December 2008

Top Ten Tokyo

Get set for a trip into another world as we bring you the best of Tokyo?

WORDS JOHN LANDER

01

Sumo
The rules are simple: get the other guy out of the ring by momentum. Sumo tournaments are held regularly throughout Japan, but tickets are expensive and hard to come by. For a more personal connection, visit a sumo stable where the behemoths train most mornings under the watchful gaze of retired wrestlers. Visitors are expected to be quiet, ask for permission to photograph and should never approach the training ring.
www.sumo.or.jp/eng, Ryugoku Station.

02

Sanrio Puroland
Just in case Tokyo strikes you as being too serious, head to Sanrio Puroland, Hello Kitty’s theme park. Staff greet you with cartoon voices as you visit Kitty’s House, where you can tour one of the most outlandish bathrooms on earth. Vegas-style theme shows starring Kitty are put on every couple of hours, and when it’s time to say “Goodbye Kitty”, stop by the gift shop for souvenirs. Kitty-themed mirrors, pens, mobile phones, tissue dispensers or handbags, anyone?
www.puroland.co.jp, Tama Center Station.

03

Odaiba
Fast-forward into the next century on a day trip to Odaiba, Tokyo’s newest town. Start by boarding the waterbus Himiko – a futuristic experience designed by comic book artist Leiji Matsumoto to provide optimal views of Tokyo and the Sumida River bridges. Minutes later you reach Odaiba, built in the 1990s on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. Look for the most outlandish architecture in Japan such as the gravity-defying upside-down pyramids of the Big Sight Convention Center.
Board at Asakusa Station.

04

Aoyama Fashion
Aoyama Fashion is the pulsating heart of Tokyo cool. This is the domain of cutting-edge designer labels and impeccable couture. Here, all the world-class fashion houses have showroom boutiques – the three Japanese legends Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto, as well as Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Prada. For designer threads under one roof, head to Omotesando Hills, Tokyo’s newest shopping centre. Afterwards, pull up a chair at Anniversaire café and watch the passing parade – just don’t turn up wearing any old blue jeans and T-shirt.
Omotesando Station.

05

Harajuku
Every Sunday, the streets of Harajuku come alive with the trend du jour. One week, Lolita Goths in black-and-white pancake make-up are all the rage, the next week punks make a comeback. French maids, in varying stages of dishevelment, are a perennial favourite but to really know what’s what here, familiarising yourself with Japanese animation characters will help make sense of it all. Or not.
Harajuku Station.

06

Sunday Shrine Markets
Sunday flea markets are typically held at Shinto shrines in Japan and they’re a great way to mingle with the locals and pick up some treasures. One of the biggest is located in the garden of Harajuku’s Togo shrine and it’s an excellent place to shop for Japanese antiques and vintage kitsch. Bargaining is the rule – unlike elsewhere in Japan – and good deals can be had on second-hand kimonos. Togo Shrine Market is open on the first and fourth Sundays of each month from 6am.
Harajuku Station.

07

Meiji Shrine
During the reign of the Emperor Meiji, Japan opened up to the West and began to embrace technology and modernisation. For this reason, the Meiji period is historically important for the Japanese and the Meiji Shrine grounds enjoy semi-sacred status, providing spacious greenery within the urban crush. Come weekends, Meiji Shrine is a favourite spot for Shinto marriage ceremonies – complete with stunning kimono Kodak moments. Adjacent Yoyogi Park is Tokyo’s largest park – an ideal spot to enjoy a quiet picnic.
Harajuku Station.

08

Kamakura Day Trip
Ladies in kimono glide down ancient stairways as gardeners rake Zen rock gardens. Hikers head for the hills past Japanese school kids on day trips. Kamakura is the perfect retreat for those wishing for serenity and a glimpse of traditional Japan. With its imposing red torii gates, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the scene of most Kamakura events and is usually the first stop for visitors. But the symbol of Kamakura is the giant Daibutsu (great Buddha), standing as it has for seven centuries on the edge of town.
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Shonan Line to Kamakura Station, for ¥890 single.

09

Akihabara Electric Town
Whether you’re looking for the latest mobile phones, laptops or robots, Akihabara is the place for electronic toys. Stroll through the arcades and check out the gizmos and wizardry, then have your senses bombarded with pre-recorded sales pitches and endlessly repeated store theme songs – all at full volume. To obtain international warranties and voltages, not to mention duty-free shopping, stick to larger stores such as Laox, which has a floor devoted to international customers.
Akihabara Station.

10

Asakusa
Many visitors don’t realise that beyond speedy, modern Tokyo there are still neighbourhoods where residents rely on bicycles to get around and where events at the local shrine are the biggest dates on the calendar. The heart of Asakusa is Sensoji Temple, which is central to Tokyo’s biggest festival: the Sanja Matsuri. Put on your happi coat and join the locals in this sake-fuelled event held in May.
Asakusa Station.






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