Taking in Tokyo

Alright guys, if it wasn't already obvious, this blog post is going to be all about Tokyo, Japan. It's always been a goal of mine to visit Japan (its's pretty high up on my bucket list too!) and I figured that is I'm going to go, I may as well go to the capital city.

Tokyo has a population of 8,949,447 people in comparison to the 1,273,069 people who live in Ireland. It is the largest metropolitan area in the world. As a result, there is little space and the land value is extremely high. Despite all this, I think it is a beautifully intriguing city.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_structures_in_Tokyo)

Tokyo is such a bustling city that there are an endless amount of things to do and experience whilst there. As with any city, there are an endless supply of things to see and do, and as I'm not tour guide (if it wasn't already very obvious) I'm just going to give you a brief list of the places which I feel are must-see sights! No matter how self-conscious you may feel, just relax and be a tourist for me, okay? good. now here we go:

1. The imperial palace and main residence of the imperial family, even though there's obviously no hope of getting inside, why not walk around the edges of the palace, it's a beautiful building, promise! 

2. The Buddhist temples, for example; Sensoji temple (the oldest temple in the Asakusa district). Buddhism is the main religion in Japan, so it is only fitting that you pay a visit to at least one of the temples throughout the country! 

3. Akihabara – the district for electronic goods. Need I say more? Japan is well known for it's exceptional range of electronics and this is the place you need to go if you love gadgets, or even if you're looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary. 

4. Now this place is an absolute must; Harajuku, this is the center of teenage fashion and cosplay in Japan. Whether you're a fashion guru or an art lover, you need to check this place out! It will either inspire you to change up your look, go out and make your wardrobe more colourful, or just make you feel like a child again, it really is something wonderfully unique.

5. The Tokyo 'skytree'; this is a 634 story high observation desk which allows you to look over the skyline and take in the stunning sight of the astounding city. Unless you suffer from extreme vertigo I would strongly urge you to be brave and try to summon the courage to go as high as the birds, because a sight like the one you will see from the top is one-in-a-million. 

6. Ueno park – city park with multiple museums and a zoo. Who doesn't love a good zoo? This is also a good spot for your daily culture dose. I mean, what sort of blog post would this be if it wasn't diverse enough to include where to find a good museum or two? I've got your back guys. 

7. Last, but by no means least; the Ghibli animation studios! Sure they're no Disney or Pixar, but anime is a huge part of Japanese culture, an escapism of sorts. I'm not big into graphic design etc but 'My Neighbor Totoro' is a truly heart-warming film and I highly recommend watching it! Nothing will ever replace the special space in my heart which is reserved for the works of Disney studios, but Ghibli is undeniably incredible and well worth checking out!

(http://www.splashnology.com/article/studio-ghibli-animated-films-awesome-fan-artworks/4260/)

Okay I do appreciate the fact that most of those place names are quite difficult to pronounce if you don't speak Japanese but at least you'll have fun trying to say them ;)

Now, if those must-see sights didn't do it for you, I'm going to give you even more options but telling you some of the things which I feel are must-do activities! I'm loading this blog post with fun ideas for you guys:

1. Go and sing at one of the many karaoke bars. 

2. Take a trip to go and see Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train day trip from Tokyo. Almost ever tour guide will take you there! 

3. Go and see the Tokyo Tower.

4. Attend a traditional Tea Ceremony.

(credits to blackrainbow-letslearnjapanaese.blospot.com)

5. Go on the Sumida River Cruise day tour. 

6. Go to the Nikko National Park. 

7. Get up early and go on the Sushi making and tsukiji fish market morning tour. 

8. Go to both a bunraku and kabuki. These are both traditional Japanese performances and are absolutely exquisite. 

9. Visit the hot-springs in Atami and have a relaxing spa day.

It's not hard to find something to do and I'm not going to go into any detail on those suggestions as I feel as though they are all rather self-explanatory. Just don't feel that because it's such a culture that there's nothing fun for you to do.

Let me know if you do go to Japan or even if you've been there or know if you know someone who has been there. Talk soon.

Sally x