Japan is known worldwide for its distinct character and millions of travellers flock to Japan to see the top 10 unique places in Tokyo. Tokyo is the capital of Japan and it is the densest city with over 39 million people living within the prefecture. Despite its dense population, Tokyo has maintained its beauty, prestige, and uniqueness through the collective efforts of the Japanese citizens. It is relatively a safe and clean place to stay; the reason why many tourists visit several times in their lives.
Before planning your visit to Tokyo, do make sure that you have your necessary documents to apply for the country’s tourist visa. Check if you belong to one of the 67 countries that are exempted from applying for a short-stay visa. If you are not a citizen of one of those countries, then you need to apply for the Japanese tourist visa. There are several requirements you need in order to get a tourist 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
Top 10 Unique Places in Tokyo:
There are many one-of-a-kind places to see in the city but this list focuses on the top 10 unique places in Tokyo.
10) Themed Restaurants in Tokyo
Tokyo is known for its eccentric character and a proof of this is the sprouting of several themed restaurants in the center of the city. One of the more popular themed restaurant here is the Robot Restaurant. Located in the Shinjuku area, Robot Restaurant features all kinds of Japanese characters like Godzilla, Voltes V, and many more. Not patronizing one of the many themed restaurants in Tokyo is like not visiting the city at all. So make you pick one crazy themed restaurant and just go all out.
Make reservations ahead of time to secure a table for these themed restaurants can get really packed. To get to Robot Restaurant, take the metro, alight at the JR Shinjuku Station, and take the east exit.
9) Tsukiji Fish Market
Even famous travelogue hosts like Andrew Zimmern and Ian Wright did not pass up the chance to visit this unique market at the wee hours in the morning. The famous Tsukiji Fish Market is the drop off and selling point of the number 1 fish marketed in this region, the tuna. Go here hours before sunrise and you will see the tuna auction in action. This auction is not for the faint of heart; prices can really go as high as $5,000 per tuna.
At the Tsukiji Fish Market.
To get to the market, you may need to hire a private car or take a taxi since you need to be there before 5am.
8) Shibuya Crossing
This may just be a very wide 4-way street pedestrian crossing but Shibuya Crossing is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Imagine, more than one million pedestrian take this crossing every single day.
It is just a unique experience to be one of the million that has crossed this very lively street. If you think that is the only exciting activity in Shibuya, then you are wrong. Shibuya is filled with narrow alleyways that are lined with local boutiques and local restaurants. While there, pose beside the famous Hachiko monument dedicated to the Japanese dog that displayed immense loyalty to his owner.
To get to Shibuya crossing, take the metro JR Yamanote line, and take Hachiko exit.
7) Karaoke Bars in Tokyo
Karaoke is part of the Japanese culture. If you are not familiar with karaoke, it is a sing-along machine that contains thousands of local and international songs. In Tokyo, there are thousands of brightly-lit karaoke bars where many locals spend time to relax and have a few drinks.
Bergerac Bar, Golden Gai, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, October 25, 2012.
Spending a couple of hours in one of the most famous karaoke bars, Karaoke Kan, is not a waste of time and money. Tap the inner singer in you and blast the night away.
To get to Karaoke Kan, take the metro JR Yamanote line and take Hachiko exit.
6) Hakkaku Sumo Stable
Don’t worry. You do not need to wrestle with the heavy weights in this gym. You just need to sit in like a private spectator and marvel in this ancient sport that is still revered in Japan until now.
Give due respect though because sumo wrestlers are very serious during training, so just sit quietly and take a few photos (no flash photography please) while inside the gym. Wrestlers at Hakkaku start their training at 7:00am and end at 10:00am so make sure you get there on time so their guide will allow you to sit in.
To get to this sumo stable, take the metro Toei Oedo line and alight at the Ryoguko station.
5) Harajuku Street
Another iconic street in Tokyo is the Harajuku Street. This street is known to many young adults as the cosplaying capital of the world. You do not need to be dressed in Animé costume just to grace this street; you just need to go there and watch all the other cosplayers in character. The best day to visit this street is Sunday, when all the cosplayers converge on the Jingubashi Bridge.
To get to Harajuku Street, take the metro JR Yamanote line and alight at the Harajuku exit. Turn left from the exit to get to the bridge.
4) Kabuki-Za
It is such a unique experience to see a Kabuki show in Tokyo. At Kabuki-Za, you get to see beautifully designed kimonos worn by thickly made up local Kabuki artists. Watch them perform the famous local dances and play famous local instruments like the Shamisen. You will be surprised that all artists who perform on stage are men!
To get to Kabuki-Za, take the metro Asakusa line and alight at Higashi Ginza station exit 3. Tickets can be bought online or right outside the theatre. Just buy the Single Act ticket so you can have enough time to go around Ginza area.
3) Nakamise
Nakamise is a street lined with local shops the produce and sell Japanese paper lantern. This is one of the original street market in Japan where old, traditional artisans can be found. Start your shopping at the Thunder Gate and walk down the street and see all the local lanterns, fans, and other souvenir items.
To get to Nakamise, take the metro Asakusa line and alight at the Asakusa station.
2) Tokyo Imperial Palace
Have a taste of Tokyo’s history by visiting the Tokyo Imperial Palace. This is the official residence of the Japanese Emperor and this structure has been established long before Tokyo was established. This used to be the center of the Empire of Edo and now holds several museums and archive offices.
To get to Tokyo Imperial Palace, take the metro Maronuochi Line and alight at Tokyo Station.
1) Sushi Bar in Tokyo
Complete your top 10 unique places in Tokyo list by visiting one of the popular sushi bars in the city. Tokyo is filled with a lot of hole-in-a-wall type of sushi bars and going in in one is always a treat.
One of the best sushi bars in the entire city is Irifune. This sushi bar is known for its Nigiri or tuna sushi which all come from the local market. The price may be a bit dear but when in Tokyo, eat like the locals do.
To get to Irifune, take the metro Tokyu Meguro Line and alight at the Okusawa station.
Top 10 Unique Places in Tokyo – Konnichiwa!
Venture to the east and explore the beauty and distinctiveness of Tokyo. 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.
Enjoy the fun side of Japan and see the top 10 unique places in Tokyo!
