"Meiji Jingu Shrine The serenity of the Meiji Jingu Shrine is a notable contrast to the crowds of Harajuku hipsters just beyond the giant torii gates. The Shinto shrine complex, which was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1920, is inside a forest that shuts out the noise and energy of the city. This temple is a popular site for celebratory events such as weddings and children's festivals, so chances are good that visitors will happen upon families dressed up in traditional kimonos."

"The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a gorgeous park that's just a short walk from Shinjuku Station. There are several gardens within the space, including a formal French one, an English landscape garden, and a traditional Japanese design. While the admission fee is nominal (about $2), it helps assure that it is surprisingly quiet, with fewer visitors than parks open to the public for free. If the weather is good, consider picking up a bento from nearby Takashimaya's depachika . Convenience stores sell plastic "blue sheets" for impromptu picnics. The only downside to this park is that it is alcohol-free; if you want to drink sake at your picnic, head down the road to Yoyogi Park."

"A baseball game in Japan is unlike one anywhere else in the world. The fans work almost as hard as the players, taking their role of supporting their team very seriously. Each player has his own individual cheer, which fans call out with great enthusiasm. Once you get used to it, sit back and relax as girls make their way around the stadium pouring draft beer for you from their backpacks. Tokyo Dome is the home of the Yomiuri Giants, and the stadium is in the heart of the city, making it easy to spend an afternoon at a ball game here."

"Just down the street from fashionable Omotesando is the Nezu Museum, with an exquisite Japanese garden. Architect Kengo Kuma's touches include a warm welcome with a bamboo wall at the entrance and rooms with picturesque views of the garden. The museum's renowned permanent collection comprises a vast selection of Japanese and Asian pieces, including lacquerware, calligraphy, sculptures, and paintings. The Nezu Café has three walls of windows to enjoy the garden over a light meal, coffee and cake, or matcha and traditional wagashi sweets."

"Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan 's oldest museum, featuring an impressive collection of national treasures and important cultural properties. Aside from the permanent collection, there are special exhibitions with themes such as the tea ceremony, Japanese swords, and overseas treasures. Allow time to enjoy the expansive park, which blossoms in the spring and has gorgeous fall colors."

"A visit to Japan would not be complete without a soak in an onsen hot spring. A fun choice in Tokyo is the Oedo Monogatari Onsen on Odaiba island in Tokyo Bay. This is not a small, traditional onsen but a "super onsen ," with a variety of tubs for soaking, both indoors and out. Plan on spending at least half a day here. Rent a colorful cotton yukata and, between soaks in the hot water, peruse the food stalls offering yakitori , sushi, ramen, and udon. Massages, reflexology, and spa treatments are available. Or join the locals who nestle into a lounge chair for a post-soak nap."

"The views from the 37th-floor private spa suites at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Nihonbashi are unrivaled when it comes to a city spa. The menu is extensive, offering a wide range of treatments, including Japanese shiatsu, Thai massage, and Ayurveda. The facilities include an onsen -like infinity tub that overlooks the city for even more relaxation before or after your treatment, so be sure to add extra time to your schedule when booking an appointment."

"21_21 Design Sight is a museum designed by one of Japan 's most famous contemporary architects, Tadao Ando. The naturally lit space, of which some 80 percent is underground, is home to Japan's first design museum. The simple lines of the building's steel-and-concrete roof are typically Japanese in their emphasis on modesty. The museum is nestled in a green park, which softens the sharp exterior. Temporary exhibitions typically focus on the role design plays in daily life and how we interact with it. The museum is near the Tokyo Midtown complex in Roppongi, a short walk from Nogizaka Station."

"This theater, which stages traditional kabuki works performed by men playing both male and female roles, is in the heart of Ginza. The plays are a mix of historical and modern dramas, with the stylized staging, costumes, and make-up that characterize kabuki. While locals often come to experience a work in its entirety, which can last a few hours, it is possible to purchase one-act tickets for a taste of the art form. Be sure to rent the radio with earphones for an English explanation of the show, along with cultural background. There is a beautiful tearoom on the rooftop, and in the basement of the theater are several shops selling souvenirs and snacks; both are open to the general public even if you are not attending a play."

"For some travelers, what comes to mind first when they think of Japan is tales of samurai and shoguns, centuries-old temples, and the tea ceremony and kabuki. For others, however, what makes the country most exciting is its contemporary art, fashion, and architecture. The National Art Center should be at the top of the list foranyone with an affinity for the latter. Designed by one of Japan 's most interesting contemporary architects, Kisho Kurokawa, it is among the country's largest exhibition spaces. There's no permanent collection, but temporary exhibitions cover a variety of mediums and topics—photography, manga and anime, architecture, and fashion, among others. The exhibitions aren't always limited to works by Japanese creators, with international museums lending pieces as well. If you are looking for gifts to take back home, the Souvenir from Tokyo shop in the basement has a delightful selection of Japanese products, both whimsical and elegant."

"An impressive dichotomy of massive modern architecture on the outside and a subdued, scholarly-yet-approachable atmosphere on the inside, this tribute to the history of Tokyo houses a large number of life-sized dioramas and recreations of what life in the city was like until the middle of the last century, including a 1-to-1 scale replica of the wooden incarnation of the iconic Nihonbashi bridge, the real version of which has long since been replaced with a stone one. Guided tours in English are available, as are a number of live performances including kabuki and noh theater."

"Twilight in the Sprawl View of Tokyo at dusk as seen from the 54th floor observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Nishi-shinjuku. Admission to the observatory is free and well worth it for a fantastic, sweeping view of the Tokyo skyline."

"Awaiting the Radiant Word Zojoji Temple is the main temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism, built on its current site in 1598 as the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa’s family temple. Adjacent to the iconic Tokyo Tower, the temple’s main areas consist of the Sangedatsumon main gate, a two-storied structure built in 1622 which was one of the only structures in Tokyo spared in the Allied firebombing of World War II, the Daiden or main ceremonial hall, rebuilt in 1974 in an innovative modern-inflected traditional style which houses a large golden Buddha statue and several large ceremonial taiko drums, and the Tokugawa clan mausoleum featuring distinctive stupas as well as gorgeous cherry blossoms during early spring. Another unique, touching feature of Zojoji is the rows of jizobosatsu (stone statues of Buddhist saints), which represent the protectors of the souls of stillborn children. Mothers who have lost an unborn child often dedicate an image of the deity and decorate it with baby clothes and toys such as colorful pinwheels."

"Enter a Storybook World at Tokyo's Ghibli Museum Since its founding in 1985, Studio Ghibli has become one of the world's preeminent masters of film animation. The Ghibli Museum, opened in 2001, is nested within one of Tokyo's most beloved parks, Inokashira Park—just 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku to either Mitaka or Kichijōji. Take time before or after your museum visit to stroll through the park or to rent a paddle boat. Included with the price of admission is one viewing in the Saturn Theater, where Ghibli's short films—made exclusively for the museum—are screened. The tickets themselves are precious as well—each one is made of original 35mm film print. On the second floor, the permanent exhibits are set up as an animator's workshop and display the many steps of the animation process. Tubes of paint, pencils, and figurines sit scattered across a desk alongside paint palettes and works in progress. A stack of books about World War II aircraft sits in the corner, while model airplanes dangle from the rafters. Visitors can see original concept sketches, storyboards, background matte paintings, and animation cels—a rare treat for fans. Other exhibits demonstrate the science of animation, including the "Bouncing Totoro" zoetrope. When illuminated by strobe lights, the figurines on the turntables spring to life. Admission is by advance purchase only. While it is possible to buy tickets in Japan at most Lawson locations, visitors outside Japan can buy tickets through an authorized travel agency. Photo: Grace Lingad By Grace Lingad"

"Toyosu Market The Toyosu Market (formerly the inner market at Tsukiji) is the world's largest wholesale seafood market, with more than 2,000 tons of seafood moving through it daily. At its new (and far more modern) location, there's also a separate building for produce. Watch the bidding for tuna and other seafood from the connected viewing walkways that overlook both markets. If you want to see the tuna bidding action (and, yes, you do), get up early for a spot at the tuna auction observation deck, where the action kicks off at 5:30 am.Avoid the sushiya here, as many are overpriced and touristy. But do visit Uogashi Yokocho Market, with more than 70 specialty food and kitchenware shops. After you finish shopping, head to the rooftop garden for a stellar view of Tokyo Bay."