Attractions — Tokyo Metropolis

Bunraku is puppet theatre — a complex art in which a single puppet is usually operated by several people who train extensively to achieve natural, coordinated movement. Bunraku originated in Osaka, but performances in Tokyo are held at the National Theatre. The National Theatre is currently closed for renovation, and performances are taking place at other venues; you can still buy tickets and find details on the theatre’s website.

The Mikimoto building belongs to the eponymous jewelry company, the first to develop cultured pearl technology. One of the architectural features is the irregularly arranged windows, as if inlaid into a monolithic facade.

Golden Gai is made up of several narrow, scruffy alleys packed with more than 200 tiny bars and restaurants. Most places open from around 8:00 p.m., and because many venues are very small some charge a table/cover fee called otoshi of roughly ¥500; in return you’ll usually receive a small complimentary appetizer.

Yoyogi Park was part of the 1964 Olympic Games. Most temporary structures were dismantled after the Games, but one of the main Olympic facilities — the Yoyogi National Gymnasium — is still in use today.

Noh is a form of Japanese theatre — older and more classical, characterized by seriousness and austerity. Noh actors are traditionally male. The main character wears special masks instead of expressive facial acting, and performances are long and may require some preparation from the audience. To balance Noh’s drama, it is often combined with comic scenes (kyōgen); that mix is called nōgaku. The main Noh stage in Tokyo is the National Noh Theatre. Seats are equipped with screens showing English subtitles, but even so the performance can be hard to follow.

Nihonbashi is a historic bridge and district in Tokyo, known as the kilometer zero marker for Japan's national highway network. Visitors appreciate its unique blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles, particularly the iconic Kirin statues, and its significance as a former commercial and financial hub.

The SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO offers an interactive dive into Japan's warrior history, allowing visitors to learn about samurai and ninja through engaging activities. Reviewers highlight the fun of trying out weapons and the value of English-speaking guides. It's a hands-on experience rather than a traditional historical exhibit.

Step back in time at the Okuno Building, a well-preserved pre-war structure in Ginza, home to art galleries and antique shops. Its main draw is a rare manually-operated elevator, offering a unique, self-guided ride through Tokyo's architectural past.

The Old Iwabuchi Watergate, also known as the Red Watergate, is a significant historical flood control structure in Tokyo. It offers a peaceful riverside setting popular with joggers and fishing enthusiasts, and its distinctive red color makes it a photogenic spot with a unique, slightly eerie atmosphere due to local ghost stories.

Experience Tokyo's Odaiba area from a unique perspective aboard the TOKYO NO KABA Amphibious Bus. This colorful vehicle transitions seamlessly from road to water, offering a fun and memorable ride, particularly for families, with engaging narration and immersive sound.

Spadium Japon offers a modern hot spring and relaxation complex with extensive amenities, including numerous comic books, comfortable lounging areas, and unique features like an artificial snow freezer room. Visitors praise its cleanliness and variety of facilities, making it a good spot for unwinding.

Kotokuji Temple offers a peaceful escape with its ancient history and impressive natural surroundings. Visitors praise its serene atmosphere, especially during the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons, highlighting the beauty of its large ginkgo and cherry trees.

Mt. Mito is the highest peak in the Okutama Sanzan mountain range, located within a well-maintained Tokyo citizen's forest about 90 minutes from central Tokyo. The moderate hike takes approximately 6 hours round-trip and offers clear-day views of Mt. Fuji, though the trail has minimal signage and steep sections early on.

Otake Cave offers a cool, subterranean escape with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, providing a refreshing contrast to Tokyo's urban bustle. Visitors can explore its illuminated chambers, experiencing a unique natural wonder that feels far removed from the city.

The Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts focuses on prints, with a notable emphasis on contemporary Japanese works. Visitors appreciate its smaller, manageable size and the quality of its temporary exhibitions, though exhibition themes can vary.

Tama Central Park offers a peaceful urban oasis with a large lawn, a pond, and various facilities for relaxation and recreation. Visitors appreciate its clean, quiet atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for families, couples, or anyone looking to unwind away from the city's intensity.

The 13 Bridges of the Ebi River offer a unique cultural walk through Funabashi, each adorned with sculptures and monuments reflecting local history, folklore, and famous Japanese artists and writers. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll discovering tributes to kappa, manga legends, and literary figures like Osamu Dazai.

Shōzoku Inari-jinja Shrine is a small, historically significant site in Tokyo's Ōji district, known for its connection to a legendary New Year's Eve fox parade. While the original 'Garment Hackberry' tree is gone, the shrine commemorates the folklore, and locals revive the tradition with a popular fox mask parade annually.

Fugetsu En'nen is a captivating mural by Luis Nishizawa located in Keisei Ueno Station, rich with Japanese symbolism. It depicts a boy emerging from a koi fish, reaching for a pinwheel, representing themes of Children's Day, overcoming hardship, and the future.

Hachikō's Grave, located within Aoyama Cemetery, is a small, poignant shrine dedicated to Japan's legendary loyal dog. Visitors often leave dog toys and treats, creating a unique and heartfelt tribute to the famous Akita.