Sumo wrestling
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[2.8 miles]
Drama and tradition combine in this 1,000-year-old sport. It’s a mesmerising and atmospheric spectacle – and Tokyo’s Ryogoku neighbourhood is the centre of it all.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 2-3 hours
Best places to stay:
Traditional furo soaking tub
One of Tokyo’s plushest addresses, the Aman is modern, spacious and meticulously stylish throughout – from opulent spa and restaurants to the 84 rooms and suites that draw on traditional Japanese sensibilities with touches like deep-soaking ofuro baths.
Located on the top six floors of a skyscraper in the Otemachi business district, the Aman comes with superb city views – as does the spa, which spreads over two floors, and is the largest in the city. A truly zen sanctuary, the spa showcases traditional Japanese wellness traditions, including traditional kampo therapies derived from traditional Chinese medicine, that rebalance using the power of natural herbs.
Handily placed for all the main sites – the Imperial Palace, Ginza and Nihonbashi districts, and Tokyo Station are all nearby – staying at the Aman also gives access to experiences including a private dinner and entertainment at one of the capital’s most exclusive geisha houses.
The 30m black granite pool, in the skyscraper-topping spa, comes with views through the clouds to Mount Fuji.
Also try the spa’s misogi experience (named after a traditional Shinto purification ritual that uses water to cleanse the body and reset the mind). Glide between traditional showers, hot baths and steam to achieve purification. From there, move on to the ‘Signature Spa Journey’ – an indulgent, hour-long head-to-toe scrub featuring balancing camphor, soothing kuromoji powder and Japanese clay.
The city’s elite socialise in this protective shield of serenity but take the hotel’s ear-popping elevator to ground level to be swept along by a tsunami of salarymen, bound for gleaming skyscraper offices and karaoke bars.
The Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station and the pick of restaurants and designer stores are close by.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...
Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[2.8 miles]
Drama and tradition combine in this 1,000-year-old sport. It’s a mesmerising and atmospheric spectacle – and Tokyo’s Ryogoku neighbourhood is the centre of it all.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 2-3 hours
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[3.4 miles]
A collection of six excellent in one park, including the Tokyo National Museum. Also one of the city’s most popular sites for hanami in Cherry Blosssom season.
Best for ages: 6+ | Varies | 2-3 hours
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[3.8 miles]
Japan’s oldest and largest art and cultural museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in Japan’s fascinating history. Collections include samurai armour and swords, ancient Buddhist sculptures even tea ceremony utensils.
Best for ages: 8+ | £6 | 2-3 hours
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[4.3 miles]
With towering gateways and a five-storied pagoda, this busy temple in Asakusa is a standout. If you have time for just one temple in Tokyo – make it this one.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[1.1 miles]
The Imperial family’s current home is off-limits to visitors, but you can steal photogenic glimpses and stroll the pretty East Gardens.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[2.3 miles]
The wholesale fish market has moved to Toyosu island, but much of it gets delivered back to Tsukiji – browse the stalls and have a sushi breakfast – restaurants open at 5am.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[2.9 miles]
One of the city’s finest traditional ‘stroll gardens’, set out in the sukiya style, tucked away in an under-visited pocket of greenery in eastern Tokyo.
Best for ages: 13+ | £1 | 2-3 hours
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[3 miles]
This museum in Ryogoku exhibits a collection of around 190 supremely crafted historic katana (samurai swords) – some designated national treasures – and documents how they are made.
Best for ages: 8+ | £7 | 2-3 hours
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Kanto, Japan
A dizzying mixture of old ways and modern style, crowds and calm, and arguably the best food scene on the planet.