Tokyo City Guide - Sightseeing

From the hectic multi-road crossing at Shinjuku (made famous in Lost in Translation) to the peaceful tree filled gardens at the Meiji Shrine, the city's key sights are varied and mesmerising. Watch the fashion-obsessed teens every Sunday in Shibuya, step back in time in Asakusa's crowded street stalls and revel in the neon lit view from the top of Roppongi's Tokyo Tower.

The reclaimed island of Odaiba is Tokyo's ultimate bubble era project, the wildly popular Roppongi Hills complex gives a glimpse into the city's future. For those looking for a timeless Japan ritual head for Ueno Park, where the trees burst into cherry blossom every spring.

Unlike other cities of its size and significance, however, Tokyo lacks a definable centre or landmark. Instead the city is divided into separate and wholly distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own secrets to discover. The best way to navigate these mini-cities is on the excellent Metro system, specifically the Yamanote Line, a commuter train loop which passes through many of Tokyo's major stations.

But as with all of Japan, the key to discovering the true Tokyo lies in the details. Simply wandering though an area reveals the secrets that make this city so unique.

But with no street names, finding exactly where a building is in Tokyo can be fiendishly difficult. Buying a detailed bilingual map will certainly help, and with so little crime to solve, the police in their boxes (called koban) on practically every corner are both plentiful and experienced in redirecting the lost gaijin traveller. Lastly, study the large and detailed maps on display at every Metro station. These clearly show which exit is needed, in English.

The Japanese National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) runs two Tourist Information Centers (TIC) in Tokyo, one in Narita Airport and one in central Tokyo. They both offer a wealth of information to the new arrival; detailed maps, guides to Japanese culture and hotel information. English speaking staff can book your accommodation commission free and are a fantastic source of local knowledge.

Tokyo Tourist Information Center (TIC)
10F, Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: (03) 3201 3331.
Website: www.jnto.go.jp

There are no sightseeing pass as such in Tokyo, but a couple of guides printed by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau offer discount vouchers to foreign visitors. The Tokyo Museum Guide for example offers discounts in 12 art galleries and museums, while the Tokyo Handy Guide covers 37 affiliated attractions.