Guide to the cheapest and most picturesque places in the bustling eastern metropolis
Japan is an archipelago that is home to one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the world and yet also has the They have a reputation for enjoying a fairly high cost of living. However, with the help of a good guide, it is possible to admire some of the most characteristic places of Japanese culture without especially affecting your pocketbook.
In the case of Tokyo, here is a list of attractions – totally free – that manage to fascinate tourists by fusing tradition and progress.
Accessible from Shinbashi via the Yurikamome Line, Odaiba is an artificial island located in Tokyo Bay., comparable to an amusement park that includes several places with strong commercial and entertainment appeal.
To name a few, it is possible to visit the headquarters of “Fuji TV”, or admire the spectacular play of lights of the “Rainbow Bridge”; A reproduction of the Statue of Liberty in New York and, for fans, the "Gundam RX-78" are not to be missed. Finally, the "Tokyo Big Sight", now the permanent home of world-famous comic fairs.
Another important tourist destination is Imperial Palace, also known as Kokyo, the main official residence of the emperor. Accessible from Tokyo Station and surrounded by greenery, his gardens are open to the public only on certain pre-established days, such as his birthday (December 23) and the first day of the year.
An additional spiritual stage surrounded by nature sees the Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), erected in memory of the souls of Emperor Mutsuhito and his wife Shoken.
The land on which the building stands is divided into the main garden (Naien), which contains the sacred buildings and a museum, and the outer garden (Gaien), characterized by the presence of a gallery of paintings belonging to the collection of the two sovereigns.
Moving to the Asakusa neighborhood, you can visit one of the oldest and most important temples in the city, Senso-ji.
The entrance to this Buddhist temple complex is the famous Kaminarimon, or "thunder gate", recognizable by the intense red with which the enormous paper lantern inside is painted. From this point extends the Nakamise-doori, a narrow street full of small shops specializing in the sale of traditional Japanese items, before reaching the actual entrance of the temple.
Finally, and last but not least, the Shibuya Crossing Located in the neighborhood of the same name.
Among the most dynamic areas of Tokyo, it never fails to awaken emotions such as the fervent enthusiasm, provoked by the music that spreads in each branch, and when shedding a tear of emotion before the famous Hachiko statue.
Images: Depositphotos
