Traveling abroad gives the opportunity to appreciate other cultures and obviously have a good time. One of the world’s great cities well worth a visit is the Japanese capital Tokyo.

Tokyo for beginners – travelling to Japan!

The metropolitan area of Tokyo has a population in excess of 12 million, but that figure mushrooms to around three times that figure for Greater Tokyo, making it one of the largest populated urban areas in the world, which can be bewildering for the stranger.

Another major difference likely to baffle visitors is the language. Japanese is from a completely different linguistic family than English and while the written language looks very picturesque it does not have an alphabet as English speakers know it.

Trying to work out the Japanese language at the metro station.

These differences, however, should be the enticement to book an air ticket with Delta Flights and make the journey to Japan. Tokyo is an exciting place to visit, so dive right in!

Places to visit in Tokyo 

Japan has a rich and ancient culture and this is exemplified by some the must-see sights around Tokyo. One of these is the Asakusa Kannon Temple that dates back to the 7th century. Admittedly the current buildings are post war, but they still exude that ancient atmosphere.

For a stroll in beautiful surroundings then a visit to the Hama Rikyu Gardens that overlook Tokyo Bay is a must. The gardens, a former Shogun villa, are also home to a ceremonial teahouse. The pruned pine trees make this a delightful place to include on a tourist itinerary.

A wonderful example of Japanese culture in the city is the Meiji Shrine located in a forested area in the middle of Tokyo. This traditional Shinto shrine is a favorite for couples wanting to celebrate a traditional wedding.

Another element of Japanese culture to enjoy while in Tokyo is the traditional bathhouse. The Koshinoyu allows visitors to soak in bubbling hot spring waters. This bathhouse is beautifully tiled with a mountain and lake scene and is the ideal place to relax after a day’s sightseeing.

Baseball fans can take in a game at the Tokyo Dome Stadium to watch the Yomiuri Giants.

No trip to Tokyo would be complete without visiting a Sumo tournament at the Kokugikan Stadium. The events take place during January, May and September. Otherwise visit the on-site sumo museum.

Tokyo by night!

Shopping is a popular activity among tourists and the Omote-Sando offers high fashion and worldwide brands on a tree-lined boulevard. Off the boulevard is the Takeshita-dori with its cut-price boutiques.

Takeshita.

Visiting Tokyo on a budget 

Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities on the planet so it may be worth checking some of the cheaper options. There is a choice of more reasonably priced hotels available in the city, such as the Apa Hotel Roppongi Itchome Ekimae, which is renowned as a party hotel. When travelling as a family consider the Hotel Avanshell Akasaka in the center of the city.

Travelling around Tokyo 

One of the advantages of visiting Tokyo is the city’s efficient public transport system. Most parts of the capital are in close proximity to a rail or subway station, which provide the most popular and keenly priced services. The bus service provides an economical alternative, but taxis are expensive.

Public transport is an excellent way to dive into Tokyo and discover what the city has to offer.

You can also check out my top 5 metro systems which includes Tokyo.