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Tokyo: 24 HoursThis enormous, modern city is full of contrasts, combining an ancient culture with the best in cutting-edge technology.Text: LORETO ALCÁNTARA Nearly 13 million people call Tokyo home. No wonder every neighborhood is a world apart and a city unto itself. The streets are unnamed (except for the most important thoroughfares), and street signs only list the neighborhood and section number (i.e., Marunouchi 2). We recommend using a map and paying careful attention to avoid getting lost.
The best way to take in Tokyo is by using the safe and speedy train and metro services. The numerous routes and Japanese-language signs may look intimidating, but don’t worry: there are also maps with Roman characters. Each of the 13 metro lines is distinguished by a different color. For example, all of the stations on the Ginza line are marked with an orange circle bearing the letter G and a number. At Ueno Station, it is easy to tell the orange Ginza (G16) line from the gray Hibya line (H17). The center of Tokyo also is served by the circular Yamanote train line, which has 29 stations with stops near the main tourist attractions. Tokyo Station (30 min)
This station welcomes the largest number of travelers in the world and is the site where the train, metro, Shinkansen (bullet train) and city train lines come together. It only takes a few minutes to walk through the underground galleries to the main exit (Marunouchi), admiring the German style of the old station. Built in 1914, the structure is still in perfect condition. The station is also located in the Marunouchi district, which is home to Japan’s leading firms and just steps away from the Imperial Palace. Imperial Palace by Bus (1 hora / 1 hour)
The inner gardens and buildings are home to the Japanese royal family and closed to the public, but a bus tour around the Imperial Palace and the Ginza and Marunouchi districts is highly recommended. Tours depart from the Mitsubishi building (a three-minute walk south of Tokyo Station), in front of the post office, where you will find convenient ATMs. Skybus offers a one-hour bus tour on an English-style double-decker. Highlights include the Imperial Palace, the National Parliament, the main government ministries and a quick peak at the Ginza and Marunouchi districts. Take a few minutes to admire the Tokyo International Forum, which is about five minutes away from the Mitsubishi Building. Ginza District, Mecca of Consumerism (3 horas / 3 hours)
Walk east from the International Forum and cross under the train lines. The main avenue of Ginza is a five-minute walk away. This is the most famous area in the city, home to the world’s most sophisticated stores. The main shopping centers are Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, Matsuzakaya and Hankyu. The modern and minimalist Apple store is several stories high and is a must-see, as is the Sony building, with the latest products and prototypes from this local brand. Only for fans of cutting-edge technology and design. Teatro Kabukiza / Kabukiza Theater (30 min)
One of Tokyo’s main kabuki theaters is located in the same district, about a ten-minute walk from the Ginza metro station (G09). The beautiful and traditional façade receives thousands of visitors who attend traditional Japanese theater each season. Shows are sold out well in advance, so it is not likely that you will be able to score a rush ticket. Parque Ueno / Ueno Park (1 hora / 1 hour)
This beautiful park is worth a visit, especially in spring, when the sakura or cherry trees are in bloom, inspiring awe in locals and tourists (who come by the thousands). This is also one of the best places in Tokyo to have a picnic. The most direct route from the Ginza district is on the line of the same name from Ginza (G09) or Kyobashi (G10) to Ueno Station (G16). Inside the park, at the end of a long lane of sakura, you will find the Tokyo National Museum, which houses a collection of Japanese art and celebrated exhibits. This stop on the tour merits at least an hour. Senso-Ji Temple, Asakusa (2 horas / 2 hours)
To reach Asakusa from Ueno, take the Ginza line to Asakusa Station (G19), which is a five-minute walk from the temple entrance. This is perhaps the most famous tourist destination in the city. In order to reach the temple, you must walk down a long street of souvenir shops offering just about everything: fans, dolls, parasols, paper lamps, katanas, kimonos and other pieces. Entering through the Hozomon door, you are met by a large incense burner and a five-story tall pagoda. Prayers are offered by monks in Hondo, the main building. And if you walk along the Sumidawaga River, you can enjoy the view and the unique golden sculpture at the Asahi headquarters. Electronic Akihabara (2 horas / 2 hours)
From Asakusa, the best option is to go back to the Ueno Station (G16) on the Ginza line and transfer to the Yamanote train line to get to Akihabara, a mandatory stop for devotees of technology, video games and anime. Known as the “electronic city,” this area is home to department stores and hundreds of shops that offer everything from electronic gadgets to computers. There are also genuine collector's items from 1980s cartoons like Tranzor Z and Transformers. The neon-lit streets and shop windows are truly spectacular. Shibuya and Pedestrian Crossing (2 horas / 2 hours)
The Yamanote metro line is your best bet. Take the train to Akihabara Station and then on to Shibuya, exiting through the famous Hachiko door. Just before the intersection is a statue of a dog. Legend has it that Hachiko waited for his owner outside the station every day for years, but one day, the man took ill and died before returning home. In an unparalleled show of loyalty, the pooch waited for him for ten years, until he too passed away. The neighbors of Shibuya erected the statue in homage to the faithful Hachiko, and today, it is a symbol of the district and a meeting place for young people. A few blocks away, you’ll find the world’s most famous pedestrian crossing. Dozens of people cross paths at the same time and in every direction. The noise from the giant screens can become unbearable. You may remember this site from the films Lost in Translation and, more recently, Babel. A cool place to hang out, with restaurants, bars, night clubs, karaoke, galleries, movie theaters and stores – it seems endless and is an excellent place to bid farewell to this unstoppable city. Where to Eat Kurayamizaka Miyashita: The best thing about this restaurant is the great view from the 36th floor of the Marunouchi building, across from Tokyo Station. Japanese cuisine. Kujiraya: This traditional restaurant specializes in whale meat. Robata: One of the best-known restaurants for Japanese fare in Tokyo. Komagata Dojo: This traditional restaurant specializes in a fish called locha. Ten-Ichi: The best place to try delicious fish and vegetable tempura. Edogin Sushi:
Good sushi at a reasonable price. Where to Stay Hotel Imperial Tokio: Opened in 1890, this is one of the best hotels in the city, combining tradition and elegance with excellent service. Grand Hyatt Tokyo: This five-star hotel with an Asian touch is located in the heart of Roppongi, Tokyo’s financial, business and leisure center. Park Hyatt Tokyo: Located in the center of Shinjuku, this hotel provided the setting for the film Lost in Translation. New Otani Tokio: One of the best new hotels in Japan. Where to Shop Mitsukoshi Ginza Matsuya Ginza Matsuzakaya What to See Tokyo Station Imperial Palace Mitsubishi Building Kabukiza Theater Tokyo National Museum City Tour More Information Tokyo Metro
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