Traveling to Tokyo Is It a Lot of Walking
Tokyo is justifiably proud of its world-class public transportation system. Only this amazing urban center also rewards slowing downwardly and exploring its highlights on foot.
Here'south how to do but that, connecting multiple Tokyo sights on some wonderfully curated walks that showcase different parts of the city, from some of the near iconic outdoor and spacious attractions, to lesser-known discoveries that are certain to delight your inner cultural aficionado.
Asakusa and Sumida
(2.5km; ii.v hours)
On this walk, get a feel for the flavor of Shitamachi (the old Edo-era 'Low City'), while walking from Sensō-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo, to Skytree, the earth's tallest freestanding radio tower.
With a history of effectually 1,400 years, Sensō-ji has been the spiritual and cultural lifeblood of Asakusa for centuries. Get-go by entering through the landmark Kaminarimon Gate with its huge lantern, and then strolling Nakamise Dōri, the shop-lined street and approach to the temple, with a freshly made traditional snack or 2 from the shop vendors.
One time you reach the temple, exist enchanted by the waft of incense, the pitter-patter of feet approaching the primary hall to pray, and the bright vermillion hue of the temple and its five-story pagoda.
So have a short 5-minute detour across to Asakusa Engei Hall, a performance hall for rakugo, traditional Japanese comedic storytelling, and other performative arts – i of but 4 such theaters in Tokyo. Have a few moments to capeesh the colorful flags and lanterns that adorn the unique outside, and capeesh an institution that has nurtured the careers of some of Japan'southward most famous comics.
Swing dorsum around toward Nakamise Street and continue onto Sumida River. For the all-time view of the 'golden flame' atop Asahi Super Dry Hall on the opposing depository financial institution, become to the Azuma-bashi Bridge area by Asakusa Station, so proceed north to Sumida River Walk, a new improver to the area which now gives pedestrians direct access over Sumida-gawa from the tourist areas of Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree.
Open to human foot traffic from 7am-10pm, and lit up from dusk in coordination with the Tokyo Skytree light display, it's one of the most picturesque places to bask the river scenery and the setting sun.
Have a well-earned break at Tokyo Mizumachi, a pocket-size commercial waterfront district nestled nether the railroad train tracks, attainable simply by foot or bicycle (though bike parking is express). It's the perfect place for relaxed open-air dining, so grab a bite to swallow along the riverside terrace facing Kitajukken River or get some takeout and stretch out at the adjoining Sumida Park.
One time revived, information technology'southward a 10-infinitesimal walk to the magnificent 634-meter Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Solamachi 'Heaven Boondocks' circuitous.
Marunouchi, Ginza and Tsukiji
(6.3km; 3-4 hours, excluding optional museum stops)
This walk volition accept you to the exceptional National Museum of Modern Art, effectually the outside of the Regal Palace, and then onto the districts of Ginza and Tsukiji.
Located next to the Imperial Palace, on the grounds of the lush Kita-no-maru Park, is Japan'south kickoff national art museum. Known as MOMAT, the Museum of Modernistic Art Tokyo houses an incredible 13,000 Japanese (and international) artworks from the early 20th century onward, 200 of which are selected at a fourth dimension to display in the rotating MOMAT Collection.
Start your walk here with a culturally enriching wander through this spacious and lesser-known artistic gem, before making your manner effectually the grounds of the Royal Palace. Stop in at Kōkyo Gaien Plaza to take some photos of the iconic stone Megane-bashi bridge and its reflection on the moat along with the steel Nijū-bashi bridge behind it, the closest you can get to the palatial buildings without a tour.
And then go along through the gardens to Tokyo International Forum, a large convention and civic center with a hit sixty-meter-high glass lobby inspired by the shape of a boat, taking the elevated drinking glass walkways to experience the lite-infused atrium from all angles.
If you're interested in more art and architecture, pop over to the Mitsubishi Ichigōkan Museum correct next door. Designed in 1894, this stunning red-brick building was the first Western-fashion office building in the Marunouchi district. Faithfully reconstructed based on the original design, it is at present a museum focused on late 19th and early 20th century fine art.
If the mood strikes you, take a short detour toward Tokyo Station, where on the 2d and tertiary floors of the KITTE building, yous'll observe a nigh delightfully unexpected allure chosen Intermediatheque, a free museum with an eclectic and fascinating collection of antiquities acquired by the University of Tokyo, the country's well-nigh prestigious educational institution, since its foundation in 1877.
From hither, head back to Tokyo International Forum and keep on to Yūrakuchō Station, turning left towards Ginza. Considered Tokyo's most polished neighborhood, have in this luxe shopping precinct with its designer stores, upscale restaurants, and galleries, including the stunning Kabukiza Theater, before heading to Tsukiji, Tokyo's pantry.
While the area'southward inner wholesale market moved to a new location in 2018, Tsukiji Outer Market remains open and full of insanely fresh seafood and other tasty morsels. Visit Yamachō (6:50am-3:30pm) to try their freshly-fabricated tamago-yaki (sweetened rolled egg omelette) on a stick. Gloriously fluffy and decadent, you'll be hard pressed to wipe the grinning off your face up equally y'all savor each bite.
Ueno and Yanesen
(6km, 3 hours)
On this walk, we'll first visit the quaint Yanesen area, the collective proper noun for the Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi neighborhoods, a mannerly function of the city that has all the nostalgia of Tokyo circa several decades ago.
Beginning with a stroll along Yanaka Ginza celebrated shopping street, lined with locally-owned shops, cafes and food stalls; the perfect spot to grab a delicious snack on the go. Be sure to interruption at the Yūyake Dandan stairs for a neat picture-taking opportunity before proceeding to the nearby Asakura Museum of Sculpture.
The former residence and studio of renowned late Japanese sculptor Fumio Asakura, this incredible building, itself listed equally a national cultural property, showcases his life'due south work. With a focus on realism, expect to find depictions of the human form every bit well many cats. Don't miss the magnificent rooftop garden, the oldest extant roof garden in Tokyo, along with the courtyard, both registered equally places of scenic dazzler.
From here, proceed traveling south by Yanaka Cemetery to SCAI The Bathhouse, a contemporary art gallery housed in a 200-yr-old old public bath. Entry to the exhibition is by avant-garde reservation, which can be arranged online, although the outside alone is worth a stop.
Moving into the centre of Ueno and its culture-packed central park, Ueno-kōen, hither you'll find the city's highest concentration of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, besides as other noteworthy cultural attractions. Cease in at Ueno Tōshō-gū, a gilded Shinto shrine built in 1627 defended to Edo-era shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, earlier hopping over to Ameyokō shopping street to enjoy the market atmosphere and peruse the vendor offerings.
Following the railway line, you'll soon accomplish 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, an arts and crafts precinct of effectually fifty artisanal shops, studios, galleries and cafes, nestled under the train tracks between Okachimachi and Akihabara stations. Many of the appurtenances sold here are not mass-produced, making it an excellent spot for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.
Another five-10 minutes and you'll be in the centre of Akihabara, Tokyo'south 'electric town' and middle for otaku pop culture, manga, cosplay and more.
Annotation: Museums in Tokyo are typically airtight on Mondays. Be sure to check the current opening days and times for each attraction you wish to visit, forth with COVID safety measures, before embarking on your walk.
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