• Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Ueno Park. Ueno Park is famous throughout Japan for its 1,000 cherry trees, attracting multitudes of company employees and organizations. It's not, however, the communing with nature you might think, as everyone drinks and eats, seemingly oblivious to the shimmering blossoms above. Observing Tokyoites at play here is a cultural experience you won't forget.
  • Watching the Big Guys Wrestle. Nothing beats watching huge, almost-nude sumo wrestlers, most weighing well over 300 pounds, throw each other around. Matches are held in Tokyo in January, May, and September; catch one on TV if you can't make it in person. Great fun and not to be missed.
  • Browsing the Electronics and Anime Shops of Akihabara. Even if you don't buy anything, it's great fun — and very educational — to see the latest in electronic gadgetry in Japan's largest electronics district, which offers many products unknown in Western markets. In recent years, shops specializing in manga (Japanese comic books) and anime have also opened, along with so-called "maid cafes."
  • Getting a Massage. After a hard day of work or sightseeing, nothing beats a relaxing massage. Shiatsu, or pressure-point massage, is available in the privacy of your room at virtually all first-class and most midrange Tokyo hotels, as well as at a number of clinics in the city, many of which offer acupuncture as well.
  • Browsing the Food Floors of a Department Store. Often occupying two basement floors, these food emporiums are updated versions of the local food market, with hawkers yelling out specials, and rows upon rows of glass cases offering everything from fresh seafood to fantastic chocolate creations. It's an education to simply walk through and see what's available in this food-obsessed nation.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.