
Battle in a Virtual Reality World as a Ninja
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Put on a ninja costume, undergo combat and magic training, then put your skills to the test by fighting terrifying virtual reality monsters. You’ll receive a certificate for slaying your enemies and photos of your fully-fledged ninja status. Be sure to pre-book for this attraction in Kanda, Tokyo.
Visit Tokyo Disney Resort
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Fans of the Mouse can check another Disney Resort off their list with a visit to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, just 15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station. Of course, the usual must-do attractions in the Disneyland Park include Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean, but don’t miss Monsters, Inc. Ride and Go Seek - luckily it does have a FastPass - and Pooh’s Hunny Hunt. In the DisneySea Park, ride Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull, and Toy Story Mania, the single most popular attraction in the Resort.
Have a drink at the Moomin House Cafe
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Step into a Moomin-filled world with delicacies based on the famous Finnish series, which is also very popular in Japanese manga. There’s a cafe based near the Skytree, as well as a further bakery and cafe near the Tokyo Dome and Baseball Hall of Fame.
Embrace nature in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is Tokyo’s version of Central Park; a bit of nature in the city centre. Picnic under the cherry blossom in spring, enjoy the variety of colours in autumn, stroll through the leafy walkways, and listen to the birdsong. The park combines elements of Japanese traditional, French formal, and English landscape gardens.
Marvel at the summer fireworks
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July and August are full of celebrations to enjoy, all of which culminate in colourful explosions in the sky. From Tanabata, the star festival in Asakusa (5-9 July), to Mitama Matsuri at Yasukuni Shrine (13-16 July) and Awa Odori Festival in Koenji (25-26 August), there’s always something going on. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, which takes place on the last Saturday in July, is one of the biggest celebrations of the season. These are sure to be bigger than ever in 2020 with the arrival of the Olympic Games.
Title Image Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ (Image Cropped)