Bridging two worlds, from my high school years in the US to my current life in college, I've become the unofficial guide for my American friends visiting Tokyo. While the iconic sights like Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa Temple, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Tower have their charm, I prefer to show them the city's lesser-known attractions. So in this blog, I will share some of my special places that I felt was a big hit for my friends that I have brought around in the past few years. Hopefully this will also help you to have a deeper dive into Tokyo's diverse culture, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.
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Without a further due, I will introduce some spots that I recommend when you make a visit!
1. ZAUO:
At ZAUO, located in Shinjuku and Shibuya, you don’t just eat sushi; you catch it first. This restaurant features an indoor pond where diners can fish for their meal, offering a hands-on approach to dining that’s both entertaining and satisfying. It’s a unique twist on the traditional sushi experience, merging the excitement of fishing with the delight of tasting your fresh catch.
2. Mario Go-Karting:
Picture this, you’re racing through Tokyo’s streets dressed as a character from Mario Kart, but in real life. This experience lets you see the city from a unique, thrilling perspective.
I'm sure it would be very cool to wander around the heart of Tokyo like Shibuya, Shijuku, and Roppongi, but don't you think its even cooler if you get to drive past these landmarks in a way that's anything but ordinary? This attraction is a blend of fun and sightseeing, perfect for adventure seekers with a valid driver’s license.
3. Jingu Stadium:
Experience the passion of Japanese baseball at Jingu Stadium, where the game comes alive in a way that might just change your mind about which country loves baseball more. I've watched both Major League Baseball and Japanese baseball live, but it's truly hard to say which one is more entertaining. These two experiences are not the same; in Japanese baseball, the atmosphere, with fans chanting and cheering, adds a whole new layer to watching sports. So, think of this as more of a cultural experience that's as exciting for baseball aficionados as it is for those new to the game.
4. Animate Ikebukuro/Akihabara:
In general, I have been feeling for a long time that tourists who visit Japan tend to be Anime lovers. And those Anime enthusiasts will find a paradise at Animate, a multi-story outlet store filled with manga, merchandise, and everything anime related.
I say, regardless of if you're a hardcore fan or just curious, going to Animate will be worthwhile since it will certainly broaden your understanding of our unique Japanese culture, as well as showcasing the vastness and popularity of this Japanese art form.
5. Ie-Kei Ramen:
For a truly authentic ramen experience, try Ie-Kei ramen. Originating from Yokohama, this style features a rich pork broth and thick noodles. This is by far my favorite type of ramen and this is the first place I go to when I arrive back in Japan for break.
At a price of merely 900 Yen, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that elevates ramen from a simple meal to a delicacy. I am sure that any Ie-Kei ramen store found throughout the city of Tokyo will showcase you the depth of Japanese noodle soups.
6. Summer Festival:
Yes, I know, summer festivals might not be the lesser-known attractions of Japan. In fact, many tourists visit just for this experience. But, by far, it's my most favorite event in Japan, and I simply couldn't leave it out. I believe no visit to Tokyo in the summer is complete without experiencing a traditional festival.
There are so many ways to enjoy a summer festival: you can dress yourself in an exotic kimono or hakama, enjoy classic festival games like the Shateki game, indulge in street food like apple/cotton candy, and end the night with a spectacular fireworks display.
It's the perfect blend of tradition, fun, and beauty, capturing the essence of Japanese summer celebrations.
Conclusion：
Since my love for Tokyo runs deep, I've always sought an opportunity to showcase my city to a wide English-speaking audience. I hope this blog has offered you a glimpse into the unique experience of visiting Tokyo. I'm confident that you'll be even more surprised upon visiting, discovering that Tokyo is not merely a city of lights, technology, and glamour.
Indeed, it unveils a captivating blend of cutting-edge modernity and time-honored traditions, of celebrated landmarks and hidden gems, offering contrasts that promise to leave you in awe.