Fall 2023 Edition: Travel Tokyo on Your Star Sign!

With so much to see and do in Tokyo, what if you could personalize your travel itinerary not on the sites but rather on the stars?

This autumn installment of the astrology travel guide introduces Tokyo attractions and activities that speak to your star sign: one of the 12 zodiac signs your birthday falls under.

Travel Based On Your Star Sign

Fall Equinox 2023 and Other Astrological Events
1. Libra (September 23-October 22)
2. Scorpio (October 23-November 22)
3. Sagittarius (November 23-December 22)
4. Capricorn (December 23-January 21)
5. Aquarius (January 22-February 20)
6. Pisces (February 21-March 19)
7. Aries (March 20-April 20)
8. Taurus (April 21-May 21)
9. Gemini (May 22-June 22)
10. Cancer (June 23-July 22)
11. Leo (July 23-August 22)
12. Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Fall Equinox 2023 and Other Astrological Events

The fall equinox (“Shubun no Hi”) on September 23, 2023 is not only the “official unofficial” end of summer (although Leos would wholeheartedly disagree). It ushers the start of crisp nights and cozy sweaters synonymous with autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. After a summer of scorching heat and daylight reigning supreme, autumn astrologically coincides with the Sun’s arrival into the sign of Libra–the scales symbolizing a balance between day and night, both in light and darkness.

Ironically, there’s a Japanese expression that designates reading and the arts as seasonal pastimes of autumn (“Dokusho no Aki” and “Geigutsu no Aki,” respectively). The irony comes from Venus–Goddess of love and lover of the arts–having planetary rulership over the artistically inclined air sign (*1) of Libra.

Keeping these concepts in mind, let’s start our astrological travel recommendations in the bustling Tokyo metropolis with the cardinal sign (*2) of the scales: Libra.

*1 Air sign: the zodiac is divided into four elements–fire, earth, air, and water–with three signs assigned to each. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs and relate to communication, intellect, and ideas.

*2 Cardinal signs: there are four cardinal signs in the zodiac–Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. They mark the start of a new season upon the Sun’s entry into these signs.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

When it comes to art, Librans are connoisseurs of the classics. This entails masterpieces spanning paintings, sculptures, and even architectural feats from various historical periods. Fortunately, the patron goddesses for the liberal arts have got your back!

The National Museum of Western Art. Photo by Pixta

Ueno Park in Taito Ward is home to six museums with one of the greatest collections of art treasures, be it Western or Japanese to classic or contemporary. Keep your itinerary balanced by seeing spellbinding Buddhist sculptures at the Tokyo National Museum before marveling at iconic Impressionist paintings inside the National Museum of Western Art.

However, the latter institution’s exterior is equally as striking as its interior, with renowned architect Le Corbusier stepping into the shoes of an artist and snagging a spot on the UNESCO list.

Whether high art or highbrow, Librans can indulge their cultivated tastes in a myriad of curated art exhibitions here!

Scorpio (October 23-November 22)

On the heels of Libra’s lofty, aesthetic sensibility comes Scorpio’s pensive reflection of fallen foliage and sparse branches as heralding a time of aging and decay. Or as Scorpios would bluntly put it, “Another year is dying.” Yet this subterranean sign always has an eye for finding beauty in darkness–making Yanaka Cemetery in Taito Ward no exception.

Yanaka Cemetery. Photo by Pixta

The sprawling burial ground is home to famous historical and literary figures, including the last Tokugawa shogun of Japan (military leadership fittingly being a specialty of the stealth Scorpios).

Turn your excursion into an investigation by spotting some stately headstones scattered throughout the premises, including one graced by a pair of majestic lions.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 22)

Sagittarians are perpetual adventure-seekers, with their arrow always pointing to a new destination. Ruled by Jupiter—our solar system’s largest planet—the centaur’s lust for life expands into travel as it dreams big about future getaways.

Sensoji Nakamise-dori. Photo by Pixta

Yet there’s also a spiritual side to Sagittarius. What better than broadening one’s horizons at Asakusa, where daytrippers can snag quirky souvenirs and pray at the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo?

Walk past the lively Nakamise-dori shopping street, adorned with hanging red lanterns, to reach Sensoji Temple. You’ll spot a gigantic incense burner, with ribbons of smoke rising to the heavens, as tourists and worshippers bathe themselves in the fragrant scent.

After paying homage at the temple, why not test your luck with an omikuji (fortune-telling paper)? Even if you draw a bad fortune, the ever-optimistic Sagittarian would not be bothered with silly superstitions!

Capricorn (December 23-January 21)

Capricorns aren’t fazed by the discipline and determination required to reach the mountaintop. After all, the celestial sea goat is literally the embodiment of GOAT, an acronym for “Greatest of All Time.”

So when this workaholic sign decides to abandon the rocky terrain—Capricorn jargon for “the corporate office”—to recharge on vacation, Tokyo’s soaring skyscrapers are equally seen as landmarks and steel-framed emblems of success.

Kamiyacho. Photo by Pixta

Let’s trot down to Kamiyacho, a bustling business center where glistening high-rise buildings abound. The sight of dark-suited professionals and high performers pounding the pavement may give you a jolt of career FOMO (“Fear of Missing Out”), but remember you’re here to decompress!

Forego the necktie and white-collar shirt for a dressed-down look while reveling at the ever-expanding urban developments in Minato Ward.

Aquarius (January 22-February 20)

Aquarians are not known for being fond of crowds, whether it’s conforming to trends or trudging through hordes of people. Ranking among the world’s most populous cities, Tokyo can quickly feel constricting with its densely populated 23 wards and maze-like districts. But what if you could take in this modern metropolis from a bird’s eye view?

Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Pixta

Tokyo Skytree, the tallest broadcasting tower worldwide, has two observation decks—350 and 450 meters above ground level—offering breathtaking aerial views of signature landmarks. This includes the sacred and scenic icon, Mount Fuji, which becomes visible in autumn’s crisp, clear air.

Even the cool and collected water bearer—ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, the Greek sky god—will make out a smile when marveling at Tokyo’s spectacular skyline from the top!

Pisces (February 21-March 19)

Pisceans are something of an enigma. Symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, Pisces can move fluidly between the realm of reality and fantasy—the line occasionally prone to blurring. Like the “floating world” depicted in Japanese ukiyo-e (*3) prints, Tokyo can be a dream destination where fantasy and fascination merge as one with the ocean.

Golden Gai. Photo by Pixta

Golden Gai, a neon-lit watering hole in the back streets of Shinjuku district, offers the perfect blend of escapism that feels like a funhouse—especially after downing a few drinks. But the highlight of bar-hopping here is the hodgepodge of people seeking connection and conversation.

Your spirits will be lifted whether or not you opt for a Neptunian nightcap to end the evening!

*3 Ukiyo-e: woodblock prints created during the Edo Period (1603-1868), capturing imagery of the physical and cultural landscape of the times. The kanji characters translate to “floating world.”

Aries (March 20-April 20)

Finding inspiration is not a tough feat for an Aries. Inspiration is like striking a match to Arians—it bursts as quickly as it burns. To keep your adventurous spirit alive while visiting this buzzing city, why not venture off the beaten path to an unexpected travel destination? Say, a day trip to Mount Takao in western Tokyo for trekking and hunting out the best view of autumn’s glory.

Mount Takao. Photo by Pixta

Located in Hachioji City and only an hour by train from Shinjuku Station, you’ll be greeted by an endless spectacle of golden-yellow and fiery red foliage. Fittingly, red is the color associated with the sign’s ruler, Mars! There are also various hiking trails heading to the summit, ensuring an adrenaline-pumping excursion!

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Taureans are masters of pleasure and pastimes, whether slowing down to smell the roses or savoring every bite of a multicourse meal. Although summer’s verdant greenery is replaced with fall’s fading foliage, Taurus takes joy in simply strolling through these seasonal wonders. Not even shorter days of drawn-out darkness can dampen the celestial Bull’s carefree enthusiasm.

Rikugien Garden. Photo by Pixta

So, let’s abandon Tokyo’s neon-lit streets for serene Japanese gardens—specifically Rikugien Garden in Bunkyo Ward! Established in the 17th century by feudal lords, this strolling garden provided nobility refuge in its immaculate landscape inspired by the waka poetry of the time.

Present-day garden-goers can indulge their senses by visiting the autumn evening illuminations held annually between late November and early December.

Gemini (May 22-June 22)

There’s no way a single spot could be selected for the sign of the twins!

From hypnotic electronic billboards to a sprawling transportation network moving at hyper-speed, Tokyo is a pulsating hub that will satisfy Geminis’ never-ending need for stimulation. But keeping one’s curiosity aroused is a virtue for this quick-witted air sign.

Akihabara. Photo by Pixta

First up are the multi-story arcades in Akihabara: a one-stop mecca for gamers and geeks. Play plenty of vintage video games at Mikado before getting behind the wheel of a race simulator at GiGo Akihabara Building 1. But if you’re curious about delving into the latest virtual reality attractions, head to Tokyo Joypolis—an indoor amusement park—in Odaiba.

Simultaneously cerebral and dextrous (Gemini ruling over the hands), this youthful mercurial sign is all about embracing the contradictions. So, let the games begin!

Cancer (June 23-July 22)

Hands down, Cancer is the homebody of the zodiac. This hard-shelled crab would prefer to stay snug with homey comforts than brave the cold world of city dwellers. Ruled by the Moon, Cancerians are in tune with the ebbs and flows of daily life, right down to their day-by-day travel itinerary.

Toyosu Fish Market. Photo by Pixta

But filling up on nourishing food is a constant craving for this changeable crustacean. Toyosu fish market, where the famed Tsukiji relocated in 2018, is more than family-run vendors and tourist-favorite tuna auctions before sunrise.

It’s an opportunity to taste fresh seafood from generational fishmongers, prepared into a mouthwatering maguro don (bluefin tuna over rice) or offered on an omakase menu of Edomae (*4) sushi. This wholesome experience will make for a perfect family-friendly trip!

*Edomae sushi: sushi prepared from fresh seafood caught in Tokyo Bay that emerged during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Edo is the former name of Tokyo.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

When a Leo struts into a room, you know all eyes are on them. Or at least that’s what the king of the beasts would like to think.

As the sign ruled by the Sun, the heart of our solar system, Leos are in their natural element when standing centerstage and commanding an audience’s attention. One such venue where creativity and stylized drama collide is the Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo’s Ginza district—rightly located in the heart of downtown Tokyo.

Kabukiza Theater. Photo by Pixta

Donning extravagant makeup and costumes, the all-male Kabuki actors play both gender roles in tales of love and betrayal to myths of heroes triumphantly slaying villains. Theatergoers will be on the edge of their seats, with Leos basking in the glow and glory of this acclaimed traditional performing art.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

“Your body is a temple” is a practical motto that productive Virgoans adhere to. But perhaps a little too strictly at times. Here enters the tea ceremony.

While following prescribed steps to a T is Virgo’s default mode, why not turn off and tune out the rigorous rules in lieu of relaxation? Yes, Japanese tea ceremonies are an art of precision, but drinking tea—like being on vacation—can be a meditative activity to help declutter the mind. Sipping this humble brew, dare I say, could even be a chance to purify the soul.

Hamarikyu Gardens. Photo by Pixta

The tea house inside Hamarikyu Gardens in Chuo Ward serves frothy bowls of matcha in a more informal setting—all without abandoning the artistic ritual. Come autumn, the picturesque venue situated on an islet is awash with colorful foliage from fiery Japanese maples (momiji) to golden ginkgo trees. You can contemplate the seasonal beauty down to the tiniest detail.

In Conclusion

There’s never a dull moment when visiting Tokyo: a genuine chose-your-own-adventure kind of city! But it’s easy to feel the squeeze of pre-travel fatigue when figuring out what to see and what activities to do in this kaleidoscopic metropolis.

So why not put down the travel guidebook and place your fate in the stars? Whether soaking in the audiovisual overload of Akihabara or scheduling a serene escape at a strolling garden in Bunkyo Ward, use your sun sign as a star map when exploring this galaxy-like destination with unique neighborhoods that resemble little universes!