Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and with a population of 13 million inhabitants is not only the country’s by far the largest city, but one of the largest cities in the world. The city is known to many as the technological navel of the whole world, and very many of the products we Norwegians use in everyday life come from Tokyo and Japan. In addition to being an industrial and business city, Tokyo also attracts a lot of tourists. Every year, over 10 million people come to see and experience Japanese culture.
According to Abbreviation Finder, Tokyo is best visited in spring or autumn, due to high temperatures during the summer months. In addition, a lot of precipitation at this time can lead to a lot of “smog” that obscures large parts of the city center and the surrounding areas. Average temperatures in Tokyo range from 15 to 30 degrees from May to October.
Travel to Tokyo
One definitely does not travel to Tokyo just to spend a long weekend there, as the flight over to what must be considered the other side of the globe takes at least 13 hours. It is not possible to fly directly to Tokyo and Japan from Norway, but via a European or Scandinavian capital you can get there with just a stopover. The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen. 1000 yen is equivalent to almost 60 Norwegian kroner, and if it is the first time you visit an Asian country, then it can be difficult to get a grip on what things cost the first time. 100,000 yen is equivalent to just under 6,000 kroner, and consequently it can be easy to believe that things cost far too much.
In general, Tokyo is a safe city to travel in, where you will meet both nice and talkative Japanese, and Japanese who are too busy to talk to you (or do not speak English at all). As a tourist, you do not need to take any special precautions in Tokyo, except that you must be aware of pickpocketing and fraud. The drinking water from the tap is not recommended for Norwegians.
Hotels and restaurants in Tokyo
The city of Tokyo has a varied accommodation offer for you as a tourist, with everything from expensive luxury hotels to simple tourist hotels. You have to expect to pay around 600-800 kroner per night if you want to stay in one of the most central and stylish hotels, while you can get accommodation as cheap as 200 kroner / night for a simpler, traditional guest house. And that is perhaps the nicest thing when you first experience a different and foreign culture?
Japanese cuisine will also surprise many. Sushi is probably perhaps the meal most Norwegians associate with Japan, but the restaurants in Tokyo can offer so much more. The Japanese are not afraid to spice up their food, and have many dishes with exotic flavors. Rice, noodles and vegetables are also mandatory at every meal, and there is a lot going on in chicken or fish. The price level of dining in Tokyo is very variable, where it is mostly the standard that determines the price.
Attractions in Tokyo
Tokyo has many attractions and sights, as well as activities for families and the little ones. It is a “complete” city with a good range of entertainment, and you will hardly get bored on holiday in the big city of Tokyo, whether you are 15, 30 or 60 years old.
Disneyland in Tokyo
You do not have to travel to the United States to drop by Disneyland, especially when Disney Resort in Tokyo is a true copy of the “original” state park. Here you can experience all the best from Disney, in a park that also has its own water park. If you travel to Japan and Tokyo with children, a visit here should be high on the list, and Disneyland is only a quarter of an hour from the center of the capital.
Tokyo Tower
You do not visit a big city or capital without taking a lookout point – and in the Japanese capital it is Tokyo Tower that applies. It stretches a full 333 meters above the ground, and has a viewing platform for tourists at about 150 meters altitude. The tower is reminiscent in many ways in its construction of the Eiffel Tower, and is a major tourist magnet in Tokyo.
The Imperial Palace
The most important building with a real historical buzz over in Tokyo is the Imperial Palace – and you will not want to miss it. The palace is a popular tourist attraction and consists of an extensive palace surrounded by green areas and parks. Definitely worth a visit, if not indoors then from the outside.
Temples in Tokyo
Tokyo probably had several temples in the past, but some of these are well preserved to this day. First and foremost, one should experience the Asakusa Kannon, which is a temple dating back to the 6th century. Of course, a lot has happened since then, but there is no doubt that there is a lot of history here. Also consider a visit to the Meiji Temple if you want to experience modern Japanese culture, as this temple was built in the late 19th century.
Shibuya
Shibuya is not a tourist attraction in itself, but one of the most popular districts in Tokyo. The area is in many ways comparable to Time Square in New York, and is a modern area with large walking areas. Here it will be almost difficult to get around in the gigantic crowds in the street scene, but there are plenty of opportunities for shopping and other activities for tourists here.
