[:it]Riuscireste mai a immaginare Tokyo come un modesto villaggio di pescatori? Probabilmente no, eppure – come moltissime altre città nel mondo – l’atmosfera che si respirava nel periodo Edo era tranquilla e molto lontana dall’odierna frenesia. Fu solo quando l’imperatore si trasferì da Kyoto a Tokyo, dopo il 1868, che la città cambiò radicalmente la sua identità.

photo credits: visa.com.au

Oggi Tokyo, divisa in 23 quartieri, è la megalopoli più grande al mondo, un agglomerato di città, luci e colori fusi insieme che continuano a stupire i visitatori. Passeggiare per la capitale è un’esperienza quasi ultraterrena. Dalle affollatissime strade potreste voltare l’angolo e trovarvi improvvisamente in un’oasi di serenità perchè in prossimità di qualche santuario o tempio shintoista. O ancora, decidere di avventurarvi a fare shopping in negozi che vendono cose strane e meravigliose, o prendere la metro (o il treno) e raggiungere posti incredibili!

Nel nostro blog troverete tantissimi focus sui quartieri di Tokyo, quello che vogliamo suggerirvi oggi invece sono quelle attività insolite, uniche e stravaganti che, per chi visita la città per la prima volta, potrebbero trasformarsi in esperienze indimenticabili!

Ammirare Tokyo nella sua vastità

photo credits: lonelyplanet.com

Una visita all’osservatorio del Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, una capatina al Tokyo Skytree o alla Tokyo Tower, oppure recarsi a Roppongi Hills per un panorama mozzafiato da godere dal Tokyo City View si rende necessario. lo scenario unico e incredibile della città vi farà male al cuore perchè tornare indietro sarà difficile, molto difficile!

I Pet Cafè e i Cafè tematici

photo credits: ddnews.gov.in

Abbiamo già parlato dei cafè tematici, luoghi incantati in cui tornare bambini e sognare un po’, ma abbiamo parlato molto poco dei Pet Cafè. In Giappone sono diffusissimi e a Tokyo ce ne sono davvero tanti. Il concept è quello di un locale dalle luci soft in cui rilassarsi coccolando un animale: gatti, cani, gufi, serpenti e persino ricci!

Fare shopping compulsivo da Daiso!

photo credits: planetyze.com

Esattamente, shopping compulsivo, infatti Daiso offre 5 piani di articoli di ogni tipo e tutto a 100 Yen! Un enorme Daiso si trova a Takeshita Street,un luogo pieno di altri piccoli negozi deliziosi, e molti altri sono sparsi in giro per la città.

Immergersi nel verde a Tokyo

photo credits: blogdiviaggi.com

A Tokyo non mancano parchi stupendi. Ne parleremo approfonditamente nel secondo episodio della nostra travel guide su Tokyo, ma rientra assolutamente in una delle cose da fare mentre passeggiate per la città! I ciliegi in primavera e i momiji (gli aceri rossi giapponesi) in autunno vi regaleranno momenti di puro relax, perciò indispensabile è una tappa ad ognuno dei parchi di della città. Assolutamente imperdibili!

Tornei di Sumo

photo credits: japanistry.com

Se visitate la città nei periodi in cui si svolgono i tornei (solitamente gennaio, maggio e settembre) dovreste regalarvi l’esperienza di assistere alle sessioni di combattimento dello sport nazionale giapponese a Ryugoku! Per i giapponesi infatti, il Sumo non si tratta solo di sport, ma di una vera e propria forma d’arte imperdibile.

Tokyo e i musei

photo credits: jrailpass.com

Come ogni città che si rispetti, anche Tokyo offre dei musei, ma in questo caso assumono una caratteristica ancora più speciale perchè ne esistono davvero di tanti tipi. Dallo storico Museo Nazionale di Tokyo a Ueno, all’Edo-Tokyo Museum a Ryugoku, il Ghibli Museum per gli amanti dello Studio Ghibli oppure il bizzarro Museo dei Parassiti a Meguro!

Golden Gai

photo credits: theculturetrip.com

Il Golden Gai è una piccola area di Kabukicho a Shinjuku, famosa per la sua rete di vicoli stretti che sono collegati tra di loro da ancora più stretti passaggi. Lungo queste stradine si trovano più di 200 minuscoli bar, club e ristoranti assolutamente unici e caratteristici.

Viaggiare sulla Yurikamome-line

photo credits: wow-j.com

La Yurikamome-line è la linea ferroviaria i cui treni sono senza conducente e sfrecciano tra i grattacieli della città! Assolutamente da provare quando il sole cala e le luci della città si accendono…

Izakaya

photo credits: jamesmagazine.it

L’Izakaya è un tipico locale giapponese in cui vengono serviti cibi per accompagnare una vastissima quantità di alcolici. Solitamente sono luoghi frequentati dai colleghi di un’azienda che, dopo una lunga giornata di lavoro, si regalano una pausa per parlare di un po’ di tutto.

Sashimi per colazione al mercato ittico di Toyosu

photo credits: travel.sygic.com

Quante volte ci è capitato di mangiare del sashimi o del sushi e dire “wow, questo sì che è davvero buono e fresco!”? Beh… probabilmente non abbiamo ancora idea di cosa significhi fresco e buono!!!

photo credits: corriere.it

Questi sono solamente 10 punti a cui abbiamo pensato, ma in realtà ci sono davvero un milione di cose da fare a Tokyo. Ad esempio potete assaggiare tutto ciò che esiste al tè verde, andare in un onsen, attraversare l’incrocio di Shibuya, partecipare all’Hanami, pregare in un tempio, ammirare il monte Fuji. Per non dimenticare ancora, Ginza, Shinjuku, Kanagawa, Saitama, Odaiba… Tokyo non è una città, ma un sogno meraviglioso![:en]Can you ever imagine Tokyo as a modest fishing village? Probably not. Like so many other cities in the world – the atmosphere that was breathed in the Edo period was quiet and very far from today’s frenzy. It was only when the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, after 1868, that the city radically changed his identity.

photo credits: visa.com.au

Today Tokyo, with its 23 districts, is the largest megalopolis in the world, a conglomeration of cities, lights and colors fused together that continue to amaze visitors.

Walking around the capital is an almost otherworldly experience. From the very crowded streets, you could turn the corner and find yourself suddenly in an oasis of serenity near some shrine or Shinto temple. Or, decide to venture out shopping in stores that sell strange and wonderful things, or take the subway (or train) and reach incredible places!

In our blog, you will find many articles that focus on Tokyo neighborhoods. However, what we want to suggest to you today are those unusual, unique and extravagant activities that, for those visiting the city for the first time, could turn into unforgettable experiences!

Admire Tokyo in its vastness

photo credits: lonelyplanet.com

A visit to the observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, a visit to the Tokyo Skytree or the Tokyo Tower, or going to Roppongi Hills at Tokyo City View becomes necessary to enjoy a breathtaking view. The unique and incredible scenery of the city will hurt your heart because going back will be difficult, very difficult!

The Pet Cafés and the thematic Cafes

photo credits: ddnews.gov.in

We have already talked about thematic cafés before, enchanted places where we can become children again and dream a little. However, we talked very little about Pet Cafes. In Japan they are very popular and Tokyo is full of these cute cafes. The concept is that of a place with soft lights in which to relax, pampering an animal: cats, dogs, owls, snakes and even hedgehogs!

Compulsive shopping at Daiso!

photo credits: planetyze.com

Exactly, compulsive shopping. In fact, Daiso offers 5 stories of articles of all kinds and all sold only for 100 Yen! Furthermore, the biggest Daiso is located in Takeshita Street and some others are scattered all around town.

Plunge into the green in Tokyo

photo credits: blogdiviaggi.com

There is no shortage of beautiful parks in Tokyo. We’ll talk about it in-depth in the second episode of our travel guide on Tokyo, but it is absolutely one of the things to do while walking around the city! Cherry trees in spring and momiji (Japanese red maples) will give you moments of pure relaxation in autumn, so a stop at each of the city’s parks is essential. Absolutely not to be missed!

Sumo Tournaments

photo credits: japanistry.com

If you visit the city during tournaments (usually January, May and September) you should give yourself the experience of attending the Japanese national sport combat sessions at Ryugoku! For the Japanese, in fact, Sumo is not just about sports, but about a real unmissable form of art.

Tokyo Museums

photo credits: jrailpass.com

Like any self-respecting city, Tokyo also offers museums, but in this case, they take on an even more special feature because there are so many types of them. From the historic Tokyo National Museum at Ueno, to the Edo-Tokyo Museum to Ryugoku, and the Ghibli Museum for Studio Ghibli lovers or the bizarre Museum of Parasites in Meguro!

Golden Gai

photo credits: theculturetrip.com

The Golden Gai is a small area of Kabukicho in Shinjuku, famous for its network of narrow alleys that are connected by even closer passages. Along these narrow streets, there are more than 200 tiny bars, clubs and restaurants that are absolutely unique and characteristic.

Travel on the Yurikamome-line

photo credits: wow-j.com

The Yurikamome-line is the railway line whose trains are driverless and speed through the skyscrapers of the city! A must-try when the sun goes down and the city lights come on…

Izakaya

photo credits: jamesmagazine.it

Izakaya is a typical Japanese restaurant where food is served to accompany a vast amount of alcohol. Usually they are places frequented by colleagues from a company who, after a long day of work, give themselves a break to talk about a bit of everything.

Sashimi for breakfast at the Toyosu fish market

photo credits: travel.sygic.com

How many times have we eat sashimi or sushi and say “wow, this is really good and fresh!” Well… we probably still have no idea what fresh and good means!!!

photo credits: corriere.it

These are only 10 points we thought of, but in reality, there are really a million things to do in Tokyo. For example, you can taste everything that exists with green tea, go to an onsen, cross the Shibuya intersection, participate in Hanami, pray in a temple, admire Mount Fuji. To not forget yet, Ginza, Shinjuku, Kanagawa, Saitama, Odaiba… Tokyo is not a city, but a wonderful dream![:ja]Can you ever imagine Tokyo as a modest fishing village? Probably not. Like so many other cities in the world – the atmosphere that was breathed in the Edo period was quiet and very far from today’s frenzy. It was only when the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, after 1868, that the city radically changed his identity.

photo credits: visa.com.au

Today Tokyo, with its 23 districts, is the largest megalopolis in the world, a conglomeration of cities, lights and colors fused together that continue to amaze visitors.

Walking around the capital is an almost otherworldly experience. From the very crowded streets, you could turn the corner and find yourself suddenly in an oasis of serenity near some shrine or Shinto temple. Or, decide to venture out shopping in stores that sell strange and wonderful things, or take the subway (or train) and reach incredible places!

In our blog, you will find many articles that focus on Tokyo neighborhoods. However, what we want to suggest to you today are those unusual, unique and extravagant activities that, for those visiting the city for the first time, could turn into unforgettable experiences!

Admire Tokyo in its vastness

photo credits: lonelyplanet.com

A visit to the observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, a visit to the Tokyo Skytree or the Tokyo Tower, or going to Roppongi Hills at Tokyo City View becomes necessary to enjoy a breathtaking view. The unique and incredible scenery of the city will hurt your heart because going back will be difficult, very difficult!

The Pet Cafés and the thematic Cafes

photo credits: ddnews.gov.in

We have already talked about thematic cafés before, enchanted places where we can become children again and dream a little. However, we talked very little about Pet Cafes. In Japan they are very popular and Tokyo is full of these cute cafes. The concept is that of a place with soft lights in which to relax, pampering an animal: cats, dogs, owls, snakes and even hedgehogs!

Compulsive shopping at Daiso!

photo credits: planetyze.com

Exactly, compulsive shopping. In fact, Daiso offers 5 stories of articles of all kinds and all sold only for 100 Yen! Furthermore, the biggest Daiso is located in Takeshita Street and some others are scattered all around town.

Plunge into the green in Tokyo

photo credits: blogdiviaggi.com

There is no shortage of beautiful parks in Tokyo. We’ll talk about it in-depth in the second episode of our travel guide on Tokyo, but it is absolutely one of the things to do while walking around the city! Cherry trees in spring and momiji (Japanese red maples) will give you moments of pure relaxation in autumn, so a stop at each of the city’s parks is essential. Absolutely not to be missed!

Sumo Tournaments

photo credits: japanistry.com

If you visit the city during tournaments (usually January, May and September) you should give yourself the experience of attending the Japanese national sport combat sessions at Ryugoku! For the Japanese, in fact, Sumo is not just about sports, but about a real unmissable form of art.

Tokyo Museums

photo credits: jrailpass.com

Like any self-respecting city, Tokyo also offers museums, but in this case, they take on an even more special feature because there are so many types of them. From the historic Tokyo National Museum at Ueno, to the Edo-Tokyo Museum to Ryugoku, and the Ghibli Museum for Studio Ghibli lovers or the bizarre Museum of Parasites in Meguro!

Golden Gai

photo credits: theculturetrip.com

The Golden Gai is a small area of Kabukicho in Shinjuku, famous for its network of narrow alleys that are connected by even closer passages. Along these narrow streets, there are more than 200 tiny bars, clubs and restaurants that are absolutely unique and characteristic.

Travel on the Yurikamome-line

photo credits: wow-j.com

The Yurikamome-line is the railway line whose trains are driverless and speed through the skyscrapers of the city! A must-try when the sun goes down and the city lights come on…

Izakaya

photo credits: jamesmagazine.it

Izakaya is a typical Japanese restaurant where food is served to accompany a vast amount of alcohol. Usually they are places frequented by colleagues from a company who, after a long day of work, give themselves a break to talk about a bit of everything.

Sashimi for breakfast at the Toyosu fish market

photo credits: travel.sygic.com

How many times have we eat sashimi or sushi and say “wow, this is really good and fresh!” Well… we probably still have no idea what fresh and good means!!!

photo credits: corriere.it

These are only 10 points we thought of, but in reality, there are really a million things to do in Tokyo. For example, you can taste everything that exists with green tea, go to an onsen, cross the Shibuya intersection, participate in Hanami, pray in a temple, admire Mount Fuji. To not forget yet, Ginza, Shinjuku, Kanagawa, Saitama, Odaiba… Tokyo is not a city, but a wonderful dream![:]