Akasaki/Roppongi Area

This area has a great night life. You can shop and dine here too. Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills are major landmarks in this area.

Asakusa/Ueno Area

Get a feel of the old Japan in this area. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Enjoy shopping at the ameyoko streets, visit Ueno Park and surrounding museums and shopping malls here.

Ginza Area

Here you can find luxurious shops, hotels, theaters, restaurants, clubs and department stores. It is a high end area where adults can shop and dine.

Shinagawa Area

It is the shopping and entertainment central in Tokyo. Here you can find many hotels situated nearby the JR Shinagawa station. The railway hub can also be found here.

Shinjuku Area

Shinjuku is considered as one of the busiest areas in Tokyo. There are many convenient hotels in the area and it is a good spot to shop and enjoy.

Ikebukuro Area

This is another busy Tokyo district where you can find great entertainment. It has a railway hub, shopping malls, restaurants and theaters to name a few.

Shibuya Area

Just like Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, this busy district is great for shopping and entertainment especially for the younger crowd.

With these descriptions, it is easier to choose what to do and where to stay while you are in Tokyo. Enjoy!

The Tokyo Metropolis is Japan’s capital. It is the set of the Japanese government. Here you can find the Imperial Palace where the Royal Family resides. The now developed city was once a small fishing village named Edo. Its whole area is a little over 2 million square kilometers, with a population of over 13 million people as of August 2011.

There are various airports within Tokyo and its islands. Getting around is also not a problem because they have a reliable public transport system. You can take the Metro, bus or taxis easily. Ferries are also available in case you want to visit neighboring islands.

Tokyo houses many museums and theatres all over for you to appreciate art and music. You can visit the Imperial Palace or check the Asakusa Shrine for sightseeing too. You can also enjoy the many festivals they have throughout the year or enjoy the cherry blossoms at bloom in spring. During this time, many people go for walks or have picnics at the Ueno Park, Inokashira Park or the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

If you are fond of cosplays and modern fashion, Shibuya’s Harajuku is the place to be. Walking around this area is definitely an interesting experience. As for food, there are many fine dining and izakayas all over for you to choose from. Most of them serve traditional Japanese food which you will surely enjoy. You can never go wrong with ramen, tempura, grilled meats/seafood and sushi.

Japanese New Year

The New Year (called “shogatsu” in Japan) is actually the most important holiday in Japan. Shogatsu is a time that families generally spend together, as is customary during our holiday season. Stores generally shut down from January 1 through January 3, and a real celebration ensues.

Party the Old Year Away

In Japan, each year is considered to be completely separate from the year preceding and following it; therefore, both the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year are celebrated with a number of traditional parties. Bonenkai (“year forgetting”) parties begin during the last few days of the year, and the first day of the year (the first sunrise of the New Year) is a sacred day, when everyone is joyous and stress-free and there is no work to be done. If you want to go crazy then make sure you get financial help in form of loan to help you have a great new year eve.

Visiting the Shrines

A traditional New Year custom is to visit a shrine at the turn of the New Year. This is called “hatsumode.” Beginning at midnight on New Year’s Eve, hundreds of thousands of people flock to popular shrines to ring the New Year in (literally) by listening to the loud gong of the temple bells. People continue to visit the shrines for the first three days of the year, making special prayers and buying lucky charms to bring in the New Year right. Popular shrines to visit are the Meiji Shrine, Sumiyoshi Taisha, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Emperor’s Greeting

Head to the Tokyo Imperial Palace on January 2 to take a tour of the palace’s inner grounds and witness the Emperor’s public appearance from a glass-enclosed balcony of the palace.

If you are planning on spending the New Year in Tokyo, then be prepared for days of celebration and paying homage to the old and new years. Plan ahead, keeping in mind that many businesses will be closed, the streets will be packed, and transportation will be hard to find during this most important time of year.

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Kyokyo (The Imperial Palace). This is the actual home of Japan’s Emperor and the Imperial family – a modern reconstruction of the Meiji Imperial Palace, which was destroyed by bombers in WWII. It was also once the site of Edo Castle – the largest castle in the world – and, although the castle is gone, the impressive moats, defense walls, armories and watch towers still remain. Take a guided tour of the palace, itself, and then explore the on-site art museum and the opulent East Garden. And, yes, Aurelio did mention The Imperial Palace in his post 5 Free Attractions to Visit in Tokyo the other day – but this is one site worth mentioning again!

Tsukiji Central Fish Market. You’ll have to get up bright and early for this one – the market opens around five in the morning – but it’s well worth it to watch Tokyo’s world-famous, bustling marketplace come alive. Practically everything that lives in the sea is sold in this market, so Tsukiji really does offer a fascinating feast for the eyes, from giant octopi to tanks of live exotic fish.

Akihabara Electric Town. This is the largest electronics store in Tokyo, but is it also so much more. Akihabara is a testing place for the newest technological gadgetry – much of which is even yet to hit the market – so touring this store is an unforgettable hands-on experience.

Ueno Park. This is the oldest public park in Tokyo, and is a great change of pace if you want to escape the frenetic pace of the city. Ueno Park is definitely a day-long excursion, as it is not just a park, but rather more of a city within a city, featuring museums, art galleries, shrines, pagodas and temples that take you through Japan’s fascinating history.

Tokyo Dome City and the Tokyo Dome Attractions. The Tokyo Dome is a massive, awe-inspiring work of architecture that serves as a gaming and event stadium, as well as the central hub to the variety of amusement parks and attractions that make up Tokyo Dome City. Purchase a pass to explore the multitude of experiences the Dome City has to offer, from Parachute Land to LaQua – a natural hot springs complex.

Your trip to Tokyo will be packed full of experiences that you will never forget. Use this lists as a guide to take in Tokyo’s best.

Use a Proper Greeting

No, it isn’t just something Hollywood does to stereotype the Japanese. Bowing really is a common custom and the way you bow to someone depends on your relationship to him. For example, you may briefly bow to your friend at a 30 degree angle, but when bowing to a business superior, you should bow at 70 degrees to show full respect.

Do Not Tip Anyone

As Americans, we are accustomed to tipping everyone from the pizza delivery boy to our hairdressers. Here in the states, many people in those positions turn to lenders for help because their salaries are so low and their expenses so high. Japan isn’t America though and the customs are quite different. In fact, tipping anyone is considered an insult in Japan. You should simply thank the person for his service, bow and be on your way.

Switch Shoes When Entering Buildings and Rooms

One piece of etiquette advice you will need to know no matter where you go in Japan is proper shoe customs. When entering a home, business or even a hotel, it is customary to remove your shoes. The owner of the building will have provided a place to store your shoes and a pair slippers to wear. The biggest piece of advice to remember is switching slippers before entering the bathroom. The Japanese reserve a pair of slippers to be worn in the bathroom and these should never be worn outside the room.

Blend In

Americans are born and bred to be individuals. While we may stand alone though, the Japanese do not. In Japan, people strive to blend in and be a group. You should do the same. Try to follow the lead of the people you are around so that you fit in as best you can.

Slurp Away

You mother may have told you not to slurp your soup a thousand times, but in Japan, you can slurp your noodles all you want. In fact, this is seen as a compliment to the cook. It is even acceptable to raise your plate or bowl to your mouth when eating difficult foods with chopsticks, such as rice.

A trip to Japan isn’t as intimidating as you may think. While the culture may be different, the customs the people use aren’t that strange, even though they may be opposite to our way of living. Either way, it’s easy to conduct yourself in a proper manner when visiting Japan.

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Imperial Palace. This is the residence of Japan’s imperial family, and is in a picturesque park-like setting and surrounded by awe-inspiring moats, bridges, and massive walls. Take a guided tour through the palace, take in Emperor Showa’s art collection at the on-site museum, and walk through the majestic East Garden area for a taste of ancient Asia that you will never forget.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This super skyscraper has two observation galleries on the forty-fifth floor, where you can take in a breathtaking view of the Tokyo skyline, as well as Mount Fiji and Yokohama.

Yoyogi Park. Pack a picnic lunch and plan to spend an entire Sunday taking in the sights at this free park, home to numerous street performers and bands that provide a wide variety of free entertainment all day long. You might even be lucky enough to stumble into a rave or join in on a drum circle.

Harajuku District. This world famous voyeur’s delight is the perfect place to go if Japanese pop culture and people watching are your thing. Take in the sights of the Cos-play-zoku (“Costume Play Gang”) and eat some authentic Japanese fare at one of the charming street-side bistros.

Akihabara. Japan is known for being a technological leader, so you can’t exactly visit Tokyo without taking in the latest technology Japan has to offer. Akihabara is Tokyo’s largest electronics store, and is a real feast for the senses. Browse the aisles and tickle your imagination by trying out all of the unique gadgets and gizmos Japan has to offer. When you have tired out, visit the furniture department for a free massage – from a high-tech massage chair.

Tokyo, Japan is an exciting world of fast-moving images and eccentric characters. Make the most of your Tokyo vacation by taking in Tokyo’s many colors – and do it for free – by exploring these fascinating Tokyo tourist attractions. And don’t forget your camera!

Variety. Each of Tokyo’s beer gardens has a little something different to offer. Most of them don’t have an actual garden, but some of them do – koi pond and all. What’s more is that some beer gardens require a bit of a hike, if you want to take in a bird’s eye view of Tokyo while you sip your malt beverage. You should definitely do your research before you trek out for your bar hop, and make sure you plan your trek through beer garden land.

Where to go. As I’ve already hinted, not all beer gardens are created equal. Imagine visiting your friendly, neighborhood bar, where “everybody knows your name,” and now imagine how each and every neighborhood bar has its own atmosphere and flavor. Most people who frequent Tokyo’s beer gardens have their favorite stoops, so you will want to visit several in order to find the beer gardens that are right for you.

Popular beer gardens. Of course, some beer gardens are more popular than others. Some of the most highly celebrated beer gardens include Mr. Takao’s Beer Garden (also called Beer Mount, because of the hike you must take to get to the amazing view), Hanezawa Beer Garden (which actually has a real garden), and Ginza Matsuya Rooftop Beer Garden (where you can have lamb grilled right at your table).

How to find the beer gardens for you. Do a search online for Tokyo beer gardens and you will find a lot of information about the variety of beer gardens available to you. Read the testimonials to plot out the course of your beer garden tour. You can also use Google maps if you have a smartphone in very worst case do a research and make sure it is a smartphone and you can then use the Google Maps.

A visit to Tokyo just wouldn’t be complete without a visit (or more) to the Tokyo beer gardens. Do your research and choose which beer gardens you most want to visit, because once you are there you will want to stay a while.

Photo Courtesy Of: miheco

A bento is a single serve portioned meal common in Japanese cuisine. This boxed meal can either be served in restaurants or eaten on the go as homemade packed lunches. The concept has many variations all over the world. Similar forms include biandang (Taiwan), dosirak (Korea), baon (Philippines) and tiffin (India).

History of the Bento

Bento boxes were originally served during a hanami or tea party. Later on it became common to bring food during travels or while sightseeing. Since concessionaires were not common then, people who came to see kabuki or other shows ate their bento boxes during intermissions. Through the years it evolved as a take away meal that adults and children took with them for lunch and during picnics or day trips. These delicious meals are often cooked at home, but they have been sold commercially since the late 1800’s.

Bento bako or the lunchbox itself was initially made of woven bamboo leaves and then it evolved to wooden boxes. During the Taisho period (1912-1926), aluminum bento boxes were used because they were more sturdy and reusable. Nowadays, lacquer bento boxes are used for special gatherings and in restaurants, while plastic ones are used on a daily basis. Disposable bento boxes are also sold commercially.

Character Bento

Photo Courtesy Of:  leafar.

Types of bento

Makunuochi bento is a bento meal served for formal meals and in restaurants.

Kouraku bento is for sharing and it is also known as a picnic bento.

Ekiben bento is for travelers and is often sold in food halls, train stations and convenience stores.

Charaben or kyaraben is the art of making ‘character bento’ which often resembles anime or cartoon characters.

The Japanese follow two traditions in preparing food

Goho meaning five ways of cooking -boiling, grilling, pickling, frying, simmering or steaming gives further balance to every meal.

Goshiki  means five colors –white, red/orange, green, yellow, black/purple/brown. It is a Japanese Buddhist thought that balances aesthetics and nutrition in every meal.

Picnic Bento

Photo Courtesy Of: kimubert

How to assemble a bento box

The traditional bento box ratio is 4-3-2-1. Four parts contains carbohydrates such as rice or noodles, three parts protein such as meat or fish, 2 parts vegetables for fiber and vitamins and one part dessert such as fruits or baked goods for a daily source of sugar.

Why bento?

Bento boxes are healthier options since food is portioned according to your daily needs. This can vary or change though, depending on one’s diet. It is also earth friendly because food is served in reusable containers, thus reducing waste from plastic and paper bags or other forms of disposable packaging. Going bento does not necessarily mean eating Japanese food. These healthy lunchboxes can also contain sandwiches or dishes from other cuisines.  So if you are tired of your usual boring lunch, be creative and make a bento box today.

Without most people realizing its presence, classic food pairs such as making dashi (hot broth) with kombu seaweed and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), Chinese leek and cabbage in chicken soup, and parmesan cheese on tomato sauce and mushrooms, are all foods rich in umami taste. When tasting just one component, it tastes a bit bland, but combining multiple ingredients magnifies the flavor of everything added. Describing the umami essence in MSG is hard to tell. However, you can experience it as your mouth feels increased salivation and a tingly sensation in the tongue, which excites the throat, and makes the mouth fire up in eating more. It does not taste great by itself, but only becomes effective when mixed with most meals.

You are already enjoying the encounter with umami in discrete ways while you are eating California maki, ramen, nishime, teppanyaki, and others. Technically, almost every dish eaten has its amount of umami, even without the actual application of flavor enhancing products like Ajinomoto. L-glutamate amino acids are present in cured meats, fish, mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, shrimp paste, cheese, and soy sauce. While you think that you have avoided MSG all your life, you have already tasted it when you were still a baby. Yes, even breast milk has a decent amount of monosodium glutamate as it is naturally produced in the body. Now that you know the secret to tasty, umami, and delicious Japanese meals, there is no need to hold back in eating to your heart’s content.