1) Hie Shrine
You have probably seen images of the famous Itsukushima Shrine, known for its "floating" torii, or the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. But, if you don’t have time to visit any of those and are staying in Tokyo, I definitely recommend visiting the Hie Shrine.
The shrine is located on the top of the hill in Akasaka - an area where you probably would not expect something like this, as Akasaka is a modern business and government hub. But that’s the beauty of Tokyo. A mix of history and tradition with the modern era. One of the ways how you can “climb” up the hill to get to the Hie Shrine is a fantastic example of such a combination - you can use a few sets of escalators.
The place around the Hie Shrine is very peaceful and relaxing. However, the biggest highlight is walking up or down the stairs at the west entrance (not the one with escalators) tunnelled by 90 red torii gates. I am sure you will be taking a few photos there. It’s mesmerising. We loved that even though it was raining a bit.
If you are visiting Tokyo in mid-June, the Hie Shrine is a place where one of the most important cultural celebrations - Sanno Matsuri. It is one of Tokyo's three major festivals, celebrated annually with a procession of beautifully adorned floats (yatai), traditional music, and performances.
How to get there
You can take a metro (Ginza Line - orange or Marunouchi Line - red) and get off at Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. From here it's 5 minutes walk. Or you can use Namboku Line - green and get off at Tameike-sannō Station. it's also approximately 5 minutes away from the Hie Shrine.
Entry fee: free
2) Toyokawa Inari Betsuin
Peaceful, relaxing, and surprising.
I must admit we found this little gem by accident. When planning our visit to Hie Shrine, I was looking for anything else we could see or do on the way from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. And I found this small yet amazing temple in Akasaka. The location is rather surprising and can be easily missed.
The Buddhist temple is opposite and next to modern high-rise buildings, but once you walk through the entry gate, you will forget about the bustling city and feel the relaxing atmosphere. You can go inside the temple, meditate or just simply walk around and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
How to get there
Akasaka-Mitsuke Metro Station is the closest major transport station to the temple. It's an easy 5 minutes walk from here. If you are travelling on train and don't mind a bit of a walk then you can use Chūō Line or Chūō-Sōbu Line(Local) and get of at Yotsuya Station. Then you walk alongside State Guest House Akasaka Palace (unfortunately you won't see pretty much anything) to get to the temple. It takes approximately 20 minutes.
Entry fee: free
3) Art Aquarium Museum Ginza
I know this one can be a bit controversial, and I get it. However, it’s not just an aquarium. It’s a combination of various forms of art representing Japanese culture. Yes, the main attraction is thousands of beautiful goldfish of all shapes, sizes and colours swimming in colourfully illuminated glass exhibits, which by itself is a unique and, I must say, quite stunning experience. However, you can experience other traditional Japanese forms of art like:
Japanese Traditional Craft - Mother-of-Pearl
This technique uses the shiny part inside the shell to create patterns and patterns. It is said that this technique was introduced from China in the Nara period. During the Heian period, when mother-of-pearl technology was developed, it came to be used in combination with lacquer. Mother-of-pearl work is also applied to tableware, musical instruments, furniture, etc.
Japanese Traditional Pattern - Nishijin Textile
Nishijin textiles are traditional fabrics produced in the Nishijin area of Kyoto. It is a fabric that takes a lot of time and effort with a technique called yarn dyeing, in which patterns are woven with dyed threads.
Edo Kiriko Glassware
Edo Kiriko is a general term for glassware that has been handed down from the late Edo period.
Location
The Art Aquarium Museum is located in Mitsukoshi Ginza department store. You need to first get to Level 9 (use a lift) where is the official entrance. If you have a stroll you will need to leave it here. Then they will need to use an escalator down to Level 8 where is the actual entrance to the museum. Don't worry it's all very simple to find.
Google Maps Direction: Mitsukoshi Ginza Department Store,4 Chome-6-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8212, Japan
How to get there
Of course this depends on where you are staying or where would you be coming from but Ginza Metro Station is less than 5 mins walk from here. If you are travelling by train then the closest station is Yūrakuchō Station which is around 10 mins walk.
Entry fee
- 2,300JPY (online adult ticket)
- 2,500JPY (same-day adult ticket)
- Free admission for up to 2 children under elementary school age per adult
You need to purchase a ticket for a particular date and time. You can simply buy it on your phone when you get there. No need to purchase the ticket too much in advance. It was a rainy June day, and we bought our tickets 20 minutes before going in.
The entire experience will take you approximately around 1 hour.
+1) Ginza Street on the weekend
Our plus one is probably not a must-do attraction. However, if you plan to visit the shopping mecca of Tokyo, Ginza, try to plan your visit during the weekend. The main Ginza street, Chuo-Dori, with all the famous brand stores, becomes a no-cars pedestrian boulevard with an amazing atmosphere.
You can walk this street freely on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between noon and 6:00 p.m. during the summer (April to the end of September) and at 5:00 p.m. during the winter (October to the end of March).
If you are tired from exploring all the shops, you can simply sit down and relax in one of the chairs with tables and umbrellas in the middle of the street and inhale the atmosphere.