Visit the Ginza Area!
The Ginza area is most famous for its high-end shopping. Here you’ll find trendy department stores packed to the rafters with all the latest designer gear, including some of Japan’s most famous labels, such as Uniqlo, Comme des Garçons and Muji.
But Ginza isn’t all about shopping – some of Tokyo’s best restaurants are located in this area. Whether you’re after sushi, sashimi, tempura or ramen, there is a restaurant in Ginza to satisfy your cravings.
And don’t miss the opportunity to watch a performance of kabuki (traditional Japanese drama) at the Kabuki-Za – this is the city’s best-known theatre for the art form.
Did you know?
This is one of the most expensive areas of real estate in Tokyo, with one square metre of land in the centre worth more than 10 million yen!
Visit the Asakusa Area!
The Asakusa Area is one of the more traditionally Japanese areas in Tokyo and is home to a number of Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines.
A popular entertainment district, and Tokyo’s oldest geisha district, the area was famous for its theatres and cinemas in the early 20th century. However, it was heavily bombed during the Second World War and, although rebuilt, Asakusa was surpassed by other areas such as Shinjuku in terms of entertainment.
But it remains a fantastic place in which to learn more about Japanese culture and traditions. There are many fantastic restaurants here serving traditional Japanese dishes and, if you’re lucky, your visit may coincide with one of the many matsuri (Shinto festivals) that are held here.
Did you know?
One of the highlights of Asakusa is the Senso-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple that was originally founded here in 645 AD.
Be inspired by Lake Ashi!
Beautiful Lake Ashi is a crater lake formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone over 3,000 years ago. It’s famous for its beautiful scenery, which can include views across the iconic Mt. Fuji, when cloud cover permits.
The best way to see the beauty of this lake is to hop aboard a sightseeing boat – some of which are modelled to look like pirate ships!
One of the highlights of the lake is the Hakone Shrine, a traditional Shinto shrine. Its presence is signalled by the huge torii gate which rises out of the lake itself.
Did you know?
Lake Ashi has long inspired artists, especially those of the Ukiyo-e genre of woodblock prints and paintings. Hokusai featured the lake in his famous Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji and Hiroshige also depicted it in his series The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido.
Visit the Ginza Area!
.jpg "Tokyo Imperial Palace")
