Sumo wrestling is possibly Japan’s most recognised cultural event. Dating back 2,000 years, Sumo is the country’s national sport, and as such combines religious, athletic, and traditional features. There are several places to watch, check the tour schedule on their website to find out which suits you best. There is also a Sumo museum.

The district of Ueno functions as a major transport hub and a concentrated centre for culture and commerce. Its core is Ueno Park, a spacious public ground that contains several major institutions. These include the Ueno Zoo, the Tokyo National Museum with its comprehensive Japanese collection, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the National Museum of Western Art. South of the station, the Ameya-Yokochō market street presents a different atmosphere. This crowded street with covered alleyways started as a post-war black market, and now features vendors selling seafood, clothing and spices.

Dating back as far as the 12th century, this unique Buddhist monastery gets its name from the many decorative gold plates covering much of the facade. It is located in Patan, to the south of the city, and the doorways and courtyards hold shrines dedicated to Buddhist gods and elaborate statues of the temple's mythical guardians.