Tokyo – Image Credit: guwashi999 (Flickr)
Japan has always been booming with tourists who love to see the perfect cone-shaped, snow-covered Mount Fuji, take snapshots of memory under the pink blooms of cherry blossoms, or visit centuries-old Shinto temples. At its heart is Tokyo, one of the world’s top financial, fashion, tourism, and cultural capitals. More than the neon-adorned skyscrapers, centuries-old pagodas and castles, and the hustle and bustle of the city life, Tokyo has a lot to offer more than the usual. If you want something unique on your trip to Tokyo, be sure to stop by on some of these travel destinations for that eye-popping, breathtaking experience you don’t want to miss. Of course, make sure a camera is at hand!
Kurebara
Have you ever been to a place where no cellphone works, no internet connection is available, no convenience store is in sight, and no vehicle is passing by? Must be the end of the world, right? No. It’s just the far end of Tokyo, in Kurebara. With less than 10 residents living, the youngest in his 70s, life in Kurebara stays still, and visitors here will feel transported back some 800 years or so. Locals practice an evening tradition called Noh. Archeological findings suggest that Kurebara started existing as a community since the Jyomon era. If you feel like having a first-hand encounter on how it is to live way back the samurai era, then a trip to Kurebara is a must.
Dewa Sanzan
Located at the Yamagata prefecture, the Dewa Sanzan is one of the three sacred mountains, with the Haguro-san, Gas-San, Yudono-San the other two. This place is a center for worship for a Shugendo, a folk religion where followers will have to subject themselves through rigid physical hardships and religious devotions. A very remote area, coming here will make you feel like transported to another world.
Ropongi Hills and its Halloween Parade
Japan is not to be outdone by Western countries when it comes to Halloween celebration. Visit the Ropongi Hills every October 31, wearing your Halloween best, of course, and become a part of the city’s biggest Halloween festival, where ghouls, monsters and all out-worldly creatures meet to see, be seen and have fun. Don’t miss the Halloween Parade, too.
Albatross Bar
You love pig and all its meat, but wait until you check out Albatross bar and taste its most bizarre culinary flare. Asadachi may sound yummy, but don’t think it tastes the same as sushi because it’s made of pig’s testes. But, hey, it tastes great and you won’t find this served anywhere else!
The Edo
The Edo is Tokyo’s larger-than-life museum, where everything is built in an oversized and outlandish manner. It may not look too appealing for everyone, but for history buffs wanting to take a bigger glance at Tokyo’s past, the Edo is the place to be. It’s home to some of the city’s prized collections of historical and archeological artifacts, featuring a large-scale replica of the Nihonbashi bridge and a kabuki theatre. You’ll also be amazed with the intricate design of the different quarters of the city through the centuries. You’ll also see the city’s lifestyles as well as the different tragedies, natural and man-made disasters that changed Tokyo’s landscapes forever.
So, up for some bizarre Japanese trip? Head to Tokyo now and experience some of the best and most unforgettable spots you could ever see!
Manilyn Moreno works as the Online Marketing and Content Manager for a catering software company. She is also a passionate traveler, caterer, and writer.
