Edo-tokyo Museum

The museum is situated close to the sumo stables so there’s a chance you bump into the odd wrestling professional on your way to the Edo. Inside, a more thorough glimpse of Tokyo’s history is revealed, with exhibits depicting events like the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and traditional scenes from everyday life.

• Web:

  www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/

• Address:

  1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

• Phone:

  +81 3 3626 9974

• Opening hours:

  Tuesday to Friday, Sunday: 9.30am-5.30pm. Saturday: 9.30am-7.30pm.

• Subway:

  Sobu Line, Ryogoku JR Station. Or Exit A4, Oedo Line, Ryogoku Toei Subway Station.

Japanese Cooking Classes

If you really want to dive into the Japanese culture, you can't miss out on getting to know local cuisine and culinary traditions that go back centuries. There are several locations for Japanese cooking classes across Tokyo, some of which include: Maikoya - Kimono Tea Cerimony (& cooking lessons) Kabukicho 9F, Tokyo +81 362 738 818 Nobu Restaurant located in the Toranomon Towers Office +81 357 330 070

Kabukicho

Shinjuku's red-light district, Kabukicho, is worth visiting even only for the spectacle of neon signs that brighten its alleys when the sun sets. From a roaring Godzilla head to a robot-themed restaurant, this bizarre location doesn't hold back in giving a unique experience to its visitors.

• Address:

  Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Kabuki-za

This stylised theatre performance consists of elaborate choreography and make-up combined with colourful traditional nagauta music. The plays are dramatic and exciting, though, in the 17th century, female kabuki performers were banned - men now play the roles of both genders most convincingly.

• Web:

  www.kabukiweb.net/theatres/kabukiza/information/index.html

• Address:

  Ginza 4-12-15, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

• Phone:

  +81 3 3545 6800

• Subway:

  Higashi Ginza Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway Station.

Meiji-jingu

This nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religion. Take in the huge 11 metre cypress tree torii (gate) before wandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful inner buildings.

• Web:

  www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/index.html

• Address:

  1-1, Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo

• Phone:

  +81 3 3379 5511

• Opening hours:

  Varies throughout the year. Visit their website to check the opening hours.

• Subway:

  Exit 2, Harajuku Tokyo Metro Station

Mori Art Museum

At the top of Mori Tower in the vast Roppongi Hills, this one of the major contemporary art museums in Tokyo combines breathtaking views with fresh artistic talent. Of particular note are the visual projections allowing guests to traverse through virtual imagery and environments. Also includes The Sun cafe, The Moon restaurant, a gift shop and a panoramic observation deck.

• Web:

  www.mori.art.museum/eng/

• E-mail:

  info-mam@mori.co.jp

• Address:

  52 & 53F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

• Phone:

  +81 3 5777 8600

• Opening hours:

  Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 10am-10pm. Tuesday: 10am-5pm.

• Subway:

  Exit 1C, Hibiya Line, Roppongi Tokyo Metro Station