Going around Tokyo

Recommended places to visit for foreign residents in Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, a city full of skyscrapers, nature, and steeped in history. The first time you come to Tokyo you may visit Tokyo Tower, Sky Tree, and the Imperial Palace. While that may make for an event-filled weekend on your first visit to Japan, this barely scratches the surface of things to do in Tokyo. Tokyo has many things to offer for people of all ages and you'll find that being bored in Tokyo is a difficult task.

Below are guides with recommended places to visit during your stay in Japan. The guides include Art and Science museums, places for families with children, old shopping streets, Japanese gardens, destinations to visit during the summer, and more.

What Makes Hiroo a Great Neighborhood for Tokyo Expats?

Hiroo has maintained its place as one of Tokyo’s most upscale neighborhoods for many years. Home to several of the capital’s embassies, Hiroo is a place where Japan’s international communities have carved out a comfortable expat-friendly lifestyle. The neighborhood offers a wide variety of Western…

Tokyo Shotengai: A Look at the City’s Old Shopping Streets

Imagine a bustling street lined with shops. On the left, you can see a popular chain restaurant; on the right you have a store that has no signage in front, but is actually a traditional soba shop. Time-worn antiques and edgy boutiques, a perfect mix of modern and traditional - welcome to Japan's o…

Tokyo Station Guide: Japan’s Landmark Transit Hub Explained

Tokyo station has been restored to the former red bricked glory of the Meiji Era, this rail gateway to the capital city of Japan is the largest station in Tokyo. In 2003, it was recognized by the government as an Important Cultural Property. Elegant architectural details aside, there are so many si…

Tokyo Tower Still Proudly Watches Over the City

Throughout Tokyo, there are many notable wonders that await the avid seeker, and among the myriad of marvels is one that towers high above most others. There is certainly much to be said about “Tokyo’s Eiffel Tower,” which it is so appropriately named. As an iconic landmark notable for its views bo…

Hamarikyu Gardens (Hamarikyu Onshi Teien)

"Hamarikyu Gardens" is a large Japanese garden that located in the eastern part of Minato-ku and lies halfway between Hamatsucho Station and Shinbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line. It is also near Shiodome Station on the Ooedo Line facing Tokyo Bay. History of Hamarikyu Gardens This garden was i…

Hiking Around Tokyo: Great Spots for Peak Outdoor Fun

When most people think of good places to hike near Japan's capital city, the uber-famous Mount Fuji usually comes to mind. But did you know that there are actually a lot of spots great for hiking around Tokyo? From relative beginners to those seeking a steeper course, these 6 mountains promise some…

Late Night Cafes in Tokyo: Great Caffeine Haunts for Night Owls

In addition to traditional kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee and tea houses) and ubiquitous chain cafés like Doutor and Starbucks, cafés in Tokyo run the gamut from cozy living room-like coffee havens to unique cafés. If you are wondering what to do in Tokyo at night, and for those whose love o…

Tokyo Art Exhibitions: 7 Inspired Events for Culture Lovers

The kaleidoscopic cultural canvas of Tokyo is home to a range of multi-disciplinary art festivals. For visitors, this means the opportunity to see works from emerging and established artists across a range of mediums and subject areas. From innovative ideas about home and lifestyle to modern interp…

Best Art Museums & Galleries in Tokyo

Are you looking for a good way to introduce a little culture by way of art into an upcoming weekend or holiday? If you live in or near the center of Tokyo, there are a lot of great options for you. There are numerous art museums and galleries throughout Tokyo that are all easily accessible. Check o…

Yoyogi Park, Tokyo Then and Now

Located in the Yoyogi area, Yoyogi Park is a very large green tract of land in the center of Tokyo and it provides Tokyo residents with a place of relief by acting as an urban oasis. Yoyogi Park is the 4th largest park within the 23 wards of Tokyo. It’s size is roughly the equivalent to the space o…