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 largest ancient and one of the most significant Buddhist temples.
This temple attracts millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its iconic Kaminarimon Gate, with its giant red lantern and traditional architecture, which serves as the gateway to a bustling shopping street filled with stalls offering traditional snacks and souvenirs. The temple complex itself, dedicated to the goddess Kannon, features a stunning main hall, a five-storied pagoda, and beautifully landscaped grounds that offer a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Vibrant festivals and seasonal events held at Sensoji provide a profound insight into Japan’s rich religious traditions and community spirit.
It is Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect, it became independent after 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
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2. Nakamise (仲見世)
Located just before Sensoji after Kaminarimon or “Thunder Gate”, a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red-and-black tones to suggest thunderclouds and lightning, Nakamise is one of the oldest shopping centers in Japan.
Apart from typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata, keychains, and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise.
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 the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.
To pay respect: At a Torii (shrine archway): Bow once when entering and leaving.
At Temizuya (water well): Rinse your left hand and then your right hand. Then rinse your mouth with your left hand before rinsing your left hand again. Lastly, rinse the dipper (allow the remaining water to run down the handle of the dipper).
At the Main Shrine building: Bow twice. Clap your hands twice. Make a wish if you like & Bow once again.
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
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4. Imperial Palace & East Garden (皇居)
Tokyo Imperial Palace 皇居 is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Except on Jan 2 (New Year’s Greeting) and Dec 23 (Emperor’s Birthday), the palace buildings and inner gardens are not open to the public.
Only on both specific dates, visitors are able to enter the inner palace grounds and see the members of the Imperial Family, who make several public appearances on a balcony.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens 皇居東御苑, are a part of the inner palace area and are open to the public.
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 used to be the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. It handles more than 400 different types of seafood from cheap seaweed to the most expensive caviar, and from tiny sardines to 300 kg tuna and controversial whale species.
The outer market remains one of the most visited attractions for its numerous small shops and stalls that sell a wide variety of fresh seafood, sushi, street food, and kitchenware. It’s a great place to experience the culinary delights of Tokyo and try some of the freshest seafood dishes in the city.
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
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6. Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー)
One of Tokyo’s newest landmarks & attractions, the 634-meter Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan. The tower is the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kanto region.
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 is a 115-acre theme park based on the films produced by Walt Disney. It was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States.
Tokyo DisneySea, the 4th most-visited theme park in the world is also the 9th park of the 11 worldwide Disney theme parks to open.
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 (舞伎町 is an entertainment and red-light district in northeast Shinjuku beyond Yasukuni-dōri Avenue.
It is very famous for hostess bars, host bars, love hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, and is often called the “Sleepless Town”.
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
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9. Ginza (銀座)
The Ginza (銀座) is known as one of the world’s most luxurious shopping districts, Ginza boasts an array of designer boutiques, prestigious department stores, and exclusive art galleries, all nestled among impeccably maintained streets.
The area’s rich history as a commercial center is palpable, with its blend of historic 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 bustling 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
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12. Roppongi (六本木)
Roppongi 六本木 well known as the city’s most popular nightlife district among foreigners offers a large number of foreigner-friendly bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Recent redevelopment projects, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown have to increase Roppongi’s appeal to a wider range of visitors through big shopping complexes & luxury hotels.
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 東京タワー the world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower is a communications and observation tower.
At 332.5 metres (1,091 ft), it is the second tallest artificial structure in Japan. Completed in the year 1958 as a symbol of Japan’s rebirth as a major economic power.
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
Thank you soooo very much for these helpful ideas. I know it is not officially ready yet but if you could just recommend your favorite suthentic restaurants in tokyo area. We are staying near the tokyo station for 3 days and would really appreciate your suggestions. Thank you in advance and looking forward to hearing from you.
THANK YOU! Some awesome ideas of where to go and what to see… appreciate your hard work in putting this site together!
Thanks, a very cool list. I also find that taking a train (rather than subway) and getting out at a station that looks interesting is generally a fun thing to do. There always seems to be somewhere new to explore in Tokyo.
Thanks a lot for this list! Will try to visit some of the places mentioned!
Thanks for the info. I have not been to Tokyo…I am going there in a few weeks for a conference and mini holiday. I think your 15 must see places are quite helpful to us newbies in Japan. I will let you know what I end up doing. Cheers man.
Thanks for this great list! Travelling with a family can be taxing at times, and looking for accommodation that will house large families is tiresome. For those looking for such accommodation I’d recommend the Somerset Azabu East Tokyo.
Hey Tommy,
also include the Edo-tokyo museum in your itinerary. I am going to Tokyo in March this year and have planned my itinerary after much research. I have also gone through your list and this museum is missing. Will love your inputs on my itinerary. Thanks
Hye Tommy,
Countless thanks for your best travel guides.I’am going there by this coming May.
So all the information I’ve read here definitely would help me to know better ’bout TOKYO
(God’s Will – JAPAN).Again and again,million thanks dear.. xoxo ^_^
Thank you very much for all the information above. it was really helpful. I truly appreciate your effort in guiding us for all this attractions. 🙂 thumbs up!
Wow! The information here is useful. By the way, the Pokemon Center in Tokyo had closed some time ago. Is there another one being opened in Japan? Thanks.
Hi Yew, thanks for notifying. Yes a new one just opened – Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo – Sunshine City alpa 2F 3-1-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro Toshima-ku Tokyo 170-6002, Japan (HigashiIkebukuro St or Ikebukuro St)
Thx for the precious and important info for me to dig up the web thank u very much for saving my time on surfing the web than you very appreciate Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita
Hi, planing to go in early feb 2016 and will be going to Takayama and viewing the Shirakawa go neon lights on Feb. May I know the cheapest way to travel up there…
Hi Jeannie, you can check train schedule & price at hyperdia.com. Alternative you can take bus which should be the cheapest
Thank you! Planning to visit Japan in September, these are such useful information. Will visit them all.
Hi Mable, glad to hear that. Happy Traveling!
thanks for making my free and easy trip to tokyo in sept so much easier
Hi Loretta, glad it helps. Enjoy Tokyo!
Hey tommy thanks for such great info. I ll be visiting tokyo in early jan 2016. The info made it easier to decide where to go and where not to . Thanks again !!??
Hi Puru, glad it helps. ENjoy your trip
Good website, great info..planning to visit in Apr 2016. Now was wondering if Disneyland would be packed during that time? Heard admission will be limited if it is crowded?
Hi Min, Disneyland is always full of tourists and locals alike. Visit during weekdays will be better bet
Hi Tommy, thanks for the reply..
what is the best time to visit with cherry blossom in full bloom? 🙂
and Happy 2016!
Hi Min, end march early april will be ideal 🙂
Hi Tommy. I will visit Tokyo on December 2016. Is there any onsen open in Tokyo on December, especially the one with natural spring water? Thank you in advance.
Hi Dian, Onsen are usually open throughout the year especially in Winter
Tommy, could you recommend best onsen near Ginza?
Hi Dian, we hvnt tried onsen in Tokyo yet as we tried in Hokkaido & Mount Fuji. Maybe u can check this – Oedo Onsen Monogatari
I looked oedo onsen at http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/en/top/. Wow, it looks great, complete from bathing, massage, wearing yukata, playing, and dining. Do you know the place in Tokyo to buy Yukata for man and woman at the best price?
Hi Dian, is hard to judge as quality might be main factor. But you can try department stores where locals shop
Your blog contains very much useful information, especially for those who plan to visit the country at the first time. Simple yet comprehensive, keep it up your good work!
Hi Joon, thank you for the compliments. Will try our best! Thanks
Hi Tommy, where can i buy ticket for Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo – Nagoya – Kyoto – Osaka)?
JR Yamanote Line or JR Line Oimachi Station?
I am confused and hope to get some help
Hi, you can always buy at any JR station in Japan
So any JR station in JR Yamanote Line or JR Line will do right?
And how about ticketing? Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo – Nagoya – Kyoto – Osaka) related to Japan Rail pass?
I like Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Imperial Palace but there are often too many tourists …
Would it be possible to enjoy the National Museum of Science and Nature with two teenager if we only allowed about three hours there? I imagine with only three hours we’d have to only see certain parts – which parts do you recommend? Main teenage interests: astronomy and architecture. Also, where to eat in the evening with teenagers? Many thanks.
For the cosplay at Harajiku is happen on Saturday or sunday? Thank you
Hi Darren, it used to be fixed sunday but now is more occationally rather than fixed date
Hi Tommy
We will arrive and departure at a Narita airport fom 12.04.17 to 19.04.17
Plan to visit Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto
May I know what will be your suggestion of route for my 8 days trip ?
Hi Jeannie, 8 days to cover 2 region is too rush and unenjoyable
Hi Tommy, thanks for the list. I will go to Tokyo on June with my kids. Just wondering whether the sanrio puroland is worth the visit? From the website it looks like it is solely for small children.
Hi, yes it is mainly for kids. Not much adventurous games for adults
hi Tommy,
i like your posting.
i am going to tokyu on mid dec., free and easy for full 7 days trip.. i have book my flight and accomodation but i jus dont know how to get about and the place of interest. If its is convenient for you, can you draft an iterary for me include mount fuji. thanks.
I have been to Tokyo and other city many times but after reading your article, i am tempted to go there again this December. Going to japan is a very different experience. The people ,culture, cleanliness and surrounding and the toilet bowl makes a lot of difference to me perso.nally
Hi Tommy
Like the feedback and information that you have posted about Tokyo. My girlfriend and I will be visiting Tokyo during the 2nd week of February 2018 and staying for a week. It be a free and easy trip for us. We have booked our flight tickets and will be searching for appropriate and reasonably priced accommodation to stay. We will be searching for accommodation that is near to the train station for transportation convenience.
We plan to visit places of cultural and traditional interest as well as famous food outlets etc. Visiting the wet market, fruits and vegetables markets/farms, shopping centers and pharmacies will be interesting too.
Would appreciate it if you will kindly advise us on the places to go, food to eat and how to get there based on our preferences as noted above.
This will be my 2nd trip to Tokyo but not my girlfriend. My previous trip was with a Travel Agency and it was rather rush. Did not see much of Tokyo except the famous tourist attractions sites.
Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
Hi, I highly recommend Gonpachi – The Kill Bill restaurant in Shibuya. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=gonpachi+tokyo&view=detail&mid=5F8832BE412D9C9270DF5F8832BE412D9C9270DF&FORM=VIRE
still looking for somewhere unique
Hi Tommy, i planned to visit Japan this year.
Which month / season is best to join, but not on snow season
Hi Autumn Oct and Nov should be ideal
My brother and I are planing to take a trip to Tokyo. There are so many places to visit. What 3 places would you suggest we visit first?