Nine DON'Ts when traveling to Tokyo
Before digging into a list of things we felt international travelers should NOT do in Tokyo, let me make a disclaimer: we are absolutely big fans of Japan and we'd go there multiple times a year in a heartbeat. Having been to Tokyo three times in the last five years, these are some don'ts for traveling to Tokyo:
Missing the Imperial Palace
Some people really recommend against the Imperial Palace because the palace itself is off limits to visitors, but its surrounding and the garden is really beautiful! It is great to get away for a couple hours from the bustling part of the city, enjoy some peace and breathe some fresh Tokyo air.
Going up the Tokyo Skytree
I tend to have reservations about going up on observation decks because typically those buildings would be the landmark itself and going up to its top means you will see the view of the city without that very landmark itself. Coupled with flocks of tourists trying to get up there, you be the judge of whether it's worth the time. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers a free observation deck that allows you to see the city view with all the landmarks. If you'd rather pay a fee to avoid the big crowd, try the observation deck on Roppongi Hills.
Avoiding Roppongi
Roppongi seems to receive mixed reviews but we had a great time there. First off, the Roppongi Hills is an interesting complex with a giant spider monument in front, a nice garden (when we went there, there were like a hundred Doraemon figures on display), an observation deck, art museum in addition to high-end shopping and dining. If high-end shopping and dining is not for you, there are also plenty of restaurants and bars around. Just don't follow the sketchy men trying to lure you into some lady bar.
Visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market
Seems like a popular bucket list item but unless you don't mind the smell of (dead) fish, getting up 4 am in the morning to catch the early morning tuna auction, or are extremely keen on having sashimi for breakfast, I fail to understand why tourists need to go there. Feels more like a bucket list item that just needs to be checked off than actual enjoyment. There are many restaurants and supermarkets in the city offering fresh sashimi you really don't have to go to the fish market just for that.
Trying to do shopping and hoping to make a good purchase
When we first visited Japan, I was expecting some good shopping in Ginza, Shibuya and maybe even the funky Harajuku. I spent hours trying to look for cool fashion and gift items but they were either a little out of wack or pricey. As a disclaimer, my dressing style is European/American and I didn't like the kawaii Japanese style. I do like Japanese cartoons like Studio Ghibli, Doraemon, etc. but I wasn't impressed with those animation products either. Overall, Japanese products tend to charge a premium for tiny (but usually fancy-looking) things with little practicality. You could get better quality things in Europe and America for cheaper.
That said, we definitely recommend taking a stroll along the streets in Harajuku, Ginza and Shibuya to experience the energy of the city, see the funky looking people, etc. Just don't take it for granted that you will bring a suitcase full of great shopping to bring home.
Beware of those beautiful Japanese souvenir snack boxes
I've tried dozens of those beautifully-packaged snack boxes sold in department stores and airports meant as gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. There is so much variety you want to try one of everything. Sadly, the good packaging is pretty much all there is to it. The snacks in itself are mostly very mediocre in quality.
If you feel like trying some Japanese snacks, you should go for the ones sold in convenience stores and supermarkets, i.e. those that local Japanese will buy for daily consumption. Personally, I find those are hit and miss as well but at least they are more likely to be a hit compared to the souvenir boxes and more reasonably priced. We are also attracted to the variety of snacks available (green tea kit kat, sakura kit kat, sake kit kat, to give the most prominent example of Japanese snacks creativity). I feel like I've to give credit to their creativity even if the snack is a miss.
If you're into chocolate, don't forget to buy Royce (available at the airport). They have many flavors like green tea, cream, strawberry, white, and many others. The chocolate is smooth and creamy - simply divine!
Thinking Japanese food is all about sushi and raw fish
If you think eating in Japan is either raw fish or you'll have to resort to McDonald's/KFC, you really should read up on the food that Japan has to offer! Sushi /sashimi is arguably the most high profile Japanese food outside of Japan but Japan has such an amazing variety of food, it's a culinary wonderland. See my other blog post on traveler-friendly Japanese food.
As a foreigner on their first visit(s) to Japan, finding specific restaurants recommended by others can be challenging given the street signs are not in English.
Visiting a cat/animal cafe
For travelers with only a few days in Tokyo, you're much better off exploring the different parts of Tokyo than hiding in a cafe with animals you can find at home or in the zoo, and getting a cup of mediocre and over-priced coffee. If you are looking for a good place to relax and enjoy an afternoon snack, we highly recommend going to a Japanese dessert place.
Not visiting a pachinko
Without actually visiting a pachinko, you'd never imagine that noise level is possible. Note that we said this despite living in one of the most densely populated city called Hong Kong where traffic never stops. Pachinko shops are everywhere - just get into one of those as an experience of Japanese style entertainment. Also an excellent way to people-watch.
Do you agree or disagree with this list?
