Hotelupwell.com – Tokyo is one of the popular destinations in Japan. Moreover, it is now increasingly crowded with tourists due to the depreciation of the yen. However, for tourists, the dense highways, public transportation, and long ramen queues are certainly a challenge when on vacation there.
It is no wonder that tourists want to skip Tokyo and look for other alternative destinations in Japan. In fact, there are many things that can be done in Tokyo if missed. Launching the Time Out page, here are some tips to avoid the crowds there.
1. Take a walk at sunrise
The sun rises at the earliest at 4:30 am in Tokyo during the summer. Take advantage of this time to take a walk and find peace. For example, by visiting the Meiji Jingu shrine, which is open from 5 am from May to August. The main hall of Sensoji welcomes visitors at 6 am from April to September. At Gotokuji, which is famous for its maneki neko charms, it opens at 6 am.
After visiting this historic site, you should be able to be the first in line to visit a cafe in the morning. Like Latte Art Mania, which opens at 8am, or honey ricotta pancake kisses at Bills, which opens at 8.30am.
2. Take advantage of places that are open late at night
If during the day places like shopping centers are definitely crowded with people, try coming around midnight. One of them is Don Quixote Shibuya which is open 24 hours. Of course you will be satisfied passing through the alleys.
Can’t get a ramen queue during the day, tourists can enjoy the view of personalized ramen at Ichiran, starting at 10pm, after dinner time. While waiting, you can explore the convenience stores in the area.
3. Night walk
Not a morning person? Replace your morning walk with a night walk in Tokyo. Tourists can see the city’s most popular districts without the dense human traffic. Walking from Tokyo Station through bright Ginza to Hibiya Okuroji offers an interesting journey, passing through some parts of Tokyo’s history, illuminated by street lamps and shop windows.
Another route, along the Sumida River to Asakusa, offers off-the-beaten-path views of Tokyo Skytree and illuminated cherry blossoms in spring. Another route from Odaiba to Tsukiji offers stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline and Rainbow Bridge at night, culminating in the bustling area around Tsukiji.
4. Eat in quieter areas
In Harajuku or Shibuya, even an udon restaurant can have a queue of almost 45 minutes during peak hours. Look for alternatives with fewer reviews or in quieter, lesser-known neighbourhoods. There’s a good chance they’ll have shorter lines. That leaves you with plenty of time to explore the rest of Tokyo.
5. Explore lesser-known neighbourhoods
Aside from the popular tourist destinations, there are a few lesser-known neighbourhoods to explore. Yanaka, for example, has a cool, low-key vibe with a mix of bohemian vibes and modern creative energy, as well as ancient craftsmen’s workshops and temples.
Known for its retro charm and underground music scene, Koenji is a maze of old-school shopping streets and casual eateries. Or a short walk from Asakusa’s tourist-heavy streets is Kuramae, filled with independent coffee shops, craft stores and trendy hostels.
6. View from a high-rise
Tourists can also consider the view from above. Shibuya Crossing is surrounded by buildings with semi-secret vantage points, and the Asakusa Cultural Tourist Information Center also offers views of Sensoji Temple and its bustling street stalls as well as Tokyo Skyree, along with visitor information. Alternatively, the free observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
