Japan Things To Do

Main stage for one of the world’s great theatrical traditions. Kabuki’s reputation may be mysterious, but it all makes sense when you see the costumes and understand the stories. Be sure to get the English-language “earphone guide,” simultaneous translation with narration and explanations.

Sumo tournaments take place here for two weeks each in January, May and September – not to be missed, even if just for an hour or two. At other times, there’s a tiny museum of sumo history, art and artifacts.

Forested parkland encircles Tokyo’s largest and most mystical Shinto shrine, dedicated to the memory of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), who is credited with making Japan a modern nation. Try to catch a wedding procession.

Centerpiece of Tokyo’s most storied old town district. The busy, blocks-long Nakamise-dori pedestrian street is lined with souvenir and snack stalls on the way to the Chinese-roofed Buddhist temple and nearby pagoda.

Get an overview of Japanese art history in a matter of a couple hours. You’ve certainly been to larger museums with more items on display, but each work of art here – ceramics to statuary to woodblock prints – is a masterpiece. Afterwards, stroll Ueno Park with its other museums and shrines.

The early morning energy of the world’s largest fish and seafood market will make you grateful for jet lag. Although the 5am fish auctions are closed to the public, there’s plenty to see among the wholesalers and distributors under a massive pavilion roof. Produce stalls just outside are Japanese Cuisine 101.

Take a 30-minute train ride north of Tokyo to get a feel for just how train-obsessed the Japanese people are. Dozens of train cars fill the space, from imperial carriages to Shinkansen bullet trains. Many of the exhibits are hands-on, including simulators (some require reservations).

The East Garden of the Imperial Palace abounds with seasonal flowers (splendiferous during cherry blossom season). You’ll also get up-close-and-personal views of moats and giant hewn boulders, moved here from hundreds of miles away to form the ramparts of the former Edo Castle of the shogun. Closed Mondays and Fridays.

Long Japan’s proving ground for the next big thing in electronics, this northeastern neighborhood has also evolved into a center for manga (comic books) and anime (animation). You’ll find all of these in megastores and piled high along main streets and side streets. Expect lots of noise and the occasional teen dressed in cos-play (costume play) as their favorite anime character.