tokyo tourist destinations

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

Written by Meagan Drillinger and Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

When it comes to the greatest cities in the world, you cannot do better than Tokyo. A juxtaposition of deep tradition and fast-paced, modern energy, Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is one of the best places to visit in Asia . It is home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of Government and Parliament, as well as luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and fantastic shopping. Located in East-Central Honshu, the largest of Japan's main islands, this heavily populated city serves as a great base from which to explore other parts of the country.

Sensō-ji Temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo

One of the world's most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design — due largely to the 1923 earthquake and the devastation of WWII — Tokyo also holds the title of the world's most expensive city in which to live. Fortunately, it's also one of the easiest to get around thanks to its superb rail and subway networks.

The cultural side of Tokyo is famous for its numerous things to do and top attractions, including museums; festivals; internationally noted cuisine; and professional sports clubs, including baseball, football, and traditional Japanese pursuits like sumo wrestling. It's also a city rich in music and theater, with numerous venues featuring everything from Japanese modern dramas to symphony orchestras and pop and rock concerts.

Explore the city with our list of the top things to do in Tokyo.

1. Enjoy Nature and Art at the Meiji Shrine

2. explore the shinjuku gyoen national garden, 3. enjoy nature at ueno park and ueno zoo, 4. visit the sensō-ji temple, 5. shop 'til you drop in the ginza district, 6. see the view from the tokyo skytree, 7. wander through the tokyo national museum, 8. tour the imperial palace, 9. visit the miraikan and edo-tokyo museums, 10. stop in at the national museum of nature and science, 11. spend time at the national museum of western art, 12. enjoy the collections at the national art center, 13. see a show at the kabuki-za theatre, ginza, 14. get lost at yomiuriland, 15. scope the fashion in harajuku, 16. take a walk at shibuya crossing, where to stay in tokyo for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to tokyo, map of tourist attractions & things to do in tokyo, best time to visit tokyo, japan.

Highlights : An important religious site surrounded by 175 acres of forest

Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, the construction of the splendid Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) began in 1915 and was completed in 1926. Although the original structure was destroyed during WWII, it was rebuilt in 1958 and remains one of Tokyo's most important religious sites.

Surrounded by a 175-acre evergreen forest that is home to some 120,000 trees representing species found across Japan — as well as the interesting "wishing tree," on which visitors can write and hang their deepest wishes — the shrine's highlights include its Inner Precinct (Naien) with its museum containing royal treasures, and the Outer Precinct (Gaien).

It's in the Outer Precinct that you'll find the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery with its superb collection of murals relating to the lives of the emperor and empress. Be sure to also visit the adjacent Meiji Shrine Inner Garden (Yoyogi Gyoen), an attractive public garden complete with a teahouse, iris garden, and a pleasant arbor.

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Highlights : Three types of traditional gardens in one, including 1,500 cherry trees

Walk through one of Tokyo's most historic pieces of land when you visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Formerly the residence of the Naito family during the Edo period (17th-19th centuries), it was transferred to the Imperial Family. It is now a national garden, which opened in 1949, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Japan.

The garden is considered one of the best because it fuses together three types of traditional garden: French Formal, English Landscape, and Japanese traditional. It also happens to be one of the best spots in Tokyo to view the cherry blossoms , as the garden has roughly 1,500 cherry trees. You'll also find Himalayan cedars, cypresses, and tulip trees. The garden is very popular in the autumn, when the leaves start to change to crimson and gold.

Other features of the garden include a greenhouse, beautiful ponds, and several pavilions.

Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Highlights : A 212-acre park home to ponds, historic shrines, and the Ueno Zoo

A paradise-like oasis of green in the heart of busy Tokyo, Ueno Park (Ueno Kōen) is the city's largest green space and one of its most popular tourist attractions. In addition to its lovely grounds, the park also boasts numerous temples and museums to explore.

Criss-crossed by pleasant gravel paths, this 212-acre park includes highlights such as a trip on a small boat on the reed-fringed Shinobazu pond , around a little island with its Bentendo Temple. Be sure to also visit the 17th-century Toshogu Shrine (Nikkō Tōshō-gū), with its 256 bronze and stone lanterns.

Another highlight here is Ueno Zoo (Onshi Ueno Dōbutsuen). Opened in 1882, it is Japan's oldest zoo, and is famous for the pandas presented by the People's Republic of China.

While it's a large attraction and houses more than 3,00 animals representing some 400 species, having a fun monorail connecting its various components can help speed up a visit (and make it even more enjoyable).

The Aqua-Zoo , one of the largest aquariums in Asia, is also worth a visit, especially if you're traveling with kids.

Address: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo

Highlights : A centuries-old temple with a 3.3-meter-high red paper lantern and incense that is said to heal ailments

In the Asakusa district of Tokyo, the exquisite Sensō-ji Temple (Kinryū-zan Sensō-ji)) – the city's most famous shrine – stands at the end of a long street market hosting vendors selling masks, carvings, combs made of ebony and wood, toys, kimonos, fabrics, and precious paper goods.

Dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, the temple was established in AD 645 and retains its original appearance despite having been rebuilt numerous times.

Highlights of a visit include seeing the Kaminari-mon Gate with its 3.3-meter-high red paper lantern bearing the inscription "Thunder Gate," as well as the famous and much-loved Incense Vat, reputed to drive away ailments (you'll see people cupping their hands around the smoke and applying it to the part of their body needing healing).

Also of note are the fascinating temple doves, said to be Kannon's sacred messengers. Be sure to drop a coin in the Omikuji boxes near the entrance, from which you can retrieve a piece of paper that will tell your fortune.

Afterward, be sure to explore the rest of the 50-acre temple precinct with its warren of lanes. If you can, revisit the temple again at night for a completely different (and far less crowded) illuminated experience.

Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032

Highlights : A paradise for shoppers with hundreds of shops and restaurants in one of the world's largest pedestrian zones

Ginza is Tokyo's busiest shopping area and it's as iconic as Times Square in New York, and much older. It has in fact been the commercial center of the country for centuries and is where five ancient roads connecting Japan's major cities all met. Lined by exclusive shops and imposing palatial stores, the Ginza district is also fun to simply wander around or. Better still, sit in one of its many tea and coffee shops or restaurants while watching the world rush past.

At weekends, when everything is open, it's a shopper's paradise as traffic is barred, making it one of the world's largest pedestrian zones. Come nightfall, gigantic advertising panels on its many buildings bathe Ginza in bright neon light.

It's also where you'll find the famous Kabuki-za Theatre (see #12 below), home to traditional Kabuki performances, as well as the Shinbashi Enbujō Theatre in which Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances are staged.

Highlights : The tallest structure in the country, featuring a restaurant and multiple observation decks

It's hard to miss the Tokyo Skytree (Tōkyō Sukaitsurī). This 634-meter-tall communications and observation tower rises out of the city's Sumida district of Minato like a huge rocket ship.

The country's tallest structure (and the world's tallest freestanding tower), the Tokyo Skytree opened in 2012 and has quickly become one of the city's most visited tourist attractions thanks to the incredible panoramic views from its restaurant and observation decks.

With a base designed in the form of a massive tripod, the tower includes a number of cylindrical observation levels, including one at the 350-meter mark, and another at the 450-meter point - the latter includes a unique glass spiral walkway to an even higher viewpoint with glass floors for those with strong stomachs.

Be sure to also check out the smaller and much older Tokyo Tower , built in 1958 and once the city's tallest structure.

Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo

Highlights : One of the largest collections of historic Japanese clothing and pottery from across Asia

Tokyo National Museum (ōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) houses more than 100,000 important works of Japanese, Chinese, and Indian art, including more than 100 national treasures.

Opened in 1938, the TNM, as it's usually known, includes highlights such as numerous Buddhist sculptures from Japan and China dating from the 6th century to the present, as well as fine collections of old textiles, historical weapons, and military equipment.

Also noteworthy are its large collections of historical Japanese clothing and Asian ceramics and pottery. Important artwork includes Japanese paintings from the 7th to the 14th centuries, and another must-see is the museum's exquisite collections of Japanese and Chinese masterpieces of lacquer work of various centuries, including examples of lacquer-carving, gold lacquer, and lacquer with mother of pearl. There are also many fine examples of calligraphy.

English-language guided tours are available. Also worth a visit is the museum's traditional Japanese landscape garden with its three pavilions, including the 17th-century Tein Teahouse (Rokuso-an), and the nearby Museum for East Asiatic Art with its 15 exhibition galleries.

Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo

Highlights : A 17th-century palace known for its historic walls, bridge, gate, and garden

The chief attraction of Tokyo's Marunouchi district is the Imperial Palace (Kōkyo) with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats. Still in use by the Imperial family, the Imperial Palace stands on the site where, in 1457, the Feudal Lord Ota Dokan built the first fortress, the focal point from which the city of Tokyo (or Edo, as it was then) gradually spread.

As famous as the palace is the Nijubashi Bridge leading to its interior, a structure that takes its name ("double bridge") from its reflection in the water. Other notable features include the two-meter-thick wall surrounding the palace and its gates, one of which leads to the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden.

Tours of the Imperial Palace are available (pre-registration required) and include the Kikyo-mon Gate, Someikan (Visitors' House), Fujimi-yagura ("Mt. Fuji View" Keep), the East Gardens and Inner Gate, the Seimon-tetsubashi bridge, and the Imperial Household Agency Building (be sure to plan ahead).

Another fortress that can be visited is Edo Castle (Chiyoda Castle). Built in 1457, it's located in Tokyo's Chiyoda district.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

Highlights : Hands-on exhibits that teach visitors about everything from earthquakes to weather, energy, robotics, and much more

One of Tokyo's newest museums, the impressive National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Nippon Kagaku Mirai-kan) – usually simply referred to as the Miraikan – offers a fascinating insight into Japan's leading role in the field of technology.

Created by Japan's Science and Technology Agency, this ultra-modern, purpose-built facility includes many hands-on interactive exhibits dealing with everything from earthquakes to weather, as well as renewable energy and robotics. Highlights include a number of displays relating to modern transportation such as a superb model of a Maglev train, as well as a robotics exhibition.

Also worth visiting is the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Completed in 1993, the museum's exhibits deal with the region's rich past, present, and future. Of particular interest is a replica bridge leading into a mock-up of dwellings in the original old city of Edo.

Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo

Dinosaur skeleton at the National Museum of Nature and Science

Highlights : A newly renovated museum housing 250,000 items related to natural history and science

Located in Tokyo's Ueno Park , the superb National Museum of Nature and Science (Kokuritsu Kagaku Hakubutsukan) opened in 1871 and is one of the country's oldest museums.

Now completely renovated and modernized, the museum also boasts a reputation as one of the country's busiest and largest museums, housing a vast collection of some 250,000 materials related to natural history and science.

These include many fascinating interactive displays on space development, nuclear energy, and transportation, each allowing visitors a unique insight into the latest scientific and technological advances. Highlights of the Japan Gallery (Nihonkan) include numerous exhibits of prehistoric creatures and the history of the Japanese people, including traditional customs and outfits. In the Global Gallery (Chikyūkan) you'll see many excellent scientific and technology displays, including robotics and vintage vehicles.

Address: 7-20 Uenokoen, Taito, Tokyo 110-871

Sculptures at the National Museum of Western Art

Highlights : A collection of international artists, including Rodin, Monet, Manet, Degas, and many more

Located in Ueno Park and just three minutes' walk from Ueno Station stands the National Museum of Western Art (Kokuritsu Seiyō Bijutsukan). It was built in 1959 to plans by famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier.

The exhibits, largely made up of works by important French artists, come mainly from the collections of Japanese businessman and art collector Kojiro Matsukata, bought during visits to Europe early in the 20th century.

In the courtyard are works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin, while highlights inside are canvases by Impressionists Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, and Edgar Degas. The museum also boasts an excellent restaurant with great views over the courtyard.

Address: 7-7 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo

Highlights : A permanent collection of more than 600 paintings from the 20th century

Another of Tokyo's world-class museums, the excellent National Art Center (Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan) is housed in a remarkable curved glass building in the city's Roppongi district. This superb facility only opened in 2007 and has since earned a well-deserved reputation for its fine permanent collection of more than 600 paintings, most from the 20th century. These include many important pieces of modern art and regular visiting exhibitions.

Also worth checking out is the Mori Art Museum (Mori Bijutsukan) on the top floors of the neighboring Roppongi Hills Mori Tower . This fine art museum is notable for its regular exhibits of contemporary artwork from around the globe.

Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi Minato City, Tokyo

Highlights : A stunning theater showcasing a centuries-old style of performance

Tokyo is home to a number of excellent theaters, none as well known as the historic Kabuki-za Theatre in the city's busy Ginza district , home to famous traditional Kabuki performances.

Based upon a medieval, highly skilled, and often burlesque theatrical form including song and dance, the theater's performances are as popular among tourists as they are with Japanese-speaking people.

The drama and comedy are relatively easy to follow thanks to rich visuals and theatricality. The theater's interior, usually full to capacity with some 2,000 guests, is always intimate and seems more akin to an enormous family get-together than a stage show due to the fact that spectators bring their own food or purchase treats from the various restaurants spread around the auditorium (go for one of the tasty bento box meals).

Performances can last for hours, and spectators stay as long as they wish (or as long as they can bear). And no one seems to take offense at people's comings and goings, nor their loud cheering or jeering.

Address: 4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061

Highlights : An amusement park with hundreds of cherry trees, water attractions, and rides

Sometimes you just want a day to be a kid again, and that's exactly what Yomiuriland has given to the residents of Tokyo since 1964. This amusement park sits 30 minutes from Tokyo and is home to more than 40 attractions and seasonal activities – think roller coasters, rides, light shows, and even a bungee jump.

The park is open year-round and provides something exciting to do at each time of year. In the spring, the park's more than 1,000 cherry trees blush with a blanket of powder-soft pinks. The summer means the opening of the park's many pools and water attractions. Come winter, the landscape is transformed into a twinkling snowscape wonderland.

Most travelers come to Yomiuriland to ride the Bandit, a rollercoaster that snakes its way through the tops of the cherry trees. Of course, the summer pools and waterslides are also a major selling point for this thrill park. Visitors will also find shopping and restaurants and a stage for entertainment.

Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8566, Japan

Highlights : Outrageous fashion and futuristic boutiques sit alongside historic attractions and museums.

Nothing is too outrageous when it comes to Tokyo's frenetic Harajuku District. The neighborhood refers to the area near the Harajuku Station, sandwiched between Shinjuku and Shibuya. If you're looking to bend the rules when it comes to everything cultural and fashionable, this is the spot to go.

The main artery of Harajuku (and the best place to spot the crazy teen fashions) is Takeshita Dori, which is flanked on either end by wild and wacky shops. Pink hair, tattoos, and knee-high boots are just the tip of the iceberg here. Even if your style is on the tamer side, fret not – Harajuku has plenty of more mainstream boutiques, as well.

But Harajuku is also home to several historical attractions. Meiji Jingu is located here, as is the small Ota Memorial Museum of Art. Overall, it's the perfect neighborhood to encapsulate Japan's deep-rooted traditions with its surges of futuristic styles.

Highlight : More than 3,000 human beings cross the streets at once at this five-way intersection.

If you've never seen an image of Shibuya Crossing, you may want to take a look before you go. Think Times Square, and multiply it several times over. This intersection is one of the most famous in the world, and most definitely the busiest in Japan, flooded with hundreds of thousands of flashing lights from electronic billboards overhead.

At peak times, it is thought that somewhere around 3,000 people cross this five-way intersection at once. It is undoubtedly the mass-transit nucleus of Tokyo. But if the thought of crossing the street with 3,000 of your newest friends is overwhelming, you can always head to the rooftop of the Shibuya 109-2 department store, which has the best bird's-eye view over the organized chaos below.

And even if you aren't in Shibuya to cross the street, you will still find that this neighborhood is absolutely teeming with fabulous restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. It is certainly a neighborhood not to miss when you visit Tokyo.

The best area to stay in Tokyo is the city center within walking distance of top attractions, such as the Imperial Palace, and close to Tokyo Station with its public transit and high-speed rail connections. The following hotels are highly recommended:

Luxury Hotels:

Perched atop an office tower on the edge of Tokyo's financial district, the high-rise Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo offers excellent views over the city. Rooms and suites are posh, with chic decor and comfy beds. There are 10 restaurants on-site. You'll also find a spa, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Also boasting great views, this time over Tokyo Bay, is the Conrad Tokyo . This luxury hotel is also popular for its proximity to the Ginza district, which is home to great shopping and dining. On-site amenities here include an excellent Cantonese restaurant, a Japanese restaurant with views across the bay, and a third restaurant serving upmarket European fare. You'll also find a swanky spa with an indoor pool and gym in the building.
Some of the best views in the city are discovered at the refurbished Palace Hotel Tokyo . If you are on a romantic getaway, book one of the posh rooms with a balcony overlooking the gardens of the Imperial Palace. If you're traveling with the kids, many of the suites have kitchens along with separate living rooms. There are multiple restaurants on-site, as well as an indoor swimming pool and a workout room. Finally, treat yourself to a massage at the luxe spa.

Mid-Range Hotels:

Close to the Imperial Palace and overlooking the magnificent red brick Renaissance-style Tokyo Station, Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo is also near the city's best dining and shopping. This good-value option offers contemporary rooms with Nespresso machines and mini-fridges. Some have tatami mats and futons. On-site amenities include a few dining options and a traditional tearoom.
Another good mid-range option near public transport and shopping is Hotel Niwa Tokyo . The hotel is located north of the Imperial Palace and adjacent to the Tokyo Dome baseball stadium. It offers clean and comfortable rooms – some even feature whirlpool baths. There are two restaurants on-site, as well as a gym.
A great family hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza , just a five-minute walk from the Ginza shopping district. The rooms here feature Japanese-inspired art and comfy beds. The suites also have separate living spaces, which is a bonus for parents. When it comes time to eat, you have three on-site restaurant options, including a Japanese restaurant with hostesses in kimonos and its own tempura counter.

Budget Hotels:

Just minutes from the iconic Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, Richmond Hotel Tokyo Shiba offers reasonably priced accommodations. It is especially popular for its proximity to the Haneda Express Monorail, the direct link to Tokyo's international airport. There is free Wi-Fi and a Starbucks café on-site.
Another economy choice located just across the road from the Kanda River and a quick stroll to the nearest metro station is Hotel Mystays Asakusabashi . The property features tidy but basic rooms with free Wi-Fi. If you want to cook for yourself to save cash, book one with a kitchenette. Amenities include a convenience store on-site, as well as bike rentals.
If you are really traveling on a tight budget then check out Hotel Yanagibashi , which offers some inexpensive hostel-style shared rooms. There are also cheaper private rooms with shared baths and slightly more expensive private rooms with en-suite baths. There is a communal kitchen so you can cook for yourself, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities on-site.
Sightseeing & History in Tokyo : Tokyo is a big city, and taking a tour is a time-efficient way to see the top sites and one of the best ways to learn about what you are seeing. For a little bit of everything, the 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour is a great option. This is a 10-hour tour taking in some of the city's top sites, like the Skytree, a cruise on Tokyo Bay, a visit to the Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and more.
Day Trip to Nikko National Park: Get outside the steel and concrete of Tokyo and into the lush greenery of Nikko National Park with this full-day excursion. The tour takes you into the rolling countryside, past sacred shrines, and into temples. The Nikko 1-Day Bus Tour features Toshogu Shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
Visit Mt. Fuji : Get up close and personal with one of Japan's biggest attractions: Mount Fuji. On the Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise, and Bullet Train Day Trip, you'll be whisked out of the city into the countryside for a visit to Mt. Fuji and some of Japan's other top sites. This tour is approximately 12 hours and also includes Mt. Hakone.

Tokyo is a city that enjoys a temperate climate year-round. But the best time to visit Tokyo is March, April, September, October, and November , thanks to its perfect weather and beautiful blossoms and foliage.

September, October, and November are some of the best times to visit Tokyo because they have the best weather. The weather in Tokyo in the fall ranges from 27 degrees to 16 degrees Celsius. The fall is also when the leaves in Tokyo start to change, particularly in October and November. Keep in mind that this is peak time for travelers, so hotel rates may be higher, and expect crowds.

Tokyo is also fabulous during March, April, and May. Temperatures range from 13 to 22 degrees Celsius. April is when Tokyo is awash in pale pink cherry blossoms, as well.

Summers in Tokyo are also top times for tourists, particularly June, July, and August. Expect throngs of crowds during the summer months, as well as heat and humidity. Still, this is one of the top times for tourists to visit Tokyo because schools are out on summer break.

Explore By Interest

Tokyo tourist attractions.

Explore Tokyo’s historical sites, romantic places and some of the other unique places that make this city so special. Check out our Tokyo tourism guide, complete to find our recommendations for famous places and must-visit locations. From historical sites to the Tokyo of the future, there is lots to see and do.

Get to know the history of Edo and more at Tokyo historical sites

Amid the glittering high rises and bustling modern streets, Tokyo’s long, rich history lives on.

Sensoji Temple

Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple is a tremendously popular destination for visitors. Beyond the iconic Kaminarimon Gate is Nakamise Dori souvenir-shopping street, which leads to a complex of fascinating religious structures.

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu (Shinto Shrine) is set in a soothing forest only a few minutes’ walk from JR Harajuku Station. The shrine was built to commemorate the virtues of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. In 2020 the shrine marks its 100th anniversary.

Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens is a great place to relax and to reflect on the history of Tokyo when it was still called Edo. Different feudal lords used the space for various purposes, ranging from recitals and rice cultivation to military training and falconry.

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Spend a day away from the bustling city streets exploring a museum of relocated historical buildings. Set in a beautiful park in Tokyo’s western suburbs.

Olympic sites

For history in the making, check out the Olympic sites for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the New National Stadium , the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Nippon Budokan, and Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Take your date to these romantic places in Tokyo for an unforgettable experience

Met someone new? Taking a couple’s vacation? Or perhaps even enjoying your honeymoon? You won’t want to miss these romantic places in Tokyo.

TOKYO SKYTREE

On a clear day, the world’s tallest tower offers views for miles and miles in every direction. Not for the faint of heart, but great for thrill-seekers.

Tokyo Tower

The Beautiful Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and remains a very popular lookout point. Just a short distance from such well-known districts as Roppongi and Toranomon.

Sumida River

A smooth cruise along the Sumida River is relaxing, romantic, and full of photo opportunities, especially as many of the historic bridges spanning the river have recently been renovated. Enjoy the evening illuminations.

Ginza continues to present Tokyo at its most elegant and luxurious. Come here for the ultimate in shopping and delicious gourmet cuisine.

Odaiba offers fascinatingly diverse attractions on a large expanse of reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. Recommended for lovers of all ages: an evening bayside stroll, admiring the illuminated Rainbow Bridge.

Discover the unknown: unique places and hidden spots in Tokyo

Looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path? You’ll want to check out one or more of these unique places .

Jiyugaoka is a stylish district of lifestyle stores and appealing eateries. Get a sense of sophisticated everyday residential life in Tokyo.

Fashion, cosmetics, cafes and striking architecture—all within a few minutes’ walk of the station. A very chic neighborhood just west of the JR Yamanote loop line.

The beating heart of old-fashioned office Tokyo. Come here to find out how Japan’s corporate warriors relax after a hard day at work. Join the fun in a packed izakaya pub.

For many visitors from outside Japan, Kichijoji is a largely undiscovered gem, just a 15-minute train ride west of Shinjuku. Enjoy the contrasting pleasures of Harmonica Alley’s traditional eateries and chic department-store shopping.

Anime attractions

Ikebukuro , Nakano and Akihabara are among the must-see locations for any fan of anime and manga. Big-name shops like Animate will have everything you need, but smaller shops also offer quirky souvenirs.

Best ways to get around: transportation for sightseeing

Tourist buses in tokyo.

You can enjoy lots of attractions using tourist buses such as Hato Bus, SKY BUS, and hop-on hop-off buses. As you enjoy the view from the roof of a double-decker bus, you can also listen to knowledgeable tour guides’ explanations. Note: Some tours offer foreign language support via electronic audio devices.

Train passes especially for tourists

Various passes enable visitors to travel around Tokyo at discount rates. Use the city’s outstanding transit system like a pro. Note that you may need to show your passport in order to access the following services.

These are prepaid and rechargeable. Anyone using Tokyo trains and buses appreciates the convenience of Suica and PASMO cards. As a visitor, you can use special versions of each card that are valid for just 28 days. These IC cards can also be used at some shops and cafes, and you can recharge your card near the station gates.

Train passes

Discount train passes for tourists make traveling around Tokyo more affordable. Tokyo Free Kippu, Toei One-Day Pass and Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket are valid for one day. Each offers access to different transit services. The price of each is a guide to its scope of use.

Toei Bus One-Day Pass

You can really get a sense of Tokyo and its people if you thread your way through the streets on a bus. But these are only a few of many options. For more information, see the Cheap Tickets and IC Cards page.

Other modes of transportation

Buses are another great way to get around Tokyo . For many, you can use an IC card. Taxis are fast, but more expensive than trains or buses. In Japan, the passenger door is operated from the driver’s seat. Just wait, and it will open. Recently popular are rentacycles, a great way to see the slow side of Tokyo.

Best places to stay near major attractions

While there is no need to stay in any specific area or tourist hotel , some parts of Tokyo may be more convenient depending on your plans. For a traditional Tokyo experience, try the Asakusa area, home to Sensoji Temple. For shopping and trends, Shinjuku is a great base. Planning to travel by Shinkansen? Tokyo , Shinagawa , or Ueno may be good bets. And for party animals looking to stay out late, dance the night away in Shibuya or Roppongi .

Reference Link

Tour Guide Services by Tokyo Volunteer Guides

A selection of free and low-cost guided tours operates from the Tokyo Tourist Information Center offices in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building and Shinjuku Bus Terminal.

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27 Best Things to Do in Tokyo

By Melinda Joe and Anna Chittenden

Deciding the best things to do in Tokyo depends on how much time you have—and for your sake, we hope you have a month. The city’s streets can feel like a game of soccer played at hyper speed, while calmer attractions range from temples, museums , gardens, origami classes, and bohemian sojourns. This city has more than enough going on to put you in a tizzy, so a words of advice: Arrive with a game plan and prepare to get lost along the way, in a good way. Here, the very best things to do in Tokyo.

Read our complete Tokyo travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Senso-ji Arrow

Tokyo may not have as many temples as Kyoto, but Senso-ji isn’t the capital city’s most popular just by default. The atmosphere alone here is one for the bucket list. Senso-ji, the temple itself, is at the end of the shopping street, while a recently renovated five-story pagoda stands to the left (ranking in as the second tallest pagoda in Japan). Japanese visitors flutter around a large cauldron in front of the temple where incense burned inside is said to benefit good health. Travelers keen to avoid crowds should arrive early, but even tourists that are remotely interested in Japanese culture will find something to appreciate here.

Harmonica Yokocho Arrow

This clutch of narrow alleys, a short walk from the north exit of JR Kichijoji station, is stuffed to the gills with hole-in-the wall eateries. A yellow sign marks the entrance to Harmonica Yokocho, which takes its name from the layout of the vendors, slotted cheek-to-jowl along the passageways like the reeds in a harmonica. The atmospheric network of lanes started out as a post-war flea market in the 1940s, but the area underwent a transformation in the 90s when bustling bars and restaurants made their entrance onto the scene. It has a laid-back and hyper-local feel, especially during the daytime, when you’ll find fishmongers and traditional sweets makers plying their trades.

Tokyo Skytree Arrow

Topping off at 2,080 feet, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower (that's tower, not building) in the world. From the broadcast tower’s 360-degree observation decks, the whole city—its striking skyscrapers and neon intersections—looks like a magical circuit board. It’s a major tourist attraction and a ticket isn’t cheap (up to ¥3,400, or $25, for combo tickets), but even if you don’t pay to go inside, there’s no denying that the Tokyo Skytree brought the skyline to a whole new level. Depending on where you’re staying, it can be an out-of-the-way trip to eastern Tokyo (luckily, a train station gets you right near the entrance). Families with children will enjoy the experience—especially the speedy elevator rides—as will anyone that loves a jaw-dropping view.

Koganeyu Arrow

Sleek design, a DJ booth, and craft beer on tap: The newly refurbished Koganeyu functions as a lively standing bar and community events space, but the main reason to visit this 89-year-old establishment is to immerse yourself in Tokyo’s sento (public sauna) culture. A crowdfunded renovation has transformed the space into a contemporary sento with four pools, a sauna, and an outdoor bath. Bathing areas for men and women are separated by a 2.2-meter partial wall, while a mural depicting Mount Fuji stretches across both areas like a scroll. You can purchase tickets from the vending machine at the entrance; a 90-minute bathing session costs about $3.50 for adults, $2.70 for students, and $1.30 for children. After emerging from the baths, relax with a glass of craft beer brewed especially for Koganeyu, or try a homemade ginger highball.

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A Japanese teapot sits silhouetted at a table.

Sakurai Tea Experience Arrow

Copper and wood greet you inside this minimalist sanctuary dedicated to sado, the Japanese “way of tea.” A small retail space filled with glass jars containing 30 varieties of green tea conceals an intimate eight-seat cafe. Founder Shinya Sakurai studied for 14 years to become a master, and his modern take on tea ceremony is meditative and illuminating. As Sakurai prepares the infusions behind an L-shaped wooden counter, a continuous stream of water flows from a copper tap—a symbol of purification. Gyokuro, a luxurious variety of green tea grown in the shade, is the specialty here. Sakurai travels the country to select the leaves, which he roasts daily in-house. The tasting flight for ¥4,800 (about $35) is the best introduction to the range of teas on offer.

Shibuya Crossing Arrow

Anyone remotely impressed that Tokyo is the most populated city in the world should visit the world’s busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing. Massive video screens flashing advertisements tower above every corner as black-suited salarymen, wide-eyed tourists, and bag-toting shoppers wait and cross in concert. The feeling is oddly soothing, a reminder that whatever our disparate paths in life, they all have a tendency to cross at one time or another. The best time to go is at dusk, one of the scramble’s peak times and in its most flattering light. The Shibuya Scramble Square tower above Shibuya station offers a birds’ eye view of the famous crossing, along with panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, perched 230 meters above street level.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Arrow

Fancy a stroll in a Japanese garden? Get that and more at Shinjuku Gyoen. In addition to native, traditional gardens, the 144-acre park pockets French Formal and English Landscape gardens, all of which are worth the modest entrance fee. Landmarks are stunning and impossible to forget, like a Taiwan Pavilion perched along a serene pond. Formerly an imperial garden, it became a national garden after World War II—so you can trust that this precious plot is always beautifully maintained. Don’t miss cherry blossom season.

Kappabashi Street Arrow

Kappabashi Street, a district in between Ueno and Asakusa, isn’t so much a food destination as it is a food adjacent destination: While it’s devoted to the restaurant industry, fresh food isn’t why folks come. Instead, the street is a chef’s dream of restaurant supply stores that are known best for sampuru , replicas of food dishes that are part of a century-old craft—and are up for grabs. And, because it’s more trade-focused than tourist-focused, the prices can be somewhat economical. Have any curious cooks in the family? This district is their souvenir heaven.

Azuki to Kouri Arrow

The clean-lined, slate-grey interior of this kakigori ice specialist sets off the ebullient shaved ice creations of pâtissier Miho Horio. Formerly of two-Michelin-starred restaurant Florilege, Horio is one of the young chefs elevating the sweet treat to new heights of refinement. She carefully adjusts the blade of her ice machine to shave blocks of ice—made with spring water from Nikko, north of Tokyo—into fluffy, feathery flakes. Shaping the shavings into a delicate mound, she adds fresh fruit and toppings such as homemade syrups, compotes, and foams. Her signature parfait showcases sweet azuki red beans—the classic kakigori topping for which the café is named—paired with cream and flecks of meringue. Seasonal offerings include salted cherry blossoms with fresh strawberries in spring, and blood orange dusted with grated Amazonian cacao in early summer.

Yoyogi Park Arrow

Yoyogi Park is one of the most amusing parks in Tokyo. Its 134 acres sprawl right in Shibuya, a short skip from Harajuku , and bustle with picnics and performers. The northern side is lush, with clean walkways along expansive, grassy lawns where locals and tourists spread under the shade of Japanese Zelkova trees, and gather around a large pond. Spot impromptu badminton team swinging racquets, a drum circle tapping away at the bongo, or amateur dancers following along to the beat.

Yayoi Kusama Museum Arrow

In a suburban part of Shinjuku, a smooth white building rises five stories high—a museum completely devoted to the works of Yayoi Kusama . The building looks slim, but it houses a bulk of the larger-than-life and avant-garde artist’s pieces, including an installation of her “infinity room” series (an Instagram sensation which, in the past, drew hundreds of thousands of visitors in stateside exhibitions) to polka-dotted paintings and sculptures. The museum changes its exhibition two times a year, and as it’s still relatively new, it’s only cracked the surface of the prolific artist’s work.

Japanese tea ceremony scenes at traditional Japanese room

Kuge Crafts Arrow

The traditional technique of mending pottery with lacquer sprinkled with gold dust, kintsugi is an art form unto itself. The practice, which dates back to the 15th century, is alive and well at Kuge Crafts, a ceramics studio in the quiet Shin-Koenji neighborhood of western Tokyo. Run by a family of artisans—Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko Kuge, together with their son, Shu—the atelier transforms broken cups and dishes into singular works of art and offers two-hour kintsugi lessons (¥8,000, or about $59) for learners of all levels. The workshop will provide all the materials; you can bring your own damaged vessel for repair or ask them to prepare a piece for you to work on.

Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan Arrow

Only three of six official grand sumo tournaments happen in Tokyo, all at Ryogoku Kokugikan. The stadium houses over 11,000 eager fans under its green, pavilion-style roof. Official tournaments last just over two weeks each, which means Ryogoku Kokugikan sometimes hosts other events (boxing, for example). But sumo is the arena’s feature attraction, and if you’re hoping to see sumo in Tokyo, this is where to find it. Tamari seats, which are those immediately surrounding the ring, are the most coveted—and virtually impossible to score. But the next series of rows, box seats, are as close as you can get. Box seats are top-dollar, but little more than rows of tatami mats lined with red square cushions (with no backs) sold in groups of four—so cozy up, and pay up (¥380,00, or about $279, for a box). There are proper stadium seats along the second-floor mezzanine, but the thrill of witnessing this traditional Japanese sport up close is all about getting comfortable with the floor.

The Bellwood Arrow

Modeled after an early 20th-century Japanese coffee house, this swanky watering hole is fitted with modern-retro touches like a stained glass panel bearing the bar’s name, bookended by images of Mount Fuji and a martini under the moon. The main space is great for after-work drinks or late-night tipples, but the bar recently opened a glass-encased private room to host a series of food-and-cocktail pairing experiments. Witty twists on classic cocktails are prepared with flair. Start light with the Kome Tonic, made with rice-based shochu, then explore the seasonal menu: Tango Mule made with gin and Fernet Branca laced with roasted mate, or the Okushibu Fashioned with bourbon, kinako soy powder and a hint of bitter mugmort.

Nihon Minka-en Japan Open-air Folk House Museum Arrow

Though only 20 minutes by train from central Tokyo, the Nihon Minka-En Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, located in a suburb of neighboring Kawasaki City, feels a world—and several centuries—away. The sprawling grounds are home to 25 marvelously preserved Edo-era homes relocated from all over the Japanese countryside, spanning an array of styles from farmhouses to samurai houses and includes a shrine, water mill and kabuki stage. Don’t miss the traditional indigo dyeing workshop in the middle of the park houses a small shop where you can find indigo-dyed everything, from socks and sweaters to handkerchiefs and masks.

Koffee Mameya Kakeru Arrow

Don't expect your average cup of joe at Koffee Mameya Kakeru, housed in a renovated warehouse in the Shirakawa coffee district in eastern Tokyo. Beyond the sleek glass facade, the interior designed by art director Tomohiro Kato and architect Yosuke Hayashi features a massive oak structure built around the artfully arranged coffee shelves. A rectangular wooden frame encases a three-sided stone counter built around three black tables where the baristas display their skills. Coffee maestro and founder Eiichi Kumimoto launched Koffee Mameya Kakeru to go deep into the world of the brew and push the boundaries of the drink's potential. The menu showcases seasonal varieties, but the omakase-style coffee tasting courses (including a range of cold and milk brews, mocktails, and lattes) take center stage, offering a fascinating journey through the diverse flavors and artistry of coffee. Coffee cocktail champion Akira Zushi dazzles with flair bartending skills and innovative cocktails like the milk brew blended with hop-accented jasmine tea and lemon, finished with a spritz of prickly ash water.

Oedo Antique Market Arrow

Oedo Antique Market is a marvelous outdoor fair held near Tokyo Station twice a month, with stalls selling wonderful antique and vintage wares. Hundreds of independent stallholders set up shop to sell their one-of-a-kind objects. There isn’t a huge number of antique or vintage homeware shops in Tokyo—so if you’re looking for old, interesting, and unique Japanese items for your home, this is the place to come. The items on sale at Oedo are completely one-off and unique. You’d be hard pressed to find a permanent shop in Tokyo that has the choice and style that you’ll find here. For first dibs, come earlier in the day.

Kyu Asakura House Arrow

Built in 1919, the former residence of government official Torajiro Asakura is a marvelously preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture tucked into Tokyo’s bustling Daikanyama district. For ¥100 (about 73 cents), you can wander through the building’s stately wooden corridors, tatami-floored rooms, and beautifully manicured grounds. The suginoma (cedar rooms) on the west side of the structure offer postcard-perfect views of the Japanese garden—particularly in the autumn, when the maple trees blaze with color. One of the city’s best-kept secrets, the property is an oasis of calm. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds for an hour or two and contemplate the passing of time.

Nakameguro Arrow

It’s okay to visit the artsy neighborhood, Nakameguro, just to see its seasonal appeal as one of the most picture-perfect spots for cherry blossoms in spring. However, stick around these charming streets and you’ll find a hip collection of independent cafes and boutiques that offer a laid-back alternative to the city’s buzzing hubs. Sakura trees hug the Meguro River in Nakameguro’s center, blossoming as they lean over the sloped, canal-like walls surrounding the water. Once you’ve taken a moment to smell the blossoms (and fill your phone with pictures), you’ll find an array of independent boutiques and cafes branching off along narrow streets in either direction. Head to the corner-side Onibus Coffee, which serves single-origin espresso, and stop at SML, a boutique stocking delightful crafts (especially ceramics) made by Japanese artists.

Nakano Broadway Arrow

A Tokyo mecca for anime- and manga-loving otaku subculture fans, the Nakano Broadway is a multi-story shopping arcade that has become a hub for niche collectors of all stripes. When it first opened in 1966, the complex epitomized the spirit of future-perfect economic optimism sparked by the Tokyo Olympics. Competition from newer shopping malls emptied its corridors of fancy boutiques in the 80s, before the Broadway reinvented itself as a center for used manga and anime models in the 90s. More than 300 tiny outlets are crammed into the aging edifice’s bottom five floors, offering everything from vintage Godzilla and Astroboy figurines to designer watches and creepy dolls galore.

Isetan Arrow

Isetan is Tokyo’s best—and most famous—department store; its history dates back to 1886, when it started as a kimono shop. The sprawling flagship in Shinjuku is spread out over nine floors, each offering something special. There’s a big fashion focus, with local Japanese brands sitting beside international names. Don’t miss a visit to the wonderful food hall on B1, which sells a variety of Japanese snacks and goodies, including beautifully prepared bento boxes for lunch.

Tsukiji Market Arrow

In October 2018, the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji, shut down after 83 years and re-opened in two distinct parts. At the original location, it’s pretty much business as usual, with street-food stalls serving up everything from seared tuna to uni sandwiches in squid-ink sticky buns. Just down the road at Toyosu Market , meanwhile, you can taste fresh raw fish in a series of sushi bars and peek in on the auctions (formerly held at Tsukiji) and live fish sales from a second-story viewing station. You can also tour a large green space on the rooftop, which affords views of the Tokyo skyline.

Heiwa Doburoku Brewery Kabutocho Arrow

This simple but stylish Wakayama-based sake brewpub in Tokyo makes clever use of a corner space in Kabutocho, the recently hip neighborhood near the Tokyo Stock Exchange building. As the name suggests, the bar specializes in doburoku, a rustic style of unfiltered and lightly fermented sake characterized by its thick texture. Previously outlawed for taxation reasons, the traditional brew is making a comeback, appearing on menus at Tokyo's trendiest restaurants and bars. Large windows, pale wood fixtures, and a curved counter surrounding a small open kitchen give the bar an open and airy feel. The menu lists dry-hopped and aged doburoku, varieties made with ground adzuki red beans or black beans, and a few seasonal styles flavored with fruits or herbs. But the best place to start is with the original, plain doburoku, a thick and yogurty brew with a touch of fruity fizz. Brewer Heiwa Shuzo's excellent craft beers are served on tap (we love the golden ale infused with fragrant sansho prickly ash peppercorns), and the bar offers a nice selection of the brewery's clear, award-winning sake.

Nezu Museum Arrow

This serene museum in the Aoyama district, redesigned by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, is a contemporary temple for traditional art. A long, covered outdoor path alongside bamboo-clad walls serves as a minimalist entrance, but once inside, double-height interiors and glass walls stretch over 40,000 square feet while keeping the experience intimate. And while the museum mixes contemporary design and traditional art on the inside—over 7,400 pieces—the outside counts, too: The property is home to a stunning private garden that’s worth the visit all on its own. The bulk of the museum’s art was once the private collection of Nezu Kaichirō, the president of Japan’s Tobu Railway. Since the midcentury, the collection grew and now comprises over 7,400 pieces.

Bohemian Tokyo in Shimokitazawa Shopping Store

Bohemian Tokyo in Shimokitazawa Arrow

Only one express stop away from the brighter-than-bright energy of Shibuya, Shimokita (what locals call Shimokitazawa) is like turning down the volume and switching to an acoustic track. It might embrace its bohemian style—with vintage stores on seemingly every block—but it doesn’t lose that unmistakable, sophisticated Japanese style in the process. Sift through secondhand shops, sip coffee, and repeat.

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The old-school neighborhood of Monzen-Nakacho—known as “Mon-Naka” among locals—has retained its colorful, salt-of-the-earth shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere since the Edo era (1603-1868). Two main draws are the stately Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and the Fukagawa Fududo temple, where you can hear the sounds of drumming and chanting from the temple’s fire ceremony, held five times a day. These days, hipster coffee shops and natural wine boîtes nestle against traditional shops selling pickles, Japanese confections, and old-timey delicacies like tsukudani—bits of seafood long-simmered in soy sauce and sugar. It’s a terrific place to spend a lazy afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and alleyways en route to the Museum of Contemporary Art in neighboring Kiba. But at night, the neighborhood comes alive with an array of reasonably priced eating and drinking spots.

teamLab Borderless Arrow

With the first iteration of Borderless in Odaiba, the art collective Teamlab created an endlessly Instagrammable, sumptuous and surreal museum dedicated to multi-sensory digital art. Opened in 2018, the facility, which set the world record for the most visited museum dedicated to a single artist, closed its doors in 2022. However, Borderless 2.0 is set to relocate to a permanent location in the soon-to-open Azabudai Hills mixed-use complex in central Tokyo in early 2024. Boderless consists of installations that feature constantly morphing patterns and designs that seem to flow seamlessly from room to room in a maze-like space. Updated versions of some of the museum’s previous works will be on display, as well as several new installations: a room filled with hundreds of multicolored lights that run along tracks continuously and a series of interactive “light sculptures,” to name a few.

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Tokyo Travel Guide

19 Essential Things to Do in Tokyo + Neighborhoods to Visit

With more than 13 million residents to entertain, Tokyo has a lot going on. Start your morning off with breakfast sushi at the world-famous Tsukiji Outer Market , then let yourself get lost in Japan's vast and interesting history at the Tokyo

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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Just to the west of downtown Tokyo lies a gorgeous urban oasis. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden comprises 144 acres of green space and is unique in that it incorporates three landscaping styles – Japanese traditional, French formal and English garden. During the spring, the park gets an extra boost in visitors for its vibrant display of cherry blossoms. If you plan on visiting during this beautiful time, make like a local and come to the park equipped with picnic supplies. Autumn is another popular time to visit thanks to the bright fall foliage, which usually peaks between mid-November and mid-December.

Travelers say the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Even if you don't have a couple hours to spare for a picnic, visitors say a short stroll is enough to take up the park's peaceful atmosphere. Travelers also report that there are plenty of amenities within the park, including restrooms, places to eat, as well as a greenhouse and teahouse.

Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa free

The oldest religious site in Tokyo is also its most visited. The Senso-ji Temple sees about 30 million annual visitors and its inception dates all the way back to year 628. Despite its claim to antiquity, however, the structures that currently stand are relatively new reconstructions of previous edifices (during World War II, nearly the entire temple was razed). The Senso-ji Temple is dedicated to Asakusa Kannon, the Buddhist god of mercy and happiness. According to legend, two fishermen struck gold and found a statue of the god while fishing on the Sumida River. The Senso-ji shrine is dedicated to this lucky catch and features a small homage to the fisherman who caught the statue. Unfortunately, while here, you won't be able to see the actual statue. It is there, but it isn't on public display (it never has been). Either way, Buddhists and interested tourists alike flock to this attraction with the hopes that being in the presence of Kannon's healing powers will rub off on them. After you've properly toured Senso-ji, take some time to check out the shops that line Nakamise Dori, which you'll find on the way to the temple.

The majority of travelers enjoyed their experience at the Senso-ji Temple, with some saying a visit to Tokyo isn’t complete until make a stop here. Visitors found the temple to be beautiful and enjoyed admiring its grand stature and intricate architectural details. The only complaint among travelers was with the attraction and all the activity surrounding it; Senso-ji can get so crowded that it can be difficult to be able to simply admire the attraction. If you don't want to share space with throngs of tourists, visitors suggest coming early morning or late at night.

Meiji Shrine Meiji Shrine free

The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto (Japan's original religion) shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Japanese history credits Meiji for modernizing Japan by incorporating Western principles into Japanese society, including adopting a cabinet system into government. After the emperor's death in 1912 and that of his consort in 1914, the Japanese commemorated their contributions with the Meiji Shrine. While the buildings are certainly worth visiting, the surrounding forest (considered part of the vast Yoyogi Park) is a sight to see as well. That's because 100,000 of the trees standing were all donated by Japanese people from around the country as a thank you to the emperor.

While at such a sacred site, take time to partake in traditional rituals. When entering the shrine, you'll first see the Torii , or the shrine's large archway. It's traditional to bow once entering, then again when you leave. To foreigners, the Temizusha may appear to be a drinking fountain, but it's actually a cleansing station where visitors have the opportunity to purify themselves with holy water. It's common to wash your hands and rinse your mouth out, but don't drink the water. When approaching the main shrine, it's customary to pay your respects by bowing twice, then clapping your hands twice and bow once again. Carrying out such respects are optional, the rules of the shrine are not. Don't photograph the interior of the buildings; don't eat, drink or smoke unless you're in designated areas.

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Ueno Park Ueno Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Take a 20-minute walk northwest of Ueno Park to the more than 100,000-square-foot Yanaka Cemetery, the first public burial ground in Tokyo and an oasis of foliage and historical importance. It’s particularly beautiful to visit during cherry blossom season. – Kristin Braswell

Considered the first public park in Tokyo, Ueno is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll in the city. Formerly part of Kaneiji Temple, Ueno Park is now home to the Ueno Zoo (considered Japan's oldest zoo), six museums, a number of shrines and temples, and more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees. During late March and early April, the park’s canopy of cherry blossoms attract visitors from all over the world for hanami parties – which is when people gather under the trees for picnics and socializing. Museums on the grounds include the Tokyo National Museum , the National Museum for Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Science Museum.

Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower

The Japanese iteration of the Eiffel Tower serves a predominately practical purpose. The orange and white tower, which stands 1,092 feet tall, is a radio and television broadcasting structure supporting 62 miles of frequencies. The tower also caters to tourists, offering two observation decks, one at 490 feet (the main observatory) and one at 820 feet (the special observatory). The observation decks offer 360-degree views of Tokyo's sprawling cityscape and come equipped with placards that point out notable buildings in the skyline. And if you visit on a really clear day, you'll be able to spot Mount Fuji in the distance. The Tokyo Tower also has its own cafe, where patrons can sip tea while admiring the views, as well as Club 333, a music venue that hosts performances daily. And if you're on the hunt for souvenirs, travelers say this is a surprisingly great place to peruse thanks to all the on-site shops.

The best time to visit the Tokyo Tower is at night, according to reviewers. That's because the tower lights up beautifully, and often in multiple colors depending on when you visit. You'll also encounter stunning vistas from atop Tokyo SkyTree, a much taller tower located about 8 miles northwest, but you'll have to combat hordes of fellow tourists. Recent visitors said of the two towers, this one is less crowded.

Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Crossing free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After the rush of Shibuya Crossing, walk 15 minutes to Cat Street, a pedestrianized stretch with fewer crowds and chic shopping. Pop into TRUNK hotel for a coffee or a cocktail in its popular lobby, which is open to the public. – Kristin Braswell

Behold: a whirlwind of bodies moving somehow in seamlessly concerted motion at Shibuya Crossing – a must-see in Tokyo. The popular pedestrian scramble located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachiko exit is considered the busiest intersection in the world, welcoming upward of 3,000 people every two minutes across its five major crosswalks. The hypnotic waltz under Shibuya’s towering neon buildings is quintessential Tokyo: busy, yet somehow still orderly and seamless. A major transportation hub, Shibuya Station connects the city’s major neighborhoods, including Harajuku and Roppongi.

Ginza Ginza free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Tucked on an alleyway, Kagari Ramen offers a not-to-miss truffle chicken ramen that people begin to line up for in the early afternoon. Get there early and grab a ticket for entrance. – Kristin Braswell

New York has Fifth Avenue, London has Bond Street, Paris has the Champs-Élysées and Tokyo has Ginza. The neighborhood is a shopper's paradise, housing all types of storefronts from affordable, big-name retailers, such as H&M and Zara, to upscale design houses, such as Dior, Armani and Cartier. You can also find specialty stores selling traditional items, such as kimonos, incense and chopsticks. There's also a plethora of Hello Kitty products at the Sanrio flagship store located here, as well as all the toys your kid's heart desires at the massive Hakuhinkan Toy Park.

Tokyo Station Tokyo Station free

An underground maze and city unto itself in Marunouchi business district, Tokyo Station is a major gateway for travelers arriving and departing the city. More than 3,000 trains come through the station each day, making it the busiest transportation hub in Japan. Some of the most popular trains that make a stop at Tokyo station include the JR Yamanote line, which circles through some of the city’s most famous commercial neighborhoods, as well as various bullet trains (called Shinkansen) that transport travelers throughout Japan – from Kyoto to as far south as Kyushu. A terminal on the Yaesu side exit is the stopping point for a number of buses that connect to the rest of the country, as well as Tokyo’s two airports, Haneda and Narita.

If you get overwhelmed in the station, you wouldn’t be the first. Fortunately, there are a number of English-speaking tourist stands that can help you navigate the best way to your destination. These include the JR EAST Travel Service center outside of the Marunouchi North Exit ticket gate, which offers support for international tourists, including directions to exchanging money; it's open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It’s also a popular location to pick up the Japan Rail Pass, a transportation option sold exclusively to tourists who enter Japan on a temporary visitor visa that provides discounted unlimited rides around the country for a set amount of time. You can learn more about how to purchase the pass and the specific routes and costs here . Other central information centers in Tokyo Station include the Central Corridor and Marunouchi Central information counters, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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Akihabara Akihabara free

Akihabara is nirvana for techies. Tokyo's premier electronics district, which is also referred to as "Akiba," has gadgets of all kinds found in booths on side streets and main street mega department stores. You'll spot the latest technology on the shelves, which will probably put your equipment to shame. And if you're in the market for hard-to-find bibs or bobs, you're likely to find that here, too. If you're unsure where to start, stop at the larger-than-life Yodobashi Camera store (often billed as the largest electronics store in the world) or stroll along the neighborhood's main street, Chuo Dori, which becomes car-free on Sundays for select hours. In addition to being an electronics hub, Akihabara also caters to serious gamers, anime and manga lovers. Here, you'll find loads of gaming arcades as well as shops and street stalls selling comics and character figurines. You'll also probably spot a few cosplayers casually walking down the street.

While Akihabara is no doubt unique, recent travelers had mixed reviews about the district. Those who expressed interest in anime loved their visit, saying you can't leave Tokyo without experiencing the world Akihabara has to offer for fans. Those without a greater interest in the subject matter enjoyed the buzzing activity and plethora of neon signage that permeated the area, but ended up growing bored after a period of time. Some were offended by the inappropriate nature of some of the anime culture (think: maid cafes), so this area may not be suitable for all travelers. Visitors solely interested in shopping for electronics felt overwhelmed by the options and recommended researching in advance to maximize your time in the neighborhood.

Tokyo National Museum Tokyo National Museum

If you're looking to learn a little (or a lot) about Japan's history, the Tokyo National Museum is the place to go. This museum is one of the country's most expansive, housing about 120,000 pieces of art and artifacts that cover the longest recorded history of Japan. Strolling through the halls of its numerous buildings, you'll spot relics such as samurai armor and swords (a traveler favorite), delicate pottery, kimonos, calligraphy, paintings, and much more, some of which are designated as national treasures and “important cultural properties” by the Japanese government. In addition to artifacts from Japan's history, you'll also find pieces from all across the Asian continent, including Buddhist scrolls that date all the way back to the 7th century.

Travelers were impressed with all that the Tokyo National Museum has to offer. Even some who admitted they aren't "museum people" enjoyed the variety of unique artifacts on display. Travelers appreciated that the museum featured English translations, something that some visitors noticed other Tokyo top attractions lacked (like the Ghibli Museum ). Museum goers also say that there is so much to see in the Tokyo National Museum that you probably need an entire day if you want to get through everything. If you don't have enough time to do this (or just don't want to) the best thing to do is get a map of the museum beforehand and pick what you want to do before you venture in.

Odaiba Odaiba free

Envision a mini Atlantis rising out of the water, conveniently right next to downtown Tokyo. That's Odaiba. This neighborhood and human-made island situated on the Tokyo Bay is a hub of entertainment, eateries and eye-catching architecture, including the futuristic-looking Fuji Television building and the life-size Unicorn Gundam Statue. Some of the area's top attractions include the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and the relaxing Odaiba Seaside Park, which comes equipped with an artificial beach and Tokyo's own Statue of Liberty (scaled down).

Along with the Legoland Discovery Center, there’s also the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and Decks Tokyo Beach facility, which offers lots in the way of dining and shopping in addition to entertainment options.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building free

There are plenty of skyscrapers that provide a bird's-eye lookout in Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. So what makes the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tower special? It's free! The nearly 800-foot-tall building houses two observatories (North and South observatory) that are the highest vantage points (at around 660 feet) that you can reach in the city without having to hand over some yen.

Travelers loved their experience at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building because it was so fuss-free. Free admission, few lines, speedy elevators, helpful customer service and no time restrictions at the top was ideal for travelers who were looking to take their time with the incredible views. The observatories offer 360-degree views of the city and visitors say on a clear day, Mount Fuji is visible in the distance. If you can, travelers suggest visiting at sunset; the transition from day to night, when some say truly Tokyo comes to life, is magical.

Daikanyama Daikanyama free

If you’re looking to recharge in Tokyo, consider Daikanyama, a tree-lined neighborhood with a trendy, quiet side that’s often referred to as Tokyo’s own Brooklyn. Just south of Shibuya, the district is a peaceful retreat from the towering buildings of its neighbors. The pedestrian-only streets are filled with boutique shops, restaurants, small parks, cafes, and the city’s biggest bookstore: Daikanyama T-Site. Plan to spend several hours roaming T-site’s three buildings, which are filled with a collection of books, magazines and music. Then, have a coffee or cocktail at its on-site cafe, Anjin Library & Lounge, which is filled with plush brown leather couches and a number of tables. Log Road is another must-see in the neighborhood. Built on the train tracks of the old Tokyu train line, this outdoor shopping complex features a brewery and a bakery that are housed in wood cottage buildings surrounded by greenery and a number of places to sit and picnic. Daikanyama is also popular for brunch spots like Garden House Crafts and Ivy Place.

Visitors call T-Site one of the best bookstores they’ve ever visited, reminiscent of a beautifully designed college campus. They call Daikanyama a mix of modern and traditional Japan and recommend visiting Saigoyama Park for a stroll and sunset watching.

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National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, commonly referred to as the Miraikan, attests to Tokyo's entrepreneurial spirit and penchant for science and technological innovation. This high-tech museum features a plethora of exciting interactive displays spread across three themed permanent exhibits. In "Explore The Frontiers," visitors can learn about space exploration by stepping into a model of the International Space Station. There's also "Discover Your Earth," where you'll find a large LED-paneled Earth sculpture, as well as the robotics-heavy "Create Your Future" exhibit. Make sure you get an eyeful of Honda's impressive ASIMO robot while here. ASIMO has opposable thumbs, can run, and even kick a soccer ball (as it did with President Obama in his 2014 visit to the museum). Kids will particularly enjoy the displays as they can touch, climb on and play with many of them. The museum also features science workshops for kids, talks from researchers and the Dome Theater GAIA.

Despite its draw, many travelers offered mixed reviews of the museum. Some reported feeling like kids, amazed at the vast amount of things to learn and do, while other adults said the museum is best suited for children. Some visitors also found the exhibits to be lacking, saying the information provided was very basic. Those who did bring their kids in tow said they had a ball.

Imperial Palace Imperial Palace free

You'd think the Imperial Palace would be mobbed with tourists, but it's not. You can credit the lack of crowds to an application policy, which limits the number of visitors. That's because the Imperial Palace is home to the Emperor of Japan and his immediate family. And before that, it was the residence for some of Japan's most important figures, including Emperor Meiji (credited for modernizing Japan) and rulers during the Edo Period (the time period before Japan was modernized by Meiji). Because of its significant importance in Japanese society, admittance to the site is hard to get (you have to put in your application several weeks in advance) and access inside the actual palace is even more restricted.

As such, most travelers suggest skipping the application entirely (those who went on the tour were disappointed with how little of the palace is open to visitors) and admiring the compound from afar. Visitors also say the East Gardens, which are part of the Imperial Palace complex, are much more of a sight to see. This flourishing green space has plenty of shady spots and open fields, perfect for relaxing. And during cherry blossom season, these gardens are a choice spot for locals looking to enjoy the seasonal foliage.

Shimokitazawa Shimokitazawa free

A hub for vintage shops, cafes and restaurants, Shimokitazawa continues to gain popularity among Tokyo’s young crowds and students who are drawn to its bohemian energy. Commonly known as "Shimokita," the largely residential district in west Tokyo’s Setagaya neighborhood was once a haven for hippies who migrated to the neighborhood in the 1970s. Today, a network of streets are home to busy cafes, indie cinemas, music venues and tons of thrift shopping. A philosophy called “Shimokita style” embraces reusing clothing and antiques, but also a slower pace to enjoy life.

Small, independently owned stores are the neighborhood’s pride, with Ocean Blvd. store – just a few steps from Shimokitazawa Station, being a great starting point for thrift shopping. Other popular thrift stores include Chicago, Flamingo and New York Joe Exchange.

Ghibli Museum Ghibli Museum

Both avid and amateur anime fans love the Ghibli Museum. The museum showcases the work of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli – the famous Japanese animation company that produced films like "Spirited Away" and "Ponyo." Don't expect formal, indoor exhibits. The facility's quirky interior design mimics the animation studio. There's also a play area for kids (which comes equipped with a life-size, fuzzy Cat Bus), a reading room full of books recommended by the museum and a rooftop garden that features character sculptures, including the silent robots from "Castle In The Sky." You can even watch a short film that plays exclusively at the museum and rotates each month.

Considering how difficult it is to secure tickets and the museum's removed location, travelers say visiting this attraction is only worth the extra effort if you're a Miyazaki fan. Devotees loved having the opportunity to get lost in the director's magical world, which many say the museum executed just about perfectly. The only complaint? The expensive gift shop. Even avid fans were disappointed with some of the shop's high prices. English-speaking travelers also warned that English signs and placards are few and far between here.

Shinjuku Golden Gai Shinjuku Golden Gai

Explore some 200 bars in this narrow maze of alleyways. A remnant of post-war 1950s Tokyo, this district was once a black market that evolved into a number of small, makeshift bars. Today, stretched across six dimly lit streets (called yokocho) in Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood, Golden Gai (which means "golden block") is jampacked – literally – with bars that are ideal for any night owl. Most bars open around 8 p.m., though many don’t get lively until nearly midnight. Be aware that most bars charge an entrance fee for a seat, which is typically around 1,000 yen (about $7). As you roam Golden Gai, your biggest question will be which bar to choose. Start with any themes that may catch your eye, like Albatross, a two-floor Gothic-inspired den that has enough room for small groups, or Happy, a tiny bar that features vintage rock and soul albums. There are a few food options in Golden Gai as well, like a noodle shop called Ramen Nagi, located on the second floor of a wooden house.

You should be prepared to rub shoulders with strangers, as many of Golden Gai’s bars are only a few feet wide and seat a handful of people. Because bars have limited seating, some may display signs that say “regulars only” or “no tourists,” and it's important to respect that. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of tourist-friendly and English-speaking options to choose from.

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Tsukiji Outer Market Tsukiji Outer Market free

You don’t have to be a sushi connoisseur to enjoy the Tsukiji Outer Market, which offers an unforgettable experience. Even before Tokyo’s international wholesale fish market – the largest in the world – moved to the Toyosu district in 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market was a popular place to buy a variety of food and kitchenware. Today, hundreds of different types of seafood are sold here, ranging from basics (like tuna) to the exotic. If all the excitement and bartering starts to make you a little hungry, don't hesitate to grab a bite here. There are numerous sushi stalls and tiny restaurants in the market (Sushi Sei Honten and Sushizanmai are popular spots) that serve fish at their freshest. But if you aren't much of a seafood fan, no matter. There's still something for you here. The market features a few ready-made meal stalls that aren't all seafood-based, including Mosuke Dango, where you'll find sweet dumplings. What’s more, retail stalls selling kitchenware items like knives and tableware also set up shop.

Recent visitors offered mixed reviews for the Tsukiji Outer Market, noting that prices were higher than the original market that moved to Toyosu. If you're not a fan of seafood, or you don't enjoy overstimulating and/or crowded places, visitors say this is not the attraction for you. Travelers say this market is huge and very busy, especially on Saturdays. Those who do enjoy seafood will no doubt be in awe of the vast array of fresh and delectable seafood options available, so much so that reviewers strongly suggest coming hungry as you'll probably end up eating more than you planned. Travelers were also delighted in the market's lack of a pungent, fishy smell.

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Tokyo (��, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures , consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.

Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. Previously a small castle town , Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's largest cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of 1945.

Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping , entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums , historic temples and gardens . Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.

Top attractions in Tokyo

Tsukiji Outer Market •

Akihabara •

Koishikawa Korakuen •

Hama Rikyu •

Imperial East Gardens •

Imperial Palace •

Ginza •

Nihonbashi •

Yasukuni Shrine

Tokyo Dome City

State Guest House

Tokyo National Museum ••

Tokyo Skytree ••

Asakusa •

Sensoji Temple •

Edo-Tokyo Museum •

Rikugien •

Ueno Park •

Tokyo Solamachi •

Botanical Garden

Sumida Aquarium

Sumida Hokusai Museum

Kappabashi Street

Shibuya ••

Shinjuku ••

Meiji Shrine •

Shinjuku Gyoen •

Harajuku •

Yoyogi Park

Government Building

Nakano Broadway

Yebisu Garden Place

Odaiba •

Institute for Nature •

Toyosu Market •

Roppongi Hills •

Tokyo Tower

Sengakuji Temple

Zojoji Temple

Tokyo Water Bus

Kyu Shiba Rikyu

Tokyo Midtown

Akasaka Sacas

Tokyo DisneySea ••

Tokyo Disneyland ••

Shibamata •

Ghibli Museum •

Mount Mitake •

Takaosan •

Kiyosumi Garden

Edo Open Air Museum

Showa Memorial Park

Todoroki Valley

Kasai Rinkai Koen

Ikspiari Mall

Makuhari Messe

The Making of Harry Potter

Sanja Matsuri •

Kanda Matsuri •

Japan Mobility Show •

Tokyo Game Show

Sanno Matsuri

Tokyo Marathon

Ceatec Japan

Nikko •••

Kamakura ••

Fuji Five Lakes •

Hakone •

Kusatsu Onsen •

Yokohama •

Izu Peninsula •

Ikaho Onsen

Tokyo by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

Tranquil Meiji Shrine
Urban exploring in Shibuya
Shopping in Shinjuku and youth culture in Harajuku

Ancient Sensoji Temple
Cruise down the Sumida River
Shopping in modern Odaiba

Exploring Shinjuku's busy streets
Relaxing in Shinjuku Gyoen
Taking in the skyscraper district

Exploring Asakusa area

Serene Imperial East Gardens
Lively Ginza shopping district

Old-fashioned post town
Artsy Tennozu Isle
Waterfront walk

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Tokyo metropolitan government, hotels around tokyo, tokyo hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Tokyo

Experiences around Tokyo

Tours & Experiences
Tailor-made Trips
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Tradition meets modern in Japan's capital

Top attractions in tokyo.

Art Aquarium Museum

Sensoji Temple

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

Around tokyo.

Laden with embassies and packed full of international and cosmopolitan leanings, Minato City, or Minato-ku, is one of Tokyo's 23 special wards. With its shrines, parks, museums and landmarks,..

Known as the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo, Omotesando’s tree-lined streets are filled with beautiful shops, funky cafes and great restaurants. It is also the gateway to the entrance to the Meiji..

Just a stop away from Shinjuku, Nakano is a quiet neighborhood best known for Nakano Broadway, a mall lined with current and vintage shops selling anime merchandise — most notably from secondhand..

About Tokyo

Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is the nation’s capital, the site of the 2020 Summer Olympics and the most populous city in the world – there’s no shortage of places to see and things to do in Tokyo. While that means you’ll inevitably have to leave some things off your itinerary, it also means that there’s something for everyone.

Tokyo’s center, the 23 wards, combine some of the world’s busiest areas with remnants of old Japan; not far from Shibuya is the holy Meiji Jingu , while the 634-meter tall Tokyo Skytree and the iconic Senso-ji in Asakusa are within walking distance of each other. Shinjuku and Roppongi are two vibrant nightlife spots, yet they’re a short train ride away from Ueno Zoo and the Tsukiji Fish Market .

Right in the middle of it all is the Imperial Palace , a popular jogging route. Beautiful nature in the Okutama area and the Izu and Ogasawara Islands will make you forget that you’re still in Tokyo.

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Must-see attractions in Tokyo

Tokyo National Museum

Ueno & Yanesen

If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including…

Ghibli Museum

This museum is the heart of the Studio Ghibli world, a beloved (even 'adored') film studio responsible for classic, critically-acclaimed animated titles…

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Kanto region, Japan. Tiny alleys crowded with night bars and clubs at Golden Gai district.

Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo

Golden Gai – a Shinjuku institution for over half a century – is a collection of tiny bars, often literally no bigger than a closet and seating maybe a…

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa

Rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world (and definitely in Japan), Shibuya Crossing is like a giant beating heart, sending people in all…

teamLab Borderless

Digital-art collective teamLab has created 60 artworks for this museum, open in 2018, that tests the border between art and the viewer: many are…

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace occupies the site of the original Edo-jō, the Tokugawa shogunate's castle. In its heyday this was the largest fortress in the world,…

Asakusa & Sumida River

Tokyo’s most visited temple enshrines a golden image of Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy), which, according to legend, was miraculously pulled out of…

Meiji-jingū

Harajuku & Aoyama

Tokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, whose reign (1868–1912) coincided with Japan's transformation from…

Considered by many to be Tokyo's most elegant garden, Rikugi-en was originally completed in 1702, at the behest of a feudal lord. It is definitely the…

Hama-rikyū Onshi-teien

Ginza & Tsukiji

This beautiful garden, one of Tokyo’s finest, is all that remains of a shogunate summer villa next to Tokyo Bay. There's a large pond with an island,…

Autumn in Japan is very attractive season for its beautiful colors of Japanese maple, gingko and other trees.

Koishikawa Kōrakuen

Kōrakuen & Akihabara

Established in the mid-17th century as the property of the Tokugawa clan, this formal strolling garden incorporates elements of Chinese and Japanese…

Tsukiji Market

Tokyo's main wholesale market may have moved to Toyosu, but there are many reasons to visit its old home. The tightly packed rows of vendors (which once…

Yoyogi-kōen

If it’s a sunny and warm weekend afternoon, you can count on there being a crowd lazing around the large grassy expanse that is Yoyogi-kōen. You'll…

Omote-sandō

This broad, tree-lined boulevard is lined with boutiques from the top European fashion houses. More interesting are the buildings themselves, designed by…

Asakura Museum of Sculpture, Taitō

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Tokyo central post office at night; Shutterstock ID 284205230; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel]; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: Digital Content/Sights

Intermediatheque

Dedicated to interdisciplinary experimentation, Intermediatheque cherry-picks from the vast collection of the University of Tokyo to craft a fascinating,…

Nezu Museum

Nezu Museum offers a striking blend of old and new: a renowned collection of Japanese, Chinese and Korean antiquities in a gallery space designed by…

Inokashira-kōen

One of Tokyo's best parks, Inokashira-kōen has a big pond in the middle flanked by woodsy strolling paths. A highlight is Inokashira Benzaiten, a shrine…

Roppongi Hills

Roppongi, Akasaka & Around

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National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT)

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Statue of Liberty

Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

A very popular photo-op, with the Rainbow Bridge in the background, is this 11m-tall replica of Lady Liberty, a fixture on Odaiba's waterfront since 2000.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Tokyo's history museum documents the city's transformation from tidal flatlands to feudal capital to modern metropolis via detailed scale re-creations of…

Fukagawa Fudō-dō

Belonging to the esoteric Shingon sect, at this active temple you can attend one of the city's most spectacular religious rituals. Goma (fire rituals)…

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, Shinjuku

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo's city hall – a landmark building designed by Tange Kenzō – has observatories (202m) atop both the south and north towers of Building 1 (the views…

Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art

This small museum (where you swap your shoes for slippers) is the best place in Tokyo to see ukiyo-e. Each month it presents a seasonal, thematic…

Kanda Myōjin

Tracing its history back to AD 730, this splendid Shintō shrine boasts vermilion-lacquered halls surrounding a stately courtyard. Its present location…

Advertising Museum Tokyo

If you see advertising as art, this museum is a spectacle. Run by Dentsu, Japan’s largest advertising agency, this fine collection runs from woodblock…

Toyosu Market

In 2018, Tokyo's central wholesale market moved from its iconic Tsukiji location to this new facility in Toyosu, a structure clearly dreamed up by…

Tokyo Skytree

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Imperial Palace East Garden

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The shine of the Zōjō-ji Buddhist temple in Minato in the early evening.

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Yasukuni-jinja

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Tokyo Tower

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Godzilla Head

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Japan Edo-Tokyo museum plaza panorama modern city cultural landmark

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum

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Best known for its profusion of cherry trees that burst into blossom in spring (making this one of Tokyo's top hanami – blossom-viewing – spots),…

Sumida Hokusai Museum

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TOKYO, JAPAN: Boats float on a pond surrounded by cherry blossoms at Kitanomaru Park in Tokyo 05 April as the flower-viewing season reaches its climax. The park is considered to be a prime site for enjoying cherry blossoms. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)

Kitanomaru-kōen

This large park north of the Imperial Palace is home to noteworthy museums as well as the Nippon Budōkan concert hall. The gate at the park’s northern end…

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Home » Asia » Japan » Tokyo

26 BEST Places to Visit in Tokyo (2024)

Tokyo is simply out of this world, with its amazing food and endless entertainment options. It’s the go-to place if you want to dive into a culture completely different from your own. This city is a rollercoaster of excitement, sometimes a bit quirky, but definitely a must-visit at least once in your lifetime. Whether you’re into shopping, trying new cuisines, or just soaking in different lifestyles, Tokyo has it all.

However, the catch is, it can be a bit heavy on the wallet. Tokyo stands out as one of the pricier cities in Asia for both travel and living expenses, which might be a hurdle if you’re on a tight budget. But fear not! You don’t need to empty your pockets to have a blast in Tokyo. With a bit of caution and some smart choices in activities and places to visit, you can have an incredible time without burning a hole in your wallet.

To steer you toward budget-friendly activities, affordable hotels, and places that won’t make you regret checking your bank account, here’s your guide to making the most of this fantastic city without breaking the bank.

Let’s go!

Girl poses for photo with anime cutouts in Akihabara Tokyo, Japan.

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Need a Place Quick? Here’s the Best Neighborhood in Tokyo:

These are the best places to visit in tokyo, faq on the best places to visit in tokyo.

While Tokyo can be very expensive , there are still great accommodation options available. From a cool Tokyo hostel to a comfy hotel, here are three great places to stay in Tokyo :

If you like to be near to the Tokyo places to visit, Shinjuku is often said to be the city’s tourism heart and soul. Skyscrapers make for a dazzling skyline and bright neon lights cannot help but grab your attention.

Shop till you drop at places like Odakyu, Lumine, Beams Japan, and Takashimaya Times Square.
Stroll around the old-world area of Golden Gai.
Go bar hopping in Kabukicho.

When you’re backpacking around Japan your first stop has gotta be the crazy capital of Tokyo!

There’s a lot to do here so you’re going to need to plan your trip and pick the Tokyo tourist attractions you really want to prioritise.

PS: Tokyo is a great place to visit in August , unlike many other places around the world!

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#1 – Meji Shrine – One of the Most Religious Places to See in Tokyo

meji shrine one of the best places to visit in tokyo

A working Shinto Shrine where you can take part in traditional rituals.
You can’t photograph the inside of the shrine, but you’ll get some good shots out of the outside.

Why it’s so awesome : Japan’s religions are quite different from Western beliefs. One of the oldest religious systems in the country is called Shinto, and it’s this religion that allowed Japan to accept and incorporate western influences into its culture while still holding on to its own uniqueness. The Meji Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in the city and is surrounded by a huge park that’s a striking reminder of how well the city incorporates ultra-modern architecture with the natural world.

What to do there: The Meji shrine is still a functioning shrine so make sure you take part in a ritual while you’re there. This is a serene, peaceful area, so refrain from eating or smoking except in marked areas and keep your voice down in respect to the other visitors. Outside of the shrine is a large archway called a Torii. It’s traditional to bow at these gates when you enter and when you leave.

There is also a drinking fountain inside and it supplies water to purify visitors. You can wash your hands, but don’t drink the water or allow the wooden dippers to touch your lips. When you approach the shrine itself, it’s traditional to bow twice, clap your hands twice, make a wish, and bow again. You obviously don’t have to take part in any of these rituals, but it’s a nice way to be a part of this Tokyo landmark rather than just staring at it.

#2 – Tokyo National Museum

A chance for you to explore the history of this fascinating country!
The national museum is one of the biggest museums in the country.
You’ll see everything from samurai swords to Buddhist scrolls at the national museum.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve ever been fascinated by the stories of the samurai, kimonos, or unique pottery items, then you’ll find them all at the national museum. It’s one of the biggest museums in the country, with over 116,000 pieces of art, so you’re bound to find something amazing to learn about.

What to do there : While you’re in the museum, make sure you explore the displays that will help you learn about the parts of Japanese culture that are most interesting to you. For most people, this would be the samurai sword display and armor or the kimonos. But take the chance to explore other facets of Japan’s history as well at the national museum. It’s so different from western history and most of the art created throughout Japan’s history is staggeringly beautiful, so don’t miss it.

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#3 – Sensoji Temple & Asakusa District – One of the most incredible places to go to in Tokyo

Located in busy, local-focused Asakusa, so you can shop and eat while you’re there.
You’ll get some amazing photos in this area of not only the temple but the incredible gardens as well.
A popular tourist site that’s still a working temple, so you’ll see people burning incense and praying while you’re there.

Why it’s so awesome : Sensoji Temple looms out of the center of the otherwise modern neighborhood where it lives as if it’s been transported from another time. This is the oldest temple to see while traveling in Tokyo and it’s also the most popular among tourists and locals. Dating back to 628, the temple looks old but was actually reconstructed after its destruction during the Second World War. But you wouldn’t know from being there, as it looks and smells like it’s been soaking up incense for longer than you can imagine.

What to do there: This is actually a functioning temple so be respectful of the locals you see praying and burning incense inside. This temple is a big part of the locals’ most deeply held beliefs and they often come to ask for healing or help. It’s a really crowded landmark, so plan to visit either early in the morning or late at night if you want to avoid the crowds. But apart from that, just wander the site and take pictures from every angle. And when you’re done, take a walk and find somewhere to eat, there are plenty of places nearby to choose from!

#4 – Tokyo Imperial Palace

white japanese palace amidst orange foliage best places to visit in tokyo

The Palace has stunning grounds and you’ll get some amazing pictures.
It’s still used as one of the homes of the Japanese imperial family.
There’s a limit to how many people can enter the grounds, so make sure you apply for a ticket rather than just showing up.

Why it’s so awesome : Japanese architecture and their sense of aesthetics are different from anywhere else in the world and they’re both absolutely stunning. The Imperial Palace is a good example of this sense of grace and beauty. And the grounds are no different. Japanese gardens are probably the most stunning in the world, and the Imperial Palace is surrounded by some of the best examples of these gardens that you’ll ever see. You won’t regret adding them to your Tokyo itinerary !

What to do there : This is an important historical site and it’s also the home of the imperial family today, so you’ll need to apply several weeks in advance to get admittance to the site. And you probably won’t be able to go inside the building at all, as these passes are even rarer. But the grounds here are stunning, particularly the East Garden, which is a lush, natural space that’s designed in the traditional Japanese style.

#5 – Odaiba – Cool place to see in Tokyo with friends!

Two Japanese girls smiling for a photo in a club in Tokyo.

The entertainment centre of the city.
Includes enough museums and beaches and other attractions to keep you busy for days, if not weeks!

Why it’s so awesome: Odaiba is a neighborhood set on a mini island in the middle of Tokyo Bay and it’s the center of entertainment, eating, and cool architecture in the city. Whatever type of attractions you enjoy you’ll find here, from museums to beaches, a Statue of Liberty, and amusement parks. Whether you’re traveling with kids, family, or friends, everyone will definitely find something to do here.

What to do there : What do you want to do? If you enjoy trying all the food that Tokyo has to offer, then you’ll find eateries here to satiate every taste. If you enjoy museums, then you should go to the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. There are amusement parks where you can ride go-karts and Ferris wheels and you can even go to the Legoland Discovery Center!

Whatever you want to do, you’ll find something here that will suit your taste. And if you have the time, make sure you visit the Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari, which is a hot springs theme park where you can wear a traditional yukata and relax in a variety of different natural baths. It’s a perfect place to relax after the stress of the city!

#6 – The Ginza – A great place in Tokyo if you love to shop!

A shopping basket full of souvenirs from Tokyo, Japan.

One of the best shopping areas in the city.
Take advantage of high-end shopping as well as small, quirky shops that sell things you’ll only find in Japan!

Why it’s so awesome : Most cities have one shopping area that dominates over all the others and for Japan, it’s the Ginza. You’ll find big-name shops like H&M, design houses like Armani and Cartier as well as traditional stores that sell all the souvenirs you could ever want to take home. There are also some quirkier choices, such as stores dedicated to buttons and charcoal beauty products, so make sure you check everything out.

What to do there : If you enjoy shopping, you don’t need to be told what to do in this area. Shop until you drop. Make sure you look for souvenirs like kimonos and incense as well if you have people back home you need to buy gifts for. And even if you’re not a big shopper, there’s still a lot to do in this area. There are more than 200 art galleries in the area, some of the best eateries and restaurants, and theatres where you can catch one of Japan’s famous kabuki performances!

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#7 – National Museum of Emerging Science and Technology – Awesome Place to Visit in Tokyo With Kids!

A place that will prove to you just how innovative and technology-focused Japan is.
Contains more interactive displays then you could imagine.
No matter what part of science you’re interested in, you’ll find something fascinating to do here.

Why it’s so awesome : This museum is one of the best in the world and it was born from and highlights Japan’s obsession with technology and innovation. It’s a fun and fascinating place to spend some time in regardless of whether you’re a child or just a big kid, and you could spend hours here exploring every facet of Japan’s interest in technology!

What to do there : if you’re interested in space, try the Explore the Frontiers display, where you can walk into a model of the International Space Station, complete with autographs from history’s most famous astronauts. You can learn about robots in the Create Your Future exhibit, explore an LED Earth sculpture in the Discover Your Earth exhibit or enjoy an educational movie at the Gaia 3D home theater. Basically, this museum will make you feel like a big kid, rushing around too excited to choose just one thing to look at. And recapturing that feeling is amazing on its own!

#8 – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Tokyo

Beautiful lush green garden in a Kyoto Temple.

A beautiful, natural place in the middle of the city.
Japan has a talent for including huge swaths of nature in the middle of cities and this park is one of the best examples of that.
Take photos or just relax and enjoy the scenery!

Why it’s so awesome : Japan is a city that loves technology, skyscrapers, and modern everything and yet the designers of it recognized that nature was vital as well and incorporated lots of amazing parks in the city. The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one example of that foresight and it makes up for the best day trip in Tokyo . The gardens within are landscaped in 3 different styles, Japanese traditional, French Formal, and English Garden, and exploring these natural surroundings could probably take you a whole afternoon!

What to do there : There is a small entrance fee to this park, but once you’re in you’ll probably want to spend all day there. Make sure you check out the different landscaping styles, and if you’re there in spring, definitely take a picnic and sit out under the cherry trees. This is a traditional spring activity in Japan for a good reason! Mostly, this is a place to sit and relax from the busyness of the city. Take a walk, have a picnic, or find one of the park’s teahouses or eateries and have a snack surrounded by nature.

#9 – Tokyo SkyTree

You can get a bird’s eye view of the whole city from the top of the Tokyo Skytree
Getting up to the observation deck requires a ticket to get up the tallest building in Japan
Walk over the class floor for views the whole way to the ground 1,150-foot (350-m) below!
See Mount Fuji on a clear day from the Tokyo Skytree

Why it’s so awesome : The Tokyo SkyTree has two observatories that are the highest in the city, so basically, you’ll get the best view of Tokyo when you spend some time in this building. It’s really easy and well organized to get to the top observation deck and despite the 1,150-foot (350-m) height, you’re transported to the top in the super quick lift in no time! On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji from the Tokyo Skytree.

It’s possibly the most popular tourist attraction in the city with many tourists visiting each day, so be sure to buy tickets before to make sure you don’t miss out on this epic Tokyo sightseeing experience.

What to do there: One of the biggest draws of the Tokyo Skytree building is the fact that there isn’t a limit on how long you spend at the observation deck. So you can take as many photos as you want and then just relax and take in the views of Mount Fuji with no one hurrying you along. When you’re done with the view, there are some great restaurants on the same floor, so stop in for a meal. For an extra bonus, time your visit to coincide with the sunset for some truly spectacular views and photographs.

#10 – Ghibli Museum

Girl kissing giant Totoro at Studio Ghibli Museum in Japan.

If you know anything about Japanese animation, this is its home.
A chance to experience the magic and the mystery of Japan’s unique creative spirit and its most famous dreamer.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve ever watched Japanese cinema then you’ve probably seen a movie by Studio Ghibli. They make some of Japan’s most popular and magical animated films including Spirited Away, which won an Oscar for the best-animated movie in 2003. This studio is headed by Hayao Miyazaki and the museum is just as quirky as the films.

What to do there : It’s notoriously difficult to get tickets to see the Ghibli Museum , but if you’re a fan of the movies then it’s worth making the effort because you’ll have a magical visit. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy this informal, unusual museum. There’s a play area for kids that includes a cat bus from one of the movies and a rooftop garden with sculptures of popular characters from the movies.

You should also make sure you see the short film they have featured because it changes every month and you won’t see it anywhere else. Just be aware that this museum doesn’t cater to tourists, so most of the signs are in Japanese, and you might find it a little difficult to find your way around.

#11 – Akihabara – An awesome place to visit in Tokyo for half a day!

Tokyo streets lit up at dusk, crazy anime billboards and neon lights.

The centre of Tokyo’s tech frenzy!
A great place to visit if you’re a gamer or interested in getting your hands on the latest technological marvel.
This area also caters to anime lovers, so if you enjoy this genre then you should definitely explore it.

Why it’s so awesome : This suburb is where you can buy almost any piece of technology or game that’s on the market at the moment. It’s basically street after street that’s dedicated to computers and gadgets. You’ll find gaming arcades, shops that sell anime and cosplay goods, and more neon signs than you could ever read. Also, you can feel like you are in a video game by dressing up and riding the streets in go-karts!

What to do there: If you’re headed to Akihabara to buy something specific, make sure you do your research beforehand. The shops and streets full of tech shops are vast and it’s easy to get lost and walk away empty-handed. Also, be a little careful about bringing young children to the area. Anime culture isn’t all clouds and pretty graphics and it’s quite different to how people in the west think of cartoons. Because this area is dedicated to anime lovers, you may see some of these elements in the streets. And not all of them will be appropriate for very young children to experience.

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#12 – Tokyo Tower

A great place for a photo op.
Relaxed, varied dining area on the lower floors where you can pick up snacks from all over the world.

Why it’s so awesome : This building is a landmark. Standing 1,092 feet above the city it actually has a very practical purpose and transmits television and radio over the city. The building was modelled on the Eiffel Tower and it does bear more than a passing resemblance to this famous structure. But the tower isn’t just practical. It has observation decks where you can get a great view of the city and a shopping and restaurant area in the lower sections where you can pick up souvenirs or have a great meal.

What to do there : The Tokyo Tower has two observation decks at different heights, so make sure you go up during the day or night to take photos of the city. They also have guides on these decks who can point out important buildings on the Tokyo skyline. If you want to take in the view and have a coffee at the same time, you can visit the café there or go downstairs to the lower floors. The restaurants in Tokyo Tower are great and there’s also a floor dedicated to stalls selling a wide variety of different snacks and foods from other countries. So if you go there for a meal, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice. And it’s all amazing.

#13 – Tsukiji Fish Market – A Must-See For Foodies!

If you like seafood, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this market.
World’s largest fish market
A perfect place for people watching.

Why it’s so awesome : The fish markets in Japan are famous and this is one of the oldest. It shut down in 2018 and then reopened as 2 separate parts. At the original location, you’ll find food stalls that sell a range of seafood dishes and snacks and down the road, you’ll find the other half of the market, known as Toyosu Market, which has some of the best sushi bars in the city.

What to do there : Eat seafood! You’ll find the freshest seafood you’ve ever eaten in this market and also some of the most inventive dishes. Try the seared tuna, sushi or squid ink sticky buns if you’re feeling adventurous. And other than that, make sure you wander around. The fish market draws locals from all walks of life, and it’s fascinating to watch an event that’s so integral to everyday life in Japan.

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#14 – Shibuya Crossing

One of the most iconic and photographed sites in Tokyo.
If you’re looking for that defining photograph of Tokyo, you’ll be able to take it here.

Why it’s so awesome : Tokyo is one of the most crowded cities in the world ( yet still so safe! ) and that makes the Shibuya Crossing one of the busiest crosswalks in the world too. It’s actually really fascinating to watch. The lights change and suddenly people are walking from every direction, a crowd of crisscrossing shoppers, students, and men in business suits. Go at dusk to get the best light for pictures.

What to do there : The Shibuya Crossing is located in the centre of a busy city street and it’s surrounded by flashing neon lights and shops of every description. It’s the perfect place to people watch, so pull up a café chair, or just sit on one of the benches around the area and watch the controlled madness. Step out of Shibuya station for instant organised chaos!

There are also a lot of good restaurants and eateries in the area, so when you’re done make sure you stop for a snack.

#15 – Nezu Museum

A temple of traditional Japanese Art.
The artworks inside the building are stunning, but the building itself and it’s garden are just as amazing.

Why it’s so awesome : Spread over 40,000 feet, the museum contains more than 7,400 pieces of traditional and contemporary Japanese art. But it isn’t just the artwork inside that’s incredible. The building itself was redesigned by acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma and it manages to convey age, grace, elegance and welcome all at once, which makes it really worth the experience.

What to do there : This museum is a study in contrasts. It covers more than 40,000 feet and yet by some wonder of architecture, it still feels welcoming and intimate. You won’t find the cold, almost anesthetic feel of some museums in this building. Instead, it welcomes you to stay and enjoy the traditional art, so follow your impulses and take your time. And make sure you check out the outer areas too. The museum has a private garden that’s just spectacular.

#16 – Ryoguku Kokugikan

Girl takes photo in photo stand at sumo wrestling experience in Japan.

You’ve got to experience sumo wrestling in Japan!
There are 3 sumo tournaments a year at this site, drawing more than 11,000 fans.

Why it’s awesome : Sumo is a big draw in Tokyo, and you might be surprised by how popular it is among the locals. There are 6 official sumo tournaments in Japan every year, three of which are held at this location, and the tournaments themselves last for weeks. Obviously, this means that there can’t be tournaments all year round, which is why this venue holds other sporting competitions like kickboxing too. But if you’re in Tokyo when there’s a sumo tournament on, it’s really worth seeing.

What to do there : Sumo is an iconic and much-loved sport in Japan. So, if you get the chance, buy a ticket and attend one of the matches. Not only is it a uniquely interesting sport to watch, if slightly unusual to western minds, but it’s also exciting to be among the crowd as the locals cheer on their favorites and get swept up in the challenge and competition.

#17 – Yoyogi Park – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Tokyo

A park for the active traveller, where you can take part in any sport under the sun.
Walking distance from Harajuku Station
The perfect place to hang out in nature and get away from the city.

Why it’s so awesome : Japan has some amazing parks and Yoyogi Park is one of the best. It’s 134 acres just a short distance from Shibuya and is always full of picnickers and performers. There is always something going on in this park. It’s probably the only place in the city where you can see people playing badminton, the banjo, and amateur dancers all in one area.

What to do there : This is a park where you can relax, sit back, and enjoy yourself. Take a picnic or grab some snacks from a nearby stall and watch the performances. In the northern areas, long walkways stretch across lush lawns, so get some exercise and breath in the sweet-smelling air. Or just wander and explore whatever takes your fancy, it’s all up to you. It’s easy to reach being within walking distance of Harajuku Station.

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#18 – Ueno Park

A huge and stunning natural area with lots to do.
Close to Ueno station.
You’ll find everything from museums to grave sites and statues in this area.

Why it’s so awesome: Tokyo has a lot of amazing parks and Ueno Park is one of the most popular among the locals. No matter what time of day you go there you’ll find school kids in large groups chattering their way along the path, older locals playing games, and workers eating their lunch. This is where a lot of the locals in Tokyo go to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the quiet. And if you need this during your holiday, then Ueno Park is the perfect place to get it.

What to do there: Ueno Park is the perfect place to relax, take in the scenery, and pretend you’re not in a big city at all. You can wander from museum to museum, explore the shady, dappled walkways, take photos next to the grave sites of samurai’s from another time, or just sit on a bench and relax near a water feature. Basically, if you need restoration and quiet, this is the place to get it.

#19 – Origami Kaikam

A chance to see one of the most familiar Japanese art forms in the world.
You really won’t believe what people can make with a simple piece of paper!

Why it’s so awesome : This is a shop and an art gallery in one. There are several floors in this building, with a shop on the ground floor, an art gallery on the second, and a workshop at the top that all explore the art of origami. You’ll not only see the familiar crane shape, but you’ll also see some creations that might seem impossible! The art rotates seasonally, so if you visit more than once, you’ll experience something new every time.

What to do there : When you visit this site, you don’t just have to look at the paper creations, you can also learn to make them as well. There are classes on-site as well as specially dyed paper, so get involved and make your experience that much richer.

#20 – Tokyo Station

Japanese crowded subway station as a train passes by.

Tokyo station is a historic building.
Great shopping area, particularly if you’re looking for souvenirs.
Some of the best fast food options in the city are in this building, and they’re far healthier than western fast food options too!

Why it’s so awesome : It might sound strange to say that a trip through a train station can be an awesome experience but this is Japan, where nothing is as you might expect. Tokyo Station is a historic icon that’s a symbol of Japan’s rush to modernize. It’s over a hundred years old and is home to a huge variety of shops and restaurants. That’s what makes it the perfect place to spend some time before and after your trips out of the city.

What to do there: You can take a tour through the station if you like but you can also explore it on your own. There are a huge variety of shops within the building as well as some food stalls that serve famous Japanese snacks. Visit the Tokyo Ramen Street inside the station to try a wide variety of ramen types all in one handy location.

#21 – Kabuki-za Theatre – A Great Place to Visit in Tokyo at Night

This theatre has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times, but it’s still a historic landmark and home to great kabuki shows !
There’s also a gallery on the fifth floor with costumes and other related exhibits.

Why it’s so awesome: This theatre was first built in the late 1800s, but war and fire, and other disasters have destroyed it repeatedly throughout time. The most recent incarnation was built in 2013, which proves just how important this art form is to Japanese culture. Kabuki is a form of Japanese theatre that uses song and dance as well as highly dramatized language and actions to convey stories. The plays can be historical dramas, more contemporary stories, or dance pieces.

What to do there : This theatre has shows running constantly so make sure you get a ticket while you’re in the city. You don’t even have to sit through a whole play if you aren’t sure if you’ll like it because there are single-act tickets that you can buy at the door. Make sure you have a look at the souvenir shop afterward for some awesome gifts or trinkets that are sure to raise eyebrows back home.

#22 – Ueno Sakuragi Atari

A historic and fascinating look at old Japan.
If you’re interested in history, you’ll get some great shots in this area, which looks like it belongs to a previous age.

Why it’s so awesome : This area contains 3 traditional houses that were renovated into one complex. They now contain stores, houses, and workshops, all of them eclectic and cunningly fit into such as small area. You can have a craft beer in a bar that looks like it came straight off the set of a Japanese film and eat bread in an eclectic bakery. Basically, this area is like a small town all in 3 buildings, and you’ll get some amazing travel photos while you’re there.

What to do there : Just explore. The design of this building is eclectic and it has a lot of nooks and crannies where there are shops and stalls that you wouldn’t expect. And they have great seasonal events too, including beer festivals and tea ceremonies, so check their website before you go to see what’s on.

#23 – Rainbow Bridge

The city’s most famous bridge.
It looks amazing in the day, but it’s even better at night when it lights up.
Make sure you get lots of photographs!

Why it’s so awesome : The Rainbow Bridge crosses Tokyo Bay and looks like its name. It manages to carry cars, people, and the Metro across the river and look spectacular at the same time, which you can really say about too many bridges. It’s particularly awesome at night, when it lights up with the spectrum of the rainbow, making it look exactly like its name promises.

What to do there : The bridge carries cars, the Metro and people across the water, so if you want to get the full experience then walk over the bridge to Odaiba. The views of the bay and the different parts of the city are amazing in the daytime. But make sure that you find a good spot to see it at night as well because the lights are truly spectacular.

#24 – Ninja Akasaka

Perfect for a fun night out with friends.
Great food, served in surroundings that are reminiscent of an ancient Japanese castle.

Why it’s so awesome : Everyone likes ninjas but nobody really thinks of them in connection with food and yet that’s exactly what you’ll get in this restaurant. This is a fun, quirky place to have dinner while ninjas jump around and bring you dishes in a building that’s designed to look like the interior of a Japanese castle. It’s a great place for a fun night out, as only Japan can do it.

What to do there : This restaurant serves Japanese food with western tweaks, but the real draw is the ninjas who serve the food, bring the menu, and jump out unexpectedly at you. Make sure you check on the showtimes for the magician as well, as this will add another layer of fun to an already interesting night.

#25 – teamLab Planets – One of the most amazing places in Tokyo!

Tokyo’s hottest art show.
Technology and art combine here for an experience you’ll never forget.

Why it’s so awesome : This show opened in 2018 in Odaiba and is a digital art museum created by a technology group called teamLab. There are more than 60 artworks on display and they’re all interactive so you can touch and disrupt. Actually, you’re encouraged to do so, because your participation is part of the art!

What to do there : There are five sections in this art display so make sure you spend time with each one. And don’t just look either, touch and explore and see what happens! You’ll be surprised by the reaction. Also, make sure you check out the Sketch Aquarium, where you can draw your own image and watch as it starts moving across the walls!

#26 – Nonbei Yokocho

Japan’s bar alley where you can get a drink in atmospheric surroundings.
The perfect place for a night out.

Why it’s so awesome : This is a tiny and untidy alley filled with tiny bars, many of which only fit four or five people at once. The area dates back to the 1950s and since then the alley has been filled with eateries and yakitori shops, all of them close to the Shibuya station .

What to do there : Spend time exploring the alleys and try the eateries. The eatery known as Okasan is particularly popular. It’s a no-frills place that serves traditional meals and has been popular in Japan for generations. Also, if you can fit into any of the bars, make sure you grab a drink too and really get the most from the experience. This is a great area to indulge in some proper Japanese food.

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ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Tokyo

What should you not miss in Tokyo?

Shinjuku is the bustling heart and soul of Tokyo and it’s exactly what you came to see! Where the old and the new collide in a complete sensory overload!

What is the coolest place in Tokyo?

It’s got to be Akihabara , the tech center of Tokyo and the Japan of your dreams!! Endless fun awaits in Electric Town!

What are the best places to visit in Tokyo at night?

Head up to the iconic Tokyo Tower and take in the bright lights of the city at night from above!

What are the best places to visit in Tokyo during winter?

Head inside the Ryoguku Kokugikan for some sumo action, it’s sure to heat up during these intense battles!

Japan can be an expensive place, but don’t let that stop you from spending some time in this city, because it’s absolutely worth the money. It’s one of the most interesting cities in the world and offers all the best parts of Japanese culture as well as the most incredible food you’ll ever eat.

Visit the amazing places in Tokyo we’ve discussed have the trip of your dreams. But don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path, too. This city is like another world–get to know it while you’re here!

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Discover the World

23 Top Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The most populous city on the planet, Japan’s capital Tokyo seamlessly mixes the ultramodern with the ancient. Beneath all its soaring neon-lit skyscrapers, you’ll find centuries-old temples and shrines lying alongside sleek shopping malls and museums. With such a unique, interesting culture to discover, one could spend months seeing all its sights.

Made up of 23 wards, the massive metropolis lies at the head of Tokyo Bay, along Honshu’s central coastline. Originally known as Edo, it has been an important cultural, political and commercial centre ever since the Tokugawa shogunate installed themselves here in 1603. Although it is now famed for its cutting-edge technology and design, it still has traditional tea ceremonies, sumo fights and kabuki theater plays to enjoy.

While the concrete streets and skyline seem never-ending, gorgeous parks and gardens do provide some welcome respite. Trendy neighborhoods known either for their crazy pop culture and eclectic fashion scene or lively nightlife and cherry blossom viewings are also dotted here and there. With so many things to do in Tokyo, planning your own itinerary can be overwhelming. Make it simpler by sticking to these top tourist attractions in Tokyo.

23. Nezu Shrine

One of the oldest places of worship in the city, the scenic and serene Nezu shrine is definitely worth visiting. As well as its tunnel-like series of torii gates, it is known for the amazing azaleas that bloom around it in spring.

Often described as ‘Tokyo’s most beautiful shrine’ (and that’s saying something!), it was remarkably founded back in 1705. At its quiet complex, there is an exquisite romon tower gate and homon hall to admire among other buildings. Weaving their way up a hillside through lush woods are its terrific torii gates. They lead you to a viewing platform overlooking a little koi pond.

April and May are the best months to visit as this is when thousands of blooming azalea bushes create an explosion of color. During these months, hordes of locals and tourists alike descend upon Nezu to snap photos amidst the pretty plants. Part of the Bunkyo ward, a stop at the stunning Shinto shrine can easily be combined with the expansive Ueno Park and all its national museums nearby.

22. National Art Center

Located in the Roppongi part of town is the very highly-rated National Art Center. One of the city and country’s most important cultural institutions, it puts on excellent temporary exhibitions of Japanese and international art.

This gigantic glass building was first unveiled to the public in 2007. Designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa, it features a wonderful wave-like wall and has twelve exhibition spaces to explore inside. An art library, auditorium and several cafes are also dotted about.

Unlike Japan’s other national museums, it doesn’t have its own permanent collection. Instead, it has a rotating series of special exhibitions to check out. Always outstanding, these could be on everything from calligraphy and sculptures to paintings, photos and video installations. The architecture of the building and all its imaginative spaces inside are every bit as impressive as the artworks themselves.

21. Mori Art Museum

Just a short walk away is the top-class Mori Art Museum. Another gallery to regularly host temporary exhibitions, the state-of-the-art center is spread across the top six floors of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower; one of Tokyo’s tallest skyscrapers.

Since its opening in 2003, the museum has been dedicated to displaying imaginative installations and unique art by contemporary Asian artists. Over the years, it has housed thought-provoking pieces by Ai Weiwei, Makoto Aida and Tarek Al-Ghoussein among many others. While some feature paintings or photographs others involve performance art and immersive animation experiences.

Visitors can also examine its permanent collection of over 460 artworks from around Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. After taking in its interesting art and architecture, head to the building’s roof for phenomenal views over the capital. While the museum’s galleries, cafe and restaurant already offer fine panoramas, being buffeted by the wind at its outdoor observation deck makes for an even more exhilarating experience.

20. Shinjuku Golden Gai

One of the most fun things to do in Tokyo, the narrow alleys of Golden Gai are crammed with hundreds of themed bars, music clubs and traditional izakaya. Often eclectically decorated according to their owner’s interests, they usually only fit five to ten customers at any time. Spending a night out here in the shadow of all Shinjuku’s skyscrapers is an absolute must for its intoxicating atmosphere.

Lying on the eastern edge of the Kabukicho entertainment district, its maze of claustrophobic streets was once home to lots of brothels. When prostitution was banned in the fifties, all kinds of drinking dens sprung up in their place.

Now numbering roughly 300 in total, each establishment has its own unique look, feel and character. While some feature cool jazz, rock and anime-themed decors, others have live music and karaoke to listen to. There are just as wide a variety of food and drink options to try ranging from craft beers and sake to sushi and yakitori.

Wandering about its narrow alleys, entering small bars and chatting to bartenders, locals and tourists was by far one of our most memorable nights out in Tokyo. Before bar hopping about, be aware that many have cover charges and some aren’t too keen on foreigners stopping by.

19. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

You might call it the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, but locals refer to it simply as Tochō. Either way, the building is a complex of three different structures, within which most of the government of Tokyo works each day.

Designed by the architect Kenzo Tange, Tochō is a staggering 48 stories tall, but at 33 stories there is a split. This gives the building the look of a Gothic cathedral, but there is still no doubt that it is a contemporary structure.

It offers an observation platform where you can admire the sprawling district of Shinjuku below you. On a clear day you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji to the west. Access is free.

18. Kabukiza Theater

If you’re after a scintillating show, then the charming Kabukiza Theater is the place to go. Located in the upscale Ginza district, the historic venue puts on a packed schedule of traditional Kabuki theatre performances. These involve dramatic dances, action-packed sword fights and moving singing.

While the original wooden theater was founded in 1899, its current baroque Japanese revivalist-style building only dates to 2013. Reminiscent of old castles and temples from the pre-Edo period, it hosts around three shows or even more a day. As these can go on for hours and hours, spectators are free to duck out and take a break in one of the theater’s restaurants whenever they feel like it.

Although shows are only in Japanese, all the battles, betrayals and betrothals will definitely keep you entertained! It is however still worthwhile renting an electronic translator or picking up a programme so you have a sense of the plot. All the elaborate costumes, make-up and performances guarantee a great time even if you don’t stay for all of it.

17. Takeshita Street

One of the most popular parts of Tokyo to explore, Harajuku is renowned for its outrageous fashion, cool shops and cutesy Kawaii culture. At the heart of the hip district is Takeshita Street which is lined by countless cosplayer costume stores and quirky cafes selling sweet treats.

Sandwiched between Shibuya and Shinjuku, the lively neighborhood is now the epicenter of Japan’s weird, wild and wacky fashion scene. Along Takeshita, you’ll find colourful clothing stores and unique boutiques alongside pet cafes, bubba tea stands and snack stalls.

Just as good as seeing its stylish shops and sampling delicious desserts is watching all the bizarrely dressed people walking by. While some are dressed as their favorite anime character, others display crazy hairstyles or outlandish fashion accessories. We really loved seeing the creative way everyone expressed themselves and wished we’d visited at the weekend when even more colourful characters take to the streets.

16. Zojo-ji Temple

Overlooked by the enormous Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji is the majestic main temple for the Jodo-shu sect of Buddhism in the city. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens and grounds, it contains the mausoleums of six Tokugawa shoguns. These all powerful military rulers governed Japan from 1603 to 1868.

Lying at the center of Shiba Park, its two-story main gate is impressively the oldest wooden building in the capital, dating to 1622. At its peak, over 120 halls and temples were found here. Sadly, almost all of them were destroyed during the Bombing of Tokyo in WWII.

Nowadays, the complex has some lovely architecture and statues to admire alongside the shoguns’ serene final resting place. Many people combine a visit to the Tokyo Tower with a trip to the temple. Together they make some fantastic photos, contrasting the country’s ancient history with its modern, dynamic present.

15. Hama Rikyu Gardens

Not too far away are the huge Hama Rikyu Gardens that lie right at the mouth of the Sumida River. A treat to amble about slowly, its pretty grounds and peaceful waterways are laid out in the attractive Edo-period style.

Opened to the public in 1946, its site was formerly home to a seventeenth-century villa owned by the Tokugawa family. After being used as hunting grounds by the shogun, it entertained prestigious state guests following the Meiji restoration.

These days it is one of Tokyo’s top tourist attractions and anyone can enjoy its flower-filled fields, old pines and plum tree groves. Visitors can also stroll by its ponds and delight in nice views of all the high-rises peeking above the trees. Particularly memorable times to stop by are in autumn for the garden’s colourful foliage and in spring to see the cheery cherry blossoms blooming.

14. Mt. Takao

If you’re after yet more nature after days spent exploring the city’s endless concrete jungle, then visiting Mt. Takao is one of the best things to do in Tokyo. Conveniently located within an hour of downtown Tokyo, it has loads of scenic hiking trails, woods and wildlife to enjoy.

Now protected as part of a national park, the mount reaches 599 meters at its highest point. Winding their way about its forested slopes are eight trails to choose from or a fun funicular that whisks you half the way up.

Once you reach its summit, you can bask in sublime views over the mountains and metropolis below you. There is also the Takaosan Yakuoin Yuuki-ji Temple complex for you to explore, founded in 744.

13. Edo-Tokyo Museum

For those interested in history, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is an absolute must-visit attraction. Its impressive artifacts and engaging exhibits cover the capital’s captivating past from 1590 to the present-day. As it is now unfortunately closed until 2025 for renovations, keep an eye out for the pop-up exhibitions it’s putting on all around town.

Instantly recognizable from its futuristic building that looks like something out of Star Wars, the vast museum was established in 1993. Starting from the Edo period, it examines its growth, development and how it eventually became the world’s largest city. You’ll also hear about devastating events such as the Kanto earthquake and firebombings that flattened most of it in WWII.

On show are hundreds of artifacts, artworks and expertly done miniature replicas depicting daily life in Tokyo over the centuries. These look at everything from art and architecture of the Edo period to Kabuki theater and the Tokugawa shogunate. When it finally reopens, the museum is again going to be one of Tokyo’s top attractions.

12. Tokyo National Museum

In the meantime, however, make sure to take a trip around the Tokyo National Museum. Tucked away in Ueno Park, its gigantic galleries display the largest number of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. Fascinating to explore, it was certainly our favorite museum we saw in the city.

Founded in 1938, its complex and collection have expanded considerably with more than 110,000 works now on show across its six buildings. While some focus on calligraphy, ceramics and tea ceremony art, other rooms look at woodblock prints or ink paintings. Its Toyokan gallery also has tons of treasures from all around India, China, Korea and the Khmer Empire to inspect.

While we knew it would take a long time to go around, we didn’t expect it to take up the best part of a day! There were just so many cool kimonos, katanas and suits of samurai armor to see, we couldn’t tear ourselves away. Outside, too, there are lovely landscaped gardens to stroll around and of course Ueno Park itself as well.

11. Tokyo Skytree

Boasting some of the most breathtaking views imaginable over the massive metropolis is the Tokyo Skytree. Rising dramatically above the Sumida ward and its surroundings, the very popular landmark is visible for countless kilometers around.

The world’s tallest tower, it remarkably soars 634 meters straight up into the sky. Completed in 2012, the enormous broadcasting and observation tower contains two viewing decks, 350 and 450 meters above the ground. The latter also has a vertigo-inducing glass-covered skywalk that you can gingerly shuffle across while peering at the streets far, far below.

From up high, you see all the capital’s now tiny skyscrapers stretch endlessly before you and Mount Fuji’s snow-coated cone looming on the horizon. Gazing up at its neofuturistic features from below is almost as good, as its silhouette makes for some fabulous photos. Each night, the tall Skytree is delightfully lit up in different colour schemes.

10. teamLab Planets

One of the most amazing, immersive art installations you are likely to come across, teamLab Planets has quickly become one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Tokyo. As well as stimulating your senses, its otherworldly exhibition spaces are certain to provide some of your best pics and selfies from your time in the city.

Originally intended to be temporary, the art exhibition’s overwhelming popularity has thankfully seen it extended a number of times now. Blurring the boundaries between the body, nature and art, it sees you wander barefoot through dark, wet corridors before emerging in awe-inspiring, open spaces.

While some contain hundreds of colourful orchids or strange egg-like sculptures, others are covered in the most incredible multi-sensory digital art. All together, teamLab’s innovative use of lights, touch, sound and engineering techniques makes for an utterly unforgettable experience.

We were very fortunate it wasn’t too crowded when we visited as that can detract massively from the immersion. When booking, try and choose an earlier time slot so that fewer people are around.

9. Tsukiji Market

Seafood and sushi are big staples of the Japanese diet, but at the Tsukiji Market it is possible for you to see exactly where chefs and restaurants find their catch of the day.

Tsukiji is a wholesale fish and seafood market, and it is the largest on the planet. The inner market is where wholesalers purchase seafood in tremendous amounts, but the outer market is where you can snag just enough fish for dinner, or you can dine at sushi restaurants that truly do have the freshest fish possible.

For the best chance at experiencing the full bustle of the market, get there early. Most shoppers arrive before dawn, and by mid-morning the whole operation has largely shut down.

8. Imperial Palace & East Garden

Covering a ginormous swathe of the center of Tokyo is the Imperial Palace and its endless grounds. Still used by the Emperor of Japan and his family, it has plenty of historic buildings and picturesque gardens to amble around.

Surrounded by impenetrable moats and stone walls, the current palace complex occupies the same spot where Edo Castle once stood. From here, the Tokugawa shogun ruled the country from 1603 to 1867 until the Imperial Family moved in following the Meiji Restoration.

On tours, you can actually enter its inner grounds and learn more about the refined residence and its revered royals. As you traipse through attractive gates and courtyards and over old bridges, there are also some ancient ruins and traditional buildings to appreciate.

If you don’t manage to arrange a tour, the only part open to the public is the immaculately-maintained East Garden. Large, green and … rather unremarkable, we were pretty underwhelmed. Aside from the moat and a small, scenic section known as Ninomaru, you walk around seemingly forever without seeing much.

Hopefully, it is a bit better when the sakura are blooming or the azaleas are out. Just be prepared to cover a lot of ground when you visit!

7. Akihabara

Within the Chiyoda Ward of Tokyo is a place known as Akihabara, a major shopping and electronics district.

While plenty of local residents flock here for all sorts of reasons, it is definitely a top pick for travelers, especially if you’re looking to experience a different side of Japanese culture. Akihabara is known primarily for two things: Tech shops and otaku culture. If you’re fascinated by the tech-savvy Japanese, then Akihabara is the place to see the new and wonderful in technology.

As a center of Japanese otaku and anime culture there are dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga and other collectables. There are also several maid cafes, where employees dress as maids and act like different anime characters.

6. Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing

What definitely didn’t disappoint was watching the mad scramble that takes place every few minutes at the Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing. The busiest intersection in the world, its five zebra crossings are almost completely covered by pedestrians, especially at peak times.

Located in front of Shibuya Station, the now iconic destination lies at the center of seven crossroads, surrounded by soaring skyscrapers displaying bright flashing adverts. Whenever the traffic lights turn red, hundreds if not thousands of businessmen, shoppers and tourists cross at any one time.

Finding yourself amidst this teeming throng of people is strangely exhilarating, especially in the evenings when it is busiest. For the best views of the chaotic crossing from above, head to either the Shibuya Sky rooftop or the second-floor Starbucks overlooking it. From both of them, you can snap great pics and videos of the frenetic confusion going on below.

5. Tokyo Tower

Long one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Tokyo Tower has defined its sparkling skyline since the fifties. Asides from admiring its eye-catching architecture, it also has epic panoramas for you to enjoy from its viewing platforms.

The second-tallest structure in the country after the Skytree, the 333 meter-high tower was erected in 1958. Modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the immense lattice tower looks almost exactly like it though is taller, lighter and painted bright red and white.

From its Main Deck and the smaller Top Deck which respectively reach 150 and 250 meters in height, you can gaze out over all of endless Tokyo before you. Although its 360-degree views aren’t quite as good as the Skytree’s, various exhibits and historic photos explain its past. FootTown below also has a small amusement park, cafe and souvenir shops for you to check out.

4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

When many people think of Japan, what comes to mind is the skyscrapers, the bustling streets and the big shopping areas. That’s why it is such a delight to come across the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, an area that belonged to the Naitō family in the Edo period. Today, the gardens are open to the public.

There are three beautiful and distinct landscape designs visible in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: English garden landscaping, French formal landscaping and traditional Japanese gardening. You can have a picnic, stroll along the paved walkways, admire the large greenhouses or just stop to see the over 20,000 cherry trees that fill the gardens.

3. Meiji Shrine

Just north of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing is the amazing Meiji Shrine. Surrounded by gorgeous forests and seasonal iris gardens, the important religious site is an oasis of peace and calm from the busy blocks around it.

Dedicated to the deified spirits of both Emperor Meiji and his wife, the stunning shrine was unveiled in 1921, almost a decade after his death. As it was later destroyed during WWII, the current complex only dates to the fifties. Here you can pay your respects at the giant wood temple and make a small offering at its main sanctuary.

Many also come to either relax or enjoy some exercise in its atmospheric forest. Aside from walking about beneath its towering trees, you can stop by its idyllic iris garden and traditional tea house.

2. Ueno Park

Another unmissable nature spot to explore is the absolutely enormous Ueno Park and its exhaustive list of attractions and activities. One of the most popular and picturesque green spaces in the city, its numerous temples, museums and highly-rated zoo can keep you occupied for days.

Spread across a massive part of the Ueno district, its scenic reaches were set aside for the public in 1873. Since then, several top-class national museums have been erected around the park. While some look at art, history and culture, others focus on science, technology or archaeology.

Other than ambling around its pretty paths and ponds, there are operas, ballets and plays to watch in its concert halls. You can also visit the country’s oldest zoo, home to roughly 2,600 animals, and see the seventeenth-century Ueno Tosho-gu shrine.

What’s more, the park is renowned for being one of the very best places to view cherry blossoms in Japan. We didn’t expect to be so touched by the sight of the sakura blowing in the wind and couldn’t recommend visiting in spring enough. Seeing everyone so enraptured by the thousands of trees full of delicate pink petals was a very special moment.

1. Sensoji Temple

Japan is home to thousands of temples, but the oldest of them all is the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.

By most accounts, the temple’s history dates back to the year 645, making it over 1,400 years old. During the Second World War, much of the temple was destroyed, but it was rebuilt afterwards in the original style. This makes Sensoji Temple a reminder of the resiliency of the Japanese people and an example of new beginnings.

The entrance to the temple is the enormous Thunder Gate with hanging lamps, and it is the base of an annual festival held there each spring. When you visit Sensoji Temple, don’t forget to spend some time at Nakamise-dōri, the street leading to the temple where you can buy souvenirs, snacks or even have your fortune told.

Map of Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

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July 13, 2019 at 4:07 pm

Akihabara is my hangout!

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Tokyo: Top 15 Places to Visit for First Timers

If it's your first time in Tokyo, here are 15 must-visit locations in the city. Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Scramble Square, and other iconic spots are on the list.

Tokyo: 15 Must-Visit Places

Tokyo boasts so many famous places to visit that you might have difficulty deciding where to go. This guide covers the essential 15 destinations in Tokyo that every traveler should include in their itinerary.

15 Must-Visit Places in Tokyo

1. Asakusa and Sensoji Temple 2. Shibuya Scramble Crossing 3. Tokyo Skytree 4. Ueno Park and Ameyoko Street 5. Akihabara and Kanda Shrine 6. The Imperial Palace 7. teamLab borderless in Azabudai Hills 8. Ginza and the Kabukiza Theater 9. Tokyo Tower 10. Odaiba 11. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka 12. Roppongi Hills 13. Harajuku and Meiji Jingu Shrine 14. Tokyo Disney Resort 15. teamLab Planets in Toyosu For Shopping in Tokyo: Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Ikebukuro

1. Asakusa and Sensoji Temple

Photo by Pixta Sensoji Temple , located in Asakusa, is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and enshrines a sacred statue of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, that is said to have been found in the waters of Sumida River in the 8th century. The entire district of Asakusa flourished around this temple through the centuries.

There are many photogenic locations on the temple grounds, including Kaminarimon Gate with its impressive lantern and the five-story pagoda.

The 250-meter-long approach to the temple is called Nakamise Dori and is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. Both sides of the street are dotted with souvenir shops to satisfy any need for souvenirs and keepsakes.

Sensoji Temple

Ueno / Asakusa / Akihabara

Lake Kawaguchi / Fujiyoshida

↑ Return to the top of article.

2. Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Tokyo: Top 15 Places to Visit for First Timers

Photo by Pixta

The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is an intersection right outside Shibuya Station where as many as 3,000 pedestrians cross each time. This is where you can experience the highly urbanized side of Tokyo.

On weekend evenings, the area becomes very crowded. We suggest enjoying the view from above. The Shibuya Sky Observatory offers breathtaking views of the crossing along with interactive exhibits that allow you to feel the pulse of the ever-changing Shibuya district.

SHIBUYA SKY

Shibuya / Harajuku / Omotesando

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree , standing 634 tall, was built as a broadcasting tower in 2012. Together with Tokyo Skytree Town, a commercial complex with several entertainment and dining facilities, it is a must-visit location near Asakusa.

There are two observation decks within Tokyo Skytree. The Tembo Deck is located 350 meters above ground, and the Tembo Galleria is at 450 meters. Besides the unobstructed panorama of Tokyo and its surroundings, on days with clear weather, you can see as far as Mt. Fuji from here.

Tokyo Skytree Town is home to numerous shops, an aquarium, and a planetarium, making it ideal for souvenir shopping and relaxing.

Tokyo Sky Tree

4. Ueno Park and Ameyoko Street in Ueno

Photo by Pixta Ueno Park is the first facility designated as a park by the Japanese government in 1873.

Prominent museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Museum of Nature and Science are located within Ueno Park.

The famous Ueno Zoo, the Shinobazu Pond, and the Bentendo Temple are also inside this spacious park.

Ueno Park is one of the best locations to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo around the end of March.

Ameya Yokocho, or the Ameyoko Street , is also located in Ueno. This is a shopping street with a wide variety of stores, from grocery stores selling marine products and fresh fruit to clothing and cosmetics stores.

There are also many drugstores on Ameyoko selling Japanese cosmetics and health care products of all types.

Ameyoko is home to countless eating and drinking establishments, including restaurants where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. You’ll immediately feel the overwhelming energy from this lively area when you visit.

5. Akihabara and Kanda Shrine

Akihabara: 20 Things to Do - Anime, Arcades, Maid Cafes, and More

Akihabara is the beating heart of Japan's pop culture, anime, and gaming industry.

Akihabara's Electric Town, Bic Camera, and Yodobashi AKIBA are some of the best places to shop for electric devices made in Japan, game consoles, figurines, and anime merchandise.

A walk around Akihabara would not be complete without a visit to a maid cafe or gaming arcade.

We also recommend visiting the nearby Kanda Myojin Shrine , which boasts beautiful shrine architecture and a a history of nearly 1300 years. This shrine is dedicated to Tokyo's guardian deities.

The Kanda Festival held at this shrine every year in May is one of Tokyo's three famous festivals and an amazing cultural experience.

Akihabara: 30 Things to Do - Anime, Electronics, Dining, and More

This location is also close to Hijiribashi Bridge, which offers an excellent vantage point to capture three of Tokyo's iconic train lines in one picture: the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, and the JR Sobu and Chuo lines.

Kanda Myojin (Kanda Shrine)

6. The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is located near Tokyo Station in the heart of the city. The palace was formerly called Edo Castle, functioning as the headquarters of the Tokugawa shogunate . It became the Emperor’s residence in 1868.

Gates and Japanese gardens built during the castle days still remain. Nijubashi Bridge is particularly famous for its spectacular view.

Guided tours of the facilities are held regularly; these tours typically require a reservation. As of June 2023, tours are held twice a day except on Sundays and Mondays. For more details, please check the official website .

Same-day tours are also available, allowing visitors to join even without prior reservation. Please note, however, that these tours are very popular, with slots filling up quickly. If you forgot to book in advance, please inquire at the reception desk whether you can join a tour without a reservation.

The alleys surrounding the Imperial Palace have become one of the most popular jogging routes in Tokyo.

Imperial Palace

Tokyo / Marunouchi

7. teamLab borderless in Azabudai Hills

teamLab, Universe of Water Particles on a Rock where People Gather © teamLab

Reopened in February 2024 within Azabudai Hills , a bustling shopping and entertainment hub at the heart of Tokyo, the teamLab Borderless: Mori Building Digital Art Museum is one of the must-visit Tokyo attractions.

This expansive venue stands as the preeminent showcase for the innovative artistry of teamLab , boasting 50 captivating art installations alongside a charming tea house infused with the same creative spirit found within the gallery.

Envelop yourself in the interactive wonders conceived by teamLab, ventures that blur the confines of technology, art, nature, and culture. Set aside a generous portion of your day to traverse these uncharted realms of artistic expression!

teamLab Borderless Azabudai Hills

8. Ginza and the Kabukiza Theater

Ginza is known as Tokyo's high-end posh district but amid its luxurious department stores you'll discover well-established restaurants and shops with a long tradition and history.

The Kabukiza Theater in Ginza is the prime location to enjoy a performance of Kabuki, one of Japan’s traditional performing arts. This theater was built in 1889 and has since undergone four renovations. It continues to charm and fascinate all who visit.

Kobikicho Square , a shopping area with souvenirs and gifts related to Kabuki, is located on the second basement level. All visitors can enter and shop here, even those not planning to see a performance. If you're looking for a unique souvenir from Japan, the Kabuki Kyogen Rice Crackers might be a good choice. Each rice cracker wrapper is decorated with a famous scene from a kabuki performance.

The Kabukiza Gallery on the fifth floor can be accessed for free. The gallery displays costumes and props used in actual stage performances. It's a great place to learn more about Kabuki theater.

Ginza / Nihonbashi

9. Tokyo Tower

Until the construction of Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower was the tallest radio tower and man-made structure in Japan, measuring 333 meters in height. It has stood as the symbol of Tokyo ever since its completion in 1958.

Tokyo Tower has two viewing platforms that allow visitors to see the view of the city as well as far away in the distance. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji.

Tokyo Tower

10. Odaiba, Tokyo's Leading Entertainment District

Photo by Pixta Odaiba , which served as a venue area for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, is a seaside district with a refreshing ocean breeze. Odaiba Marine Park with its own Statue of Liberty and views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay is the first destination in this area for many visitors.

Photo by Pixta The futuristic Odaiba is home to many popular attractions, such as the life-size 19.7 meter tall Unicorn Gundam Statue located in front of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping mall, Tokyo Joypolis , an indoor amusement park operated by SEGA, and the Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo . This is a great area to spend the entire day, ideal for friends and families.

To get to Odaiba, hop on board the Yurikamome, a train that operates along the Tokyo Bay area, and enjoy the beautiful view.

In addition to sightseeing and shopping, visitors to Odaiba can enjoy scenic views of the city from the Fuji TV Building observatory or interact with robots and androids at Miraikan: The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation .

Akasaka / Roppongi

11. Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Animation movies by Studio Ghibli such as "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away" are well-known to many in and outside of Japan. At the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka , you can immerse yourself in the magical world of Studio Ghibli animation. The displays feature various characters from the movies. Visitors can also watch original short films.

The tickets for the Ghibli Museum must be purchased in advance . When you reserve your ticket, you need to specify the day and time of your visit. Please visit the Ghibli Museum official website for details.

Please note that photography is not allowed on the premises. Instead of taking pictures, allow your heart to capture the fascinating sights of the world of Studio Ghibli.

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

12. Roppongi Hills

Visitors who seek the metropolitan atmosphere of Tokyo should head to Roppongi Hills . The Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is home to the Mori Art Museum, which displays contemporary art, and to many sophisticated shops, cafes, and restaurants.

You can enjoy views of the city from Tokyo City View , the indoor observation deck on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower can also be seen from here. The night view is especially spectacular.

Roppongi is filled with clubs and bars where visitors can enjoy Tokyo’s nightlife. We suggest taking in the night view from the observatory and then enjoying the rest of the evening nearby.

On weekdays and national holidays, business hours for the Tokyo City View observatory are from 10:00 to 23:00, with the last entry at 22:30. On Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before a holiday, it’s open from 10:00 to 1:00 AM, and the last entry is at midnight.

Roppongi Hills

13. Harajuku and Meiji Jingu Shrine

Harajuku is one of Tokyo's fashion hubs, along with Shibuya, Omotesando, and Ebisu. The famous Takeshita Street in front of JR Harajuku Station is thought to be the birthplace of Japan's kawaii culture. The 360-meter-long shopping street is a hotspot for those who seek original fashion trends and miscellaneous goods from Japan and all around the world.

Takeshita Street and the entire Harajuku district boast many excellent restaurants and cafes where you can taste some of Tokyo's best cuisine and desserts.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is just five minutes away from Harajuku Station. This shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), the 122nd Emperor of Japan, and Empress Shoken (1849-1914).

The forest on the shrine grounds consists of more than 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan. More than 2,800 species of plants and living creatures call this forest their home.

If you visit Harajuku, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine and immerse yourself in the calm, tranquil atmosphere of this oasis in the heart of the metropolis.

Meiji Jingu

14. Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland Summer 2019 - Guide To Special Events And Shopping

Tokyo Disney Resort , one of the largest amusement parks in Japan, is located in Maihama, Chiba Prefecture, bordering Tokyo.

The facility consists of two parks: Tokyo Disneyland : Kingdom of Dreams and Magic and Tokyo DisneySea : A Sea of Adventure and Imagination. There is also the Ikspiari shopping mall with about 140 shops and restaurants nearby.

While there are six Disneylands worldwide, Tokyo Disney Resort is famous for its hospitality and unique souvenirs.

Tokyo Disney Resort

15. teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu

teamLab Planets TOKYO - Plunge Into A Dreamy Art World In Toyosu

teamLab, The Infinite Crystal Universe, 2018, Interactive Installation of Light Sculpture, LED, Endless Sound: teamLab.©teamLab

TeamLab is a digital art collective based in Japan that hosts exhibitions worldwide. TeamLab Planets TOKYO DMM is a long-running exhibition currently held in Toyosu.

It consists of four large-scale works and two gardens. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience while walking through a space full of reflective surfaces a garden where flowers endlessly blossom and wither.

For more information on TeamLab Planets TOKYO DMM and other exhibitions, please check their official website .

TeamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com

Shopping in Tokyo: Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Ikebukuro

The best places to enjoy shopping for the latest fashion and gadgets in Tokyo are Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. Read on to learn what you can find in each area.

Ginza is a famous shopping district with luxury brand stores lining its streets. The GINZA SIX shopping complex is a facility where you'll find both high-end brands and stylish shops handling traditional Japanese crafts.

Shinjuku is home to Kabukicho, which is regarded as the largest amusement district in Asia. All types of dining facilities line up along the streets, along with hotels and entertainment facilities. Since Shinjuku is easily accessible, many people stay in the area when visiting Japan.

For shopping, we recommend the classic department stores Isetan and Takashimaya. For youthful fashion trends, visit Lumine or NewWoman Shinjuku.

The recently opened Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is an excellent location for entertainment and dining in Shinjuku.

Shinjuku / Yotsuya

Shibuya and Harajuku

Those interested in fashion should definitely pay a visit to Shibuya or Harajuku. Since these areas are frequented by youth, they have become a showcase for the latest fashion trends. Takeshita Street is particularly famous for its youthful and extravagant fashion shops.

Shibuya has excellent department stores such as Shibuya Scramble Square, Hikarie, Tokyu Plaza Shibuya, Shibuya PARCO, and others.

Omotesando is home to luxury brand stores. Although it is very close to Shibuya and Harajuku, this area has a more sophisticated atmosphere.

Akihabara is the place to go for electric and electronic devices, from cameras to phones and computers.

This district has been gathering attention in recent years as a place that caters to anime and game enthusiasts. There are many maid cafes, clubs where idols perform, and niche shops for cosplayers as well.

Besides the Tobu and Seibu department stores, electronics stores such as Bic Camera and Yamada Denki compete against each other in Ikebukuro.

There are also budget-friendly shops frequented by students, along with inexpensive eateries. Visitors can stroll the area without worrying about overspending. Since Ikebukuro is known for its amusement facilities, there is never a dull moment here!

Where should I go first in Tokyo?

When beginning your Tokyo adventure, a good starting point would be to explore Shibuya for its famous bustling crossing and vibrant shopping scene, where you can experience the energy of the city. Alternatively, Shinjuku offers a blend of traditional and modern with its nostalgic bars in the Golden Gai Street and the vibrant Tokyu Kabukich Tower. Asakusa is perfect for a dose of history, featuring the iconic Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Each of these areas provides a unique taste of Tokyo's diverse offerings, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's culture and sights right from the start.

How many days should I spend in Tokyo for the first time?

The ideal duration for a first-time visit to Tokyo can vary depending on your interests and travel preferences. However, spending around 5 to 7 days in Tokyo is a good starting point to explore the city and enjoy its diverse attractions without feeling rushed. This timeframe allows you to visit major neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, experience the local culture, try different cuisines, and perhaps take day trips to nearby destinations like Yokohama or Nikko.

Is 7 days in Tokyo too much?

Spending 7 days in Tokyo offers the opportunity for a comprehensive exploration of the city's diverse neighborhoods and attractions without feeling rushed. This timeframe allows for a more in-depth experience, with the chance to delve deeper into Tokyo's culture, visit lesser-known areas, and enjoy a relaxed pace of exploration. Additionally, having a week in Tokyo provides flexibility for day trips to neighboring cities like Nikko, Yokohama, or Kamakura, adding a variety of cultural and historical experiences to your itinerary. With extra time to spare, unexpected discoveries and hidden gems can be uncovered, making for a more enriched and fulfilling travel experience in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Is Tokyo an expensive city to visit?

Tokyo is known to be a relatively expensive city to visit, with costs for accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment adding up quickly. However, there are ways to make your trip more budget-friendly. Opt for affordable accommodation like hostels or Airbnb, use public transportation over taxis, explore budget dining options such as local eateries and street stalls, prioritize free or low-cost attractions like parks and temples, and set a shopping budget to avoid overspending. By planning wisely and making cost-conscious choices, it's possible to enjoy Tokyo's culture and attractions without breaking the bank.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto cheaper?

Kyoto is typically viewed as slightly cheaper than Tokyo due to factors like more affordable accommodation options, traditional dining choices that can be cost-effective, lower entrance fees at many temples and gardens, and the city's more manageable size compared to Tokyo. While both cities cater to diverse budgets, Kyoto's historical charm and relatively lower overall expenses make it a popular choice for visitors seeking a balance between cost and cultural exploration.

Where is the best place to go in Japan for the first time?

For a first-time visit to Japan, Tokyo is often recommended as an excellent starting point due to its blend of modernity, tradition, and diverse attractions. Tokyo offers a wide range of experiences, from iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and Sensoji Temple to vibrant neighborhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku. The city's efficient public transportation system makes it easy to navigate, and there are abundant dining and shopping options to explore. Additionally, Tokyo serves as a gateway to other regions in Japan, allowing for day trips to nearby cities and attractions. Overall, Tokyo provides a comprehensive introduction to Japanese culture, making it an ideal destination for first-time visitors.

Special Discount Coupons Offered by MATCHA

MATCHA offers various discount coupons that can be used by international visitors when shopping in Japan. Enjoy bargain shopping in Tokyo!

Bic Camera: Up to 7% OFF

Don Quijote: Up to 7% OFF

Other Discount Coupons to Use at Shops in Japan

Main image courtesy of Pixta This is a revised edition of an article that was originally published in August 2016 Writer of original article: Erica Ohara

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

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22 Things to do in Tokyo + Tourist Spots

Tokyo is Japan’s bustling ultramodern capital — the most populous metropolitan area in the world. Let me show you the interesting attractions I’ve visited around Tokyo’s different districts and nearby prefectures. I suggest spending at least two to three days in Tokyo, to see most of the highlights on this list.

Tokyo Tourist Spots

What to do & where to go in Tokyo? I got you! Here are places to visit, interesting attractions & things to do in Tokyo for your bucketlist/itinerary.

1. Shibuya Crossing

2. hachiko square, 3. shibuya sky, 4. sensoji temple, asakusa, 5. nakamise shopping street, 6. tokyo skytree, 7. tokyo disneyland & tokyo disneysea, 8. go on a side trip to mount fuji, 9. teamlab borderless & teamlab planets, 10. tokyu plaza mirror escalator, 11. takeshita street, 12. meiji shrine & yoyogi park, 13. ueno park, 14. tokyo national museum, 15. ameya yokocho market (ameyoko shopping street), 16. tokyo tower, 17. gundam unicorn statue & odaiba, 18. akihabara, 19. miraikan (national museum of emerging science and innovation), 20. shinjuku district, 21. hario cafe, 22. edo-tokyo museum & ryogoku district, narita & chiba.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

View more travel tips in: Tokyo , ALL Destinations .

Find this guide helpful? Share the love & follow Detourista for travel inspo on: Instagram , Facebook , Tiktok , Pinterest .

Money-saving tip : Use promo code “ KLOOKDETOURISTA ” to grab 5% OFF hotels and 3% OFF tours/activities next time you book on Klook.

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Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan Japan

There’s no other spot that embodies the pulsating energy of Tokyo than Shibuya Crossing. It’s a must-visit in Tokyo, especially for first-time travelers. This scramble intersection is reputed to be the busiest in the world. Go at night when the crowds reach their peak. Join the thousands crossing at a time, coming from all directions at once.

Shibuya Crossing

Price — Free. No admission ticket/entrance fee.

Location — 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — Shibuya Crossing is always open.

How to go — Ride the train/subway to Shibuya Station (Hanzomon Line, Ginza Line, Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, or JR Narita Express). From Shibuya Station, follow the signs to the Hachiko Exit (Hachiko-guchi Exit). This exit leads directly to Shibuya Crossing.

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan Japan Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo at night

Marcos at Hachikō Memorial Statue, in Shibuya, Tokyo

When in Shibuya, be sure to visit the statue of Hachiko, one of Tokyo’s famous landmarks. It’s a must-see, especially if you’re familiar with the heartwarming story of the loyal dog Hachiko, who was known for his daily wait for his owner. You can’t miss it; it’s right outside the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station.

Hachiko Square

Location — Beside Shibuya Crossing. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — Always open.

Hachikō Memorial Statue, in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan Hachikō Memorial Statue, Tokyo, Japan

Pro-tip: To make your trip planning easier, I’ve added links to the pin locations on Google Maps. Use the ‘save’ feature on the app to see all your saved locations on one map, visualize your itinerary, and know the best areas to stay near the places you want to go.

Tokyo Travel Essentials

Before we go with the rest of the list, here are travel essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip. Click below to see discounts & read traveler reviews.

Japan Data/Internet

Japan Travel eSIM — JPY 731 ( Book here )

Japan SIM Card — JPY 3,500 ( Book here )

Tokyo Airport Train/Bus Transfers

Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket — JPY 2,310 ( Book here ). Narita Airport and downtown Tokyo in just 36 minutes.

Tokyo Airport Bus (Haneda/Narita) — JPY 1,400 ( Book here )

Tokyo Train, Transport & Attractions Passes

Klook Pass Greater Tokyo — JPY 6,325+ ( Book here ). Save up to 48% compared to buying individual tickets with Klool’s multi-attraction pass.

Tokyo Cultural Tourism Pass — JPY 6,800 ( Book here ).

Tokyo Subway Unli Ticket — JPY 800+ ( Book here ). Unlimited Rides 1/2/3 Days on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines

Tokyo Train & Shinkansen Tickets ( Book here )

Where to stay in Tokyo:

Book here Compare rates

Recommended Tokyo Hotels:

Palace Hotel Tokyo ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Tokyo Stn

Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Shibuya

Asakusa Tobu Hotel ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Mid-range / Asakusa

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Mid-range / Shibuya

APA Hotel Asakusa – Ekimae ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Asakusa

APA Hotel TKP Nippori Ekimae ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Ueno

Glamping Tokyo Asakusa ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Asakusa

Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Asakusa

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

JR Pass for Whole Japan

Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)

SHIBUYA SKY Ticket

Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket

TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM Ticket

Tours + discounts Flights

Shibuya Sky view in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Haotian Zheng .

Perched atop the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper, Shibuya Sky is an observation deck offering stunning views of Tokyo. The best part is that it features outdoor areas in addition to multiple levels of indoor areas. If you are in Shibuya, don’t miss this Instagram-worthy spot. From the Shibuya Sky, you can see Tokyo’s famous landmarks like the Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo Tower and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Make sure to pre-book the admission ticket online before you go to skip the long queues at the ticket counters and the more expensive ticket price at the gate.

Shibuya Sky

Price — JPY 2,500 ( Book here ) for the admission ticket/entrance fee.

Location — Shibuya Scramble Square, 2 Chome-24-12, Shibuya. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 10 AM to 10:30 PM

How to go — Ride the train/subway to Shibuya Station, which is directly linked to Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya Sky. To get to Shibuya Sky, you must first make your way to the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square building. Then, take the “Transition Pod” elevator to the 45th floor.

Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo

With a history going back 1,400 years, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. This vibrant symbol of Japanese culture, located in the Asakusa district, is a must-visit when in Tokyo. Enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and Hozomon Gate with its massive hanging lanterns, then capture a picture of the Five-storied Pagoda (Goju-no-to). Inside, the main hall houses a magnificent golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Sensoji Temple

Price — FREE. No admission ticket/entrance fee.

Location — Asakusa. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — The Sensoji Temple is open from 6 AM to 5 PM. Between October and March, the temple opens at 6:30 AM. Kaminarimon/Hozomon Gates and Asakusa Shrine are always open.

How to go — Nearest metro station is Asakusa Station (Ginza and Asakusa lines).

Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Sensō-ji temple, Tokyo

Tours & activities:

Asakusa Rickshaw Tour — JPY 10,000 ( Book here )

Kimono/Yukata Experience — JPY 5,478 ( Book here )

Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s biggest souvenir market is found in front of Sensoji Temple. The shopping street stretches over 250 meters and is lined on both sides with traditional souvenir shops. Here, you can savor freshly made snacks like senbei (rice crackers) or browse for unique gifts such as traditional kimonos and wooden figurines.

Nakamise Shopping Street

Location — In front of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — Most shops are open from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Nakamise Shopping Street near Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Sensō-ji temple, Tokyo

Marcos at Tokyo Skytree

With a height of 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and the World’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. Located in Sumida Ward near Asakusa, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo. There are two observation decks, the Tembo deck at a height of 350 meters and the Galleria at 450 meters.

Tokyo Skytree

Price — The Tembo Deck admission ticket/entrance fee is JPY 1,800 ( Book here ), while the admission ticket to both Tembo Deck + Galleria is JPY 2,700.

Location — 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan (near Asakusa). Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 10 AM to 9 PM

How to go — Take the train/subway to Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line/Tobu Isesaki Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line). The Tokyo Skytree Station is located right at the Tokyo Skytree Town. Alternatively, you can also ride the train to Oshiage Station (Hanzomon Line or Keisei Oshiage Lines). If you are coming from Asakusa, the Tokyo Skyree is a 20-minute walk across the river.

Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Skytree, Japan

Sensō-ji temple & Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Sensō-ji temple & Tokyo Skytree

Asakusa District & Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Asakusa District & Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Disney Resort near Tokyo, Japan

Traveling with family or friends? Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are must-visits. These theme parks feature thrilling rides, captivating shows, and the chance to meet your beloved Disney characters. Tokyo Disneyland offers seven themed lands, including Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland, each with its own distinct atmosphere and adventures. Meanwhile, DisneySea is a one-of-a-kind maritime-themed park tailored to provide a more mature and immersive experience. Attractions and shows at both parks are infused with Japanese culture, offering a special twist on familiar Disney experiences.

Tokyo Disneyland

Location — Tokyo Disney Resort, Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan 279-0031. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 9 AM to 9 PM.

Price — JPY 7,900 ( Book here ).

How to go — Take the train/subway to Maihama Station (JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line). Both lines connect to Tokyo Station. From Maihama Station, it’s a short walk to the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo DisneySea

How to go — Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland are located right next to each other within the Tokyo Disney Resort complex.

Mount Fuji view from Chureito Pagoda, near Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi, Japan

Cross seeing Mount Fuji off your bucket list with a side trip from Tokyo. As you may already know, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and its most iconic landmark. You can either opt for an easy package day tour from Tokyo or choose to stay overnight in the Mount Fuji area. Don’t miss the spectacular views from the lakeside towns of Kawaguchi-ko and Hakone.

Location — Chūbu region. Save on Google Maps .

Mt. Fuji Tours & Discounts

Mt Fuji Classic Day Tour from Tokyo — JPY 8,725 ( Book here ).

Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo — JPY 9,800 ( Book here ).

Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour from Tokyo: Lake Ashi & Ropeway — JPY 20,000 ( Book here ).

Hakone Freepass (2 or 3 Days) — JPY 6,100 ( Book here ).

5 Places To Visit in Kawaguchiko & Mt Fuji Lakes

TeamLab Borderless in Tokyo, Japan

Arguably the most Instagram-famous attractions in Tokyo, TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets offer immersive digital art experiences sure to overwhelm the senses and spark your imagination. Part of the fun is discovering the different exhibits hidden behind the dark, maze-like corridors. It’s easy to get lost and lose track of time, so consider keeping a list of the top exhibits before going. TeamLab Borderless, located in Azabu Juban (Central Tokyo), features vast, borderless artworks that extend beyond physical boundaries. On the other hand, TeamLab Planets, situated in Toyosu, offers a more immersive experience, where visitors become part of the artwork.

TeamLab Borderless

Location — 1-chōme-9-6 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 10 AM to 9PM; Monday to Sunday.

Price — JPY 4,200 ( Book here ).

How to go — Take the train/subway to Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line). Use Exit 5. Or, 4 min walk from Roppongi-Itchome Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line). Use Exit 2..

TeamLab Planets

Location — Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku, Tokyo. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 9 AM to 10 PM.

Price — JPY 3,800 ( Book here ).

How to go — Take the train/subway to Shin-Toyosu Station (New Transit Yurikamome), Toyosu Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) or Shijoumae Station.

TeamLab Borderless in Tokyo, Japan TeamLab Borderless, Tokyo

Plaza Omotesando (shopping mall) in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan

Have you seen the eye-catching photos of Tokyo’s iconic escalator in a kaleidoscopic tunnel of mirrors? This Instagram-worthy spot is located at the entrance of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku shopping center. It has become one of the popular tourist spots in the Harajuku district, alongside Takeshita Street, Yoyogi Park, and Meiji Shrine.

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

Location — 4 Chome-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 11 AM to 8 PM

How to go — Take the train/subway to Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line). Harajuku Station is located right in the heart of the district. Alternatively, you can take the metro train to Meiji-Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line).

Plaza Omotesando (shopping mall) in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan Plaza Omotesando in Harajuku, Tokyo

Takeshita Street, Tokyo

Experience the quirky side of Tokyo at Takeshita Street in the Harajuku district. Here, you’ll discover shops and boutiques catering to Tokyo’s teenagers. Takeshita Street is also renowned for its delicious crepes, giant cotton candies, and other colorful food experiences.

Takeshita Street

Location — 1 Chome-17 Jingumae, Shibuya. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — While the area is always open, shops have varied opening hours.

How to go — Take the train/subway to Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line). From Harajuku Station, it’s a short walk to Takeshita Street. Alternatively, you can take the metro train to Meiji-Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line).

Takeshita Street, Tokyo Takeshita Street, in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan

Meiji Jingu Shrine, in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan

Take a break from Tokyo’s bustling city streets and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Meiji Jingu, nestled in the heart of a densely forested area not far from Harajuku Station. This shrine holds great significance in Shinto tradition and is one of the most important in the city. Adjacent to Meiji Jingu is the expansive and tree-filled Yoyogi Park. Keep an eye out during your visit, as Meiji Jingu is also renowned as a venue for traditional Shinto weddings, and you may chance upon a wedding procession.

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)

Location — 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — Sunrise to sunset

How to go — Take the train/subway to Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line). From Harajuku Station, it’s a short walk to the entrance of Meiji Shrine. Alternatively, you can take the metro train to Meiji-Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line).

Meiji Jingu Shrine, in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo

Ana Inari Shrine in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

I took a stroll around Ueno Park on my way to the Tokyo National Museum. This spacious park is a very popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and hosting hanami parties during the spring season. There are plenty of interesting places to visit in the surrounding area, including the Toshogu Shrine, Five-Story Pagoda, Shinobazu Pond, Ameyoko Shopping District, and several other museums.

Location — Ueno, Taito. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 5 AM to 11 PM

How to go — Take the train/subway to Ueno Station (Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line). From Ueno Station, it’s a short walk to Ueno Park. Alternatively, you can it’s a 15 minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) and Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Line).

Kiyomizu Kannon-Do in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Kiyomizu Kannon-Do, Ueno, Tokyo

Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Ueno Park, Tokyo

National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park, Tokyo

National Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Park, Tokyo

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan (Concert Hall) in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Bunka Kaikan (Concert Hall), Ueno Park, Tokyo

Komatsunomiya Akihito Shinno Statue in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Komatsunomiya Akihito Shinno Statue, Ueno Park, Tokyo

Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

The Tokyo National Museum is an art museum in Ueno Park. It houses the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. The Honkan gallery is where you can find the main display of Japanese art from various centuries including kimonos and samurai swords.

Tokyo National Museum

Price — JPY 1,000 ( Book here ).

Opening Hours — 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Tue to Thu 9:30 AM to 7 PM on Fri to Sun. Closed on Mon.

How to go — Take the train/subway to Ueno Station (Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line). From Ueno Station, it’s a about a 10-15 walk to Tokyo National Museum. Alternatively, you can it’s a 15 minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) and Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Line).

Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo

Toyokan Asian Gallery at the Tokyo National Museum, in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo National Museum – Toyokan Asian Gallery, Tokyo

Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan, Japan

Ameyoko Shopping District in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

Ameya Yokocho Market is a bustling market street located under the rail line between JR Ueno and Okachimachi stations. With over 400 stores, it offers a wide variety of goods including seafood, clothing, dried foods, sweets, and more. It’s the perfect place to hunt for bargains or indulge in Tokyo’s street food scene.

Ameya Yokocho Market (Ameyoko Shopping Street)

Opening Hours — Varies per store, but they are typically open from 10 AM to 8 PM.

How to go — Take the train/subway to Ueno Station (Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line). From Ueno Station, it’s a short walk to Ameya Yokocho Market. Alternatively, you can it’s a 15 minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) and Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Line).

Ameyoko Shopping District in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan Ameyoko Shopping District, Tokyo

Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Shawn Tung .

Tokyo Tower is one of Tokyo’s famous observation decks, an iconic landmark that rises majestically over the city skyline, standing at 333 meters tall.

Tokyo Tower

Price — JPY 1,200 ( Book here ).

Location — 4 Chome-2-8 Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 9 AM to 10:30 PM

How to go — Take the train/subway to Onarimon Station (Toei Mita Line), Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Subway Line), or Kamiyacho (Hibiya Subway Line). Tokyo Tower is about a 5-10 minute walk from these stations. Alternatively, you can go via Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Daimon Station (Toei Oedo Line and Toei Asakusa Line). From these stations, Tokyo Tower is a 15-20 minute walk away.

Gundam Unicorn Statue in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

A life-size 1:1 Gundam statue standing outside Diver City mall, in Tokyo’s Odaiba district. You can even see it transform between Unicorn mode and destroy mode every 2 hours at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Then at night, there’s a light show at 7am. It’s pretty cool to see.

Gundam Unicorn Statue

Location — Diver City mall, Odaiba, Aomi, Koto. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — Always open

How to go — Nearest train/subway station is Daiba Station. From there, it’s a short walk away to The Gundam Unicorn Statue.

Statue of Liberty & Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan Statue of Liberty, Tokyo

Pallette Town in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan Pallette Town, Odaiba, Tokyo

Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo

Miraikan Future Museum (Japan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan Miraikan Future Museum, Tokyo

Kanda Myoujin Shrine in Akihabara, okyo, Japan

Neon-lit Akihabara is a fascinating district filled with shops specializing in high-tech gadgets, manga, anime and video games. It’s known as Japan’s electric town. There are many interesting things to do here like experiencing themed cafes and go-karting. See a different side of Akihabara at Kanda Myojin Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo.

Location — Taito City, Tokyo, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Take the Metro/JR train to Akihabara Station.

Akihabara in Tokyo, Japan Akihabara, Tokyo

Things to do in Akihabara

Go Karting Experience in Akihabara — JPY 12,500 ( Book here )

Miraikan Future Museum (Japan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

This is Japan’s Future Museum where you can get to see Asimo, the famous Honda robot, and the world’s largest Globe OLED display, which shows real-time events of global weather patterns. It’s a pretty interesting spot to visit in tandem with other nearby attractions in Odaiba, especially if you’re with children who are interested in science as there are a lot of interactive elements.

MIRAIKAN (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)

Price — JPY 630

Location — Odaiba, Aomi, Koto. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

How to go — Take the train/subway to Telecom Center Station (Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line). From there, it’s a short walk to Miraikan.

Shinjuku District in Tokyo, Japan

The Shinjuku District is home to the world’s busiest railway station and Kabukicho, Japan’s largest and most vibrant red-light district. If you’re looking to shop, Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s best destinations. Don’t miss out on the great deals at Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera if you’re in the market for a new camera. Keep an eye out for the enormous Godzilla towering over Toho Cinema in Kabukicho, Shinjuku.Ride a train/subway to Shinjuku Station

Location — Tokyo, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Hario Cafe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan

If you’re into pour-over coffee, don’t miss the Hario Cafe in Tokyo. They have two locations, one in Roppongi and another in Chuo. Aside from satisfying your caffeine fix, these stores also sell Hario’s signature brewing equipment, albeit at a premium price.

Hario Cafe – Roponggi

Location — 1 Chome-5-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 11 AM to 6 PM.

How to go — Take the train subway to Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Toei Oedo Line). From Roppongi Station, it’s a short walk to Hario Cafe..

Hario Cafe & Lampwork Factory

Location — 1 Chome-12-15 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 11 AM to 7 PM.

How to go — Take the train/subway to Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) or Shin-Nihombashi Station (JR Sobu Line). From either station, it’s a short walk to Hario Cafe & Lampwork Factory. Alternatively, you can also use Nihombashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tozai Line, and Toei Asakusa Line), which is slightly farther away but still within walking distance.

Location — 1 Chome-12-15 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo. Save on Google Maps .

Hario Cafe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan Hario Cafe, Tokyo

Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, Tokyo, Japan

NOTE: Edo-Tokyo Museum is temporarily closed for renovation.

My favorite museum in Tokyo! Get a fascinating glimpse of Tokyo during the 400-year Edo period. The Edo-Tokyo Museum houses fantastic models and exhibits, showing life from Japan’s bygone era to the modern-day. The moment I entered the main hall, I was already in awe of the reconstruction of the wooden Nihombashi bridge and a kabuki theater. Smaller models of Edo-style Japanese houses and miniature models of entire villages were also quite impressive.

Location — Near Ryogoku Station. 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida. Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Take a train to Ryogoku Station (JR Sobu Line / Toei Oedo Line). The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a short walk away.

Sumo Wrestler in Ryogoku, Tokyo, Japan Sumo Wrestler in Ryogoku, Tokyo

Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, Tokyo, Japan Edo-Tokyo Museum, Tokyo

Where to go near Tokyo

Sawara Little Edo in Chiba, Japan

If you’re looking for places to visit near Tokyo, Chiba prefecture offers a lot of interesting attractions. Don’t miss Narita-san Temple, a beautiful & popular Buddhist temple not far away from Narita Airport, and the well-preserved Old Town of Sawara Little Edo.

Location — Chiba. Save on Google Maps .

Sawara Little Edo in Chiba, Japan Sawara Little Edo, Chiba

Narita-san Temple in Narita, Chiba, Japan Narita-san Temple, Chiba

Marcos at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama is one of the best day trips near Tokyo. This huge port city offers tons of fun things to do. One of my favorite attractions here is the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. Here, you can have a taste of ramen from different parts of Japan and soak up the 1950s Tokyo vibe. The biggest attraction here, of course, is the Yokohama Chinatown, one of the World’s largest Chinatowns. Yohokama is also famous for the Cup Noodle Museum by Nissin, the Red Brick Warehouses, Yamashita Park (seaside park) and the Cosmoworld amusement park. Train travel from Tokyo to Yokohama only takes 25 minutes.

Location — Kanagawa. Save on Google Maps .

Marcos at Kōtoku-in Temple in Yokohama, Japan

Kamakura is often described as the Kyoto of East Japan. It’s easy to visit from Tokyo as the train ride only takes one hour. This seaside town is famous for its many beautiful temples, shrines, and the iconic giant sitting Buddha statue. If you can’t make it to Kyoto during your trip, Kamakura is a decent alternative.

Top discounts

Japan Trail and Shinkansen Tickets

JR East Tohoku Area Pass (5 Days)

Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko, Japan

Located a few hours by train north of Tokyo, Nikko is a quiet temple town and UNESCO world heritage site surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. In Nikko, you can find the Toshogu, Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine, and Kegon Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the country.

Location — Tochigi. Save on Google Maps .

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Nikko World Heritage Day Tour from Tokyo

Kegon Falls in Nikko, Japan Kegon Falls, Nikko

Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Click below & search recommended Tokyo hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price , travel dates, and sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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48 Hours in Tokyo

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Top Things to Do

The Top 18 Things to Do in Tokyo

I love Photo and Apple./Getty Images

Tokyo is the most populous city in the world (if you count the entire metro area) at about 38 million people, and it also occupies a huge land area, which can make planning a trip there maddening. It's one of the those rare world cities, with perhaps only New York, London and Paris as peers, where you could spend an entire lifetime but still need another one to truly see everything.

On the other hand, the fundamentals of a Tokyo trip are surprisingly simple. This list spotlights the top 18 things to do in Tokyo, which should suit you no matter what type of traveler you are.

Wake Up Before Dawn to Watch a Tuna Auction

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

It's no secret that watching a tuna auction is one of the best things to do in Tokyo, or that you need to wake up around 3 a.m. in order to get there in time to be admitted. What you might not know, particularly if you haven't researched Tokyo recently, is that these world-famous auctions no longer take place at Tsukiji Market.

For a number of reasons, chief among them the age of the Tsukiji Market facility and the stress of increasing tourist numbers on it, Tokyo tuna auctions have been moved to Toyosu Market. Located on Odaiba Island not far from many of the other attractions on this list, Toyosu Market is a bit further from most hotels in Tokyo than Tsukiji was—you might want to wake up at 2:45!

Watch a Sumo Match in Ryogoku

Watching sumo is a favorite past-time of both Tokyo locals and visitors to the city, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The first is that if you want to watch a proper sumo match, you should make sure dates of upcoming sumo matches in Tokyo match up with your travel dates, ideally on this official website (where you can also book tickets) , rather than scalper sites across the internet.

Assuming there isn't a tournament going on somewhere else in the country (usually Fukuoka or sometimes Osaka), you might be able to watch a morning sumo practice . Some websites will attempt to sell tickets to these online, but beware: They're actually free!

Go Back in Time in Asakusa

TripSavvy / Ryan Smith

There are as many Tokyo attractions as there are skyscrapers in its skyline, but no matter how many days in Tokyo you plan to spend, you're going to visit Asakusa. Home, among other sights, to Senso-ji (which dates back at least to the 8th century, making it by far the oldest standing structure in Tokyo), Asakusa is the closest thing in Tokyo to an "old city."

It's not just the architecture here that will take you back in time. Hire a rickshaw, which is actually pulled by a person, to drive you through Asakusa's narrow alleys. During spring time, walk along the adjacent Sumida River and enjoy sakura cherry blossoms.

See Mt. Fuji from the Tokyo Sky Tree

Asakusa might allow you travel back in time, but it's not far from the rest of Tokyo's futuristic cityscape. Perhaps the best example of this is Tokyo Sky Tree, which is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. The observation deck, which is more than 2,000 feet high, offers views of the Tokyo skyline and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji.

Of course, this is not the only game in town when it comes to Tokyo view points. For a great view of Tokyo Tower, visit the Tokyo World Trade Center at Hamamatsu-cho Station. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, meanwhile, has a reputation as Tokyo's best free view point. Yet another option is to ascend to the top of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills.

Scream Your Head Off at Tokyo Dome City

Japanese amusement parks don't get as much love as they deserve, and Tokyo Dome City in Bunkyo is no exception. Like thrill ride factories you find elsewhere in the country, Tokyo Dome City is a la carte. If the only ride that interests you is the lightning-fast Thunder Dolphin Rollercoaster, you can buy a ticket for a single ride and nothing else. There's no admission gate to the park itself, and thus no fee.

If you can't get enough of the views from the top of Thunder Dolphin, which makes you feel like you're snaking through skyscrapers as it speeds along at nearly 100 miles per hour, consider ascending to the viewing deck of nearby Bunkyo Civic Center. The observation deck is free, and like Tokyo Sky Tree also boasts views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.

Bliss Out at Meiji Shrine

One thing that surprises many visitors to Tokyo is the sheer amount of green space in the city, much of it in the heart of busy business districts. This fact has to do, in large part, with lands the Japanese Imperial Family kept as the city developed and have allowed to be open to the public in more recent years.

A particularly serene place to spend a few hours is Meiji Shrine, located in busy Harajuku just across from Takeshita Street (more on this wild place in just a moment). From the moment you pass under its iconic wooden torii gate and begin walking the forested path toward the main shrine building, Meiji Shrine is a calming oasis from the sometimes overwhelming chaos of Tokyo.

See Shocking Street Fashion in Harajuku

Now, back to Takeshita Street. This bustling street, which you can access from the east exit of JR Harajuku Station, is where the legend of the "Harajuku Girl" originated. Yes, this would be an appropriate moment to reflect on Gwen Stefani's bizarre and short-lived solo career in the early 2000s.

Of course, out-of-this-world street fashion existed in Harajuku long before Stefani struck out on her own. And Takeshita Street is worth visiting even if teenage girls dressed as "Gothic Lolita" quasi-vampires doesn't seem particularly strange or interesting to do.

Among other draws, Takeshita Street is a hub of all things kawaii , or cute. For a sweet treat, stop at one of the many cotton candy shops along the street, where you can buy colorful candy floss that's as big as your head!

Have a Picnic in Yoyogi Park

TripSavvy / Ryan Smith

Like Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park is a lovely green space where you can go to decompress from the insanity of Harajuku. If you happen to be visiting Japan during spring, however, this famous park becomes even more appealing.

Although the blue, plastic tarps on which the hordes of Japanese people who flock here in late March and early April sit might look tacky, there are few things to do in Tokyo that are more relaxing than sitting underneath a canopy of sakura . This is particularly the case if you have local friends, who can assemble a proper Tokyo picnic.

Visit a Digital Art Museum in Odaiba

Tokyo's museums are rightly world famous, even for people who have no plans of visiting Japan. The latest one to achieve viral internet fame? The world's first all-digital museum, the MORI TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum , which is located on Odaiba Island in Tokyo Bay.

Of course Odaiba, which is itself a manmade island, has long been pushing technological boundaries. For example, it's also where you'll find the National Museum of Emerging Sciences and Innovation , colloquially known as the Tokyo Robotic Museum. You can even access Odaiba via a fully automated train called Yurikamome.

Odaiba is also famous for its views—and its kitsch. At night time, enjoy views of the Rainbow Bridge, with the Tokyo skyline glistening in the background. And marvel, perhaps with a bit of puzzlement, at Japan's very own Statue of Liberty replica. Oh say, can you see why people love coming here?

Spot Sakura at Chidorigafuchi

Tokyo Imperial Palace is known as one of the top things to do in Tokyo, although only one section of it (the East Gardens) is ever open, and only for part of the year at that. The most beautiful (and the only always-open) place to see near the imperial residence is Chidorigafuchi, a picturesque moat.

Chidorigafuchi is worth visiting all year-round, but it's especially beautiful during late March and early April, when cherry blossoms bloom here. In fact, it's one of the top cherry blossom spots in all of Tokyo—it's not uncommon to wait an hour or longer to rent a row-boat here during peak season!

Go Wild at One of Tokyo's Animal Cafes

It seems like only a couple of years ago that the "Cat Cafe" in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district seemed like a novel concept. Since then, similar outlets have sprung up all over Asia and the world to the point where cat cafés seem almost passé.

Tokyo, for its part, has continued upping the ante. Whether you visit the Owl Village in aforementioned Harajuku district, the HARRY hedgehog cafe in Roppongi, or take a day trip north of Tokyo to Zao Fox Village (which has also achieved internet fame), it's surprisingly easy to go wild in the world's most notorious concrete jungle.

Eat Conveyor-Belt Sushi in Kabukicho

Many travelers visit Kabukicho, the so-called "alley" district of the bustling Shinjuku district, to photograph its famous neon signs, or potentially to have a drink at one of the seedy bars here. One somewhat unsung Kabukicho activity involves eating conveyor-belt sushi at one of the restaurants here. This method of eating raw fish is not only fun but much cheaper than ordinary sushi bars.

Whether you visit the playfully named "Sushi Go Round" or happen upon a better concealed spot, your Kabuki-cho adventure only begins here. Have a drink at one of the seedy bars or at one of the lively Izakaya pubs where Japanese business people unwind from a hard day's work.

Appreciate the Splendor of Tokyo Station

Most Tokyo itineraries will pass through Tokyo Station, if only because the Narita Express airport train terminates here. Make sure to stop and appreciate this historical station even if you're in a rush or can't afford a stay at the opulent Tokyo Station Hotel.

The best place to take in a view of Tokyo Station's historical facade, which dates back to the turn of the 20th century, is KITTE Mall, itself a collaboration of the past and present. Housed in the historical Japan Post building, KITTE boasts a viewing deck that offers a priceless panorama of Tokyo Station.

Say "Konnichiwa" to Mickey Mouse at Tokyo Disney

Think the happiest place on Earth is in Florida or California? Tokyo locals might disagree with you—and you might even change your mind after visiting Tokyo Disney.

Located in the southeastern part of the city on the shores of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo Disney (and the Disney Sea Waterpark) take the Disney Park experience to the next level with immaculately themed lands, throngs of your favorite characters, and delicious Japanese food to tie the whole experience together.

Want to visit a theme park that's more wholly Japanese? Consider visiting Sanrio Puroland , a Hello Kitty-themed wonderland situated just to the west of Tokyo in Tama New Town.

Shop for Electronics in Akihabara

Known unofficially as Tokyo's "Electric Town," Akihabara is one of the top places to visit in Tokyo for a bevy of reasons—affordable electronics shopping is just one of them. Buy merchandise featuring your favorite anime characters in the district's many manga shops, or play vintage Sega games in dozens of arcades.

Akihabara is also the epicenter of one of Japan's most bizarre cultural phenomenons: the maid cafe. It's not particularly sexual but rather kawaii ("cute" in Japanese), and features young women in over-the-top maid outfits serving Japanese comfort food. Try it out!

Take a Selfie in Shibuya Crossing

Few places in Tokyo are more evocative of Japan's capital than Shibuya crossing, which is the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world, at least colloquially. Whether you come here during the day, after time relaxing at nearby Yoyogi Park or by night when the entire square is lit up, it's easy to visit—Shibuya Crossing is just steps from Shibuya Station.

Tip: If you want to take a day trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo , the Mark City Mall just off the square offers direct bus service to the city of Kawaguchiko, in the Fuji Five Lakes region, several times per day.

Have a Teppanyaki Dinner in Ginza

Ginza is one of Tokyo's (and the world's) most exclusive shopping districts, but you don't have to be on the hunt for a designer handbag to enjoy a nighttime stroll through its neon-lit streets. One free activity you can enjoy here is visiting Ginza's opulent department stores where even the melons are designer-grown and can sell for several hundred dollars each.

Ginza is also a dining hot spot, particularly for teppanyaki (i.e. grilled meat) style dining. The wagyu beef on offer at hot spots likeMisono, which boasts views of the Tokyo Tower, is among the most delicious available in all of Japan!

End Your Trip With a "Lost in Translation" Moment

Although it's one of Tokyo's most expensive hotels, and therefore out of reach to many travelers, Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku is one of the most popular places in Tokyo to have a drink. Among other reasons, this is due to the fact that its rooftop bar is featured prominently in the classic film "Lost in Translation."

If you do happen to ascend to this sky bar, whose skyline view is one of the best in the city, keep in mind that there is a dress code. If you've been out sightseeing all day, particularly during the sweaty summer months, you might want to shower and change before making the trek to Shinjuku!

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Miho Shimizu is a Japanese freelance writer settled in Shizuoka with her husband and two rabbits. Fascinated with traveling at the age of 18, she has spent most of her long holidays exploring incredible spots around Japan. She also loves to listen to music, draw, and read novels over a cup of green tea.

This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you.

Tokyo is somewhere that offers something to everyone. Whether you are looking for an exciting experience watching a sumo tournament or discovering Tokyo’s izakaya culture , a deeper understanding of the long history of Edo, or want to visit some beautiful art, Tokyo has got you covered.

Every time you visit the mega-city full of world-famous tourist spots, you will be fascinated by the wide range of unforgettable experiences this metropolis has to offer. The world’s largest city is home to an intriguing modern townscape created by skyscrapers mixed with traditional structures dating back centuries, busy streets packed with crowds and lively shops, and captivating hidden nature spots.

Visiting each tourist attraction introduced below will enable you to make the most of your time in Tokyo with different experiences. As always, we suggest you join our guided tours to make the most out of your visit to Tokyo . A local guide can tell you everything you want to know and take you to the best places around. Here is the ultimate list of the top 20 tourist attractions in Tokyo that you shouldn’t miss!

Most Popular Tour This Month in Tokyo! Spots selling quickly! ▼Tokyo Sumo Tournament Tour January 2024(Tickets Included)

1. Shibuya Crossing

2. shinjuku, 3. harajuku , 4. akihabara, 5. tokyo skytree, 6. roppongi, 8. tokyo tower, 9. sensoji temple, 10. odaiba , 12. tsukiji fish market, 13. kichijoji, 14. ikebukuro, 15. mt. takao, 17. shimokitazawa , 18. ryogoku , 19. tokyo imperial palace , 20. okutama , how to get around tokyo, japan wonder travel tours in tokyo, where to stay in tokyo, other articles you might like.

If you are looking for a “real Tokyo experience ”, without a doubt Shibuya (渋谷) will never disappoint! The central hub is a shopping heaven for everyone and boasts a number of giant shopping complexes such as Shibuya109 (super popular especially among young girls) and Shibuya Hikarie . But Shibuya is of course mostly known for its crosswalk, Shibuya Crossing – the busiest scramble crossing in the world with about 3,000 people crossing it at a single time during the peak of rush hour! Shibuya is a place where you can easily spend a couple of hours and won’t get bored. We recommend you combine Shibuya with a visit to Harajuku and Omotesando and get to Shibuya Crossing around 4pm and visit the Shibuya Scramble Square . From the observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of the iconic crossing at a height of about 230m. Watching the sunset behind Mt. Fuji and the neon lit buildings of Shibuya taking over the scenery is just amazing! Visiting Yoyogi Park after a long day will enable you to unwind and take a refreshing stroll in nature. Meiji Jingu Shrine is the world-famous sacred shrine which was established in 1920 and was dedicated to the spirit of the late emperor Meiji and his wife.

Location: Shibuya Crossing

Recommended Shibuya article: 7 Places to See the Best View of Shibuya Crossing

Tokyo’s Shinjuku (新宿) is an area located at the heart of the metropolis and full of interesting places to visit. Shinjuku is heaven for those who are interested in nightlife and izakaya bar culture in Japan! Head to Kabukicho or Shinjuku Golden Gai where you’ll find countless numbers of small but cozy and vibrant izakaya bars. You can also find a wide range of entertaining spots such as movie theaters and Karaoke bars which are open around the clock. If you want to enjoy Shinjuku during the daytime, visit Shinjuku Gyoen , a peaceful park featuring seasonal flowers and lovely dining spots such as restaurants and cafes in nature. Shinjuku Gyoen is an excellent place for you to watch the cherry blossoms in spring and have your very own hanami. Enjoy shopping at Isetan Shinjuku Store, or spend a romantic evening with your partner at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatories which offers stunning views of the entire city of Tokyo for free!

Location: Shinjuku Gyoen

▼Want to get the full Shinjuku experience? Book our Izakaya Hopping tour!

Located in between Shibuya and Shinjuku, Harajuku (原宿) is often described as the very center of Japan’s kawaii culture and trendy spots. Takeshita Street is the most popular shopping street in Harajuku with a large number of trendy shops and modern facilities lining the narrow street. Harajuku is known for its thrift shops and eccentric clothes and you’ll easily spot the famous Harajuku Girls style all around. Try fluffy, colorful cotton candy at TOTTY Candy Factory , or spend hours exploring lovely items and fashionable clothing at Cute Cube Harajuku or Laforet Harajuku . If you want to visit some historic spots, it is about a 13 min walk from Harajuku station to the hidden Togo Shrine which enshrines Togo Heihachiro, a Japanese naval hero back in the Showa Period (1926-1989) .

Location: Harajuku

Akihabara (秋葉原) is a must-visit for anime and manga lovers. This unique district in northeast Tokyo features popular electronics stores as well as intriguing otaku spots (otaku means geek in Japanese). Yodobashi Akihabara is a giant shopping complex specializing in electronics, home appliances, cameras, PCs, and other gadgets. Explore the endless arrays of classic Japanese video games at Super Potato , or visit Radio Kaikan to immerse yourself into the otaku world full of anime-related merchandise. The buzzing shopping district is also home to a number of themed cafes like Japan’s famous maid cafes and animal cafes. On this Akihabara Anime Tour , you will visit the shops we introduced above to find all the anime-related merchandise and arcades where you can play fun video games!

▼Book our Akihabara Anime and Gaming Tour to Discover the Best Spots!

Location: Akihabara

Since its opening in 2012, the iconic Tokyo Skytree has been a popular attraction that can be seen from afar. The 634m-tall broadcasting tower features a wide variety of facilities and tourist attractions including Sumida Aquarium and a romantic planetarium known as Tenku. Tokyo Solamachi is a popular shopping spot nestled at the base of the Skytree with over 300 shops and restaurants. On a sunny day, make your way up to the two observation decks, at 350m and 450m, for stunning views of Tokyo. If you are lucky, you will be able to see Mt. Fuji, the tallest and most sacred mountain in Japan in the distance!

Location: Tokyo Skytree

Roppongi (六本木) is home to a number of luxury shopping spots, fancy restaurants, world-famous art museums and much more. The lively entertainment district offers a number of nightclubs and bars where international djs and artists frequently come to perform. Head to Mori Art Museum where you can observe impressive contemporary art and works displayed on the 53 rd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower . Also a great place to enjoy Tokyo’s impressive size from the observation deck located at 250 m high. The National Art Center Tokyo and SUNTORY Museum of Art are also popular among international tourists. Take a refreshing break at Mori Garden peacefully nestled between Roppongi Hills and TV Asahi headquarters which is widely famous for popular animations such as Doraemon. Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are two huge shopping complexes, conveniently located and in December beautifully illuminated with thousands of Christmas decorations.

Location: Roppongi

One of the city’s most sophisticated shopping districts, Ginza (銀座) offers luxury shopping complexes and boutiques selling both famous Japanese brands and international high-end brands. Ginza is located on a former mint site, and today offers a very interesting architectural landscape. The best time to visit Ginza is in the afternoon during the weekend when the main street (Chuo-dori) is closed off for traffic. If you are interested in checking out a traditional Japanese play, Kabukiza, there is a kabuki theatre located in this part of town. Kabukiza is the most foreigner-friendly theatre for watching a kabuki play with a rental monitor that has English subtitles. Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and check out Nihonbashi , a peaceful neighborhood with a traditional Japanese atmosphere like back during the Edo period !

Location: Ginza

The other iconic landmark dominating the skyline of Tokyo is the red and white Tokyo Tower , adding a touch of French flair to the streets of Tokyo. The 333m tall broadcasting tower has thousands of visitors every year since its completion in 1958. It has two observation decks, the main deck at 150m and the top deck at 250m. Join their popular everyday event ‘ Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk ‘ which allows you to climb up 600 steps around the tower which will lead you to the 150m observation deck. The lower floors, known as Foot Town, are packed with dining spots and souvenir shops selling a large selection of items including original merchandise that you can only get there!

Location: Tokyo Tower

One of the best places to get a sense of the traditional atmosphere of Japan in Tokyo is Asakusa , which is a must-visit attraction for anyone. The impressive Sensoji Temple is a world-famous Buddhist temple that attracts more than 30 million people every year and has a long history dating back over 1,300 years. The main approach to the temple, Nakamise Dori , is one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets . You can enjoy walking around the lively street lined with shops selling a large collection of souvenirs and food. However it makes the whole experience better if you’re dressed up in a beautiful traditional kimono ! Have a look below for the best kimono rental plans in Asakusa.

▼Rent the best kimonos in Asakusa below!▼

Kimono Rental Wargo

From the tourist office of Asakusa, located opposite of the Kaminarimon Gate , the famous gate with the huge red lantern, you have a great aerial view of the historical heart of Tokyo. Take your kids to Hanayashiki , the oldest amusement park in Japan with 20 different kinds of exciting rides and attractions!

Location: Sensoji Temple

▼See more of Asakusa with our Bar Hopping tour!

Odaiba (お台場) is a modern entertainment district located on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Getting to the island is a fun experience itself, you can ride the unmanned yurikamome train that crosses Rainbow Bridge or board a boat from Asakusa and enjoy the bay area from the water. Odaiba Marine Park offers great views of symbolic landmarks around, including the replica of the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge which are both brightly lit up at night. Taking a refreshing stroll at the sandy beach, or trying activities such as windsurfing will also be a perfect way to spend a memorable day in the hot Tokyo summer. In case of a rainy day on your trip, one of the most popular museums of Tokyo, MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM teamLab Borderless offers a great indoor activity. The fascinating world created by colorful 3D digital art installations is absolutely amazing. Diver City Tokyo Plaza is a massive shopping hub which welcomes you with a giant full-scale Gundam Statue displayed outside the mall!

Location: Odaiba

If you want to spend a relaxing weekend away from busy streets and are looking for some local Tokyo, Koenji (高円寺) could be a perfect spot for you! This peaceful neighborhood is home to a number of small vendors, second hand clothing stores, cozy cafes, izakaya, and much more. The bohemian neighborhood is a center of alternative youth culture and not frequently visited by the large tourists crowds. Head to Koenji Junjo Shopping Street which boasts about 200 shops, including traditional ones dating back to the 1930’s. In summer, this quiet area is the center stage of the famous Koenji Awa-Odori festival, a dance festival that attracts a million visitors! There are also a number of traditional shrines and temples to visit such as the Hikawa Shrine or Kisho Shrine dedicated to the god of weather!

Location: Koenji

If you want to try fresh, high-quality seafood, Tsukiji Fish Market (築地市場) is a place you can’t miss in Tokyo! One of the most popular fish markets in Japan and in the world for that matter, Tsukiji Market welcomes numerous visitors even after the inner market was officially closed in 2018. Despite what many people think, you can still visit the outer part of Tsukiji Market, but most of the wholesale vendors have moved to the new Toyosu Market. The outer market is still packed with lively shops and restaurants serving a wide range of seafood dishes. It is one of the best places to try some fresh sushi or sashimi. Don’t forget to visit the Tsukiji Honganji , a beautiful Buddhist temple which dates back to 1617. This temple is only a 3 minute walk from the market and is also the starting point of our popular Tsukiji Food and Drink tour !

Location: Tsukiji Fish Market

▼Book our Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink tour!

On the west side of Tokyo, Kichijoji (吉祥寺) offers a range of both modern and traditional experiences. Visit the large Inokashira Park, the first suburban park in Japan with beautiful seasonal flowers and lush greenery in a laid-back atmosphere. In spring this is a popular sakura spot where you can rent swan boats and get on the water. Without a doubt, the most popular spot that draws the most visitors to the area is the incredible Ghibli Museum . A must-visit for anyone who enjoys watching the Ghibli movies! Coppice Kichijoji is a great shopping spot which is only about a 4min walk from JR Kichijoji station. Enjoy an unforgettable nightlife experience at Harmonica Yokocho Alley, a narrow street packed with local bars and restaurants.

Location: Kichijoji

If you are looking for somewhere to take your kids on the weekend in Tokyo, Ikebukuro (池袋) might be a great destination for you! Ikebukuro Station is the gateway to the neighboring Saitama Prefecture and is one of the busiest stations in all of Tokyo. Sunshine City is a huge complex comprising a range of entertaining facilities as well as dining options. Visit Sunshine Aquarium where you will be able to encounter the diverse marine life as well as enjoy adorable performances by animals such as penguins and sea lions in the heart of metropolitan city. Pokemon Center MEGA TOKYO is literally a heaven for Pokémon fans where you can find a large selection of original merchandise featuring cute Pokémon characters! Located on the 60 th floor of Sunshine 60 building, Sky Circus Sunshine City 60 Observatory provides a panoramic view along with thrilling VR experiences! If you need to unwind in nature away from the busy and crowded streets, head to Rikugien a beautiful traditional Japanese-style garden completed back during the Edo period.

Location: Ikebukuro

Best Places to Visit in Ikebukuro – for anime, cosplay and gaming fanatics!

Did you know you can actually hike a mountain in Tokyo? Mt. Takao is a perfect hiking spot which is accessible from the heart of Tokyo in less than 1.5 hours by train! Officially selected by the Michelin Guide as a three star hiking spot, this 599m mountain attracts more than 3 million visitors every year. It offers a range of scenic hiking trails for everyone from beginners or families with kids to advanced hikers. For people who just want to enjoy the view from the top, the Mt. Takao Cable Car conveniently takes you to the midpoint of the mountain. Pay a visit to Yakuo-in , a symbolic Buddhist temple established in 744, or enjoy a relaxing hot spring experience at Gokurakuyu !

Location: Mt. Takao

Ueno offers several fun places to visit. Ueno Park is one of the largest parks in Tokyo, and you’ll find the famous Ueno Zoo, art museums, temples and shrines at the site. In spring, the park is one of the busiest and most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo which attracts huge amounts of people. Ueno Park is also home to many museums; Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, The Ueno Royal Museum and so on. If you are an art lover, you can’t get enough time to visit all the museums in one day! After exploring Ueno Park, head to Ameya Yokocho , also known as Ameyoko, which is a vibrant shotengai, shopping streets, where many small restaurants and shops are lined up. You can enjoy different sides of Ueno by visiting both the relaxing Ueno Park and exciting Ameyoko combined!

Location: Ueno

Shimokitazawa is a unique neighborhood located in a quiet town of Setagaya which is easily accessible from Shibuya and Shinjuku. It’s a popular spot for thrift shopping , live music, theater play and local Izakaya hopping. It’s the center of Tokyo’s hipster culture with a more calm atmosphere than pop culture central places like Harajuku or Shibuya. Walk around the small neighborhood where you can find many hidden shops, and grab a delicious cup of coffee.

Location: Shimokitazawa

Ryogoku is home to sumo, when you get out from JR Ryogoku station, you already see large portraits and handprints of famous sumo wrestlers. Close to the station, there is Kokugikan, a sumo arena where The Grand Sumo Tournament takes place. Many sumo stables are located in the area too, so you may encounter some sumo wrestlers and trainees when you walk around or even at the convenience store in the area! You can also spot the small sumo statues on the streets, and don’t forget to try out the famous sumo wrestler food chanko-nabe (hot pot).

If you are in Tokyo in January, March or September, you can watch the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. We offer a fun guided tour! There’s no better way to watch sumo than watching it with a sumo enthusiast aka a knowledgeable guide! Also, outside of the tournaments, we offer tours at the sumo stable where you can watch the wrestler’s daily morning practice. Check out our special sumo tours below!

Location: Ryogoku

Tokyo Imperial Palace is the residence of the Imperial Family where some parts of the quarters are open to the public as a beautiful garden and park that was built on the former Edo Castle grounds. The Imperial East Gardens is a beautiful Japanese garden where you can see historical structures including impressive stone walls, remains of the castle tower and turrets from the Edo period. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the bustling Tokyo Station , and you can spend a nice quiet time walking around the area surrounded by green, castle remains and a moat. It’s also a popular place to go running, and you’ll see many people running around the palace especially in the morning or the evening.

Location: Tokyo Imperial Palace

Okutama is located on the outskirts of Tokyo, about 2 hours away from the center. There you can enjoy outdoor activities out in nature. Lake Okutama is a man-made lake lying on the dam. There are a number of hiking trails ranging from beginner to more advanced. Watersports are also popular activities that you can do in the Okutama area such as kayaking and river rafting. The Okutama area is home to beautiful mountains which makes it a perfect place to visit during autumn for some beautiful fall leaves.

Location: Okutama

Traveling in Tokyo is great because there are so many convenient ways to get around, but it can also be a bit confusing with the subway, trains, buses and other forms of public transportation. Learning how to use the different types of transport can make your trip all the better and smooth. Have a look at our article below for everything you need to know about public transport in not only just Tokyo but all of Japan!

We hope you enjoyed reading our recommendations for the best tourist attractions in Tokyo. At all of these places, you can easily spend a couple of hours and enjoy the versatility of Tokyo. Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint just one specific spot as the whole area is an attraction itself! Can’t decide which will be best? Visit them all! Since the public transportation system in Tokyo runs frequently and is well-connected, you can visit multiple destinations easily and conveniently in a day.

Find out the top 10 tours in Tokyo▼

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan. From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are traveling in, our knowledgeable and friendly guides will happily take you to the best spots! In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!

▶ Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo, where you will have the chance to try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake along with your friendly English-speaking guide!

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour: Experience Tokyo’s Nightlife in Izakaya Check out the best spots in Shinjuku while bar hopping through the lively and vibrant area. Try some delicious local food and drink as you explore the narrow yet photogenic alleys that the town has to offer. Experience Japanese izakaya culture and drink in Shinjuku like the locals!

Happy traveling!

Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.

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74 Best Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

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Dazzling all with its skyscrapers, city lights, ancient history and all things weird and wonderful; there are endless tourist attractions in Tokyo to delight your every sense!

Cue the zaniest museums you’ve come across (from ones that celebrate ramen to manga to institutes promoting a plethora of various art styles), and endless amusement parks, like the themed Ghibli Park.

Head to the capital city’s iconic areas like Shibuya Scramble and Harajuku, where kawaii culture reigns supreme!

The amalgamation of different architectural styles, from old to new, is mesmerizing, with a mixture of high-rise buildings, historical shrines, significant temples and neighborhoods that retain all of the Edo-centric charm (the name of Tokyo back in the day).

Sweep in city views from towering structures, and lap up the dining vistas from restaurants within the same locales. Enjoy loads of entertainment, especially the traditional kind, like samurai experiences, geisha shows and visiting sumo arenas.

Lest we forget about the shopping — tenfold in Tokyo — from streets dedicated to electronics to anime to kitchen utensils! There are even tax-free shopping outlets to go mad at.

Here are 74 of the best attractions not to be missed on your Tokyo Bucket List. You’ll never want to leave.

1 – Tokyo Skytree

For the best views over all of Japan’s capital, fly 450 meters above ground zero (in a glass elevator) to the top of the highest skyscraper, Tokyo Skytree . Then look out, up and down as the city bustles below your feet from way up high.

Designed as a 450-floor broadcasting tower, it’s officially the country’s tallest building at 634 meters high.

Arriving at the structure, head to the fourth floor first to purchase tickets and peek at the SKYTREE GALLERY to become clued up on the building’s trivia and fact sheets. Then, the excitement really begins!

Jump out on level 350, where the first viewpoint is; TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck. Next, zoot up to floor 445, where you can grab a tea from the cafe and find the entrance point for the Tembo Galleria.

Following a glass tube walkway, eventually, land on level 450 — the highest point visitors can explore. The panorama vistas are astounding!

Also within the Tokyo Skytree building is a shopping complex and an indoor aquarium, both within the basement levels. Or couples, book dinner at Sky Restaurant 634 on level 345.

Tokyo Skytree tickets

2 – Meiji Jingu

Interesting history fact: The Meiji period lasted from 1868 to 1912 and was a pivotal revolutionary moment for the country, setting the foundations for the modern Japan we know today.

Led by Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, upon their passing, Meiji Jingu was erected in their honor and was completed in 1920.

Chosen for the Shinto shrine (Shinto is the country’s oldest religion) was a 70-hectare piece of land with a man-made forest in toll.

The shrine took a beating during WWII, but thanks to the local communities, it was restored to its former glory. Today, the sanctuary overflows with visitors from near and far and is among Japan’s top shrines most frequented.

One of the most popular spaces here for photo-happy tourists is a wall lined with all sorts of sake bottles on the road leading to the sanctum, laid here as offerings.

Meander through the Inner Garden, where azaleas bloom in spring and Japanese maples change color in autumn, and stop by the Meiji Jingu Museum (open since 2019) to marvel over displays of personal items and artifacts of the Emperor and Empress.

Meiji Shrine tours

3 – Ghibli Museum

As the birthplace of Studio Ghibli is Tokyo, mega fans fall head over heels for its world of Japanese animation at the Ghibli Museum .

Celebrating all of your favorite characters and storylines, the soft rainbow-colored building and Totoro peeping through the window front is the most fantastic entrance into the museum, already sending tingles down your spine!

Stepping inside, it’s a celebration of all things Ghibli, from the stained glass windows decorated with Ghibli characters to the different spaces invoking anime fantasies.

Every inch of the museum is thoughtfully designed. Look up at the fresco-painted ceiling at The Space of Wonder and grab a ticket made from 35mm film (in the light, each negative is a different scene from one of the movies).

Walking around the Central Hall with its spiral staircases, glass dome, bridged passages and overhanging terraces transports you into the mind of co-founder Hayao Miyazaki.

There are plenty of other magical spaces, rooms and corners to explore, like A Boy’s Room, The Reading Room, the Cat Bus, Saturn Theater (screening an original short animation produced for the museum only), the ‘Old-Fashioned Hand-Pump Well’ on the patio and Castle in the Sky ’s Robot Soldier on the rooftop.

Ghibli Museum tickets

See also: Ghibli Museum Last Minute Tickets

4 – Sanrio Puroland

Cinnamoroll, Gudetama, My Melody and of course, Hello Kitty, come and play with your favorite Sanrio friends at Sanrio Puroland .

Around since 1990, the indoor amusement park is also nicknamed “Hello Kitty Land.” Spread out across four floors of cutesy kawaii and pink pastel dreams; the first two levels are the major attractions.

Surrounding the central Wisdom Tree on level one is the Märchen Theatre, Entertainment Hall, Fairyland Theatre, Discovery Theatre, My Melody and Kuromi – Mymeroad Drive, Strawberry Hall, the Character Food Hall and even a mini photo plant.

Level two comprises the Sanrio Character Boat Ride, the Kiki & Lala Twinkling Studio, Lady Kitty House and Shop, plus the individual Games and Portrait Corners. The remaining two floors are where the bulk of the shops and eateries are.

Don’t miss out on the musical show, Momotarō by the Hello Kitty Troupe , and grab a selfie with a Sanrio character strolling through the cartooned playground.

Sanrio Puroland tickets

5 – Sensō-ji

To understand the cultural and spiritual significance of Tokyo’s most antiquated temple, let’s travel back in time to the year 628.

Two men are fishing on the Sumida River in the first capital of Japan (Asuka) when they notice a statue in their net. Heading back to their village, the head clansman Haji no Nakatomo, recognized the figurine as the statue of Kannon — the bodhisattva of mercy.

From then onwards, he dedicated his life to Buddhism, converting his own home into the Sensō-ji temple. Years later, a priest arrived at the site and built a hall for the statue.

Arrive to pay your respects, spend time in quiet meditation and survey the various areas within.

The Main Hall (Kannondo Hall) houses the Bodhisattva Kanno in the middle of the inner sanctum (known as the naijin); there are eight Buddhas inside the Yogodo Hall; and the other two halls (Awashimado Hall and Bentendo Hall) both safeguard deities.

There are three impressive Gates to scope: Niten-mon , Hozo-mon and Kaminari-mon ; a five-storied pagoda to photograph, the traditional Denboin with its Japanese Garden, and the temple even has its very own Nakamise Shopping Street where you can shop for souvenirs, food and other goodies.

6 – teamLab Planets TOKYO

Japan is one of the world’s top 10 most modernized cities and is the perfect destination for tech fundis and kids of the Digital Age.

Incorporating immersive artworks using light installations, hi-tech projections and digitized features, be wholly transported into dizzying realms of art and color at teamLab Planets TOKYO .

Focusing on three major themes (‘Water,’ ‘Garden’ and ‘Public’), the 10,000 square-meter interactive gallery is designed with nine installations to get lost in — and take about a million photographs within — and is split between four exhibition areas and two gardens.

Tantalizing all of your senses, take off your shoes and immerse yourselves into a world of wonder amid hanging floral gardens, glittering mirror rooms and floors with illusions of walking on water.

Teasers of some of the installations to find here are an ‘Infinite Crystal Universe,’ the ‘Soft Black Hole,’ a ‘Waterfall of Light Particles at the top of an Incline,’ a ‘Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms’ and a ‘Universe of Fire Particles falling from the Sky’ — sounds insanely riveting, right?

teamLab Planets TOKYO tickets

7 – Mori Art Museum

Highlighting the very best of contemporary Japanese art, architecture and design, as well as saluting other international artists from the wider Asia-Pacific regions, Mori Art Museum is a fabulous gallery for art aficionados.

Founded in 2003, even if you’ve visited the museum 20 times before, always uncover something new from its ever-changing exhibitions of acclaimed and up-and-coming artists.

Housing a total collection of more than 460 works across categories; this includes painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, mixed media, videos and installations. As a modernized institution, also discover art related to anime, manga, film and fashion.

A few notable artists who have showcased their talents here are sculptor and installation artist Tatsuo Miyajima, conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth, contemporary Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, mixed media guru Mika Tajima, French painter Mika Tajima and Cambodian contemporary artist Sopheap Pich.

Located on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower, once finished at the gallery, take advantage of the 360-degree city views from the observation deck here.

8 – Imperial Palace

Traverse in the footsteps of emperors, empresses, shogunates and Japanese royalty at the Imperial Palace , a sacred site for more than 500 years. It’s one of the most famous tourist attractions in Tokyo.

Still the official residence of the Imperial Family (since 1869), the palace complex sits on the site of the former Edo Castle dating to 1457. After the Edo Era ended, the imperial residence shifted from Kyoto to Tokyo. By 1888, the old castle was torn down and a new palace was reconstructed.

(Unfortunately, demolished in World War II, a new replica model was rebuilt and is the palace we see today.)

Perched on a stone wall, the inner grounds where the family resides are closed off to the public (opening on certain occasions a few times a year), but you can investigate the other parts that make up the royal complex.

During a tour, certain parts are still open to visitors but a few can only be viewed from its facade. Highlights to see are the Someikan (the Visitor’s House), Hasuikebori (Lotus Moat), Fujimitamon Defence-house, Kunaicho Chosha, Kyuden Totai Plaza and Seimon-tetsu-bashi Bridge.

Adjoined to the palace complex are the East Gardens and these are accessible to the public all year round.

Imperial Palace tours

9 – Legoland Tokyo

Create your own character or creature, dive into a pit of Duplo Blocks, pretend to be an engineer and simply just enjoy the simplicities of all things Lego at the epic LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo .

Whether five, fifteen or fifty years old, the nostalgia never wears off, and the fun is unending, with plenty of activities for all ages.

Created with over 1.6 million Lego® blocks, Miniland is a recreation of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks and buildings. Travel back to medieval times at Kingdom Quest , explore the world of Japanese warriors at the Lego Ninjago City Adventure zone and conjure up magic at the Merlin Apprentice area.

Tots especially love the Duplo Village decked out in the soft jumbo blocks, and other hands-on zones include the Lego Racers Build & Test Zone and the City Builders where you can construct your own legolands.

Learn how these colorful plastic bricks are manufactured at the Lego Factory or join a Creative Workshop.

Discover a 4D cinema, plus there’s a themed cafeteria and restaurant if you’re feeling peckish after all the playtime.

Legoland tickets

10 – Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Douseled in weeping wisterias and enshrouded in plum trees, Kameido Tenjij Shrine epitomizes the typical Japanese scenery you’ve been envisioning — in the midst of the modern city!

Located in one of Tokyo’s traditional wards, the area retains centuries-old charm, fitting for the shrine with its origins dating to 1661.

Exalting the Japanese poet and scholar Sugawara no Michizane (born in 845 CE), today, he is seen as the Shinto god of learning and studies. Consequently, dozens visit the temple to pray to the deity, especially students before exam periods.

Often referred to as “Kameido Tenmangu Shrine,” the grounds are as picturesque as ever, boasting traditional elements like its ornate red-arched bridge crossing a pond. At night, the setting is lit up, and the 15 trellises with 50 wisteria trees drooping from their wooden arms is an incredibly romantic moment!

If you’re here in the suitable months, don’t miss the annual Plum Festival in February nor the October Chrysanthemum Festival.

11 – National Museum of Modern Art

Spread out across four levels and in ownership of over 13,000 pieces, get lost in a world of Japanese and Western Art at the National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT) — the city’s first-ever contemporary art gallery.

Just surpassing its 70th year since opening its doors, the museum’s collection comprises paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, videos, prints, calligraphy and other relatable items curated from Japanese and international artists from the end of the 19th century until today.

Among these is the MOMAT’s exceptional accumulation of 18 of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties. These include 12 Japanese-style paintings known as Nihon-ga , five oil paintings and one sculptural piece.

Other noteworthy arty assets belonging to MOMAT are 600 works by Ryūsei Kishida, 3,000 drawings belonging to sculptor and artist Wakabayashi Isamu, and 153 paintings relating to the Sino-Japanese War and the Pacific War.

Highlighting approximately 200 pieces from its collection at any given time, the gallery sets up rotating exhibitions five times a year to display these, spaced across 13 rooms.

National Museum of Modern Art tickets

12 – Candlelight concerts

Music has the power to move us in more ways than one. Swap the sightseeing for melodies and hit up one of these dreamy candlelight concerts.

Performed by a string quartet or pianist, these special tribute shows are far from ordinary. Unlike a typical concert, this version not only takes place inside a unique venue but the entire setting is decorated in soft, glowing light from hundreds of candles all around the room.

Showcasing globally, here are the ones available in Tokyo.

At Oiji Hall listen to the sounds of Ennio Morricone, Ryuichi Sakamoto or Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and at the Mitsukoshi Theater, enjoy an ode to Joe Hisaishi.

From Queen to the best of the Beatles to Ed Sheeran, book your seat inside the Lutheran Ichigaya Center.

Other candlelight concerts at this venue include the music of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, more dedicated to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Joe Hisaishi, as well as a goosebump-inducing ‘Rings & Dragons’ performance celebrating the music from The Lord of the Rings , Game of Thrones , The Hobbit and more.

candlelight concerts in Tokyo

13 – Tokyo Tower

Nicknamed the “Eiffel Tower of Tokyo,” upon closer inspection of the Tokyo Tower , it’s easy to spot the similarities between the two structures.

Built in 1958 and standing 333 meters tall, the steel structure was similarly remodeled after its inspiration. It even lights up at night in a dance of soft, warm lights, and just like the Eiffel, there are multiple observation platforms to take in the vistas.

At its time of opening, it was Tokyo’s highest construction, and it’s also a broadcast antenna.

Arriving at the tower, reach two viewing decks via elevators, escalators or staircases, located from the Foot Town levels (set up across six floors from the bottom up. Here are a handful of shops, restaurants and an e-sports entertainment complex.).

First, head up to the Main Deck built 150 meters above the ground. Drink in the views from the all-round floor-to-ceiling windows, and parts of the floor are cut out and covered in glass — so do look down! There’s a cafe on this floor too.

From the Main Deck, ride the escalators, traveling to the Top Deck. Standing 250 meters high, take advantage of the panoramas from this angle, offering plenty of fabulous photo ops! You can even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.

Tokyo Tower tickets

14 – Madame Tussauds

MJ, Steven Spielberg, King Kazu, Angelina Jolie, Leonardo Di Vinci, Kusama Yayoi, Barack Obama… Get up close and personal with your favorite celebs, sports heroes, political idols, inventors, musicians and more at Madame Tussauds .

Established in 1835, the famous wax museum opened its Japanese doors in Tokyo circa 2013 and now houses a collection of more than 70 VIPs.

The realistic human artworks are spaced into various zones containing music, film, celebrities, fashion, sports, history and culture and leaders from around Japan and the rest of the world.

Pose for a selfie, and this gallery is designed to incorporate interactive features at each figurine or zone. For example, sing and dance with the rich and famous at the 3D hologram theater or try out cosplay!

Madame Tussauds tickets

15 – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Like a snapshot from a Japanese dream (or anime flick), the gorgeous Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden was once a residence belonging to a revered Japanese samurai, then landed in the laps of the Imperial management before opening to the public in 1949.

Cue the giant cherry blossoms, traditional pavilions, a large pond in the center of the park, leaves changing hues of red and orange with the seasons and pretty wooden bridge crossings.

Landscaped over 58.3 hectares, picnic under its 10,000 or so trees — some of which are the first species to land on Japanese soil, such as Himalayan cedars and bald cypresses. There is also a designated running trail for joggers and exercise enthusiasts.

More distinctive plants to see are the garden’s collection of chrysanthemums and tulips, and in the Sakura Season (between March and April), the grounds become a flurry of white and pink petals.

Forever changing with Mother Nature, there is always something new to marvel over.

16 – Tokyo Disneyland

Come and play with all your favorite Disney characters, feel the thrills and experience all of the nostalgia at Tokyo Disneyland .

One of six official global Disneylands, the Tokyo locale was the first of the theme park chains to open outside of the USA in 1983.

Uncover seven magical lands: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland.

Ride the mining train on Big Thunder Mountain, make it through the Haunted Mansion, meet Captain Jack Sparrow at the Pirates of the Caribbean ship, drop down a 16-meter-high waterfall on Splash Mountain and test your aim at the Westernland Shootin’ Gallery.

Arriving with the little ones? They’ll love the attractions like the Jungle Cruise, Alice’s Tea Party, Castle Carrousel, Gadget’s Go Coaster, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall and plenty of other Disney-themed rides.

Daily shows and parades are the perfect places to sing, dance and meet personalities like Tinkerbell, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and, of course, Mickey!

Disneyland tickets

See also: Cheap Disneyland Tokyo Tickets

17 – Tokyo Disneysea

Swapping land for seas (and other water bodies), Tokyo DisneySea is also part of the Disneyland Resort in Tokyo. Simply catch a short 10-minute train ride from Disneyland to DisneySea.

Revolving around water, arrive with your bathing suit close on hand as the rides and attractions all involve getting wet in some shape or form.

Split into seven fantastical lands, enjoy hours of endless fun splishing and splashing about.

Float on the Venetian Gondolas or the DisneySea Transit Steamer Line at the Mediterranean Harbor; ride the Tower of Terror (if you dare) at the American Waterfront; and say hi to Dory and the gang at the Nemo & Friends SeaRider at the Port Discovery zone.

Try out the Indiana Jones® Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull within the Lost River Delta; board Jasmine’s Flying Carpets at the Arabian Coast; experience life under the sea at the Mermaid Lagoon; and explore a Journey to the Center of the Earth at the Mysterious Island land.

Disneysea tickets

18 – Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo is one of those cities where design in all shapes and forms — from art to technology — reigns supreme. You could spend hours milling over all the various museums in this department, like the Tokyo National Museum .

Gathering Japanese art and antiquities and pieces from other parts of Asia, this gallery is home to a crazy 100,000 items, from paintings to weaponry!

Founded in 1872, it’s had plenty of time to build its collection since and still houses one of the country’s largest. So big, in fact, six separate buildings within the complex make up the Tokyo National Museum.

The oldest is the Hyokeikan, where its temporary expos are set up. The main building is the Honkan displaying Buddha statues, traditional sliding doors, scrolls, ceramics and maps; and the Toyokan building is where the Asian art and artifacts galleries are.

For exhibitions relating to ancient Japanese culture, enter the Heiseikan building; the Horyuji Homotsukan (also called the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures) contains religious objects; and the Kuroda Memorial Hall is dedicated to the artist after it was named: Kuroda Seiki.

19 – Asakusa

Ever tried to imagine what Tokyo must have looked like 200 years ago, before the influence of modernity and technology? Referred to as the city’s “old town,” Asakusa exudes all the traditional Japanese feels.

Dubbed Tokyo’s “shitamachi” (translating to “lower city”) back in its heyday, the area is where the working class would gather and socialize at the entertainment hubs, varying over the years.

During the Edo Period, dozens of kabuki theaters lined the streets, and in the early 1900s, movie theaters shot up all around.

Sitting on the banks alongside the Sumida River, now this central part of shitamachi mainly revolves around the famous Sensō-ji shrine and its Nakamise shopping street.

Two of the most authentic ways to sightsee Asakusa are on land via a rickshaw tour or on the river during a boat cruise. Situated in this part of Tokyo are Sumida Park and Hanayashiki, the city’s oldest theme park.

Asakusa tours

20 – National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo

Does the world of science completely fascinate you? Bend your brains and learn something new at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation .

This museum is a fantastic place to begin in a city that strives for innovation of all varying degrees. Commonly known as Miraikan, its focus is on all things tech-driven, as well as expanding visitors’ knowledge of space, life sciences and our global environment.

Set up across seven floors, there are four permanent exhibition spaces here.

Dispersed between the first, third and fifth levels, the main feature of the ‘Discover your Earth’ exhibit is the LED-paneled globe-like display.

Highlights from the ‘Create your future’ gallery (on the third floor) include robots, a hands-on model of the Internet, and inventive and interactive games.

On the fifth floor is the ‘Explore the Frontiers’ permanent expo, deep-diving into universes of space, solar systems and Earth.

The museum’s radical Dome Theater GAIA shows multiple short documentaries and films, completely transporting viewers into alternative worlds as you watch the screening above and all around you, submerged by the digital and audio.

21 – Nezu Museum

Traveling back in time from modern Japan we know today, the Nezu Museum celebrates Japanese and East Asian art from periods a few centuries before — predominantly the 17th, 18th and 19th.

Named after Nezu Kaichirō, the gallery was born out of the businessman’s personal collections. However, it wasn’t until his passing that his acquisitions opened to the public — which had always been his intention.

Developed by his son, he set up a foundation in his father’s honor, and in 1941 the Nezu Museum was established.

The original collection has grown from some 4,642 works to around 7,400 treasures. The museum’s most prized possessions include seven National Treasures, 94 Important Art Objects and 88 Important Cultural Properties.

Admire paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lacquerware, calligraphy, metalwork, wood and bamboo crafts, textiles, armor and even archaeological specimens.

22 – Art Aquarium Museum

Fill your social media pages with dozens of zany pictures snapped inside the unique Art Aquarium Museum , unlike any of the tourist attractions in Tokyo — or the world, for that matter!

So what is it that sets this gallery apart? Decorating the walls, floors and other open spaces are one-of-a-kind displays of all shapes, sizes and designs, lit up in colorful neon lights and moving projections, and filled with… goldfish!

While it may seem random to tourists, goldfish have been highly prized in Japan since the 1500s when they first arrived from China. Back then, they were reserved as gifts for the imperials and samurai, symbolizing wealth and good health.

From Wakin to Tamasaba to Orandas, scope out the varying species imaginatively set up in 15 different areas. Spot the Goldfish Waterfall, stroll down the Goldfish Corridor, marvel over the Goldfish Cabinet and lap up the calming ambiance of the Goldfish Bamboo Forest.

Standout artworks to keep your eyes peeled for are the Origamirium, the Mask Collection, the Ginza Mantoro space and the Shojirium.

Ginza tours

23 – Bus tours

Travelers with limited time or tourists that need to give their feet a break from all the city traversing join a bus tour onboard a double-decker hop-on hop-off sightseeing vehicle.

All around the city are designated hop-on hop-off bus stops, allowing you the freedom to disembark and then reboard the bus at your leisure, set up at Tokyo’s top landmarks and most prized attractions.

You can also purchase a one or two-day ticket pass, and there are various routes that the bus travels. If you don’t feel like jumping off the bus, stay onboard and enjoy drive-bys as the route circles back to its starting point. The journey is between one and 1.5 hours.

The red line passes by TOKYO SKYTREE and the Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building, the green line veers past Shinjuku and Shibuya, and the blue line bus stops at the likes of the Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple.

bus tours in Tokyo

24 – National Museum of Nature and Science

National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo

There’s a reason why you picked Japan as a travel destination, so why not brush up on your knowledge of the country at the National Museum of Nature and Science ?

Super extensive; it sheds light on Japan’s typography, landscapes and natural makeup, chronicling thousands of years, but there is also a section dedicated to global natural sciences and geology.

It feels very much like your typical history museum, with life-size dinosaur skeletons hanging from the rooftops, fossils on display and extinct specimens comprising parts of its collections.

On the local front, the permanent Japanese Galleries are laid across floors one, two and three. On the first level is the ‘Techniques in Observing Nature’ expo focusing on the Japanese Islands’ earliest formations in nature.

Locate the ‘Japanese People and Nature’ and the ‘Organisms of the Japanese Islands’ exhibitions on the second floor. The third floor houses the ‘History of the Japanese Islands’ and the ‘Nature of the Japanese Islands’ displays.

The basement levels and floors one to three contain the Global Gallery’s permanent collections. These include ‘Animal of the Earth,’ ‘Progress in Science and Technology,’ ‘Biodiversity – We are All Part of the Same Ecosystem,’ ‘Navigators on the History of Earth,’ ‘Evolution of Life -Exploring the Mysteries of Dinosaur Evolution’ and many other exciting exhibits.

National Museum of Nature and Science tickets

25 – Hamarikyu Gardens

Smack bang in the middle of the metropolis and at the mouth of the Sumida River, gander over gorgeous Yoshino cherry trees in spring; yellow cosmos, Iris, trumpet flowers and hydrangeas in summer; hibiscus in autumn, and peonies and Japanese Camellia in wintertime.

No matter the season, something new is always in bloom and flourishing within this urban park space.

Dating to the Edo period, the grounds originally belonged to the Tokugawa shogunate, who built an imperial residence, were handled as a Tokugawa Navy training ground, converted into a state guest house during the Meiji Reformation and finally opened as a public garden in 1946.

In the center of the park is the star of the show, a tidal inlet pond where seawater flows in and out of the waterway with the coming tides. In the middle of this is a traditional Nakajima teahouse.

Stroll through the gardens, enjoy a tea ceremony and revel in a moment of zen under tall plum trees.

Sakuras bloom throughout springtime too, and the crowds draw in for the occasion.

26 – Mount Fuji excursion

Fuji-san , Fujiyama , or just Mount Fuji … Whatever you know Japan’s highest mountain as, she’s waiting for you in all of her glory just 100 kilometers outside of Tokyo, soaring toward the heavens at 3,776 meters tall.

Visiting the dormant volcano during a day trip excursion is highly favored by those vacationing in the capital city. Tokyo’s bullet train runs all the way here in under two hours.

Respected by locals as a spiritual pilgrimage site, the cultural icon is believed to be over two million years old!

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, the peak is located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

If you want to glimpse her snow-laden peaks, the best time to journey here is in winter. However, the only time to explore Mount Fuji on foot is in summer when the mountain’s trails open — it remains closed for safety reasons the rest of the year.

There is plenty to see around the area, from local villages to icy lakes.

Mt. Fuji tours from Tokyo

27 – Hachikō Memorial Statue

There’s the sweetest yet somewhat heartbreaking tale behind the Hachikō Memorial Statue, erected in honor of man’s most loyal best friend, in this case, one named Hachikō.

The story circles back to the 1920s and is about an Akita dog and his owner.

Every day, Hachikō would make his way to the Shibuya Station and await his owner’s return on the train. But one day, the professor did not arrive at the station after unexpectedly passing away.

Hachikō returned to the same spot for nearly 10 years every single day in the hopes of his owner’s return… Any animal lover can’t hear the tale and not wipe away a tear from their eye.

There has even been a movie made about the story, Hachikō Monogatari , released in 1987.

The bronze memorial statue was constructed in Shibuya, near the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing to honor the pooch. Pose for a picture next to Japan’s most loved dogo and then adventure around the area.

28 – Kabukicho

Glowing bars, late-night eateries, pachinko parlors and nightclubs bopping with cosplay girls; Kabukichō may be one of Tokyo’s “red light” entertainment districts, but that’s not to say the area isn’t an interesting (and intriguing) one to explore.

Found within the iconic Shinjuku district, this part of the city dazzles tourists with its highrise buildings, flashing neon lights, shopping and party scene.

Kabukichō’s Golden Gai is a hot spot for drinks and socializing, with bars and people spilling out onto its small alleyways. The drinking holes usually open in the evenings, closing when the sun rises!

(Bar hopping adventures around Golden Gai are mega popular.)

Other things to do and see in the district are Kabukicho Red Noren Gai (a small street filled with izakayas), the Godzilla head on top of TOHO Cinema, Kinokuniya Bookstore — one of the biggest in Japan — and Hanazono Shrine (a Shinto shrine founded in the 17th century).

Kabukicho tours

29 – Tokyo Dome City

You could allocate an entire day just to visiting all of Tokyo’s epic theme parks, including the one at Tokyo Dome City . The Tokyo Dome City Attractions amusement park forms part of the Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex.

Sing karaoke with friends as you spin around on the Big O ferris wheel (eight of the gondolas are specially set up for the activity); reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour on the Thunder Dolphin roller coaster, whizzing through the center of the Big O; and escape the monsters lurking inside the Haunted House “ONRYOU ZASHIKI.”

Tokyo Dome stadium is also located within Tokyo Dome City and is officially Japan’s largest covered baseball arena. Home of the Yomiuri Giants, other sports matches and concerts occur here too.

With its Tokyo Dome Hotel and Spa LaQua, enjoy some downtime afterward. There are also a bunch of restaurants and over 50 stores to shop at.

Tokyo Dome City tickets

30 – National Art Center

From the artworks showcasing inside to the striking wave-shaped glass walls spanning the National Art Center ’s exterior, let your creative juices come alive at one the country’s largest exhibition spaces.

Every detail was painstakingly thought of when creating the arts center — established in 2007 — and the overall environment compliments the gallery’s vision of founding “an Art Center surrounded by green spaces.”

No permanent collections are displayed here; the center’s mission is to highlight 21st-century artists and different forms of artistic expression through ever-changing exhibitions.

Totaling 14,000 square meters, the expos and art shows are set up within 12 rooms.

Pop into the Art Library on the third floor, and when there are exhibitions on, the library hosts additional reading materials relative to the showcase and its creator.

31 – Shibuya Crossing

Big bright, colorful lights, swarms of tourists, digitized billboards and signage sprawled in Japanese, Shibuya Crossing is that iconic image you see of Tokyo so often in travel ads of the capital city.

Looking down at the bustling pedestrian intersection from a drone’s perspective; this crossing outlines a square, with one extra zigzagging white line intersecting through the middle.

Every 80 seconds, vehicles stop and walkers scramble across in all directions — hence, its nickname, Shibuya Scramble .

A popular area for shopping (especially for electronics), eating out, people-watching and enjoying a night out on the town, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and entertainment hubs surrounding the intersection.

Pub crawls in Tokyo are a fun and authentic way to become familiar with Shibuya and last around three hours.

The roads right by the crossing are known as Shibuya Center-Gai and Shibuya 109 is here too (a tax-free department store), with youthful crowds flooding both. Famous Harajuku forms part of the Shibuya ward.

Shibuya tours

32 – Ueno Park

Picture this: As winter sheds her skin and the softness of spring breaks through, 1,200 cherry blossoms open up their delicate petals in all shades of pastel pinks and whites at Ueno Park — one of the country’s most famous spots for sakura-gazing!

Blooming from March to April, the 54-hectare garden heaves with visitors in this period, itching to witness the spectacle — and take millions of photographs! Planted here are different sakura types, ensuring an extended blooming period.

Located in Tokyo’s “shitamachi” district, the park was established in 1873! It’s not just its cherry blossoms that attract attention but also the dozens of other floral varieties blooming inside. For example, lotus flowers on the Shinobazu Pond open up toward the end of July, and azaleas pop up in early spring.

Other exotic plants to see are ginkgo, camphor and zelkova.

Explore the grounds via a dedicated walking trail, or check out the institutions located in the park. These include the Tokyo Culture Hall (Tokyo Bunka Kaikan), the National Museum of Western Art, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the Tokyo National Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the Ueno Royal Museum and the Statue of Saigo Takamori.

cherry blossom tours in Tokyo

33 – Bike tours

Japan is an exquisite country with endless landscapes and landmarks to take your breath away. If you only plan to spend a few days in its capital, a bike tour is a smart time-saver and a convenient way to explore Tokyo!

Offered as half-day (ranging from three to five hours) or full-day stints on either a traditional bicycle or an e-bike — for travelers not keen on peddling — take your pick from various biking excursions.

A typical full-day itinerary covers Tokyo’s top highlights, clocking in roughly 18 kilometers. Veer past sites like the Imperial Palace, Ginza shopping district and Tsukiji Outer Market.

Certain tours adventure around a specific area or district, for example, downtown Tokyo or further out of the city in the countryside.

Specialized bike tours, such as a cycling and food tour, are available, combined with a local lunch at a neighborhood eatery.

bike tours in Tokyo

34 – Nakamise Shopping Street

A shopping street inside a temple? Only in Tokyo! It’s hard to mention the Asakusa area and not think of Nakamise Shopping Street, set up within the Sensō-ji Shrine.

It is a real street — that happens to run through the sacred grounds — and approximately 89 shops dot the curbsides between the temple’s two main gates (one on the south side, the other on the north end).

Seemingly random? Think again, and locals have gathered here for shopping rounds since the late 17th century!

Extending 250 meters in total; shop for all sorts of traditional Japanese souvenirs, crafts, clothing, accessories, toys and more, and the shopping locale is famed for its specialty snacks and street food!

Ningyo-yaki (small baked cakes in cute shapes and figurines), yokan (a confectionery made from red bean paste), kaminari-okoshi (rice crackers) and kibi dango (sweet millet dumplings) are a few must-try snacks.

35 – Yasukuni Shrine

Commemorating the lives of nearly 2.5 million souls who died in wartime battles, Yasukuni Shrine is a historical Shinto shrine, housing the glorified deities who fought in the Boshin War, the Seinan War (also known as the Satsuma Rebellion), the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, both World Wars, the Mukden Incident and the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.

Considered a controversial site by some locals, in 1978, 14 Japanese Class A warlord criminals of WWII were also enshrined here. Others feel that Yasukuni is a celebration of Japan’s war-trodden eras — a time the now-peaceful country has strived to move past.

Founded in 1869 under Emperor Meiji, inscribed as written records are the names of the lost lives, and families of the deceased are often seen making offerings and rituals.

Also here is the Yushukan Museum. Oddly so, the building was designed by an Italian architect inspired by Italy’s medieval castles and has welcomed public visitors since 1882.

Its displays feature artifacts, memorabilia, artillery and actual warplanes from the different battles throughout the decades.

36 – Gotokuji Temple

If you’ve ever walked into a Chinese takeaway restaurant or Asian grocer, chances are you’ve seen a waving maneki-neko cat.

Fun fact, contrary to popular assumptions, these symbolic felines aren’t Chinese and are, in fact, Japanese. It’s believed they originated from the Gotokuji Temple here in Japan!

These beckoning cats symbolize good fortune, bringing prosperity and luck to their owners. Arriving at the temple, be greeted by hundreds of white and red-statued felines decorating the entrance walls and other parts!

Erected as a three-story pagoda in the 17th century, it’s one of Tokyo’s few holy spiritual sites escaping demolitions or damage during wartime.

So why all the cats? According to the storybooks, during the Edo reign, a feudal lord from Hikone was caught in a major thunderstorm. In the distance, he noticed a cat who appeared to be waving to the lord. Mesmerized, he followed the feline, ultimately leading him to dry safety. In the exact spot, the lord constructed a family temple — the same one that Gotokuji is built upon.

Behind the temple is a significant cemetery where many important Japanese figures have been laid to rest, from prime ministers to the karate guru, Masutatsu Ōyama.

Gotokuji Temple tours

37 – Tsukiji Outer Market

Foodies, find yourself in heaven at the Tsukiji Outer Market — a destination never missed during food tours in Tokyo .

Also known as Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō (築地場外市場) or the Tsukiji Fish Market, this hotspot is the place to shop for all things fresh and seasonal, particularly seafood, as well as meals prepared on the spot, and even kitchen utensils!

Once frequented by mainly hospitality professionals, its wholesale market vibe has altered with the years. Now, locals and tourists alike visit the market, its retail stalls and makeshift restaurants.

Buy cuts of the freshest catch of the day, shellfish and other seafood, and stock up on traditional Japanese goods and delicacies (referred to as “chinmi”), tsukemono, i.e., Japanese pickles, preserved foods, seasonings, dried bonito flakes, cereals, green teas, snacks and sweets.

Arrive hungry and head to the rows of restaurants where you can enjoy breakfast sushi, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), nerimono (cooked foods made from ground seafood), a bowl of ramen and other mouth-watering bites!

Don’t miss out on this one during your walking tours in Tokyo .

Tsukiji Outer Market

38 – Go-kart tours

Tokyo is the type of city where the seemingly impossible comes to life. Dress up like your favorite Mario Brother and prepare for one of Tokyo’s fun and laugh-a-minute go-kart tours!

Forget about zooting around a track; in this city, you actually tour the streets of Tokyo in a real go-kart!

(Not to fear if you aren’t so keen on the idea of dressing up as cartoon versions, you can simply take a tour without the costumes.)

Choose between a one or two-hour sightseeing expedition, cruising around Shinjuku’s metropolitan area, Harajuku and even the famous Shibuya Crossing. Other tour operators take you around the streets of Akihabara.

To avoid disappointment, if you prefer a specific route, check with your operator beforehand, and a valid international driver’s license is required to drive the karts.

go-kart tours in Tokyo

39 – Sumida Aquarium

Set up across two floors inside the iconic TOKYO SKYTREE building (on levels five and six), meet cute penguins, illuminating jellyfish and other creatures of the ocean at Sumida Aquarium.

Utilizing artificial seawater in all of its tanks, Sumida is only one of two aquariums in Japan that employ this system.

Three outlined routes link both floors of the marine exhibit, and the glassed tanks and open-air displays are spread throughout the floor plans. Sit in front of the tanks arraying in shape and size, taking a moment to appreciate our marine species.

On the fifth level (or the aquarium’s first floor), find the fur seals and the fur seal tunnel, the Edorium, the penguins and the Water’s Blessing Ogasawara Tank (from here is a ramp leading to the sixth floor).

Discover the Jellyfish displays, Coral Reefs, the Natural Aquascape, and the top of the Water’s Blessing Ogasawara Tank on the sixth floor (and the aquarium’s second level).

Sumida Aquarium tickets

40 – Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Introducing the country’s very first public art museum, and one of the best places to dive into the world of Japanese calligraphy and sculpted creations, it’s the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum .

Established in 1926 under the title ‘Tokyo Prefectural Art Museum,’ it underwent a name change to its current one in 1943.

The institute’s permanent collection comprises two main categories. Investigate 11 sculptural works gathered in the 1970s and 80s at the Sculpture & Relief Collection, and appreciate its Calligraphy Collection containing 36 pieces (curated between 1936 and 1978).

Hosting evolving exhibitions, the museum showcases Japanese and international masters with collections on rotating loans, like works from Henri Matisse!

Take home souvenirs from the gift shop, there are on-site restaurants and Ueno Park lies in the background.

41 – Asakusa Hanayashiki

Asakusa Hanayashiki amusement park, Tokyo

Providing fun for the residents of Tokyo since 1853, welcome to Japan’s oldest amusement park grounds, Asakusa Hanayashiki .

Initially established as a floral garden, Hanayashiki’s first attractions were added to the park in the 1870s. Loosely translated, its name means ‘public flower garden.’

Most rides are family-friendly, but one or two of the 18 attractions have age and height limits, like the Disk “O” rollercoaster!

Speaking of big dippers categorized under the park’s “speed and thrills” section, feel the adrenaline on the classic Roller Coaster.

Rides like Pyong Pyong, Sky Ship, Shirasagi and the Merry-go-round form part of the fantasy-themed selections, and kids especially love the spinning Little Star, the Swan boats, the Panda Car, Kiddy Taxi and the House of Surprise.

There’s a Carnival Game Corner (Maruhana Ennichi), a Game Plaza, and a few shops and restaurants.

42 – Yanaka Ginza Street

Not just a shopping street filled with all sorts of Japanese nick-nacks, snacks, souvenirs and traditional herbs and medicines, but the atmosphere of Yanaka Ginza Street makes it truly memorable.

Imagine dark wood shop fronts, wooden boards sprawled in Japanese shodō, lanterns flitting from shop windows or lining the street-sides, and narrower walkways where beckoning cat statues peek out from here and there… It doesn’t get more authentic!

Situated in the Yanaka neighborhood, Yanaka Ginza oozes all of the shitamachi feels, and many of the stores here have been around for decades.

Along the 175-meter strip, cafes and food stalls also dot the road, and it’s a top spot to sample affordable local street food. Knock back a shot of sake at one of the quaint bars and strike up conversations with the owners.

Stuffed toys, slippers, fans, kimonos, posters, mini felt bags and even mosaic tiles; find it all on the shopping street.

Yanaka tours

43 – Sake tastings

Originating from Japan, there’s no better time for sake tastings than here in Tokyo!

What is sake? The alcoholic rice wine beverage is made by fermenting polished rice, i.e., rice where the bran grain is removed.

There are many types of sake, ranging from standard to super-high-end bottles. Enjoy learning more about the national drink — and of course, sampling it too — during the tastings; there are loads to take your pick.

Opt for a private tour to Tokyo’s oldest sake brewery, for example, or visit hidden izakayas instead during a small-group excursion.

Fancier exploits invite you on a sake and cocktail pairing venture, or if your tastebuds really love the drink, join a 1.5-hour sake seminar led by an expert sommelier.

Get familiarized with sake-lingo for when you want to buy a bottle later or understand a drinks menu — it really comes in handy!

sake tastings in Tokyo

44 – Tokyo Sea Life Park

The nearest beach to the city is roughly 1.5 hours away. You can still appreciate the Deep Blue and all her species at Tokyo Sea Life Park .

With its goal of recreating global natural aquatic habitats, marvel at creatures from around the world, and the aquarium is set up in different zones across three floors.

Spot bluefin tuna and scalloped hammerheads at the Voyagers of the Sea tank, and rockhopper, little and Humboldt penguins at the Penguin Exhibition.

The Pacific Ocean zone is home to humphead wrasse and bluespine unicornfish; see angelfish and surgeonfish at the Indian Sea section; watch lumpsuckers swim by at the Atlantic Ocean tank, and butter hamlets with their neon glow at the Caribbean Sea zone.

Oceans of Polar Regions, Life of the Deep Sea, Life on the Shoreline, Life in Freshwater, The Sea of Tokyo and the Kelp Forest comprise the aquarium’s other sections.

45 – Nezu Shrine

Follow the picturesque pathway through the red torii gates and arrive at a landscape that seems straight out of a whimsical fairytale.

As thousands of bright pink, purple, red and white azaleas bloom (in April), the scene surrounding this temple is absolutely magical!

Built by the fifth shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa in 1705, the Shinto Sanctum is one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines. It’s believed that the shrine predates the 1st century long before this, and when the shogun constructed the grounds, he relocated the shrine to its current location.

Formerly known as Nezu Gongensha, its title was changed to Nezu Shrine as the Meiji era arrived.

Beaten slightly after the World Wars, restoration efforts were made to its Karamon gate, tower gate and wall, but much of the shrine we see today is the same as its 18th-century creation.

Throughout April, the 3,000 azalea bushes blossom, displaying a variety of 50 species. The annual Azalea Spring Festival (also called the Bunkyo Azalea Festival) runs this month, and food, handicrafts and games stalls are set up for the festival at the shrine.

46 – Sushi making classes

Apart from ramen, sushi is the most famous food to hail from Japan. Nowadays, there isn’t a town or city where you can’t find sushi!

Forget about the online tutorial videos, and learn how to roll your own during a sushi-making class to impress your friends back home.

Be shown how to handmake pieces of nigiri, maki rolls, patterned kazari, oshizushi (often called ‘pressed sushi’), and even traditional chirashi sushi bowls. Some classes take it one step further, teaching students to make fancy temari sushi and miso soup.

There are many techniques to learn during these cooking classes in Tokyo , so the lessons last around three hours.

Some sushi-making classes include visiting a local market to shop for the freshest ingredients — omakase style — or to a fresh-food grocer instead. Choose a course at a local’s home or a gourmet cooking school.

sushi classes in Tokyo

47 – Samurai Museum

Revered for centuries in Japan, unravel the history of the country’s once most elite warriors at the Samurai Museum !

Did you know that these noble soldiers have their origins in the Heian Period (from 794 to 1185 CE), ruling as the elite military class until the end of the Edo period?

Learn interesting facts like this at this fascinating attraction, and the museum offers visitors much more to do than just checking its displays and galleries.

The museum comprises two floors. The Samurai Gallery, with its Armour Exhibition, is on the first floor. On the second level is the Katana Gallery, showcasing Japanese Swords, Kabuto (helmets), Matchlocks (this refers to the Tanegashima guns later employed for foot soldiers) and more armor.

Plus, the center offers epic samurai experiences to join, like sword shows, Samurai calligraphy classes, live music shows, sword lectures and photo sessions where you can dress in traditional samurai gear!

Besotted with the Japanese warriors? There are other Samurai lessons outside the museum to join, as well as Ninja Experiences . Get suited up and learn the art of the samurai!

48 – Izakaya

In the Western world, friends gather at bars for Happy Hour; in Japan, it’s the izakayas where crowds convene to sip on sake and chill out after a hard day’s work.

Set up as an informal Japanese bar, these traditional drinking holes are intimate and equipped with enough tables and chairs so no one is left standing.

Another factor differentiating an izakaya from a regular taproom is the small dishes accompanying the menu, served as light snacks.

Wondering where to find an izakaya in Tokyo? Good news; they are everywhere! However, hunt down the most authentic locales in areas like Shinjuku’s Kabukicho and Golden Gai or neighborhoods like Akabane.

Izakaya tours are readily available if you’d prefer a local expert to guide the way, often paired with sake tastings or forming part of a pub crawl.

Izakaya tours

49 – National Museum of Western Art

From its rotating exhibits to special showcases, unravel art from around Europe dating as far back as the 14th century at the National Museum of Western Art .

Founded in 1959, the museum opened to house and display the treasured Matsukata Collection, which was returned to Japan by the French government proceeding World War II. Today, this collection features as the museum’s primary assemblage of art.

Containing approximately 5,500 items, the paintings and sculptures here are goosebump-inducing, exhibiting works from some of the greatest masters of the last couple of centuries!

Late Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque, Rococo, Abstract styles and more… see it all here! Hunt down these displays in the Main Building and the West Wing.

Curious to know who is celebrated inside? Scope art from maestros like Rubens, Joos van Cleve, Monet, Renoir, Delacroix, Van Gogh, Miró, Max Ernst, Picasso and Jackson Pollock — to name a few.

50 – Kanda Myojin Shrine

Whether you’re visiting the ancient Kanda Myojin Shrine during the daytime to pray for a prosperous business or a marriage proposal soon, or arriving at the historical shrine in the evening when its swooping red karamon (a typical gate of Japanese architecture found at a shrine’s entrance) is all lit up; this a fantastic spot to photograph traditional, centuries-old design.

Frequented by shoguns and surviving plenty of natural disasters, Kanda Myojin was founded in 730 CE in the Musashi Province (today known as Otemachi in the Chiyoda Ward). Circa the 17th century, the shrine was relocated to its present site.

This time frame was during the Edo period. Even though parts of the temple were devastated in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, then ravaged during WWII, it’s been restored to its original appearance.

Housing deities of 108 neighborhoods around the city, the three most prominent Kami (deities) are Daikokuten (the god of marriage and prosperity), Ebisu, who is the god of health, good fortune and business, and Masado — the god of warding off evil. Placed within the shrine are statues of these gods.

The mid-may Kanda Matsuri Festival is held here and is one of three of the most important Shinto celebrations.

51 – Sunshine Aquarium

How many times in your life can you count visiting an aquarium… on the top of a roof?! Realities come true for those visiting the sweet Sunshine Aquarium overlooking the city of Tokyo.

Perched on the rooftop of the World Import Mart Building inside the Sunshine City complex, 70 tanks across three floors house over 23,000 marine animals, totaling 550 varied species.

Highlighting different marine ecosystems, from coastal waters to offshore areas, discover giant rays inside the Sunshine Lagoon, hundreds of sardines at the Force of Life tank, and jellyfish, squid, as well as creatures that live in cold seas at the other exhibits on the first floor.

Search for lake seals, aqua plants, amphibians and fish living in mangrove forests on the second floor. Located on the third level is the Outdoor Marine Garden.

Here, look up to the ‘Penguin in the Sky’ overhanging tank where cute African penguins play, or wave hello to the Cape Town natives at the Penguin in the grassland tank. Also up top is the transparent Sunshine Aqua Ring, where adorable sea lions make an appearance.

52 – Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Inspired by the Art Deco movement sweeping across Europe in the early 1900s, after a brief stint in France, Prince Yasuhiko and his wife Nobuko returned home to their royal residence, i.e., the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum , and decided to renovate their existing home in a similar fashion.

Unlike many of the institutes in Tokyo, this one is a living museum, and the beautiful former home of the prince and princess is the exhibition!

They even sought a French architect, commissioning Henri Rapin to work his magic on the design end, redecorating and shaping the interior of the mansion’s principal rooms.

Since 2015, it’s been listed officially as one of the country’s Important Cultural Properties.

Touring inside, navigate the different rooms, taking a moment to appreciate the antiques, period furniture pieces and the fusion of European and Japanese design.

Examples of the spaces to muse over are the Front Entrance Hall, Great Hall, Small Drawing Room, Anteroom, Salon, Great Dining Hall, Private Dining Hall, Young Prince’s Bedroom, Dressing Room, Study, Prince’s Sitting Room and loads more.

53 – Akihabara

Calling all anime fans and manga geeks, drop everything you’re doing and head straight to Akihabara after you land in the capital city.

Dubbed the city district for seeing otaku — a term used to describe someone obsessed with anime, manga, video games and techy things — there’s no place in the city quite like this area.

Stroll past kawaii girls, gashapon vending machines, endless electronic stores and shops spilling with comics, manga novels, collectibles and other novelty items relating to the Japanese genre.

The main street here is Chuo Dori, where the heave of small shops and larger department stores are. Popular ones are Yodobashi Camera, Sofmap (selling second-hand PCs) and the Laox Main Store.

You can also find Japanese maid-themed cafes in Akiba (another name for this part of Tokyo) and the Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou.

Akihabara tours

54 – Harajuku

Harajuku punks dripping in chains and donning platform boots, Decora Kei looking like cute rainbows themselves, overly accessorized Gyaru gals, Lolita ladies dressed in Victorian-themed costumes and fairy kei in vintage pastel dress; Tokyo’s Harajuku is the epitome of modern Japanese kawaii culture.

The district forms part of the Shibuya area and is the place to be for all things OTT, cutesy, anime-related and cosplay. It’s a fashion extravaganza — especially when it comes to Japanese street style!

Centered around Harajuku Station, Harajuku’s main road is the famous colorful Takeshita Street, brimming with shops (targeted at younger crowds) selling clothes, accessories, cosmetics and more.

Linking Harajuku and Shibuya is Cat Street, a small road where the cool kids hang out, lined with hip cafes, vintage stores and high-end boutiques.

Other places to see in the area are the Meiji Jingu shrine, the Nezu Museum, and nearby Omotesando — an affluent neighborhood boasting international designers and luxury brand stores

55 – Yushukan Museum

Oddly, the original Yushukan Museum building was designed by an Italian architect inspired by Italy’s medieval castles; however, it has been remodeled since.

Welcoming public visitors since 1882, it’s located within the Yasukuni Shrine complex.

Displays feature artifacts, memorabilia, artillery and actual warplanes from the different battles throughout the decades. This has been the aim since its first inception.

Make your way through its four permanent exhibits showcasing collections.

These galleries include the Prologue Zone dedicated to the Age of the Samurai; the Modern History Zone exploring times from the Meiji period onwards; the Noble Spirits’ Sentiments Zone; and the Great Exhibition and Entrance Hall Zone — highlighted here are the bulk of the weapons and armor.

A zero fighter plane and a C56 Model No.31 locomotive also feature in this zone, and there are other authentic artilleries throughout the museum.

56 – FujiQ Highland

If you wanted to, you could spend an entire weekend just visiting the theme parks in this wonderful and wacky place. So, best to add FujiQ Highland to that Tokyo amusement park bucket list!

Situated at the foothills of Mount Fuji, it’s a playground filled with wild roller coasters and mega adrenaline-inducing rides.

If you dare, ride the Takabisha Roller Coaster (once the world’s steepest, it angles at 120 degrees), hold on for your life as Do-Dodonpa reaches speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour, try out the Tekkotsubanchou – Sky Tower Swinger, feel your bellies flop on the Red Drop Tower and mustering all of the courage you have, make your way out of the Haunted Hospital Labyrinth.

Also within the park are the French-themed La Ville de Gaspard et Lisa and Thomas Land for the little ones based on everyone’s favorite tank engine.

Hungry after all the excitement? Its food stadium and other restaurant options take care of that.

FujiQ Highland tickets

57 – Tokyo City View

In a city famous for its skyscrapers, Tokyo City View is another one of Tokyo’s amazing creations designed as a city observation deck — and a popular meeting point for the Roppongi Tenmon (Astronomy) Club.

Occupying two Roppongi Hills Mori Tower floors, start on the 52nd floor. The Indoor Observation Deck and the Sky Gallery (hosting exhibitions and events) are here.

Moving up to the rooftop, the open-air Sky Deck has views for days, stretching around the city. The space takes on an entirely new dimension as night falls and the city lights up.

Visitors, feel free to partake when the Astronomy Club gathers for sky and star-watching events, or enjoy the starlight vistas on your own.

Roppongi Hills tickets

58 – Hie Shrine

A sacred site since 1478, dozens of tourists (and even celebrities) gravitate towards Hie Shrine because of its iconic red torii gate tunnel and its staircase through these leading to the “Hidden Shrine.”

Travelers fancy its surreal setting, perched on a hillside under a myriad of trees amid the Akasaka and Nagatacho neighborhoods. In season, cherry blossoms bloom everywhere.

Erected by the Japanese samurai, poet and Buddhist scholar Dokan Ota in the 15th century, Hie Jinja was initially built on the grounds of the former Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), thereby becoming a guardian for the royal residence of the Tokugawa shogunate family. Later the shrine was relocated to its current location.

Safeguarded by monkeys — see the statues around the Main Hall — people come to pray for good business, healthy marriage and safe childbirth. The main deity enshrined here is Oyamakui no Kami (the Shinto god who protects Tokyo city).

If you’re visiting during June, don’t miss out on the lively 11-day Sanno Festival revolving around Hie Shrine.

59 – Kappabashi Street

Japan is an expert in manufacturing top-class goods for the culinary world, from Japanese knives — are you really a pro unless you have a Santoku Knife? — to iron cookware. Avid home cooks and professional chefs head directly to Kappabashi Street (かっぱ橋道具街).

Nicknamed ‘Kitchen Town’ and called Kappabashi Dōgugai in Japanese, the kilometer-long road is, quite literally, a shopping street to shop for everything and anything relating to the kitchen — except for actual food.

Cooking utensils, pots, pans, plates, and even stoves, tables and chairs — you name it, they’ve got it; and restaurateurs and business owners frequent the road.

Found between Asakusa and Ueno, there are approximately 160 stores here.

If you do spot any “food,” it’s usually in plastic form, selling fake versions of Japanese ingredients and iconic dishes, like sushi magnets or food-themed mobile covers.

60 – Railway Museum

From drives on the Miniature Train to experiencing Japan’s first steam locomotive simulator, the interactive Railway Museum is fun, educational and intriguing for all ages.

Leading the way in retelling the history (and evolution) of the railway system in Japan, impressive displays and immersive exhibits help to do so.

Established in 2007, the museum has expanded quite a bit, now sporting five hands-on stations to get involved.

Scope out the primary gallery space, Rolling Rock Station, to see 36 historic locomotives, like the hi-tech Shinkansen.

Spend time at the History Station discerning information about the first trains, rail engineers and modern-day operations. The remaining three stations include the Job, Science and Future Stations.

Other incredible museum features to join are the simulator experiences (check out the Conductor Simulator, Train Driver Simulator Classroom, the Simulator Hall and the E5 Simulator).

61 – Small Worlds

Travel to the future, step back in time to the Industrial Revolution and transport yourselves into space all at Small Worlds — one of Asia’s largest miniature museums.

Set up indoors across a 7,000 square-meter space, spend an hour or two flittering between the eight unique “small worlds.”

Designed to replicate real places and events, as well as imaginary ones; these small-scale model displays are not just captivating, but some are interactive as well.

Investigate the Space Center, Global Village, Nightlife in Japan and Kansai International Airport areas for realistic interpretations in miniature dimensions.

Discover the fictitious worlds like Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Crystal Tokyo and Evangelion: Cage inspired by anime flicks.

Small Worlds tickets

62 – Yomiuri Land

Riding roller coasters through cherry blossom trees, splish-splashing about on an artificial beach and arriving at Yomiuri Land via a gondola ride… The city’s biggest amusement park is epic!

Envisioned as a playground for all ages, laid throughout eight creative areas are the park’s 43-odd attractions.

These are the Goodjoba Area, Plaza Stage of the Sun, the Lan Lan Area, Flag Street, the Family Area, the Bandit Area, the Aqua Area and the Gondola Boarding Area.

Find classic theme park rides, some other crazy attractions, activities like bungee jumping and five pools and three slides at the Pool WAI! Island.

Also, visiting Yomiuri Land at night is incomparable — we suggest extending your hours here to enjoy the marvelous “Jewellumination.” Sparkling in lights in all colors of the rainbow, the whole park and its attractions are all lit up. Evening shows dazzle and delight, for example, its large-scale fountain show.

63 – Tokyo Bay cruises

You may not be able to swim in Tokyo Bay (extending across Tokyo and the Kanagawa and Chiba Prefectures); however, you can get familiarized with the bay — and revel in a sightseeing adventure — during boat cruises out on the waters.

Boarding the Symphony cruise liner, a standard tour lasts between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, sailing past the city’s most iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and TOKYO SKYTREE.

Choose to go boating in the afternoon, at sunset hour or in the evenings.

Keen on spending the whole day out on the bay? Private charter a boat. Certain cruises include drinks, like cocktails and beers, a BBQ lunch or afternoon tea. Alternatively, opt for a fancy dinner excursion or a traditional 10-course Japanese meal onboard an authentic Yakatabune houseboat.

Tokyo Bay cruises

64 – Tokyo Joypolis

Between the games and attractions, you’ll have a hard time tearing the kids away from Tokyo Joypolis , even some adults still young at heart.

The indoor amusement park distinguishes itself from the ordinary type, incorporating elements of that old-school theme park fun, plus the addition of modern technologies and cool digital concepts.

Offering over 20 attractions (spread between three floors), veer into worlds of all things animation, from classic cartoons to manga favorites.

Attack on Titan , Sadako , Ace Attorney , Transformers and Sonic are examples.

Feel the adrenaline racing on the Gekion Live Coaster, Halfpipe Tokyo or in the House Of The Dead. Play a round of Zero Latency VR laser tag and watch a Japanese-style horror in the 3D gimmick theater at the Mystic Mansion.

Beat the best high scores inside the Arcade Games arena or at the Sonic Carnival, and there is even a print sticker machine here too.

Joypolis tickets

65 – Rikugien Gardens

If you’ve been dreaming of (finally) meandering through a traditional Japanese-style garden, Rikugien Gardens will blow your socks off.

Cue the wisteria, magnolias and weeping sakura in spring; Rose of Sharon bushes and hydrangeas in summer; maple trees in autumn; and plum, Japanese allspice and camellias flourishing in wintertime.

Opened to the public in 1938 and spanning 87,809 square meters, the gardens are a prime example of Edo design, its grounds dating to the 18th century.

In the center is the Deshio Minato pond, cloaked by two artificial hills and a lush forest, tea houses, running streams and stone bridges.

Enjoy a cup of green tea inside the traditional Tsutsuji-chaya teahouse, built from the wood of azalea bark; dwell in silence at the peaceful Takimi-chaya arbor; look out for the Horai-jima stone arch; and head up Fujishiro-toge hill, then take in the panoramas from the Fujimi-yama viewpoint.

66 – Yayoi Kusama Museum

Home to the work of famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, — also affectionately known as the “Dot Lady” in the art world — dive into images of cylindrical shapes and installations made from circular patterns at the Yayoi Kusama Museum .

Born in 1929 in Matsumoto, the contemporary artist is still creating and is globally renowned for her modern, pop and abstract works. Many museums around the world showcase her art.

Floors two, three and four are the galleries, and the fifth floor houses the Library and Rooftop Gallery.

Founded by the artist herself in 2017, two primary exhibitions are hosted here annually (swapping every six months), and if you’re lucky, you might holiday in Tokyo when Kusama gives a lecture — art geeks will seriously appreciate this one!

67 – Geisha shows

Would you believe that the first “geishas” to appear in Japan were men? Referred to as ‘taikomochi,’ their role was to entertain lords through employing Japanese customs. Fast forward to the 17th century, and the first female geishas arrived on the scene.

Loosely translated, ‘gei’ means “art,” and ‘sha’ refers to a person. It’s a pretty apt description of what the ladies are all about; preserving and celebrating ancient traditions to this day.

One of the most authentic experiences to have in Japan is a geisha show, and there are plenty of options to pick from in Tokyo.

Watch a geisha performance, hear traditional Japanese songs and marvel at the classic geisha dance, followed by a round of fun games served with sweets and tea.

Become acquainted with the history of the geisha during a 2.5 show coupled with a multi-course kaiseki dinner.

Or, arrive at a geisha school and have the chance to see a geisha in training, posing for photographs with the master and student afterward.

Geisha shows in Tokyo

68 – DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Unicorn Gundam Statue, Diver City Tokyo Plaza, Tokyo

Shop until you drop at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza — an entertainment shopping center with a bunch of tax-free stores, shops selling Japanese-themed goods and restaurants.

Located on Odaiba Island, the mall opened in 2012, and you can reach it via a 20-minute train ride.

Discover international labels like Billabong, H&M, Cos, Lacoste, MAC Cosmetics, Skechers, Doc Martens, and so much more, and local brands such as Coca, Gu, Hello Kitty, DAISO and Matsumoto Kiyoshi. There are over 130 shops inside!

Worked up an appetite after the hours-long shopping rounds? Head to the gourmet food court to ease the hunger pains.

Again, there’s an amalgamation of Japanese restaurants, cafes, and favorite international options. It’s a great place to introduce your tastebuds to the world of Japanese cuisine, and there’s even a store where you can make your own noodles!

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza tickets

69 – Tokyo Station

Curious as to why a train station would be listed as a local historic landmark? Just wait until you catch sight of Tokyo Station .

Standing out against the modernized skyscrapers surrounding this 20th-century European-style building, it’s hard to miss thanks to its striking red-brick façade. Built by the year 1914, it remains one of Tokyo’s biggest stations, boasting 28 platforms.

Board the trains, do some shopping inside (this hub is called Ekinaka), grab a bite to eat from the restaurants and cafes, or simply arrive to photograph the exquisite structure.

Recently undergoing refurbishments, the station was restored in 2012.

Key highlights on the architectural front are the North and South Domes, eight sculptures depicting the 12 signs of the zodiac and eight eagle reliefs.

70 – Ameyoko Shopping Street

From black market operations during WWII to a street to fill your sweet tooth cravings, Ameyoko Shopping Street is now a general shopping locale where you’ll find everything and anything (from clothing to accessories to bags to cosmetics to Japanese herbs and spices).

Situated underneath a train railway line between the Ueno and Okachimachi Stations, the area is simply referred to as Ameyoko by locals.

It’s renowned as a place to pick up a great bargain, and there are still dozens of candy stores, some stalls even auctioning off boxes of chocolate creations!

Similarly to Thailand, vendors sell fruit sticks, and the street food to sample in Ameyoko is real-authentic and cheap!

Shops begin setting up in the morning, and shopping kicks off between 10 AM and 11 PM.

71 – Ghibli Park

From the creators of Spirited Away , Howl’s Moving Castle , Porco Rosso , Princess Mononoke , My Neighbor Totoro , Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Kiki’s Delivery Service … Everyone’s favorite animation studio has recently opened a brand spanking new Ghibli Park .

Bringing favorite characters and movies to life; the park has recreated iconic structures, features and lands from Studio Ghibli’s most loved films.

Set up in Moricoro Park, a natural forest surrounds the location, and currently, the main park area is open!

Discover Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, designed as a bizarre town. Check out the Garden in the Sky, The House Below, Children’s Town, Cinema Orion (screening ten short Ghibli films), the Cat Bus Room, the Philosophy Club Room, and many other enigmatic spaces inside.

There are tons of crazy-cool, interactive exhibits in the Warehouse, like dressing as your best Ghibli character as you enter famous film scenes.

The Hill of Youth brings to life flicks like Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns and is set up outdoors, along with the park’s Dondoko Forest. The forest is a celebration of My Neighbor Totoro , and you can even visit Satsuki and Mei’s House.

72 – Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

What’s the first food that pops into your mind when you think of Japan? Chances are, it was probably ramen, consistently listed as a Top 10 must-try Japanese dish.

Opening in 1994 as the first-ever food-themed amusement park, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a fabulous spot for foodies, families, couples and even solo travelers. Plus, it’s dedicated to all things ramen!

Did you know that nearly every region in Japan has a version of ramen? Learn all about the history of the dish in the Gallery section.

Join a ramen noodle-making class or at the Ra-haku Sugomen Lab, conjure up an instant cup of ramen to suit your taste buds.

Replicating the streets of Japan circa 1958, there is a street-style food court boasting seven pukka ramen shops to grab a bowl from.

Pop into Kateko Café and Snack Shop for a coffee and traditional treats, or stop by the Dagashi-ya on Yu-yake Shoten (Sunset Shopping Street) comprising ‘Dagashi-ya,’ i.e., old-fashioned sweet shops.

ramen tastings in Tokyo

73 – Zōjō-ji Temple

There are plenty of Shinto shrines in Tokyo; however, Zōjō-ji Temple (located next to the Tokyo Tower) is a Buddhist temple.

Its roots date back to 1393, when Zōjō-ji was founded in the Kantō region, and the temple was transferred to its current site in Tokyo in 1598.

After the Edo period ended and the Meiji reign began, many Buddhist temples in Japan were affected, including this one. Luckily, the main temple was rebuilt in the mid-1970s.

An excellent place to appreciate the Japanese Buddhist style of architecture; photograph the Sangedatsumon (Main Gate), the 3.33-meter-tall Daibonsho (Big Bell), the Daiden (Main Hall) and the Koshoden with its colorful ceiling decorated with pictures of various plants.

See the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Shoguns, where the tombs of six Tokugawa Shoguns and their families are laid to rest. Don’t leave before popping into the Zojoji Treasures Gallery.

74 – Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena

Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena, Tokyo

You’ve never seen a stadium quite like the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena, open for public enjoyment for over 100 years. (The original arena closed down during the 20th century, and the current 10,000-seater stadium is now the primary locale for watching sumo wrestling.)

Fun fact: Japan’s traditional national sport is sumo, tracing this ancient wrestling technique back over 2,000 years.

However, it wasn’t until the Edo period that the formal rules of Sumo Wrestling were instilled, and the first professional sumo wrestlers hit the scene (before this, the Imperial family and its court were the ones to whom sumo matches were reserved.

Witness the heavyweight masters in action during three dedicated months of the year when it’s sumo tournament season — it’s one of the most authentic experiences in Tokyo.

Also in the same area as the arena (in Sumida) is the Sumo Museum, established in 1954.

sumo wrestling in Tokyo

Visiting Tokyo on a budget?

Analyzing all the cities in Asia, Tokyo ranks as the second most expensive — practical to know when planning your vacation. The good news is there are easy ways to save on the spending-end when visiting the tourist attractions in Tokyo.

The free walking tours in Tokyo offer a great way to do so, and there are many to take your pick, usually lasting between two to three hours.

Traverse around specific neighborhoods like Shibuya, Asakusa or Chiyoda, for example, or take a particular tour around one of the must-see landmarks, like the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tsukiji Outer Market, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or Hamarikyu Gardens.

Looking for the best Tokyo tours?

If you think the attractions in Tokyo are impressive, wait until you get a load of the different types of Tokyo tours available.

You get the regular private full-day excursions and your half-day walking tours . Keen on sightseeing in an unusual way? Opt for a fancy helicopter tour flying over the city skyline or canoeing along the Kyunaka River, passing sites like TOKYO SKYTREE.

Enjoy an active time outdoors with a hiking tour or paragliding over Mount Fuji — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

There are plenty of things to do in Tokyo ; tours are no exception. Take advantage of the foodie experiences, like traditional tea ceremonies , or try something new, like a Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Experience .

Final thoughts

The beautiful thing about Tokyo is no matter how many times you visit the modern Japanese city; you’ll forever uncover something new to see or experience.

Plus, it’s impossible to sightsee all the landmarks and monuments in one holiday. So, there’s all the more reason to return time and time again.

Have you visited Japan’s capital city before? What were the top tourist attractions in Tokyo that stood out to you most? Share with us in the comments; we love to hear from our readers.

As always, happy travels!

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Kanto Tokyo High rise, fast-paced and neon-lit, Tokyo is as futuristic as it is historical

Destinations

As Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, and unlimited opportunities to eat, shop and explore

Tokyo is located on Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region of Honshu, Japan’s largest island. The closest airport airports are Haneda officially known as Tokyo International Airport, and Narita Airport , Japan's largest international airport. Tokyo is known for its fashion and shopping, from the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya , to the luxury flagships of Ginza . Shinjuku is the thriving business district; a mix of gleaming skyscrapers and atmospheric back streets with tiny bars. Asakusa is the heart of Tokyo’s downtown, with ancient temples and traditional stores. Tokyo is a foodie paradise with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, along with hundreds of cheap and delicious ramen shops. Tokyo Weather Tokyo has mild spring weather, followed by hot and humid summers punctuated with typhoons. Autumn in Tokyo is cool and fresh, followed by cold, dry winters. Snow is rare but has been known to fall in the first few months of the year. The one week forecast for Tokyo is an accurate guide to the weather for the coming week.

How to Get There

Exploring Tokyo's dizzying array of restaurant and dining options, from theme cafes to haute cuisine
Checking out the latest electronics, games and gadgets at Akihabara, the home of technology and anime culture
Experiencing vibrant youth culture in Harajuku and Shibuya, the trend capitals of Tokyo
Visiting Tokyo' s most famous temple, Sensoji, before ferrying down the Sumida River and learning the role the city's waterways played in Edo-era Tokyo

Recommended for You

Cherry Blossoms

Forecast of first bloom

24 Mar 2024

Forecast of full bloom

30 Mar 2024

Explore Tokyo by Area

Trending Attractions in Tokyo

Local Specialties

Tokyo Pattern-Dyed Fabrics

The beauty of Tokyo Komon is in its subtlety. The fabric appears to be a solid color from a distance but up close a delicate pattern is revealed through repeated dots and tiny lines. Once worn by high-ranking samurai, komon is now prized for its beauty and the skills required in its production.

Tokyo Dyed Silk

Elegance and sophistication define the subtle designs of Tokyo Yuzen kimonos, still produced in the city today. This technique of dyeing and hand-painting silk dates back over 300 years, and is unique in that the entire process from design to completion is handled by a solitary artist, allowing for wonderful individuality.

Fukagawa-Meshi

Fukagawa-meshi combines clams, miso and leeks to make a warming, flavorful soup that is poured over a bowl of rice. Clams and leeks are first boiled together to create a rich, briny broth, before miso is then added. The resulting soup and clams are then poured over a bowl of white rice. Fukagawa-meshi is typically eaten with chopsticks so don't be afraid to pick up the bowl and slurp. Outside of the Fukagawa district of Tokyo, this dish can be hard to find.

Murayama Oshima Pongee Silk

Prized for making beautiful, natural, lightweight kimonos, Musashi-Murayama Tsumugi is a blend of silk and cotton dyed in a unique process known as itajime, where the threads are bound to a wooden board and splashed with color. The result is a distinctive blurred effect in blues and browns.

Tokyo Shamo

A breed of chicken imported to Japan from Thailand as gamecocks. As a delicacy, Tokyo shamo yield an oil-rich cut of chicken that is perfect for grilling yakitori style.

A savory pancake made of finely chopped cabbage, flour, egg and dashi. Other ingredients such as pork, shrimp and octopus are added according to your tastes. Monjayaki has more dashi in its batter than its Kansai cousin, okonomiyaki, giving it a melted cheese texture.

Edomae Sushi

The style of sushi most familiar worldwide. As Edo, which is now Tokyo, became wealthier, sushi became a less formal, faster style of dining. Busy Tokyoites simply sat down at the counter and called out their orders to the nearest itamae—the chefs.

Japanese Swords

Japanese swords are revered for the strength and beauty of their blades as well as the “spirit of the samurai” history they represent. Regarded as works of art more than as weapons, superb examples of these swords can be viewed at the Japanese Sword Museum in Sumida, Tokyo.

Edo Cut Glass

Originally made in Edo—present-day Tokyo—kiriko is decorated entirely with precision cuts. Exquisite patterns characterize these statement pieces, making this cut glassware a perfect addition to any bar set.

Seasonal Highlights

See the city take on a gentler appearance as the plum blossoms and cherry blossoms flower. Stretch out on a mat, drink sake and eat Japanese dumplings under the blooms at Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi, Ueno or Inokashira parks. Parks have different rules and regulations so make sure to check before visiting.

Enjoy one of Japan's largest fireworks displays at the Sumida River. Head for Mt. Takao for its seasonal beer garden and to see some fireflies.

Visit gardens such as Koishikawa Korakuen, or hike the Okutama mountains for fantastic fall foliage. Temperatures cool but the event calendar heats up with the Tokyo Game Show and Tokyo International Film Festival.

Winter illuminations appear throughout the city, ice-skating rinks open and revelers crowd shrines and temples such as Sensoji Temple and Meiji-jingu Shrine for New Year pilgrimages and festivities.

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20 Best Things to Do in Tokyo + Tourist Spots, Itinerary & Budget

Planning to visit Tokyo? This is your comprehensive Tokyo Travel Guide featuring the best things to do in Tokyo, must-visit tourist spots, places to stay, and sample itinerary and estimated budget.

Discover the irresistible charm of Tokyo, one of the world’s most captivating cities. From historical monuments and unique museums to towering skyscrapers and cultural experiences, Tokyo has something to offer to every traveler.

With so many options to choose from, planning your Tokyo itinerary can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. That’s why I’ve put together a Tokyo Bucket List featuring the best places to visit and t hings to do in Tokyo . Whether you’re interested in classic tourist attractions or the latest trendy spots, this list will help you experience the best traditional and modern Japanese culture.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Tokyo and experience the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations that make this city so special. Stroll through the bustling streets of Shibuya , indulge in delicious sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market , or explore the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace . Find cheap flights to Tokyo

With so much to see and do, Tokyo promises an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring sights, sounds, and flavors. So pack your bags, plan your Tokyo itinerary , and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget in the fascinating city of Tokyo !

Booking via Klook? Use our promo code ESCAPEMANILA and get a 5% discount on hotel bookings and 3% on activities.

Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

Visit the tokyo tower.

Tokyo Tower is a popular landmark situated in the heart of Tokyo. Standing at 333 meters, it is the world’s tallest self-supported steel tower and a symbol of Japan’s economic resurgence after World War II. Visitors can access the main deck at a height of 150 meters via elevator or a 600-step staircase, which offers an interesting view of the city despite its relatively moderate height. Another set of elevators takes visitors to the 250-meter-high top deck, which provides an even more spectacular bird’s eye view of Tokyo.

A visit to Tokyo Tower is one of the best things to do in Tokyo

Besides its observation decks, Tokyo Tower also features a variety of attractions, including the Red Tokyo Tower e-sports entertainment complex, shops, and restaurants located in Foot Town at the tower’s base. When visiting Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is a must-see destination that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the city from a unique perspective.

How to Get To the Tokyo Tower

To reach Tokyo Tower, visitors have several convenient options for subway stations. Onarimon Station on the Mita Subway Line, Akabanebashi Station on the Oedo Subway Line, and Kamiyacho Station on the Hibiya Subway Line are all within a 5-10 minute walk from the tower. Another option is to walk approximately 15-20 minutes from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Daimon Station on the Asakusa or Oedo subway lines.

Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 23:00 (entry until 22:30) Admission Fee:

1200 yen (main deck only)
3000 yen (both decks, 2800 yen if purchased in advance)

Take a trip to the Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is a massive entertainment complex that provides visitors with a complete and immersive experience. The resort features two renowned theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which offer spectacular attractions and immersive environments. From classic Disney attractions like Space Mountain to unique nautical-themed ports of call, both parks will captivate visitors of all ages.

Tokyo Disneyland is oneof the top tourist spots in Tokyo

Ikspiari, the resort’s expansive shopping mall, is another popular attraction that provides visitors with numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors can shop for a wide range of products, including Disney merchandise, clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. The mall also features several restaurants and entertainment facilities, ensuring visitors have plenty to see and do throughout their stay.

One of the reasons why Tokyo Disney Resort is so famous is its convenient location. The resort is just a 15-minute train ride from Tokyo Station, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors. As a result, it has become one of Japan’s most sought-after tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. With its various attractions, entertainment options, and accommodations, Tokyo Disney Resort is truly a unique destination that offers something for everyone.

Explore the Sensoji Temple

Asakusa is undoubtedly one of the most authentic places in Tokyo to experience traditional Japanese culture. Sensoji Temple, an impressive Buddhist temple with a history spanning over 1,300 years, draws in more than 30 million visitors annually and is a must-visit tourist spot in Tokyo. The Nakamise Dori, the main approach to the temple, is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan and boasts a vibrant atmosphere filled with souvenir shops and food stalls.

For a breathtaking view of Tokyo, head to Asakusa’s tourist office, located opposite the famous Kaminarimon Gate, adorned with a massive red lantern. If you’re traveling with kids, take advantage of Hanayashiki, Japan’s oldest amusement park, with various exciting rides and attractions!

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast and well-loved park in Tokyo, offering respite from the bustling city center just a short stroll from Shinjuku Station. Visitors can enjoy strolling along winding paths through serene landscapes or lounging on expansive lawns. Come springtime, the park transforms into one of the most sought-after spots in Tokyo to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms.

Shinjuku Gyoen comprises three distinct types of gardens, each with unique features and charm.

The oldest is a traditional Japanese landscape garden with expansive ponds dotted with islands and bridges. Manicured trees and shrubs encircle the water alongside several pavilions, including the Kyu Goryotei, also known as the Taiwan Pavilion, built to commemorate the wedding of the Showa Emperor. Visitors can also enjoy the chrysanthemum exhibit held during the first two weeks of November, which showcases a variety of stunning flower displays.

The park’s other main gardens include a formal French garden featuring symmetrical arrangements, and an English landscape garden, boasting open, sprawling lawns framed by cherry trees in bloom. Forested areas, several structures such as a restaurant, an information center, an art gallery, and a stunning greenhouse filled with tropical and subtropical flowers complete the rest of the park’s attractions.

Walk around the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace has been the official residence of successive Emperors since 1868 and consists of the Imperial Residence and the Imperial Palace Complex, where His Majesty the Emperor conducts official duties. It is also home to various ceremonies and public activities.

The Palace is home to several significant buildings, including the Imperial Household Agency building and the Palace Sericulture Center, where the Empresses have raised silkworms since Empress Dowager Shoken, consort of Emperor Meiji, set a precedent in 1871.

Visitors can explore the Palace’s East Gardens, located on the palace grounds’ eastern part, which is open to the public.

Explore Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is an expansive city park in Tokyo, boasting sprawling lawns, serene ponds, and densely forested areas. It offers the perfect setting for a range of outdoor activities, including jogging, picnicking, and more.

While Yoyogi Park may have fewer cherry trees than other popular sites in Tokyo, it remains an excellent destination for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in late March to early April. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the park’s stunning ginkgo tree forest, which turns a radiant gold color in autumn (late November to early December).

Before its transformation into a city park in 1967, the site that now houses Yoyogi Park was the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and, earlier than that, a residential area for US military personnel.

Visit the Meiji Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a must-visit tourist attraction in Tokyo, renowned as one of Japan’s most famous and significant Shinto shrines. Located at the heart of Tokyo, this historic shrine is just a few minutes walk from Harajuku Station and the beloved Yoyogi Park. The expansive grounds encompass a tranquil forest, which leads to the shrine’s main entrance.

Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, allowing you to soak up the serene atmosphere and forget that you are in the midst of a bustling metropolis. The shrine’s vast grounds also offer many other notable sites to explore.

For those interested in learning about the history of this site, a comprehensive guide to Meiji Jingu Shrine is available. This guide covers everything from the shrine’s origins to the various attractions and activities that visitors can experience while exploring its grounds.

Stroll around Ueno Park

Ueno Park, situated near Ueno station in Tokyo, is a well-known public outdoor space that both locals and tourists frequently visit. During the cherry blossom season, which typically occurs from late March to early April, the park’s over 1,000 cherry trees attract a large number of visitors, making it a popular pilgrimage site. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the park boasts several museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the National Science Museum, and the National Museum of Western Art.

The park also features the ancient Kanei ji Temple Pagoda, Tosho-gu Shrine, and Shinobazu-no-ike Bentendo Temple for those interested in historic architecture.

Visit the Tokyo National Museum

If you have limited time to explore Tokyo’s museums, the Tokyo National Museum should be at the top of your list. It boasts the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, featuring an impressive array of ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimonos, and many other treasures.

Visitors with only a few hours to spare should focus on the Honkan (Japanese Gallery), which has a carefully curated selection of artistic highlights displayed on its second floor. For those with more time to spare, the enchanting Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures is not to be missed, showcasing masks, scrolls, and gilt Buddhas from the Hōryū-ji temple in Nara Prefecture, dating back to 607. Additionally, the Tōyōkan houses a fascinating collection of Asian art, including delicate Chinese ceramics, while the Heiseikan features the Japanese Archaeological Gallery, which displays pottery, talismans, and articles of daily life from Japan’s prehistoric periods.

Walk around the Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is an iconic symbol of Tokyo, renowned for being one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. It is a bustling intersection that attracts visitors from all over the globe. The area’s large advertising screens and heavy foot traffic are often compared to Times Square in New York and Piccadilly Circus in London, representing Tokyo’s ultra-modern image.

The history of Shibuya Crossing dates back to 1885 when Shibuya Station was constructed, serving as a stop on the Shinagawa metro line, now known as the JR Yamanote Line. Over the past 100 years, the station has expanded to serve more than eight different metro lines in Tokyo, making it a hub for transportation in the city. Today, Shibuya Crossing is a must-see attraction that offers a unique experience for visitors to Tokyo.

Visit the Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 meters, is the tallest structure in Tokyo and ranks among the tallest structures in the world. Its design resembles a 5-story pagoda, a traditional tiered religious tower commonly found across Asia. However, the tower serves a modern purpose as a broadcast and communications tower.

The tower features two observation decks: one at 350 meters and the other at 450 meters, providing a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo. For the more adventurous visitors, there is even a bit of glass flooring to stand on for a unique viewing experience.

Visitors have the option of choosing from three types of tickets. The first ticket grants access to both observation decks; the second ticket allows access to only the lower deck (Tembo Deck), while the third ticket provides access to the upper deck only (Tembo Gallery). Ticket prices vary depending on whether you visit on a weekday or weekend, with slightly higher prices on weekends. A visit to Tokyo Skytree is a must-see experience for any visitor to Tokyo.

See the Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum, located on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park, is a tribute to the work of Studio Ghibli and its founder, Hayao Miyazaki. The name “Ghibli” means hot desert wind in Italian, which was Miyazaki’s vision for the studio to bring new winds to the anime industry. Miyazaki aimed to create intricate and lush worlds with attention to detail that could make viewers feel that they were real, regardless of the story’s fantastical elements.

The Ghibli Museum displays the studio’s artwork and animation mechanics, and its exhibits are not limited to Studio Ghibli fans. The multi-storied mansion, with its twists and turns, tiny doors, winding staircases, and rooftop garden, replicate the mood of the Studio Ghibli universe. Visitors can appreciate the museum’s fantastic artistry and be charmed by its exhibits.

Take a Photo with Hachiko

While the Hachiko Statue near Shibuya Scramble Crossing may seem unremarkable at first glance, its significance becomes apparent when you learn the story behind it. In the 1920s, an Akita dog named Hachiko would make a daily journey to Shibuya Station to wait for his owner to return from work. However, one day his owner passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage and never returned. Despite this, Hachiko continued to wait at the station every day for the next nine years.

Hachiko’s unwavering loyalty has made him a symbol of devotion throughout Japan, and the statue in his honor is a popular meeting spot for residents of Tokyo. Although small, the statue holds excellent meaning and serves as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their animal companions.

Visit the Odaiba district

Odaiba, an artificial island located in Tokyo Bay, offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Connected by a monorail or footpaths for those who enjoy walking, it comprises several clusters of attractions that provide plenty of options for children.

Odaiba's replica of the Statue of Liberty in Tokyo, Japan

What makes Odaiba stand out is its waterfront location, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see Tokyo from a different perspective. Accessible only by monorail across the iconic Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba feels like a city within a city. The best sights are clustered around Daiba and Aomi stations, offering a refreshing change from the crowded city center.

Odaiba is an ideal destination for families with older children who will appreciate the open spaces and diverse activities available. Escape the city and explore the unique attractions that make Odaiba a must-visit destination.

Experience TeamLab Planets Tokyo

teamLab Planets is a unique museum that provides visitors with a truly immersive art experience. The museum comprises four large-scale artwork spaces and two gardens created by the art collective teamLab. One of the standout features of the museum is the ability to walk through water in one of the installations. In contrast, another installation allows visitors to become one with the flowers in a garden setting.

Visitors to teamLab Planets often go barefoot to fully immerse themselves in the artwork. The artworks are designed to change based on the presence of people, which blurs the perception of boundaries between the self and the art. As other people move through the space, they also change the artworks, further blurring the boundaries between themselves, the art, and others. The experience creates a unique continuity between the self, the art, and the other visitors, making for an unforgettable experience.

Check out the Shibuya SKY Observation Deck

Shibuya Sky, located on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, offers the best views of Tokyo from its 360° open-air observation deck. Standing at approximately 230 meters above ground, it is the highest point in the district of Shibuya. The ‘Sky Edge’ corner is an excellent photo spot where visitors can take panoramic shots of the city without any obstruction. The rooftop also features hammocks for cloud watching and an observation compass to identify significant landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium, and even Mt Fuji (on a clear day).

Shibuya Scramble Square is one of the top attractions in Tokyo

Aside from the stunning views, Shibuya Sky spans three floors and has an indoor section with digital art displays uniquely showcasing the city. Visitors can relax at the café and bar on the 46th floor while enjoying the aerial views of Tokyo at any time of day, regardless of the weather. At night, the ‘Crossing Light’ light show illuminates the city sky with 18 beams, adding to the breathtaking experience. Shibuya Sky is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to see Tokyo from a new perspective.

Try Street Go Karting in Akihabara

Experience the streets of Tokyo’s Akihabara district in a unique way by driving a Go-Kart through its bustling shopping district, known for its electronics merchants, manga, anime, and video games. With everything from little vendors to enormous department stores, Akihabara is a must-visit location for anyone interested in technology and Japanese pop culture.

While driving at speeds of up to 60 km/h on public roadways, visitors can take in the city views of Akihabara thrillingly. Don’t miss the chance to drive through one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts excitingly and unforgettably.

Visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, located on waterfront Odaiba, is an indoor theme park dedicated to the iconic brick. With more than three million LEGO® bricks, the center features a Miniland Tokyo—a dioramic cityscape filled with mini reconstructions of some of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can also enjoy a dynamic 4D cinema and three-themed rides.

The center is user-friendly and provides multipurpose restrooms, stroller parking, an elevator for strollers and wheelchairs, and a cafe. While adults must be accompanied by a child to enter, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo is fun for both small and big kids alike, making it an ideal escape from the heat and humidity of summer. Take the chance to experience Japan’s first indoor theme park dedicated to the iconic brick.

Rent a Japanese traditional kimono

As one of the most traditional representations of Japanese culture, the kimono is a must-try experience for many tourists visiting Tokyo. With its unique blend of traditional and modern culture, Japan offers visitors a chance to explore traditions that have been passed down for generations. From the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the tranquil countryside, visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences only possible in Japan.

Tokyo offers a wide variety of rental options for those interested in trying on a kimono. Visitors can choose from a range of colors and patterns and can accessorize with traditional Japanese hairpieces and accessories. Wearing a kimono can be a great way to explore Tokyo’s traditional culture and experience the country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Go on a Foodtrip

Tokyo is a city that has earned a reputation for being a food heaven, and it’s not hard to see why. Decades of dedication and perfectionism to the art of culinary have resulted in Tokyo being awarded more Michelin stars than any other place in the world, except for France. If you’re ready for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, Tokyo is the place to be.

With so many incredible food choices in Tokyo, it can be challenging to decide what to eat, especially if you have limited time. Fortunately, there is no shortage of delectable dishes in Tokyo, and there is an option that fits every traveler’s budget, from cheap eats to fine dining.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to embark on a culinary adventure in Tokyo. So, make sure to arrive hungry!

Here are some of the must-try food in Tokyo:

Tokyo, renowned as the global hub of sushi, offers an unparalleled sushi experience that distinguishes it from the rest of the world. This superiority is attributed to two key factors: the abundant supply of fresh seafood and the time-honored techniques employed in the preparation of the vinegared rice, commonly known as sushi rice. It is no surprise that sushi is synonymous with Japanese cuisine, and Tokyo is undoubtedly the best place to indulge in this delicacy. Fortunately, sushi is readily available throughout the city, catering to every budget.

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of ramen. Its perfect combination of chewy noodles, tender char siu pork, bamboo shoots, and nori sheets, all bathed in a delicious soup broth, has made it a worldwide sensation. And Tokyo is where you’ll find some of the most exceptional ramen in the world. With its numerous shops in hidden corners, behind train stations or department buildings, Tokyo’s ramen scene is a food lover’s dream. There are countless options, from the rich and creamy tonkatsu ramen to the light and refreshing cold ramen. So go ahead, dive in, and explore all the delicious varieties. Tokyo is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking a satisfying bowl of ramen. And when you do, don’t forget to slurp away!

Tempura, a quintessential Japanese dish, has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers worldwide with its crispy, golden crunch of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. Chefs meticulously select the freshest seafood and vegetables, and their expert touch in the preparation and frying process makes tempura truly exceptional. With a rich history that dates back centuries, tempura has become a symbol of Japan’s culinary prowess, showcasing the delicate balance of flavors and textures for which Japanese cuisine is famous. Whether you are a food enthusiast seeking a unique culinary adventure or a curious traveler looking to discover the essence of Japanese culture, tempura is an experience that cannot be missed. So why not savor this crispy and delicious delicacy on your next visit to Tokyo?

Tokyo, renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, boasts some of the world’s best yakitori restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a refined dining experience or a casual meal, the city offers a plethora of options to satisfy your craving for skewered, charcoal-grilled chicken. Yakitori, a Japanese speciality, is prepared with either a soy-based tare sauce or salt and is an excellent accompaniment to any alcoholic beverage. From cozy neighborhood spots to upscale establishments, Tokyo has it all.

Japanese Curry

In the midst of Tokyo’s dynamic culinary landscape, there is a hidden gem that is often overlooked – curry. This humble yet satisfying comfort food is a national treasure that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine – a harmonious fusion of flavors that allows each ingredient to shine. Unlike its spicier Indian or Thai counterparts, Japanese curry boasts a milder taste that is nonetheless full of depth and complexity. Its simplicity and wholesomeness make it a beloved dish among locals, yet it remains underrated in the world of international cuisine. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a piping hot bowl of rice, Japanese curry is a must-try for any food lover visiting Tokyo, and an experience that will warm both the heart and soul.

Yakiniku, which means “grilled meat” in Japanese, is a beloved cuisine consisting of bite-sized meat and vegetables grilled to perfection over an open flame. With a choice of beef, pork, and various other options, the highlight of this culinary experience is the chance to grill your own meat and slather it in a delicious sauce (tare) of your choice. For those seeking the crème de la crème of yakiniku, Tokyo is the place to be, with numerous restaurants offering the finest meat on the market, including the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef from specially raised cattle.

Unagi, or Japanese eel, is a widely acclaimed delicacy in Japan that can be savored throughout the year, although it’s particularly popular during summer. This is primarily due to the intense heat that can sap one’s energy levels, making unagi an ideal choice for its stamina-maintaining properties. Rich in vitamins, high in protein and calcium, and easy to digest, unagi has traditionally been enjoyed in Japan for its numerous health benefits. Furthermore, it’s a culinary delight that’s packed with flavor, making it a favorite among food lovers everywhere.

Tokyo Itinerary and Budget

Here’s a sample itinerary that covers some of the top attractions and experiences in Tokyo:

Start your day by visiting the iconic Tokyo Tower in Minato. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. (Main Deck Admission Ticket at Php500)
After Tokyo Tower, head to Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Walk through the forested paths to reach the shrine and learn about its rich history and culture. (Tokyo City Half-Day Tour at Php2,500)
In the evening, head to the lively neighborhood of Shinjuku and explore its streets, shops, and restaurants. Take a stroll through Golden Gai, a network of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and restaurants.
Go on a trip to Disneyland or DisneySea. Make the most of your time and spend your whole day there. Php3,600 – 1 Day Pass at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea
Start your day by visiting the beautiful Imperial Palace in Chiyoda. Take a guided tour of the palace and its grounds to learn about its rich history and cultural significance. Free
After the palace, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Php200 entrance fee
In the evening, head to the popular entertainment district of Roppongi and enjoy a night out in the city. Visit the Tokyo City View observation deck to enjoy stunning views of the city. Php741 ( Roppongi Hills Observation Deck ”Tokyo City View“ Ticket )
Start your day by visiting the modern and futuristic Odaiba district in Tokyo Bay. Visit the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) and learn about cutting-edge technology and science. Php250 entrance fee
Visit the Digital Art Museum Odaiba -teamLab Borderless – Php1,318 entrance fee
VR Experience at Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory – entry fee Php500
In the evening, head to the trendy neighborhood of Ginza and explore its luxury shops, department stores, and restaurants.
Start your day by visiting the historic and cultural district of Ueno. Visit the Tokyo National Museum and learn about the rich history and culture of Japan. Then, visit Ueno Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Php400
In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Walk through the colorful Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple and experience the old-world charm of Tokyo.
In the evening, head to the bustling neighborhood of Shibuya and cross the famous Shibuya Crossing. Explore the shops, restaurants, and entertainment options in the area. Php741 if you go to Shibuya Sky Observation deck

In summary, you’ll need around Php10-15,000 for the activities plus your meals, hotel stay, and return flight from Manila to Tokyo. The meal budget will depend on your preference. If you are traveling on a budget you can buy food at 711, Family Mart, or eat at Yoshinoya or vendo shops. Hotels are quite expensive in Tokyo but there are hostels if you are a backpacker and don’t mind staying with strangers in the room.

View this post on Instagram Eel dishes are still one of Narita’s famous delicacy. Eel is lightly broiled using traditional methods, then is grilled after brushing with a sweet soy sauce. #unagi #japan #food #travel @jetstarasia now flies from Manila to Narita 5x a week! A post shared by EscapeManila Blog (@escapemanila) on Mar 18, 2016 at 3:30am PDT

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo is a vibrant and exciting city, and there are many great places to stay depending on your interests and budget. Here are some of the top rated hotels in Tokyo:

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
Hotel Vintage Tokyo Kagurazaka
Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier Tokyo Shinjuku Station – Budget
FIRST CABIN Ichigaya – Budget
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, A Pan Pacific Partner Hotel
The Millennials Shibuya
almond hostel and cafe – Budget
Keisei Richmond Hotel Tokyo Oshiage
Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
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There are many different types of accommodations available in Tokyo, including traditional Japanese ryokans, capsule hotels, luxury hotels, and budget hostels. It’s important to research and compare options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

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Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary | Tokyo Travel Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, Tokyo is likely top of your list of must-visit destinations. As the capital city and a global hub of culture, technology, and innovation, Tokyo offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences that will captivate any traveler. In this blog, we’ll take you through an ideal 3-day itinerary for a Tokyo trip that will make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

Secure your phone data for Japan with an [Android/iPhone] Japan 4G Data Only eSIM (15~30 days) !
Book your trip to Tokyo city center with this Skyliner Ticket + Tokyo Subway Combo Ticket !
Travel around Tokyo hassle-free with a Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48 or 72-hour) !

Day 1: Modern Tokyo

Start your day at the iconic Tokyo Tower to get panoramic views of the city. Then, explore the modern side of Tokyo by visiting the Shibuya Crossing , one of the busiest intersections in the world. While you’re in the area be sure to stop by the iconic Tower Records music store.

Join these special tours & activities at Tokyo Tower!

Tokyo Tower Observatory Main Deck (150m) Admission Ticket
Skyliner + Tokyo Subway + Tokyo Tower Main Deck Discounted Combo Ticket

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For lunch in Japan, sushi is a must! For the freshest meal, we recommend an omakase, a daily rotating chef-curated menu, or trying a sushi-making experience . Afterward, shop till you drop for all of your souvenirs, trendy Japanese snacks, and beauty items at the infamous Don Quijote before heading to the legendary Ichiran Ramen for dinner.

Finally, enjoy the city lights with a Private Helicopter Tour or by visiting the Tokyo Skytree . For the best unique nightlife experience from the ground, check out the vibrant distinct of Shinjuku .

Don’t want to go it alone? Check out this private guided Tokyo tours:

Tokyo City 1 Day Private Tour

Day 2: Traditional Tokyo

Dive into Japan’s traditional side on Day 2 by first exploring the historic Asakusa district. Be sure to visit one of Tokyo’s most famous and historic temples, the Sensoji Temple . Here you can see the Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon), the shopping street (Nakamise-dori), and the main hall where visitors can offer prayers.

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Grab lunch near your next stop, Ueno Park . We recommend checking out Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno , which offers delicious gyukatsu (fried beef cutlet) and boasts a 4.7 rating with over 4,000 reviews. After lunch, head over to the Tokyo National Museum ; Here you can immerse yourself in centuries of art and history while exploring the museum’s vast collection of Japanese art and artifacts.

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For dinner, stop by the Tsukiji Fish Market , one of the largest and busiest fish markets in the world. While the inner wholesale market has moved locations, Tsukiji remains a popular destination for individual customers offering fresh seafood, sushi & more.

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Finish the day with a stroll through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace . Despite housing Japan’s Imperial Family, the garden portion of the Imperial complex is open to the public and provides a unique glimpse into the history of Japan’s Imperial past.

Looking to get out of the sun or rain? Check out these indoor activities in Tokyo:

Tokyo Skytree Enjoy Pack
Tokyo Sunshine Aquarium Ticket

Day 3: Day Trip to Mt. Fuji

No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to the iconic Mount Fuji . Located about an hour and a half outside of Tokyo, this awe-inspiring natural wonder is the tallest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet).

Mt. Fuji Highlight Photo Spots 1-Day Tour from Tokyo
Mt. Fuji 1-Day Private Tour from Tokyo
Private Helicopter Tour: Mt. Fuji Helicopter Tour

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Looking for more day trips outside of Tokyo? Check out these great options from Trazy:

Hakone + Oshino Hakkai + Mishima Skywalk 1 Day Tour from Tokyo
Hakone + Fujisan Yumeno Ohashi Bridge + Mishima Skywalk 1 Day Tour from Tokyo
Fuji-Q Highland Entrance Ticket (1 Day/Afternoon Pass)

To discover more of the best things to do in Japan, visit Trazy.com , Your Travel Shop for Asia !

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10 of the best hotels in Tokyo, from charming ryokans to Japanese onsen retreats

Japan’s capital is one of the most diverse and thrilling cities on Earth — but its sheer size can make choosing a hotel daunting. Here are 10 places to stay in Tokyo to make your trip all the more memorable.

With its glinting skyscrapers, narrow alleyways, lantern-festooned temples and neon-clad arcades, Tokyo is one of the most diverse and thrilling cities on Earth — but its sheer size can make choosing a hotel daunting. Over the past decade, accommodation options have broadened to include trendy ryokans (traditional inns) and indie hotels. Because there’s no single city ‘centre’ in the Japanese capital, you’ll almost certainly have to do some travelling — likely on the efficient metro system — to see its highlights, so don’t get overly hung up on location. Instead, think about what’s more important after a day’s sightseeing: an al fresco pool or a cool in-house bar.

1. Hoshinoya Tokyo

Best for: cultural immersion Leave the city, and your shoes, behind as you step onto the tatami floors of this skyscraper ryokan. It’s a low-lit retreat of shoji screen doors and incense-scented air, with a second-floor lobby that includes a little salon for tea ceremonies. The 84 rooms are spread across the next 14 floors, with each level centred around a traditional ochanoma lounge serving teas, sake and house-made snacks. The rooms themselves are plush, with raised-platform futon beds, deep-soak tubs and jersey kimono-style pyjamas. An immense 17th-floor onsen-spa has hot spring waters pumped in from 5,000ft below the city streets, with a vaulted roof that leaves it part-open to the elements. The 10-table basement restaurant serves exquisite French-Japanese tasting menus and the in-room bento box breakfasts are highly recommended. Rooms: From ¥112,000 (£589), two-night minimum stay.

Low-lit lobby with shoji screen doors in Hoshinoya, Tokyo.

2. OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka

Best for: budgeting In a skyscraper-cluttered metropolis, a hotel with an intimate, neighbourhood vibe can be a rare thing. Yet this branch of cool, affordable chain Omo, by Hoshino Resorts, has just that, packaged up in a modern building in the northern district of Otsuka. Cleverly designed rooms make the most of every square inch, with loft-style beds suspended above tatami mat seating areas and storage space integrated into walls and stairs. There’s also a laundry room on the fifth floor, where guests can wash and dry clothes for just a few quid, and an all-day cafe that transitions from breakfast space to coffeeshop to bar as the day progresses. Sign up for a local tour with one of the dedicated ‘Omo Rangers’, who will take you around the excellent local tempura and ramen shops — or even on an Otsuka bar crawl. Rooms: From ¥16,000 (£84).

3. TRUNK (Hotel) Cat Street

Best for: loft-style cool This felt like an entirely new concept in Tokyo when it first opened in 2017: a design-forward boutique hotel with universally appealing NYC-style coolness. Seven years on, the concept has now been copied many times in the city, but it’s still hard to top the original in the shopping area of Shibuya, just off Cat Street. Its lounge, restaurants and shop attract fashionable Tokyoites as much as hotel guests, and its bedrooms come with a breezy, minimalist aesthetic. Some have balconies with hammocks while larger options, like the Dining Suite, include spaces such as a kitchen area or terrace. Don’t be surprised to see dapper couples heading for the rooftop; it’s a popular venue for city weddings. Rooms: From ¥51,774 (£273).

A balcony junior room at Trunk Hotel, with dimmed lights, a wooden interior and large double beds.

4. Palace Hotel Tokyo

Best for: royal luxury This elegant hotel in Otemachi has long been a favourite with well-heeled Tokyoites who come for the dining options and spa. It helps that it’s mere steps away from the Imperial Palace, the city’s most exclusive address, and close to the swish shops of the upmarket Ginza district. Good-sized rooms — some of them featuring balconies — overlook an expanse of moat-carved gardens. An extensive breakfast buffet has princely appeal thanks to elegant platings of grilled fish, pickled plums, rice and miso soup; if that’s not to your taste, there’s eggs benedict and croissants, too. The in-house restaurants also have the wow factor, with two Michelin-starred options: French-inspired Esterre, in partnership with Ducasse Paris, and Chinese-focused Amber Palace. Rooms: From ¥91,800 (£483).

5. ONE@Tokyo

Best for: solo travellers In the east of the city, a 10-minute walk from the Tokyo Skytree observatory tower, One@Tokyo has a high-profile pedigree for a budget hotel, having been designed by Japanese starchitect Kengo Kuma. Functional yet not austere, its communal spaces — from the open lobby to the greenery-dotted rooftop — fuse industrial metallics with warm woods and a palette of unfussy greys. With their friendly price point and compact footprint, the lead-in standard semi-double rooms are perfect for solo travellers who want a step up in comfort and privacy from one of the city’s legendary capsule hotels. Long-stay discounts apply when booking for five nights, making it a perfect base if you’re planning day trips out of the city, too. Rooms: From ¥15,000 (£79).

6. Hotel New Otani Tokyo

Best for: amenities More urban resort than hotel, this vast property — once a filming location for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice — occupies a verdant location between multiple parks in the central Chiyoda ward. The hotel is fringed by 10 acres of 400-year-old Japanese gardens and, unusually for Tokyo, also has an al fresco swimming pool. The 1,474 rooms are spread across three wings, and there are more than three-dozen dining options, plus a lounge with free nibbles and drinks for Executive House Zen guests. Rooms: From ¥36,000 (£189).

7. Shiba Park Hotel

Best for: bookworms The printed page takes centre stage from the moment you walk in to this hotel, which houses a collection of around 1,500 books. As well as a double-height atrium lined with wooden shelves of books, there’s also a fireside library lounge and book corners on every floor, each themed around different aspects of Japanese culture. The rooms are comfy, contemporary retreats in which to curl up in with a good read — and the views of Tokyo Tower, lit up like a beacon at night, aren’t half bad either. Rooms: From ¥21,870 (£115).

8. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Best for: families With reasonable prices, a prime location near Shinjuku station and views out to Mount Fuji on a clear day, this option ticks a lot of boxes. Rooms are a bit bland (unless you plump for a suite with tatami mats and shoji screen doors), but for families, the spacious four-bed options more than make up for the uninspiring decor. On-site experiences such as tea ceremonies make getting a culture fix easy if you’re wrangling kids. The seventh-floor outdoor pool, 11 restaurants and laundromat also help. Rooms: From ¥35,200 (£185).

9. Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel

Best for: nightlife-lovers For years, Shinjuku’s red-light district Kabukicho was rather sordid, the kind of place you’d head to for late-night karaoke and beers but not for a respectable hotel. All that’s changed with this recent opening, which reflects the fun of the city’s party heart but also has style and class. Set across floors 18 to 38 in the new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the neon bustle below, as well as electric-hued carpets and the occasional pop art wall mural. On the building’s lower floors, a retro-styled arcade, cinema, live music space and food hall with regional dishes keep the entertainment flowing around the clock. Rooms: From ¥31,000 (£163).

DJ performing in a hotel lounge in Tokyo.

10. Tokyo Station Hotel

Best for: European-style elegance Opened in 1915, and set within the original 20th-century Tokyo Station, this grand hotel could have been lifted from London or Paris. Red bricks and soaring domes characterise the exterior; chandeliers, marble and button-back headboards are part of the old-world European opulence inside. Take tea in the high-ceilinged lobby lounge, ringing with live piano music and the clink of fine silverware, and end the day at the venerable Bar Oak, which serves up an array of Japanese whiskies in moody, wood-lined environs. If you’re planning to adventure beyond the capital, the location is unbeatable. Tokyo Station is the main Shinkansen (bullet train) terminal, serving popular destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka, and you can go from bed to boarding in mere minutes. Rooms: From ¥135,332 (£711).

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The 26 best things to do in Tokyo

By Melinda Joe and Anna Chittenden

Deciding what to do and see in Tokyo depends on how much time you have – and for your sake, we hope you have a month. The city’s streets can feel like a game of soccer played at hyper speed, while calmer attractions range from temples, museums, gardens, origami classes, and bohemian sojourns. Tokyo has more than enough going on to put you in a tizzy, so a word of advice: Arrive with a game plan and prepare to get lost along the way, in a good way. Here are the very best things to do in Tokyo right now.

Tokyo may not have as many temples as Kyoto , but Senso-ji isn’t the capital city’s most popular just by default. The atmosphere alone here is one for the bucket list. Senso-ji, the temple itself, is at the end of the shopping street, while a recently renovated five-story pagoda stands to the left (ranking as the second tallest pagoda in Japan). Japanese visitors flutter around a large cauldron in front of the temple where incense burned inside is said to benefit good health. Travellers keen to avoid crowds should arrive early, but even tourists who are remotely interested in Japanese culture will find something to appreciate here.

Harmonica Yokocho

This clutch of narrow alleys, a short walk from the north exit of JR Kichijoji station, is stuffed to the gills with hole-in-the-wall eateries. A yellow sign marks the entrance to Harmonica Yokocho, which takes its name from the layout of the vendors, slotted cheek-to-jowl along the passageways like the reeds in a harmonica. The atmospheric network of lanes started out as a post-war flea market in the 1940s, but the area underwent a transformation in the 90s when bustling bars and restaurants made their entrance onto the scene. It has a laid-back and hyper-local feel, especially during the daytime when you’ll find fishmongers and traditional sweets makers plying their trades.

Tokyo Skytree

Topping off at 2,080 feet, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower (that's tower, not building) in the world. From the broadcast tower’s 360-degree observation decks, the whole city – its striking skyscrapers and neon intersections – looks like a magical circuit board. It’s a major tourist attraction, and a ticket isn’t cheap (up to ¥3,400, or £18, for combo tickets), but even if you don’t pay to go inside, there’s no denying that the Tokyo Skytree brought the skyline to a whole new level. Depending on where you’re staying, it can be an out-of-the-way trip to eastern Tokyo (luckily, a train station gets you right near the entrance). Families with children will enjoy the experience – especially the speedy elevator rides – as will anyone who loves a jaw-dropping view.

Sakurai Tea Experience

Copper and wood greet you inside this minimalist sanctuary dedicated to sado, the Japanese “way of tea.” A small retail space filled with glass jars containing 30 varieties of green tea conceals an intimate eight-seat cafe. Founder Shinya Sakurai studied for 14 years to become a master, and his modern take on the tea ceremony is meditative and illuminating. As Sakurai prepares the infusions behind an L-shaped wooden counter, a continuous stream of water flows from a copper tap – a symbol of purification. Gyokuro, a luxurious variety of green tea grown in the shade, is the speciality here. Sakurai travels the country to select the leaves, which he roasts daily in-house. The tasting flight for ¥4,800 (about £25.50) is the best introduction to the range of teas on offer.

Shibuya Crossing

Anyone remotely impressed that Tokyo is the most populated city in the world should visit the world’s busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing. Massive video screens flashing advertisements tower above every corner as black-suited salarymen, wide-eyed tourists, and bag-toting shoppers wait and cross in concert. The feeling is oddly soothing, a reminder that whatever our disparate paths in life, they all have a tendency to cross at one time or another. The best time to go is at dusk, one of the scramble’s peak times and in its most flattering light. The Shibuya Scramble Square tower above Shibuya station offers a bird’s eye view of the famous crossing, along with panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, perched 230 metres above street level.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Fancy a stroll in a Japanese garden? Get that and more at Shinjuku Gyoen. In addition to native, traditional gardens, the 144-acre park pockets French Formal and English Landscape gardens, all of which are worth the modest entrance fee. Landmarks are stunning and impossible to forget like a Taiwan Pavilion perched along a serene pond. Formerly an imperial garden, it became a national garden after World War II – so you can trust that this precious plot is always beautifully maintained. Don’t miss cherry blossom season.

Kappabashi Street

Kappabashi Street, a district between Ueno and Asakusa, isn’t so much a food destination as it is a food-adjacent destination: While it’s devoted to the restaurant industry, fresh food isn’t why folks come. Instead, the street is a chef’s dream of restaurant supply stores that are known best for sampuru , replicas of food dishes that are part of a century-old craft – and are up for grabs. And, because it’s more trade-focused than tourist-focused, the prices can be somewhat economical. Have any curious cooks in the family? This district is their souvenir heaven.

Azuki to Kouri

The clean-lined, slate-grey interior of this kakigori ice specialist sets off the ebullient shaved ice creations of pâtissier Miho Horio. Formerly of two- Michelin-starred restaurant Florilege, Horio is one of the young chefs elevating the sweet treat to new heights of refinement. She carefully adjusts the blade of her ice machine to shave blocks of ice – made with spring water from Nikko, north of Tokyo – into fluffy, feathery flakes. Shaping the shavings into a delicate mound, she adds fresh fruit and toppings such as homemade syrups, compotes, and foams. Her signature parfait showcases sweet azuki red beans – the classic kakigori topping for which the café is named – paired with cream and flecks of meringue. Seasonal offerings include salted cherry blossoms with fresh strawberries in spring, and blood orange dusted with grated Amazonian cacao in early summer.

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is one of the most amusing parks in Tokyo. Its 134 acres sprawl right in Shibuya, a short skip from Harajuku, and bustle with picnics and performers. The northern side is lush, with clean walkways along expansive, grassy lawns where locals and tourists spread under the shade of Japanese Zelkova trees, and gather around a large pond. Spot impromptu badminton team swinging racquets, a drum circle tapping away at the bongo, or amateur dancers following along to the beat.

Yayoi Kusama Museum

In a suburban part of Shinjuku, a smooth white building rises five stories high – a museum completely devoted to the works of Yayoi Kusama. The building looks slim, but it houses a bulk of the larger-than-life and avant-garde artist’s pieces, including an installation of her “infinity room” series (an Instagram sensation which, in the past, drew hundreds of thousands of visitors in stateside exhibitions) to polka-dotted paintings and sculptures. The museum changes its exhibition two times a year, and as it’s still relatively new, it’s only cracked the surface of the prolific artist’s work.

Kuge Crafts

The traditional technique of mending pottery with lacquer sprinkled with gold dust, kintsugi is an art form unto itself. The practice, which dates back to the 15th century, is alive and well at Kuge Crafts, a ceramics studio in the quiet Shin-Koenji neighbourhood of western Tokyo. Run by a family of artisans – Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko Kuge, together with their son, Shu – the atelier transforms broken cups and dishes into singular works of art and offers two-hour kintsugi lessons (¥8,000, or about £43) for learners of all levels. The workshop will provide all the materials; you can bring your own damaged vessel for repair or ask them to prepare a piece for you to work on.

Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan

Only three of six official grand sumo tournaments happen in Tokyo, all at Ryogoku Kokugikan. The stadium houses over 11,000 eager fans under its green, pavilion-style roof. Official tournaments last just over two weeks each, which means Ryogoku Kokugikan sometimes hosts other events (boxing, for example). But sumo is the arena’s feature attraction, and if you’re hoping to see sumo in Tokyo, this is where to find it. Tamari seats, which are those immediately surrounding the ring, are the most coveted – and virtually impossible to score. But the next series of rows, box seats, are as close as you can get. Box seats are top-dollar but little more than rows of tatami mats lined with red square cushions (with no backs) sold in groups of four – so cosy up and pay up (¥38,000, or about £203 for a box). There are proper stadium seats along the second-floor mezzanine, but the thrill of witnessing this traditional Japanese sport up close is all about getting comfortable with the floor.

The Bellwood

Modelled after an early 20th-century Japanese coffee house, this swanky watering hole is fitted with modern-retro touches like a stained glass panel bearing the bar’s name, bookended by images of Mount Fuji and a martini under the moon. The main space is great for after-work drinks or late-night tipples, but the bar recently opened a glass-encased private room to host a series of food-and-cocktail pairing experiments. Witty twists on classic cocktails are prepared with flair. Start light with the Kome Tonic, made with rice-based shochu, then explore the seasonal menu: Tango Mule made with gin, and Fernet Branca laced with a roasted mate, or the Okushibu Fashioned with bourbon, kinako soy powder and a hint of bitter mugwort.

Nihon Minka-en Japan Open-air Folk House Museum

Though only 20 minutes by train from central Tokyo, the Nihon Minka-En Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, located in a suburb of neighbouring Kawasaki City, feels a world – and several centuries – away. The sprawling grounds are home to 25 marvellously preserved Edo-era homes relocated from all over the Japanese countryside, spanning an array of styles from farmhouses to samurai houses and including a shrine, water mill and kabuki stage. Don’t miss the traditional indigo dyeing workshop in the middle of the park houses a small shop where you can find indigo-dyed everything, from socks and sweaters to handkerchiefs and masks.

Koffee Mameya Kakeru

Don't expect your average cup of joe at Koffee Mameya Kakeru, housed in a renovated warehouse in the Shirakawa coffee district in eastern Tokyo. Beyond the sleek glass facade, the interior, designed by art director Tomohiro Kato and architect Yosuke Hayashi, features a massive oak structure built around the artfully arranged coffee shelves. A rectangular wooden frame encases a three-sided stone counter built around three black tables where the baristas display their skills. Coffee maestro and founder Eiichi Kumimoto launched Koffee Mameya Kakeru to go deep into the world of the brew and push the boundaries of the drink's potential. The menu showcases seasonal varieties, but the omakase-style coffee-tasting courses (including a range of cold and milk brews, mocktails, and lattes) take centre stage, offering a fascinating journey through the diverse flavours and artistry of coffee. Coffee cocktail champion Akira Zushi dazzles with flair bartending skills and innovative cocktails like the milk brew blended with hop-accented jasmine tea and lemon, finished with a spritz of prickly ash water.

Oedo Antique Market

Oedo Antique Market is a marvellous outdoor fair held near Tokyo Station twice a month, with stalls selling wonderful antique and vintage wares. Hundreds of independent stallholders set up shop to sell their one-of-a-kind objects. There isn’t a huge number of antique or vintage homeware shops in Tokyo – so if you’re looking for old, interesting, and unique Japanese items for your home, this is the place to come. The items on sale at Oedo are completely one-off and unique. You’d be hard-pressed to find a permanent shop in Tokyo that has the choice and style that you’ll find here. For first dibs, come earlier in the day.

Kyu Asakura House

Built-in 1919, the former residence of government official Torajiro Asakura is a marvellously preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture tucked into Tokyo’s bustling Daikanyama district. For ¥100 (about 50 pence), you can wander through the building’s stately wooden corridors, tatami-floored rooms, and beautifully manicured grounds. The suginoma (cedar rooms) on the west side of the structure offer postcard-perfect views of the Japanese garden – particularly in the autumn when the maple trees blaze with colour. One of the city’s best-kept secrets, the property is an oasis of calm. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds for an hour or two and contemplate the passing of time.

It’s okay to visit the artsy neighbourhood of Nakameguro just to see its seasonal appeal as one of the most picture-perfect spots for cherry blossoms in spring . However, stick around these charming streets, and you’ll find a hip collection of independent cafes and boutiques that offer a laid-back alternative to the city’s buzzing hubs. Sakura trees hug the Meguro River in Nakameguro’s centre, blossoming as they lean over the sloped, canal-like walls surrounding the water. Once you’ve taken a moment to smell the blossoms (and fill your phone with pictures), you’ll find an array of independent boutiques and cafes branching off along narrow streets in either direction. Head to the corner-side Onibus Coffee, which serves single-origin espresso, and stop at SML, a boutique stocking delightful crafts (especially ceramics) made by Japanese artists.

Nakano Broadway

A Tokyo mecca for anime- and manga-loving otaku subculture fans, the Nakano Broadway is a multi-story shopping arcade that has become a hub for niche collectors of all stripes. When it first opened in 1966, the complex epitomised the spirit of future-perfect economic optimism sparked by the Tokyo Olympics. Competition from newer shopping malls emptied its corridors of fancy boutiques in the 80s before Broadway reinvented itself as a centre for used manga and anime models in the 90s. More than 300 tiny outlets are crammed into the ageing edifice’s bottom five floors, offering everything from vintage Godzilla and Astroboy figurines to designer watches and creepy dolls galore.

Isetan is Tokyo’s best – and most famous – department store; its history dates back to 1886, when it started as a kimono shop. The sprawling flagship in Shinjuku is spread out over nine floors, each offering something special. There’s a big fashion focus, with local Japanese brands sitting beside international names. Don’t miss a visit to the wonderful food hall on B1, which sells a variety of Japanese snacks and goodies, including beautifully prepared bento boxes for lunch.

Tsukiji Market

In October 2018, the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji, shut down after 83 years and re-opened in two distinct parts. At the original location, it’s pretty much business as usual, with street-food stalls serving up everything from seared tuna to uni sandwiches in squid-ink sticky buns. Just down the road at Toyosu Market, meanwhile, you can taste fresh raw fish in a series of sushi bars and peek in on the auctions (formerly held at Tsukiji) and live fish sales from a second-story viewing station. You can also tour a large green space on the rooftop, which affords views of the Tokyo skyline.

Heiwa Doburoku Brewery Kabutocho

This simple but stylish Wakayama-based sake brewpub in Tokyo makes clever use of a corner space in Kabutocho, the recently hip neighbourhood near the Tokyo Stock Exchange building. As the name suggests, the bar specialises in doburoku, a rustic style of unfiltered and lightly fermented sake characterised by its thick texture. Previously outlawed for taxation reasons, the traditional brew is making a comeback, appearing on menus at Tokyo's trendiest restaurants and bars. Large windows, pale wood fixtures, and a curved counter surrounding a small open kitchen give the bar an open and airy feel. The menu lists dry-hopped and aged doburoku, varieties made with ground adzuki red beans or black beans, and a few seasonal styles flavoured with fruits or herbs. But the best place to start is with the original, plain doburoku, a thick and yogurty brew with a touch of fruity fizz. Brewer Heiwa Shuzo's excellent craft beers are served on tap (we love the golden ale infused with fragrant sansho prickly ash peppercorns), and the bar offers a nice selection of the brewery's clear, award-winning sake.

Nezu Museum

This serene museum in the Aoyama district, redesigned by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, is a contemporary temple for traditional art. A long, covered outdoor path alongside bamboo-clad walls serves as a minimalist entrance, but once inside, double-height interiors and glass walls stretch over 40,000 square feet while keeping the experience intimate. And while the museum mixes contemporary design and traditional art on the inside – over 7,400 pieces – the outside counts, too: The property is home to a stunning private garden that’s worth the visit all on its own. The bulk of the museum’s art was once the private collection of Nezu Kaichirō, the president of Japan’s Tobu Railway. Since the midcentury, the collection has grown and now comprises over 7,400 pieces.

Bohemian Tokyo in Shimokitazawa

Only one express stop away from the brighter-than-bright energy of Shibuya, Shimokita (what locals call Shimokitazawa) is like turning down the volume and switching to an acoustic track. It might embrace its bohemian style – with vintage stores on seemingly every block – but it doesn’t lose that unmistakable, sophisticated Japanese style in the process. Sift through secondhand shops, sip coffee, and repeat.

Monzen-Nakacho

The old-school neighbourhood of Monzen-Nakacho – known as “Mon-Naka” among locals – has retained its colourful, salt-of-the-earth shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere since the Edo era (1603-1868). Two main draws are the stately Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and the Fukagawa Fududo temple, where you can hear the sounds of drumming and chanting from the temple’s fire ceremony, held five times a day. These days, hipster coffee shops and natural wine boîtes nestle against traditional shops selling pickles, Japanese confections, and old-timey delicacies like tsukudani – bits of seafood long-simmered in soy sauce and sugar. It’s a terrific place to spend a lazy afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and alleyways en route to the Museum of Contemporary Art in neighbouring Kiba. But at night, the neighbourhood comes alive with an array of reasonably priced eating and drinking spots.

teamLab Borderless

With the first iteration of Borderless in Odaiba, the art collective Teamlab created an endlessly Instagrammable, sumptuous and surreal museum dedicated to multi-sensory digital art. Opened in 2018, the facility, which set the world record for the most visited museum dedicated to a single artist, closed its doors in 2022. However, Borderless 2.0 is set to relocate to a permanent location in the soon-to-open Azabudai Hills mixed-use complex in central Tokyo in early 2024. Boderless consists of installations that feature constantly morphing patterns and designs that seem to flow seamlessly from room to room in a maze-like space. Updated versions of some of the museum’s previous works will be on display, as well as several new installations: a room filled with hundreds of multicoloured lights that run along tracks continuously and a series of interactive “light sculptures,” to name a few.

Sleek design, a DJ booth, and craft beer on tap: The newly refurbished Koganeyu functions as a lively standing bar and community events space, but the main reason to visit this 89-year-old establishment is to immerse yourself in Tokyo’s sento (public sauna) culture. A crowdfunded renovation has transformed the space into a contemporary sento with four pools, a sauna, and an outdoor bath. Bathing areas for men and women are separated by a 2.2-metre partial wall, while a mural depicting Mount Fuji stretches across both areas like a scroll. You can purchase tickets from the vending machine at the entrance; a 90-minute bathing session costs about £3 for adults. After emerging from the baths, relax with a glass of craft beer brewed especially for Koganeyu, or try a homemade ginger highball.

From Tokyo to Sapa, here are the trending destinations in 2024

Asia dominates as the go-to region for emerging travel destinations in 2024

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Tokyo, Japan

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Japan blocks overcrowded selfie spot, bans tourists from traditional areas to cope with explosion of travellers

People cross a busy intersection at night in Tokyo.

After fears that tourist numbers would never return to pre-pandemic levels, it may now be a case of too much of a good thing for Japan.

A combination of a weak yen, more affordable airfares, the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions and "revenge travel" has led to monthly visitors to Japan hitting a record high.

Over-tourism is now such a problem for one Japanese town it has erected a barrier to block snow-capped views of Mount Fuji, after locals complained about the bad behaviour of selfie-seeking visitors.

So, what measures have been implemented to curb over-tourism?

How is Japan handling over-tourism?

A woman takes a photograph of illuminated cherry blossoms in full bloom

Over-tourism happens when so many visitors are attracted to an area that life becomes unpleasant for the locals, despite any economic or other ostensible benefits.

One of Japan's busiest tourist periods of the year ended on Monday.

Golden Week — which ran from April 27 to May 5 — coincided with multiple public holidays and near-perfect spring weather.

To help deal with all the international tourists in the country during one of Japan's busiest periods, authorities have tried a range of measures.

Two women wearing kimonos and masks walk down steps.

In Kamakura, a popular temple city, English-speaking guides have been helping to direct tourists to stop them obstructing busy train stations, according to Nikkei.

Kyoto's traditional neighbourhood, Gion, recently banned visitors from its small private alleys.

Locals had complained of snap-happy tourists harassing the city's immaculately attired geisha, who had to remind them it was "not a theme park".

Authorities in Kyoto have also reportedly installed screens at the main train station showing live feeds of tourist areas so visitors can assess crowds and plan their trips better.

Many people visit the small, scenic Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture, causing chaos on local streets while trying to photograph Mount Fuji.

Authorities said they had had enough of the excessive number of foreigners littering, ignoring traffic regulations and even climbing on roofs of office buildings in search of the perfect selfie spot.

Exasperated town officials eventually blocked the view of Mount Fuji with a 2.5-metre-high black barrier.

"It's regrettable we have to do this because of some tourists who can't respect rules," a town official said.

Hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji, where the climbing season begins in July, will be charged 2,000 yen ($19.50).

Numbers will be capped.

Where are Japan's visitors from?

The January earthquake in the western prefecture of Ishikawa had minimal impact on 2024 arrivals, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).

Tourist numbers have quickly rebounded, and apart from Australia, Japan has had a large influx of visitors from South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

An Asian man in a costume waves to camera at the head of a line of go karts on cherry blossom-lined street

Street Kart, which offers rides for tourists in Tokyo, Okinawa and Osaka, said most were from Australia, the US, Canada and the UK — with decent numbers from Europe and Asia.

"The demand for our activity has risen significantly [this year] in conjunction with the increase of visitors to Japan," Street Kart spokesperson Mai Ishido told the ABC.

Children smile as they walk through a colourfully painted tunnel in a tourist crowd

However, tourism from China has stayed well below pre-pandemic levels.

The JNTO said visitors from China, which had made up nearly a third of all visitors and 40 per cent of tourist spending, were slowly returning.

The April numbers aren't out yet, but in March, visitors to Japan hit a record high of 3.08 million visitors, according to the JNTO.

The previous record of 2.99 million was set in July 2019 during a year that Japan welcomed a record 31.9 million visitors.

It's a stark contrast from the early days of the pandemic, when Tokyo banned spectators from the postponed Olympics in 2021 .

Tourists have been making the most of Japan's weak yen, which fell to a three-decade low against the US dollar last month.

Even Australia's faltering currency still has buying power in Japan, with one dollar converting to almost 102 yen, up more than 10 per cent from a year ago.

A hearty dinner on Tokyo's famous Ramen Street will set you back around 1,080 yen ($10.55) while a bus ride in Kyoto costs 230 yen ($2.25) — both cheaper than Australia's capital cities.

A crowded restaurant in Tokyo with people outside in face masks

What have other countries done?

Over-tourism has also affected other popular Asian destinations, like Bali and Thailand, with international travel returning to normal after the pandemic.

A new $15 tourism tax was introduced to Bail in February, after a series of incidents involving visitors desecrating holy sites and behaving badly.

A woman wearing a blue long sleeve shirt surfs a wave on her surfboard.

In Thailand's Maya Bay, which was made famous by The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, a maximum of 375 visitors are allowed at one time.

Even though access had earlier been restricted and it was later closed for three years, an estimated 80 per cent of the coral reefs there died due to over-tourism.

While there are plenty of plans to restrict and control tourist numbers, not everyone in Japan is sick of all the foreign visitors.

Ms Ishido from Street Kart said there was no such thing as having too many tourists and that everyone was welcome.

"We hope to see many more happy smiling faces coming to and from our shops," spokeswoman Ms Ishido told the ABC.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Tokyo
10. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks. 5,504. Points of Interest & Landmarks. Elevated observation deck in Shinjuku showcasing panoramic city vistas and a serene atmosphere, complete with an in-house café and a variety of souvenirs. See ways to experience (5) 2023.
16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tokyo
3. Enjoy Nature at Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo . Highlights: A 212-acre park home to ponds, historic shrines, and the Ueno Zoo. A paradise-like oasis of green in the heart of busy Tokyo, Ueno Park (Ueno Kōen) is the city's largest green space and one of its most popular tourist attractions. In addition to its lovely grounds, the park also boasts numerous temples and museums ...
Top tourist attractions in Tokyo: the best sightseeing spots
Tokyo tourist attractions. Explore Tokyo's historical sites, romantic places and some of the other unique places that make this city so special. Check out our Tokyo tourism guide, complete to find our recommendations for famous places and must-visit locations. From historical sites to the Tokyo of the future, there is lots to see and do.
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Nihon Minka-en Japan Open-air Folk House Museum. Though only 20 minutes by train from central Tokyo, the Nihon Minka-En Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, located in a suburb of neighboring ...
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Considered the first public park in Tokyo, Ueno is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll in the city. Formerly part of Kaneiji Temple, Ueno Park is now home to the Ueno Zoo (considered Japan's ...
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3. Taste the Pacific at Tokyo's fish markets. Bestowed with the honorary title of "Japan's Kitchen," Tsukiji was formerly the location of the city's most famous fish market, but the bulk of the wholesale fish-selling shifted to Toyosu Market on Tokyo Bay in 2018. Nevertheless, there's still plenty of action at Tsukiji, where the outer ...
Tokyo City Guide
Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center.The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo.
Tokyo Guide: Things to do in Tokyo
Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is the nation's capital, the site of the 2020 Summer Olympics and the most populous city in the world - there's no shortage of places to see and things to do in Tokyo. While that means you'll inevitably have to leave some things off your itinerary, it also means that there's something for everyone. Tokyo's center, the 23 wards, combine some of the world's ...
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Eiffel Tower-inspired and painted white and international orange,this structure was built in 1958. 6. Ueno Park. This large park is a favorite destination of Tokyo residents, and within can be found many of the city's main attractions including the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo and the National Museum of Western Art.
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Kitanomaru-kōen. This large park north of the Imperial Palace is home to noteworthy museums as well as the Nippon Budōkan concert hall. The gate at the park's northern end…. Discover the best attractions in Tokyo including Tokyo National Museum, Ghibli Museum, and Golden Gai.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Tokyo (Updated 2024)
Eiffel Tower-inspired and painted white and international orange,this structure was built in 1958. 6. Ueno Park. This large park is a favorite destination of Tokyo residents, and within can be found many of the city's main attractions including the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo and the National Museum of Western Art.
30 Best Things to Do in Tokyo
1. Shibuya Crossing: Take the Coolest Photos. Area: Shibuya Category: Photograph There are several great view spots for the scramble crossing in Shibuya. Shibuya Scramble Crossing or simply called Shibuya Crossing, is the world's busiest crossing, passed by about a half million people daily. The crossing has become the most iconic landmark in Tokyo as well as a popular photo spot after being ...
26 BEST Places to Visit in Tokyo (2024)
Shinjuku. If you like to be near to the Tokyo places to visit, Shinjuku is often said to be the city's tourism heart and soul. Skyscrapers make for a dazzling skyline and bright neon lights cannot help but grab your attention. Shop till you drop at places like Odakyu, Lumine, Beams Japan, and Takashimaya Times Square.
23 Top Tourist Attractions in Tokyo
Make it simpler by sticking to these top tourist attractions in Tokyo. 23. Nezu Shrine. One of the oldest places of worship in the city, the scenic and serene Nezu shrine is definitely worth visiting. As well as its tunnel-like series of torii gates, it is known for the amazing azaleas that bloom around it in spring.
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The futuristic Odaiba is home to many popular attractions, such as the life-size 19.7 meter tall Unicorn Gundam Statue located in front of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping mall, Tokyo Joypolis, an indoor amusement park operated by SEGA, and the Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo. This is a great area to spend the entire day, ideal for friends ...
2024 Tokyo Tourist Spots + 22 Things To Do in Tokyo
1. Shibuya Crossing. Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan Japan. There's no other spot that embodies the pulsating energy of Tokyo than Shibuya Crossing. It's a must-visit in Tokyo, especially for first-time travelers. This scramble intersection is reputed to be the busiest in the world.
The Top 18 Things to Do in Tokyo
For a great view of Tokyo Tower, visit the Tokyo World Trade Center at Hamamatsu-cho Station. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, meanwhile, has a reputation as Tokyo's best free view point. Yet another option is to ascend to the top of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Continue to 5 of 18 below.
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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Tokyo
・Listed by Lonely Planet as one of the "The 7 best museums in Tokyo (that even Tokyoites are waiting in line to visit)". ・Featured by Condé Nast Traveler as one of "The 26 Best Things to Do in Tokyo". ・Winner of "Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction 2023" at the World Travel Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the travel industry.
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Dazzling all with its skyscrapers, city lights, ancient history and all things weird and wonderful; there are endless tourist attractions in Tokyo to delight your every sense! Cue the zaniest museums you've come across (from ones that celebrate ramen to manga to institutes promoting a plethora of various art styles), and endless amusement parks, like the themed Ghibli Park. Head to the ...
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As Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, and unlimited opportunities to eat, shop and explore. Tokyo is located on Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region of Honshu, Japan's largest island. The closest airport airports are Haneda officially known as Tokyo International Airport, and Narita ...
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Php400. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Walk through the colorful Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple and experience the old-world charm of Tokyo. In the evening, head to the bustling neighborhood of Shibuya and cross the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary
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Kuge Crafts. The traditional technique of mending pottery with lacquer sprinkled with gold dust, kintsugi is an art form unto itself. The practice, which dates back to the 15th century, is alive and well at Kuge Crafts, a ceramics studio in the quiet Shin-Koenji neighbourhood of western Tokyo.
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Japan blocks overcrowded selfie spot, bans tourists from traditional
A hearty dinner on Tokyo's famous Ramen Street will set you back around 1,080 yen ($10.60) while a bus ride in Kyoto costs 230 yen ($2.66) — both cheaper than Australia's capital cities. For ...

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Tokyo Travel Guide

19 Essential Things to Do in Tokyo + Neighborhoods to Visit

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa free

Meiji Shrine Meiji Shrine free

Popular Tours

Ueno Park Ueno Park free

Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower

Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Crossing free

Ginza Ginza free

Tokyo Station Tokyo Station free

Akihabara Akihabara free

Tokyo National Museum Tokyo National Museum

Odaiba Odaiba free

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building free

Daikanyama Daikanyama free

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

Imperial Palace Imperial Palace free

Shimokitazawa Shimokitazawa free

Ghibli Museum Ghibli Museum

Shinjuku Golden Gai Shinjuku Golden Gai

Tsukiji Outer Market Tsukiji Outer Market free

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