Here at Met Radio, we’re celebrating the year 2024 with a series of lists rounding up our favourites of the year! We’ve invited station volunteers and staff to share their top ten of anything that encapsulates their year in pop culture (or otherwise). New lists to surprise and delight will be dropping on the Met Radio website every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this December!
Hi readers! I’m Tiffany, Met Radio’s Social Media Coordinator. If you know me, you know how much I love to travel—and one of my biggest goals is to explore every corner of the globe. This year, I’m thrilled to say I took a big step toward this goal!
One of the most unforgettable highlights of 2024 was my trip to Tokyo, Japan. It was my first time visiting Japan and only my second time in Asia, and I was completely enchanted by the incredible culture and stunning places I got to see. So, of course, I had to put together a list for my top 10 this year. If you are planning to visit Tokyo sometime soon, make sure to continue reading!
Sunshine City
3 Chome-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-8630, Japan
Admission: FREE
Sunshine City was my first stop in Tokyo and it did not disappoint. Located in Toshima City’s East Ikebukuro, this massive shopping and entertainment complex is packed with hundreds of stores and restaurants, offering endless options to explore. I visited on a weekend, and I was amazed by how big the mall was and how many people were here. My family and I got to check out the Snoopy Town Shop and the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, where we purchased some merch goodies. We also grabbed some delicious donuts and beverages from one of the many bakeries there. Fun fact: the mall is also known for hosting many events throughout the year such as meet and greets and cosplay events, so you may stumble upon one when visiting this mall. With so many great deals and endless options, it’s a fantastic spot to spend a full day shopping, eating, and exploring.
Sensō-ji Temple
2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Admission: FREE
Step back in time at Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple. The experience begins at the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, where you are greeted with a massive red lantern and a crowd of people taking pictures in front of the gate. Past these gates is the bustling Nakamise Street which is known for being the most famous shopping street in Asakusa. Here, you can find a variety of specialty street foods and snacks, handcrafted souvenirs, traditional arts and crafts, clothes, and accessories. As you walk down the street, you’ll approach the temple’s main hall, and adjacent to it is the Asakusa Shrine. I absolutely love visiting this temple because the area is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, making it a picture-perfect spot and a great place to really immerse yourself in the Japanese heritage.
Shin Nakamise Shopping Street
1 Chome-39-2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Admission: FREE
Also located in the Asakusa district and near Sensō-ji Temple, Shin Nakamise is a lively shopping street filled with a variety of charms. You willl find an array of shops including food and beverages, desserts, unique souvenirs, fashion, and Asakusa specialties. It is a quieter alternative to Nakamise Street and spans across five areas, offering a glimpse into the local life and culture. Whether you’re searching for a special gift or just enjoying the atmosphere, it’s a place that is worth visiting.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Shibuya Centre Gai
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Admission: FREE
This is probably the most recommended and highlighted destination on social media, and I totally understand why. The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is more than just an intersection—it’s a symbol of Tokyo’s energy and rhythm. I got the chance to walk through the crossing and watch it from above many times, and wow I was blown away by how many people were in the area. The crossing is also steps away from Shibuya Centre Gai which is the epicenter of Tokyo’s youth culture. I highly recommend visiting the Shibuya Centre Gai during the night. The streets are bustling at night with neon lights, lively music, and lots of people. It’s also a great area to spend some time shopping, eating, and soaking in the dynamic vibes of Tokyo.
teamLab Borderless
Japan, 〒106-0041 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 5 Chome−９, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, B1
Admission: ¥3,600 – ¥5,600
teamLab Borderless is the perfect attraction to immerse yourself in a world of lights, colours, and sounds. It’s an interactive digital art museum that redefines what an art exhibit can be. With installations that flow seamlessly from one room to another, my family and I were able to spend hours exploring and discovering the different art installations at our own pace. Some of my favourite rooms include the Forest of Resonating Lamps, Wander The Crystal World, and Forest Flower. I have to admit I’m not a huge art museum go-er, but teamLab Borderless is different. It’s a magical, immersive experience that will leave you feeling inspired and awestruck.
Odaiba District – DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, Odaiba Marine Park, Aqua City
Admission: FREE
Odaiba is one of the highlights of my trip and is an area that I believe should be promoted more on social media. Odaiba is a man-made island that blends cutting-edge attractions with stunning waterfront views. It’s a bit further out from Central Tokyo and across the waters but is worth the train ride and experience. DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is home to the towering Unicorn Gundam statue and an array of unique stores and restaurants. Just like Sunshine City, I would say this is one of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment complexes to visit when you’re in Tokyo. Next to it is Aqua City, another shopping mall that offers family-friendly shopping and dining with a view of Rainbow Bridge. For a more tranquil experience, I recommend visiting Odaiba Marine Park, which is right next to Aqua City where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and get some amazing snapshots of Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. If you happen to stick around till night, I highly recommend going out to the park to catch the sunset. All in all, the Odaiba District is a perfect day trip to plan when you’re in Tokyo.
Tokyo Station
1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Admission: FREE
Tokyo Station is more than just a transit hub—it’s a historical and cultural landmark. Aside from the many transit lines that you can catch from the station, you will also find an underground maze of shops, gourmet restaurants, and specialty dessert stores. My family and I actually dined at one of the restaurants located on Tokyo Ramen Street (which is still inside Tokyo Station) and it was delicious. But be aware that if you happen to be there around rush hour, you may have to join a queue to dine in at these restaurants! Other than food, you can also visit Tokyo Character Street which features a variety of stores for well-known cartoons and franchises like Pokemon, Kirby, and Miffy. Whether you’re hopping on a train, indulging in shopping or dining, or exploring the nearby Marunouchi district, Tokyo Station seamlessly combines Japan’s history and culture with modern convenience.
Tokyo DisneySea
1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-8511, Japan
Admission: ¥7,900 – ¥10,900
Having visited Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in Hong Kong before, I have to say Tokyo DisneySea is a theme park like no other. Designed with stunning attention to detail, the park is divided into themed “ports” such as the Mediterranean Harbor, the Arabian Coast, and the mysterious Lost River Delta. From exhilarating rides like Journey to the Center of the Earth to beautifully crafted shows and parades, every corner of DisneySea actually feels like stepping into the world of Disney. I would say the only downside of DisneySea and like any other Disney Parks was the long wait times but I totally understand, if I lived in Japan, I would want to visit this park every day. This spot is definitely on my list when I visit Tokyo again!
Ueno – Ameyoko Shopping Street
6 Chome-10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Admission: FREE
Located near Ueno Station, Ameyoko is a bustling and lively open-air market that is packed with vendors selling fresh seafood, snacks, and a mix of clothing and accessories. The atmosphere is energetic and slightly chaotic, with store employees trying to call for your attention and the aroma of grilled food wafting through the air. It’s the perfect spot to experience a slice of Tokyo’s everyday life and pick up some unique finds.
Shibuya Sky
Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2 Chome−24−12 14階・45階・46階・屋上
Admission: Around ¥2,500
Shibuya Sky, located atop the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper, is one of Tokyo’s most breathtaking observation decks. The open-air rooftop offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city of Tokyo. At night, the glittering city lights create a magical scene that feels straight out of a movie. Luckily, I was able to book an afternoon slot one month in advance and stayed until sunset to capture hundreds of pictures of the stunning views. I would say if you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, Shibuya Sky is a must-visit as you can experience and see Tokyo from a whole new perspective!