TOKYO

T O W E R I N G H I - T E C H CITY

Tokyo is a complex and compelling mix of the past and the present, quite unlike any city you’ve ever visited.  e cityscape is a dense panorama of both old and modern design, with ancient temples nestled beside towering skyscrapers. Whether a tour of the capital’s traditional Kabukiza  eatre, or a spectacular view from atop the towering Sky Tree, Tokyo o ers a treasure trove for the avid explorer. A modern city that never sleeps, Tokyo’s nightlife is not to be missed, and its daytime sights and sounds are stimulating no matter which corner of the city you visit.

Architecture

 e Tokyo Tower is a 333-metretall communications tower that stands as a proud symbol of Japan’s historic economic growth and architectural prowess.

Located a 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station, at the sophisticated Minato, its contrasting red and white frame adds a touch of elegance to one of the world’s greatest metropolises.

Around halfway up, at 145 metres, its Skywalk Window isn’t for the faint hearted; standing at on its transparent glass  oor, you can’t help but feel like you’re  oating above Tokyo and walking through the sky. Little wonder that it’s renowned as one of Tokyo’s most famous features.

You can learn about the history of Tokyo Tower on the ‘Top Deck Tour’ and discover the tower’s connection to Japan’s rapid economic growth. O en shown in Japanese movies and dramas, or foreign  lms set in Japan, Tokyo Tower continues to be an important symbol of modern Japanese culture.

If Tokyo Tower takes your breath away, then don’t miss Tokyo Skytree, which stands even more imperiously at 634 metres high. It is recognised as the highest freestanding radio tower by the Guinness World Records and o ers breathtaking views.

Located northeast of the city centre, it’s one train stop away from the traditional boulevards of Asakusa.

Sporting a structural layout inspired by traditional  ve storied pagodas, the Skytree is a fusion of classic Japanese beauty and futuristic design aesthetics.  e lights decorating the tower change every day.  e Tembo Galleria observatory, at 450 metres, o ers striking panoramic views and descend to the Round  eater, on the Tembo Deck 100 metres beneath, to see exciting images generated by latest hologram technologies.

TECHNOLOGY & ART: ODAIBA DIGITAL ART MUSEUM Odaiba, located on an arti cial island in Tokyo Bay, is home to the latest hi-tech entertainment.

Take the fully automated Yurikamome transportation system and at Shimbashi Station in the city centre, and you will get to Odaiba in 14 minutes.

Odaiba Digital Art Museum is a must-see if you’re into digital art, and emerging science and innovation – or simply want an insight into hi-tech Japan.  e museum, a collaboration project between Mori Building and the art collective teamLab, occupies a vast space spanning around 10,000 square metres.

Its futuristic exhibitions envelop audiences in an immersive IT experience, stimulating your  ve senses to explore digitized space.  e art reacts to your movements, allowing your body to become part of the exhibition itself. Walk through the museum using your senses and curiosity to explore the virtual space, and discover a new world of creative freedom.

Future Park (teamLab) is another space where you can freely enjoy creating a world of art with others.

FROM TOP: High-end department store in Ginza; The most crowded pedestrian crossing in the world in Shibuya; Odaiba Digital Art Museum

Shopping

BRAND HOPPING IN GINZA Ginza is dotted with well-established department stores and leading brands, and visitors can access the shopping paradise from Yurakucho Station and Ginza Station, near Tokyo Station.

For a more traditional  avour, head to Ginza Wako which blends neo-renaissance-style classical with a striking retrospective look – in contrast to the futuristic metallic facades of Louis Vuitton Matsuya Ginza Store and Ti any’s Ginza Main Store. As night comes, dazzling neon lights re ect on the exterior, lighting up a sophisticated urban scene.

GINZA SIX, the largest commercial area in the district, contains 241 shops, the Noh theatre and 4,000sqm roof garden as well as a magni cent atrium in the centre of the second  oor which hosts rotating art programs.

POP RETAIL AT SHIBUYA & HARAJUKU

Few Tokyo experiences are more invigorating than walking across  e Shibuya Crossing – where trendiest shops gathers from over the world.  is futuristic intersection is located northwest of Shibuya Station, and the surrounding area is no less stimulating, with buildings dazzling with digital signage.

Shibuya is a magnet during New Year’s Eve countdowns and the neonlit nightlife brims with dancing clubs and music bars.

For a di erent retail experience, visit the narrow street of TakeshitaDori, covering just 350 metres, one stop from Shibuya Station. On the street that extends from the Takeshita exit of Harajuku Station, you will  nd pop clothing stores, general stores, and delicious crepe stores. It is also the place where the famous ‘KAWAII’ culture is transmitted.

CITY FLAVOURS: SAVOUR SUPREME SUSHI AND HALAL RAMEN Called “Tokyo’s kitchen” since the Edo Period, the Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market features huge variety of seafood. It’s little wonder that top-class sushi chefs make the trek to its stalls early each morning to purchase the freshest seafood for their customers.

Touch menus utilizing the newest IT systems provide recommendations and allow you to order food with ease in this marriage between high technology and ocean-to-plate authentic food.

Along with staples like sushi, ramen has developed its own distinctive style in Japan, and is wildly popular as a classic meal. You can  nd halal ramen with a hearty portion of seafood at a halal-friendly restaurants throughout Tokyo. You can’t experience Japan’s famous hospitality without enjoying a piping hot bowl of halal ramen.

FROM TOP: Kabukiza Theatre; Kabuki performance

Tradition

SUMO’S STRONG ALLURE Sumo, a traditional Japanese ritual and part of martial arts, sees giant wrestlers in loincloths  ghting each other in a round ring.  e tension and power of the wrestlers praying for a good harvest are exciting and impressive, as they’re cheered on by enthusiastic crowds.  e RyogokuKokugikan indoor sporting arena – close to Ryogoku Station in Tokyo’s Sumida – is one of the main sumo venues, usually hosting three tournaments through the year which are broadcasted on national TV. Visit the Sumo Museum inside the stadium and learn about the 2,000- year history of Sumo.

IMPERIAL PALACE SPLENDOUR  e Imperial Palace, located in Tokyo’s central Chiyoda, is on every visitor’s bucket list. Formerly Edo Castle, the outer garden of the Imperial Palace is located in the outer harbour, and it is dotted with historical heritage. Retaining the historical aura, this corner allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in a quiet, elegant and noble enclave.

KABUKI SHOWCASES ARTS Kabuki is one of Japan’s most famous traditional performing arts, known for its showmanship that seamlessly integrates singing, dancing and acting. UNESCO has recognised Kabuki, with its 400-year history, as an item of intangible cultural heritage. Despite its long history, even now anyone can enjoy the popular art form with performers demonstrating samurai-like moves, astonishing the audience with their magni cent skills.  eir dramatic expressions form the quintessential essence of Kabuki, representing the esteemed performing arts of the Edo period.  e Kabukiza  eatre, located in the bustling Ginza, was built in 1869 immediately following the Meiji Restoration. It is an important historic theatre that has undergone  ve renovations throughout its long history.  e newest iteration of the low-rise, Japanese style building incorporates cutting-edge technology in its structure and stage mechanisms.  e theatre is directly connected to Higashi-Ginza Station, linking it to the Kabukiza Tower skyscraper, and as prawling underground plaza. You can view a wide range of costumes and props in the facility’s gallery, gaze at traditional tiles and stone lanterns along the roo op garden, and marvel at the symbolic giant lanterns decorating the underground plaza. English-language guides are available.