I’m going to share with you some of the places I feel a little bit overrated and also give you some tips and advice for when traveling those areas in Tokyo, Japan
1. Tokyo Tower
The center of Tokyo standing at 333 meters high Tokyo Tower is a popular tourist spot and also served as a broadcast antenna the structure is an Eiffel Tower inspired. It is also a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth as a major economic power. The tower central location offers an interesting view of the city however for me as you like the view of Tokyo isnot complete without Tokyo Tower and the picture itself.
The main observatory is only a hundred and fifty meters high. However there are many other buildings in Tokyo that offer a higher or similar view FREE. Such as the frontier the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offering a very high yet free view of the city Bunko Civic Center also offers a great 330 degree panoramic view of Tokyo
So rather than paying money and going u to Tokyo Tower , I think that’s quite enjoyable looking at Tokyo tell from afar. There actually there’s a really nice spot , Shiba Park just right next to Tokyo Tower that gives you a great view of it and you can also enjoy the nature and maybe have a picnic or something while looking atTokyo Tower .
There’s a very nice temple nearby where you can get a great view of Tokyo Tower and the traditional temple as well so all in one shot that’s really cool how it uses Turkish history
2. Takeshita-dori, Harajuku
Takeshitadori, Harajuku is supposed to be the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles. However now I feel like the street has lost a lot of that culture and just become an overrated tourist spot to market at foreign tourists rather than local Japanese teens .
The main street is always fill with tourist , we recommend some of worth to explore areas as below:
Braham Path
There is a secret and quiet area, there’s lots of fancy cafes with your hidden away shop here so it’s definitely worth a check out.
Harajuku Backstreet
If you cross the road and keep going straight even though the Takeshita-dori has finished this is where you’ll see cool hipster backstreets of Harajuku which a lot of people missed.
At here are also a lot of second-hand and vintage shops here as well, you can find your treasure of second hand limited t-shirts, shoes and toy at very affordable price.
Tokyo Plaza
One of my favorite places to go when I am in Harajuku area – rooftop on top of Tokyo Plaza. Have some time to chill at quiet and cozy after a long day of walking at Harajuku seems a good choice to get a short rest before you go to next place. There is a great view to see from rooftop too.
Harajuku is not all about the pop culture so why not also explore the cultural and traditional side of Japan at Meiji shrine and Yoyogi Park.
2. Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is a television broadcasting tower and the tallest tower in japan even though it opened up a few years ago in 2012 it still has hundreds and thousands of people visited every day. Which means to get up to the top it can take a while so when you first come to Sky Tree you have to get one of these tickets a handout because it’s just to control how many of you can get into the top of the observatory
I came here around 1pm and I got this ticket which is equal 4pm, So, I definitely recommend you to preorder your ticketsonline and you can pre-order it I think around 2 months prior to your visit. For foreign tourists you can pay extra money round USD$8 get a fast pass and skip the queue line.
But, to remind you, once it’s finally your time slot you can enter and start lining up to get your ticket and you think you are nearly go up the tower but then you realize the line is like another 30mins-1 hours
I recommend you guys to go on a weekday as lines will be a little bit shorter but even so I got so tired of seeing people everywhere I went now I’m not quite sure if the time and money spit into it was worth it so I’m finally here in Skytree and it took me around 45 minutes and the line finally purchased the ticket and come up there.
No doubt, the view is really good , However I feel like there are a lot of other buildings that are free and less tourists and also less busy
SkyTree – Tips and Advice
- Around the Sky Tree you also have a lot of restaurants and shops but even so this is so many people and everywhere you go is crowd and long queue . But there is one a really nice place on the 30th floor ,solamachi you can get a free view of country and the whole city.
- Another tip is to take a stroll from Skytree to have Asakusa. It’s only a 15-minute walk but you can enjoy the local streets in between and get a great view of Skytree from Asakusa area as well.
2. Golden Gai , Shinjuku
Golden Gai is a very popular place for foreigners trip to Japan. This is place you can experience Japanese nightlife and one of these small Japanese bars along the alley
However there’s one thing that you have to be careful about is the cover charge. Usually in Japan, they have the cover charge which is around 300 years but in Golden Gai it’s a little bit expensive and it can be a tired a thousand yen or more.
Golden Guy – Tips and Advice
Golden Gai is a surely does fun and unique atmosphere so typically I will go to places that have a smaller table charge or check out these other local backstreet alleys where you can get better rate and cheaper drink. These narrow back alleys full of local bars restaurants are scattered all around local people and it’s a great way to experience a more local side of Tokyo.
Another thing to avoid is when the people approach you on the street they know we approach you and say the restaurant is cheaper and they will take you and give you further discounts but sometimes they ends up being more expensive . Those shops will put sneaky charges in between.
Here are the list of places that Tourists think that is over-rated in Tokyo
1.SkyTree
Reasons Long Queue and not much to explore in SkyTree tower.
2. Disney Sea
Language is the main barrier as it is in Japanese ,Overcrowded and long queue during peak holiday. Some tourist commented they to wait for 90-129mins for a ride.
3. Asakusa
The place is crowded with tourist and all there are actually better Shrine and Temple around Tokyo that worth to visit.