Ha Lan Vien

From serene parks to timeless shrines to the heights of luxury shopping, Tokyo is filled with attractions for every visitor.

Ueno Park

Spanning 58 hectares, Ueno Park is the largest green space in Tokyo and one of the most famous sites in the capital city, reputed for its cherry blossom trees,  botanical gardens, an aquarium, several museums and temples.

In cherry blossom season, visitors flock to the park to sit under the trees and engaging of the very Japanese tradition of hanami, or flower-viewing. Sharing sake with friends while pondering the ephemeral pink blossoms, or floating on Shinobazu Pond in a rowboat are serene escapes from one of the world’s busiest cities. For a bustling shopping experience, you can visit neighboring Ameya Yokocho Market, where seafood, snacks, traditional Japanese clothing and vintage denim can be found in numerous shops.

A full range of seafood on offer at Tsukiji, world’s largest fish market

Tsukiji Fish Market

The world’s largest and busiest fish market, Tsukiji is a marketplace where over 2,000 tons of fresh fish are transported daily from neighboring harbors. For a one-of-a-kind experience, you can watch the famous live tuna auction; access is limited and you have to arrive well before the crack of dawn. Access is limited to 120 visitors per day and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to grab a breakfast of the freshest sushi, sashimi and other seafood to be found anywhere. Prices for sushi aren’t exactly cheap, but compared to high-end sushi restaurants in Tokyo, they’re a bargain for the incredible quality of the fish and exquisite quality of the chefs.

Meiji Shrine

Constructed in 1915, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The complex is contained in a 70-hectare forest that contains 120,000 perennial trees of 365 different species, Meiji Shrine is a spiritual getaway at the heart of hectic Tokyo. Upon passing under the 12-meter-high gates of ancient cypress wood, you’re transported to a scenic realm of traditional wooden structures, murals, colorful donated sake barrels and much more. Before entering the shrine, it is customary to wash your hands at a water basin to cleanse both hands and mind of worldly concerns and help you find inner serenity.

Ginza, the most extravagant shopping district in Tokyo, is always crowded with pedestrians

Ginza shopping district

A convergence point of the most famous boulevards in Tokyo, sleepless Ginza is home to hundreds of luxury malls, art galleries, restaurants, bars and cafés. Starting at noon, Chuo Dori, a central axis that connects the entire district, is blocked off from vehicles and exclusive for pedestrians. Ginza is not a place for bargain hunters; however, anyone visiting Tokyo shouldn’t miss out on this “Silk Road” to admire the luxurious lifestyles and elegant fashion on glittering display here.

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower,  stands 634 meters high and is one of the city’s signature landmarks. Make sure to book tickets in advance and prepare to get in line early to visit the observatories at 350 and 450 meters up. Here you can cross transparent glass skywalk and take a a panoramic view of this colossal city. Enjoying a meal at Skytree Restaurant with its breathtaking view from up high is also a striking experience, albeit one with an equally striking bill!.