You’re planning to visit Tokyo during your next trip and you want to know what to do in Japan‘s capital city ? So let’s dive into the 13 best places to go in Tokyo:
- Asakusa
- Senso-ji temple
- Akihabara
- Harajuku
- Tokyo tower
- Meiji Jingu
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- teamLab art museums
- Shibuya crossing
- Shinjuku Golden Gai
- Imperial palace
- Ueno park
- Ginza
Asakusa
This popular Tokyo neighborhood is home to the famous Senso-ji Temple that you can find at the very end of the Nakamise Dori souvenir-shopping street.
This long market street host many vendors selling a various range of Japanese traditional items. It goes from masks, toys, kimonos, and fabrics to food.
If you wander a bit in this neighborhood, you can have a nice view of the famous Tokyo Sky Tree along with the Asahi beer building.
More info ➜ 20 Best Things to Do in Asakusa
Senso-ji temple
The impressive Senso-ji Temple is the most tourist attraction in Tokyo, if not in Japan as a whole. It attracts more than 30 million people every year.
The temple, established more than 1,300 years ago has kept its original appearance even if it was rebuilt numerous times. It is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion.
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.
If you need more information, you can visit the Senso-ji official website.
More info ➜ 20 Best Things to Do in Asakusa
Akihabara
Akihabara is the one of the best places to go in Tokyo if you are an anime or manga lover.
I could spend hours, even days here. Even if you’re not a big fan of mangas or animes you will love this place.
This unique place is home for popular electronics stores like Yodobashi Akihabara, a giant complex specialized in eletronics, home appliances, cameras, PCs and other gadgets.
Explore the endless departments of classic Japanese video games at Super Potato, or visit Radio Kaikan to fully immerse yourself into a world full of anime-related merchandise.
Harajuku
Harajuku is also known as the fashion neighborhood of Tokyo. Its main artery, Takeshita Street, is the most popular shopping street with a large number of shops and food places.
Spend your time exploring kawaii (cute in Japanese) items and fashion clothing at Cute Cube Harajuku or Laforet Harajuku.
It’s not only the best place for fashion enthusiasts but also a paradise for sweets-lovers. Try the famous, fluffy and colorful cotton candy at TOTTY Candy Factory or juste enjoy delicious sugary crepes.
More info ➜ 15 ABSOLUTE Best Things to Do in Harajuku
Tokyo tower
Built in 1958, the red and white Tokyo Tower is a symbol of Tokyo’s rebirth after World War II. It stands 333m tall and is often compared to the French Eiffel Tower.
Visit the two observation decks which provide extensive views across the city and a four-story complex on the ground floor, known as Foot Town, offers shopping, food, and entertainment.
If you are brave enough you can join their popular event ‘Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk‘ allowing you to climb up 600 steps around the tower which will lead you to the 150m observation deck.
Even if the decks are not open at night, it is particularly beautiful with all its lights.
If you need more information, you can visit the Tokyo Tower official website.
Meiji Jingu
The Meiji-jingu is one of the best places to go in Tokyo. This Shinto shrine is located in Harajuku in the middle of a large 175-acre evergreen forest that is home to some 120,000 trees representing species found around all Japan.
It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken and was originally built in 1926. Because of the damages caused by World War II, it was rebuilt in 1958.
If you are lucky enough while visiting the Shrine, you could stumble upon a traditional wedding procession.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the talles building in Shinjuku.
Make your way up to the 45th floor and enjoy a great 360 views of Tokyo. On clear days, you may see a glimpse of Mt. Fuji in the distance.
In my opinion, it’s a great alternative to the Tokyo Sky Tree as it’s free and offers a view as stunning of the city.
If you need more information, you can visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building official website.
More info ➜ 15 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku
teamLab art museums
If you want to experience the modern Japanese culture with the best of technology and digital attractions, then you should definitely head to teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless.
Enter barefoot in these museums where you can walk through water and a garden where you become one with the flowers. There are four big exhibition spaces and two gardens.
Both museums are highly popular among both Japanese and foreign visitors, so I highly recommended to book the tickets in advance!
If you need more information, you can visit the teamLab official website.
Shibuya
Shibuya is one of the most famous place in Tokyo. There are several notable things to see in Shibuya area such as Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya 109 and Hachiko Statue at Shibuya Station.
The most famous still being Shibuya Crossing. Imagine a 5 cross roads intersection flooded with around 3,000 people at once when all the lights turn green at the same time at peak times. It’s just amazing!
Even if you aren’t in Shibuya to cross the street, you will find it is a place where you can easily spend a couple of hours and won’t get bored. The neighborhood offers nice restaurants, shopping places and great entertainment.
More info ➜ 20 Best Things to Do in Shibuya
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku is one of the best places to go in Tokyo if you are interested in nightlife and particularly izakaya bar culture.
Explore the Shinjuku Golden Gai, where you will find hundreds of vibrant and cozy restaurants and bars that fit maximum 6 to 10 people.
It’s an amazing place for meeting people and a wonderful mix of locals, Japan residents and tourists.
Be careful, look out for the signs in English. Because if it’s all in Japanese it might mean it’s a Japanese only bar or private bar and foreigners can’t go in.
More info ➜ 15 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku
Imperial palace
Tokyo Imperial Palace is the residence of the Imperial Family with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats.
Unfortunately, most of the place is not open to the public, except for the East Gardens, which are accessible only on particular days.
The Imperial East Gardens is a beautiful Japanese garden where you can see impressive stone walls, remains of the castle tower and turrets from the Edo period.
More info ➜ The 8 Best Japanese Gardens in Tokyo
Ueno park
Ueno Park is one of the largest parks in Tokyo. It is home to the famous Ueno Zoo, art museums, temples and shrines.
In spring, the park is one of the busiest and best places to go in Tokyo to view the popular cherry blossom which attracts huge amounts of people.
If you’re an art lover, you will definitely have plenty of things to do: the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science and so on.
Another nice attraction to do here is Ueno Zoo. It is Japan’s oldest zoo, and is famous for the pandas presented by the People’s Republic of China.
If you want more information, you can visit the Ueno Zoo official website.
More info ➜ The Best Things to Do in Ueno
Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo’s busiest shopping area. It offers luxury shopping malls selling both famous Japanese brands and international high-end brands.
If you want to experience a traditional Kabuki performances, book some tickets for the famous Kabukiza Theatre.
The best time to visit Ginza is in the afternoon during the weekend when the main street (Chuo-dori) is closed for traffic.
If you are wondering what to do around Tokyo, check this article below!
You are arriving in Japan from Narita ? Check our guide on getting to Tokyo from Narita.
Discover other great places to visit in Tokyo
- Top Things to Do in Roppongi
- Best Things to Do in Ueno
- Best Things to Do in Ikebukuro
- Best Things to Do in Shibuya
- Top Things to Do in Akihabara
- Best Things to Do in Asakusa
Check-out more things to do and places to visit in Japan!
