Tokyo AttractionsShrines to Shopping - Different Faces of Japanese Culture
You come to Senso-ji the temple and here the scene changes to traditional Japan. If you don’t know much about Japanese culture....observe what they do and you too can cleanse your hands at the water trough, and catch the smoke from the incense stand.. There will be many Japanese people who come and visit what is for them a very important cultural icon .Enjoy the gardens and views from different areas. There are basic tables and seats you can use to eat your food bought from the many food stands located behind the main mall. 
TOKYO IMPERIAL PALACE - EAST GARDENS The Imperial Palace and East Gardens is open to the public every day, and free to visit. This is a lovely place to picnic and wander the grounds .You can access the gardens from the Otemachi Gate near the Otemachi Train station. The Palace is only open to the public Jan 2 and December 23rd...but as a foreign tourist you can apply online HERE to join a guided tour of Tokyo Imperial Palace at other times, but you must book in advance. TSUKIJI FISH MARKETS The fish markets are well worth slotting into your schedule. You need to go early .....aim for 6.45 to 7.00 am. SHINJUKU Shinjuku is a major train station....and the area is all about the atmosphere and people watching,that make this so interesting. Colourful neon lights,crowds of business men in dark suits rushing across the wide pedestrian crossings, and the unusual and unique fashions of the Japanese girls.Those in really bizarre costumes will also be up at Harajuku where you will see some very strange sights to western eyes! But do go and have a look! It is a unique Tokyo attraction. SHIBUYA Shibuya is the popular shopping area for the fashion conscious. Outside the station you will see the popular Tokyo attraction Hachiko a statue of the legendary dog...who long after his master died would go each day to sit and wait outside the station. You can browse Tokyu Department Store and Tokyu Hands...an arts and crafts store with everything you could possibly imagine in stock. You will see Love Hotels, Fast food stores galore and NHK Broadcasting Plaza. "Studio Park" which has an interactive exhibition and tour of the studios. 200 yen for adults but the under 12's are free. (Open 10:00 am to 6:00pm; closed every second Monday or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday). Cross NHK Broadcasting Plaza and you'll get to Yoyogi Park then turn right to Harajuku. 
YOYOGI PARK This is a huge park....which was once the 1964 Olympic Village which was sited here. It is now popular especially on Sundays for young people to wear their fashion gear, play music, sports and use the cycle track. HARAJUKU Harajuku is where you will find all the kitsch wares....and the girls parade in their intriguing fashions....Little Maid, Lolita, Gothic, Hello Kitty....the outfits are outrageous and amusing. The make up is often equally “out there” suitable to the costume. Sunday is the main day for seeing the gathering of Tokyo’s young would be fashionistas! Omotesando Dori Avenue is frequented by numerous street performers including the Rockerbilly Group. 
MEIJI JINGU SHRINE Very near to Harajuku .....Meiji Jingu Shrine is set in 175 acres of forest and gardens. Originally built in 1920 the shrine was destroyed by fire in World War 2 and rebuilt in 1945. The Meiji Jingu Gardens and Meiji Jingu Treasure Museum are located in the shrine grounds. You may be lucky to see a Japanese wedding in summer. 
TOKYO BAY Take the boat for river views of the city architecture. Tokyo Bay has a nice beach ( all artificially made) and a beautiful Edo period garden Hama Rikyu... lovely for picnics and walks.The mall buildings have fun shopping, fun parlours and activities, cafes and restaurants. TOKYO TOWER or TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT BUILDING 
TOKYO DISNEYLAND I haven’t been here....but it is certainly a Tokyo attraction for the family to enjoy....especially if you haven’t been to Disneyland any where else. KABUKI THEATRE KAMAKURA Kamakura is a wonderful day trip I highly recommend. Stop at Tsukiji Fish Market en route and then take the train on to Kamakura...home of the big Buddha. With lovely gardens , the beach and many walks you will fill the day.
Tokyo ShoppingGinza is the famous Tokyo shopping area with department stores stocking all the top enduring label designer wares. Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton have their own stores. You can buy everything from handbags, jewellery and clothing, to kitchen ware, electrical goods and anything else you can think of!Akihabara is the place to go for electrical goods. Here you will find every possible electrical toy, house hold appliances, and all the technology items you could wish for. You will also find manga and animation goods here. Getting Around TokyoGetting around Tokyo is not as difficult as one might imagine. It is a good idea to have done some pre planning so you don't have to spend too much time organising your days.Plan to visit two or three Tokyo attractions near each other...even within walking distance. The Tokyo trains are easy to use and the bus stations are usually located right outside the train station.
MORE INTERESTING JAPAN INFORMATION AND LINKSJAPANESE HOLIDAYS JAPAN INFORMATION TSUKIJI FISH MARKETS 12 Tips on how the TOKYO TRAIN SYSTEM works KAMAKURA DAY TRIP FUJI-GO-KO ( Fuji Five Lakes) KYOTO ANCIENT NARA KURASHIKI here SHIKOKU AROUND KYUSHU FUKUOKA TAKACHIHO NAGASAKI SIGHTSEEING JAPANESE LESSONS and IPOD PHRASEBOOK TOKYO ATTRACTIONS to FASCINATING TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
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