Tokyo - Things to do
Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley)
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) otherwise known as “Piss Alley” or “Drunkard’s Alley” is a small and atmospheric alleyway situated near the west exit of Shinjuku Station. Piss Alley (as it is commonly known) is a nostalgic area filled with tiny eateries. The name originates from the lack of restroom facilities in the past. The site survived the post-war era and has retained its ambiance, giving visitors a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. The eateries in the alley offer a variety of grilled skewers (yakitori), local dishes, and drinks, providing visitors with an authentic and intimate dining experience.
Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a unique nightlife district known for its narrow alleyways and eclectic bars. The area consists of six tiny alleys packed with over 200 small bars, each typically accommodating between 5 to 10 people. Some bars are dedicated to specific interests like jazz, rock music, movie memorabilia, or even niche hobbies. Once known for prostitution and illegal activities, over time it transformed into a haven for artists, writers, and musicians.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing, located outside Shibuya Station, is one of Tokyo’s most iconic and bustling intersections. It’s famous for its sheer size and the organised chaos that occurs when pedestrians from all directions converge at the crossing during each traffic light change. Despite the seemingly chaotic flow of pedestrians, the crossing operates efficiently and safely due to the organised traffic system and adherence to rules.
Shibuya Crossing (YouTube)
Visit Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo located in Ueno Park, Tokyo. Established in 1882, it is home to species such as giant pandas, tigers, gorillas, elephants, and native Japanese wildlife. With its mix of wildlife conservation, education, and scenic surroundings, Ueno Zoo offers a fun and family-friendly experience in the heart of Tokyo.
Nakano Broadway
This stroll is a slightly different take on the other entries on the page. Nakano Broadway is a famous shopping complex in the Nakano, known for its diverse range of shops and its focus on otaku (geek) culture. The shopping complex is renowned for its extensive collection of stores catering to fans of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. It’s often compared to Akihabara, another famous otaku destination, but with a more retro and compact vibe.
Sumo Wrestling at the Yasukuni-jinja Shrine
This little gem was more about good luck rather than good planning … well in a way. We had originally decided to visit the war museum at the site. To our surprise, we had stumbled on the ceremonial Spring Festival sumo tournament. This is as Japanese as Japan gets for a tourist and for the 8,000 hardened sumo enthusiasts that packed into the Dhoyo.
American Football in Japan - Tokyo Dome
Whatever the name of the event, watching something uniquely American in an indoor stadium in Tokyo is an experience to be embraced. Not unlike watching a baseball game in Japan, this is US culture presented with a distinct twist. The crowd is split, according to your team allegiance, on either side of the stadium. This particular night, we found ourselves supporting the Fujitsu Frontiers from Kawasaki (red) who took on the Obic Seagulls from Chiba (in blue). Luck would have it that the Frontiers ran out winners, 28-26.
