Tokyo – Featured Destination

TOKYO TOWER
Height 333 m. Since the completion of Showa 33 (1958), it is a symbol of Tokyo tourism. From the observation deck, you can see the city of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo in a panoramic view. Spots such as aquarium and restaurants are enriched, too. It is beautiful that the light up is done at night. Registered tangible cultural property.

Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji is the former site of one of the world’s greatest fish markets which, at its prime, handled over 2,000 tons of fresh seafood a day. While the inner market’s wholesale functions and tuna auctions relocated to Toyosu Market in October 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market, a lively community of merchants and suppliers of food, kitchen equipment, and some of Tokyo’s best restaurants, remains in business.

Imperial palace
Tokyo Imperial Palace and its beautiful gardens are a world away from the hustle bustle of the city. Just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station and the high-rise Marunouchi financial district, this calm green oasis covers an impressive 1.15 square kilometres in the central Chiyoda Ward. Built on the site of the former Edo Castle, the palace became the permanent home of the Imperial Family in 1869. While you can’t go inside, except on rare special occasions that let you glimpse the interior, the surrounding manicured lawns, topiary trees and meticulously maintained gardens are not only visually enchanting but give a good idea of what being royalty is all about.

Sensoji temple and Nakamise street
Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, offers plenty to see including the bright red Kaminarimon Gate, a statue of the god of thunder, and a five-story pagoda. The bustling street known as “Nakamise” stretches for about 250 m from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple and is filled with a plethora of shops.

Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo stadium)
Home of the heavyweights—sumo’s main stadium
Three times a year—in January, May and September—the Kokugikan plays host to national sumo tournaments. If you’re visiting during these months, it is very much worth the effort to obtain tickets. Besides the thrill of watching the wrestling giants, the fast-paced matches, calls of the crowd and snacks all conjure up the atmosphere of an earlier era in Tokyo.