Tokyo Tales

If you’ve never been, Tokyo will inevitably feel like a whirlwind, regardless of the duration of your visit, as there’s simply an impossible number of things to see and do. Having visited extensively, it can still feel unfamiliar… but in a thoroughly exciting way. And while Spring (March to May) offers the stunning cherry blossom season, my favourite time to visit Tokyo is actually in winter.

For this trip, I travelled between late December and early January. With brisk, clear days, it’s a lovely time of year to enjoy the city’s relentless energy and its mix of ancient traditions with futuristic excitement. And it’s the season outside that has led me to select four of my favourite destinations – Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, and Akihabara. These locales are sometimes criticised as overly touristy. However, I feel so much of that misguided opinion relates to Tokyo’s energy-sapping heat in summer. Trust me, with more of a bite in the air these distinctly different districts offer unique, captivating days and nights brimming with surprises, and are all must-see locations on any Tokyo trip.

Asakusa: Temple Town and Nakamise Street Delights

Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest district and walking towards its impressive Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon), you feel transported back to another era. The gate, with its iconic giant red TRAVEL lantern, provides the perfect photo backdrop for excited tourists. Dominating the neighbourhood is Sens-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple, founded in 628 AD. With the sweet aroma of incense in the air, locals flock to Tokyo’s temples on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for hatsum de (translated as “first prayer”).

With street food vendors and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a very pleasant place to ring in the new year – literally, in fact, as Sens-ji temple rings its bell 108 times. A tradition called “Joya no Kane,” this symbolises the cleansing of 108 worldly desires as the new year arrives. Watching the rituals unfold is mesmerising, with locals tossing coins, clapping hands, and bowing respectfully, whispering heartfelt prayers. Spiritual calm can also give way to retail heaven in Asakusa’s many market streets and malls. Busy, but not intimidating, the district offers so much for the senses in just a few city blocks.

Ueno: Parks, Wishes, and the Bustle of Ameyoko Street

Ueno is renowned for its expansive parks, cultural treasures, and vibrant street life. It definitely deserves a couple of days to appreciate attractions which seem more sprawling than other densely packed Tokyo districts. Ueno Park – one of Tokyo’s oldest public parks – is a green oasis filled with museums, temples, and statues and, for me, was the ideal place to reflect on the year past and manifest the year ahead. For all its craziness, Japan’s people are inherently respectful of each other’s environment, so the vibe is serene and calming. Take the time to sit on the edge of Shinobazu pond and admire the meticulously manicured lotus beds and cherry blossom trees, or wander through the Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden.

While in Ueno, I also can’t recommend Tokyo’s National Museum highly enough with its vast display of Japanese heritage artworks, Samurai artifacts and other intriguing curios. A short walk from the serenity of the park plunges you into the energetic chaos of Ameyoko Street. Historically a black-market area after World War II, today Ameyoko is a colourful shopping haven. This bustling boulevard is packed with seafood stalls, streetfood vendors selling takoyaki (octopus balls) and other delights.

There’s also no shortage of Teppanyaki, Ramen, Wagyu or Yakitori restaurants. There are plenty of quirky stores overflowing onto the street with clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Haggling is common and not something to be nervous about. As the evening nears, neon lights flicker into life and performers add to Ameyoko Street’s exciting energy.

Shibuya: The Heartbeat of Tokyo

Shibuya is of course famous for its chaotic yet thoroughly synchronised scramble crossing – the busiest crosswalk in the world. The experience of walking along with thousands of pedestrians flooding the street from every direction when the lights change feels like being part of an orchestrated dance. It’s both exhilarating and orderly.

Nearby, the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog who waited patiently for his owner daily, serves as a poignant meeting point and popular photo spot. His bronze likeness, surrounded by visitors posing happily, symbolises unwavering loyalty. But I came to Shibuya for one thing – shopping. And this bustling district does not disappoint.

At every turn there are towering shopping malls, such as Shibuya 109, which house endless boutiques and bustling cafes. Amidst a growing fast fashion and waste crisis, I love the fact that Japan embraces thrifting so openly. Used clothing stores are everywhere and as Japan has a strong culture of caring for belongings, items are often like new. From vintage clothing to the latest in luxury brands, you can find anything and everything. Expect the credit card to be well used by the end of a day out.

Akihabara: Tokyo’s Electric Town

From the fashion-forward energy of Shibuya, the next destination, Akihabara, promises a high-tech plunge into Tokyo’s famed electronics district.

Known affectionately as “Akiba”, this district dazzles with neon billboards, colossal manga art advertisements, and endless rows of electronic goods.

Once famous primarily for its electronic markets, Akihabara has evolved into a paradise for anime enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados. Streets are lined with multi-level shops selling everything from vintage video games to the latest high-tech gadgets. Cosplay cafés and themed eateries offer immersive experiences, transporting visitors into their favourite anime worlds.

Bic Camera and Yodobashi Akiba are a must for any technology enthusiasts, where you’ll find anything from rice cookers to face massagers and yes, Japanese toilet seats.

Exploring Tokyo through Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, and Akihabara gives the visitor a sense of stepping between worlds. From serene temples and traditional street markets, to bustling urban intersections and vibrant subcultures, each neighbourhood offered distinct flavours, weaving together a tapestry rich in history, culture, and modernity.

These districts may sometimes get a bad rap as obvious tourist trap destinations, but that’s not a fair critique. If you’re looking for a rich and diverse snapshot of Tokyo, these four districts offer an accessible way to do it, especially if time is limited.