Occurring on the second Sunday of March every year, you can witness Buddhist monks walk over burning wood at the Hiwatari Festival in Mt. Takao. This sacred practice of walking over burning wood cleanses the monks from evil temptations and influences from evil spirits, as well as pray for world peace and longevity. Surrounding this festival are food stalls and traditional festival booths to keep guests entertained aside from the fire walking. Oh, and if you’re wondering, visitors can participate at the end as well. But don’t worry, it’s after the wood has cooled down a bit to ensure safety.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Go Tokyo

Location: In a parking lot near Takaosanguchi Station

Hours: Starts 1pm

Website: N/A

How to get there: The Takaosanguchi Station is on the Keio Takao Line which is easy accessible from Shinjuku.

 

Anime Japan is an annual event held at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center. Over hundreds of Japanese and foreign TV and film production companies as well as games, toys and software developers gather making it one of the biggest anime related events in the world. Most of the floor space is occupied with booths, with larger exhibitions featuring their own stage and theaters host special guest appearances from popular faces in the industry.

Entrance fee: Price varies on year.

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address: 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Tokyo Big Sight

Hours: 9am - 5pm

Website: https://www.anime-japan.jp/en/

How to get there: A 7 minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station on the Yurikamome Line or a 13 minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on the Rinkai Line.

 

If you’re in Japan during the spring time, you might be lucky enough to catch Japan’s renowned cherry blossom season. The arrival of the cherry blossoms signifies the start of spring in Japan. It’s so significant that there are cherry blossom forecasts and festivals to prepare for this event. The cherry blossoms only last for about a week so the timing is key on when you are able to see them.

Some of the best spots to see cherry blossoms are at the Ueno Sakura Festival at Ueno Park, Chiyoda no Sakura Festival at Yasukuni Shrine and at the Meguro River. Other spots include parks and gardens which are listed in our Destination Guide for great cherry blossom spots. For more information on Ueno Park and Yasukuni Shrine, click to find out more.

Photo credit: Nippon

Locations: Ueno Park, Chiyoda no Sakura Festival at Yasukuni Shrine, Meguro River

Dates: Late March to early April

Website: N/A

Below are the map locations for Ueno Park, Yasukuni Shrine and Meguro River in relative order.

 

 

 

Yasukuni Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Japan’s war dead. It was founded in 1869 for the purpose of enshrining those who have died fighting for their country. There are roughly 2.5 million spirits enshrined there who have fought for their country since the Meiji Restoration in 1868 to now - their names are noted along with origin, date and place of death.

Since World War II, there have been controversies surrounding this shrine in that 14 Class A war criminals are enshrined. Prime Ministers visiting the shrine has further stirred controversies due to regards concerning the violation of separate church and state.

The shrine also features a large museum about wars Japan’s been involved in from a conservative Japanese point of view.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address: 3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8246　

Hours: 6am - 6pm (6am - 5pm from November-February)

Website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/

How to get there: A 5 minute walk from Kudanshita Station, Exit 1 on the Tokyo Metro Tozai, Hanzomon, and Toei Shinjuku lines. A 10 minute walk on the Iidabashi or Ichigaya Station on the JR Sobu and Chuo Lines.

 

Centuries ago, this area was believed to be the former resident home of a Samurai who was a close confidant to the ruling Tokugawa Family. Fast forward to now, this traditional garden is now famous for it’s well manicured scenery for weddings, celebrations banquets and a green tea ceremony experience for overseas visitors.

The garden is centered around a pond with koi fish in it. It also features centuries old bonsai trees. Everything about the garden is grounded in Japanese culture - the architecture, design, layout, culinary techniques, art and music. The garden is also not crowded with people and typically very quiet - a nice change of pace from tourist destinations in the midst of Tokyo.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Tokyo Cheapo

Address:  1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071

Hours: 10am - 8:30pm (Open 9am on weekends)

Website: https://www.happo-en.com/banquet/about/

How to get there: About a 20 minute walk from either Gotanda or Meguro Station on the JR Lines.

 

Opening up in 1959, the National Museum of Western Art is Japan’s only national institution devoted to western art. It started off with the Matsukata Collection which focused on impressionist art and Auguste Rodin's sculptures previously owned by the French. Since it’s opening, the museum has been collecting works ranging from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Every year, it has bought and collected art from around the world in order to expand and educate people in Western Art. The museum features arts by artists such as Money, Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir and much more. It also has a nice garden to take a stroll in.

Entrance fee: 500 Yen for adults, 200 yen for University, Free for 65&over/18&under

Photo credit: Japan Visitor

Address: 7-7 Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007, JAPAN (Located in Ueno Park)

Hours: Closed Mondays and New Years holiday, 9:30am - 5:30pm (8pm Fridays and Saturdays)

*If Monday is a holiday then it is open and closed the next day

Tel: (03)5777-8600

Website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/index.html

How to get there: A 1 minute walk from Ueno Station, Park Exit on the JR Lines.

 

This large public park is famous for many museums and a zoo. The Ueno Park used to be the Kaneiji Temple - the largest and wealthiest Temple in the city. It was owned by the ruling Tokugawa family during the Edo Period, but during the Boshin Civil War which followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the victorious forces of the new ruling Meiji government overthrew the shogunate’s with massive destruction including the temple. The grounds were then converted into one of Japan’s first western style park a long with the openings of a zoo and museums

Today the park is famous for it’s many museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, National Museum for Western Art and more. It is also home to the famous Ueno Zoo.

Additionally, Ueno is very famous for it’s thousands of cherry blossom during the springtime. It;s one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

Entrance fee: free

Photo credit: Live Japan

Address: Ikenohata 3-8, Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007

Hours: 5am - 11pm

Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html

How to get there: A 2 minute walk from Ueno Station on the JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines.

 

Discover anime and manga heaven at this massive shopping complex in Nakano. While Akihabara is known to be the center of anime and manga, Nakano Broadway is the hidden, secret sibling. it’s a hidden gem in the outskirts of Tokyo. The second and third floors are where most of anime and manga goods are while the first and basement floors sell produce, clothes, second hand goods and shoes. They also have many antiique shops including watch shops, camera shops, video games and little souvenir shops as well.

Don’t miss out on the following stores:

• The dozen or so Mandarake shops selling anime and manga goods

• The world famous Bar Zingaro with the 2004 World Barista Champion and 2005 World Cup Tasting Champion Tim Wendelboe’s coffee beans and book 

• 8 layer ice cream at Daily Chico

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Live Japan

Address: 5-52 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001

Hours: Varies on store, but typically around 11am - 7pm

Website: https://nakano-broadway.com/

How to get there: A 5 minute walk from Nakano Station on the JR Line.

 

One of the best views of Tokyo can be seen atop the Tokyo’s government building. This 243 meter tall building houses an observation deck at 202 meters. With favorable weather conditions, you can see Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Dome. The north observation deck is open later at night making it a very popular spot to get a scenic view of cities night time lights.

The second story holds a tourist information center and at times, there are volunteer tour guides who can show you around restricted areas in the government building.

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address: 2−8−1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Hours: 9:30am - 10:30pm

Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html#h2-01

How to get there: Direct access from Tocho-mae Station on the Tokyo Metro Oedo Line or a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Line.

 

The Tokyo Dome City is an entertainment complex that features the massive Tokyo Dome baseball stadium, an amusement park, the Laqua hot spring and spa and variety of restaurants and shops. Here is a simple guide of 5 things you can do at Tokyo Dome City:

• The Tokyo Dome is a massive indoor baseball stadium that seats 55,000 people. It’s home to the Yomiuri Giants. When there are no games, concerts, festivals, shows and events are held inside the Dome.

• Laqua Spa is a popular relaxation spot with hot springs, saunas and pools. Soak in a traditional Japanese onsen here. The hot spring comes from water dug from 1 km underground.

• Right next to the Tokyo Dome is a noticeable amusement park with rides and carnival games. Some if it’s popular rides include the Ferris wheel where you can sing karaoke in side, their signature Thunder Dolphin ride that goes up to 130km/hr (80mph) and an 80 foot tower drop ride.

• Beers and bowling at CuBar lounge. They have a menu of many draft beers, whiskeys and cocktails you’ve never heard of…all while bowling!

• Peek through the ultra large 4k screen of the universe at Sora Theater in the TenQ Space Museum.

Entrance Fee: Depends on attraction

Photo credit: Tokyo Dome Website

Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004

Hours: Varies on store/attraction but varies from 10am - 9pm

Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/

How to get there: A 3 minute walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines. Or a 3 minute walk from Korakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines.