The city of Tokyo (Japan) is the capital of the state and one of the largest metropolitan areas on our planet. In addition, it is the main industrial, financial, political and cultural center of the entire eastern region. It would be unthinkable for any tourist to visit Japan and not visit its capital. This is not surprising, because, despite its modernity, national traditions that originate many centuries ago are revered here. In this article, we will talk in more detail about where Tokyo is located, about its history and sights.

Short story

According to historical information, they appeared at the current location of the city in the Stone Age. However, he gained his great importance much later. In the middle of the twelfth century, the current capital of Japan was a small fishing village called Edo. In 1590, a shogun named Tokugawa Ieyasu made it the capital of the shogunate and began to establish lasting institutions of government here. Since that time, the city began to actively develop, and already in the eighteenth century it became one of the largest not only in Japan, but throughout the world.

Tokyo received its current name in 1869, after Emperor Mutsuhito moved the capital of the state here from Kyoto. In the nineteenth century, industry and shipbuilding developed here at a very high pace. In 1872, the first railway was laid, connecting the Japanese capital with its suburb - Yokohama.

Throughout the history of the city, the area where Tokyo is located has suffered from disasters twice. The first time this happened was in 1923. Then, under the influence of a strong earthquake (9 points), almost half of the metropolis burned down. More than 90 thousand local residents died.

The city was badly damaged for the second time as a result of its massive bombardment on March 8, 1945. She claimed the lives of 80 thousand people. Be that as it may, in both cases, Tokyo was rebuilt and continued to develop. This was not prevented by its temporary occupation after the Second World War.

Geographical position

Speaking about where Tokyo is located, first of all, it should be noted that, due to geographical specifics, the administrative city boundaries cover not only mainland areas, but also two chains of archipelagos that stretch for several hundred kilometers. The main part of the metropolis lies on the northwestern part of Tokyo Bay, on the territory of the city, to a greater extent, is the Kanto plain. As for the geographical coordinates, officially for the Japanese capital they are 35 degrees 41 minutes north latitude and 139 degrees 36 minutes east longitude.

It should be noted that all significant administrative, political, financial and cultural centers, as well as the most important transport hubs of the country, including Tokyo International Airport, are concentrated on the mainland of the city. The area of ​​the metropolis is just over 2188 square kilometers.

Climate

Tokyo is under the influence with mild winters and hot dry summers. Annually, about 1300 millimeters of precipitation falls here on average. Their greatest number is typical for the period from June to July. The average air temperature in summer ranges from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. In winter, under the influence of the Pacific Ocean, northern winds become softer. At this time, the thermometer is usually between 3 and 5 degrees below zero.

Snowfalls here can be called a single occurrence. Along with this, as a rule, they occur every winter. It should also be noted that many scientists call this metropolis a vivid confirmation of how strongly the growth of the population of cities affects the climate.

The capital is in one of the most dangerous regions of the planet. The fact is that in the south direction from it there is a junction of four at once. All of them are in constant motion, and therefore earthquakes often occur here. The most destructive of them was discussed earlier. Typhoons are quite common, but they usually do not have such significant consequences.

Administrative device

The main city of Japan is considered one of the prefectures, or rather, the capital district, which consists of 62 administrative divisions. When it comes to Tokyo, it usually means 23 districts, which in the period from 1889 to 1943 were united. As of today, all of them are equal in status to cities (each has a mayor and a city council).

The government of the capital is headed by a governor, who is elected by the residents by popular vote. The municipal center of the city is the headquarters, which is located in Shinjuku. Among other things, the state government of Japan is located on the territory of the metropolis.

Building features

Given where Tokyo is located, its residents are forced to construct buildings that would be seismically safe. The country's construction legislation obliges companies involved in this to use modern technologies, which can minimize the effects of tremors. In this regard, such a concept as quarterly construction is absent in the Japanese capital. All buildings here are located at a certain distance from each other for security reasons. City streets are designed in such a way that in case of destruction, the houses rest on the walls of neighboring structures.

Big anthill

Tokyo is a city that is often called the "big anthill". The fact is that thousands of houses, buildings and structures were erected here along the narrow streets. Two cars can pass each other with difficulty on most of them. Quarters with large shopping centers and skyscrapers contrast strongly with them. Among other things, the metropolis is shrouded in a network of wires, rails and highways. If on its main streets there are mainly buildings erected in the European style, then on the more distant ones there are densely tuned, mostly two-story houses.

The Japanese try to make the most of every piece of land in Tokyo. The prices for it here are simply astronomical. The main reason for this is due to the acute shortage of free space. As a result, the country's government is forced to gradually fill up the sea. Thus, artificial islands are created, on which not only residential areas are being built, but even airports, factories, shopping centers, parks and other facilities. According to tentative estimates, by the end of 2015, the population in the Tokyo agglomeration will reach 29 million people.

Transport

Public transport in the Japanese capital works flawlessly. Local commuter trains and metros run until late at night and are the fastest mode of communication. Most of the people who work in the metropolis, who live in its suburbs and on the outskirts, park their cars near the nearest station and transfer to trains.

It is impossible not to mention Tokyo's Haneda Airport, whose passenger turnover averages 41 million people a year. It is the sixth largest in the world. In order to unload it, another air gate, Narita, was erected 60 kilometers from the city limits. You can get from this airport to Tokyo very quickly using the Shinkanzen high-speed train.

Among other things, the Japanese capital is also the largest shipping hub in the state. In order to provide sea ships with the opportunity to enter Tokyo, a modern port was built in its suburb of Yokohama, connected to it by a deepened water channel. The average annual turnover of goods here is about 124 million tons.

Attractions

The whole of Japan is proud of the local cultural heritage. The sights of Tokyo annually attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Local national parks (especially Meiji Grove, Ogasawara and Ueno) are also considered quite popular among travelers.

Be that as it may, one of the most significant places here is the Imperial Palace with a garden, which is located in the heart of the metropolis. Its first buildings date back to the sixteenth century. They survived even after numerous strong earthquakes. The total area of ​​buildings, including gardens, is about 7.5 square kilometers. Inside the complex is the imperial residence.

Siba Park is located

Palace Square in Tokyo is the historical center of the city. It is located in front of the Kokyo Imperial Palace, the current residence of the emperor.

The square overlooks two bridges that connect the two parts of the palace - the outer and the inner. The first bridge is called "glass bridge" in Japanese because of its shape. The second one is called "double bridge" because it has two levels.

The square in front of the palace is considered one of the most popular places for citizens to relax. Tourists are attracted by a small well in the center of the square, where, according to legend, you need to throw a coin for good luck.

Tokyo Disneyland

The Tokyo amusement park has an impressive, almost 30-year history, as well as a DisneySea satellite park, a shopping complex and several hotels located directly on the territory of Disneyland.

Once upon a time, the park became the very first foreign copy of Disneyland in the United States, founded by Walt himself, and already in 1983 the first visitors poured in here, attracted by the fame of the famous animator, combined with the exoticism of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japanese Disneyland is so big and full of entertainment that you need to go here for at least a couple of days, or better, just for a week, in order to slowly try out all the attractions of each thematic part (for example, the Land of Animals or the Land of Fantasy), drive around the entire territory on a monorail train and be sure (according to the old Disney tradition) to take a picture with Mickey Mouse.

What sights of Tokyo did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

rainbow bridge

The 798-meter long Rainbow Suspension Bridge in the northern part of Tokyo Bay connects the island of Odaiba with the shipyards of Shibauri.

The two central towers of the bridge hold the central span 580 meters long. The white color of the towers is in harmony with the panorama of Tokyo, which opens from the island of Odaiba.

The Rainbow Bridge got its name due to the night illumination of white, green and red colors. Lamps placed on the frame of the building accumulate solar energy during the day in order to paint one of the most famous buildings of the Japanese capital in bright colors at night.

Pedestrians can cross the bridge via two different walkways on the lower tier. One of them faces north and allows you to enjoy the scenery of the inner harbor of Tokyo, and on the south side on clear days you can see Mount Fuji.

Fuji used to be an active volcano, but after 1708 the eruptions stopped. In the past, it was believed that spirits lived on the mountain, and it was possible to climb it only by performing religious rites. And women are not allowed at all - at least until 1872. Now all these prohibitions and dangers are gone, therefore everyone is obliged to see Japan at least once in their life from the edge of the crater.

The graceful symmetrical appearance of Mount Fuji served as a source of inspiration for many poets and artists. Who knows, suddenly, having climbed to the top, you too will be able to draw an engraving or write a poem, in no way inferior to the recognized Japanese geniuses. You can go upstairs only in July and August. This is not such a simple matter, because the slopes of the mountain are dotted with volcanic ash, which strives to be dragged down. The journey will take 5 - 7 hours. You can start it during the day and spend the night halfway, but it's better to hit the road late in the evening and meet the sunrise at the top. Then real beauty will be revealed to you in the mirrors of mountain lakes, and the iridescent morning haze will be the best reward.

Avenue of Stars

Like Hollywood, Tokyo has its own Avenue of Stars. It is located next to the local national museum. There are many casts of human hands on the paving slabs. These are the prints of famous and prominent people in Japan.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is the oldest Japanese landscape garden in Tokyo.

Its construction began in 1629 under the shogun Tokugawa Erifusa and was completed under his successor.

The garden reproduces Japanese and Chinese landscapes in miniature, using ponds, rocks, plants and creating artificial hills. Thus, while walking through the park, you can visit the sacred Mount Fuji, the Kiyomizu-dera temple, as well as the famous West Lake in China.

The garden is especially attractive in the second half of November during the leaf fall, in February, when the Plum Festival is held, and in April, during the cherry blossoms.

Ueno park

Ueno is the most famous and most visited park in the Japanese capital, was established in 1873. It is the center of cultural and scientific life of the city.

This is a great place to relax among traditional Japanese plants, as well as flora from other countries. On the territory of Ueno Park is the oldest zoo, in which there are more than a thousand animals.

Today, Ueno Park is a museum reserve. The Tokyo National Museum located here keeps amazing examples of Japanese art, a rich collection of works by European artists and sculptors is presented by the National Museum of Western Art, various exhibitions are held within the walls of the Tokyo City Art Museum. The National Museum of Nature and Science and the Metropolitan Festival Hall are also located here.

Among the famous buildings of the park is also the temple of the goddess Kannon, to whom barren women pray. According to tradition, married couples who have a child bring a doll as a gift to the goddess. These dolls are burned once a year - on September 25, as a sacrifice to the goddess.

Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of Tokyo? .

tokyo subway

The Tokyo subway is the largest subway in terms of passenger traffic per year.

The construction of the subway began in 1920, and in 1925 the first branch was already in operation, which connected Asakusa and Ueno stations.

Currently, the largest subway station is Shinjuku. It passes through itself more than two million people a day.

The Tokyo subway has two hundred and ninety stations, which are operated by two major operators.

Subway cars have heated seats. Stops are announced in both Japanese and English.

An interesting fact is that due to the huge passenger traffic in the Japanese subway there is an oshiya position. This is a special person who is trained to push passengers into overcrowded cars.

The most popular attractions in Tokyo with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Tokyo on our website.

Individual and group

More sights in Tokyo

There is no azure sea and hot beaches. Here you can not climb the mountain and see the world spread at your feet. I'll tell you more, this huge city is stuck in traffic jams for half a day, compared to which at rush hour is a deserted desert. Many residents here wear gauze bandages from time to time to escape the smog. Here they speak the most incomprehensible language on earth, and when they want to write something, they draw pictures. Cars here drive in reverse, and the light of a free taxi is red. There are earthquakes about once a week...

Why do people come here?! After all, there are so many beautiful places on earth. Why here..?

Because there is something here that is not found anywhere else. Amazing architecture, unique history and traditions, breathtaking cuisine, smiling and hospitable people, mysterious culture. This city beckons like a magnet, sparkling with evening lights, telling its countless stories. A city ready to give the best memories to anyone who comes here.

His name is Tokyo.

I have been here many times, and Tokyo, although it may sound trivial, each time turned out to be somehow new for me. Better to say, it turned into some new fantastic facets.

For the first time, it started from the yellow water of Tokyo Bay, the city was covered with haze, it seemed that it didn’t exist at all, only lights in the fog...

When you arrive by plane, the mood is completely different. A huge modern airport, where everything is moving, everything is in a hurry somewhere. You imperceptibly merge into the general stream, from which it is then not so easy to get out.

Once I arrived by train, but I didn’t see the city right away: first I went underground to the area where my hotel was, then underground I got from the metro to the lobby of this hotel, then I drove into the room on escalators and elevators. For all this time, I did not have to go out into the street.

At different times of the year, Tokyo is different, everyone takes away their own, personal memories from here. I propose to find out what are my impressions of this city.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Tokyo. The fastest and most popular is the plane. You can come here by ship: Tokyo is a large port, it receives many passenger ships from all over the world, although this is not always convenient. Finally, if you are already in Japan, you can get to Tokyo by car or train. As for tourists and in general everyone who comes from Russia, we mostly get here, of course, by plane.

By plane

Regular flights have been established between Tokyo and Moscow. Direct flights are operated twice a day by Aeroflot and Japan Airlines.

The Aeroflot plane takes off from Sheremetyevo at 19:00. Travel time to Tokyo is 9 hours 35 minutes, arriving at Tokyo Narita Airport at 10:35 the next day.

Japan Airlines departs Domodedovo at 17:15, the flight lasts 9 hours and 20 minutes, arriving in Narita at 8:35.

Now the cost of tickets for direct flights starts from 17.5 thousand rubles, but prices are highly dependent on factors such as the season, the choice of airline. For example, flying with Aeroflot is cheaper than Japan Airlines.

There are at least a dozen more options to get from Moscow to Tokyo using transfer routes. Such options are offered by almost all major airlines from Lufthanza to Korean Air. Aggregator sites, for example, the Trevelask section, will help you choose the best option for air travel.

The Narita airport mentioned above receives the vast majority of international flights; this is the real air gate of the Japanese capital.

From Narita to the center of Tokyo - 75 kilometers, there are several ways to get from here to the city.

I prefer the N "EX train. These trains leave directly from the main terminal of the airport with an interval of 20 minutes, in one hour they deliver passengers to the center, for example, to areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro. Such a trip costs 28 USD / 3,000 JPY (Japanese yen).

In addition to N "EX, Skyliner trains run to Tokyo, there is also a high-speed JR Sobu Line route. They are not so convenient, these trains can only reach peripheral metro stations. However, both cost significantly less, 15–20 USD / 1,500–2,000 JPY.

From Narita, you can also get to the city by bus or taxi. There are several bus routes, as for taxis, there are always enough of them here. Buses depart from the main terminal and tickets will cost 3.5–5 USD / 350–500 JPY. But when choosing this method, remember about traffic jams, they can seriously ruin your mood.

By train

If you are already in Japan and going to Tokyo, then there is no better way than the train. From any part of Japan, trains will take you to the capital in the shortest possible time with maximum convenience. Trains arrive at Tokyo Station, however, if it is more convenient, you can use other major Tokyo transportation hubs.

Tokyo stations are conveniently connected to the subway, in fact, when you arrive in Tokyo, you will not even notice how you got to the address you need.

Approximate prices for trains to Tokyo from other cities are as follows.

• Tokyo - Osaka (Shinkansen Super Express) - 135 USD / 14,000 JPY.
• Tokyo - Sapporo (Shinkansen Super Express) - 205 USD / 21,000 JPY.
• Tokyo - Yokohama (commuter train) - 5 USD / 500 JPY.

By bus

Another way to get to Tokyo is by bus. Bus service is developed in Japan no worse than the railway, in fact, the bus will take you to the capital from anywhere in Japan. The main disadvantage compared to the train is the travel time. But he is probably the only one. Everything else is a plus. Starting from the fare, ending with the opportunity to enjoy Japanese landscapes. The largest Japanese bus operator is Willer Express, which also offers the cheapest ticket options.

To make it easier for you to understand the difference between a train and a bus, I will give an example of the most popular route connecting Tokyo with Osaka. Travel time by train - 3 hours, by bus - 8 hours, cost respectively 135 USD / 14,000 JPY and 48 USD / 5,000 JPY.

Bus terminals are located in Tokyo near the largest stations, which makes them an integral part of the metropolitan transport system.

You can find more information about Japanese buses.

By car

Traveling by car can also be a good option. As with the bus, you can get to Tokyo from literally anywhere in Japan. All large and most small islands are interconnected by tunnels and bridges, this allows you to move without stopping.

However, it seems to me that a memorable and exciting journey through Japan by car has a number of serious drawbacks. First, it's quite expensive. There are many toll roads in Japan, and traveling long distances will inevitably take a toll on your budget. Second, it's pretty tedious. Especially for tourists from Russia: after all, in Japan there is left-hand traffic, which means that on any trip you will need increased concentration.

By ferry

Clue:

Tokyo - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 6

Kazan - 6

Samara - 5

Yekaterinburg - 4

Novosibirsk - 2

Vladivostok 1

When is the season. When is the best time to go

I really like to visit Tokyo at the end of March, when the sakura blossoms, and in autumn, in the second half of October, when you can see the brightest autumn colors.

Many people like to come here on Christmas Eve. Despite the fact that Japan is not a Christian country, the holiday here feels very good, especially in the center and areas chosen by foreign guests.

Most tourists here, perhaps, in late March and early April: after all, the cherry blossom festival in all its splendor can only be seen in Japan. Travelers come from all over the world, hotel rooms for this season are booked long before it starts.

The most budget travel season is perhaps the end of summer, as well as the end of October - November. At this time, you can find tours with discounts up to 30-40%.

Tokyo in summer

Summer is the holiday season and probably the best time to travel. But I think it's still not the best time to visit Tokyo. At this time of the year it is hot here (on average + 25-30 ° C), in July and August it is even too hot. Add to that high humidity and you get the full picture.

If, nevertheless, your visit falls during the summer months, try to find a hotel closer to the water and away from the central areas loaded with transport. Perhaps the best way out in this sense would be to book a hotel in the area of ​​​​the Disney Sea amusement park.

Tokyo in autumn

Autumn is one of the best seasons to see Tokyo in all its glory. It is still warm here in September and October (+18–22 °C), and November, with its average temperature of +12–15 °C, is also not a very cold month. When you walk through the streets and parks of the Japanese capital at this time of the year, it seems that you saw the “luxurious withering of nature” in Tokyo.

At this time, it is best to go on excursions to temples and parks. Be sure to visit Hama Rikyu Park, an amazing piece of untouched nature surrounded by skyscrapers in the heart of Tokyo. Or one of the oldest Tokyo parks - Koishikawa Korakuen. I will tell you more about all this below.

Tokyo in spring

In my experience, there is no better time to travel to Tokyo than during the spring months. Spring, more precisely, the period of late March and early April, is the peak of the tourist season: cherry blossoms. This is a special period for the Japanese. For them, the tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring still has a very deep meaning, often incomprehensible to foreigners.

However, even those who are not familiar with Japanese culture will be able to fully enjoy what they will see here: numerous companies of Japanese of all ages, settled on the grass right under the trees, and the trees themselves, covering the entire city with their white and pink color at that time.

Since mid-March, it has already been quite warm in Tokyo, the temperature even at night rarely drops below +10 ° C, the spring weather will not spoil your mood. But there are a lot of tourists, hotels will be overcrowded, and this must be remembered.

Tokyo in winter

It so happened that I never had to visit Tokyo in winter. Once I was in Yokohama, which is very close to the capital. I remember that it was cold and windy outside.

Temperatures in Tokyo rarely drop below freezing during the winter months. However, winter is winter, and the snowless but cold streets of Tokyo are hardly the kind of landscape that a tourist might be interested in.

Unless, of course, it's some special occasion, like Christmas Eve. According to many of my friends, these days Tokyo is as interesting as any other world capital. A lot of lights, music, revival in the streets - all this creates a real holiday in the soul.

Tokyo monthly weather

Clue:

Tokyo monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Tokyo is a huge city.

Despite the fact that there is a clear geographical center here, it can be said that the Japanese capital consists of several administrative regions approximately equal in status.

Each of these areas has its own characteristics, its history, its objects of tourist interest, its prices. These are Ginza and Marunouchi in the geographical center, as well as the areas around Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Roppongi, Ikebukuro. I must say right away that Tokyo is absolutely safe, in it, unlike most major cities in Europe, there are no areas that should be avoided.

Marunouchi and Ginza- the most convenient in terms of location. Here within walking distance are attractions such as the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo International Forum, the best metropolitan department stores and boutiques. From here it is equally convenient to get to any of the Tokyo areas. However, for an ordinary tourist, the center has a serious drawback - accommodation here will be quite expensive, on average for 4 and 5 star hotels it is 400–800 USD / 40,000–80,000 JPY per night.

One of the most popular areas in Tokyo - Shinjuku. It is not only conveniently located in relation to the main attractions, but is literally overflowing with everything that attracts tourists so much: there is excellent shopping, a lot of sightseeing routes.

There are many hotels in Shinjuku, but unlike the center, there is a much wider choice: along with expensive hotels in this area, you can also find more budget options. The average price for rooms in hotels of 3, 4 and 5 stars is 200–700 USD / 20,000–70,000 JPY per night.

Area Asakusa with its huge number of cheap hostels, small hotels, traditional Japanese ryokans, it is best for those who are looking for a medium budget, so, on average for 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, the cost of a room will be from 80 to 300 USD / 8,000-30,000 JPY per night.

Along with this, many believe (and I completely agree with them) that there are few places like Asakusa left in Tokyo where you can still feel the spirit of the old city.

Nightlife and shopping for every taste and budget - this is what attracts tourists to the area Shibuya. In addition, Shibuya is also a major transport hub; several lines of the Tokyo subway converge here at once.

Shibuya has a lot to offer the tourist, but has the same drawback as the central areas: hotels here are mostly 4- and 5-star with prices of 300-600 USD / 30,000-60,000 JPY per night.

Area Ikebukuro among the Tokyo districts, as it were, on the second line. It is believed that he does not have such a brilliant reputation as Shinjuku or Shibuya.

However, this is more of a matter of personal preference. It seems to me that Ikebukuro is a great quiet area, there are many opportunities for those who would like to optimize their living budget. There are many decent 3-star hotels and small clean hostels with average prices of 80-250 USD / 8,000-25,000 JPY per night.

Roppongi- the most international area of ​​the capital of Japan. There are many embassies and other foreign representations here and in its vicinity.

For tourists, Roppongi offers a service that can be called foreigners friendly. Here you can find English pubs, elegant French wine bars, Italian trattorias. There are many hotels in Roppongi for every taste and budget, from 80 USD / 8,000 JPY for a hostel to 700 USD / 70,000 JPY for a room in a luxury hotel.

One of the coziest and most convenient places in central Tokyo - the area Shiodome. This ultra-modern piece of the Japanese capital differs from others in the convenience of its interior design.

In addition, it, like the Tokyo Station area, is perhaps the most convenient in terms of accessibility to the main tourist attractions. Hotels in Shiodome are more expensive than in Asakusa, but even here, among the many elegant hotels, you can find quite an affordable option, on average for hotels of 3, 4 and 5 stars it is 150–500 USD / 15,000–50,000 JPY per night.

From other areas of Tokyo, I will note very briefly:

You can book a hotel in the area you like on all familiar bookings (), and you can compare prices from different services in the travelask section.

Also in Tokyo there is a choice of private apartments - options and prices.

What are the prices for holidays

From what I have told you about the districts of Tokyo, it is obvious that the prices for accommodation in the city fluctuate in a very wide range: you can find a hotel for 70 USD / 7,000 JPY in Asakusa, or you can (if you wish and have the appropriate opportunities) rent a room for 1,000 USD / 100,000 JPY in Marunouchi.

The same applies to prices for food and excursions, however, the range is smaller. You can find a restaurant with dishes for 200 USD / 20,000 JPY and more, and at the same time, it's great to have a meal for two for 25 USD / 2,500 JPY.

As with any tourist city, the best way to save money in Tokyo is to get a bit off the main tourist routes. There prices will be lower and there will be fewer people.

Clue:

The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.

Currency: Rubles, rub. Dollars, $ Euro, €

Main attractions. What to see

If I were asked to tell you very briefly what is interesting about tourist Tokyo, I would be a little confused. Too many things that come to mind. This is history - famous temples and museums; and architecture - from the ancient to the most modern; and culture - Tokyo galleries and theaters. And the pulse of nightlife, and chic shopping. A short story will not do here. Yes, and in the long term, much will remain outside the brackets.

Top 5

Ginza

Tokyo area, where I would advise you to go first. Here, as it were, "all in one": old traditions, trendy boutiques, the best restaurants, traditional art. Ginza is a few blocks in the heart of Tokyo, not far from Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.

The best time to walk around Ginza is the weekend. For several hours the central street of the quarter turns into a pedestrian zone. Just walking around there, slowly entering department stores and small cafes, will already be a pleasure.

How to get there:

1. Ginza Station on the Hibiya, Marunouchi or Ginza subway lines.
2. Yurakucho Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line.
3. Yurakucho station on the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku railway lines.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Another metropolitan attraction. In fact, this is an ordinary wholesale market, but those who have been here unanimously say that they have never seen anything like it.

The fish market makes a huge impression, it is perceived as a single mechanism that clearly does its job. Tsukiji attracts a lot of tourists, for whom a certain infrastructure has been created there. And this is despite the fact that the most interesting time of its work is completely non-tourist: for example, the tuna auction, where you will have a unique opportunity to see how the best Tokyo restaurants acquire elite varieties of tuna and other fresh fish, opens early in the morning at 5:30.

How to get there:

1. Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Subway Line.
2. Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line.

Working hours:

• The main market is open from 5:00 to 14:00.
• The wholesale market is open to visitors after 9:00.
• Tuna auction runs from 5:25 to 6:15 (accepts no more than 120 tourists per day)

Entrance:

Free.

Skytree Tower

The new 634-meter Tokyo TV tower has become a symbol of the modern city. This is the tallest building in Japan.

Of course, the most interesting thing is to get to one of the viewing platforms of the tower, they are located at an altitude of 350 and 450 meters. To say that the whole city is visible from there is to say nothing. It's just like in the palm of your hand. Great place to take souvenir photos.

How to get there:

1. Tokyo Sky tree station on the Tobu Isesaki subway line.
2. Oshiage Station on the Asakusa, Hanzomon or Keisei Oshiage subway lines.

Opening hours:

From 8:00 to 22:00 (entry until 21:00).

Entrance:

• Viewpoint on the first level - 20 USD / 2,060 JPY.
• Observation deck on the second level - additional 10 USD / 1,030 JPY.

Shinjuku Skyscraper District

The famous Tokyo area is another point of the mandatory program. Many, talking about the sights of Tokyo, put it in first place. Skyscrapers are Shinjuku's calling card, his memorable image. The main center of tourist interest is rather a large shopping and entertainment area around Shinjuku Station.

I think the best way to get a taste of this unique place is to wander through the narrow streets like Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai in the evening, or go to the Kabukicho area with its old winding streets.

How to get there:

Shinjuku Station on the Yamanote, Chuo, Keihin-Tohoku lines.

Shibuya District

It is believed that Shibuya is a kind of trendsetter of the modern city. Everything here is a little different, not like in other places. People in cafes and restaurants are more elegant, women's hairstyles are more interesting; for some reason, Parisian boulevards come to mind ...

Here you can easily spend the whole day, and after it the evening, because Shibuya is a huge shopping center "Shibuya-109" (Shibuya 109), this is a famous monument to a faithful friend the dog Hachiko (yes, the same one!), This is a Meiji temple with a huge park.

How to get there:

1. Shibuya Station of the Yamanote, Saikyo, Shona Shinjuku lines.
2. Shibuya Station of Hanzomon, Ginza, Fukutoshin, Tokyu Toyoko, Tokyu Den-Entoshi, Keio Inokashira subway lines.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Sensoji

Sensoji Buddhist Temple is one of the most popular tourist temples in Tokyo. Legend tells that in 628 AD, two brothers fished out a statue of the goddess Kannon from the Sumida River. No matter how hard they tried to return the statue to the river, it kept coming back. So a temple arose on this site, the construction of which was completed in 645.

Now it is the oldest temple in the Japanese capital. This alone puts Sensoji among the first historical landmarks in Tokyo. However, many come here also to see a magnificent example of temple architecture - the Kaminarimon Gate, which translates as "Thunder Gate". Along with the Imperial Palace and the Sky tree, Kaminarimon has become a symbol of Tokyo.

How to get there:

Asakusa Station on the Ginza Subway Line.

Opening hours:

• The main hall is open from 6:00 to 17:00.
• The territory of the temple - around the clock.

Entrance:

Free.

Meiji

Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine built in 1920 in memory of Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of a renewed Japan. It was during the Meiji period that reforms began that turned the feudal country into a powerful industrial power.

Together with the nearby Yoyogi Park, the temple forms a vast architectural and park area. Visitors to Meiji Jingu have the opportunity to get acquainted with Shinto rituals, see the Museum of the Emperor and Empress Shoken, and visit the "Closed Garden".

Meiji is the most visited temple in the country. In the first days of the new year, more than 3 million people come to it. No other temple can compare with Meiji in this respect.

How to get there:

1. Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line.
2. Meiji-jingu-mae Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin subway lines.

Opening hours:

• The territory of the temple - from dusk to dawn, admission is free.
• Museum - from 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00); ticket price - 5 USD / 500 JPY.
• Inner garden - from 9:00 to 16:30 (entrance until 16:00); ticket price - 5 USD / 500 JPY.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

There are hundreds of museums in Tokyo, the expositions of which can tell visitors about literally everything: from the latest technology to anime.

A feature of the museum space of the Japanese capital is that it consciously simplifies life a little for those tourists who like to visit museums, but have limited time. Tokyo's Ueno Park, where several truly first-class museums are located in one place, offers such tourists a unique opportunity to see a lot of interesting things in a short time.

Museums in Tokyo have a few general rules:

1. General holiday. In almost all museums it is Monday.
2. Museums are closed during the New Year holidays (from December 29 to January 4).
3. On Fridays, most museums have extended opening hours.

If you are interested in something specific, I recommend that you read the list of Tokyo museums and plan the exact route in advance. If your interests are broad, then I advise you to visit one or more museums in Ueno Park, as well as get acquainted with the Museum Triangle in the Roppongi area.

Museums "Ueno"

How to get there: Ueno subway station.

Tokyo National Museum (Tokyo National Museum)

exposition: numerous exhibits of the museum tell about the history of the Japanese capital.

Working hours: daily from 9:30 to 17:00, closed on Mondays.

Ticket price: 6 USD / 620 JPY.

Museum of Western Art (Museum of Western Art)

exposition: the museum exhibits works of art from Europe and North America, created in the period from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.

Working hours

Ticket price: 4 USD / 430 JPY.

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art

exposition: The main direction of the museum is the placement of temporary exhibitions that tell about the latest trends in the development of art in Japan and abroad.

Working hours: daily from 9:30 to 17:00, day off Monday.

Ticket price: some expositions are paid, there is no fixed price.

National Museum of Science (National Museum of Science)

exposition: the museum perfectly shows the stages of development of Japanese and world science. Attention is focused on such areas as biotechnology, genetic engineering, and neuroscience.

Working hours: daily from 9:30 to 17:00, day off Monday.

Ticket price: 6 USD / 620 JPY.

Roppongi Art Triangle

Mori Museum

exposition: temporary exhibitions of cutting-edge Japanese artists.

How to get there: Roppongi subway station.

Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

Ticket price: 17 USD / 1800 JPY.

National Art Center

exposition: a lot of interesting exhibits telling about the history of Japanese art from ancient times to the present day.

How to get there Directions: Nogizaka Subway Station (Exit 6).

Working hours

Ticket price: 9.5 USD / 1000 JPY .

Suntori Art Museum

exposition: temporary exhibitions of contemporary Western and Japanese artists.

How to get there: Roppongi Subway Station (Exit 8).

Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Tuesday.

Ticket price: 12.5 USD / 1,300 JPY.

parks

There are more than enough parks in Tokyo, perhaps, each of the districts can boast something of this kind. I would divide Tokyo parks into three main categories:

• Parks in general, that is, places for walking, communicating with nature, in order to take a break from the bustle of the city.
• Parks that attract special attention in autumn.
• Parks that become places of pilgrimage during cherry blossom season.

I can’t say that I visited many parks in Tokyo, but I managed to see something at different times.

Parks in the classical sense

Of those parks that fall into the first category, I remember two.

These are Hama Rikyu and Yoyogi Park. They are public, open around the clock.

"Hama Rikyu" (Hama Rykyu)

A large landscape park in the heart of Tokyo. It is located along the coast of Tokyo Bay, and on the other side it overlooks the skyscrapers of the Shiodome district, which looks paradoxically harmonious.

The park is a 10-minute walk from Shimbashi Station or a 15-minute walk from Shiodome Subway Station on the Oedo Subway Line.

"Yoyogi" (Yoyogi)

This is a place arranged according to the canons of Western park design: large spaces, lawns, well-groomed paths, a lot of water. An ideal place for jogging and picnics.

The park is located next to Meiji Shrine, a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line.

Autumn colors in Tokyo

"Rikugien" (Rikugien)

In late September - early October, the park becomes a real place of pilgrimage. It seems that the beauty of autumn nature attracts literally the whole city here.

Rikugien is located a 10-minute walk from Komagome Station on the Namboku Subway Line. Open until 21:00 in autumn and spring. Entrance fee: 3 USD / 300 JPY.

"Koishikawa korakuen" (Koishikawa korakuen)

Compared to other parks, Koishikawa Korakuen is relatively small, but this is precisely its charm: it literally looks like a corner of a protected forest.

You need to get to Iidabashi Station (Tozai, Yurakucho, Namboku and Oedo subway lines). The park is open from 10:00 to 17:00. Entrance will cost 3 USD / 300 JPY.

Shinjuku Gyoen

The park is located in the heart of the Shinjuku area, it can be clearly seen from the nearby skyscrapers. In autumn, it looks like a fabulous spot of bright colors against the background of the gray landscape of an industrial metropolis.

The park can be entered from three different sides. It is more convenient to get to Shinjukugyoenmae Station by the Marunouchi subway line and then walk 5 minutes. The park is open from 9:30 to 16:30. Entrance - 2 USD / 200 JPY.

sakura season

The time when Tokyo parks are most popular. Perhaps, all residents of the capital visit the park at least once during this season in order to admire the colors of the new spring or simply pay tribute to an ancient tradition.

Of the parks listed above, all are good during the cherry blossom season. I will add two more to them, which at this time become simply centers of pilgrimage.

"Ueno" (Ueno)

I have already spoken about this park above in the "Museums" section. Ueno is Tokyo's largest and most popular park during the cherry blossom season. Naturally, it is also the most “overpopulated”: literally under every tree a company rests here, the mood is very lively. The park is a stone's throw from the Ueno metro station, admission is free.

"Sumida" (Sumida)

But here everything is a little different. This park is located on both banks of the Sumida River near the Tokyo Skytree. Here you can admire the sakura from the deck of a pleasure steamer or sit in a quiet cafe on the shore.

Sumida Park is located near Asakusa Subway Station and admission is also free.

tourist streets

We often talk about the famous European streets that attract the attention of tourists. Often their very names sound like chapters from guidebooks: the Champs Elysees, the Rambla, Nevsky Prospekt...

In Tokyo, such centers of gravity are districts, sometimes informal, not corresponding to a strict administrative division. I have already mentioned some of these areas when talking about Tokyo attractions. Here I want to focus on just one of them. But he will stop in detail, because he deserves it.

Everyone who comes to the capital of Japan strives to visit this area at least once. It is famous for its art galleries, boutiques with the world's best brands, expensive department stores and trendy restaurants. The old town, cutting-edge trends, traditional art and the best food are all present here; it seems that both history and modernity can be literally touched by hands.

This area is called Ginza

Perhaps the most famous and most striking fact about Ginza is that the cost of one square meter here exceeds 10 million yen (that's about 100 dollars) - the most expensive land in Japan.

Ginza translates as "Silver Court". The area got its name from the mint, which was located here from 1612 to 1800. And the modern look of Ginza began to take shape after the devastating Tokyo earthquake of 1923, which wiped out everything that was in this area of ​​​​the capital. The best time to visit Ginza is during the weekend, between noon and 6 pm.

At this time, the central street of the Chuo Dori district becomes a pedestrian area and turns into a huge walking area. What is the first thing to see while walking around Ginza? It depends on personal preferences, on how much time you have, and finally, on your mood.

You can start with lunch at one of the restaurants in the old Yurakucho area. Go further to the Police Museum. Or in the Sony building, where in one place you will see all the novelties of one of the most famous electronic companies in the world. You can buy a ticket to the world-famous kabuki theater and see this amazing example of Japanese culture with your own eyes. Finally, you can go to one of the huge department stores located here or walk through the boutiques.

To make it easier to make the right choice, I will briefly talk about the main attractions of Ginza:

You can get to Ginza by subway or train. The first option is to get to the Ginza subway station, use one of the following lines for this: Hibiya, Marunouchi or Ginza. The second is to get to Yurakucho Station using the Yurakucho Subway Line or the Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line trains.

For those who still doubt whether to include Ginza in the program, I can add that you will definitely remember it. And photographs against the backdrop of its sights will definitely become part of your personal history.

What to see in 1 day

If you build the program correctly, then during the day you can see a lot of interesting things. As one of the options for such a program, I would suggest a tour "The History of Tokyo and Its Future", which would begin in the Asakusa district with the oldest Sensoji temple in Tokyo and end in the futuristic Odaiba district.

So, at 10:00 we arrive at the Asakusa subway station.

We pass the gate Kaminarimon Sensoji Temple (10 minutes).

We move to the temple, pay attention to the street Nakamise dori(30 minutes).

We examine temple surroundings, old streets nearby (30 minutes).

We head to the Sumida River (10 minutes), board a cruise ship.

River Cruise(1 hour) - this is the whole center of Tokyo at a glance. During the cruise, you will not see the beauties of nature, but you will get to know the modern architecture of the largest metropolis in the world.

We get off at the final stop of the cruise - the pier in the park "Hama Rikyu".

Walking in Hama Rikyu Park(1 hour).

We head to the Shiodome station (10 minutes).

We take the Yurikamome monorail, we move to the Odaiba station (20 minutes). In order to understand which train you need, there will be no problems: it is the only one there, departing every 15 minutes.

Odaiba- a bulk island in Tokyo Bay, where large shopping centers, amusement parks, museums, showrooms of large Japanese companies are concentrated. For convenience, we will break the tour of Odaiba into several stages:

We finish the program at 18:30.

I guarantee that there will be more than enough impressions from such a day. And I warn you in advance that for some time my legs will be very buzzing :).

What to see in the surroundings

Among the most interesting places in the vicinity of Tokyo, I would single out Kamakura, one of the ancient capitals of Japan with its famous stone Buddha statue.

And, of course, Nikko is a small town and the national park of the same name, the burial place of one of the most significant Japanese shoguns Tokugawa Ieyasu, as well as the focus of unique temples.

Kamakura

The city is an hour from Tokyo. Back in the 12th century, after the first military ruler of Japan (shogun) Minamoto Yoritomo came to power, Kamakura became the center of the country's political life.

Subsequently, after the capital moved to Kamakura, it continued to serve as the capital city in eastern Japan.

Now it is a small town, literally riddled with history. Temples and monuments will accompany you every step of the way.

From Tokyo to Kamakura, a little over 50 kilometers, it is best to take the Yokosuka line train from Tokyo Station.

Nikko

The city and the national park of the same name are located two hours drive from the capital.

The city's most famous landmark is Toshogu Shrine, considered one of the most beautiful temples in Japan.

It was built in 1600, but long before that, Nikko became a center of pilgrimage for representatives of both religions common in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism.

And now every year Nikko attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists during the autumn months. In this regard, Nikko's paints can hardly be compared with anything ...

From Tokyo to Nikko, 120 kilometers, the most convenient way to get there is by rail. The Tobu Line train from Asakusa Station will take you to Nikko in about two hours.

Food. What to try

Books have been written about Japanese cuisine. The names of some Japanese dishes are hardly known to every inhabitant of the planet, and the word sushi has long gone beyond gastronomy.

The alphabets of the Japanese language, of which there are two, consist of syllables. None of them contain the syllable "shi" that we hear and say so often. There is something close to the syllable "si", which is pronounced with a slight hiss. In the Russian language tradition, since the emergence of Japanese studies, the syllable “si” has always been used. Therefore, for us, sushi (English spelling) is always "sushi", and sashimi is "sashimi".

Globalization has changed the world and us, and I generally don't mind Mitsubishi turning into Mitsubishi and Toshiba turning into Toshiba. But sushi, at least according to the purposes of the further narration, let it be "sushi".

Knowing this nuance, by the way, will help you quickly find a common language: the word "sashimi" will be heard and understood by an ordinary Japanese, the word "sashimi" - never.

The cuisine of the Japanese capital is, of course, first of all, Japanese cuisine. However, it was Tokyo that had a very great influence on the development of national cuisine, adding capital charm and brilliance to many now widely known Japanese dishes.

These dishes include nigiri zushi, the most common type of sushi. A piece of fish placed on top of rice takes much less time to cook than classic sushi, which is what has made nigiri zushi so popular.

Tempura is another dish that has been transformed by Tokyo chefs.

Before the Edo era (the old name of Tokyo), only vegetables were used as ingredients for tempura, but the capital added the whole range of seafood to them, which, in fact, determined the recipe of the dish in its current form.

Given the abundance of opportunities that are literally scattered throughout the city, I would rather focus on the “zones” that offer the whole gamut of Japanese (and not only) gastronomy.

Very interesting place Yurakucho: dozens, if not hundreds of establishments of various sizes, where you can find literally everything - from simple Japanese soba to fine French wines.

The area is located around Yurakucho Station on the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku railway lines, as well as on the Yurakucho subway line. You can also get there from the Ginza side (Ginza station on the Marunouchi and Hibiya subway lines).

There is also a market in Tokyo for those who might be interested in a unique gastronomic experience. Tsukiji.

Firstly, in the restaurants around the market you can try literally all the variety of seafood. Secondly, the dishes prepared here will allow you to get acquainted with what the “first”, real (and it is the only) freshness is.

How to get there: Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line.

In the Shinjuku area, it makes sense to walk down the street Omoide Yokocho. The same flavor as in Yurakucho, only on a slightly smaller scale.

How to get there: Shinjuku Subway Station on the Shinjuku Line.

Finally, if you want to take a break and try something non-Japanese, China town in Ikebukuro (Ikebukuro subway station on the Shinjuku line) is at your service, Korea town in the same Shinjuku (Shinjuku subway station on the Shinjuku line), there is even France town (the area of ​​subway stations Iidabashi and Kagurazaka on the Hanzomon line).

Budget

Intermediate level

The average bill for a dinner for two without drinks for restaurants and cafes of this category is 50–70 USD / 5,000–7,000 JPY.

Expensive

For restaurants in this category, there is usually no such thing as an average check, and I will not give it here either. But the status of an institution of this kind should not scare away in fact. Here you can eat together and drink a glass of wine, paying 120–150 USD / 12,000–15,000 JPY.

Holidays

Japanese holidays (matsuri) are a special, unlike any other tradition. They are diverse: matsuri include admiring sakura, and a pilgrimage to a Shinto shrine. Very bright, sometimes too noisy, they always involve a large number of people.

Tourists are very fond of watching the festive processions, in fact, such observation itself is participation in the holiday. If it's a normal procession, you can join it. If the pilgrimage to the temple, one can go there. It is not forbidden to participate in thematic parades, but for this you will need to prepare, for example, to find the appropriate costume.

The main Tokyo holidays tend to be rooted deep in history. Perhaps one of the most interesting Tokyo Jidai Matsuri, or "Tokyo through the prism of eras".

This large parade, which takes place on November 3rd, has a relatively recent history. People who come to the Asakusa area on this day literally see the history of Tokyo pass before their eyes. Everyone unanimously says that the brightness and detail of some of the costumes is simply amazing.

Tokyo New Year It's a big party in a big city.

However, if you are in Tokyo at this time, try to be closer to the city center or the centers of the main districts: the main celebrations take place here. It is very beautiful and crowded in Shibuya, Shinjuku, it can be even more interesting in Roppongi, where there is a little more European culture than in the rest of Tokyo.

In general, many interesting festivals are held in Tokyo every year, it would be difficult to even list them, let alone talk about them. I will name just a few:

Safety. What to watch out for

Tokyo is absolutely safe. When people ask me how it can be in a huge city, I don't know what to answer. When asked to give an example of some minimally dangerous situation, I do not know what to answer. During my entire stay in Tokyo and in Japan, I have never encountered such a situation. Even late at night in the Hollywood scenery of some narrow street in Shinjuku, dimly lit by Tokyo standards, when three large Japanese men are walking towards you and shouting loudly, you should expect that, as they approach, they will give way to you and say “sumimasen” (sorry).

I think that all the problems that exist in major tourist centers exist in Tokyo in one way or another. And petty thieves in cafes, and pickpockets. But their scale is incomparable with Europe, so they are almost invisible.

To sum it up: in Tokyo, you can relax and live in peace at any time of the day or night. Of course, it’s not worth provoking the environment by leaving an open bag full of bundles of dollars on the table, but if you don’t do this, then most likely you won’t have any problems.

Things to do

In addition to museums and shopping, Tokyo provides many other non-standard opportunities to spend time. For example, you can go to the area Yanaka(Ginza subway station), perhaps the only area of ​​​​Tokyo that survived during the war, just to look into ordinary Japanese houses and eat real rice cakes there.

On Sunday evening you can go to a small Jingubashi Bridge(Subway station Harajuku). Do not forget to take a camera or a camera: you will not see such a number of young people representing any, the most inconceivable subcultures, such an abundance of outfits, a variety of hairstyles and makeup anywhere else.

After sunset, the city will look great from one of the many viewing platforms located on the roofs of skyscrapers.

However, those who gather there, remember: in terms of the amount of adrenaline, staying at such sites is equated to extreme sports. And also be prepared for the fact that the skyscrapers are slightly shaking ...

Shopping and shops

For lovers, Tokyo shopping is a symphony. High pleasure. As in any world capital, literally everything is presented here: from the latest cutting-edge trends to the best examples of mass fashion. I will add, for any wallet. Even on Ginza in boutiques inaccessible in other cities, you can get on a good day and meet your budget.

More affordable prices can be found in the vicinity of the centers of Shinjuku, Shibuya, there are quite a few interesting European stores in the Roppongi area.

Among all the variety, it is quite difficult to navigate, but in general terms, I would break shopping in Tokyo into several directions or ideas and would act on the basis of specific priorities.

If we need something clear, simple and reliable, we go to department stores. These are, for example, Printemps, Mitsukoshi on Ginza, Sibur 109 in the area of ​​the same name, Isetan in Shinjuku. Or the one that is closer to you geographically.

If you are talking about something new and unusual, then you need boutiques in Yoyogi, Shibuya, Shinjuku.

If we are looking for something specific, we turn to the "thematic" areas:

Bars. Where to go

Connoisseurs say that Tokyo bars are the best in the world in many ways. Sometimes they go even further, believing that thanks to new technologies, as well as the courage of the creators, some bars in Tokyo are already a completely different level, which so far exists only here. Along with such "breakthrough" establishments, the city has a huge variety of traditional ones in the best sense, offering drinks and snacks for every taste.

In my opinion, if any of you want to make a tour of Tokyo bars, then these two criteria should be used to separate the initial search.

Futuristic bars

I would refer to super places, firstly, Mixology Laboratory. Bartender Shuzo Nagumo's card says "Grand Mixologist", and some of the seats behind the counter really do look like a science lab. Maybe you'll get lucky and try his famous martini, made with foie gras vodka, chocolate pomace, nutmeg and aged in a smoke-filled bag.

A cocktail costs an average of 20 USD / 2,000 JPY here. Dinner with cocktails and courses - 120 USD / 12,000 JPY.

Opening hours: from 18:00 to 01:00 (Sunday closed).

Address: 3F, 1-6-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku.

How to get there: Tokyo Station on the Yamanote, Chuo, Marunouchi, Sobu lines.

Other interesting bars from the same category:

All three super-bars are in about the same price category.

Classic bars

There are many establishments from this segment in Tokyo, I repeat, there is a place for every taste. To experience this diversity, just spend an evening on Ginza and look into some of the bars located here:

• Bar Evans- jazz and cocktail classics:
  • Opening hours: from 18:00 to 02:00 (Sunday closed).
  • Address: APA Ginza Chuo Bldg B1F, 3-8-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku.
  • How to get there: Ginza station on the Hibiya, Ginza, Marunouchi lines.

Clubs and nightlife

It is impossible to try to describe the Tokyo nightlife in detail and not be branded as a person who took on the immensity. At night, Tokyo literally lives, the pace of its nightlife is no lower than daytime life. As is its variety. Deep after midnight, you can go to a theater performance or visit a super trendy multimedia space that turns fantasies into reality. Get to the presentation of the author's cinema of some Danish director or go on a tour of the backyards of Shinjuku.

But perhaps the easiest and most understandable way to spend the evening and night is to go to a nightclub. Just choose which atmosphere suits you best. Of the interesting nightclubs, I want to mention a few here.

First of all, it's famous Womb, a place where clubbers from all over the world aspire to go. An inconspicuous building in the Shibuya area with a discreet sign turns inside into a real kingdom of light and music. There are performances on all four floors of the club; in total, the club can accommodate up to 1,000 guests at a time. Regular music: house and techno.

Entrance is paid, the price depends on the program. Cocktails from 7 USD / 700 JPY, beer and snacks from 5 USD / 500 JPY.

Opening hours: on Fridays and Saturdays - until the morning.

How to get there: Shibuya Subway Station.

About the club oath they say like this:

The main thing is to have enough strength until the morning.

The club is inexpensive, with very impressive equipment. The music is the same as in Womb. Drinks and snacks from 5 USD / 500 JPY.

Opening hours: on weekends open until 8 am.

How to get there: Located near Shibuya Subway Station.

Solfa is a completely different format. The dance floor is designed for 60-70 people, the atmosphere is more like a home party.

Opening hours: Friday to Sunday open until 6 am.

How to get there: Located near Nakameguro Subway Station (Hibiya Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line).

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

What gift to bring from Tokyo? What is the best thing to buy as a souvenir of a trip? Perhaps these are the most difficult questions. There are too many possibilities: from ordinary souvenirs and postcards to traditional Japanese dolls and chic kimonos. Here everyone chooses to their taste.

I think the best advice here would be to name a couple of proven places where gifts and souvenirs are presented in all their diversity.

Souvenirs from Tokyo

The gift shop at the National Arts Center offers a full range of traditional souvenirs from clothing to accessories.

Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00.

Address: B1F National Arts Center Tokyo, 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku.

How to get there: Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda line (Exit 6).

Bingoya

In fact, this is the best place in Tokyo: 6 floors of fine souvenirs, all traditional crafts are presented.

Opening hours: from 10:00 to 19:00.

Address: 10–6 Wakamatsucho, Shinjuku-ku.

How to get there: Wakamatsu-Kawada station on the Oedo line (Kawada exit).

How to move around the city

I communicate a lot with those who visit Tokyo regularly or from time to time. I can say that when it comes to how to get around the city, the general opinion is that the metro is the most convenient option of all possible. Taxis are used quite often, but in a specific way. That is, not “drive”, but rather “drive” a short distance: from the station to the hotel, from the restaurant to the metro, etc.

In some cases, it is convenient to use the bus. For example, if you live a couple of stops from the metro station. If this is your case, you can purchase a single pass for the bus and metro, and avoid many problems. Detailed information on travel and discount tickets can be found at.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxi is a convenient and popular mode of transport, however, like many things in Tokyo, it has its own characteristics.

Taxis in Japan are expensive. This high cost consists of two things: the actual cost of use (gasoline, car depreciation) and related costs - additional costs for toll roads and, which happens very often, loss of time due to traffic jams. So the general advice is:

1. Use the car for short distances. For example, to get to the subway.
2. Take a taxi on weekends when you're least likely to get stuck in Tokyo traffic.

Using a taxi to get from or to the airport is extremely unprofitable. There are excellent trains and comfortable buses for this. But to get from the metro to a theater or a club - these are just the routes on which you need to get acquainted with a taxi. And there is something to see here: drivers dressed in uniform, in caps and shiny shoes, cleanliness and lace capes in the salons, automatic doors for passengers.

Taxis in Tokyo work only on the meter, tipping is not customary - they are not taken. Card payments are working fine.

You can take a taxi on the street by raising your hand, or you need to walk to the nearest parking lot. They are located near railway stations, metro stations. At the hotel, the porter will order the car.

The approximate cost is:

• landing and first 2 kilometers - 6 USD / 600 JPY;
• every next 0.5 kilometers - 1 USD / 100 JPY;
• traffic jam and parking 2 minutes - 1 USD / 100 JPY;
• taxi waiting 2 minutes - 1 USD / 100 JPY;
• after 22:00 surcharge on the tariff - 20%, after 23:00 - 30% and more.

But most importantly, remember: if the light on the roof lights up red, then the car ... is free!

Trams

Tokyo trams are rather exotic. Now there is only one Arakawa tram line left in Tokyo. If you are lucky enough to be in the area and have free time, I recommend just driving a couple of stops.

The ticket is inexpensive, it costs 1.6 USD / 160 JPY, and you will get positive impressions.

Metro

Without a doubt, you will most often use the subway when exploring Tokyo. If only because no other urban transport can be compared with the metro in terms of price - speed of movement. I'm not talking about quality, it's always on top.

The Tokyo subway is an extensive network of lines, very competently connected with the main directions of city electric trains. A well-oiled mechanism, you can check the clock by the movement of metro trains. All information about trains, intervals of their movement, stops, transfer stations is available on the network, in particular, it also happens in the form of mobile applications (for example, hyperdia.com). This allows you to accurately calculate the route and be in time wherever you need to.

In total, there are 9 lines in the Tokyo subway, and, as I said, they cover the entire huge city. Usually, tourists on the Tokyo subway use single tickets, their cost varies between 1.8–3.2 USD / 170–310 JPY per trip. But you can also buy convenient rechargeable PASMO travel cards. All types of tickets are purchased at the box office and vending machines, the latter is more convenient. The machines have an option to switch to English, which makes it quite easy to understand the menu and other issues.

The metro is safe, however, when planning trips, you need to remember such a factor as rush hours. Usually this time is between 8:00 and 9:00 am, sometimes between 17:00 and 18:00. In the Tokyo subway, this is especially felt; trains leave critically crowded from some stations. Situations during rush hours are so extreme that the metro administration is fighting them with no less emergency measures. On some lines at this time, special teams of "rammers" are working, which, so to speak, optimize the number of people in the cars. The busiest routes during peak times can be from Nakano to Shinjuku, from Kinshicho to Ryogoku, and also from Kiba to Monsen Nakacho.

Buses

Tokyo buses are good for everyone: they are convenient, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive. However, traveling by bus in Tokyo has one very significant drawback: the car goes on public roads. And this means that it is easy to get stuck in a traffic jam.

This is probably why the bus routes in the metropolis are organized in such a way that they fit into the overall system of urban transport as much as possible. The main purpose of Tokyo buses, especially in the city center, is to provide convenient transportation of passengers to the subway station areas and train stations. If your place of residence is some distance from the subway, it makes sense to look for a bus route.

Buses run along the lines from 7:00 to 22:00, boarding and disembarking is carried out at stops. The schedule of their movement is also posted there. Bus tickets cost from 1.5 USD / 150 JPY. Prices within transport zones are fixed.

Transport rental

general information

Japan and Russia are members of different international conventions governing the rules of the road. Therefore, if we proceed from the letter of the law, in order to drive in Japan, a Russian must obtain a Japanese license.

However, in practice, due to the fact that Japanese agencies do not require the presentation of special documents, many of our compatriots take the opportunity to rent a car.

You can rent a car from the age of 18, in addition, you must have driving experience for more than one year. For registration you will need a passport and international rights.

There are many rental agencies in Japan. Some of them have an independent status, some are branches of global holdings. You can choose a car for yourself in advance, for example.

Renting a compact class car (for example, Toyota Corolla), including insurance, will cost around 80 USD / 8,000 JPY per day.

When signing a lease, be prepared to pay a deposit equal to the total rental price. As a rule, this amount is blocked on your card, and within two weeks after the end of the rental period, it is unfrozen. Some agencies allow you to pay a deposit in cash.

Under the terms of the lease, the car is issued with a full tank, in the same form it must be returned.

Experienced users of rental agencies, in order to avoid misunderstandings, recommend not being too lazy and inspecting the car well for the absence of external defects before taking it.

Expenses

Petrol

• The cost of Regular gasoline (corresponding to AI-92) is 1.4–1.8 USD / 140–180 JPY per liter.
• The cost of diesel fuel is 1.3 USD / 130 JPY per liter.

Toll roads

It is believed that Japanese toll roads are among the most expensive in the world. Specific prices depend on the direction and distance, guidebooks recommend focusing on the amount of 22–25 USD / 2,200–2,500 JPY for every 100 kilometers of roads.

parking

Traffic on the roads of Japan (both on expressways and in cities) is quite calm. Drivers are usually polite and helpful. However, there are a number of factors that I would strongly recommend considering for those who are going to use the car:

• driving on the left is the first and most serious of these factors;
• traffic jams, as a huge problem of megacities;
• toll roads, there are many of them; with frequent trips or long distances, this can become very noticeable for your budget;
• many road signs, especially on peripheral roads, are not dubbed in English, which creates serious problems from time to time.

The main advice that I give to all motorists, without exception, is to remember that all your decisions on the road will be made in an unusual situation for you to drive on the left. Take your time, do not exceed the speed limit, do not be distracted while driving.

Practice shows that if you follow these simple recommendations, you can avoid many problems.

And good luck on the road!

Tokyo - holidays with children

Tokyo is the energy of business life, night lights, expressways, chic shopping. When you read or hear stories about the capital of Japan, the question involuntarily arises: is it worth going there with children? My answer is worth it. There are so many things to do in Tokyo with kids that loving parents may not have time for themselves...

In all the variety of Tokyo water parks, children's attractions and museums, Disneyland certainly reigns, a place where you can spend more than one day and give more than one happy hour to your children.

On the one hand, Disneyland in Tokyo is similar to its counterparts in other parts of the world: these are the World of Adventures, Wild West, and City of the Future parks. On the other hand, it also has something that makes it stand out - it's Disney Sea and its corners "Medieval Mediterranean", "Mermaid Lagoon", "Mysterious Island". The parks are open from 9:00 to 22:00.

Ticket price

For the convenience of those who want to please their children (and at the same time themselves) there are several types of tickets: from a one-day ticket to a ticket that requires entry after 18:00. A one-day ticket costs 75 USD / 7,400 JPY for adults, 65 USD / 6,400 JPY - for teenagers 12-17 years old, 49 USD / 4,800 JPY - for children from 4 to 11 years old.

How to get there

Direct trains depart every 15 minutes from Tokyo Station and Maihama Station. The one-way journey takes 15 minutes, the ticket price is 2.2 USD / 220 JPY (JR Pass can be used on the route).

Even if you are passing through Tokyo, you can still have time to visit the most interesting places in this amazing city, which combines the centuries-old traditions of the empire and the modern customs of Japan, in one weekend.

All the sights of Tokyo in 12 hours

The city itself, when compared with futuristic Singapore or Hong Kong, looks more than traditional. Naturally, it is also full of skyscrapers and newfangled high-speed trains, but all this is surrounded by small houses, majestic temples and palaces from the time of the imperial power. If you watched the movie "Blade Runner", then you remember very well that very narrow street, completely crammed with bars and barbecues.

There are such streets everywhere, and sometimes they are hidden in places where you don’t expect to see them. Here, many people continue to build wooden houses for their families, do not even want to hear about hot water, and park bicycles near their houses, considering them the most convenient form of transport. Each quarter of Tokyo is special and different from all the others, just like the people who live in it.

Despite the fact that the Japanese are extremely fond of the innovations of modern civilization and are always one step ahead of the rest, no one dares to break traditions here. The emperor is loved and revered, while sincerely loving and respecting him. The birthdays of the last three emperors are considered national holidays in Japan, and after the birth of a grandson in the imperial family, the whole country rejoiced for a whole month.

The best way to get to Japan is with the help of a travel agency, applying for a visa with its help. A visa is free and is issued in ten days, however, filling out forms in Japanese is simply beyond the power of many, so trust the professionals. There are not many direct flights to Tokyo. Aeroflot and Japan Airlines planes fly, but even the Japanese prefer flights with our airlines. The cost of a ticket to Tokyo from Moscow is 23,000 rubles. Aeroflot says that only the best aircraft and personnel work in the Japanese direction. Having arrived, you will not be able to get lost, because almost all important inscriptions are duplicated side by side in English.

It is worth paying attention to the suburbs of Tokyo. By taking the train, you will reach Yokohama in thirty minutes, where you can have a great rest in the world-famous Chinatown area, savoring various national dishes, such as shark soups or flounder dumplings. If you drive a little further, you will find yourself at beautiful beaches, where many Italian restaurants are scattered.

All of Tokyo in one day

9:00 breakfast. Locals do not eat breakfast in restaurants, preferring a homemade table with the whole family, therefore, at such an early time in Tokyo, almost everything is closed. But for those who want to start the day early, you should look into one of the Dean & Deluca establishments. We offer a coffee shop located in the tower of Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Caf, from which you can get to the museum very quickly.

10:00 we go to the museum. It is impossible to pass by the skyscrapers of Roppongi without surprise, and during the ascent to the 53rd floor it is generally breathtaking. Tourists go here to take excellent panoramic photos against the backdrop of the city. There is also a good Murakami store with excellent jewelry and exhibitions are constantly held, sometimes with works of modern art, sometimes with models of giant robots.

At noon, it's time to take a stroll through Ueno Park, which is just a couple of subway stops from Roppongi. If you get there in March, you can enjoy the cherry blossom gardens, which begin to bloom here a few days earlier than in the rest of the city. There are many diviners and small shrines, and in the middle of a large pond on an artificially created island, there is a Bentendo temple.

Lunch at two o'clock. Almost all authentic Japanese restaurants offer only one specialty to their diners. We advise you to drop by the Izuei Honten establishment, which has been preparing amazing eel for three centuries.

After lunch, it's time to go shopping. Head to Minami Aoyama Street where you will find all the famous Japanese brand boutiques. The area's most stunning building is the Prada Boutique, which has become an example of the uniqueness of twenty-first century architecture and has even found its way into the textbooks of architecture faculties around the world.

At 5 pm, you can walk to Jingumae Street and visit the large shopping center "Omotesando Hills", where you will find the sake shop "Hasegawa Saketen". It is famous not for what you can buy here, but for its excellent tastings. You will be offered a tasting menu. We recommend choosing one that has shochu and three types of sake. Take an octopus for a drink. Don't worry, it's really delicious.

By six o'clock it's time to take a walk along Ginza. Everything here is in neon, and the large ten-story Chanel building turned its facade into a huge monitor. There are stereo showcases around which hide shops, restaurants and art galleries. One of them, Koyanagi, is highly recommended for everyone, without exception.

Dinner at 20:00. Sushi is eaten here only in the morning, although in Ginza you can find them around the clock. The best option for an evening meal is any gastronomic restaurant with a panoramic view. These are on the top floors of all shopping centers in Tokyo, so finding them will not be a problem. The cost of dinner is within the bounds of decency, and the assortment is impressive.

At 10 pm, after a hearty dinner, be sure to head to the island of Odaiba and visit the traditional Japanese bath called Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari. Malachite stones, ponds, sounds of nature, birdsong, open skies and mineral baths. Until the morning you can sit here only in the steam rooms, and all the delights of the atriums are open only until midnight.

What to bring from Japan?

Lacquerware, which weighs almost nothing, but lives indefinitely. It comes in red and black. The best plates and cups can be found at the Japan Traditional Craft Center. Well, if you need something cheaper, then go to Asakusa, where you will find the Kappabashi Dogugai Dori shop.

Matcha tea. Buy all types and accessories for the tea ceremony. Beautiful, exotic, interesting and delicious.

Tin robot. Also a thing that is completely associated with Japan. Back in the sixties of the last century, the country "fell ill" with robots. Today, such toys can be found in all shopping centers in the country, and Tokyo is no exception.

If you liked this article from the Weekend at ... series, then you may also like the following articles from our blog:

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When I first came to Tokyo in 2009, I was blown away. In general, I consider myself an urban person - I was born in Moscow, I live in New York, that is, I am not alien to big noisy cities. But when I got to Tokyo, feeling its scope, energy, I was stunned.

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It seemed to me that I would never learn how to navigate here. But after several trips, I succeeded...

I'm used to the fact that cities should have some kind of center. Perceptible, and not too big. Such that you can look at the metro map, and immediately at least roughly understand where it is located. In Tokyo, the "subway map" looks like this:

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In general, in the Japanese capital, "subway" is a very relative concept. The city has two separate systems of a full-fledged metro, as well as several branches of metro-like electric trains, something similar to a tram, a monorail and so on. If in New York Times Square can be considered the conditional center of the city, then in Tokyo there are five or six such times squares! Where you can’t get out of the subway, there is a time square! It seemed to me that there was no way to figure it all out.

In the early 1970s, Tarkovsky, filming his Solaris, used Tokyo as the "city of the future". I just put the camera on the car and filmed the entrance to the city center. Even then, the metropolis seemed to be something fantastically confusing, as befits the capital of the future. But 45 years have passed since then!

Fortunately, having visited Japan six times, I was able to roughly understand what was happening, and now I offer you my version of a tourist guide to the main areas of Tokyo. Let's discard the complex map above and use the much simpler layout of Tokyo's "loop" line, the Yamanote Line. All areas of interest to us are depicted here:

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This line connects the city perfectly until you get comfortable, you can move between most areas on it. Sometimes it will take longer than other options, but not by much. A full circle takes an hour, which means you are never further than half an hour from any other station.

If you try, you can see the whole city in two days! (Of course, this will not be a very deep acquaintance, but you will see all the main areas.) As in Moscow, we will designate them by the names of metro stations. So let's go.

Ueno

Ueno is not the most beautiful part of Tokyo, but I still like to start my acquaintance with the city from it. A relatively inexpensive and fast Aeroexpress train, the Keisei Skyliner, runs here from Narita Airport. The trip takes about an hour and costs ¥2460.

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In addition to the convenient location, there is a beautiful park here. It is beautiful in both spring and autumn.

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If you move a little away from the station, you even somehow forget that you are in a huge metropolis.

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Ueno is a great place to explore the eastern half of Tokyo.

Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree

To do this, you have to leave the Yamanote line. But it's worth it. Asakusa is home to Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, one of the most colorful temples in Tokyo.

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And if you walk a little to the east of it, you will find yourself on the embankment of the Semida River, from where you can reach Tokyo Skytree - the highest TV tower in the world. (Concurrently - the tallest man-made building in Japan).

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I took my parents for a walk around these parts on the first evening of our Japanese trip. And I described my visit to Skytree in a post about my long day on the way to work.

Akihabara

Akihabara - Also known as Akiba and Electric City. Located just south of Ueno (two stops on Yamanote). In the post-war period, trade in electrical appliances, wires, adapters, and other junk for craftsmen flourished here. But in recent decades, the area has become a mecca for otaku. Here they sell not only electronics, but also video games, pornography and toys (including pornographic ones).

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Barkers in costumes of video heroines walk the streets of the district, they are hired by shop owners to attract more business.

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There are also fully "cartoon" characters.

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You should be very careful when entering shops in Akihabara, you can easily kill a few hours here.

Tokyo/Ginza

We continue moving south. Five minutes by subway (or half an hour walk) from Akihabara is Tokyo Station. In combination, this is a huge station, in the bowels of which the two main lines of the Japanese high-speed Shinkansen train are connected. And you can't even tell from above.

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Next to the station is the Imperial Palace. Yes, Japan still has an emperor. I never got into the territory of the palace, it seems that this is only possible with a pre-booked tour. But you can also look outside. Everything is done in the best traditions of the feudal castles of Japan>. Wide moat, high walls, white towers...

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The famous Ginza district is a stone's throw from the palace (it has its own subway stop, but not on Yamanote, so it's better to walk). To be honest, I don't really like Ginza - there are a lot of expensive western shops there. Various Cartiers and Louis Vuittons.

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But since the area is famous, it is worth walking past it, so that later you can say with authority that there is nothing to do there.

Tsukiji Market

This is for an amateur. The famous market lies even further south from Ginza, and it’s worth going there only in the morning (they open at 9:00), or even at night if you want to see the famous tuna auction (I myself have never been to an auction). But if you still have jetlag and you woke up before dawn, you can take off, look at sea reptiles of absolutely any spill.

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Right next to the market you can eat sushi if you want to try it for breakfast. There is a mixture of good restaurants, where there are long queues, and places so-so, where it is empty and barkers. I just found out that in a year (in November 2016) the market will move out of here, so hurry up.

And after the fish, since you are here, I advise you to go a little south to the embankment of the same Sumida River. It is very pleasant to walk here in the morning.

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By the way, if you are already in this area in the morning, then I advise you to walk through the above places in reverse order, from south to north (Ginza, Tokyo, Akihabara, Ueno, then Asakusa).

Odaiba

At the end of eastern Tokyo, we went to Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. You can't get to Odaiba on the Yamanote Line. But you can swim on a pleasure boat from Asakusa.

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However, I myself have never done this, but traveled on the Yurikamome automatic train line - the most expensive branch of the near-subway in Tokyo. It passes through the beautiful Rainbow Bridge (no propaganda here).

Odaiba has long been a garbage dump, but in the 1980s and 1990s it was decided to build an ultra-modern new district. Everything didn’t work out right away, today there are buildings of a little dubious beauty, but you can’t refuse them in futurism.

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All this shines brightly at night. There is also a small branch of New York.

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This is a model of the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge. By the way, it is this bridge that is visible on my profile picture, and not one of the New York ones, as you probably thought.

If you are not completely tired yet, then on the way back from the island you should get off at Shiodome station, this is where Miyazaki's magic clock is located. In summer the last bell is at 22:00, in winter - at 20:00. Do not miss.

Roppongi

If Tokyo has a geographic center, it's Roppongi. The last of our areas that cannot be accessed by the Yamanote Line, because it is located in the very center of its circle. Here are the offices of many Western corporations (including the office of Google).

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Roppongi is also a district of nightclubs and bars, many rich foreigners live here. They say that Japanese girls of a certain type like to hook Europeans here.

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Roppongi also offers a beautiful view of Tokyo Tower (not to be confused with Skytree). The TV tower is similar in shape to the Eiffel tower, only its coloring is more cheerful.

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From Roppongi, we will start our walk through the western districts of Tokyo. From here you can walk to Shibuya in about forty minutes.

Shibuya

About Sibuyu, for good, it’s worth writing a separate post. If there is one area that best represents Tokyo for me, it would be Shibuya. When I had a 24-hour layover in Tokyo, I decided to spend this time here. And of course, Shibuya is shown in the title photo for this post.

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Shibuya is crowded, noisy, full of small and large shops, but mostly Japanese. Here is perhaps the most famous crossroads in the world - Shibuya Crossing.

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Don't ask me what to do in Shibuya. Here you just have to be, absorbing the energy of a large living city, which constantly pulsates around. (Remind me someday to tell you the secret of how to view Shibuya from above.)

Then, when you have already enjoyed it, you can start moving north.

Harajuku/Yoyogi

Here it is, the famous district of Tokyo fashionistas and especially fashionistas. The central Harajuku boulevard with its super-expensive boutiques will remind Ginza, but here it is somehow greener, more pleasant. // levik.livejournal.com

Yoyogi Park is also located here, perhaps the main park in Tokyo - the equivalent of our Central Park. Like Ueno, it is beautiful in all seasons.

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And if you happen to get here on a Sunday afternoon, then at the entrance to the park you can watch the unique dances of Japanese rockers.

Shinjuku

Continuing north and ending our Tokyo tour in Shinjuku. The local metro station is also the largest station in the world. Once we were looking for the right platform here for forty minutes.

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If you walked everything correctly, you will find yourself here in the evening, when the whole area is lit up with colorful advertisements.

Shinjuku is louder, brighter and bigger than Shibuya and I don't like him as much because of that. But it's definitely worth visiting. The part of the area called Kabuki-cho is the closest thing in Tokyo to the red light district. Here, all the streets are covered with advertisements of girls in many promising poses, but access for gaijins to local haunts is often closed.

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But we are welcome in another part of Shinjuku - Golden Gai. Several quarters of unique microscopic bars, each with four or five seats. You go with friends, you occupy the whole place at once. The owner stands behind the bar, prepares a snack, pours a drink and entertains you as best he can with conversations, riddles or something else.

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Each bar, like each owner, has its own unique character. You can walk from one to another until you run out of money (or sobriety).

This concludes our two-day tour of Tokyo. Of course, the city has a lot of interesting things besides the listed areas. And each of them has enough interesting things to write a whole post.

But we’ll leave such details for another day, but the main thing for us was to get our bearings in this crazy metropolis for a start ...

PS Tokyo friends, I hope you do not hesitate to write if I frankly misrepresented something. But I'm still not local...

levik
28/12/2015

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