7 Reasons Why Indians Must Travel To Tokyo

Did you know that Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1949, gifted an Indian elephant to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo? This was done to cheer up the Japanese children who were still suffering from the aftermath of World War II. The elephant, named Indira, is no more but the Japanese remember the gesture and fondly talk about it over a few glasses of sake or (even better!) ume wine. I never knew this until I landed in the city of Tokyo humming Raj Kapoor’s Mera joota hai Japani. Unseemingly, Japan as a country has always held India’s fascination. The famous song from Shree 420 was composed way back in 1955!

Tokyo, the city where Tradition and Culture meet

So, why not experience the magic of being in this gorgeous Asian country of islands for yourself? Start with Tokyo because I give you reasons why all Hindustanis absolutely must plan a trip to Japan’s capital –

1. Zoos

A pair of African Okapis pose for the animal lovers at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo | Photo Credit: Tariq Khan

Kids especially love this city of skyscrapers because it is amply balanced by the many many zoos sprinkled all across its length and breadth. The aforementioned Ueno Zoo is the oldest and most popular in Tokyo. It is home to a vast variety of animals including the African okapi (often referred to as the Forest Giraffe), a deer like creature with zebra stripes. The cafeteria here serves a special ‘Momoko Healthy Lunch’ that is an exact copy of the vegetables, fruits, legumes and nuts the animals eat.

Read more: Find Out When to Visit Japan This Year If You Wish to Catch the Cherry Blossom Experience

A lioness pounces at the meat hanging on the outer windows of the bus at the Tama Zoological Park | Photo Credit: Tariq Khan

Next is the Tama Zoological Park with its sprawling animal habitats. It has a Lion Garden wherein visitors can go sitting comfy inside a bus with large windows festooned with meats. Yes, the big cats come up often for a bite and what a sight that is! Mother Farm is another place that interest children and grownups alike. Correctly recognized as an entertainment farm, this one focuses more on the pastoral. So, your young turks can enjoy practical lessons in raising cows, horses, sheep, goats; and yes, enjoy a pig race too.

2. Aquariums

Interact with the dolphins like never before at Sea Paradise | Photo Credit: Tariq Khan

Up next come the aquariums, of which there are plenty. However, one that distinctly stands out is Sea Paradise. Nurtured on a man-made island, this is one of the largest aquariums in Japan. Come to witness more than 500 varieties of marine life in the form of 100,000 plus creatures from the sea. Walk through an undersea viewing tunnel, see the seals perform or interact with the dolphins in an outdoor pool area. Those looking for an adrenaline rush should try the 107 meters high vertical drop ride called Blue Fall. Sea Paradise is also famous for having Japan’s first surf coaster that has a track running right over the sea!

3. Kabuki

A child actor performing Kabuki in Nagahama | Photo Credit: ensonjapan

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Japan’s very own classical drama, Kabuki is a treat for theater enthusiasts the world over. The avant-garde tone of this art form offers a rich blend of dance, music and mime relying heavily on brilliant staging and elaborate make-up and costuming. It’s interesting to note that Kabuki has only male actors who deceivingly perform as female characters too. Don’t worry if you are not well-versed with Japanese, the earphone guide in English will make matters easier to understand. Kabuki-za, one of the prinicipal theatres of kabuki in Tokyo, also attracts visitors on its own account thanks to the brilliant baroque Japanese architecture and a complex history.

p.s: Try looking for similarities between Kabuki and our very own Kathakali. You will be surprised with the outcome.

4. Temples & Shrines

Soak in the beautiful quietude at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa | Photo Credit: Daderot

The Japanese are not inherently religious but they have the deepest regard for tradition, a quality that most Indians will appreciate. One distinct feature you will notice all across the Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are their mellowed down facades and the deep sense of quietude with the least bit of fanfare quite contrary to the Indian norm. You just cannot afford to not visit the Sensoji Shrine – the oldest in Tokyo or walk right behind to see the Asakusa Shrine, that is or the Meiji Shrine offering refuge in the middle of the city. The Kotokuin Temple of Kamakura (about an hour away from Tokyo) is remarkable for housing the iconic Great Buddha statue.

 

Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kamakura | Photo Credit: Avdalian

5. Disneyland & DisneySea

 

Even if you may have gone to Disneylands in Florida, Paris and Hong Kong, believe me you, the experience at the ones in Japan is something else! Say “Konnichiwa Mickey” at Tokyo Disneyland that will have you swooning over with its brilliant attractions. Time flies while you move between rides. Get a Fastpass to skip the long queues (Did I mention that the Japanese love to queue up and often walk around with portable stools and hand fans to keep cool – you should too). My favorites include Splash Mountain and The Haunted Mansion. As for kids, they pretty much love everything here. Special mention to It’s A Small World, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monster’s, Inc Ride & Go Seek. There is enough to keep you well-entertained in-between the rides as well. Don’t forget to check out the carnival timings at the start of your Disney journey so that you don’t miss out on a rare sensory treat. Another sensory treat in Japan is this heaven-like place called Unkai Terrace.

Keep a separate day for DisneySea, a concept unique to Japan. It is here that you see Disney magic go beyond the usual and that’s why it’s especially popular – making it the third most visited Disney property in the world. Structured around seven imaginary harbours, this one has so much to offer. I simply loved the Indiana Jones – Lost River Delta Adventure, the gorgeously done land of Aladdin and Jasmine, Ariel sharing her wondrous stories in the Mermaid Lagoon and the grand Legend of Mythica show that is a display of watersports, fireworks and special effects. And yes, the Fastpass rule applies here too.

6. Shopping

You’ve got to shop at the place revered as one of the fashion capitals of the world! One trip to Tokyo and you will notice how well that title is earned. Japanese have a way with fashion. Period. As a result, the shopping districts in Tokyo are a delight for shopaholics. Although every station in Tokyo is brimming with clothing and footwear stores but if you are looking to get some good deals, a visit to Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku is recommended. But if Prada, Louis Vuitton and Dior are more your style and budget, then head to Omotesando Hills. Do so, even if they aren’t. A walk through the lanes here lined with mesmerizing fashion boutiques is an experience in itself. Go to Ginza to enjoy a fashionable pit stop at the Gucci Café and Armani Restaurant, yep fashion labels have their own personal restaurants in Japan.

All the nerds, geeks and lovers of technology should head to one place, and one place alone – Akihabara. A mecca for gadget freaks, this district in Tokyo has the largest Yodobashi electronics store. Carry your passport along to enjoy additional discounts.

7. Nightlife

The famous crossing at Roppongi | Photo Credit: Richie Johns

For a taste of the nightlife in Tokyo, Roppongi makes for a good choice. Flooded with international flavours owing to many embassies located in the vicinity, this party zone will keep your spirits on an all-time high. Pub crawling is a norm. Walk in with an open mind and you will have a good time. Good idea to combine your trip to Roppongi with a visit to the Tokyo Tower, a communications and observation structure – second highest in Japan, which is just a 10-minute train ride away!

So might I suggest - move away from the ordinary to the extraordinary, volume up Tokyo Drift on your iPod and take the next flight to Tokyo. After all, this is where the world skips a heartbeat!

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