This article was first published as part of ‘A Concierge Guide to Tokyo‘, a curated complimentary guide of the Japanese capital available to members of Westpac Concierge and Lifestyle Services.
The world’s most populous metropolitan area, the home of Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Crossing – the planet’s busiest train station and street intersection, the city with more Michelin-starred restaurants – and neon signs, than anywhere else … Tokyo is a city of superlatives. But all these world’s records are not sufficient to encapsulate the spirit of a place where centuries-old traditions such as Hanami – cherry blossom viewing, sumo tournaments and Geisha performances, meet hypermodernity.
Originally a fishing village, Tokyo – which name means the eastern capital, started to flourish some 400 years ago. Today the city is characterised by its century-old temples and zen gardens stretching at the feet of modern skyscrapers. When you’re tired of exploring the busy streets of Shibuya and Harajuku, you can slow down with a visit to one of the city’s Shinto Shrines, museums or traditional theatres.
In this city where English is still seldom spoken, insider knowledge is invaluable. Westpac Concierge travel experts know the city inside out and can unlock a world of experiences to help you make the most of your visit. And if you’re a Westpac cardholder, you might already be eligible this service.
Tokyo’s essential experiences
Immerse yourself in Harajuku’s kawaii culture
The epicentre of kawaii, which roughly translates as ‘cute’, Harajuku is a neighbourhood you shouldn’t miss out on strolling around. Here you’ll run into Lolitas and cosplayers, and explore quirky shops and the 13 floors of much-loved department store Laforet Harajuku. The beating heart of the neighbourhood youth fashion is also where locals head to enjoy Instagram-worthy foodie treats ranging from rainbow cotton candy and Japanese sweet crêpes to gooey rainbow grilled cheese.
Pro tip: The hustle and bustle of these streets can be tiring, while in the area, take a serene break at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of Japanese woodblock paintings, known as ukiyo-e.
Pay your respects at a Shinto shrine
Kyoto traditionally outshines Tokyo with an estimated 2,000 temples and shrines. Still, Japan’s capital city is home to awe-inspiring shrines where locals continue to worship the Shinto gods, referred to as kami. To start you off, we recommend the Meiji Jingu shrine in Shibuya. Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji – modern Japan’s first emperor, and his wife, it’s set against the backdrop of a serene 12,000-tree forest at the heart of the city.
Pro tip: For something a little further from the tourist trail, don’t miss Nezu Shrine with its picturesque tunnel of torii gates.
Be mesmerised by a kabuki performance
Kabuki, which literally translates as ‘the art of song and dance’, is a form of traditional Japanese performance art. Cue music, dance, stage combat, heavily stylised performances, and elaborate costumes and sets. Reality and consistency take a back seat in these dramas, which are often centred around the conflict between one’s duties and emotions.
Pro tip: We can help you book tickets at Kabuzika Theatre, Tokyo’s oldest kabuki theatre, or the New National Theatre, Tokyo where you can rent an English audio guide to fully appreciate the performance.
Watch sumo wrestling live
Only in Japan can you witness this ancient national sport, that can be traced as far back as the eighth century. Official tournaments are held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo hall, in January, May and September, and our Tokyo-based lifestyle managers can help you reserve tickets. If you’re visiting the city at another time of the year, we can assist with a visit to a beya (sumo stable), where the wrestlers train year-round.
Pro tip: Sumo wrestlers follow a strict weight-gain diet based around chanko nabe – a hearty stew of vegetables, meat, and seafood. There are many chanko nabe restaurants located close to the beya, and lunch at one of these venues, such as Yoshiba or Kawasaki (said to be the oldest chanko nabe restaurant in Japan), is often appreciated by our members as a unique opportunity to delve further into the sumo culture.
See avant-garde artworks at the Yayoi Kusama Museum
Dedicated to the eccentric ‘Queen of Pop Art’ and one of Japan’s most influential artists, Yayoi Kusama, this museum, which opened its doors in 2017, offers contemporary art lovers are an exciting retrospective of the artist’s larger-than-life installations. Highlights include her iconic polka-dotted pumpkins*, never-seen-before paintings and sculptures, and a new Infinity Room* installation that adds to her series of immersive mirrored rooms as seen in New York, Canberra, Nancy (France), Los Angeles, Toronto, and other major cities.
*These iconic artworks may not be on display at the time of your visit.
Pro tip: As with most of the city’s popular attractions and museums, scoring tickets to the Yayoi Kusama Museum isn’t an easy task. But with a limit of 200 visitors per day, it’s a unique chance to see the artist’s work without the usual crowds. Tickets are only available via the official museum website two months in advance, so get in touch as soon as you start planning your trip to Tokyo and we can attempt to secure them.
Catch the world’s most famous seafood auction at Toyosu Market
Once the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji Market closed its doors in October 2018 after 83 years of operation and reopened as Toyosu Market that same year, a few miles south of the original site. The vibe today might be slightly different, as you’ll witness the action from a glass-encased observation gallery, but there’s still something thrilling about attending Tokyo’s legendary tuna auction at the crack of dawn..
Pro tip:
Let us help you book an omakase breakfast at Toyosu Market’s restaurants Sushi Dai or Ryu Sushi, both recommended by our members as an exceptional and much-needed treat after waking up early to catch the sunrise.
Planning a bucket-list trip soon? Our travel and dining experts at Westpac Concierge can help make it happen with exclusive benefits, preferential pricing, and more – you’d be remiss to not take advantage of. You may even be eligible for the service already.
