Zoshigaya Cemetery

A huge cemetery in the middle of Tokyo.
Visit: Free
Stay: Very expensive
So who in the right mind would visit a cemetery for fun?
First of all, if you never visited a Japanese cemetery in your life, a visit would be an interesting cultural experience. It would help to go with a Japanese guide would could explain some of the rituals.
Secondly, Zoshigaya-​Reien is not your ordinary cemetery. There are three huge cemeteries within 23 Wards of Tokyo — one in Ueno, one in Aoyama, and this one. As you know, land price in Tokyo is at a premium, so you can imagine how much in land value these graves are worth. I doubt that vacant space is available in any of these premium cemeteries, but if a spot becomes available, you will likely need to pay an arm and a leg to secure such premium resting place. Most ordinary people need to buy a land in the countryside for their grave.
As I stood in the middle of this cemetery, I was at awe how peaceful it was. You can easy forget that you are standing inside the Yamanote-​line circle.
The main «attraction» here is Natsume Soseki’s grave. He is a famous Japanese author who wrote books like «Wagahai-​wa neko» and «Bochan.» Every school children in Japan, including my, were forced to read his books in school. «Forced» is probably not the right word, since his books are actually quite entertaining.
Key cultural learning points:
Note that most of the dead in Japan are cremated, so actual bodies are not buried — only bones and ashes.
Popular times to visit are during the Obon season (the week to honor dead family members in the summer), and New Years.
Ghosts: I visited in the middle of the day, so no ghost sightings during my visit here, so better luck during late night tours. Unfortunately, the cemetery closes before dark, ensuring ghosts some privacy.
Tips: First visit the administration office and pickup a map. They have one for tourists mapping out the location of famous people’s graves.