City Sights

Once you've mastered the Tokyo subway system, save yourself a lot of money - not to mention time - and don't bother taking the packaged city tours. Many of the stops on the city tour are easily accessible by subway and not many city sights should be considered mandatory.

The real charm in Tokyo lies in the daily life of the Japanese, which is simply fascinating - whether it's watching fashionable Tokyo yuppies taking a lunch break in the pocket parks of the financial district with their bento boxes or observing the tired office workers crammed inside the subway trains after six. In fact, the best things about Tokyo can be had for free, such as catching the action at the Tsukiji fish market early in the morning and sampling the freshest sushi you can possibly have. Or taking in the view of Shinjuku's skyscrapers from the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office building. Hanging out in Harajuku on Sunday offers a quick lesson in Japanese pop culture as you gawk at the outrageous fashions of today's Japanese teens, while a stroll in Akihabara is a tech trip to the future.

There are commercial river cruises along the Sumida, however, which are interesting if only because they provide a view of Tokyo from a different angle. Ditto with harbor cruises.

Here are just some of the places you can visit in your spare time.

Beer Museum Yebisu
Yebisu Garden Place
4-20-1 Ebisu
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 5423-7255
As a toast to the Sapporo breweries, this beer museum provides a high-tech presentation of an age-old brewing process (Yebisu Beer dates back to 1890) with a virtual tour using 3-D technology. There are also more traditional features including a gallery of old beer ads. Vending machines offer visitors a taste of Japanese beer at the lounge.

Daimyo Clock Museum
2-1-27 Yanaka
Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3821-6913
During the Edo period, only feudal lords or daimyos could afford clocks, hence the name of this museum, which features at any given time 50 clocks and watches selected from its extensive collection. They range from sundials to pocket watches.

Hanayashiki
2-28-1 Asakusa
Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3842-8780
Hours: 10am to 6pm daily except Tuesday
Admission: 900 yen
The oldest amusement park in Japan dates back to 1885 and, while many of the attractions have been upgraded, it's still more of a nostalgic ride. It claims to have the oldest roller coaster in the country.

The Imperial Palace
1-1 Chiyoda
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3213-1111
The Imperial Palace has been home to the royal family since they transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration. Although the palace is closed to the public except on New Year's Day and the Emperor's Birthday on Dec. 23, you can take a stroll around the grounds. Parts of the palace can be viewed from the Nijubashi Bridge. The East Garden or Higashi Goen marks the site of the old Edo Castle. From the East Garden one can get impressive glimpses of moats, gates, bridges and ancient castle walls. The circumference of the inner moat is a popular route for morning joggers. A museum nearby display articles related to the imperial family. Near Nijubashi-mae Station.

International Aquarium
3-1-3 Higashi Ikebukuro
Sunshine City
Tel: +81-3 3989-3466
Located on the 10th floor of the World Import Mart Building, the "world's highest aquarium" has thousands of fish from dolphins and piranhas to seals and otters. There are several animal acts including a sea lions show and what is billed as a "fish circus."

Joypolis Sega
Tokyo Decks
Odaiba, Tokyo Bay
Tel: +81-3 5500-2820
Takashimaya Times Square
5-24-2 Sendagaya
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 5361-3040
Admission: 500 yen (adults), 300 yen (children)
Each ride/game: 100-300 yen
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Sega created this amusement park for fanatics of its video games. Joypolis Sega houses virtual reality rides, the latest video and arcade games, and 3-D sightseeing tours that kids and the kids at heart will enjoy. The most popular attraction is Mission Q-Zar, a live-action laser tag game. There are also the phenomenal Print Club machines, where you can have your face printed on stickers.

Kite Museum
1-12-10 Nihombashi
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3275-2704
This museum houses a private collection of Japanese kites numbering more than 3,000.

Korakuen
1-3-61 Koraku
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3811-2111
Hours: until 9 p.m. daily
A compact yet exciting theme park with the Tokyo Dome city. Among the popular attractions here is The Tower Hacker, where thrill-seekers fall from a height of 80 meters.

Mega Web
Palette Town
1 Oumi
Koto-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3599-0808
More than just a Toyota showroom, Mega Web is a recreational center where one can see Toyota's latest models and possibly, if you make reservations ahead of time, test-drive a vehicle on the test course. Linked to Oumi Station.

Meiji Jingu Shrine
1-1 Kamizonocho, Yoyoi
Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3379-5511
In the heart of traditional Tokyo's Asakusa district stands the shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Known to be Japan's finest shrine, the serene place is beloved by the Japanese who feel its tranquility imparts a special mystique. If you want to reflect and meditate, this is the place. If go during the New Year, however, you will be overwhelmed by the immense crowds praying for good fortune as Shinto priests bless worshippers and new born babies. Near Harajuku Station or the Meiji Jungu-mae Station.

Rainbow Bridge
Tel: +81-3 5442-2578
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: 300 yen
Not exactly a "bridge climb" like what they do in Sydney, but this awesome suspension bridge has two promenades (north and south), each with an observatory and exhibition areas. About 50 meters high with a double-deck structure for both cars and trains, this offers magnificent views of Tokyo Bay.

Sanrio Puroland
1-31 Ochiai
Tama City, Tokyo
Tel: +81-042 339-1111
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, until 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays
Have fun with Sanrio's popular characters such as Hello Kitty.

Sensoji Temple
2-3-1 Asakusa
Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3842-0181
Legend has it that a golden statue, the goddess of Kannon, was retrieved out of a nearby river and that the temple was constructed for the goddess. Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, was originally built in 628. World War II ruined the original temple. The impressive Kaminarimon gate and the temple that is visible today are mere copies of the originals. The busy shops and bazaars surrounding the temple are, however, reminiscent of the earlier times.

Shinjuku-gyoen Gardens
11 Naitocho
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3350-0151
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Mondays
One of Tokyo's best escapes. Extremely beautiful Japanese, French gardens, hothouse with tropical plants, big carp pond. Breathtaking when cherry trees are in bloom in late April to early May.

Sony Building
5-3-1 Ginza
Chuoku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3573-2371
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
With six floors of showrooms, tech freaks can inspect the latest in Sony audio-video products and computers - including some which haven't been released yet. There's also a PlayStation center where you can play for free, as well as a HiVision theater, although the programs are only in Japanese.

Tokyo Disneyland
1-1 Maihama Urayasu-shi
Chiba Prefecture
Tel: +81-3 54-0001
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends
Tourists from neighboring Asian cities need not cross the Pacific to experience Disney's brand of fun.
Tokyo Disneyland houses the usual adventure rides, such as the Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean found in Disney's U.S. parks. There's a price for the privilege of hearing well-known characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse speak Japanese -- entrance fees are more expensive than similar parks in America and Europe.

Tokyo IMAX Theater
Takashimaya Times Square
5-24-2 Sendagaya
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 5361-3030
A screen that stretches six storeys in 3-D format with headsets that come with individual speakers, this is about as realistic as it gets. English headsets available depending on the film.

Tokyo Sesami Place
403 Amishiro Itsukaichimachi
Nishi Tama-gun, Tokyo
Tel: +81-042 596-5811
Theme park based on the popular TV program Sesame Street. Apart from special events, kids can meet the show's most popular characters.

Tokyo Tower
4-2 Shiba Koen
Minato-Ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3433-5111
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Constructed in 1958, Tokyo Tower is Japan's tallest structure at 333 meters and remains one of Tokyo's landmarks. Tourists can take an elevator 150 meters above the ground to the tower's main observatory. A second elevator lifts people 100 meters further up to the special observatory. Catch the sunrise or the sunset from the tower -- it is spectacular. Stores and souvenir shops can be found on the grounds of the tower. Other stuff to see at the Tokyo Tower grounds are an aquarium, a wax museum, a "Mysterious Walking Zone" featuring hologram art, and the Trick Art Gallery. Near Kamiyacho Station.

Toshimaen
3-25-1 Kouyama
Nerima-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3990-3131
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Wednesday
A huge theme park featuring 36 attractions from screaming machines like Top Spin and Flying Pirates to kiddie fare such as an insect house with its collection of insects from all over the world. During the summer, Tokyo residents drop by to enjoy one of the city's largest pools as well as the regular fireworks displays.

Tsukiji Fish Market
5-2-1 Tsukiji
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3542-1111
The biggest fish market in the world is not to be missed. Lively, action-filled place where you can see where all that sushi comes from. Auctioneers are very entertaining. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes (there's muck and guts on the floor). Later, have the best and freshest sushi in town for breakfast - lots of little places on the right as you walk toward Tsukiji Station. To catch the action, it's best to go early in the morning, that is, before 8 a.m.

Ueno Zoo
Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3 3828-5171
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Monday and some holidays
Admission: 500 yen adults, 200 yen children 12-14, free for children under 12
Japan's oldest zoo is among the most popular ones in the country. Although small, the zoo does have giant pandas that were donated by the Chinese government, as well as polar bears, sea lions, penguins and the usual apes and giraffes.