Understand

Omote-sando is a picturesque tree-lined avenue leading from the southern end of the JR station to the upscale Aoyama district. With its charming cafes and trendy clothing stores, this street attracts sophisticated visitors. However, if you're a teenager seeking excitement, Takeshita-dori is the place to be. Located a few blocks to the north, this bustling narrow street is always bustling with energy. In proximity to Omote-sando is Yoyogi Park, which holds historical significance. It was the site of Japan's first powered aircraft flight in 1910 and served as an army parade ground during the postwar occupation. The park's iconic Olympic buildings, designed by Kenzo Tange for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, still stand nearby. Converted into a city park in 1967, Yoyogi Park has become a popular hangout spot. On Sundays, you can join the crowd playing music, practicing martial arts, and engaging in various activities. The park offers a bike path and rental services. However, it's worth noting that the park's periphery accommodates orderly homeless camps due to Japan's economic downturn. In addition to its beautiful pond and fountains, the park features a basketball court, soccer ground, and land sports stadium. You'll find plenty of trash boxes, ensuring a clean environment where people don't leave their litter behind. Running, jogging, and exercising are also popular activities in the park. It's not uncommon to encounter more foreign visitors than Japanese, especially during holiday seasons. Yoyogi Park truly offers a unique experience, providing a haven of natural beauty in the heart of Tokyo. Keep an eye out for the numerous events that take place in the park, particularly on Sundays.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing