Pop Japan

Being the capital of Japan, Tokyo is no doubt to be a very busy city. With over 35 million people passing by each day marking it as the largest metropolitan in the world, it sounds impossible to enjoy this place as it screams chaos and mess. But in reality, Tokyo can be a lot more fun than you’re thinking. The stores, restaurants and all the other attractions weren’t present there for no reason.

Here are the things that you can do in the busy and crowded city of Tokyo:

CENTRAL TOKYO
1. Experience the real life maid cafes at Akihabara - Akihabara is well-known to be the largest town who collect all kinds of electronic appliances and devices thus gaining its name Electronic Town. However, with the influence of anime and manga lovers, maid cafes came into the picture. Where the maids will treat their customers as if they are their master.

2. Shop until you drop at Ginza - Deemed to be the premier shopping district and fashion center of Tokyo, Ginza houses lots of ritzy shops and restaurants.
3. Sing your heart out in Karaoke Bars - Japanese loves to sing in Karaoke! It’s such a delighful experience to sing to your favorite songs at the top of your lungs with your friends. There are plenty of karaoke bars scattered around Tokyo.

NORTHERN TOKYO

4. Roam around in Ueno Park - Stroll around the large public park which is a perfect spot for Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) there’s also a zoo that is home to over 200 animals. Several shrines and museums are also located around the park.

5. Go to the Tokyo Sky Tree - Tokyo Sky Tree was named as the world’s tallest free-standing tower at 634m. The Sky Tree consists of two observation decks at 350m and 450m. Gazing upon the Tembo Deck, you can see the beautiful Tokyo Skyline which will take your breath away. There’s also a small section of glass panel where you can look down. Brace yourself, though it can get really frightening at first.

WESTERN TOKYO

6. Join the scramble in Shibuya Crossing Road - Outside the Shibuya Station, there’s a popular intersection that you shouldn’t miss. When the traffic light goes into full-stop, join the crowd and cross the road. It looks like a crowded mess from below but watching it from above is kind of amazing because people are still organized even in just crossing the road.

7. Have a picture with Hachiko Statue - A true to life story which touched the hearts of everyone is the story of Hachiko and his master. Hachiko, a golden brown Akita was owned by Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in University of Tokyo. Hachiko used to greet his master each day nearby the Shibuya Station. One day, Professor Ueno did not return because he died from cerebral hemorrhage in 1925. For the next nine years, Hachiko waited for his master to come but he never did until Hachiko died in 1935. The story reflects about loyalty and later on it became as a national symbol.

8. Visit Meiji Shrine - A shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1920 was once destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt again. The 40 foot high torii gate and forest trees will welcome you upon entering. Before you proceed to the shrine, stop at the cleansing station to purify your hands and mouth by dipping your hand into a communal water tank. To offer a prayer, toss some coins in the offering box then bow your head, clap twice and bow again.

9. Explore Harajuku - Named as the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and street fashion styles, Harajuku is a colorful district in Tokyo which houses a lot of great shops for all ages.

10. Play with cats at Cat Cafe - If you’re a cat lover or you just like to be in company with cats, visit a Cat Cafe. Out of the many cat cafe’s scattered around Tokyo, Cat Cafe Kyariko Shinjuku is the best with over 50 cats who will entertain you.

OUTLYING AREAS

11. Go to Tokyo Disney Land and Tokyo Disney Sea - We all know it’s every kid’s dream to go to Disneyland. Well, Japan has Disneyland, too! It is a 115-acre theme park located in Tokyo which was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States. While Tokyo Disney Sea is the 9th park of the 11 worldwide Disney theme parks. The place was inspired by myths and legends of the sea.

Tokyo is a place that you can actually enjoy in to the fullest if you’ll just explore the city, one shop and one attraction at a time. In case you’re wondering why there’s nothing about food here, we’ll get on with that, soon.