My favourite sights in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is busy but not out of control, the neon lights glow in the neighbourhoods of Shinjuku and Shibuya while teenagers dressed in sailor moon like costumes hang in the ‘cool’ spots of quirky Harajuku.

These are my top five sights in Tokyo, please leave a comment if you have more advice for other readers!

MEIJI SHRINE

A beautiful shrine built to honor the memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken who died in the early 20th Century. The original Shrine burnt down during WWII but was rebuilt soon after.

Emperor Meiji was considered the first emperor of ‘Modern Japan’ who created a new school system and transformed Japan from a Feudal system to a ‘Westernised Power House’.

The Meiji Shrine is located adjacent to the Yoyogi Park which is also worth a visit, the Harajuku district of Shibuya is a walk away from here.

Click here to visit the official website of the Meiji Shrine.

HARAJUKU

A small district that surrounds the Harajuku station is the heart of the youth cultural scene where many Japanese teenager’s congregate for the quirky fashion shops, mainstream chains and independent cafés and restaurants.

‘Harajuku style’ has become a fashion style of its own, you will find groups of teenagers dressed in colourful and elaborate costumes along Takeshita Dori (street) emulating the popular anime and manga characters.

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

The Tsukiji Market is a wholesale seafood market, apparently over 2,000 tones of sea life pass through their stalls every day!

Arrive early in the morning, around 5am or earlier to line up at the Osakana Fukyu Centre at the Kachidoki Gate. Only 120 visitors will be admitted in two groups to the morning auctions. It is a first-come, first-serve system.

If you don’t fancy getting up that early or you miss seeing the auction there are plenty of restaurants and food bars to sample the fresh seafood in the outer market.

NOTE: Please be aware there is talk of the Tsukiji fish market moving to the Toyosu area for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.

I will keep this page updated as best I can as these changes happen but if you know more information please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

Click here to visit the official website of the Tsukiji Fish Market.

SHIBUYA CROSSING

Shibuya is a popular shopping district and the ‘scramble crossing’ has become a must-see for most travellers in Tokyo.

The iconic pedestrian crossing is directly in front of Shibuya train station and becomes a blur of people when the lights change. The square imitates New York’s Times Square with enormous neon digital screens casting a glow on the crowds below.

TIP: There is a great view of the crossing from the Starbucks at this junction, the view has made it one of the busiest Starbucks outlets in the world.