Tokyo’s Top 10 Must-See Attractions: The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Vibrant Capital

Must See in Tokyo:  The Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo Bay shines like a beacon against the city’s electrifying skyline, a perfect introduction to Tokyo’s vibrant chaos.
Must See in Tokyo: The Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo Bay shines like a beacon against the city’s electrifying skyline, a perfect introduction to Tokyo’s vibrant chaos.

When it comes to experiencing the best of Tokyo, the options can be overwhelming. From ancient temples to cutting-edge skyscrapers, this city seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, offering something for every traveler. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, here are the top 10 must-see spots in Tokyo that will make your visit unforgettable.


1. Shibuya Crossing: Tokyo’s Iconic Intersection

No trip to Tokyo is complete without experiencing the organized chaos of Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. By day or night, this spot is a dazzling display of neon lights, endless crowds, and energy that perfectly encapsulates the city’s pulse. To see Shibuya in all its glory, check out my in-depth experience and video in Shibuya Nights: A Kaleidoscope of Tokyo’s Urban Life.

Dive into the heart of Tokyo’s most famous intersection, Shibuya Crossing, at night. This mesmerizing time-lapse video captures the organized chaos and vibrant energy of one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Watch the full video on YouTube.

2. Senso-ji Temple: A Step Back in Time

Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, drawing visitors with its stunning architecture and rich history. Wander through the bustling Nakamise shopping street, lined with traditional stalls offering local snacks and souvenirs, before reaching the temple’s grand entrance.

3. Tokyo Tower: A Panoramic View

Standing tall as a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth, Tokyo Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Climb to the top and enjoy sweeping views that extend all the way to Mount Fuji on a clear day.

4. The Imperial Palace: A Royal Retreat

The Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s Emperor, is surrounded by lush gardens and moats in the heart of Tokyo. While the inner grounds are generally closed to the public, the East Gardens are open year-round and provide a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.

5. Harajuku: The Hub of Youth Culture

Known as the birthplace of kawaii (cute) culture, Harajuku is the epicenter of Tokyo’s youth fashion scene. Stroll down Takeshita Street to discover quirky boutiques, themed cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s uniquely Tokyo.

6. Tsukiji Outer Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Though the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a must-see in Tokyo for food lovers. Here, you can sample some of the freshest seafood and other Japanese delicacies, and even try your hand at making sushi. For a deeper dive into Tokyo’s culinary scene, don’t miss my visit to a top sushi chef in Mastering Sushi: Insider Tips from Tokyo’s Elite.

Witness a master sushi chef in Tokyo as he crafts culinary perfection with precision and grace. This behind-the-scenes look offers a glimpse into the artistry that makes Tokyo’s sushi world-renowned. Watch the full video on YouTube.

7. Odaiba: Tokyo’s Futuristic Waterfront

Odaiba, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, offers futuristic attractions, shopping, and entertainment. Visit the life-sized Unicorn Gundam Statue, explore teamLab Borderless’s digital art museum, or relax on the beach with views of the Rainbow Bridge illuminated at night. For a glimpse of Odaiba’s stunning nightscape, check out my video and post in Tokyo’s Neon Pulse: A First Encounter with Japan’s Urban Jungle.

8. Akihabara: The Anime and Electronics Mecca

Akihabara is a must-see in Tokyo for fans of anime, manga, and cutting-edge electronics. This district is a treasure trove of themed cafes, endless arcades, and shops filled with the latest gadgets. It’s a unique experience that showcases Tokyo’s tech-savvy side.

Tokyo, Japan
Dive into the heart of Akihabara, where anime culture and cutting-edge electronics meet. This vibrant district is a haven for tech enthusiasts and fans of Japanese pop culture.

9. Meiji Shrine: A Spiritual Oasis

Nestled in a lush forested area in Shibuya, Meiji Shrine is a serene retreat dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine’s tranquil surroundings and traditional Shinto architecture provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling city outside.

10. Tokyo Skytree: Touch the Sky

The Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, offers unparalleled views from its observation decks. At night, the tower is beautifully illuminated, making it a beacon of light in the Tokyo skyline. It’s the perfect spot to end your Tokyo adventure with a view that stretches far beyond the city limits.


Must See in Tokyo: Plan Your Tokyo Adventure

These top 10 must-see attractions in Tokyo provide a well-rounded experience of the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and innovation. Whether you’re captivated by the neon-lit streets of Shibuya or the traditional charm of Asakusa, Tokyo is a city that will leave you wanting more.

If you’re interested in how technology is transforming cities like Tokyo and shaping the future of work, don’t miss my new book Decisively Digital: From Creating Culture to Designing Strategy. Learn more and grab your copy here: Decisively Digital.

#TC18 Sessions: Rock your Social Media Data with Tableau

My TC18 sessions in New Orleans: "Rock your Social Media Data with Tableau"
My TC18 sessions in New Orleans: „Rock your Social Media Data with Tableau“

Anyone can analyze basic social media data in a few steps. But once you’ve started diving into social analytics, how do you bring it to the next level? This session will cover strategies for scaling a social data program. You’ll learn skills such as how to directly connect to your social media data with a Web Data Connector, considerations for building scalable data sources, and tips for using metadata and calculations for more sophisticated analysis.

First session: Tues, 23 Oct,  12:30-1:30 (Location: MCCNO – L3 – 333)

Second session: Wed, 24 Oct, 10:15-11:15 (Location: MCCNO – L3 – 346)

Twitter Analysis #TC18 Dashboard featured as Tableau Public Viz of the Day
Twitter Analysis #TC18 Dashboard featured as Tableau Public Viz of the Day

Here are some key takeaways and links (i.e. additional resources) featured during my TC18 sessions to help you formulate your social media data program in order to build a stronger presence and retrieve powerful insights:

Prolog: Introducing data artist Noah

Step 1: Understand How to Succeed with Social Media

Apple has officially joined Instagram on 7th August 2017. This isn’t your average corporate account as the company doesn’t want to showcase its own products. Instead, Apple is going to share photos shot with an iPhone:

The Customer-Centric Data Strategy

Apple’s Instagram account is more an extension of the “Shot on iPhone” billboard ad campaign.

And there are plenty takeaways for every business:

  • Wrap your data around your customers, in order to create business value
  • Interact with your customer in a natural way
  • Understand your customer and customer behaviour better by analyzing social media data

Step 2: Define Your Social Objectives and KPIs

A previous record-holding tweet: In 2014, actor and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres took a selfie with a gaggle of celebrities while hosting the Oscars. That photo has 3.44 million retweets at the time of writing:

Social Objectives:

  • Define specific KPIs for social media platforms
  • KPI objectives need to be measurable
  • Metrics should be in line with the business goals

Step 3: Assemble Your KPIs

Brand Awareness and Reputation

Step 4: Connect Your Social Media with Tableau

Option 1 – Directly from the platform: Get data directly from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more

Option 2 – Via web automation: Use a service like IFTTT to store data on Google Sheets

Option 3 – Via web data connector: Use Tableau’s web data connector, e.g. the Twitter Web Data Connector by Alex Ross (a.k.a. Tableau Junkie) -> http://bit.ly/tc18_twitter

Option 4 – Code your own solution: Use an API provided by the platform -> http://bit.ly/tc17_r_fetch

Option 5 – Via a third party platform: Get data from an integrated social media platform, such as Talkwalker -> http://bit.ly/tc17_talkwalker

Talkwalker - Via a Third Party Platform

Step 5: Apply some Tips to Level Up

Gather Historic Data

Step 6: Explore Social Media Listening

Social listening means that you look beyond your own content. E.g. Talkwalker offers AI for image recognition and ggregation for online/offline media: http://bit.ly/tc17_talkwalker

Step 7: Leverage Your Analytics Tool Chain

Use Your R and Python Skills

Demo/Tutorial: Let’s See this in Tableau!

How to analyse Social Media traffic with Google Analytics in Tableau (YouTube):

How to analyse Social Media data from Twitter in Tableau (YouTube):

Slide Set

The slides presented at Tableau Conference are also available on SlideShare.

Are you on Social Media?

Feel free to retweet/share:

[Update 25 Oct 2018]: Missed the sessions? Watch the recording online!

From Singapore Business to Scuba Diving: Exploring Tioman and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

Panoramic view of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Panoramic view of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

After a grueling week-long business trip in Singapore, I was ready for some much-needed rest and relaxation. And what better way to unwind than by exploring the underwater world of ABC Bay in Tioman, Malaysia?

I hopped on a bus from Singapore to Tioman Island and was immediately greeted by lush rainforest and crystal clear waters. The island was smaller than I expected, but it was packed with activities to keep me busy. Of course, scuba diving was the main attraction and ABC Bay did not disappoint. The colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life made for an unforgettable experience.

Apart from diving and snorkeling, Tioman Island also offers a range of activities for visitors. You can go trekking in the island’s lush rainforest, explore the cascading waterfalls, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. The island also has several historical sites, including the remains of a Dutch fort and a Chinese temple.

After a few days of diving, I was ready to move on to my next destination: Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia was a stark contrast to the laid-back island atmosphere of Tioman. I spent my days wandering the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds. The Petronas Towers were a definite highlight, as were the Batu Caves and Merdeka Square.

Watch as Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers come alive in this stunning 4K timelapse, capturing the city’s transition from a glowing afternoon to a dazzling night skyline. Watch the video on YouTube.

The Batu Caves are located inside a limestone hill and can be accessed by a long flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs is a temple complex with colorful statues and ornate architecture. The sun is shining brightly in the blue sky, casting a warm glow over the entire scene.

But what really stood out to me during my time in Kuala Lumpur was the food. Malaysian cuisine is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, and it did not disappoint. One of my favorite dishes was nasi lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with spicy sambal, fried anchovies, and peanuts. I also loved trying all the different types of satay, especially the chicken and beef varieties.

Overall, my trip to Tioman and Kuala Lumpur was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for world-class diving or delicious food, Malaysia has something for everyone. So why not add it to your travel bucket list?

Making the Most of a Business Trip to Singapore: Sightseeing Despite a Busy Schedule

Singapore: Panoramic view of Gardens by the Bay showing Supertrees and the Cloud Forest Dome covered in vegetation and a waterfall
Singapore: Panoramic view of Gardens by the Bay showing Supertrees and the Cloud Forest Dome covered in vegetation and a waterfall

As I was packing my bags for my business trip to Singapore, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. I had the honor to host the Data Night Out event! I knew that my days would be packed with meetings, leaving little time for sightseeing. But, being an avid traveler, I was determined to make the most of my time in Singapore, even if it meant squeezing in a few hours of exploration between work commitments.

Fortunately, I was able to make the most of my limited time in Singapore. I started my day by waking up early and taking a quick stroll around the Marina Bay area, which is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful waterfront promenade. The iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel was my home base for the trip, and its rooftop infinity pool provided a much-needed respite from the stress of business meetings.

During the day, I made sure to take advantage of my lunch breaks and explore the local cuisine. Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of culinary delights on offer. One of my favorite dishes was the famous Hainanese chicken rice, which can be found at hawker centers throughout the city.

Experience the best of Singapore, Tioman Island, and Kuala Lumpur in just 90 seconds with this dynamic travel montage! Watch the YouTube video for a quick dose of wanderlust.

In the evenings, I made sure to take in some of the local sights. I visited the Gardens by the Bay, which is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna, and also took a stroll through the colorful streets of Chinatown. The Singapore skyline is also not to be missed, especially at night when the city lights up.

Despite the packed schedule, I was able to make the most of my time in Singapore and experience some of the best that the city has to offer. It was a reminder that even when traveling for business, there is always time for adventure. These are the top spots you should be able to squeeze into your Singapore business trip:

  1. Marina Bay Sands: The iconic hotel with its rooftop infinity pool is a symbol of Singapore’s modernity and luxury – you won’t regret staying in this hotel!
  2. Gardens by the Bay: A nature lover’s paradise, this park is home to an impressive collection of flora and fauna, including the towering Supertrees.
  3. Chinatown: A vibrant neighborhood filled with colorful architecture, traditional shops, and some of the city’s best street food.
  4. Sentosa Island: A popular resort island that offers a range of activities, from relaxing on the beach to thrill-seeking adventures.
  5. Merlion Park: The famous Merlion statue is a must-see landmark in Singapore and offers great views of Marina Bay.

If you find yourself in Singapore for business, don’t miss out on some of the city’s must-see sights, such as Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown. And of course, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine. You never know when you might stumble upon your new favorite dish.

In my upcoming blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through Tioman Island and Kuala Lumpur, and share some of the unforgettable experiences and hidden gems that I discovered along the way. From exploring the island’s hidden coves and waterfalls to sampling the local cuisine and diving with colorful fish and sharks, Tioman truly has something for everyone.

Social Media and the Customer-centric Data Strategy #data17 #resources

Social media marketing mix
Do you analyze your social media marketing mix? | Photo Credit: via Richard Goodwin

With over 3 billion active social media users, establishing an active presence on social media networks is becoming increasingly essential in getting your business front of your ideal audience. These days, more and more consumers are looking to engage, connect and communicate with their favorite brands on social media.

Adding social media to your customer-centric data strategy will help boost brand awareness, increase followership, drive traffic to your website and generate leads for your sales funnel. In 2017, no organization should be without a plan that actively places their brand on social media, and analyzes their social media data.

Once you’ve started diving into social media analytics, how do you bring it to the next level? This session covers a customer-centric data strategy for scaling a social media data program.

Here are the links (i.e. additional resources) featured during the session to help you formulate your social media data program in order to build a stronger presence and retrieve powerful insights:

The Data Opportunity

TC17 Social Media Slides: The Data Opportunity

Focus on relevant metrics for your strategy

TC17 Social Media Slides: Sentiment Analysis

How to get Social Media in Tableau?

TC17 Social Media Slides: 3rd Party Platform Talkwalker

Tips to Level Up

TC17 Social Media Slides: Unshorten URLs in Tableau with R

Tutorials and Slide Set

The slides and tutorials presented at Tableau Conference on Tour in Berlin are also available on SlideShare, and on YouTube in English and German.

English Tutorials

German Tutorials

Slide Set