Traveloka PH
31 Jul 2019 - 6 min read
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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