Fly to the Land of the Rising Sun and visit the 7 must-see sites in Tokyo. The most densely populated city in Japan, Tokyo is a bustling metropolitan destination that attracts millions of tourists every year. A leader in both commerce and culture, Tokyo has a distinct, almost border lining eccentric image that makes it an interesting destination to explore.
Prior to flying to this oriental destination, you need to know whether your passport is exempted from the Japanese tourist visa or if you need to apply for one. Japan has given short-stay visa exemptions to 67 countries around the globe. Passport holders that are exempted from securing a visa may stay in Japan from 15 to 90 days, depending on the country of residence. However, passport holder that are not exempted must apply for a Japanese visa. Here are the requirements to secure a visa:
- Completed visa application form
- Filled out letter of guarantee
- Filled out letter of reason for invitation
- Full itinerary in Japan
- List of visa applicants
- Overview of company (if invited for a business trip)
- Current passport
- Couple of passport picture
7 Must-See Sites in Tokyo:
It is quite difficult to deduce the best sites to see in the whole of Tokyo down to 7, but knowing that most tourists spend only at least 3 days in the city, it is important to choose the 7 must-see sites in Tokyo that will showcase what the city is all about.
Top 7: Tsukiji Market:
You must be wondering why a market is part of this top 7 list? Well, you must know that the seafood industry in Tokyo is a serious business. Choosing the best and freshest marine catch is a part of the Japanese culture.
Japanese do not mind spending a hefty amount for a freshly caught tuna because they believe in the best quality of food instead of the quantity. So while you are still overcoming your jetlag, better head to the Tsukiji Market during the wee hours to witness the very active fish auction as well as see the out-of-this-world marine life available in the market.
Top 6: Tokyo Imperial Palace:
After that wonderful trip to the market, your next destination must be the official seat of Japan’s Emperor. The Tokyo Imperial Palace is like an oasis in the middle of the concrete Tokyo jungle.
This park-like imperial compound shows how much the Japanese respect and adore the beauty of nature. Go here during spring to see the blooming cherry blossoms especially near the Chidori-Ga-Fuchi. Aside from the sprawling gardens around the palace, every tourist must see the castles inside the compound.
Top 5: Tokyo National Museum:
Visit the Tokyo National Museum to familiarize yourself to the historic past and the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Deserving to be a part of the top 7 must-see sites in Tokyo, the Tokyo National Museum is the oldest museums with the vastest collection in the entire country.
There are actually six separate halls that make up the entire museum which means that visitors can expect more than 100,000 artefacts displayed in the several permanent exhibits here. The highlight of the museum is probably the memorial hall outside the complex dedicated to Kuroda, the father of Japanese western-style paintings.
Top 4: Tokyo DisneySea:
Tourists all over the world must be familiar with the American theme park owned by Walt Disney. In Tokyo, however, the Disney people decided to create a new theme park that will revolutionize the Disney brand.
That is why in 2001 the Tokyo DisneySea was inaugurated and has amazingly attracted 10 million guests in less than a year after its opening. This giant water resort has quite a number of uniquely themed areas – Mediterranean Harbour, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island, Port Discovery, and many more. If you are traveling with kids or your teenagers, you better book at least an overnight stay at DisneySea.
Top 3: Kabukicho:
If you prefer a more adult-themed entertainment in Tokyo, then Kabukicho should be at the top of your list. Tokyo is a 24/7 city and nightly entertainments are just accessible and plentiful.
One of the lively “red-light” areas but minus the illegal activities, mind you, in Tokyo is Kabukicho. A famous men’s-only destination, Kabukicho is filled with host or hostess clubs, bars, and karaoke clubs. Don’t go here empty-handed because the price of drinks, entrance fees, and tips may be astonishingly high. You can may be scout the area first before deciding to enter your chosen club.
Top 2: Takeshita Street:
If Kabukicho is an all-men’s party place, Takeshita Street is every lady’s dreamland. This shopping haven, located in Harajuku, is lined with multiple clothing shops, shoe stores, restaurants, and cafes.
What is unique about this street are the multiple small businesses that are promoted and supported by the local government. Here you cannot find western products, instead find local products that can only be found in Japan. Many business owners in Takeshita Street use the market to dry-run and test products that can potentially set a trend in the future.
Top 1: Hachijo Island:
At the top of the 7 must-see sites in Tokyo, the Hachijo Island is located by the Philippine Sea and can be accessed by plane from Haneda Airport.
It is rare for tourists to know that Tokyo has several chains of islands within its territory which is why Hachijo is usually quiet and isolated – ideal for tourists who want to take a break from the Tokyo noise. The island is bordered by two large mountains and a coastline rich with marine corals. Adventure-seeking tourists can take diving lessons or snorkelling lessons in this island. Tourists can also hire a guide to take them up Mt. Mihara or Mt. Nishi.
7 Must-See Sites in Tokyo – Say Konnichiwa!
Say Konnichiwa to Tokyo by processing your short-stay tourist visa in your local Japanese embassy. Before you get your plane tickets, make sure that have the proper documents for your visa application. Should you have any questions or need any assistance is getting a visa or getting an itinerary for the visa application, you may contact us through our website or Facebook page.
Venture to the east and explore the 7 Must-See Sites in Tokyo!
