ON THE CULTURE TRAIL

#CULTURE #TRADITION #MODERN

On Tokyo’s culture trail

Time-honoured traditions meet eye-popping trends on Tokyo’s cultural trail. By Jac Taylor

THE 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 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.

1Rickshaw 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.

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2Noh The fascinating theatrical tradition of noh is a way of recounting generationsold stories through the use of gestures, masks and music. It’s a real feast for the senses, and can be experienced at many theatres across the city, such as the National Noh Theatre, the Cerulean Tower Noh Theatre or The Kita Noh Theatre.

3Geisha Shimbashi, Asakusa, Yoshicho, Kagurazaka, Akasaka and Mukojima are Tokyo’s main hanamachi (‘flower towns’), where you can experience the gentle art of hospitality by a precisely trained geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha). There are also geisha performances at the Asakusa Cultural Centre.

4Sake There is no beverage quite like sake, brewed through the fermentation of rice via a range of techniques and often using timber barrels and centuries-old warehouses. Tour famed spots like Ozawa Shuzo Brewery, Ishikawa Brewery or Tamura Shuzojo Brewery, all in Western Tokyo – with a few tastings along the way, of course. 5 Bonsai The tradition of miniaturising trees began in Japan in the ninth century, with Edo-period aristocrats perfecting techniques still in use today. The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum features examples of precision plant-tending; once you are sufficiently inspired, you can even take a workshop to learn the art yourself.

6Kabuki An important part of Japan’s theatrical history, kabuki tradition dictates that women were barred from performing, paving the way for men to act both male and female roles, often in stunning make-up and costumes. Watch at the Kabukiza Theatre, National Theatre or the Meijiza Theatre.

7Sushi What food more perfectly sums up the intersection between utility, tradition and simplicity than sushi? Tokyo is filled with sushi schools, many welcoming visitors to try their hand at nigiri sushi making and more. The Tokyo Sushi Academy has short experiences through to fiveweek-long courses sharing the art of Edomae Tokyo-style sushi. 8 Tea The tea ceremony is a tradition steeped in history. It is a formalised way of preparing and drinking matcha green tea. Every turn of the tea bowl and swish of the bamboo whisk is just as it has been performed for centuries. Put this experience at the top of your list, either in a private ceremony or attending a full ceremony.

9Ninja While Japan’s samurai were stealing the limelight, it was the country’s ninja who were stealing through the night, using their martial arts skills to spy, sneak and even assassinate when needed. Visit the Musashi Ninja Clan or the Ninja Trick House, to dress up and even try out ninja stars or blow darts in organised activities.

10 Sumo Cross wrestling with sacred Shinto rituals and you’ll come close to the phenomenon that is sumo wrestling. During the sumo seasons of January, May and September you can catch bouts at the Kokugikan in Ryogoku, running from late afternoon into the evening – arrive early to check out the museum and arena, and see the wrestlers arrive.

OPENING SPREAD: Enjoying a rickshaw ride in Asakusa © Marcos Bernadi/ Shutterstock THIS

PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Preparing for a sumo bout © J Henning Bucholz/Shutterstock; noh is a traditional Japanese art © Kanze Noh Theater; tea ceremony © TCVB

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Top 5 Pop culture experiences

From outlandish costumes to futuristic robotic displays, pop culture thrives across Tokyo.

1Harajuku Alongside the olden-day beauty of the Meiji Shrine is the much more modern shrine to fashion, pop culture and kawaii (cuteness/ cool) that is the streets and arcades of Harajuku. This is the place to see teens dressed up as everything from goths to Hello Kitty, and on the weekend you will see plenty of cosplayers parading their outfits with pride. These days Harajuku has more of a cool backstreet scene, but it is still a mecca for the unusual and there’s no shortage of surprises. Highlights include: Cosplayers, Takeshita Street, KiddyLand (toy store), Kawaii Monster Café and Harajuku food.

OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: The Geo-Cosmos illuminates Toyo’s love for experimental art; pop culture in full force in Harajuku © FiledImage/Shutterstock 2 Tokyo Station Area While the central area next to Tokyo’s business and financial districts seems an odd place for pop culture, be prepared – the streets here are colourful. Collectors and grown-ups young at heart will appreciate Tokyo Character Street, the Pokémon Centre Tokyo DX and Pokémon Café, dedicated to (you guessed it) all things Pokémon.

3Odaiba This is Tokyo at its most experimental. Highlights include the futuristic experiences at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), as well as at Aqua City and teamLab Borderless. It’s hard to miss the cartoonish Unicorn Gundam statue presiding over the district, while it’s up to you if a poothemed museum is your cup of tea: hello, Unko Museum. 4 Western Tokyo Beyond the bright lights of Shinjuku is another anime-obsessed mecca spread across Nakano, Mitaka and Ogikubo. Book tickets to the Ghibli Museum, heroing all things Studio Ghibli and forming a mini theme park. Visit the Mandarake emporium within Nakano Broadway, and lose yourself in the anime exhibits of Suginami Animation Museum.

5Akihabara From manga to video games, Japanese pop culture finds its technological heart in otaku (geek) capital, Akihabara – otherwise known as Electric Town. Budget to shop for the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos, and browse the storeyshigh manga magazine shops. On Sundays, the main street (Chuo Dori) is closed to traffic, making your shopping experience even more enjoyable.