15 Must Visit Tokyo Attractions & Travel Guide

1. Sensōji (浅草寺)

Sensō-ji (金龍山浅草寺), a quintessential landmark in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district, is Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of its most significant Buddhist sites.

The temple attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by the iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its towering red lantern and traditional architecture. Beyond the gate lies a lively shopping street lined with stalls offering traditional snacks and souvenirs, leading to the heart of the temple complex. Dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, Sensō-ji features an impressive main hall, a five-storied pagoda, and beautifully landscaped grounds that provide a serene respite from the surrounding urban bustle. Throughout the year, vibrant festivals and seasonal events held at Sensō-ji offer deep insight into Japan’s rich religious heritage and strong sense of community.

Historically associated with the Tendai sect, Sensō-ji became an independent Buddhist temple following World War II.

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 am – 05:00 pm

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Ginza Line – Asakusa Station

2. Toei Subway: Asakusa Line  – Asakusa Station

Book Online: Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour

2. Nakamise (仲見世)

Located just beyond the Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” leading toward Sensō-ji, Nakamise Street is one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets. The approach is marked by a massive paper lantern, strikingly painted in vivid red and black to evoke thunderclouds and lightning.

Along Nakamise, visitors will find more than just typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata, keychains, and folding fans. The street is also renowned for its wide selection of traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area, offering a flavorful glimpse into Tokyo’s culinary heritage.

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Ginza Line – Asakusa Station

2. Toei Subway: Asakusa Line  – Asakusa Station

3. Meiji Jingū  (明治神宮)

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) is a revered Shinto sanctuary located in a serene forested area near Harajuku in Tokyo. Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, the shrine offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle, with wide gravel paths, towering trees, and traditional architecture.

Visitors can experience customary Shinto rituals such as purification at the temizuya, prayer at the main hall, and seasonal festivals, making Meiji Shrine both a spiritual landmark and a cultural cornerstone of Tokyo.

How to Pay Respect:

At the Torii (shrine gate):
Bow once when entering and once when leaving the shrine grounds.

At the Temizuya (purification fountain):
Rinse your left hand, followed by your right hand. Then use your left hand to rinse your mouth before rinsing your left hand again. Finally, rinse the dipper by allowing the remaining water to run down its handle.

At the Main Shrine building:
Bow twice, clap your hands twice, make a wish if you wish, and then bow once more.

Opening Hours

Daily 06:30am – 4:30pm ( Summer opens until 6.00pm )

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Chiyoda Line – Meiji Jingu Mae Station

2. Tokyo Metro: Fukutoshin Line – Meiji Jingu Mae Station

4. Imperial Palace & East Garden (皇居)

The Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居) is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Except on 2 January (New Year’s Greeting) and 23 December (the Emperor’s Birthday), the palace buildings and inner grounds are not open to the public.

On these two special occasions, visitors are granted access to the inner palace grounds, where members of the Imperial Family make several public appearances from the palace balcony.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑), which form part of the former inner palace area, are open to the public year-round and offer visitors a glimpse into the historic grounds surrounding the Imperial residence.

Opening Hours

Daily except Monday & Friday 09:00am – 4:00pm ( Summer opens until 5.00pm )

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Marunouchi Line – Tokyo Station

2. Tokyo Metro: Tozai, Chiyoda, Marunouchi, Hanzomon Line – Ōtemachi Station (exit C10 – closer to East Garden)

3. Toei Subway: Mita Line – Ōtemachi Station (exit C10 – closer to East Garden)

5. Tsukiji Outer Fish Market (築地市場)

Tsukiji Market (築地市場) was once the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. It handled over 400 varieties of seafood, ranging from everyday seaweed to premium caviar, and from tiny sardines to massive 300-kilogram tuna, including controversial whale species.

While the inner wholesale market has since relocated, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions. It is renowned for its maze of small shops and stalls selling fresh seafood, sushi, street food, and professional kitchenware. Today, Tsukiji continues to be a vibrant destination for experiencing Tokyo’s culinary culture and sampling some of the freshest seafood the city has to offer.

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Hibiya Line – Tsukiji Station

2. Toei Oedo Line – Tsukijishijo Station

6. Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー)

Tokyo Skytree is one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks and the tallest structure in Japan, standing at 634 metres. This striking broadcasting and observation tower offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks, which on clear days extend as far as Mount Fuji. Blending futuristic design with traditional Japanese aesthetics, Tokyo Skytree is also a major lifestyle destination, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment at its base

The Tokyo Skytree is its two observation decks Tembo Deck & Tembo Gallery which offer spectacular views of the Tokyo city skyline. On the base of Tokyo Skytree host a large shopping complex with an aquarium.

Skip the Queue, Book Online: Tokyo Skytree Ticket

Opening Hours

Daily 08:00am – 10:00pm

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line & Toei Subway Asakusa Line: Oshiage Station

For More Info: Tokyo Skytree Website

7. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea (東京ディズニーランド)

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea offer two distinct yet equally magical theme park experiences. Tokyo Disneyland captures the classic Disney charm with fairy-tale castles, beloved characters, and family-friendly attractions inspired by Disney stories, while Tokyo DisneySea is uniquely themed around exploration and adventure, featuring immersive ports of call, sophisticated design, and thrill rides geared toward teens and adults.

Inspired by the myths and legends of the sea, Tokyo DisneySea is made up of seven themed ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mystery Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, and American Waterfront.

Skip the Queue, Book Online: Disneyland Tokyo Ticket

Opening Hours: Daily 08:30am – 10:00pm

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Yurakucho Line – Shin-kiba Station. Change to JR Line Train to Maihama Station.

8. Kabukichō (歌舞伎町)

Kabukichō is Tokyo’s vibrant entertainment district, located in Shinjuku, known for its neon-lit streets, bustling nightlife, and wide range of dining and entertainment options. Often referred to as the “Sleepless Town,” it features everything from karaoke bars, izakayas, and themed restaurants to cinemas, live music venues, and late-night clubs.

The district’s name comes from late-1940s plans to build a kabuki theatre: although the theatre was never built due to financial difficulties, the name stuck.

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00pm – 3:00am

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Marunouchi Line – Shinjuku Station

2. Toei Subway: Oedo & Shinjuku Line – Shinjuku Station

9. Ginza (銀座)

Ginza (銀座) is known as one of the world’s most luxurious shopping districts, boasting an array of designer boutiques, prestigious department stores, and exclusive art galleries, all nestled along impeccably maintained streets.

The area’s rich history as a commercial hub is palpable, with a blend of long-standing shops that have served generations of customers and cutting-edge fashion outlets that attract trendsetters from around the globe. After sundown, Ginza transforms into a dazzling spectacle of neon lights and vibrant nightlife, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the quintessential Tokyo experience.

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Marunouchi, Ginza & Hibiya Line – Ginza Station

10. Yasukuni Shrine (靖國神社)

Yasukuni Shrine 靖国神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the soldiers and others who died fighting on behalf of the Emperor of Japan.

When Emperor Meiji visited Tokyo Shokonsha for the first time in 1874, he composed a poem; “I assure those of you who fought and died for your country that your names will live forever at this shrine in Musashino”.

Opening Hours

Daily 6:00 to 18:00 (to 19:00 from May to Aug; to 17:00 from Nov to Feb)

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Tozai & Hanzomon Line – Kudanshita Station

2. Toei Subway: Shinjuku Line – Kudanshita Station

11. Akihabara Electric Town (秋葉原)

Akihabara is the largest town collecting all kinds of electronic appliances and devices in the world. The products at the very top of technology are always abundantly available here.

Over here, staff master 20 languages of the world. Communication here can be going on smoothly without any problems. Customers can easily purchase overseas model products.

Opening Hours

Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Hibiya Line – Akihabara Station

12. Roppongi (六本木)

Roppongi 六本木 is one of Tokyo’s most dynamic districts, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, international dining scene, and cultural attractions. By day, visitors can explore world-class museums such as the Mori Art Museum and the National Art Center, while by night the area comes alive with stylish bars, clubs, and late-night eateries.

Roppongi’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and blend of modern architecture, upscale entertainment, and artistic venues make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a lively and sophisticated Tokyo experience.

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Hibiya Line – Roppongi Station

2. Toei Subway: Oedo Line – Roppongi Station

13. Kabukiza (歌舞伎座)

Kabuki-za in Ginza was the principal theatre in Tokyo for the traditional kabuki drama form.

It is the only theatre in Japan that has shows every month. The building’s design is bold and unique, registered as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in the Japanese Government in 2002.

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Hibiya Line – Higashi-Ginza Station. Exit 3.

2. Toei Subway: Asakusa Line – Higashi-Ginza Station. Exit 3.

14. Tokyo Tower (東京タワー)

Tokyo Tower 東京タワ is an iconic landmark in the heart of Tokyo, standing at 333 metres tall. This striking red-and-white structure serves as both a broadcasting tower and a popular observation point, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding entertainment complex, which includes shops, restaurants, and attractions, making Tokyo Tower a must-visit destination for those seeking a classic and memorable view of Tokyo’s skyline.

Visitors can ascend to the main observatory at 150 meters and the special observatory at 250 meters to get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo.

Skip the Queue, Book Online Ticket: Tokyo Tower Observatory

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00am – 09:00pm (main observatory)

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Toei Subway: Oedo Line – Akabanebashi Station. Exit Akabanebashi Gate.

2. Tokyo Metro: Hibiya Line – Kamiyacho Station. Exit No.1.

For More Info: Tokyo Tower Official Site

15. Hachikō Statue (ハチ公)

One of the most touching real-life stories in the world. Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the University of  Tokyo, took in Hachikō, a golden brown Akita, as a pet. During his owner’s life, Hachikō greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby Shibuya Station.

The pair continued until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. The professor had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage and died, never returning to the train station where Hachikō was waiting.

Every day for the next nine years the dog waited at Shibuya station. Hachikō died in 1935 and was found on a street in Shibuya.

Eventually, Hachikō’s legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty, particularly to the person and institution of the Emperor.

Getting there

By Subway :

1. Tokyo Metro: Hanzomon, Fukutoshin & Ginza Line – Shibuya. Exit Hachiko.

Other Attractions

 1. Sanrio Puroland (サンリオピューロランド)

Sanrio Puroland, home of Hello Kitty, My Melody is the 2nd theme park in Japan featuring characters, following Disneyland.

Located indoors, it is an all-weather park that offers a variety of live performances and attractions.

Note: You can buy bentos outside of the theme park to save money.

Opening Hours: 09:30 am – 5:00 pm (Check the website for the exact opening time & Closed Day)

Getting there

By Subway :

1. KEIO Line: From Shinjuku Station – Take the rapid bound train to Hashimoto & get off at Tama Center Station. Walk out of the station go straight to KEIO Plaza Hotel Tama and turn left.

5-minute walk from Tama Center Station on the Keio Line, Odakyu Line, Tama Monorail

Skip the Queue, Book Online Ticket: Sanrio Puroland Hello Kitty

2. Book Your Tokyo Tours Online

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