East

Toyosu is new home of the world's largest wholesale market for seafood and produce after its relocation from Tsukiji. Unlike the old facility where tourists could almost walk up to the fish, Toyosu's market has large enclosed observation decks and dedicated paths for tourists to view the action, including the famous tuna auctions. However, early morning fish sales start before public transit opens, so take a taxi for those.

A very distinctive architecture by the famous Japanese architect Kijō Rokkaku.

Not the most famous of Tokyo's gardens, but is quite lovely and uncrowded. It was created in the Edo period, and took its present form during the Meiji Era, under the ownership of the founder of Mitsubishi. The ancient-looking pavilion was built in 1909 to host Lord Kitchener on his visit to Japan.

This intimate museum features a wonderfully recreated Tempo-period (1830-1843) neighbourhood - complete with homes, shops, narrow alleyways, and even the local rubbish dump. Wander about, peering in windows and entering buildings furnished with household goods and Edo-period bric-a-brac. Light and sound effects create the illusion of a whole day passing from day to night in the space of a few minutes. Pair it up with a visit to the huge Edo-Tokyo Museum in nearby Sumida ward, just a couple of stops away on the Toei Ōedo subway line.

In Katsushika-ku, it features Taishakuten Temple (帝釈天) with its cozy shopping street that rivals Asakusa in liveliness while being much more authentic, lacking the overseas-tourist kitsch. The district's biggest claim to fame is being the setting for "Otoko wa tsurai yo", Japan's longest-running movie series, and the hero of the series, Tora-san, can be seen every block of the way from the life-size statue in front of the train station to caricatures and movie posters in every shop. Down by the river past the temple there is a museum dedicated to the movie series, as well as a hand-rowed boat that carries passengers between the shores (¥100 one way fare), the last of its kind in Tokyo. You might want to cover the 7 gods, a series of temples around the neighbourhood, get a free map at the station.

The largest park in central Tokyo is just across the Edogawa River from Tokyo Disney Resort. Opened in 1989, the park was built on reclaimed land and developed in an effort to restore and preserve natural Tokyo Bay habitat. The park offers a nice break from the surrounding cityscapes and has a number of walking trails that crisscross the gardens, lawns and beaches. In addition, the park features an aquarium, two cafes, a Ferris wheel, a seabird sanctuary, and the Crystal View observatory. Mt Fuji is viewable on a clear day from the Ferris Wheel and the observatory. There are a number of ferries (waterbuses) that serve the park though these services are infrequent and announced in advance on the Tokyo Parks Waterbus page.

In the huge 2,200-ton tank, you can enjoy watching bluefin tuna darting swiftly around. The aquarium also exhibits sea birds including penguins, and giant kelp from California, US. The facility sits on the beach of Tokyo Bay and could be reached in half an hour by train from Tokyo station.