Solo Traveller's Guide to Tokyo - Things To Do Alone

Gadget, electronics and anime lovers will want to head to Akihabara. The so-called electric town is the centre of anime culture; home to cafes, video games shops, specialised shops selling DVDs and manga. It’s very dynamic and you can check out lots of cool anime drawings of famous characters. These stores make up a huge part of the area’s electric charm. Larger venues specializing in manga, anime and video games include Tokyo Anime Center. Exhibits and souvenirs are available and Radio Kaikan is worth a visit with ten floors of toys, trading cards and collectibles. Head onto side streets for smaller stores with even more specialised wares. Tiny shops hone in on microscopic niches of the electronics world. If quirky, fluorescent, over-lit stores, cosplay cafes serving tea and cakes are your thing, you won’t want to miss this neighbourhood. Akihabara is one of the best things to do in Tokyo alone. It epitomises what Tokyo is all about; condensing a whole lot of something into a small space, with an added a dash of madness, weird and wonderful.

Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the Meiji Shinto Shrine is one of the best places to visit if you’re seeking what to do in Tokyo alone. Close to the JR Yamanote Line’s lively Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine is adjacent to Yoyogi Park; a spacious, green, forested area and peaceful break from the dense city. The grounds and walking paths are a peaceful haven and 100,000 trees make up Meiji Jingu's tranquil forest. Visitors to the shrine can take part in traditional Shinto activities, such as making offerings at the main hall, buying charms and amulets or writing out wishes on an ema. It’s well worth a visit and a must-see Tokyo for those seeking the spiritual heart of the capital.

There’s plenty of shopping to do on Takeshita-dori, but all the browsing can work up an appetite. Luckily there are plenty of characteristically Harajuku sweets to be tried; from world-famous crepes to gourmet popcorn to rainbow delights and cute cake pops which are much loved by locals. In the world of Harajuku, fluffy candy floss comes in rainbows and each flavor tastes distinctly different; choose from one, three or five colours. Try Zaku Zaku which means crunchy in Japanese. The choux cream puff is an unusual shape; but has a yummy almond crust with a real crunch, and inside, a quality creamy custard from the farmlands of Hokkaido in the north.

The observatory at the top of Shinjuku is a hidden gem; despite its huge height of 209m. The observatory at the top of the skyscraper features restaurants, shops, clinics and offices and is relatively unknown to tourists. The restaurants are great places to eat if you’re looking for things to do in Tokyo at night. Located on the 49th and 50th floors, the restaurants serve great food and have romantic views of Tokyo’s skyline. Head up to the 50th floor observatory for picturesque views of the Shinjuku area and north-west Tokyo. On a clear day (or evening), the view of Mt. Fuji can be seen. Access is free and the Shinjuku Observatory provides a truly beautiful view of Tokyo.

My essential tips are to try to understand how the metro system transport works, as it is super useful once you know how to use it. Keep your money in pocket, as even though Tokyo is very safe, it’s always good to keep money hidden. It would be wise and respectful to know a few words in Japanese. Useful phrases are arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) meaning ‘thank you’, onegaishimasu (お願いします), which means ‘please’, sumimasen (すみません) ‘excuse me, hai (はい) ‘yes’, iie (いいえ) ‘no’. And finally, nani ga oishii desu ka (お勧めは何ですか) ‘what do you recommend?’ The last tip: have a great trip!