My Favourite Places in Tokyo

There’s so much to do, and so much more to see!

Having lived in the heart of Tokyo for two years, and a frequent visitor for two more, I find that I’m never tired of the city I consider my second home. Each train journey up to the core of Japan always shows me something new, and the city is full of incredible experiences that I’ll never forget. And it’s not just the 23 special wards of Tokyo: the outer regions of the capital have their own treasures.

Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

From busy neighbourhoods downtown to quiet parks a stone’s throw away, here are the places I’ve enjoyed visiting above all others, and what I remember the most from my trips there.

• Yoyogi Park: Located next to the famous Meiji Jingu shrine, Yoyogi Park is the site for my annual autumn park visit. It’s beautiful no matter what season you find it in, and the space is a hub of activity. I’ve seen hanami parties, picnics with frisbee and badminton, Thanksgiving get-togethers and holi parties. The park is a lovely place for a brisk walk, and each path leads to a different world of greenery and history. Watch out for the holidays, though; the lanes are packed with tourists, strollers and pets, all here to enjoy some good weather and better flowers.

Cherry blossoms at Yoyogi Park. Photo by me.

• Tower Records Shibuya: this is the music lover’s dream. It’s got eight floors of CDs, DVDs, vinyls, music magazines and books, Japanese pop culture, and even events by the artists themselves! One of the shop’s most prominent features is a headphone set every few shelves to allow visitors to hear a new and popular song for themselves, and I’ve recently gotten into the habit of listening to one totally random song per floor. Tower Records is my go-to store if I want to find a new artist to like or experiment with a different genre, and the shop opened my mind to all sorts of new music within no time at all. From idol pop and punk rock to jazz and trance music, Tower Shibuya has it all and more!

The exterior of Tower Records Shibuya. Photo by me.

• Futako-Tamagawa: the best place to visit if you just want to relax and maybe splash around. The Tama River separates Tokyo from the neighbouring city of Kawasaki, and comes as a relief from the summer heat. The water can be icy-cold even on a hot and humid day, and it’s almost impossible to walk on the stones! You could visit any neighbourhood in Tokyo along the Tama River and enjoy the experience: the riverbank has almost nothing but green spaces and play areas for sports practice, walks, and simple relaxation. But Futako-Tamagawa combines the bustle of urban Tokyo with the tranquility of the river, giving you the best of both worlds. Remember to bring a towel if you want to dip your toes in the river!

I hope you have a chance to visit these spots and enjoy them as much as I did. The more you explore Tokyo, the more you’ll grow to love it as much as I do.