From breath-taking sights to tasty delicacies and unique gifts, here’s our guide to making the most of your stay in Tokyo
People Watching
Located in the Harajuku neighbourhood, Tokyo’s flashy teenage mecca Takeshita Dori is home to some of the craziest fashion in the city. This pedestrian-only street is lined with trendy boutiques, cutesy souvenir shops and crepe stands, whose sweet aromas will attract you from a mile away.
Seafood Extravaganza
One of the top tourist attractions in Tokyo, Tsukiji doubles as the world’s largest fish market. Visitors line up as early as 3:00 am to attend the famous tuna auctions before visiting the wholesale area for unusual sights and scents. The 80-year-old fish market is set to relocate in November 2016.
Little Kyoto
For a taste of traditional Japan without having to leave uber-modern Tokyo, head to the Meiji Shrine area. Built during the Meiji period, the grounds surrounding the shrine offer the perfect backdrop for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
A Dog's Tale
The Hachiko Statue was built in honour of a dog that was known to wait every day for his master outside the Shibuya train station, even after his owner’s death. The world’s most loyal dog is so popular that a movie based on his life that starred Richard Gere was released in 2009.
Worth The Hype
Located in the ultra-modern Roppongi Hills, the Mori Art Museum showcases temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists. In the past, this world-class art museum featured work by controversial Chinese artist Ai Weiwei and Japanese-born painter and sculptor Takashi Murakami.
Heavy Weight Heroes
The Ryōgoku Kokugikan stadium hosts two of the six annual Grand Sumo Tournaments, the sport’s biggest events. Purchase your tickets early and don’t miss the opportunity to meet the world’s best and strongest sumo wrestlers.
Pink Cloud in the City
Arguably the best place for cherry blossom viewing, Shinjuku Gyoen Park is also the largest in the city. Blessed with more than 1,000 cherry trees, this 58-hectare park transforms into a magical pastel wonderland in early April.
Fashionista's Paradise
Tokyo is one of the most avant-garde fashion capitals of the world, and when it comes to high-end shopping, it doesn’t get much better than Isetan. The country’s most influential department store offers luxury clothing, accessories and food.
Play 'til You Drop
In the heart of Ginza, Hakuhinkan Toy Park will bring out the kid in you. Browse the colourful aisles at this impressive four-storey toy store for unusual and unique Japanese toys and souvenirs, like a DIY powdered hamburger kit.
Have A Break …
Have a Kit-Kat! Chocolate bar stands in Tokyo benefit from an extra pop of colour thanks to a series of limited edition Kit-Kats only available in Japan. Pick from a variety of flavours, from delicious green matcha tea to fascinating red bean sandwich.
Home-Run Gift
Higashi Aoyama, part of the Arts and Science boutique complex in Aoyama, offers a well-curated selection of handmade Japanese ceramics. Treat your loved ones to delicate clay teapots and one-of-a-kind geometrical small plates for the home.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Paper is deeply rooted in Japan’s culture, so why not offer your friends impeccable stationery as a gift? Head over to the basement at Loft, a huge department store in Shibuya, and browse aisle after aisle of delicate paper, notebooks and pens.
Custom Translation
Google’s translation app will become your best friend in Tokyo. The application lets you translate from voice recordings and allows you to translate text from pictures you take, a feature that comes in handy when you need to make sense of restaurant menus.
Dip, Slurp and Repeat
Tucked away in the basement of Tokyo Station, Rokurinsha deals in tsukemen, a style of ramen where a rich broth is served as a dip with a bowl of plain noodles. Arguably one of the best slurps in the city, this busy noodle joint is well worth the 45-minute wait.
Haute Cuisine
The elegant Michelin two-star Shigeyoshi restaurant in Shibuya specialises in traditional Japanese cuisine. Chef Kenzo Sato’s meticulously prepared multi-course dinner features delicacies such as soft-shell turtle soup and lean tuna sashimi.
For The Love Of Fish
Cheap sushi is easy to find in Tokyo, but for a high-end experience worth splurging for, head to Sushisho Masa in Roppongi. Chef Masa prepares every piece before your eyes while his apprentices explain everything about the fish on your plate.
Signature Blends
Japan is home to some of the best bartenders, and perhaps the most innovative cocktail scene in the world. Bar Ben Fiddich in Shinjuku is no exception. Owner Hiroyasu Kayama adds a special touch to his fragrant alcoholic creations by using botanicals from his family’s fields in Saitama, north of Tokyo.
A Breath Of Fresh Air
Escape the bustle of Japan’s metropolis with a quick getaway to Hakone. This mountainous hot spring town is ideal for those looking to experience the great Japanese outdoors. For breath-taking views over Mount Fuji, hop on the Hakone ropeway or hike two hours up neighbouring Mount Kintoki.
Fresh As A Daisy
In Japan, it is customary to give an oshibori (a damp towel made of cloth or paper) at restaurants for patrons to clean their hands before a meal. Be careful, this symbol of Japan’s pristine hospitality is highly addictive.
Recycle Like The Japanese
Vending machines are nearly everywhere you go in Tokyo, but trashcans are rare. To avoid carrying your empty plastic bottles with you all day, do like the Japanese. Enjoy your soda standing next to the vending machine, where recycling bins are readily available.
Cab To The Future
Taxis in Tokyo are known around the world to be remarkably clean and comfortable, but their most interesting features are the automatic doors. Through the use of a single button, the driver is able to open your door when you board and close it as you exit. You will never have to touch the door yourself.
Malaysia Airlines operates saily flights from Kyuala Lumpur (KUL) to Tokyo (NRT)
