Tourist Destinations in the Tokyo Megalopolis

Nightlife in Tokyo, one of the most interesting cities in the world, next to Hong Kong, New York, Paris and London, offers countless types of fun, bars and clubs with a varied entertainment programme for tourists. The city consists of twenty-three special wards, twenty-six cities, one district and four sub-prefectures, where life continuously moves on day by day. Minato City or special ward draws numerous travellers with attractions, such as the stone steps to success, the Tokyo Tower, the Zōjō-ji temple, Little Italy and Italy Park, and numerous 7-eleven retailer convenience stores offering convenience foods and beverages.

Shinjuku and Shibuya offer entertainment and relaxation in their various clubs and karaoke facilities as well as bars offering hotel services and restaurants. Shinjuku attractions include the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – a park with gardens and a greenhouse, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the Shinjuku Golden Gai – a small neighbourhood with narrow streets, and Omoide Yokocho – a neighbourhood with bars and restaurants. Shibuya attractions, on the other hand, include Meiji Jingu and Togo – Shinto shrines, Yoyogi – a public park with lakes, fountains and green areas with typical flora, and the Line Cube Shibuya concert hall.

Visiting the most interesting tourist destinations

Public social infrastructure of the Tokyo megalopolis is interesting in every aspect related to interaction or the connection of the locals and travellers from other countries, which brings people from all over the world together. The spectacular view of the city can be experienced at the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. The Tokyo Tower view and 24-hour metro ticket are also available for people on wheelchairs. Tickets for the Tokyo Skytree and Sumida Aquarium are also available for people with disabilities. The observation decks above Tokyo show the city in its actual size and it’s possible to see how it spreads out far on the horizon.

Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine with a local guide and learn about the local culture’s history. Enjoy the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden guided tour where you will be picked up at your accommodation, or explore the Shinjuku ward with a private guided tour Shinjuku’s Top Sights where you’ll walk from the national park to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, visit the Omoide Yokocho neighbourhood and the Golden Gai, and conclude the tour at the Hanazono Shrine.

Travelling around Japan’s capital

Travelling to a megalopolis calls for great caution and responsibility, which is why all Hostelling International members get 5% off World Nomads travel insurance, which covers basic insurance, hospital admission and early flight home, and it also covers costs of stolen passports or luggage and much more. For a safe and cosy stay in Tokyo, we recommend the HI Tokyo CENTRAL Youth Hostel where all Hostelling International Slovenia members get 10% off their booking.

If you’re looking for a sustainable way to travel around Japan’s capital, public transport, including the metro, is your best bet. It enables you to quickly reach any location in the city. Tickets are available with the Tokyo Metro Pass: 24, 48 and 72-Hour Options and are valid for the Tokyo metro and Toei Subway. The offer includes a ticket, a transfer to your accommodation and a fee. You can also get your ticket at the Harajuku Tourist Information Center. By travelling sustainably, you produce less greenhouse emissions and act responsibly.

How to best understand the cultural diversity?

Japanese culture has a unique tradition, making it quite different from other cultures around the world. Travellers who want to access all parts of the city or explore wards, towns, districts and sub-prefectures, are encouraged to use the public transport. The megalopolis is therefore basically at your fingertips. But, in order to freely travel around the world’s largest megalopolis, we recommend Lonely Planet’s city map of Tokyo. It comes with practical travel tips, suggested routes, a long list of streets and cities, and a number of other tips that will make exploring Japanese culture easily accessible. 

There are quite a few rules when it comes to the code of conduct, though, and these are specific to Japan. When meeting the Japanese, one must be familiar with the etiquette, without which it’s impossible to meet the locals. Shaking hands is unacceptable in Japanese culture, but you can greet people by nodding your head. When arranging a meeting, you should stick to the specified time and bring a small gift when visiting someone. Entering a house or a shrine is only possible without your shoes on. You should never tip the staff at restaurants or hotels, or taxi drivers. Tipping is simply unacceptable in such cases.

Spending holidays in the world’s largest city

Tokyo is a city where it’s difficult to quickly learn about all it offers to travellers and tourists. The tradition of the historical city and cultural diversity of the modern world jointly depict the integration of Japan’s past in the modern world, which is changing day by day. The rapid changes in Tokyo and Japan in general influence the world, since, with its technological advancement, the East Asian country has quite an impact on man and its existence. Holidays in Tokyo where everything is synchronised and timed are therefore at your fingertips and allow you to explore Japan’s capital. In the next article titled 10 Free Things to Do in Tokyo, you’ll learn where you can attend various art events and where in the megalopolis you can have a picnic or some rest while reading a good book.