Tokyo Things to Do Tips by akikonomu

Torii Gates Ueno Park Review

Try to locate the shrine in Ueno park. The row of torii gates standing over a flight of steps leading downwards towards the shrine is an interesting sight.

Address: Ueno Koen, Taito-ku

Directions: JR / Tokyo Metro / Keisei UENO

Phone: 03-3833-0030

Website: http://www.ueno.or.jp/index3.htm

Asakusa Kannon-do Asakusa Review

A very crowded shrine. The two humongous paper lanterns and statues guarding the entrance of the shrine is awesome.

The shops lining the street towards the shrine is one major tourist trap. However, there're many exotic and stange, useless toys and stuff that are bound to catch your eye.

If you're a fan of J-pop and artistes, look out for a store selling photos of your favourite stars on the left hand side of the street towards the shrine. I think I paid about 150yen for each 4R photo?

Address: Taito-ku, Tokyo-to

Website: http://www.asakusashichifukujin.jp/

Excellent collection Edo-Tokyo Museum Review

Contains an excellent collection of kimonos, kabuki costumes, fabrics, calligraphy, scrolls, paintings, stoneware, pottery, lacquerware, samurai armour, blades and much more.

Very intriguing. Could spend hours after hours wandering in the museum. The museum shops sell wonderful souvenirs and replicas of the exhibits.

Address: Yokozuna, sumida-ku, Tokyo-to

Website: http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/

Glitzy world Ginza Review

The must-see, must-experience place in Tokyo. It's interesting to see that most departments stores have uniformed receptionists in colourful outfits, hats and thick makeup.

Well heeled ladies in kimonos, office workers in business suits, high school girls with their mini skirts - a mix of Tokyoites in all forms.

Bright neon lights in the evenings, glitzy shopping arcades, towering office buildings - a hodgepodge of activities.

What more can I say?

Address: Chuo-ku, Tokyo-to

Directions: Eidan Metro Ginza Sta. / JR Yurakucho Sta.

Website: http://www.ginza.co.jp/

Get lost Ueno Park Review

The park is so huge you could easily get lost. Within the park, there's Ueno zoo, a shrine, an area with lots of huge stone lanterns and a mock of Kyoto's Kiyomizudera.

The best part must be getting lost near the stone lanterns. The lanterns are so huge and scattered all over. If you're alone, it can be rather eerie.

Address: Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo-to

Directions: JR / Eidan Metro / Keisei Ueno Sta.

Phone: 03-3833-0030

Website: http://www.ueno.or.jp/index3.htm

Old Traditions in a Modern World Meiji-Jingu Shrine Review

Within the serene grounds of the shrine, you'd almost forget that it's a frenzied world out there at Harajuku.

You may also get an opportunity to witness a bridal procession or view the chrysanthemum exhibits during autumn. Some of the chrysanthemums are so big and tall they look almost like sunflowers.

Address: Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to

Directions: JR Harajuku Sta. / Eidan Metro Jingu Mae Sta.

Website: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/