Our handy-dandy neighborhood guide showcases the best of Koto City!
After almost two whole years of waiting, Japan has now fully reopened its borders to travelers. And what better way to accept such a warm welcome than to celebrate it with Klook? To help you plan your Tokyo itinerary, we’ve asked our Klookers in Japan for exclusive insights on 5 different neighborhoods in Tokyo: Akihabara, Asakusa, Harajuku, Koto City, and Shibuya, each with its own unique charms and attractions that are sure to make you say KonnichiWOW!
Whether you’re a first-timer in Japan or a seasoned traveler, we’re sure our Klookers can give you new ideas on things to do in Tokyo, with plenty that take you beyond the usual tourist spots and introduce you to the best food, experiences, and shopping in Koto City. Ready to get recommendations from Japanese locals? Read on below!
Where is Koto City?
Photo Credit: tsubasa-mfg on Adobe Stock
Located in the eastern part of Tokyo, Koto City is mostly known for being the hub of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. An area in Tokyo with plenty of sports centers, baseball fields, and athletic grounds, it’s no surprise that one of the biggest sporting events in the entire world chose this as its venue.
But there’s much more to Koto City than just that — surrounded by Sumida River to the west, Arakawa River to the east, and Tokyo Bay to the south, this “island-esque” district offers a welcome escape from the crowded city streets with its waterside views and lush greenery. However, you can still find traces of Tokyo’s urban lifestyle here, as Koto City also has plenty of high-tech and entertainment areas.
What to do in Koto City
To give you a true insider guide to Koto City, we’ve asked some of our fellow Klookers in Japan for recommendations. In this article, you’ll be getting advice from the following people:
- Yuki from the Design Team
- Ling, Taka, and Eric from the Business Development Team
- Yutaka, Emily, Reina, and Veronica from the Marketing Team
1. Experience the world of immersive art at teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu
Combining nature with art, a trip to teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu is a must for anyone interested in modern art. Here you’ll need to remove your shoes before you walk around the four exhibition spaces and two gardens, where you can interact with the lights, flowers, and water inside the museum.
And while the idea of walking around the museum barefoot may put you off at first, it allows you to be fully immersed in the exhibition pieces inside and become one with the artwork. Make sure to bring a good-quality phone or camera during your visit so you can take some really amazing photos to remember the experience!
Klook Tip: If tickets for your preferred date are not yet available, please revisit the page and try to book again at a later date — tickets for succeeding months are added to the website at the end of the month.
2. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Located in Kiba Park, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo is easily recognizable with its distinctive architecture, particularly its entrance. But the art pieces inside the museum are even more fascinating than the building’s design: home to over 5,000 postwar art pieces, mostly produced by Japanese artists, it’s easy to lose track of time as you peruse the museum’s contents. Visitors can also access the library’s collection during their visit, all available in English.
Should you finish your visit early, you can explore Kiba Park nearby or other attractions in the area such as Akihabara if you’re in the mood to shop or the Tokyo Skytree for picturesque views of the city.
Klook Tip: Yutaka, Ling, Eric, and Taka recommend stopping by the souvenir shop if you want something memorable to bring home. Some products are made by select artists with works featured in the museum. How cool is that?
3. Go for a stroll and a picnic at Kiyosumi Park
Photo Credit: Louie Martinez on Unsplash
With its lush greens and gorgeous waterscapes, Kiyosumi Park is the perfect place to visit if you want to escape from Tokyo’s crowded streets and unwind. Most go here for a quick stroll and a leisurely picnic if the weather permits, but you can also visit the landscape garden that features valuable landscape stones acquired from all over the country. Neat!
Klook Tip: Crossing the stepping stone paths set in the water, or isowatari, can make for a fun activity if you’re visiting with kids — just make sure none of you fall in the water!
4. Explore the Toyosu Fish Market
Photo Credit: 光一郎 今村 on Adobe Stock
The largest fish market in the entire world, Toyosu Fish Market is a must-visit if you want to see an authentic Japanese market in action! Here you can spend hours walking around and observing the market’s daily operations, where different kinds of fish, fruits, and vegetables are sold. There are also other attractions in the area, such as restaurants and even a shopping area open to the public, with stores that sell various products such as tea and souvenirs.
And if you’re in search of a truly one-of-a-kind experience, then have we got something for you: the Toyosu Fish Market Tuna Auction! If you sign up for the auction and win a slot in the lottery, you’ll get to go to the Tuna Auction Observation Deck, the best way to observe the fish auctions in the market. Only 3 groups per day are chosen to go onto the deck for 10 minutes at a time, and the demand is high due to its popularity.
To apply for the Toyosu Fish Market Auction, just follow these steps:
- Visit the Toyosu Fish Market Auction application page.
- Click ‘To the application procedure” to enter the overseas visitors’ page.
- Fill out the application form — aside from your personal information, you’ll also get to choose your top three preferred visit dates.
- Review the information you entered. To confirm, click “Application.”
- You’ll then receive a confirmation email.
- Wait for the results of the lottery.
If you were chosen, just show up on the 3rd Floor in the Fish Wholesale Market Building at 5:30 on the date indicated, along with the lottery email and valid passports for all participants. The exact entry time to the Tuna Auction Observation Deck is randomized, but everyone will get their turn eventually.
Klook Tip: If you missed the lottery application period (during the first week of each month, with visit dates for the following month) or don’t want to go through the lottery, don’t fret — there are other ways of experiencing the seafood auctions. Just proceed to the Tuna Auction Observation Windows or Seafood Auction Observation Windows, where walk-ins are accepted.
What to eat and drink in Koto City
1. Grilled meat and seafood at The BBQ Beach in Toyosu
Photo Credit: Evan Wise on Unsplash
If you’re visiting Koto City on a day with clear weather, then we recommend a stop at one of our favorite outdoor restaurants in the area, The BBQ Beach in Toyosu! Serving various grilled dishes, you’re sure to get your fill of fantastic food here, whether you’re craving meat, seafood, or both!
Set up like a beach, with sand and hammocks everywhere, The BBQ Beach in Toyosu has a totally carefree vibe that’s perfect for a lively meal with your family and friends! All necessary equipment and basic seasonings are available at each table, as well as preparation and cleanup services by the on-site staff, so cleanup won’t be a prob either.
Though reservations aren’t required, we highly recommend calling ahead anyway, especially if you’re planning to order platters — those tend to run out fast, along with the seafood items! A la carte items are also available here at The BBQ Beach in Toyosu, and you can choose to pay extra for unlimited soft drinks, unlimited alcoholic beverages, or both.
Keep in mind that there are four different seating zones at The BBQ Beach in Toyosu: Casual, Deluxe, Luxury, and Seaside. Prices of seats vary depending on the zone and are not inclusive of any food/drinks. Seats are charged on a per-person basis.
Klook Tip: Emily, Reina, and Veronica recommend visiting The BBQ Beach in Toyosu in the late afternoon so you can watch the sunset and how the city lights up at night. And if you’re worried about getting cold, don’t be — the heat from the grill is sure to keep you warm the entire evening!
2. Fried Gyoza at Kameido Gyoza
Photo Credit: @ma_riri on Instagram
You’ve likely already tried gyoza at least once or twice — these delicious dumplings, typically filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and cabbage are just little tastes of heaven at each bite! But Kameido Gyoza isn’t just a typical gyoza joint, because, unlike other restaurants, they’re famous for only having fried gyoza on their menu! Though you have the option of choosing your preferred drink, the sole dish you can order here is the gyoza.
And what makes the experience even more fun is how they serve it: each customer is required to order at least two plates of their fried gyoza, and the staff will ask if you want another plate once they see that you’re almost done with your current one. This way, you can enjoy your gyoza as they were meant to be enjoyed — fresh off the pan, where you can savor the delectable contrast of the crispy wrapper and the chewy, well-seasoned filling.
Klook Tip: Though gyoza is traditionally eaten with a soy sauce and sesame seed dip, Kameido Gyoza also has homemade rayu (chili oil) and karashi (spicy mustard) available, just in case you want to add some heat to the dish. Though you might want to be careful with the amount you add — it might get too hot to handle if you add too much!
3. Coffee and pastries at the local cafés
Photo Credit: @__citronn on Instagram
We know you’re having a blast exploring Koto City, but you should also take some breaks — after all, you’ll need all the energy you can muster to try all the fun things to do in Koto City. And what better way to relax and unwind than to explore Tokyo’s thriving café scene? New cafés and tea shops pop up throughout the city all the time, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Yutaka, Ling, Eric, and Taka recommend a stop at Blue bottle coffee, the first-ever Japanese branch of this USA-born café. Our Japanese Klookers love the crisp and full flavors of the various coffee-based drinks here, which are produced by exclusively using beans that were roasted within the last 2 days. There is also a fantastic selection of food available, which range from pastries to savory dishes (our favorites were the scones, very buttery and had hints of various herbs and sundried tomatoes!) It’s an ideal stop as you make your way to or from Kiyosumi Park, as it’s only a few minutes away on foot.
Photo Credit: @strawberry_soda on Instagram
Our Klookers also loved Tiny Paradise Coffee — though this is less of a café and more of a coffee stand, we added it to our list anyway! You may find this small coffee stand a bit difficult to find, but your efforts will be rewarded: they offer some pretty out-of-the-box items on the menu, such as carbonated coffee, espresso cheesecake, and even cannolis! And since there’s no seating, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the area with some food and a drink in your hands.
4. A bowl (or two, or three…) of sweet anmitsu at Irie
Photo Credit: @maropaff38 on Instagram
A Japanese sweets shop located in the heart of Tokyo, Irie is popular among locals and tourists alike for its traditional interior and irresistible menu. Here you can try their famous anmitsu, a cold dessert bowl made with agar (jelly), various fruits, anko (sweet red bean paste), and kuromitsu (sugar syrup) — perfect to cool off after a day of walking around Tokyo, especially if you’re visiting in the summertime. Irie also offers variations of anmitsu, depending on what suits your fancy: try the mitsumame if you’d rather skip the anko, or add some shiratama dango (mochi) on top if you want to up the sweetness!
Where to shop in Koto City
1. Muji
Photo Credit: Clark Gu on Unsplash
A popular Japanese chain that offers a wide variety of good quality items that range from stationery and apparel to household items and even furniture, everyone should visit a MUJI store at least once in their lifetime! And what better MUJI store to visit than the one here at Koto City, which is also the biggest branch in the entire Kanto Area, where you can spend hours (and tons of money) as you browse the store.
And while you’re not likely to buy any of the furniture, it’s still a great experience to walk around and get inspiration for remodeling your own place once you get home — and hopefully, there’s a MUJI near you so you won’t have a problem buying the matching furniture!
2. Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street
Filled with family-run businesses, Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street is one of the best places in the area for meeting the locals. Here you can feast on various dishes such as oden (Japanese fish cake stew,) yakitori (grilled meat skewers,) and more at wallet-friendly prices. It’s also a great place for buying souvenirs, as there are plenty of shops that sell various treasures such as chopsticks with various designs.
Get ready to be KonnichiWOW-ed by Koto City
Now that we’ve shown you all the best things to do here in Koto City, it’s time to start planning your Tokyo itinerary so you can finally get around to booking as well. Make sure to stay updated with the latest travel requirements, too. Have a happy trip!
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