Top 40 Best Places to Visit in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan's vibrant capital city with a population of approximately 38 million people. This bustling city is a hub of modern technology and little old streets. There are many many things to do in Tokyo. Things like shopping, dining, enjoying the nightlife, visiting historic temples and beautiful Japanese gardens. This comprehensive list breaks down the best that Tokyo has to offer. Fill your days in Tokyo endlessly with all things suggested on the following list.

Asakusa

Asakusa is visited by more than half of all tourists from foreign countries. You’ll be able to see the Sensoji Temple which is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and also the outer gate called the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). The street leading from the gate to the inner precinct of the temple is lined with old shops. Many of them offer services in English.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Shrine is located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. A large number of visitors from all over Japan come for “hatsumode” or the first shrine visit of the New Year. On the day of your visit, you can catch a glimpse of a traditional wedding ceremony if you’re lucky.

Akihabara

Akihabara is always crowded with tourists from all over the world. It’s famous as the center of the “anime” and the “manga” culture. It’s also popular as a sightseeing spot because of the many stores offering electronics made in Japan.

Harajuku

Recently, tourists to Japan add Takeshita Street in Harajuku as the place they want to visit most list. Harajuku continues to be the center of the “kawaii“ or cute subculture and its distinct fashion.

Shibuya

The famous intersection in Shibuya is the busiest in the world. Everyday, about 500,000 people cross this intersection. Besides shopping and the cuisine, you can also enjoy the unique atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Tokyo Tower

3 million people visit Tokyo Tower annually. More than half of Tokyo Tower’s revenue is because of its popularity as a tourist spot. It is a sightseeing spot which tourists find irresistable.

Shinjuku

Golden Gai in Shinjuku, which is situated in the middle of a commercial district, has recently become very popular with foreign tourists. You can experience the atmosphere of the Showa Period in Japan, like a trip back in time.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a park full of culture and art. Popular art presentations and other famous exhibitions are held here. You enjoy the turning of the seasons with the cherry blossoms and the autumn foliage. And you can also tour some important historical buildings.

Tokyo Skytree

In 2012, the Tokyo Skytree took the place of the Tokyo Tower, which had been Tokyo’s main radio tower since 1958. The Tokyo Skytree has received recognition by the Guinness Book of World Records because of its height. Tokyo Skytree is a radio tower, but it is also incredibly popular for the view from its observatory.

Ginza

Ginza is one of Japan’s most sophisticated shopping districts. In this neighborhood of modern buildings, there are many luxury brand stores and restaurants.

Odaiba

For a fun-filled time in Tokyo, try Odaiba. There’s an amusement park, a museum, an onsen, an automobile showroom, and other attractions. There is so much to do that it’s difficult to get around in 1 day. It is one large entertainment facility on a huge area of reclaimed land.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The word “gyoen” means a garden for the Imperial family. It’s only a 10 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (South Exit). So, this quiet and lush garden is loved by many people who go there to take a break from the city and relax.

Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo

Enjoy the world of the Pokemon at this amazing store. You can have fun in many ways such as purchasing limited goods and taking part in events.

Hamarikyu

Hamarikyu Garden was built over a long period of time by successive shoguns of the Edo period. It was uniquely designed to draw seawater from the Tokyo Bay. The garden scene changes greatly depending on the time of the day and the season.

Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is an area where young people gather. A huge number of people commute through Ikebukuro everyday using its 8 train lines. It is a neighborhood which is full of fashion stores and restaurants and also subcultures.

Roppongi

Roppongi had the image of a nighttime entertainment district for adults, but recently it has changed into a modern area. It has become a place to show Tokyo’s latest art in museums of art that have increased their number one by one.

Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka, with the stone-paved roads from long ago, still has the spirited atmosphere of the old entertainment quarter. But now it also interests many people as a gourmet town, rich in international flavor.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji was known as one of the largest markets in the world and was popular among the tourists from within the country and abroad. It will move to Toyosu on Oct. 6, 2018. The outer market which was next to the original Tsukiji Fish Market is still open, and it is still crowded with people buying fresh fish and people looking for the delicious fresh sushi.

Shinjuku Golden Gai (Golden Street)

Golden Gai was a postwar black market and prostitution area, transformed into an area of bars and hangouts. Tiny shops are packed into the labyrinth of alleys. The dimly lit neon lights brings out a nostalgic atmosphere.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disney Resort is comprised of both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. Tokyo Disney Resort is Japan’s leading amusement park.

Robot Restaurant

Robot Restaurant has become immensely popular among overseas tourists. Enjoy the world’s only collaboration of robots, dancing, and live music.

Omotesando

A sophisticated sense of high class engulfs the pedestrians walking there. From the main street to the back streets, there is a variety of shops. Even walking through the back alleys brings an air of celebrity

Ameyoko(Ameya-Yokochō)

After the war, Ameyoko, was a place indispensable for survival even though it was called a black market. It’s the closest shopping district in Tokyo from Narita Airport.

Tokyo Dome City

You can enjoy watching sports, an amusement park, restaurants, a spa and a hotel within the same area. Tokyo Dome City is a general amusement facility where you can enjoy a whole day in the center of Tokyo.

Roppongi Hills

Roppongi Hills is now the face of Roppongi. It is a place connected directly to subway stations where you can enjoy an entire day with family and children.

Tokyo DisneySea

DisneySea is a theme park which opened within Tokyo Disney Resorts in 2001. It is the first of the world’s Disney resorts to have an oceanic concept.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens

The Imperial Palace East Gardens is a historical park located to the east of the Imperial Palace. It reminds you Central Park in New York. Although it’s near Tokyo Station, within the grounds of the garden you miraculously cannot hear the bustling metropolis.

Sumida Aquarium

Sumida Aquarium, which is located in the shopping mall at Tokyo Skytree, has been highly praised for its art-like beautiful exhibits as an urban aquarium. It is deeply interesting for its display of fish usually inhabiting the sea close to Tokyo.

Yasukuni Shrine

During the sakura season, the area surrounding Yasukuni Shrine becomes the most beautiful famous place in Tokyo for cherry blossoms. Although there is also the controversy of the war dead enshrined at Yasukuni, the shrine, where you can experience traditional events every season, has plenty of things to see.

Yoyogi Park

An urban park that has been loved for years as a daily resting area for Tokyo citizens which holds concerts and many events. If you’re tired of the city’s hustle and bustle, take a break in this huge park.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

In the ever-changing international metropolis of Tokyo, there is Koishikawa Korakuen Garden which has preserved its serenity. The garden of the illustrious family of the Mito branch of the Tokugawas, which has received both Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty status, was the most fashionable green space.

Yurakucho

Yurakucho is a laid-back district close to both the Tokyo Station and Ginza areas. You can get a close sensation of the new and old through the newest fashion buildings and the energetic restaurant row under the railway crossing.

Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills is a place where you can enjoy the latest contemporary art and Tokyo City View from a 360-degree observation deck. You can feel that the streets of Tokyo is art in itself.

Tokyo Solamachi

The commercial complex of Tokyo Solamachi opened in May 2012 together with Tokyo Sky Tree. Its 312 shops always provide the latest information while retaining the traditional culture of shitamachi (downtown).

Tokyo Water Bus

There are many tourist spots along the Arakawa and Sumida Rivers. Moving by train is fine, but how about going by water bus while viewing the scenery from the river?

Sunshine City

Plenty of facilities such as shops, restaurants and an aquarium. Families and couples can enjoy the fountain plaza for its many events held there.

Tokyo Station

Its exterior restored to its classical appearance from 100 years ago, it’s a highly popular terminal station. The shopping arcade inside the building has everything so it is very convenient. Travels within Japan start here.

Yebisu Garden Place

While evoking nostalgia from its brick exterior, it has an urban atmosphere. It’s an open space with lots of greenery where you can spend a luxurious time tasting beer that is the pride of Japan.

Kabuki-za

Renovated in 2013, Kabuki-za has become more enjoyable than ever for the world of kabuki. You can enjoy not just watching the Japanese dramatic form, but also souvenirs, sweets and exhibits associated with kabuki.

Marunouchi

Marunouchi, the heart of the Japanese economy, is filled with businessmen from sunrise to sunset. However, because of redevelopment, there is now also plenty of fashion and cuisine, and the area is popular as a sophisticated business district.