There is so much to see in Tokyo, and as such a vast city, it’s impossible to fully take advantage of it without a well-prepared itinerary.
Tokyo is a unique place where ancient culture meets cutting-edge technology—a mix you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
What to see in Tokyo?
Tokyo is home to some of Japan’s most iconic parks and monuments. Many of the country’s historic events took place here, making it the perfect place to learn about Japan’s history.
You only need to know in advance what to see in Tokyo to have a clear idea and make informed choices so you don’t miss anything that interests you in this legendary city.
Sensoji Temple
The oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo is Sensoji Temple, located in Asakusa, one of the city’s most traditional districts.
Legend has it that two sinful brothers discovered the statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, while fishing in 628. Each time they caught it, they returned it to the sea, but inevitably, they would catch it again.
After several encounters, they decided to build a temple for the goddess and enshrine the statue there.
To enter, you first pass through the Kaminarimon Gate, or “Gate of the Gods.” A 250-meter walk leads to the Hozomon Gate, right at the entrance to the temple.
The temple has five floors, each dedicated to various deities, with gardens and statues in a traditional Japanese style, along with exhibitions in each hall.
If you want to truly understand it, we recommend taking the same guided tour we did (you can book it here). Our guide explained the temple’s entire history, which is absolutely worth learning.
Additionally, to enhance your visit to Sensoji Temple with an even deeper dive into Japanese culture, we recommend the ‘1-Day Passport to Tokyo Disneyland.’ It’s a fun way to experience Japan’s magic with a touch of fantasy. Get your ticket here: link here.
Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is one of Tokyo’s must-see sites. It’s located on grounds that once belonged to the historic Edo Castle.
Since 2016, the palace has been open to visitors every day of the week, except for special occasions. Each day, up to 500 people are allowed entry, and no prior registration is needed.
To secure your spot, we recommend arriving at the Kikyomon Gate before 9:30 a.m., as this is when daily registration closes. At 10 a.m., the gates open, and the tour begins.
Reaching the palace is easy, as it’s just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station. Plus, entry to the palace is free of charge.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s most popular landmarks, its design inspired entirely by the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
The tower’s distinctive red color makes it stand out even more among the city’s other buildings.
Completed in 1958, it opened to both local and international visitors. Initially, it served as a transmission tower for NHK television broadcasts. Standing at 315 meters, its purpose has expanded over the years, making it a prime tourist attraction.
At the base, you’ll find a complex full of restaurants and bars, offering a great place to enjoy food and drinks.
From there, you can take an elevator to reach the observation deck at 150 meters.
The observation deck also features Club333 Stage and Café La Tour, a combination of café and restaurant with stunning views of the city that are sure to enchant you.
The Lookdown Window is located at this same height—a special section with a glass floor that lets you look straight down to the ground below.
After taking in the views from Tokyo Tower, why not continue the adventure with a ‘Full-Day Sightseeing Bus Tour‘? It’s an excellent way to discover more of Tokyo’s treasures without worrying about transportation.
Ghibli Museum
One of Japan’s most celebrated contributions to the world is anime, and the most iconic studio in this realm is Ghibli, renowned for its exceptional work.
You may recognize films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, or Castle in the Sky.
The Ghibli Museum is dedicated to everything created by this legendary studio.
Since opening its doors in 2001, the museum has delighted visitors with the imagination and creativity of Hayao Miyazaki.
It’s considered one of the best places to visit in Tokyo, featuring various permanent exhibits showcasing animation techniques used in Ghibli films, along with the methods for bringing these creations to life.
The Saturn Theater is one of the most entertaining spots in the Ghibli Museum. It screens short films created by Hayao Miyazaki, with a new short featured each month.
For fans of My Neighbor Totoro, there’s a special room: The Cat-Bus Room, featuring a life-sized replica of the bus from the animation.
Before leaving, make sure to visit the Mamma Aiuto shop, where you’ll find a vast array of merchandise inspired by Studio Ghibli’s beloved films, a delight for all visitors.
The museum is open every day except Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission prices vary by age:
- €8 for adults.
- €5.5 for ages 13 to 18.
- €3.1 for ages 4 to 12.
- Free for children under 3.
Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.
He was the first emperor of Japan in its modern era, leading the country’s transition from feudalism to modernity from 1868 until his death.
Spanning 700,000 square meters, the shrine is surrounded by a forest of over 120,000 trees.
The shrine complex is divided into two main areas: the Naien and the Gaien.
The Naien is the inner shrine, housing the main buildings and the Homotsuden, or Treasure Museum, which displays various artworks and items belonging to the emperor and empress.
The Gaien is the outer shrine area, where you’ll find a gallery of murals illustrating significant events in the emperor’s life.
This area also includes sports facilities such as the Jingu Baseball Stadium, a golf range, and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium.
Altogether, this complex is a fascinating mix of historical and recreational sites to explore in Tokyo.
Ueno Park
Located in the northwest part of Tokyo, Ueno Park is one of the most popular parks in the city, frequently visited by both locals and tourists.
Entry is free, which contributes to its popularity, but this isn’t the only reason it attracts thousands of people each day.
The park’s river makes it perfect for a full day of relaxation. Visitors can rent different types of boats to enjoy the scenic views, especially during cherry blossom season when the park is enveloped in pink blooms.
This place is like a Japanese postcard come to life. The park also has a zoo featuring pandas, adding to the fun.
Within Ueno Park, you’ll find the National Museum of Western Art, designed by Le Corbusier—a great reason to visit this area and one of the top places to see in Tokyo.
Toyosu Market
The world’s largest seafood market is in Tokyo and goes by the name Toyosu.
More than 3,000 tons of fish pass through the Toyosu Market every day, with a selection of over 450 types of seafood. In short, there isn’t a single edible marine species that isn’t sold here.
One of the most popular events at the market is the tuna auction, held each morning between 5:00 and 6:15 a.m. During this auction, tons of freshly caught, large-sized tuna are bid on—a fascinating spectacle.
If you’re a sushi lover, there’s no better place to enjoy it than at the market or in the surrounding areas. Nowhere else will you find sushi prepared with fresher fish and seafood.
Until very recently, all of this took place at the old Tsukiji Market, but this new facility was built to be larger and better suited for visitors.
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is not only one of Tokyo’s largest parks but also one of its most popular.
This expansive, centrally located park is perfect for a relaxing break when you need to recharge during your trip.
What’s especially interesting about Yoyogi Park is that it has become the unofficial gathering place for Tokyo’s Rockabilly enthusiasts.
So within the park, you’ll often find people playing Rockabilly music, with dozens more dancing along. Especially on Sundays, you can see everyone dressed in leather, boots, and the iconic hairstyles of the 1950s.
The most interesting districts to visit in Tokyo
The top districts to explore in Tokyo are:
Each has something unique to offer visitors, making it stand out.
A special recommendation is Odaiba, an artificial island created specifically with tourism in mind. Here, you’ll find museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and many other attractions designed to entertain and engage visitors.