Tokyo is full of adventures and people — so many people.
Japan’s capital is the world’s most populous metropolis, with 37.5 million people. And along with those living there, tourists have flocked to Japan and the nation’s capital. More than 30 million overseas travelers visited Japan in 2018, an all-time record, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
But the crowds are on to something. Tokyo is known for its ultramodern and old-world attractions, its food and its natural beauty. It was recently named Conde Nast Traveler’s best big city in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
Here are five things every first-time visitor to Tokyo should experience.
Shibuya Crossing
Who knew a crosswalk could also double as a tourist attraction? But Shibuya Crossing isn’t just any crosswalk. It could be the world’s busiest, according to Lonely Planet, noting that at peak times upwards of 3,000 people cross at a time. It’s a scramble intersection, which means all vehicle traffic is stopped to allow pedestrians to cross in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time.
Take a tour of Japan's wildest shopping districts, in Osaka and Tokyo, with USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham, who brings viewers to Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing and Osaka's Dotonbori distrist.
Mount Fuji
Although Mount Fuji technically isn’t in Tokyo, it’s just a short car, bus or train ride to the active volcano, which is also Japan’s tallest mountain. Visitors can explore trails there from early July to early September.
Mount Fuji is the tallest in Japan and an active volcano. (Photo: BEHROUZ MEHRI, AFP/Getty Images)
Animal cafes
Tokyo has developed a worldwide reputation for its animal cafes. In addition to getting food and drink, visitors to the cafe are treated to interaction with cute, tame animals, such as hedgehogs, meerkats and ferrets. It’s a dream come true for animal lovers.
Japan is full of natural beauty, but for those wanting a hands-on experience will want to visit an animal café.
USA TODAY
Cherry blossoms
From Tokyo to Mount Fuji, Japan is covered in pink petals in the spring. According to Japan’s National Tourism Council, cherry blossoms blanket the country each spring from late March to mid-April or even early May. “Springtime in Japan is nothing less than magical,” the council touts on its website.
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