Fascinated with traveling at the age of 18, she has spent most of her long holidays exploring incredible spots around Japan. 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. Did you know you can actually hike a mountain in Tokyo? 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 fewer and far between. 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! Enjoy the evening illuminations! 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. 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 Enbuj Theatre in which Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances are staged. Click on the heart button in the article to add a page from this site to My Favorites. Looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path? These are prepaid and rechargeable. But the best time to visit Tokyo is March, April, September, October, and November, thanks to its perfect weather and beautiful blossoms and foliage. 3.7 /5. Here, travelers can walk through Tokyo's humble origins (via the life-sized Nihonbashi Bridge) in the early Edo Period to the Meiji Restoration (the period where Japan transitioned from traditional to a more modern society, influenced by western principles), through the subsequent industrial revolution, past the devastation of the World Wars and into today's modern metropolis. Shibuya is a place where you can easily spend a couple of hours and wont get bored. The tightly packed rows of vendors (which once, If its a sunny and warm weekend afternoon, you can count on there being a crowd lazing around the large grassy expanse that is Yoyogi-ken. And no trip here would be complete without visiting some of the city's more traditional sites, including the Sensoji Temple and the spiritual Meiji Shrine. A paradise-like oasis of green in the heart of busy Tokyo, Ueno Park (Ueno Ken) is the city's largest green space and one of its most popular tourist attractions. Visit Tokyo - The Official Travel Guide of Tokyo, GO TOKYO Options include taking a Bullet train to experience the attractions of historic Kyoto (passing Mount Fuji along the way), or heading to Nagoya and exploring the city's many fine shrines and temples, along with its famous castle. When approaching the main shrine, it's customary to pay your respects by bowing twice, then clapping your hands twice, make a wish and bow once again. 2023. All rights reserved. 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. If you are interested in checking out a traditional Japanese play, Kabukiza, there is a kabuki theatre located in this part of town. Must see attractions in Tokyo Sights Restaurants Entertainment Nightlife Shopping Hotels Top Choice Tokyo National Museum If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. The central hubis 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. The Sensoji Temple sees about 30 million annual visitors and dates all the way back to year 628. So what makes the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tower special? If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Formerly the residence of the Naito family during the Edo period (17th-19th centuries), it was transferred to the Imperial Family. Set in a beautiful park in Tokyos western suburbs. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 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. Get the free printable map of Tokyo Printable Tourist Map or create your own tourist map. The views of Tokyo Bay, which surround the aquarium, were a nice bonus for visiting travelers (the entrance to the Sea Life Park is a large glass dome situated on the edge of the water). Explore Shinjuku on this bar-hopping tour with a professional bilingual guide! 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). Places to visit: Shop till you drop at places like Odakyu, Lumine, Beams Japan, and Takashimaya Times Square. Travelers loved their experience at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building because it was so fuss-free. The Top Must Visit Attractions in Tokyo - Culture Trip There are also plenty of theaters as well. Travelers recommended taking advantage of the complimentary museum tour guides on-site (available in multiple languages). Met someone new? Tokyo has plenty of good spots to see this amazing sight. Theres no better way to watch sumo than watching it with a sumo enthusiast aka a knowledgeable guide! 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. 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). See on map. Here you can find a variety of fish from those regions, including Tokyo's famous bluefin tuna. Be sure to also visit the 17th-century Toshogu Shrine (Nikk Tsh-g), with its 256 bronze and stone lanterns. Don't miss this unique chance to immerse yourself in the captivating world of sumo! DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and Decks Tokyo Beach facility offers lots in the way of dining and shopping in addition to entertainment options. Tokyo Attractions Map | Visit A City 187 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Tokyo - Atlas Obscura Harajuku. The Tokyo Islands - 11 Beautiful Islands Near Tokyo. 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. Courtesy of TOKYO METROPOLITAN PARK ASSOCIATION. There's always something to discover in Tokyo. Make sure you get an eyeful of Honda's impressive ASIMO robot while here. At the end of this article, you'll have a map of all Tokyo main attractions 1. See most popular tourist places to visit in Tokyo, top things to do, shopping and nightlife in Tokyo, find entry timings, fees about various attractions in Tokyo, Japan. Shinjuku is a heaven for those who are interested in nightlife and izakaya bar culture in Japan! The shrine was built to commemorate the virtues of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. There's a large pond with an island,, Established in the mid-17th century as the property of the Tokugawa clan, this formal strolling garden incorporates elements of Chinese and Japanese, Tokyo's main wholesale market may have moved to Toyosu, but there are many reasons to visit its old home. But Harajuku is also home to several historical attractions. From Tokyo to Mount Fuji: Full-Day Tour and Hakone Cruise. After the emperor's death in 1912 and that of his consort in 1914, the Japanese commemorated their contributions with the Meiji Shrine. Fashion, cosmetics, cafes and striking architectureall within a few minutes walk of the station. In spring, the park is one of the busiest and most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo which attracts huge amounts of people. We hope you enjoyed reading our recommendations for the best tourist attractions in Tokyo. Join the fun in a packed izakaya pub! If you can, travelers suggest visiting at sunset. The Beautiful Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and remains a very popular lookout point. Nezu Shrine One of the oldest places of worship in the city, the scenic and serene Nezu shrine is definitely worth visiting. And no one seems to take offense at people's comings and goings, nor their loud cheering or jeering. Coppice Kichijoji is a great shopping spot which is only about a 4min walk from JR Kichijoji station. 30 Best Things to Do in Tokyo - Japan Web Magazine Experience Japanese Fashion in Stylish Harajuku 6. 2. You can really get a sense of Tokyo and its people if you thread your way through the streets on a bus. 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. Visitors will also find shopping and restaurants and a stage for entertainment. Ride the thrilling Hakone Ropeway and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake . In this article we will introduce the 10 shrines! This guide covers the essential 15 destinations in Tokyo that every traveler should include in their itinerary. There's also a petting area where patrons can get up close and personal and touch sting rays and bamboo sharks. Tokyo Skytree 4. The Sensoji shrine is dedicated to this lucky catch as well as features a small homage to the fisherman who caught the statue. Visiting Yoyogi Park after a long day will enable you to unwind and take a refreshing stroll in nature. Ryogoku is home to sumo, when you get out from JR Ryogoku station, you already see large portraits and handprints of famous sumo wrestlers. Here is the complete guide to Japanese transportation for first-timers! This fine art museum is notable for its regular exhibits of contemporary artwork from around the globe. 21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Japan, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tokyo, 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kyoto, From Tokyo to Mount Fuji: 4 Best Ways to Get There, Japan in Pictures: 20 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nagoya, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Osaka, From Christchurch to Queenstown: 4 Best Ways to Get There, From Queenstown to Wanaka: 4 Best Ways to Get There, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Mt. These include many important pieces of modern art and regular visiting exhibitions. You'll also probably spot a few cosplayers casually walking down the street. During the spring, the park gets an extra boost in visitors for its vibrant display of cherry blossoms. Yodobashi Akihabara is a giant shopping complex specializing in electronics, home appliances, cameras, PCs, and other gadgets. The number of incredible places to visit in Tokyo is seemingly endless, with attractions ranging from National Parks and zoos to futuristic electronics districts and fashion hubs. Shinjuku. And if you're a foodie, you'll probably end up in Ginza anyway. Tokyo Tower 9. You'll spot the latest technology on the shelves, which will probably put your equipment to shame. 21 Best Things to Do in Odaiba (Daiba), Tokyo's Entertainment Paradise It was built in 1959 to plans by famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Experience Japanese izakaya culture and drink in Shinjuku like the locals! Akihabara is nirvana for techies. In the spring, the park's more than 1,000 cherry trees blush with a blanket of powder-soft pinks. The price of each is a guide to its scope of use. On a sunny day, make your way up to the two observation decks, at 350m and 450m, for stunning views of Tokyo. 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.