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Traveloka PH

31 Jul 2019 - 6 min read

Things to Do in Eastern Asia: Tokyo, Osaka & Fukuoka

Tokyo

Tokyo City

Easily the most recognizable city of Japan and the country’s capital since 1869, Tokyo is Japan’s top tourist destination, and for good reason. From its seemingly endless food options to busy shopping districts to beautiful parks and museums, Tokyo, quite literally, has it all.One downside to the bevy of attractions is it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so if you only have time for three things while you’re in the city, here are our suggestions:

Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market

For decades, the Tsukiji Fish Market was the world’s largest wholesale fish market. It’s also become one of Japan’s most iconic attractions, drawing thousands of hungry tourists each day.However, in October 2018, the inner market, where the famous fresh seafood auctions were held, was moved to Toyosu Market. Luckily, Tsukiji’s outer market, where you’ll find countless food stalls offering every type of seafood imaginable, still exists and has managed to retain most of the market’s charm.

Things to Know:

Address: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City
Price range: Entrance is free but expect to spend anywhere from JPY 1000 to JPY 2000
Pro-tip: The market’s open from 9 AM to 3 PM, so come early if you want to try everything. Stalls start closing shop around 2 PM.

Takeshita Street in Harajuku

Takeshita Street In Harajuku

If you want to get the full Tokyo shopping experience, head over to Takeshita Street in Tokyo’s iconic Harajuku District. A 400-meter lane of hip clothing shops and food stalls hawking sugary treats, this famous street offers a veritable feast for the senses. If brightly colored clothes aren’t your thing, be sure to sample some of the rainbow cotton candy instead.

Things to Know:

Address: 1 Chome-17 Jingumae, Shibuya
Price range: JPY 1000 - JPY 5000
Pro-tip: If the crowds on Takeshita-dori are too much for you, there are side alleys that intersect with the road; duck into one of them and discover hidden vintage shops and cute cafes.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple

Tokyo’s oldest and most photographed temple, Sensoji Temple is one place you don’t want to miss when you’re in town. Apart from its picturesque structure and vibrant colors, the street leading up to the temple, Nakamise, features 200 meters of stalls selling everything from souvenirs to traditional snacks.

Things to Know:

Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City
Price range: Entrance to the temple is free but expect to spend JPY 1000 - JPY 2000 on Nakamise
Pro-tip: Like many temples in Japan, you can find omikuji, fortune-telling strips, at Sensoji Temple. Pay a small fee and you’ll be handed a wooden box with your fortune inside. Shake the box until a bamboo stick falls out. The stick will be engraved with Japanese characters. Find the corresponding drawer with the matching character, open it and grab your fortune. If your fortune is good, you can keep the paper but if it’s bad you can leave it behind and leave it to the gods to deal with.

Osaka

Osaka Town

Located in the Kansai region of Japan, Osaka is known as “Japan’s kitchen” thanks to its rich food culture. A cursory stroll down one of Osaka’s streets and you’re sure to encounter the city’s main draw: street food.From Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki to endless sticks of Kushikatsu, there’s no shortage of delectable foods to munch on while you trawl the streets in search of more food or shopping options.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori

No other street in Japan can satisfy your craving for local street food quite like Osaka’s famous Dotonbori. This gastronomic wonderland features some of the best spots for quintessential Kansai dishes like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. This is also where you can fully embody the Japanese expression ‘kuidaore’, which means ‘eat til you drop.’

Things to Know:

Address: 1 Chome-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward
Price range: JPY 1000 - JPY 3000
Pro-tip: Make sure you hit up Dotonbori’s best spots, like Kukuru for Takoyaki, Kushikatsu Daruma for deep fried sticks of meat and vegetables, and Kani Douraku for the best king crab you’ll ever have.

Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi Entrance Market

Osaka’s most popular shopping district, Shinsaibashi has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for manga and typical otaku merchandise, books, or something cool to wear to dinner, this bustling shopping area’s got you covered.

Things to Know:

Address: 3-12 Minamisenba Mido-suji, Chuo-ku
Price range: JPY 2000 - JPY 5000
Pro-tip: Hit up Amerikamura (aka Amemura) for a dose of Japanese youth culture and the perfect marriage of East and West.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle

Built in 1583 to symbolize a unified Japan, Osaka Castle has undergone numerous changes. It was destroyed in 1615 and rebuilt a few years later, only to be struck by lightning and burn down mid 17th century. It wasn’t until 1931 that the current structure was built. Since then, it’s become a symbol for the city and a popular tourist attraction.Apart from the main castle, a surrounding park offers lots of green space, food stalls, and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the former ruler of the region who had the castle built.

Things to Know:

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward
Price range: Entrance fee for people over 15 is JPY 600, under it’s free.
Pro-tip: Best visited during cherry blossom season, from late March to early April or May.

Fukuoka

Fukuoka City

Found in the northern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is Japan’s sixth largest city. While it may not be as popular as other cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, Fukuoka offers a slew of unique attractions and local cuisine options that can rival Japan’s more famous cities.

Yanagibashi Market

Yanagibashi Market

Fukuoka’s most popular fish market, Yanagibashi houses 47 shops that sell everything from Hakata-style ramen to different kinds of raw, cooked and cured fish. There’s even a tea shop that sells traditional Japanese teas where you can quench your thirst after a long day of eating.

Things to Know:

Address: 1-5-1 Haruyoshi,Chuo
Price range: JPY 1000 - JPY 2000
Pro-tip: As with most wet markets, be sure to get there early when the fish is fresh and supplies are well-stocked.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

A massive park in Fukuoka that offers a variety of activities for visitors. You can spend the entire day here and not run out of things to do. Rent a bike and cycle down lanes flanked by stunning flower gardens. Check out the zoo or bring snacks and have a picnic on the grass. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature, whether you’re a solo traveler or with your whole family.

Things to Know:

Address: 1 8-2 5 Saitozaki, Higashi Ward
Price range: Adults (15 and over), JPY 450; seniors (65 and over), JPY 210; kids under 15, free.
Pro-tip: Make sure you head to the park at least two hours before closing so you have enough time to really take in and enjoy everything this remarkable park has to offer.

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