Tokyo which literally means “eastern capital” in Japanese is a diverse city that offers something for everyone. There are plenty of things to do and see in this huge versatile megalopolis. Some of the following fun activities that you can engage in while in Tokyo include;
Get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo
A great way to see Tokyo with its amazing skyscrapers, shrines, gardens and temples is to go to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku to get a bird’ eye view of the city. With two free observation galleries located here, you are not only provided with stunning and spectacular views of Tokyo city itself but you get to see Mount Fuji and the city of Yokohama in the distance. This is a great way to spend a quiet afternoon with the family or is the perfect little treat after a long day out wandering the city. The observation galleries are open from 9:30am to 5:30 pm daily and are closed on Mondays.
The Bullet Train or Shinkansen
A definite must do when in Tokyo is to take the ‘shinkansen’ or bullet train from the Tokyo Station terminal. Offering a great ride as well as a speedy drop off to the next stop, the bullet trains are known for their extraordinary punctuality and frequency. A platform ticket can be bought for 130 Yen from the Shinkansen Ticket Office, which lets you stay on the platform for up to two hours to get a close up view of these amazing trains.
Tokyo Disneyland
Ideal for the family on holiday, Tokyo Disneyland is a great way to spend a fun-filled day with your spouse and kids. A top destination in the city for tourists as well as locals alike, Tokyo Disneyland is an exact replica of its Californian counterpart. With similar features like the African Jungle, Fantasyland and Tomorrow land, this theme park is an entertaining and enjoyable experience for all.
Ueno-koen Park
As the largest public park in Tokyo, Ueno-koen Park is an ideal place to spend the afternoon after a busy day of roaming the city streets. Located near Ueno Station, this park contains many tourist attractions of the city. Filled with many museums, temples, pagodas, shrines, galleries and a zoo, Ueno-koen Park is also famous for the more than 1000 cherry blossom trees that grow here. Some of the attractions found in the park include the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tokyo National Museum, the National Science Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, which contains Rodin's most famous statue ‘The Thinker’, the Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall, and the Ueno-no-Mori Art Museum.
Tsukiji Central Fish Market
This fish market is among the most largest and busiest fish markets in the world. Located in central Tokyo, the Tsukiji Fish Market handles over 2,000 tons of marine products a day which include; tuna, shrimps, scallops, sea cucumbers, blowfish and an assortment of other marine life, such as seaweed and eels. The best time to visit this market is before 9 am as you get a chance to see some the market’s many fish/marine auctions. A must do when visiting this market is to have a sushi breakfast from any one of the several restaurants and eateries located here.
Hike Mt. Fuji
For the more adventurous a hike up Mt. Fujisan is the perfect way to view the entire landscape of Tokyo city and its surrounding areas. Approximately 45 minutes south of Tokyo Mount Fuji is an inactive volcano world renowned for it amazing beauty. Standing at 3776 meters above sea level, this dormant volcano last erupted in 1708 and is worshipped by the Japanese as a sacred site. Mt. Fuji is officially open for hiking during the months of July and August.
Sports
There are plenty of sports and recreational activities that one can engage in and enjoy while in Tokyo, including martial arts, golf, sumo wrestling, tennis, swimming, horseback riding, skiing, and hang gliding. Sumo wrestling which is the national sport of Japan holds tournaments in Tokyo in January, May and September. This interesting and exciting form of wrestling is a treat to watch, alone or with the entire family.
If you enjoy golfing, then Tokyo is the perfect place to golf with some of the best courses in the country located here. With over 500 driving ranges some of which are located on the roof tops of buildings, Tokyo is a golfer’s paradise. However, it should be noted that playing fees are extremely high, weekends are incredibly busy and most facilities are for members only. The Sakawa Royal Golf Club and the Kazusa Monarch Country Club offer two of the best golf courses in Tokyo.
If you enjoy jogging, then try Yoyogi Park or the Imperial Palace gardens, however if bicycling is your thing then the bike paths along the Sumidagawa and Megurogawa Rivers are the ideal place to ride away from the congested streets of Tokyo.
Other activities:
Besides sports, there are plenty of other things that you can do while in Tokyo. You can take courses in the art of tea ceremonies or ikebana, or you can learn shiatsu or Zen meditation from any of the city’s various meditation centers. Try and visit a sento (public bath) or an onsen (hot springs) while in the city as it is a great way to see how the locals relieve their daily tensions and stresses.
