Top 5 Things to do in Tokyo

From Tokyo Station, it's only a few hours by bullet train to several other major cities.

The former grounds of Edo Castle were converted into the new imperial palace.

Akihabara district has emerged as a center for anime, manga and video game otaku culture in Japan with specialty stores, arcades and themed restaurants.

On Sunday afternoon Chuo Dori, the main street of Akihabara, is closed to car traffic so pedestrians are free walk anywhere they like.

Completed in 1920, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, a peaceful oasis amid the densely built up city.

Meiji Shrine is a few minutes walk from Harajuku Station.

Together with neighboring Yoyogi Park, the forested area near Meiji Shrine provides an excellent place to escape the busy city.

Harajuku is known as the center of teenage culture in Japan and is where you'll find the famous Takeshita Dori shopping street.

Omotesando Avenue has many high-end shopping options and is the main approach to Meiji Shrine.

The Shibuya District is famous for its shopping and is generally regarded as the capital of young fashion in Japan.

Shibuya is also where you'll find the legendary Shibuya Scramble pedestrian crossing where up to 3,000 people will cross at each light change.

Shinjuku is a lively entertainment and business district known for being one of Japan's premier nightlife spots.

Handling over three and a half million passengers every day Shinjuku station has become the busiest train station in the world.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building which has free observation decks on the 45th floor of each tower that provide unique views of the city is located to the west of Shinjuku station.

Kabukicho, with its restaurants bars wild nightlife and neon lights, is a popular place to explore on the east side of Shinjuku station.

Omoide Yokocho with its network of alleyways from tiny eateries is a popular place to explore on the east side of Shinjuku station.

Golden Gai which has over 200 small bars and unique restaurants is a popular place to explore on the east side of Shinjuku station.

Shinjuku Gyoen, a large and beautiful park which contains three different themed gardens, is about a 10-minute walk east of Shinjuku station.

Asakusa is one of the best districts to experience old-fashioned Tokyo and was a part of the city generally inhabited by common townspeople during the Edo era.

Completed in the 7th century, Sensoji Temple is one of Tokyo's oldest and most popular Buddhist temples and is the main attraction in Asakusa.

Leading up to the main temple building of Sensoji Temple is the iconic gate Kaminarimon.

Leading up to the main temple building of Sensoji Temple is Nakamise Shopping Street which is lined with vendors selling local specialty items and souvenirs.

Crossing Nakamise Street is Denpoin Street which is designed to look like a street from the Edo era.

Hoppy Street is a 70 to 80 meter long street that has a nostalgic charm and is lined with Izakaya serving Japanese pub food, west of Sensoji Temple.

Kappabashi Street is about 15min west of Asakusa near Ueno.

Kappabashi Street has dozens of specialty stores selling everything needed by restaurant operators except for food.

A day in Asakusa could easily be combined with a stroll along the Sumida River.

A day in Asakusa could easily be combined with a visit to nearby Tokyo Skytree, Japan tallest structure.

There are even several districts with concentrated ethnic specialties such as Koreatown in Shin-Okubo.

There are even several districts with concentrated ethnic specialties such as Little France in Kagurazaka.

There are even several districts with concentrated ethnic specialties such as Chinatown in Ikebukuro.