Is Tokyo Overrated?

Tokyo would possibly simply be the most popular metropolis proper now—on this planet, I imply, not simply in Japan. From the unending Japan journey growth, to the weak yen, to tons of fine press, To-ki-yo is the phrase on everybody’s lips (even when it technically ought to be Tō-kyō—however I digress).

Now, I like Japan’s capital with all my coronary heart, even having been there greater than two dozen occasions over the previous decade. On the identical time, I do discover the nonstop concentrate on town to be tiresome, to say the least.

So is Tokyo overrated? That’s not exactly what I’m getting at. However I do suppose it’s value analyzing the expectations that many vacationers set for Tokyo, and the way they do and don’t line up with actuality.

Tokyo Isn’t the Solely Metropolis in Japan

Whether or not or not you find yourself discovering Tokyo overrated, it’s essential to comprehend that Japan neither begins nor ends there. Sadly, watching reels or studying articles (a minimum of on websites moreover this one), you’d suppose that Tokyo was the one place in Japan that mattered. “10 new eating places to strive in your subsequent journey to Tokyo,” one was titled, as if most vacationers to Japan even have 10 meals within the capital.

As I’ve acknowledged earlier than, I completely love Tokyo, notably after exploring town for greater than a decade and actually digging into its nooks and crannies. However as particular as neighborhoods like Yanaka or Koenji space, they merely don’t evaluate to the Nakasendo Approach, or the Sanriku Coast and even Kyoto, which was after all Japan’s capital earlier than Tokyo was.

5 Causes Tokyo Can Appear Overrated

Many Tokyo sights have develop into cliché

 

Within the not-too-distant previous, names like “Senso-ji” and “Shibuya Scramble” had restricted which means to vacationers who weren’t hardcore Japanophiles. Lately, nevertheless, dozens of spots in Tokyo are as generally often known as Mt. Fuji or Osaka Citadel, to not point out as crowded as Tokyo Disneyland.

There’s a restrict to the “enjoyable”

 

Many individuals who consider that Tokyo is overrated cite how tame it’s for a significant metropolis. Tokyo’s bars and golf equipment are usually fairly one-note, with a scarcity not solely of out of doors terraces, however of distinctive nightlife choices. Plus, whereas some hashish merchandise are federally authorized within the US, marijuana and different medication are strictly forbidden in Japan.

Resort rooms are tiny

 

The excellent news? Most of Tokyo’s lodges are clear and comparatively trendy, which is a requirement in an effort to keep in enterprise on this highly-competitive metropolis. The unhealthy information? Except you’ll be able to afford to fork out lots of per night time on the Ritz-Carlton or Okura Status, the value you pay to remain in Tokyo is rooms that may really feel like closets.

Prime Tokyo eating places are overhyped

 

Now, I think about Tokyo value visiting for the meals alone. Along with native specialties like Edo-style sushi, you’ll be able to get pleasure from delicacies from throughout Japan. Tempura, tonkatsu, ramen—oh my! Nonetheless, when you go to the difficulty of reserving most Michelin-star (or different high-end) eateries, chances are high low that they’ll meet your expectations.

Bloggers and tourism boards do town no favors

 

By relentlessly specializing in issues to do in Tokyo’s high neighborhoods over secondary and tertiary ones (to say nothing of locations elsewhere in Japan), many social media customers (and likewise, the Japan Nationwide Tourism Group or JNTO) make Japan’s a lot bemoaned “overtourism” downside a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Methods to Spice Up Your Time in Tokyo

Clearly, there’s nothing mistaken with strolling by way of Shibuya Scramble Crossing or ascending the Tokyo Skytree when you’ve by no means been to Tokyo earlier than. Nonetheless, listed here are just a few extra attention-grabbing options:

• Discover secondary neighborhoods, such because the aforementioned Yanaka (Tokyo’s oldest neighborhood) and Koenji, which is “too cool for college” in one of the simplest ways doable.
• Hunt down “hidden gem” sights, such because the orange gates of Hie Shrine in Akasaka, or the Nakano Broadway manga mall in Nakano simply west of Shinjuku.
• Prioritize lesser-visited museums, such because the Sumida Hokusai Museum in Ryogoku, or the Nezu Museum close to Omotesando.
• Lean into Tokyo’s seasonal magnificence, whether or not you see cherry blossoms alongside Chidorigafuchi moat, or golden ginkgo leaves at Meiji Jingu Gai-en.

The nice information? If you happen to nonetheless don’t really feel that Tokyo is value visiting, I’ve obtained the 411 on actually dozens of different Japan locations.

Different FAQ About Journey in Tokyo

Is Tokyo actually value visiting?

Tokyo is certainly value visiting, however Tokyo alone doesn’t supply even a cross-section of all there’s to like about Japan. Except you propose to come back again to Japan sooner or later, I’d by no means advocate coming to Tokyo and Tokyo alone as a standalone journey.

Is it OK to skip Tokyo?

Conversely, I don’t suppose it’s clever to come back to Japan and skip Tokyo, except A) you’ve already been up to now or B) merely detest massive cities (by which case Japan as an entire won’t be an excellent journey vacation spot for you). Simply as understanding Tokyo totally requires seeing it within the context of Japan, so too does the vitality, density and aesthetic of Tokyo put the remainder of the nation in perspective.

Why do individuals like Tokyo a lot?

Lately, individuals like Tokyo rather a lot as a result of it’s the primary place they go to in Japan, and likewise as a result of it’s cheaper than it’s been in a long time. Past this, high vacationer sights starting from futuristic districts like Akihabara and Shinjuku, to historic websites like Senso-ji temple and the Tokyo Imperial Palace, have made Tokyo world-famous.

The Backside Line

Is Tokyo overrated? Not per se, although I do typically get sick of listening to a lot concerning the metropolis. On a lot of social media, as an example, you would be forgiven for considering that locations like Osaka and Kyoto even exist, not to mention extra far-flung locations. I imply, I’ve to surprise: Who’re these vacationers who’re capable of spend per week (or longer) in Tokyo alone? No judgment, after all—and nothing however love for Japan’s fascinating capital metropolis. Want customized assist exploring as a lot of Japan exterior of Tokyo as doable? Take into account commissioning a customized Japan itinerary!