CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
# C U LT U R E # T R A D I T I O N # M O D E R N
On Tokyo’s
culture trail
Time-honoured traditions meet eye-popping trends on Tokyo’s cultural trail. By Jac Taylor
T
HE HISTORY OF TOKYO is heavily interwoven with dedication to the arts, to time-honed rituals and to a passion for the simple beauty of life indoors and out. Many traditions reflect the Japanese love for nature and the turn of the seasons, from craft to cuisine; the magic that meets all five senses on any trip here lies in the very rich, layered heritage. Not all cultural pursuits in Tokyo have passed through the generations, however. Pop culture is just as dedicated and just as rich, too, from the fashion-soaked streets of Harajuku to the non-stop chatter and passing parade of cartoon-obsessed, digital native youths in Akihabara. There are many unique Tokyo cultural experiences
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that will add something special to any itinerary, from free activities like visiting temples and shrines or exploring pop culture neighbourhoods, to paid experiences you can arrange through your hotel concierge or book online.
1 Rickshaw
A journey in a rickshaw is a trip back in time, with these erstwhile taxis carrying people wherever they needed to go since the very beginnings of Tokyo. A tour through the historic streets of Asakusa is a treat, especially with the best rickshaw pullers eagerly recounting stories and local insights to enrich your trip. Typically found in the Asakusa area, rides start from around 2,000 yen per person, and bookings are not required.
