What to see in Tokyo in a week, the districts not to be missed to see the truest Tokyo, that of manga and anime, a proven itinerary even for those who want to make a low cost travel.
Tokyo it is a city that surprised me very much, it is huge and in any case functional, the vehicles are clean and the streets would be the envy of any other metropolis in the world. I stayed in Tokyo for almost four days, but I recommend that you plan at least five, also because I have run a lot and if you want to do things a little more calmly, one more day you need everything. And if you want to do some day trips from here, then I recommend you stay seven days.
Finding cheap accommodation in Tokyo is not difficult, unless you travel around New Year's Eve or some Japanese national holiday. Cheap accommodation can be found, starting with the famous capsule hotel. But let's go in order. I will write here my itinerary practically but divided by zones, so you can decide to do two neighborhoods in one day or take some time and see one area per day, as you prefer. Here are the things that are worth at least one to me visit to Tokyo.
Akihabara: tech purchases and manga
Mine first day in Tokyo I spent exploring the most technological district of the city. Also called Electric Town, the neighborhood began to develop after the Second World War when in this part of the city, right next to the station, the area was becoming a black market for radio spare parts. Exit the subway in direction Electric Town and start exploring the area. I got one map of the shops, you can find it in almost every shopping center, or try asking in English, and start wandering around.
This neighborhood is made for those who love manga, anime e technology in all its forms. Here you can find the maid coffee, cafes where the waitresses are dressed as housekeepers (and there is usually always a long line of waiting to get in), or comic shops and Japanese cartoon models, not to mention electronics. Be careful not to get lost, there are always a lot of people and it can be unsettling.
Just a note in case you want to buy something. Many shops they sell used, pay attention or ask that the price is relative to a new object or to be resold, also not being able to easily come back here to change the objects taken, make sure that the object you need is exactly what you need, whether it is a lens or a car new photo. The realm of electronics can be found at Yodobashi Camera Akiba, seven floors of stuff that will give you a headache! If you see a large building with the writing on it AKB48, enter and go to the top floor, you will discover an incredible phenomenon in Japan;)
Shibuya: the busiest intersection in the world
Shibuya it's kind of like Times Square a New York, an immense busy intersection at all hours that gets to see more than a thousand people at a time crossing at the green click of the traffic light. To make sure you get out on the right side, take the Hachiko exit at Shibuya Station.
Yes, you read that right, the exit Hachiko it is so called because here is the statue of famous dog breed Akita who died right here in 1925. You will have a little trouble finding this statue, because it is usually always flooded with people.
When you leave this station, you will find an immense play of lights in front of you. Mega screens with advertising, colors, flashes… you will be almost stunned, or exalted! The area is full of shopping malls, karaoke, restaurants, starbucks and other famous chains. Shibuya is not only famous for its crossbreed, but also for its own Love hotel, hotels that can be taken by the hour and all have a very particular decor. I didn't go to sleep in it, but if you do, I want a photo!
Ginza: the luxury district and Tsukiji
During my stay in Tokyo, I had taken the hotel in Ginza thanks to an offer on booking. Ginza is the upscale district of Tokyo and is well served. Here you can find good hotels with affordable prices even if they are 4 stars. Ginza's luxury street is easily recognizable, here is the building of Armani, by Bulgari, by Chanel and all the other expensive brands that come to your mind… and more!
I recommend you take a trip to the Nikon Salon and Canon Plaza if you are interested in photography, but also in Shiseido Gallery to buy some good cream at incredible prices! Unfortunately, I found it closed because I went over the New Year period, but I saw the incredible prices from the window eh! Don't let them get away, but get the info in Italy that here everything is written in Japanese, even the labels of the creams.
In Ginza and especially in the Chūō district, there is also the most famous and largest fish district in the world: Tsukiji. This market is incredibly large, a real neighborhood made up of banquets but above all small restaurants where you can eat sushi and fresh fish. Not only fish is sold here, as you might think, but also fruit, vegetables and meat.
The market consists of two parts, the Inner Market and the Outer Market. In the Inner Market thetuna auction and tourists cannot enter before 9 am. The Outer Market, on the other hand, is the part open to everyone where there are stalls and restaurants, shops and all the most beautiful things you can imagine seeing and buying in a fish market. The Outer market is open from 5 am to 14 pm and admission is free. The market is closed on Sundays and sometimes on Wednesdays.
Here you find the Official site with updated calendar.
Ueno and Yanaka Ginza, classic Tokyo
You cannot take a trip to Tokyo without passing through Ueno, the historic district of the city. Here in addition to the large park is located Yanaka, a historic district of the city that offers many treasures, the tour is worth a whole day, especially if it is a beautiful sunny day. You will see the Japanese houses as you have always imagined them, and you will want to photograph them all!
In Ueno you can start your tour by arriving at Ueno metro station, and then take the metro back to Nippori station. You will pass through the beautiful Tokyo park, where it is located Shinobazu ike, the lake where in spring many gather for the hanami, the contemplation of cherry blossoms. The park is also home to the city zoo and the Tokyo National Museum. Walking north you meet the Yanaka cemetery. Here you can walk quietly in the company of the many cats and crows that crowd the cemetery and arrive a stone's throw from Nippori station, where you will find the famous Yanaka Ginza.
Yanaka Ginza it is a long street of small and delightful shops where local products and street food are sold at low prices. At the beginning of the street you will find several waiting for you crawling in the sun, this is their world and they are worshiped by all. In this area there are also several Cat Coffee, but admission allowed to all is paid and it is not even too cheap unfortunately. In spring this area must be a real dream.
Shinjuku and the free view of Tokyo
One of the busiest neighborhoods in Japan definitely is Shinjuku, lively both day and night, where, among other things, the red light district of the city is located. Here is also the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices which has panoramic terraces at 45F and what is even more beautiful are free. The view from up here is the only free one in the city even if it is perhaps not the most beautiful. If you want to save money and have a view of Tokyo you can try this one, if you are disappointed you can opt for the Tokyo Sky Tree which however is 2000 yen the first level and 3000 yen the second level, or the Tokyo Tower which is 820 yen the first level and 1400 yen about the second level.
The view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices it is free and accessible also on January 1st of each year, I went on that very day and I didn't find even a minute in a row.
If you have made it this far, you can also decide to go to the Studio Ghibli, to see the fantastic world of Miyazaki and the Totoro forest, but beware, the ticket must be booked from home because there are only a hundred seats per day and divided by nationality. Furthermore, the ticket price is not exactly low cost, it is around € 18, but if you are a true fan, this will not interest you that much.
Alternatively, if you want to see something different, you can do as I did and sneak into Park Hyatt Tokyo, which is located right in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices, where they shot the famous and beautiful film, Lost in Translation! Go and see the restaurants and bars and see if you recognize the settings of the film, I really enjoyed going and the hotel, which looks nothing special from the outside, is very nice inside!
Heading south from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices, heading towards Shibuya, with a 20 minute walk, you will find yourself in Takeshita Street.
Takeshita Street I absolutely recommend it, here you will find the most particular shops in all of Tokyo in my opinion. The classic shops that we imagine ourselves, full of absolutely useless but beautiful objects, with panda-shaped socks or sweaters with hood and ears. Many people flock to this narrow street every day and many young people who go from one shop to another. I imagined Japan just like I found it here.
Asakusa, Sensoji Temple
Asakusa is a district where the last remnants of traditional Japan can still be found today and it is worth a visit especially to admire the beautiful Sensoji Temple, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Go here during the New Year it is a unique experience, full of ceremonies and traditions. If you don't go for New Year's Eve, however, I recommend you drop by, it is always the oldest and largest temple in Tokyo.
Imperial Palace in Tokyo
If you want to see something unmissable in Tokyo, try to pay a visit to the Imperial Palace. If you happen to be on your way around Christmas time, know that the on December 23st and ! every year the Imperial Palace opens its doors to its subjects for the speech, before his birthday, and then to wish the new year.
The controls are different, as it should be, but the emperor's speech is worth this and more, even it lasts a few minutes.
In case you arrive in Tokyo at other times, you can always book a guided tour well in advance, even if it is not certain that it will be granted. Getting to the Imperial Palace which in spring with its immense garden and lake lends itself to beautiful photographs, is not difficult, just go down to the Otemachi station.
