Exploring Tokyo Vol. 1: Must-Visit Places For Interns In The Heart of The City
Whether in the center or in the periphery, Tokyo is a veritable mosaic of different subcultures and groups of people, making it a true traveler’s paradise. From the anime and game-fandom curated Akihabara to the peaceful and vibrant Shinjuku-gyoen park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. However, with a 2200 square-kilometer land area, exploring Tokyo may seem difficult. When beginning your internship, make the most of your stay in Tokyo and follow Zentern’s guide to exploring the must-sees of this amazing city!
The world-famous Shibuya city!
Shibuya Scramble Square: starting off with Tokyo’s most iconic intersection, and a place all interns love, this landmark has gained its reputation as the busiest crossing in Tokyo, and according to some disorientated tourists, the world. It is estimated that during peak hours, as much as 2,500 people cross at once. From a birds-eye-view, you can look onto the intersection from the Shibuya Sky observation deck like the red sea parting. Among a sea of strong-headed locals, confused tourists and selfie sticks, the first time taking on the Shibuya Scramble Square may be demoralizing. However, becoming skilled at navigating the crowds is arguably the biggest ‘you made it,’ while acclimating to Tokyo life.
Shibuya 109: The department store is practically recognizable upon climbing out any of Shibuya Station’s exits. Opened in 1979, Shibuya 109 intended to compete with its neighbor, Seibu, by appealing to women in their early 30’s. However, realizing a new target demographic among the counterculture movements of then, they began shifting their style to the youth, and in particular the gyaru subcultures. It still maintains this legacy even today.
Yoyogi Park: A sector of green among an otherwise metropolitan gray, Yoyogi is one of Tokyo’s most beloved parks. Bordered by the crowded areas of Harajuku and Shibuya’s center, Yoyogi is a watering-hole for shoppers and pedestrians exhausted by the bustle. On Sundays, street performers and singers congregate bringing the illusion of a concert and entertainment district rather than a nature preserve.
Harajuku: After navigating the crowds at Dogenzaka and approaching Yoyogi, it seems that the boiling crowds of Tokyoites begin to simmer, although only for a short time. Passing by Harajuku station almost feels like a portal into a new and different world. The unique ensembles donned by pedestrians in Harajuku appear very…
Daikanyama: Its etymology signifying ‘the grove of the governor,’ during the Edo-period, the district was known for its associations with the Asakura tax-collecting family. However, in the modern area, locals know it as an affluent neighborhood with boutiques, commercial complexes and sumptuous restaurants. The Daikanyama T-Site (Tsutaya) has come to be known as one of the most stylish of the franchise’s locations. The mega-complex offers a diverse array of literature and non-fiction, but also music, art and a sublime gustatory experience at their café/restaurant.
Shinjuku - Shopping, food and night life; entertaiment for 24/7!
Kabuki-chō: Its name originates interestingly from failed plans to construct a kabuki theater in the district, but it is more lovingly referred to as the ‘sleepless town.’ Its reputation has become synonymous with the myriad of bars, restaurants and clubs found in the area. Further, it has become a movie-watchers paradise, with many different movie theaters available.
Omoide Yokochō: Distancing from the modern streets of Shinjuku, Omoide Yokochō is a veritable labyrinth of alley-ways characterized by the izakaya and bars that line it. The area is frequented by those seeking an authentic dining experience, as many eateries have their roots deeply implanted within Tokyo’s history, persevering through the gentrification and construction that surrounds them.
Books Kinokuniya: The beloved franchise’s flagship store, centered shortly south of Shinjuku station, contains an estimated one-million books. From literature, to games, to CDS, Kinokuniya’s nine floors has a diverse menagerie of media that would satisfy the manga or anime enthusiast inside you. Further, their location
Isetan Shinjuku: Isetan Shinjuku is the company’s flagship department store, now operating 50 stores in Japan, Europe and South-East Asia. With over 60 brands from Japan and abroad, the Shinjuku location is highly regarded as one of Tokyo’s trendiest shopping destinations.
Shinjuku-gyoen: Distancing from the excitement of metropolitan life, Shinjuku-gyoen National Garden preserves Tokyo’s natural beauty interlaced with traditional architecture. The garden was originally constructed as the private daimyo residence during the Edo Era before being opened to the public in 1949. The curated style blends the traditional French landscape garden with that of a Japanese-style garden, embodying Tokyo’s diverse beauty. Further, visitors of the park can discover a series of greenhouses where some of the country’s best ___ perform horticulture work.
Meiji-jingu: Within the Shinjuku-gyoen National Garden lies one of Tokyo’s most popular and beloved shinto shrines. It was constructed in reverence to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken in 1920. Embodying the industrialism and national propagation of the time, during its construction, the public works project entailed a congregation of youth-groups and volunteers, using Japanese copper and cypress within the nagare-zukuri style—synergizing something larger than the building appears.
Chiyoda-ku - Financial & Government District
Tokyo Station: Centering Tokyo’s metro-system and welcoming visitors from across the country, Tokyo Station was built with a façade to impress. It inhabits the contemporaneous architectural influences of the Meiji Restoration which combined American-colonial edifices with a unique Japanese flare. Its structure has remained virtually untouched while around it stands great big skyscrapers and office buildings. It is recognized as Tokyo’s busiest station with more than 4,000 trains arriving and departing daily.
Imperial Palace & Gardens: Originally built as the main domicile of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the former-shōgun took residence in the freshly-named Tokyo, effectively moving the capital away from Kyoto. Following the Meiji Restoration, the emperor moved the imperial household to the premises, officially making Tokyo the Japanese capital. The imperial gardens comprise a property of 1.2 square-kilometers, bordered by a moat which can be circumvented by pedestrians. Many Tokyoites go for a run around this area to soak in the natural and hand-made beauty of the edifice and its grounds.
Marunouchi Naka-dori: a short distance away from the Imperial Gardens, Marunouchi Naka-dori is a luxury shopping street lined with name-brand clothing and sprinkled with sumptuous restaurants. During the holidays, the tree-lined thoroughfare is graced with the golden glimmer of its Christmas illuminations.
Jimbochō: An entire district reputed for its books, Jimbochō is an exciting find for any literature-enthusiast or Japanese language learner. With many universities in close proximity, cheap textbooks and annotated classical works in several different languages can be found in its various streets. There are also antiquarian stores dedicated to 20th century publication and traditionally bound books.
Akihabara: Many anime-enthusiasts and nintendo-owners dream of their future pilgrimage to Tokyo; to bask in the unique merchandise, curated shopping malls and special events exclusive to the city. The center of this dream finds its place in Akihabara. Some popular spots include Super Potato Akihabara sells retro-gaming materials and merchandise, the flagship Kotobukiya store specializes in popular anime. However, there are many other shops to visit along Chuo Dori Street and along its alleyways—of which include pokemon trading card vending machines!
Ueno: Around a 15-minute walk from Akihabara, the street-scape morphs from a neon cybercity to an exquisite garden-city. Ueno is a luxurious area known for its restaurant and cafe culture, shopping streets and park. Ueno Park is among one of the country’s first, there are historical and art museums, along with Tokyo’s most popular zoo, all christened by the delicate, pale beauty of sakura in the spring. There is no admission fee to enter Ueno Park, so it’s definitely worth a visit!
Ueno-Ameyokochō Shōtengai: Although seemingly dormant, the back of Ueno is a labyrinth of kiosks and stores which are among the Ueno-Ameyokocho shōtengai. During the post-war years, shopping streets like this one emerged for the sale and purchase of rationed and unavailable goods. Further, black markets sold American clothing raided from supply lines, or found in Harajuku’s Washington Heights.
Bunkyō-ku - Famous Stadium
Tokyo Dome City: The indoor stadium is the site of several international baseball tournaments, and is currently the home-field of the Yomiuri Giants. Further, many musical greats have performed concerts at the venue including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Many refer to the structure as ‘The Big Egg.”
Koishikawa Botanical Gardens: A sublime and tranquil park during the spring months, the University of Tokyo owned park is widely known for their array of different kinds of sakura. This makes it one of the most popular viewing spots during cherry blossom season. There is also a herbarium featuring over one-million plant specimens, and a library with over 20,000 books.
Minato-ku - Business & International Hub
The Zentern Office: That's right! Our office is located in Toranomon, Minato-ku. This is the place where we arrange your internship in Japan and host many events and activities! You'll stop by our office as part of your orientation and we look forward to welcoming you to Japan!
Tokyo Tower: Since its construction 1958, Tokyo Tower has been the unofficial mascot of Tokyo. It was the city’s largest tower until the opening of Tokyo Skytree in 2012, and thus can be seen around Minato-ku, above towering edifices. In 1953, the NHK broadcasting service sought to create a broadcasting tower within the wider Kantō area, and inspired by the Eiffel Tower’s latticework and blending white with red, created something uniquely Japanese. The tower also summarizes the Japanese’s innovative spirit, interlacing practicality and beauty. Further, under the tower is a creperie located in an English-style double-decker bus! This has become a must-visit for tourists around the world.
Zojo-ji Temple: within Shiba park, the buddhist temple predates most of Tokyo’s older structures. In 1393, Tokyo was ‘Edo’ and was a small fishing village. During the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the capital's subsequent relocation from Kyoto to Edo, Zojo-ji was declared the family’s temple. As such, within the temple’s grounds is the Tokugawa burial site! In modern times, it serves as a beautiful ancestral edifice and a preservation of the city’s humble beginnings during its current status as the world’s largest and most populous. Further, during the New Year’s celebration, people from all around Tokyo come for food, drink and entertainment. At the end of the festivities, silent crowds listen to their cleansing souls from the traditional ritual of 109 bells chiming.
Roppongi: hosting of Tokyo’s largest nightlife communities, Roppongi is a popular area where foreigners can meet locals and alleviate the stresses from a week’s hard work. Within Minato-ku, one of Tokyo’s largest business area’s, Roppongi is a frequently selected destination for after-work cocktails. With a wide selection of restaurants, izakaya, bars and clubs, don’t miss out on Roppongi during your internship!
Tokyo: A Thrilling Destination for Your Internship Adventure
Tokyo is a city like no other, a mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions, futuristic innovation and delicious food! From its busy neon-streets and dazzling skyscrapers to its serene parks and sacred temples, Tokyo offers an unparalleled experience that combines culture, cuisine, and excitement. Whether you're navigating the iconic Shibuya Scramble, exploring the historic alleys of Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, or soaking in the beauty of sakura at Shinjuku-gyoen, every corner of this metropolis holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Choosing Tokyo as the destination for your internship means immersing yourself in a vibrant city that inspires creativity, fosters growth, and leaves an indelible mark on your journey.
The Zentern Program offers you the opportunity to not only advance your career but also create memories in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
Don’t just visit Tokyo, live it! Apply now for the Zentern Program and embark on an adventure of a lifetime.
