Enjoy the traditional Japanese theater at Kabuki-za Theater in Ginza.
Currency: Japanese yen
Exchange Rate: $1 USD = ~99 JPY
Artistic Sweets // The museum shop at the
Mori Art Museum sells all manner of delights, including Gummi Girl candy in this Yoshitomo Nara-designed container for about $38.
Kabuki // This stylized dance-drama features performers in elaborate makeup. Enjoy the traditional Japanese theater at
Kabuki-za Theater in Ginza with rented English headphones. Third-level tickets range from $25–$42.
A Fan // At
Kyosendo, fans come with a display stand, but these are so pretty, you’re likely to hang them on your wall. Many are priced around $50.
Flavorful Teas // The teas at
Lupicia will take you back to Tokyo even after you’ve returned home. Two favorites: a tin of Kotobuki, a Mirabelle-flavored oolong tea (about $8), and Tokio, a berry-flavored green tea (about $5). Sign up in advance for a seminar in making tea. (about $10).
A Garden Tour // Get a calming taste of Japanese culture at a
half-day tea ceremony and Japanese garden (with bonsai) tour. For $50, it’s no-stress sightseeing.
Wrestlemania // Sumo isn’t very complicated: One rikishi (wrestler) tries to force another out of a ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the bottom of his feet. They just happen to be barely clothed.
The Grand Sumo Tournament runs May 10–24 at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Arena seats start at about $36.
Hot Springs // Soak your cares away at Tokyo’s only onsen (hot springs) theme park.
Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari in Daiba features indoor, open-air, sand, rock-slab and foot baths. Caveat: No tattoos in the baths. $16 –$26.
Kiddy Land and Harajuku // At Takeshita and Omotesando streets in Harajuku, enjoy lively Japanese youth kawaii (cute) culture.
Kiddy Land store, for one, is heaven for Hello Kitty lovers. Nearby, at the
Oriental Bazaar antiques shop, find reasonably priced yukata (kimono for summer).