December 2016 89 www.bahrainthismonth.com If you’re heading to Japan, you may not want to spend all your time in the capital, but Tokyo is certainly worth exploring. Here are some excellent ways to spend a weekend in this wonderful city. Visit Tokyo Tower, the Japanese answer to the Eiffel Tower which provides visitors with more than just an observation deck, it’s also home to the Guinness World Records Museum, an aquarium and a wax museum. Harajuku is the centre of the city’s youth culture where you’ll see young people dressed in the exaggerated anime costumes for which Japan is famous. The district is great for boutiques and restaurants and even better for people watching. Tsukiji Fish Market. If you’re up early, head to the world’s largest and liveliest fish market which is open daily from 5am for the tuna auction. Several stalls sell the freshest sushi for breakfast and it’s also possible to book a guided tour. Cat Cafés offer the chance to cuddle a kitty. They’re surprisingly common though a novel concept to people from our part of the world. If you’re spoilt for choice check out the fairytale decor of Temari no Ouchi in Musashino or find unusual breeds at Chiyoda’s Neko JaLaLa. Tokyo Skytree On a clear day you can see as far as Mount Fuji, but it’s at night when the views from Japan’s tallest structure are most mindblowing! It’s open daily from 8am till 10pm. Senso-ji Temple. No visit to Japan would be complete without a temple and Senso-ji remains Tokyo’s most popular. A site of worship as well as a tourist attraction, it can become busy so if you prefer something quieter you could try the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the 19th century emperor who opened Japan to the west. Got a little extra time? Take a Bullet Train day trip to Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi and take in some stunning scenery at the same time as experiencing Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed trains. japansupplement 48 Hours in Tokyo Harajuku
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