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.

Tokyo Nightlife

Anyone visiting a major city is going to be interested in the nightlife. While some people choose to simply taste the daytime delights of Tokyo and then settle in for a quite night, there are many more who are eager to taste a night out in Tokyo. Depending on where you decide to visit in the city, a different night will be found in different places.

Some areas are popular among locals and rich businessmen and in this scenario foreign people may not be welcome. Roppongi is widely accepted as the best area to go for a good night out. The traditional type of night for the Japanese would be sat around a table with several friends, trying various different foods and drinks. Alternatively karaoke is a very interesting experience in Japan, with guests being given a private room with their friends to partake in the singing. This allows for a much more enjoyable and personal experience.

Naturally there are also places to go clubbing, dancing and drinking, much like in western cities. However, it should be remembered that technically dancing is forbidden in residential areas. This law is normally overlooked, as people can rarely resist the urge to dance when great songs are being played, but none-the-less the law still stands.

The entrance to clubs and bars can be both reasonable and expensive, depending on the area and the type of place it is. However, the ticket usually includes a few drinks and food, such as snacks or sometimes even a full meal. Some areas are known to be more dangerous than others, but providing people stay alert and aware of their surroundings, Tokyo is a safe place to explore and party in at night. There is also the option to go and see a show in Tokyo and there couldn't be more venues and shows to choose from. The city certainly comes alive at night and visitors and locals alike are in for a treat for the senses. It caters to all tastes and needs, whether the individual is looking for romance or partying, there is an area for everything.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is one of the places that most people head to first, after hearing so much about it and reading rave reviews. The Palace is built on the site of the old Edo Castle and has a substantial value that cannot be forgotten once you see it. Being the home of the Emperor of Japan it is understandable that the majority of the grounds are not open to the public, yet it is still a memorable sight to see. On the Emperor's birthday the public is allowed to enter through the inner gates, called the Nakamon, and see the Imperial family on their balcony.

The Palace Grounds are built up of several areas, so it is a good idea to understand where you are going before you get there, ensuring a good time is had by all. The Kyuden is the main building of the Palace and has seven wings, including the throne room where the Emperor has audiences. The Fukiage Garden is where the Imperial family resides, but it is also where the Suwa no Chaya teahouse was originally located, but it has since been reloated in the East Garden.

The East Garden has been altered over the last century, but is where the Music Hall, Tokagakudo sits. The Ninomaru Garden is also based in the East Garden. This is quite a sight, showing the trees planted from each prefecture in Japan.

Those visitors coming from a western background will find the Imperial Palace to be an unusual concept and one of great interest. The grounds and buildings are beautiful and their value is clear from the outset. Those who are able to visit the Palace on New Year or the Emperor's birthday will be lucky enough to hear his speech and see the Imperial family in all their glory on the balcony. Many countries find Royal and Imperial families to be of great interest, so this area is especially popular because of the vast historical and cultural significance that it holds. It is often the first place that people think to visit when coming to Japan or Tokyo.