Tokyo in 6 Days

Akihabara, also known locally as Akiba, is a popular place as it is like a cluster of the best electronics in Japan. In the recent years, Akihabara is also recognised as the hub for Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture. As such, there are several establishments of anime and manga shops that can be found between the ever ubiquitous electronics shops within Akihabara. read more »

Situated in the center of Tokyo, the Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. The palace provides a precious spot of nature within the bustling metropolitan city, with its water-filled moat and tree-covered grounds and beautiful gardens. There are three green spaces within the Tokyo Imperial Palace, namely the Kokyo Gaien (Imperial Palace Outer) Garden), Kokyo Higashi Gyoen (Imperial Palace East Garden) and Kita-no-maru-koen Park, all open to the public for free. read more »

The Imperial Palace East Gardens, also known as Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen, are a part of the inner palace area and are also open to the public. It was the former site of Edo Castle's inner defense. Albeit none of the main buildings can still be found today, the moats, walls, entrance gates and a few of the guardhouses can still be seen even up to today. read more »

Sensoji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo. The outer gate of the Sensoji (Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate) is a symbol of Asakusa. Beyond the Hozomon main gate is the temple's main building and a five storied pagoda. read more »

Shinjuku is one of the most top attractions in Japan. Shinjuku is most commonly referred to the area near the station where large entertainment, shopping and business can be found. Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest railway station, with over 2 million commuters passing through it each day. read more »

As the world's biggest wholesale fish and seafood market, Tsukiji Fish Market is a popular tourist destination for those with predawn hours to fill. At 5 a.m, there are live tuna auctions where visitors can catch sight of the huge tunas and soak in the hustle and bustle of the place. read more »

Rinnoji Temple is Nikko's most important temple which was founded by Shodo Shonin. It is not a single temple, but a generic name of the temples on Mount Nikko, comprising 15 sub-temples. A statue in his honor can be found in the temple park. read more »

The Shinkyo Bridge (belongs to Futarasan Shrine) stands at the entrance to Nikko's shrines and temples, crossing the Daiya river. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural property in 1999 and ranked as one of the three finest bridges in Japan, together with Iwakuni's Kintaikyo and Saruhashi in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is said that when Priest Shodo Shonin and his disciples were unable to cross the river in 766, he knelt and prayed, and two serpents appeared at the command of the God of the River, and transformed into a bridge, thereby allowing them to go across. read more »

The Hakone Tozan Railway is Japan's oldest mountain railway and the only full-scale mountain railway in Japan. It runs 15km between Odawara and Gora, and has been cherished by travellers since it went into operation in 1919. The small trains go through a narrow, densely wooded valley over many bridges and tunnels, stopping at small stations along the way and changing directions at three switchbacks. read more »

The Hakone Detached Palace Garden was once a summer palace for the Imperial Family, it is now open to the public, with free admission. It is a park full of natural beauty, considered as a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, and selected as one of Kanagawa's best 50 scenic sights. It is also one of Japan's best 100 historical parks. read more »

Lake Ashi, also known as Lake Ashinoko or Hakone Lake, is a scenic lake in the Hakone area of Kanagawaa Perfecture in Honshu. It was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone following the last volcanic eruption 3000 years ago, and is known for the numerous hot sprins in the area. In addition, Lake Ashi is also known for its views of the majestic Mount Fuji. read more »

A sibling to the Tokyo Disneyland, it also has seven themes namely, Mediterranean Harbour, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront. It gives visitors a very refreshing experience of a Disney theme park, because of the lookalike sea-view and re-creation of Venice and ports. It is made for the older audience to enjoy a day in Disney theme park without feeling childish. read more »

With a total area of 540,000 squared metres, Ueno Park is a spacious public park located in the Ueno section of Taitō, Tokyo. There are various cultural facilities and buildings in the park, including Tokyo National Museum, The National Science Museum and The National Museum of Western Arts , the Toshogu shrine, Ueno Zoo amongst many others. Apart from these, Ueno Park is also a great place for visitors looking to enjoy the wonders of nature, with its Shinobazu Pong a beautiful sight with its magnificent lotus flowers as well as Koen-naka Dori (avenue in the park) and Takenodai Funsui (fountain). read more »

Owakudani is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced. Visitors have to walk past a short walking trail from the ropeway station to get to volcanic zone. Here, you can find a number of steam vents and bubbling pools. read more »

Being a busy market street along Yamanote Line tracks between Okachimachi and Ueno Stations, Ameyoko is actually a short form for 'Ameya Yokocho' which means candy store alley. Ameyoko is named as such due to it being a place where candies were actually sold in the past. However, there is an alternative meaning to Ameyoko. read more »