17 things to do in Tokyo for first time visitors

Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The culture and traditions are as rich and interesting as its history. It's no wonder so many are fascinated by the culture and make it a point to visit some day. According to MSN.com page Explore, here are 17 things first time visitors to Tokyo should definitely do

1. Senso-ji Temple

-It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, going back as far as 628. The story behind it involves two brothers fishing a statue out of a river. That statue was of the goddess of mercy, fished out of the Sumida River. The temple was built to honor her. This temple provides a good introduction to Tokyo

2. Tokyo Skytree

-A broadcasting tower that also provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and and beyond. As soon as you touch down in Tokyo, this will be the first thing you see, as it stand 2,080 feel tall. It offers two observation decks at varying heights to take in the breathtaking beauty of Tokyo. The first deck is called the Tembo Deck and is 1,150 feet off of the ground. It has a glass floor to allow visitors to know just how high off the ground they are. The second deck is called the Tembo Gallery and is 1,500 feet off of the ground. There is a wealth of entertainment on the ground floor, such as shops, an aquarium, a planetarium and restaurants

3. Shibuya

-This neighborhood is known for its wild street crossing. Where 2 million to 3 million+ a day cross it. Entertainment and nightlife are what this neighborhood offers. The Shibuya Crossing is not to be missed. Move with the people and navigate to the Mag's Park rooftop to snap a photo of the ensuing chaos. You can shop in the unique boutique shops and frequent the bars and nightclubs

4. Tsukiji Outer Fish Market

-The early morning hours at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market are bustling to say the least. This market has been open for over a century, providing Tokyo with all their fresh fish needs. This will give first time visitors a head long, crash course in the wonderfully diverse and unique world of Japanese food. This is one of the best and most recommended places to try raw fish in the form of sushi, sashimi or kaisendon. Join with a local tour guide. Learn more about the food culture with other foodies just as interested in the food culture. You'll even get to try samples

5. Harajuku and Akihabara Shopping

-If you're a shopper, then it's a requirement to visit the neighborhoods of Harajuku and Akihabara. Each one reflects a different perspective of Japanese culture. Harajuku is next door to Shibuya Station, and it's a fashion district in its own right. Akihabara is also known as Electric Street. This is where you go for all things electronic, from gaming to anime

Harajuku

Akihabara, aka Electric Town

6. Ueno Park

-One of the many green spaces in Tokyo, this park is 133 acres of natural beauty. It was created and opened 150 years ago, making this the first city park in Tokyo and one of the oldest public parks in Japan. There are several cultural attractions within its expanse that are good for first time visitors. There are six museums located within Ueno Park. First there is the Tokyo National Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, The National Museum of Nature and Science, The National Museum of Western Art. The Ueno Park and Zoo are great for families with kids and people of all ages. There are several temples and shrines within the park. During the cherry blossom season, the park is filled with tourists and locals enjoying the romantic scenery and the photo-genic opportunities

7. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

-Located in the heart of Tokyo, this 144 acre park is home to 10,000 trees. Originally constructed for the royal family in Japan, it was later changed into a public park. This garden, dating back to the late 19th century, is a beautiful escape from the chaos of the city. It has distinct variations of garden located within in. Traditional Japanese, landscaping and formal. If you're visiting Japan from March to May, it's 100% recommended to see it. The reason? Around 900 cherry blossom trees are planted here, and the result is an explosion of color that can take one's breath away

8. The Imperial Palace

-Located in the Chiyoda Ward, this imposing structure is a highly important part of Tokyo's history. built in 1457, it has since served as the residence for the Japanese Emperor. It is surrounded by three immaculate gardens: The East Gardens, Kokyo Gaien National Gardens and Kitanomaru Park. Each park has its own perks. In Kitanomaru Park, you can rent a boat to venture out onto the moat near the palace from April to November

-Because of its high profile nature, there are certain parts of the site that visitors are not permitted to venture to. It's a great place for visitors to Japan on a budget. The best time to visit is in the spring, during the cherry blossom season or in the fall, when the leaves change color

9. teamLab Planets

-This fully immersive museum located in Tokyo puts you right into another universe. This museum uses all of your senses as you explore all of the rooms and gardens. Definitely ensure your camera is at the ready. The mission of the exhibits is to ensure that the visitors feel almost a part of the works themselves. As is customary in Japan, visitors remove their shoes. There are water elements in the museum, as visitors wade through ankle deep pools. So you can safely remove your socks as well. It's easy to lose track of time as you get lost in all of the details

10. Memory Lane

-This is a nickname for an alleyway in the Shinjuku neighborhood. It's lined with places to try authentic, official Japanese street food. Located near the Shinjuku Station east exit, it's easy to reach this spot. There is a good time to visit the Memory Lane. It's in the evening. It's more of a night-time place than daytime. It's common for locals to hang out after work because the food and drinks are relatively affordable. This is far more warm and friendly than most of the modern places found in Tokyo. This place is great for getting a deep dive into traditional local culture

11. Nezu Shrine

-Almost everyone knows about the large, but famous red gates in Kyoto. There is a smaller version located in Tokyo called the Nezu Shrine. Built in 1705, it is one of Tokyo's oldest Shinto shrines. It was designed to imitate the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko and is also considered aesthetically pleasing due to the fish-filled ponds surrounding it along with the gardens

-The best time to visit is in April. This is when the Azalea Spring Festival occurs. During this festival, 50 various species of azalea bloom into an explosion of color, lending a charm to the area. This is a definitely must see spot for first time visitors to Japan

12. Japanese Tea Ceremony

-No trip to Japan is complete without taking at least one Japanese tea ceremony. Tea is central to Japanese culture. This provides a deep dive into the local culture for visitors. Introduced initially in the eighth century as a medicine for the rich, it eventually became a country-wide habit. Tea ceremonies can last from 45 minutes to a few hours and will involve learning about Japanese history and using your sense of taste

-During the ceremony, guests will watch their host go through the process of preparing the tea before enjoying a small snack. Once done, the drink will be consumed in a tea bowl. The processes between the various teahouses can vary, but this is what first time visitors to Japan can expect. There are several places where first time visitors can experience a tea ceremony. Maikoya in Tokyo is highly recommended. It includes an English-speaking guide who walks first time visitors through the history and proper etiquette before the calm magic begins

13. Ryougoku Kokugikan

-Also known as sumo wrestling, this is a major part of Japanese culture. It's even considered to be Japan's national sport. This is considered a must for first time visitors to Japan. The Ryogoku Kokugikan sports arena is where sumo events are held in Tokyo. The stadium can hold up to 10,000 people. Expect a lot of high energy at these events!!

-Throughout the year, in January, May and September, there are three national sumo tournaments held at Ryougoku Kokugikan. Each season lasts two weeks, with several matches during this time. There's a pretty good chance that there will be a match in Tokyo during this time. The Ryougoku Kokugikan website has a schedule for upcoming events

14. Tokyo Disney Resort

-This is Japan's answer the iconic Disney park. Opened in the 1980s as the official first park opened outside of the US, it has earned its title as one of the most popular theme parks in the world. Tokyo Disney Resort is the third most visited theme park in the world, pulling in over one million visitors a month. It's entertaining for people of all ages. There are two major parks within the park-Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. The Tokyo Disneyland is modeled after its California cousin with a slight twist on food and attractions. The food and attractions are obviously Japanese. In this park, you'll find Star Wars stormtrooper mochi, melon bread and berry and cream cheese tapioca tea. DisneySea is nowhere near like any other park on the planet. The reason? It's one of a kind. It features areas based on ocean legends. So here you'll find areas like Lost River Delta, imitating a lost civilization or Port Discovery, a futuristic marina

15. Rainbow Bridge

-Making up a part of the Tokyo skyline, this bridge glows at night with tons of color. During special events, the bridge glows in rainbow colors. This bridge allows people to reach an artificial island called Odaiba. Visitors can cross the bridge by car or on foot. During the summer, the bridge closes at 9:00pm and during the winter it closes at 6:00pm. You'll be able to see other notable Tokyo sites, including the large Tokyo Tower. And, if the weather cooperates, you can see all the way to Mount Fuji

16. Kabuki-za

-This is the most traditional of traditional arts in Japan. Kabuki theatre is a must see for first time visitors. This form of art has been around since the 17th century and is still enjoyed today. It involves eye grabbing makeup and costumes and dramatic performances. The best place in Tokyo to catch a show is in the Ginza section of Tokyo. The theatre has been running kabuki plays since 1889. It's not just the show you'll be enjoying. It's also the richly unique architecture. The theater is laid out in such a way that all 2,000 seats have a perfect view. The theatre is staffed by tourist-friendly people who enjoy teaching visitors about this fine form of art

17. Gotoku-ji Temple

-Travelers should pay a visit to the Gotoku-ji Temple. It's located 30-40 minutes away from Tokyo. It's said luck is in the air as you'll be surrounded by those ever so famous waving hand cats, known as maneki-neko. These "lucky cats" bring luck to people. The story behind these iconic white cats is that long ago, a lord entered a temple after seeing a white cat wave its paw at him before a thunderstorm. He took the furry feline as a sign of good luck. 1633 seen the Gotoku-ji Temple being built in honor of this lucky cat. People go here to pray for good luck in their lives. This is a bit of a distance from other Tokyo notable attractions, but it's still worth a visit. It's open from 6:00am to 6:00pm and can be reached by taking the Odakyu line from Shinjuku Station

20 Films Where the Main Actors Were Outperformed by Supporting Actors

In films, people don't always remember the supporting actors or actresses, the people who had smaller roles than the lead people. Sometimes, those supporting people end up giving better performances than the main people. Thomas West, a writer for the MSN.com page Yardbarker, has put together a list of films where the supporting actors / actresses have outperformed the main actors / actresses

1. Thor

-Despite Chris Hemsworth playing the titular blonde Norse god, it was Tom Hiddleston's role as Loki who went above and beyond. His role as Loki was that of a bratty prince and demon of chaos. Despite the fact that Tom Hiddleston has other roles he's performed, he'll forever be known as Loki

2. Mad Max: Fury Road

-Charlize Theron is a versatile actress. She can do any role and manage to steal the show from the lead cast. In Mad Max: Fury Road, she plays Furiosa. She was such an iconic character that people often remember her more than the lead star, Tom Hardy, who played Max. She even got her own film, Furiosa

3. Back to the Future

-Out of all of the 1980s film characters, Marty McFly is arguably one of the most well-known. It's almost unheard of to try and imagine the wildly successful Back to the Future series without Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd. His role as the wild scientist is loved by fans of the film series

4. I, Tonya

-This film tells the controversial story of ice skater Tonya Harding. Margot Robbie plays the lead role. But it's Allison Janney, who plays Tonya's mother, LaVona Golden, who appears to outshine everyone else. She's raspy voiced and cruel, she exudes power. She drives her daughter to outperform everyone else while also tearing her down at the same time. Because of this, it's clear why she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress

5. Kingdom of Heaven

-Orlando Bloom was the main star in this Ridley Scott-directed film. He's the center point of the film, but it's Edward Norton, who plays King Baldwin of Jerusalem, that outperforms everyone else. His character is also known as the Leper King. Since he never reveals his face, he gives a performance just as powerful as Bloom's Balian of Ibelin

6. Aladdin

-It's without a shred of doubt that Robin Williams as the Genie that made Aladdin what it was. It was rumored that he threw the script away and improvised almost all of his lines. Despite the fact he is only in the middle to last half of the movie, it's his on screen presence that makes the film great. He combines warm sensibilities with slapstick comedy and humor and this puts the Genie on a shelf above some of the other side kick characters

7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Philosopher's Stone in other parts of the world)

-Daniel Radcliffe might have been the star of the film, as the Boy Who Lived, but, without a shred of doubt, it was the late Alan Rickman who gave an amazing performance as Professor Severus Snape, head of Slytherin House and Potions professor. It's immediately clear tht Professor Snape detests Harry with the passion of a thousand suns. But, over the course of the next six films, the reason behind his dislike for Harry would get clearer. His initial performance in the first film showed there was more to him than meets the eye

8. Interview with the Vampire

-Technically, this would be Brad Pitt's film since he narrated it and also plays a vampire named Louis. His role is beat out by Tom Cruise, who plays Lestat. He struts across stage, as if he owns it, just as he does in the Anne Rice novel. There are times when Cruise seems to give a better performance than Pitt. It's hard to underestimate the power Lestat has over Louis and viewers

9. Schindler's List

-Ralph Fiennes can demand the attention of viewers without even trying. It's the same way with Schindler's List. He seems to be the very definition of Nazi horror as Amon Goeth, a ruthless man capable of unspeakable acts of evil and cruelty. He gives a face to the Holocaust and its horrors while Liam Neeson's portrayal of Oskar Schindler plays the kind hearted factory owner, trying to save as many souls as possible. It's Amon Goeth who holds the viewer's attention and it remains one of Ralph Fiennes' most iconic roles

10. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

-In regards to Rise of the Planet of the Apes, this film follows an ape named Caesar, voiced by Andy Serkis. He encounters humans after years of isolation. The character who gets the most attention is Koba, the lieutenant, voiced by Toby Kebbell. His character tries to overthrow his own friend. His character can be seen as tragic, someone damaged at the hands of humanity who will never see them as worthy of life or having equal rights

11. The Green Mile

-Despite Tom Hanks playing the lead role of head guard Paul Edgecombe, it's Michael Clarke Duncan who makes this film great. His portrayal of gentle giant John Coffey provides a heart and warmth to the film. He gives such an amazing performance in the film that when he is executed at the end, it's almost like losing a real family member, it's that devastating. This only serves as a testament to how good of an actor Michael Clarke Duncan is

12. Star Wars

-Initially, it seemed like the first film centered on Luke Skywalker. When Harrison Ford, as Han Solo, walks on to the screen, it becomes clearer that Solo will be the scene stealer. Harrison Ford was very much a movie star of the old-fashioned variety. Meaning he is good looking and sarcastic. This is the reason why fans love him in this series to this day. That no one else can do the role of Han Solo as good as him

13. Full Metal Jacket

-The Stanley Kubrick-directed Full Metal Jacket takes a strong, hard look at the Vietnam War. Much of the film focuses on Joker and Pyle, played by Matthew Modine and Vincent D'Onofrio. But, here to steal the movie is R. Lee Ermey as Gunnery Sergeant L. Hartman. This role seems almost tailor made to Ermey, a no-nonsense attitude, full of authority. It would often lead to him playing other military-related characters in the future

-As an interesting side note, he actually served in the United States Marine Corp for 11 years. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was able to make it to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant after serving two tours in Okinawa, Japan and 14 months in Vietnam. Unfortunately, injuries he sustained resulted in him being retired from the Marine Corps

14. 12 Monkeys

-This is one of those films that some people love and some people hate. The plot of the film centers on Bruce Willis playing a man named James Cole who goes back in time to find a cure for a terrible plague affecting the planet. It's Brad Pitt as Jeffrey Goines, however that outshines all the other cast. His character is a mental patient who is compelling, charismatic and psychotic, experiencing behavior that is strange and unpredictable

15. Skyfall

-Daniel Craig is now firmly entrenched in the James Bond 007 universe. Skyfall is one of the James Bond films Craig starred in. However, Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva manages to steal the light away from Daniel Craig. His calm, but menacing personality makes him a standout villain, especially because of his hate for Dame Judi Dench's M. He holds the viewer's attention as the villain, leading viewers to wonder what his next move will be

16. The Silence of the Lambs

-Based on the book by Thomas Harris, this film revolves around an FBI recruit fresh out of the academy named Clarice Starling who is put to the test of solving a series of murders by a killer known as Buffalo Bill. To get additional assistance, she seeks the help of calm, but psychotic former Dr. Hannibal Lecter. It's Anthony Hopkins playing Dr. Hannibal Lecter who everyone remembers. While he's not on screen for long, he exudes a powerful presence that makes him impossible to forget

17. The Dark Knight

-Heath Ledger played an amazing Joker. His version of Joker was far closer to the comic book than Joaquin Phoenix or even Jack Nicholson. Despite Christian Bale being the titular character, Heath Ledger steals the movie. Heath Ledger's Joker is far closer to the comic book. He is chaos wrapped in a human package

18. Bridesmaids

-This film focuses on Kristen Wiig's Anne Walker and Maya Rudolph's Lillian Donovan. This film allows Melissa McCarthy to flex her comedy muscles as she shines in every scene she features in

19. Die Hard

-Despite Bruce Willis being the main star of the film, it's Alan Rickman as a German terrorist named Hans Gruber who holds the attention of viewers. This film would not be what it is today without Alan Rickman. He's cool, calm and collected. He exudes a laidback, European persona and all of the villains in the following films of the series would never be able to measure up to him

20. The Fugitive

-This film allows Harrison Ford a lead role, but it's Tommy Lee Jones as US Marshal Sam Gerard who shines. He is pursuing Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford), who is on the run and trying to prove he didn't kill his wife. That a man with one arm did. Gerard is a man of honor, dedicated to his job and earns the respect of the audience, even though he has to arrest a man for a crime he didn't commit

Denis Villeneuve would like to direct the next James Bond film

Bond. James Bond. Those classic words were uttered by Sean Connery in the 1962 debut film Dr. No. Now, the character of James Bond is firmly entrenched in popular culture. With over over 15 films over the years, at least 6 actors playing the role, it's no wonder people love the films. Denis Villeneuve, who directed Blade Runner 2049 and Dune, would like to take a try at directing a 007 film

Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that Denis Villenueuve will be the director of the next 007 outing. No details have been released. "Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I'm a diehard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor." Villeneuve stated in a statement.

Mike Hopkins, manager of Amazon MGM Studios, stated "We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself." Producers added their own commentary. "It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it's ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker."

Ozzy Osbourne, "The Prince of Darkness", passes away at the age of 76

"The Prince of Darkness", a psychotic madman on stage, Ozzy Osbourne. Whatever you choose to call him, you knew him by name and by reputation. He was the iconic vocalist for legendary British metal band Black Sabbath, a successful solo artist and a loving family man. He passed away yesterday morning at the age of 76, just weeks after his, now literally, final show

His family issued a statement that reads "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time." In 2020, it was revealed that he was suffering from Parkinson's Disease after having a fall. He was almost always wearing all black or he was bare chested on stage. He was often the primary target of concerned parents groups for the imagery in his music and on stage. He was most famous for the incident where he bit the head off of a bat. Later on, he would reveal another side to him. A loving family man with a comical side

Black Sabbath's 1969 debut album has been credited, by some, as the Big Bang of heavy metal. This also led to the band's other nickname, The Godfathers of British Heavy Metal. It was made during the height of the Vietnam War and added a bit of doom to the hippie culture. The music was doom-laden, ominous and signaled a change in the music industry

Rob Halford of Judas Priest: My Top Ten Favorite Metal Albums

Rob Halford, the iconic vocalist for British metal band Judas Priest, talks to Rolling Stone Magazine about his top ten favorite metal albums

The commentary under each album are Rob's own words

10. Ace of Spades, Motorhead (1980)

-This is a hardcore roar of wild bombastic f--- you!

9. Slipknot, Slipknot (1999)

-When this came out, it was nu-metal pent up rage searing a whole new era

8. Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, Emperor (1997)

-I love this because it's sonic blasphemy from the dark side

7. Holy Diver, Dio (1983)

-This album has classic grooves, vibes and melodies supporting the king

6.Cowboys from Hell, Pantera (1990)

-The "Texas Massacre" started with this one

5. Reign in Blood, Slayer (1986)

-It's full frontal assault riffage and in your face lyrics

4. Iron Maiden, Iron Maiden (1980)

-This felt like fresh U.K. blood from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and it was top of the heap

3. Korn, Korn (1994)

-On their debut, Korn brought a new definition of metal that was a game changer

2. Kill 'Em All, Metallica (1983)

-This was full-on thrash energy that led the USA charge

1. Black Sabbath, Black Sabbath (1970)

-This is the blueprint that epitomizes everything metal