Gilthoniel

I haven't been to Tokyo in 20 years, but I'm going in the first week of July for 3 days. I am most interested in the cultural, historical and spiritual sides of the city (I live in NYC, so there is little interest in modern shopping and I'm not a nightlife party person). Solo female traveler of moderate fitness.

So I would love your advice on the best things to do. I like a combination of seeing the iconic sights to understand what made them iconic, as well as the delightful little secret places that illuminate the real life of a city but that tourists would rarely hear about. Little gem museums, neighborhood markets that locals use, hole-in-the-wall restaurants with local ambiance....

My taste in food is not terribly adventurous unfortunately due to some digestive issues (I prefer cooked food to raw), but I will try new things. Or authentic versions of things that have been Americanized on this side of the ocean to discover what it's supposed to taste like!

As for the famous sights, I'd appreciate any insider tips on how to get the best experience of them and not be herded like cattle.

BTW, I've already been outside the city to the Kamakura Buddha and done a cable car to see Fuji... This time, as I only have three days, I'm looking to stay pretty much to Tokyo area proper.

Thank you, in advance, for all your help - so share that wisdom!

kja

Here's a great source of information:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

The most traditional section of the city (most of which was destroyed in WWII), is Asakusa:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3004.html

The Meiji Shrine also sounds like it would be of interest to you:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html

For a small museum that I thought a gem, see the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, which specializes in woodcuts:
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/index-E.html

Hope that helps!

DonTopaz

It sounds to me like you'd really want to spend a day (or the better part of one) in the Yanaka and Nezu areas -- filled with temples, shrines, and character-filled streets. A sample: tokyo.digi-joho.com/yanaka/yanaka-tour1.html

drifting_sakura

I second Asakusa as a great destination. Sensoji Temple is quite a sight and is best in the early morning or later in the evening (when it is illuminated) when the large crowds are not around. There are also a number of narrow streets lined with stores (selling food and other goods) with an older feel surrounding the temple grounds that are pleasant to wander. A bit north of that area, there is a cat cafe on the 6th floor of a building that is run by a very nice woman (who speaks fluent English) that rescues stray cats and then helps them find forever homes.

If you have any interest in stamps, there is a (very small) Postage Museum on the 9th floor of the Tokyo Skytree that is interesting.

someotherguy

If you are interested in Japanese literature, you could visit the neighborhood of Ichiyou Higuchi. (That's her on the 5,000Y bill; she died at 24.)
http://www.traveltokyo.info/Bunkyo.H...ighorhood.html

There are some good Edo-period museums: the Shitamachi Museum in Ueno http://www.taitocity.net/taito/shita...ish/index.html and the Edo-Tokyo museum https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/