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For the second time, Japan’s capital is playing host to the Summer Olympics, and the world's spotlight will be on this wonderful, enormous city on the south-eastern side of Japan's main island, Honshu.
Tokyo skyline. Credit: www.olympic.org/tokyo-2020
The number of Australian’s holidaying in Japan has boomed over the last few decades, in part driven by huge numbers taking advantage of fabulous skiing and winter sports conditions. To give you an idea of the growth, in 1997, just over 40,000 Australian holidaymakers travelled to Japan. By 2016, the number had skyrocketed to nearly 400,000—almost a 1000 per cent increase in just 20 years.
And in the glow of the recent Rugby World Cup, and the Summer Olympics beckoning on the horizon, those numbers will inevitably continue to grow.
Tokyo’s new National Stadium awaits the 2020 Olympics. Credit: Getty Images
To first-timers, Japan can be tricky. There are some pretty serious cultural and linguistic differences for starters, and quirks galore. So what do you need to know if you're heading to Tokyo for the first time?
We asked a couple of ATAS accredited travel agents for their top tips, recommendations and sneaky secrets. Here's what they had to say.
Sinead Allison from ATAS accredited Weston Cruise & Travel in the ACT starts with some important fundamentals, noting that, "I always recommend learning some basic phrases before you go. Manners and etiquette are 'everything' in Japan, and your attempts at the language will be very well received by the locals."
Arigato, Sinead.
Tokyo has two international airports, Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND), with flights from Australia using both. Each has its pros and cons, but Sinead recommends the latter.
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Credit: Japan Airports.
"Personally, I would suggest flying into Haneda as it's closer to the city and easy to take the train into town," she advises.
Tokyo is a brilliant gateway to the rest of Japan, and there are endless, uber-efficient transport options. Sinead recommends speaking with your ATAS accredited travel agent about a Japan Rail Pass.
Shinkansen bullet train. Photo by David Dibert from Pexels.
"The Japan Rail Pass gives you access to Tokyo's metro train network, intercity rail services, the incredible Shinkansen bullet trains, long-distance buses and airport shuttles. The passes are available in a range of durations, have to be purchased before you leave home, and can save you lots," says Sinead.
With the right Japan Rail Pass or organised tour, you can choose your own adventures from Tokyo.
"There are some very cool side trips you can take from Tokyo such as heading off on a tour to see the legendary Mount Fuji. Or you might venture to the small city of Nikko and wander its shrines and temples. If you have time, extend in one of these more regional areas and stay in a Ryokan—a traditional inn—and experience real Japanese hospitality," says Sinead.
Nikko temple and traditional Ryokan hospitality. Credit: Sinead Allison.
Sinead offers a convenient checklist of Tokyo sights to delight the first-time visitor.
"Enjoy Japanese culture, natural surroundings and, in Asakusa, the atmosphere of historical Japan. Visit the Meiji Shrine, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji Temple with an English speaking guide on a sightseeing bus tour of Tokyo," she advises.
"Shibuya crossing is a Tokyo must-see. It is a fab place to people-watch. Find an elevated spot for a birds-eye view of the thousands of people crossing this remarkable intersection. Shibuya is a great district for fashion-forward shopping and dining," she adds.
Shibuya Crossing. Credit: Photo by Life of Wu from Pexels.
HOT TIP: A common vantage point to view the Shibuya Crossing from above is the local Starbucks. If you venture to level 2, the coffee shop has a great viewpoint of the crossing but be prepared to wait... this is a well-known photo opportunity hotspot. However if you duck across the street to the beauty store L'occitane and head up to their cafe located on level 2, for the cost of a beverage or afternoon tea you have the perfect spot for an uninterrupted view.
Your ATAS accredited travel agent can help you plan your day trips and Tokyo adventures.
There's no shortage of 'quirky' in Tokyo. And many consider its epicentre to be located at Harajuku, the centre of Japan's extreme culture and fashion.
"Hop on a train to Harajuku and head towards Takeshita street for classic, quirky Tokyo. Takeshita is a pedestrian mall lined with cafes, funky clothing stores and people with every fashion senses imaginable," says Sinead.
Image: Shopping in Harajuku. Credit: JNTO.
After a day taking in Tokyo's sights and sounds, you may need a quiet spot to catch your breath. Sinead knows just the place.
Image: Exploring Happoen Gardens. Credit: Sinead Allison.
"Happoen Gardens in Minato offer an escape from the hustle and bustle. Koi ponds, incredible bonsai displays and a traditional Tea House make the gardens very popular for weddings—we saw three while exploring the gardens," says Sinead.
Sinead recommends heading to an Izakaya restaurant, an informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks. Izakayas operate a little like Japanese tapas bars, serving Edamame, Tempura, steamed buns, and delicious traditional snacks like Okonomiyaki.
One does simply not go hungry in Tokyo. Credit: Ben Alcock.
David Thompson, Manager – Sales & Client Experience at The Travel Authority Corporate in Sydney—another ATAS accredited Tokyo fan—revealed his favourite parts of the city.
"I always stay in Shinagawa. It has one of the largest (but easiest) train stations in Tokyo and it connects you to everywhere. The shopping centres in and next to the station have loads of food options—I ended up eating here a lot," says David.
Conveniently, Shinagawa has train services to both Narita and Haneda airports.
"For something different and un-touristy, I love the area around Koenji which has a bit of a Newtown or Byron Bay vibe to it. Shop for retro clothing and recycled fashion, and there's a big covered shopping street and lots of fab food everywhere," he says.
Image credit: David Thompson.
Clearly, there's a lot to do in Tokyo. It's the kind of place that is best explored with a great plan and lots of information. If you're planning a trip, be sure to consult your ATAS accredited travel agent for insights, tips and great deals.
Looking for more insights from ATAS-accredited travel agents? Try these on for size: Australia’s most romantic places; Long Layovers—A Survival Guide; and ATAS Accredited Agents share their experiences of travelling solo.
222a Barry Parade
Fortitude Valley , QLD
Shop 1004, Level 1, Westfield Bondi
Cnr Oxford & Grosvenor Streets
BONDI JUNCTION , NSW
Suite 3, Level 27 Governor Macquarie Tower
SYDNEY , NSW
54 Brisbane Street
LAUNCESTON , TAS
Ground Floor, 3 Raglan St
SOUTH MELBOURNE , VIC
Po Box 4041
ESSENDON FIELDS , VIC
310 Punchbowl Rd,
BELFIELD , NSW
Level 2, Suite 221
4 Columbia Court
BAULKHAM HILLS , NSW
Level 1
51 Queen Street
MELBOURNE , VIC
1st Floor, 333 Clarendon Street
SOUTH MELBOURNE , VIC
Suite 5 West Wing Level 2
Fortune Place
2 Fortune Street
COOMERA , QLD
Shop 1013, Westpoint Shopping Centre
BLACKTOWN , NSW
154-14 Student Centre 154, University Avenue
Australian National University
ACTON , ACT
79 Glen Osmond Road
EASTWOOD , SA
Unit G16/ 27 Lonsdale Street
BRADDON , ACT
Riddells Creek
RIDDELLS CREEK , VIC
Shop 91A The Pines S/C
DONCASTER EAST , VIC
165 South Creek Road
CROMER , NSW
Shop 26 - Coorparoo Square
300 Old Cleveland Road
Corner Cavendish Road & Holdsworth Street
COORPAROO , QLD
118 Edinburgh Road
CASTLECRAG , NSW
Shop F06, Carindale Shopping Centre
1151 Creek Road
CARINDALE , QLD
Suite B, Level 4
601 Coronation Drive
TOOWONG , QLD
4 Elizabeth Way
NAMBOUR , QLD
Level 1, 12-14 Glenferrie Road
MALVERN , VIC
Shop 149
Elizabeth Shopping Centre
ELIZABETH , SA
2/208 Whitehorse Road
BLACKBURN , VIC
Eastland Shopping Centre
171-175 Maroondah Highway
RINGWOOD , VIC
The Gap Village
Shop 12/1000 Waterworks Road
THE GAP , QLD
150 Upper Heidelberg Road
IVANHOE , VIC
180 Bellair Street
KENSINGTON , VIC
Shop 21 Crossways Sh/Centre
Cnr Rokeby & Bagot Roads
SUBIACO , WA
Suite 9002, Level 9, 619 Doncaster Rd
Westfield Office Tower
Doncaster , VIC
Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre
Phillip Street
MACKAY , QLD
Student Guild
Curtin University of Technology
SOUTH BENTLEY , WA
Level 3, 35 Grafton Street
BONDI JUNCTION , NSW
Shop 55/400 Stafford Road
STAFFORD , QLD
Shop G17A, Broadway Shopping Centre
1 Bay Street
BROADWAY , NSW
shop 13 2-20 Kingston Downs Dve
OCEAN GROVE , VIC
Shop 57, Waverley Gardens S/C
WAVERLEY GARDENS , VIC
Westfield North Lakes
1245 Anzac Ave & North Lakes Drive
NORTH LAKES , QLD
Shop 2004, Westfield
297 Diagonal Rd
OAKLANDS PARK , SA
Units 9 & 10 Dennis Court
8 Dennis Road
Springwood , QLD
Shop 41 Mountain Gate S/C
FERNTREE GULLY , VIC
Suite 1, Ground Floor
Endeavour House 3-5 Stapleton Avenue
SUTHERLAND , NSW
230 Como Parade West
PARKDALE , VIC
By Appointment Only
219 Sunnydene Road
CHANDLER , QLD
Suite 11.11, 401 Docklands Drive
DOCKLANDS , VIC
Sp002 Dianella Plaza
366 Grand Promenade
DIANELLA , WA
Suite 1203
Level 12
22 Market Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Building 17, IT Resource Centre
Wollongong Uni, Northfields Dve
WOLLONGONG , NSW
39 Kentwell Road
ALLAMBIE , NSW
22 Pentlowe Ave
LOWER TEMPLESTOWE , VIC
Shop 2123 Westfield Fountain Gate
352 Princes Highway
NARRE WARREN , VIC
Level 7, 117 York Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Shop 25, Alice Springs Shopping Centre
45 Railway Tce
Alice Springs , NT
Shop 49
The Marketplace
Baylis Street
WAGGA WAGGA , NSW
Unit 5
28 Bringelly Road
KINGSWOOD , NSW
101/308 Pacific Highway
CROWS NEST , NSW
unit 502 1D greenbank street
HURSTVILLE , NSW
3/75 King Street
CABOOLTURE , QLD
Level 14 275 Alfred Street
NORTH SYDNEY , NSW
Shop 1
Wellington Centre
60 Liverpool St
HOBART , TAS
Cnr Bolsover & Denham Street
ROCKHAMPTON , QLD
Level 1, 393 Little Bourke Street
MELBOURNE , VIC
Suite 110, Level 1
410 Elizabeth Street
SURRY HILLS , NSW
3/12 Sutton Street
MANDURAH , WA
Suite 2, Level 1, 763 Pacific Highway
Gordon , NSW
Unit 1, 111 Wicks Road
NORTH RYDE , NSW
6-7 /3368 Pacific Highway
SPRINGWOOD , QLD
6 Short Street
Southport
SOUTHPORT , QLD
33, Ballina Crescent
PORT MACQUARIE , NSW
Shop 253, Level 2, Westfield S/T
28 Victor Street
CHATSWOOD , NSW
Level 1, Suite 12
83 LEICHHARDT ST
SPRING HILL
BRISBANE , QLD
Shop 44
Thuringowa Drive
KIRWAN , QLD
Shop L01/066 Penrith Westfield
Henry Street
PENRITH , NSW
Shop 2, 25 John St
WARNERS BAY , NSW
Level 24, 3 International Towers
300 Barangaroo Avenue
SYDNEY , NSW
29 King William Street
29 King William Street
ADELAIDE , SA
Shop 28, Stud Park Shopping Centre
Stud Road
Rowville , VIC
10/3-5 Illuka Street
CURRAJONG , QLD
Suite 808, Level 8
343 LIttle Collins Street
Melbourne , VIC
Shop 24
Lake Haven Centre
43 Lake Have Drive
LAKE HAVEN , NSW
Shop 44, Capalaba Central Shopping Centre
Moreton Bay Road
CAPALABA , QLD
953 Nepean Highway
BENTLEIGH , VIC
Shop 7 453 Fullarton Road
HIGHGATE , SA
Shop 21, 700 Logan Road
GREENSLOPES , QLD
Suite 6
53 Coppin Street
RICHMOND , VIC
Shop TD.01B
Hope Island Market Place
99-103 Broadwater Ave
HOPE ISLAND , QLD
Shop T48 Pacific Werribee
Corner Derrimut and Heaths Roads
WERRIBEE , VIC
30 James St
BURLEIGH HEADS , QLD
Level 10
303 Coronation Drive
MILTON , QLD
Shop 20a, Booval Fair Shopping Centre
Brisbane Road
BOOVAL , QLD
803/83 Mount Street
NORTH SYDNEY , NSW
Shop T207, Garden City S/C
125 Riseley Street
BOORAGOON , WA
9/1 Ridgeview Drive
PEREGIAN SPRINGS , QLD
Shop 18, Yamba Shopping Fair
Treelands Drive
YAMBA , NSW
Level 1
25/43-45 Burns Bay Road
LANE COVE , NSW
Level 6, 277 Elizabeth Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Shop 45, The Strand
Marine Parade
COOLANGATTA , QLD
R068 Corner Boneo Road & McCombe Street
ROSEBUD , VIC
Shop 1151/52, Westfield Miranda
600 The Kingsway
MIRANDA , NSW
Shop B323, Chadstone S.C.
1341 Dandenong Road
CHADSTONE , VIC
Shop 7 , 77 Camelia Avenue
EVERTON HILLS , QLD
Shop 10 Seven Hills Plaza
224 Prospect Highway
SEVEN HILLS , NSW
Shop 5, 316 The Boulevard
CITY BEACH , WA
Shop 1428, Warringah Mall
Condamine St & Old Pittwater Rd
BROOKVALE , NSW
Level 1
259-263 Collins Street
MELBOURNE , VIC
177 Hamilton Road
WAVELL HEIGHTS , QLD
Rouse Hill Village Centre
Shop 2c, 18-24 Adelphi Street
ROUSE HILL , NSW
Shop 1111a, Level 1 Highpoint S.C.
Rosamond Road
MARIBYRNONG , VIC
Shop 4 Dandenong Arcade
236 Lonsdale Street
DANDENONG , VIC
Ground Floor, Union Building
University of Queensland
ST LUCIA , QLD
U3 2092 Logan Road
UPPER MOUNT GRAVATT , QLD
4/115 Grand Boulevard
JOONDALUP , WA
Suite 8, 311 Glen Osmond Road
GLENUNGA , SA
Suite 1 (Rear Entrance)
10-12 Chapel Street
BLACKBURN , VIC
67 Astor Terrace
SPRING HILL , QLD
Shop 4
Worongary Shopping Village
1 Mudgeeraba Road
WORONGARY , QLD
Suite 110, Level 1
410 Elizabeth Street
SURRY HILLS , NSW
Suite 4
66 Commercial Drive
SHAILER PARK , QLD
Campus Centre
Shop G24, Campus Centre (Building 10)
Monash University
CLAYTON , VIC
Shop 3030, Westfield Southland SC
1239 Nepean Highway
CHELTENHAM , VIC
Shop 1 / 6-10
Old Princess Hwy
BEACONSFIELD , VIC
Shop 3 Naturaliste Forum
DUNSBOROUGH , WA
Level 21
233 Castlereagh Street
SYDNEY , NSW
2615/101 Bathurst Street
Sydney , NSW
40 McAdam Square
Plymouth Road
CROYDON HILLS , VIC
Level 3, Shop 3048
Westfield S/C
HORNSBY , NSW
Suite 7A, 117 Old Pittwater Road
BROOKVALE , NSW
Shop 2067A, Westfield Knox S/C
425 Burwood Highway
WANTIRNA SOUTH , VIC
Shop 2098, Westfield Kotara
Cnr Park & Northcott Ave
KOTARA , NSW
Level 3
Suite 11
1 McLaren Street
NORTH SYDNEY , NSW
Level 10, 68 Alfred St
MILSONS POINT , NSW
Level 5
309 Kent Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Thrift Park Shopping Centre
171 Nepean Highway
MENTONE , VIC
Level 1
393 Little Bourke Street
MELBOURNE , VIC
Shop T7a City Arcade, 385 Flinders Street
TOWNSVILLE , QLD
Level 1, Suite 104A
55 Grafton Street
Bondi Junction
SYDNEY , NSW
Suite 4 Level 1, 333 King St
NEWTOWN , NSW
Unit 12 Level 3
647-649 George Street
Sydney , NSW
Shop T350, Errina Fair S/C
620-658 Terrigal Drive
ERINA , NSW
Suite 18, Plaza Chambers
3-15 Dennis Road
SPRINGWOOD , QLD
Shop T, Heritage Shopping Centre
Nanum
WEIPA , QLD
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