Majestic Japan - Tokyo
by Teri E. Popp, Tastemaker in Residence
We made sure to spend at least two full days touring Tokyo as well. A diverse city consisting of 47 prefectures and over 13 million people, it blends the ultra modern with the ancient. We started with the new by visiting the quirkily charming Meiji Jingu Shrine, a shopping mecca featuring the trendy and, sometimes cartoonish, aspects of Japanese culture.
From there, we took the Tokyo subway to Shinjuku District and toured a large department store. I highly recommend including a major department store visit on every trip to Japan! It truly gives the visitor an insight into Japanese culture. Basements of these shopping extravaganzas include a food court that is both gorgeous and appetizing. Upper floors house clothing-both traditional kimono (a must see) and contemporary-as well as housewares, furniture and finer dining options.
We topped off our first full day in Tokyo by relaxing at Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a lavish hot spring theme park decorated to replicate the historic town of Edo. If you don't get the chance to visit an authentic Onsen (Japanese bathhouse) outside of Tokyo, this is one way to experience that adventure. Just remember the rules of Japanese bathing: women and men are segregated, no clothing or covering is allowed in the baths, and tattoos are forbidden.
In finishing our tour of Japan, we decided to visit a variety of experiences in Tokyo on our last day. We started by touring the Tsukiji Fish Market, followed by the Asakusa Shrine and Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Just know that on a trip to Japan, you will not lack for shopping!
Fish Market Favorites!
Asakusa Shrine and Nakamise Shopping Arcade
Before leaving this culturally significant and beautiful country, we took in a view of the Imperial Palace (which can only be visited on the actual grounds on a day or two during the year), topped off by walking through the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Any trip to Japan is an incredible trip of a lifetime!!!
Imperial Palace
Meiji Jingu Shrine
