Hey Lykkers! If you could travel anywhere right now, where would it be? Have you ever thought about Japan? If you're keen, we've got a handy guide saved just for you!
Tokyo, or Tōkyō in Japanese, is Japan's capital and the biggest city in the world by population. It's not just a city but also one of Japan's 47 prefectures. Tokyo includes 23 central city wards and stretches westward with many other cities, towns, and villages. Additionally, Tokyo governs the Izu and Ogasawara Islands.
Today, Tokyo has a plethora of options for shopping, entertainment, culture, and dining, making it a paradise for visitors. You can delve into the city's rich history in places like Asakusa, and explore top-notch museums, ancient temples, and serene gardens.
<h3>Top attractions in Tokyo</h3>
<b>1. Tokyo Museum Guide</b>
Tokyo boasts dozens of museums covering a wide range of interests:
<b>Art and photography</b>
<b>History and science</b>
<b>Zoos and aquariums</b>
<b>Transportation and commerce</b>
<b>Anime and more</b>
For museum enthusiasts short on time, Ueno Park is a prime destination. Here, several top-tier museums are clustered together, including the renowned Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, National Science Museum, Ueno Zoo, and several smaller museums.
Most Tokyo museums close on one day per week, typically Mondays, and during the New Year holiday period (around December 29 to January 4). If a regular closing day coincides with a national holiday, museums usually open on the holiday and close the following day.
Some museums extend their hours on specific days, often Fridays, and offer free admission to certain exhibitions or on designated days each month. Visitors can usually enter until 30 minutes before closing time.
For those planning to visit multiple museums, the <b>Grutto Pass</b> is highly recommended. Priced at 2500 yen, this pass grants entry or discounted admission to about 100 museums, zoos, and aquariums in the Tokyo area. It's valid for one entry to each participating venue, starting from its first use and expiring either two months later. The Grutto Pass can be purchased at participating museums or as an e-ticket via their website.
<b>2. Parks and Gardens</b>
<b>City parks</b>
<b>a. Shinjuku Gyoen</b> is just a 10-minute walk east of Shinjuku Station. Entry costs 500 yen. It's a large park featuring expansive lawns, trees, and ponds, as well as a Japanese and French-style garden. In spring, it's famous for cherry blossom viewing.
<b>b. Yoyogi Park</b> is a mere 5-minute walk west of Harajuku Station and admission is free. This Western-style park is beloved by locals, offering wide lawns, trees, and ponds. It's particularly renowned for its autumn foliage, especially the golden leaves of numerous ginkgo trees.
<b>Japanese-style gardens</b>
<b>a. Rikugien</b> is just a 5-minute walk from Komagome Station, with an entry fee of 300 yen. It's renowned as one of Tokyo's most exquisite classic Japanese landscape gardens. Dating back to the Edo Period, it recreates scenes from famous poems on a miniature scale. It's charming to visit in any season.
<b>b. Koishikawa Korakuen</b>, a 5-10 minute walk from Iidabashi Station, also charges 300 yen for admission. This garden showcases beautiful Japanese landscapes, depicting scenes from both Japanese and Chinese traditions. Originating from the early Edo Period, it offers enjoyment throughout the year.
What do you think after reading this article? Does Japan sound like a place you'd like to visit? We’re curious to hear your thoughts!
