Things to do in Tokyo

Visiting the Sensō-ji temple is one of the most rewarding things to do in Tokyo. The solid red-lacquer Kaminarimon gate, with its enormous, 670kg paper lantern, marks the southern entrance to Sensō-ji. This magnificent temple was founded in the mid-seventh century. In front of the temple’s main hall, a constant crowd clusters around a large, bronze incense bowl where people waft the pungent smoke over themselves. This smoke is considered to be the breath of the gods, and supposed to have curative powers. It’s a touching scene to watch. To the left of the temple is the Asakusa Shrine. Built during the Edo Period, it’s one of the most famous shrines in the city. It’s also home to the Sanja Matsuri, the annual festival of the Asakusa Shrine, which takes place in May.

This is quite simply one of the best things to do in Tokyo. In recent years Toyosu fish market took over the famed Tsukiji fish market. The new modern southern location is built on a man-made island and is almost double in size. The market is split into three main buildings, Fish Wholesale, Fish Intermediate Wholesale and the Fruit and Vegetable Market building. Some 1,600 wholesale dealers do business here. They supply 90 percent of the fish consumed in Tokyo every day. There is a rush of energy and a fast pace here at any time of the day. It’s a fascinating place to people-watch.

Slicing through Tokyo’s skyline is Tokyo Skytree. At 634m, it is the world’s second-tallest structure after Dubai’s mighty Burj Khalifa (830m). Triangular at the base, its pale-blue, latticed sides gently morph towards a circular shape before hitting the lower observation deck. The second deck is another 100m up, with the super-skinny transmitting antenna protruding another 184m beyond. The views from the observation decks are, predictably, fantastic. Have a go on the giant touch-screen displays which will show you precisely what you’re looking at. They also let you see how the view would appear at night (or by day, if you’re visiting in the evening).

What to do in Tokyo if you’re a Ghibli fan? Visit the Ghibli Museum. Utterly beguiling, it is one of Tokyo’s top draws for international visitors. It’s an essential stop for those interested in anime. It’s very popular, so reserve tickets well ahead of time. Though it needs little introduction, the Ghibli animation studio was responsible for blockbuster movies including My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away. Visiting the museum is a little like climbing inside the mind of famed Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki. Glance your eye over the walls which are plastered with initial sketches and take a peep at the grinning cat-bus from My Neighbour Totoro. It’s a guaranteed fun day out for all that will have you watching the films later.

If you’re a Lost in Translation fan, the New York Grill should definitely be on your list. It’s a top-class live jazz bar. The glittering Shinjuku night views seen in the film are all here, atop the Park Hyatt. If you’re looking for a sophisticated evening in Tokyo - this is the one for you, too. Note that there is a cover charge to enter, around ¥2700, but it’s worth it.

Today’s Imperial Palace is on the site of Edo castle. It was here that the Tokugawa shogunate ruled Japan for 265 years. It was thereafter home to the emperors of the modern era. The palace was almost totally destroyed in the air raids of World War II, then rebuilt in ferroconcrete. The Imperial Palace is in a large park area surrounded by pretty moats and massive stone walls. The imperial family still resides in the palace. You can take a guided tour of the palace grounds anytime of the year. Note that the general public can enter the inner grounds and see some of the members of the Imperial Family on only two days each year: on 2 January and 23 December.

What to do in Tokyo if you like sports? Get your hands on a ticket to a sumo tournament. Japan’s national sport is developed out of the divination rites performed at Shintō shrines. Basho, or tournaments, take place in odd-numbered months; Tokyo’s are in January, May and September. Bouts involve two huge wrestlers, each weighing 170 kilos on average and wearing nothing but a hefty loincloth. They face off in a small ring of hard-packed clay. The loser is the first to step outside the rope or touch the ground with any part of the body except the feet. The contest is often over in seconds. It’s a wonderful spectacle. Tickets are available from agencies.