By Driving Japan
This video from 'Driving Japan' takes viewers on an early morning drive through Central Tokyo, showcasing both tranquil shrines and lively urban locations. Filmed across multiple days starting at 4:25 am on July 21, 2024, and again on August 4, 2024, the video covers several iconic sites.
The journey begins at (35°39'18.5"N 139°46'02.7"E) and shortly arrives in Tsukishima, known for its famous monjayaki and okonomiyaki restaurants (monja.gr.jp). It then passes by the bustling Tokyo Station and Ootemon, once part of the historic Edo Castle (kunaicho.go.jp).
One of the most significant stops is the Yasukuni Shrine (35°41'43.3"N 139°44'55.2"E), dedicated to Japan's war dead and host to the annual Mitama Matsuri festival (yasukuni.or.jp). The video also captures moments from the Bon Odori dance festival, a significant part of Japan’s Obon traditions.
The drive continues to Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Japan's oldest department store (mistore.jp), and Nihonbashi, the historic starting point of Japan's major roads (nihonbashi-tokyo.jp). Viewers also get a glimpse of the famous Ginza-4 Intersection, the historic Kabuki-za Theatre (kabuki-za.co.jp), and the renowned Tokyo Gate Bridge.
Other notable sights include Tokyo Station, the Rainbow Bridge, and the first Shinkansen of the morning (Nozomi 1), which departs Tokyo Station at 6:00 am and travels to Hakata in under five hours.
Later stops feature Zojoji Temple (zojoji.or.jp), the National Diet Building, the Bank of Japan Head Office, and Akihabara—Japan's famous otaku district known for anime, gaming, and technology.
As the drive proceeds, the video also highlights Meiji Shrine (35°40'46.0"N 139°42'08.2"E), one of Tokyo’s most revered spiritual sites, which is particularly quiet at 5:15 am before crowds of tourists arrive later in the day (meijijingu.or.jp).
The journey showcases both the historical and modern aspects of Tokyo, from the former Tsukiji Market to the new fish market where fresh sushi ingredients are sourced.
If you appreciate a scenic and historical drive through one of the world’s most dynamic cities, this video is a must-watch.