Things to See in Tokyo

Tokyo offers a huge range of tourist attractions. Here we list some of Tokyo's most popular things to see and things to do.

Seta Onsen - Hot Spring

Hot springs are abundant in Japan and very much a part of the culture and an important ritual for the Japanese. Seta Onsen in Tokyo offers a variety of hot pools and is one of the few onsens that provides mixed gender pools (swimsuits are required and can be rented there). In addition to completely natural hot-spring baths, there is an open-air jacuzzi from which Mount Fuji is visible on a clear day. Within the Seta compound, there are restaurants, relaxation rooms, a salon and a game arcade. Massage and aesthetic services are also available. Seta Onsen's hot spring water reputedly comes from seawater that filled the ancient Tokyo Bay around 100 million years ago, and is now 1,700 metres underground. Seta Onsen is a 10-minute walk from Futako-tamagawa Station. A shuttle bus service from the station to Seta is available.

Sumo Wrestling

Sumo Wrestling is Japan's national sport, originating in ancient times as religious performances to the Shinto gods. Many rituals are still followed nowadays. Three tournaments are held in Tokyo's Kokugikan Stadium every year in January, May and September. Each tournament lasts 15 days. The sumo stadium is located in Ryogoku. In this area you can also find many sumo stables, chanko restaurants and other sumo related sights. This is the center of the sumo world. In case you're curious about what these massive men eat, you can sample Chanko-nabe, the staple food of sumo wrestlers in several restaurants in the Ryogoku area. It is a hot pot dish that comes in many varieties and contains vegetables, seafood and meat.

Tsukiji Market

The Tsukiji Market in Ginza is the world's largest fish market. Getting here early is essential in order to make the most of this memorable sight. At Tokyo's biggest and noisiest market, tuna auctions start at 5am followed swiftly by fruit and veg, all sold by some 50,000 workers and wholesalers. There are plenty of sushi restaurants in the area.