Yoga Retreats

Japan is well known for its numerous high quality yoga centres, teachers and retreats and many of the most popular and prestigious ones are located in Tokyo. It all depends what the individual wants, because nearly everything imaginable to do with yoga is accessible in Tokyo. Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced teacher there will be something new to try and a new challenge to take on in Tokyo.

Yoga is the union of body and mind and it is beneficial for stress relief, weight loss, flexibility and strength and numerous other aspects that affect us in our day to day lives. Whether the individual is interested in it on a spiritual level or simply to provide a thorough workout, there is something available to suit everyone. For those looking for a hard workout that will make them sweat and reap the benefits later on, there are many centres that practice Bikram yoga. This is a style that is conducted in hot rooms and involves the repetition of 26 postures. It is an intense workout and the heat allows deep stretching. Many people have found that they can lose weight a lot easier with Bikram yoga, but you will need to prepare for it in advance, ensuring that you are completely hydrated and have eaten a high energy meal 1 ½ hours before the session.

Alternatively if you are more interested in a yoga retreat, where you stay in one location and submerge yourself in the life of the yogi then Tokyo is certainly the place to go. There are various options, both in the city and on the outskirts, as well as throughout the rest of Japan. For the more orthodox experience a retreat based in a rural area might be preferable, but make no mistake, just because a yoga retreat is based in the city does not mean that it will be busy and have a toxic environment. The creators of these retreats know exactly what they are doing and create a perfect environment to let everyone become immersed in their yoga. Have a look at reviews and try to get recommendations from other people to ensure that you have the best yoga experience that Tokyo has to offer.

When to Travel

Travelling to a different country or a different continent can be a stressful experience when all aspects are considered. One of the problems that people encounter is the change in temperature from their home country. If it is a drastic dip or increase the body can react quite badly, so it is important to know what to expect when visiting and to know when is the best time to travel. Tokyo's temperatures and climates change throughout the year, with all four season's seeing changes.

Winter in Tokyo is not as cold as is often imagined, with temperatures during the day averaging 9°C, but evening temperatures can drop down to freezing. At times there will be snowfall and the wind is often bitter so it is advisable to take a warm coat and protective clothing. However, as is often the case in cold weather, the temperature inside restaurants, the underground and other locations is often very warm, so wear something that can easily be removed. Don't be surprised if you see anyone wearing surgical masks, as the cold often brings on illness and people wish to protect themselves against it.

Spring is a popular time to visit Tokyo due to the temperate weather and beautiful cherry blossoms. In early spring it can be quite cold, but it soon warms up and on average it is about 10°C. Summer in Tokyo varies and while in June it tends to rain quite a lot, in August it is often very humid and uncomfortable. Understandably this is not a favoured time for sightseeing and the temperatures can reach between 30°C and 40°C.

Autumn, like spring, is a preferred time to visit Japan as the temperatures drop and it is much more comfortable to walk around and see the sights. The autumn colours are popular to see and provide a beautiful backdrop for the holiday. Japan is popular because of its varied seasons, offering a different vision of its cities during different times of the year. Knowing what to expect in terms of temperature and winds will allow travellers to pack accordingly and relax once they arrive.

Top 5 Tokyo Sites

Visiting any great city can be a little overwhelming and with so much to see, how is anyone supposed to decide on which sights are at the top of their list and which will be saved for another time? For those who are short on time or simply can't decide what to do first here are the main sights that shouldn't be missed in Tokyo. There are, of course, many more things to see and do in Tokyo, but this offers a good starting point.

The Tsukiji Fish Market is well known for the vast array of numerous different types of fish on display and on offer. This is certainly a more relaxing trip for those who want to see the natural Tokyo as it has been for years. The visit is ended perfectly with a meal at one of the local restaurants where the freshest fish imaginable is served. Have a look at some reviews beforehand to ensure that you find the best restaurant around there for you.

The Sensoji Temple is another must see and is located in Asakusa, Taito. It is Tokyo's oldest temple and certainly a sight to behold. It is surrounded by many different restaurants, snack bars and shops, so tourists often make a day of being in this area. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) frames the entrance to this bright and colourful temple.

The Roppongi area is the ideal location for those looking for a good night out in Tokyo's lively night life. It is in the district of Minato and is known to be one of the richer areas of the city, but be wary of some of the more suspicious and dangerous areas.

The Meiji Jingu Shrine is a truly inspiring sight, located in Shibuya. It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, because the Japanese wanted to pay their respects to these influential figures.

Finally, it would be a shame to miss Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan. There are many different events held in this hall, such as music concerts and boxing, but to see Sumo wrestling there would be a fine finish to a special trip to Tokyo.

Tokyo Opera City

One of the most popular and fascinating sights in Tokyo is undoubtedly the Opera City Tower. Since its creation in 1996 it has received wonderful reviews, outlining it as a popular sight for tourism and a great business location. The building is the seventh tallest in Tokyo and certainly draws the attention of passers-by through the Shinjuku area.

It is home to the New National Theatre and concert halls, as well as many businesses and the building itself has fantastic service, with parking, free admission and for those with young children prams and other items can be checked into reception.

Undoubtedly the most interesting part of the Opera City Tower is the concert halls, and this is certainly a prime location for some of the country's and the world's finest artists. Both locals and tourists alike enjoy the numerous and varied concerts that are held here. Individuals wishing to attend should view the upcoming shows online before deciding what to see. Ideally tickets should be bought in advance to avoid any stressful scenarios.

There are also two other opera companies that musical enthusiasts can visit. The Tokyo Nikikai Opera Foundation has 2000 Japanese opera singers as members and holds between four and five operas per year. Then there is the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, which is known for its fantastic acoustics. It is located in the Ueno Park in Tokyo. Due to the obvious interest in these locations they are easily accessible by public transport and are surely a sight and experience not to be missed. Many people are under the false assumption that opera is simply not for them. However, if someone has not tried something, how do they know if they don't like it? Opera offers an inspirational display of all the emotions imaginable, as well as amazing creative and musical talents from around the world. Whether it is a traditional and long standing opera, or a new and controversial show, it is worth taking the time to see if this new experience can be enjoyed and loved. Attending the opera is an ideal way to soak up the culture of any country.