Eric Stoen of Travel Babbo has traveled to Tokyo several times, both with and without kids. We asked him which sites he would recommend to any first-time visitor.
Tokyo Travel
My first visit to Tokyo I was intimidated at the thought of navigating the city and by the language barrier, but I quickly realized that neither should have been a concern. It’s easy to purchase JR Train and Metro tickets at kiosks at any station and then figure out where you want to go and how to get there. And if you need help, there’s usually someone with a little English who is happy to assist, or you can always communicate with maps and smiles and pointing. Regardless the city is safe and there’s nothing scary about getting around.
If I’m in Tokyo for a week, I’ll of course travel deeper – I’ll get a local guide for at least a few hours to explore new areas and I’ll seek out smaller, less-known sites. But if I could only recommend five sites for a new visitor, it would be these – the five spots you shouldn’t miss.
Tsukiji Market
Metro stop: Tsukiji
The Tsukiji Fish Market has been operating at its current location for more than 80 years. It will move in the next couple years to make room for redevelopment – it was actually supposed to move in 2016, but plans keep getting delayed. So go now, while it’s still there! There’s an inner market with wholesalers and the famous early-morning tuna auction, and an outer market with lots of small shops and sushi stands. The inner market is worth walking through at least once to marvel at the scale, the efficiency at which it operates, and the precision with which fish are cut and prepared for sale. But I love the outer market – my go-to spot for amazing (extremely) fresh sushi!
Tsukiji’s inner market
Fresh sushi from a small stand in Tsukiji’s outer market
Meiji Shrine
JR stop: Harajuku
The Meiji Shrine, like the Tsukiji Market, has both inner and outer areas. The central portion, the Shinto shrine complex itself, is fascinating to visit, both for the architecture and for people watching. I especially like weekends, when you’ll often find locals wearing traditional dress. But we also love the shrine for the large forest surrounding it. Enter through the enormous torii gates – including one very close to Harajuku station – and explore the paths and breathe in nature! I never get tired of visiting.
One of the torii gates at Meiji Shrine
Visitors at Meiji Shrine on a weekend
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Metro stop: Shinjuku-gyoemmae
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is our other favorite nature spot in the city. We love to explore aimlessly – along its river, across its bridges, and through its tree lined paths. And the garden is supposed to be stunning when the cherry blossoms are out. Don’t miss the Tea House and the Taiwan Pavilion.
Running through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
In the Taiwan Pavilion at the National Garden
Harajuku
JR stop: Harajuku
Harajuku is our favorite section of the city to just wander. There’s high-end shopping along the main streets, but the side streets are more fun. Takeshita Street is especially worthwhile, even though it’s popular and gets very crowded on weekends. Visit the stores dedicated to random Japanese cartoon/anime characters, eat at an animal cafe or get crepes or giant cotton candy on the street, and keep an eye out for the famed Harajuku girls. If you have kids, stop by nearby Kiddy Land – our favorite toy store in the city. And the Kawaii Monster Cafe is a lot of fun.
The Kawaii Monster Cafe in Harajuku – one of our favorite crazy restaurants.
A crowded Takeshita Street on a Sunday evening
The Arcades of Ikebukuro
Metro and JR stop: Ikebukuro
Japan is famous for its gaming. So head over to Ikebukuro and watch gamers in action at the multi-story arcades. At Ikebukuro we always have fun attempting to get toys from the claw machines, searching out the best capsule toy vending machines and doing the face-enhancing photo booths, and there are good animal cafes and department stores as well, but the highlight is the gaming.
I have no idea how to play this game! But it was mesmerizing to watch.
An arcade in Ikebukuro
Bonus: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Metro and JR stop: Shinjuku
Our favorite place to stay is the Park Hyatt Tokyo – featured in Lost in Translation. The service and view are among the best in the world. But even if you don’t stay at the iconic hotel, it’s worth a visit. Make a lunch or dinner reservation at the New York Grill, located on the top floor, or head to the New York Bar, also on the top floor, where the movie’s bar scenes were filmed. The food is excellent, but the atmosphere and view are what make it our favorite evening spot in the city.
Overlooking the city from the lobby of the Park Hyatt Tokyo
The New York Bar at Park Hyatt Tokyo
Note: this list is easily debated! There are dozens of other sites that I could have included, from Sensō-ji Temple to the Nezu Museum with its gorgeous gardens to the department stores of Ginza to the five-way crossing at Shibuya. What would you have in top-five list?
At the Nezu Museum
Eric Stoen
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