Tokyo Things To Do

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Things To Do

There’s so much to see and do in Tokyo that the choices can seem daunting, but here’s a selection of uniquely Tokyo sights and must-sees. Along the way, don’t forget to take time to stop and observe – you may find everyday customs just as interesting as the sights: people wearing … more surgical masks in public (they have colds and don’t want to infect others), moms who remove their kids’ shoes before they climb up on subway seats, and chimes at 5pm (to remind children that it’s time to go home). The very orderliness of the place is how everyone manages to get along in this crowded city.

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Three mostly new must-see museums are within easy walking distance of each other: The Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills has edgy, contemporary works, the National Art Center Tokyo offers classics like Monet, and the Suntory Museum of Art typically exhibits traditional Japanese art.

The Mori Art Museum; The National Art Center Tokyo; The Suntory Museum of Art; Roppongi & Akasaka; Tokyo; www.roppongihills.com/en

Learn the fascinating history of one of the world’s most complex cities. One side of the cavernous hall shows the customs, crafts and architecture of Edo (as the city was called until 1868); the other side gives the history of Tokyo since 1868.

1-4-1 Yokoami; Tokyo; 011-81-3-3626-9974; www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp

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.

4-12-5 Ginza; Tokyo; 011-81-3-3541-3131; www.shochiku.co.jp/play/kabukiza

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.

1-3-28 Yokoami; Tokyo; 011-81-3-3623-5111; www.sumo.or.jp

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.

Kamizono-cho, Yoyogi; Tokyo; 011- 81-3-3379-5511; www.meijijingu.or.jp

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.

2-3-1 Asakusa; Tokyo; 011-81-3-3842-0181

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.

13-9 Ueno Koen; Tokyo; 011-81-3-3822-1111; www.tnm.jp

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.

Shimbashi & Shiodome; Tokyo; www.tsukiji-market.or.jp

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).

3-47 Onari-cho, Omiya-ku; Tokyo; 011-81-48-651-0088; www.railway-museum.jp (Japanese only)

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.

1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku; Tokyo; 011-81-3-3213-2050; www.kunaicho.go.jp/e17/ed17-05.html

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