Discover Tokyo┃Complete Travel Guide Tokyo Japan Vol.3 13 Must-Visit Destinations

Discover Tokyo ┃ Your Complete Travel Guide Tokyo Japan Vol.1
As a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with cutting-edge modernity, it should come as no surprise that Tokyo is one of the most visited places in the world.It’s a hub of superlatives and contrasts, where gleaming skyscrapers coexist perfectly alongside historic, centuries-old shrines. Known for its many high-tech and futuristic features, Tokyo offers a unique blend of neon-lit streets and serene parks where you can relax and disconnect from the daily grind.For food enthusiasts, Tokyo is ground zero for soaking up a vast medley of flavors, from Michelin-starred restaurants to tiny hole-in-the-wall places serving up centuries-old specialties. Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with family, this is one city that does live up to the hype, so let’s check out the must-visit destinations in Tokyo!

13 Best Places to Visit in Tokyo Japan

1. Tokyo Meiji Shrine

meiji shrine tokyo japan.jpg
meiji jingu shrine tokyo japan
Also known as Meiji Jingu, the Meiji Shrine was built in 1920 in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. This Japanese shrine is quite a sight to behold with its classic Shinto style using mainly Japanese copper and cypress. It’s important to know that this is a functioning shrine, so be sure to keep your voice down out of respect. It’s also recommended that you purify yourself by washing your hands at the fountain before entering the shrine.Meiji Jingu is made up of two areas: the outer precinct of Gaien which houses a Memorial Picture Gallery with over 80 murals, and the Naien which features an Azekurazukuri-style treasure museum.

2. Tokyo National Museum

Japan Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum japan
An amazing destination for travelers who want to delve deeper into Japan’s fascinating history, the Tokyo National Museum is one of the biggest in Japan. It houses everything from ancient Buddhist scrolls to samurai swords.Located in the Taitō ward, this establishment is one of the four museums managed by the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.More impressively, the museum has over 116,000 pieces of art, so you’ll definitely be in for a treat! Because the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, it’s always a good idea to check the event calendar before planning your visit.

3. Tokyo Imperial Palace

travel guide japan Tokyo Imperial Palace
tokyo travel guide japan Tokyo Imperial Palace
While the Imperial Palace is a fantastic experience all year round, we suggest that you plan your visit in the fall (mid-November to early December). During this time, the palace is surrounded by ochre, scarlet, and golden foliage that enhances its beautiful architecture.Regardless of when you’re visiting though, the Tokyo Imperial Palace never fails to captivate. Built in 1888 on the site of a former Edo Castle, the place currently houses Emperor Naruhito. You can still see vestiges of the former castle attached to the more modern buildings.Because it’s one of the most important historical sites in Tokyo (not to mention home to the imperial family), you do need to apply for your visit several weeks in advance. While you won’t be allowed inside the palace’s main areas, you can always sign up for a guided tour of the serene grounds.

4. TOKYO ODAIBA

stay odaiba tokyo bay japan
odaiba tokyo bay japan
If you ask us, one of the best places to soak up that vibrant Japanese nightlife is Tokyo Odaiba, an artificial island overlooking Tokyo Bay. Getting there is an adventure of its own since you need to cross the Rainbow Bridge or hop on the high-tech Yurikamome train.What makes Odaiba special is that it’s one of the most futuristic spots in Japan. There are science-themed robots, an immersive fort, Legoland, and even a massive indoor theme park filled with rides and games.As a major entertainment hub, Odaiba also features heaps of restaurants and bars where you can sip on a sake while gazing out at the canal.
ginza crossing tokyo japan
ginza tokyo travel best place to stay
Whether you want to stock up on some souvenirs to take back home or simply check out one of the most popular spots in Tokyo, visiting Ginza is always a good idea!As one of the top shopping districts in Tokyo, Ginza is known for its design houses like Cartier and Armani. But peek closer and you’ll find small, quirky stores specializing in things that you’ll only find in Japan.We highly recommend a visit to Uogashi-Meicha Cha Ginza, a specialty tea store that dates back to 1931. This store offers around 30 types of teas that are unique to the establishment. Not only will you be able to stock up on tea bags to take back home, but you can also sample their products.

6. Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden japan tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden tokyo japan
If you’ve ever visited Japan before, you probably noticed that the country has a talent for including gorgeous green spots smack dab in city centers. One such green lung is Shinjuku Gyoen which extends over 140 acres.A serene space for escaping the noise and bustle of the city center, Shinjuku Gyoen once housed the Naitō family during the Edo period. The green space is actually made up of three distinctive gardens. The oldest is a traditional Japanese garden with a Kyu Goryotei (Tawain Pavilion), large ponds, bridges, and islands. If you visit in the first 2 weeks of November, you can even attend the annual chrysanthemum exhibit which is commonly hosted in this section.You’ll also find a greenhouse with subtropical and tropical foliage, a formal French garden, and an English landscape area with cherry trees and open lawns.

7. Tokyo Skytree

tokyo sky tree japan
tokyo sky tree japan night

It wouldn’t quite be a trip to Tokyo without a visit to the Skytree! After all, this is one of the most popular attractions in the city, drawing locals and tourists alike.

Standing at 634 meters high, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan. Located in Sumida, this observation and broadcasting tower offers spectacular views of the city skyline. We suggest that you plan your visit later in the afternoon so you can watch the sun gradually set over Tokyo. Evening also comes with its fair share of treasures as you watch the city lights twinkle for as far as the eye can see.

On a clear day, it’s even possible to spot the iconic Mount Fuji in the distance.

Just a quick heads up though: owing to its popularity, this place can get pretty jam-packed in peak tourist season. As such, we recommend that you get your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on this epic experience!

8. Ghibli Museum Tokyo

Spirited Away from Ghibli Museum tokyo japan
Ghibli Museum tokyo japan.jpg
It’s no secret that Japan and animation go hand in hand. As one of the most popular animation studios in the country, Ghibli is especially known for producing magical (not to mention poignant) animated movies like Spirited Away.Now, the Ghibli Museum may be one of the most exciting places to visit in Tokyo, but getting tickets can be quite hard. It’s always a good idea to get your tickets several months in advance since they sell out very quickly.We also suggest that you allocate yourself plenty of time to properly take in everything the museum offers. Navigating the interior is an experience in its own right since it’s basically built like a maze. You’ll find plenty of fun animation at every turn and many have said that the museum feels like being inside an actual Ghibli movie.Some of its more popular features include a cat bus that features in one of the movies and a rooftop garden with sculptures depicting famous characters.

9. Tokyo Tower

Discover Tokyo ┃ Your Complete Travel Guide Tokyo Japan Vol.1
tokyo tower night japan
An absolute landmark in the city, Tokyo Tower may not be as tall as the Tokyo Skytree, but it still dominates the skyline at 333 meters. While it was modeled after the Eiffel Tower, it’s even taller than its French counterpart!Opened in 1958, the tower was originally built to transmit radio and television to the city, but it quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo. You’ll find two observation decks, with restaurant and shopping spots in the lower sections. If this is your first time visiting Tokyo, you’ll be glad to learn the decks usually come with guides who will be happy to point out the important attractions visible in the distance.

10. Shibuya Crossing

shibuya tokyo hachiko japan
shibuya crossing tokyo japan

If you’re wondering why we’ve included a crossing on this list, wait until you see Shibuya for yourself!

By far the most photographed place in Tokyo, the Shibuya Crossing is found in front of the Shibuya Station Hachiko. This pedestrian scramble crossing is quite unique in the sense that it allows pedestrians to take over the whole intersection when it’s their time to cross. Said to be the busiest crossing in the world, Shibuya can see as many as 3,000 people passing through each green light, and approximately 500,000 people use it each day.

It’s considered something of an architectural marvel in the city. In fact, a Tokyo-based architecture Professor even said that the crossing is “a great example of what Tokoyo does best when it’s not trying.”

Often likened to New York’s Times Square, the Shibuya Crossing also features massive video screens and advertising signs.

While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for the iconic statue of Hachikō, depicting the loyal dog who waited for his deceased owner outside the station every single day until his own death.

11. Tokyo Nezu Museum

nezu museum tokyo japan must see places in tokyo
nezu museum tokyo japan

Previously known as the Nezu Institute of Fine Arts, Nezu Museum is tucked away in the Minato District.

You’ll find nearly 7500 pieces of pre-modern East Asian and Japanese art. The museum was actually established in 1941 after Nezu Kaichiro, (an influential industrialist and former president of the Tobu Railway) expressed his wish on his deathbed. Many of the museum’s pieces are sourced from his own private collections.

While the original museum buildings were partially destroyed by fires and war bombings in 1945, the staff were able to evacuate the collections. As such, the museum was able to reopen a year later. In 2009, it was renewed by Kengo Kuma, a famous Japanese architect.

Spanning 40,000 feet, the museum may be immense, but it still provides an intimate and welcoming experience. We suggest that you set aside some time to potter about the private garden, known for its peaceful atmosphere.

12. Tokyo Yoyogi Park

yoyogi park tokyo japan
tokyo japan yoyogi park

Another great park in Tokyo, Yoyogi offers the ideal setting for enjoying a picnic lunch in between sightseeing expeditions!

Like most natural sites in the city, this park is absolutely spectacular in the fall as the trees are blanketed in autumn foliage. While it doesn’t have a lot of cherry trees, it’s still a great place for admiring the blossoms in springtime since there’s not a lot of people around.

Up until it became a city park in 1967, Yoyogi was an Olympic Village for the Tokyo Olympics held in 1964.

Located within walking distance from Harajuku Station, the park always has some kind of activity going on. Think banjo performers, amateur dancers, badminton matches, and the like.

13. Tokyo teamLab Planets

tokyo japan teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets tokyo japan

An absolute feast for the senses, teamLab Planets is basically an interactive digital art museum that takes the whole experience to the next level.

For a fully immersive experience, visitors are encouraged to visit the museum barefoot. As such, you will literally feel the pleasantly warm water that reaches up to mid-calf as you wade through a space where reality and illusions merge. The water is real, but the koi fish that surround you are entirely digital. You can even activate some digital exhibits simply by touching them.

While most museums have firm ‘Do Not Touch’ signs, visitors at teamLab Planets are actually encouraged to touch and disrupt the artwork to trigger more exhibits. In fact, the public’s participation is also part of the art.

Unique Experiences in Tokyo Japan

When exploring all those great attractions in Tokyo, we suggest that you set aside some time to partake in some activities and soak up the kind of experiences you’ll only find in Japan.

Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Eat sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market

tsukiji sashimi tokyo japan
perth japanese donburi sushi

It can’t get any fresher than this!

As one of the oldest fish markets in Japan, Tsukiji is a must-visit destination that you really can’t skip. Located between the Sumida River and central Tokyo, the market is awash with gloriously fresh seafood stalls interspaced with fragrant street food stands where you can munch on the local delicacies.

Tsukiji Fish Market is actually split into two sections: the first half is speckled with food stalls while the second part (Toyosu Market) contains some of Tokyo’s best sushi bars. If you’re feeling adventurous, we can also vouch for the squid ink or seared tuna buns.

2. Catch a Sumo Tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan

Sumo Tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan tokyo japan
Sumo Tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan

Sumo wrestling is firmly embedded in Japanese culture and if you ask us, there’s no better place to experience a Sumo match than at the Ryoguku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena.

Built in 1985 to accommodate over 10,000 visitors, this place hosts six tournaments per year. Rest assured that each tournament lasts for weeks so you can attend a match if you plan your visit just right. Alternatively, the Sumo Arena also hosts other sporting events like kickboxing.

There’s also an onsite Sumo Museum where you can learn more about the history of Sumo while admiring related items like Kesho-Mawashi (ceremonial aprons), Nishikie (woodblock prints), Banzuke (rank lists), and more.

3. Sign up for a Japanese Traditional Kintsugi Experience

japanese kintsugi expeience
japanese kintsugi art

One of the most beautiful things about Japan is that it’s got a knack for finding beauty in broken things. Hence the Japanese concept of Kintsugi, which is the art of repairing broken objects (more often glass or pottery) by using gold lacquer to put the pieces back together. Kintsugi literally translates to ‘join with gold’.

If this is something that interests you, you’ll be glad to learn that there are many Kintsugi classes all over the city. We recommend a visit to the Utsuwa Omusubi Hanare gallery where you can admire traditional Japanese tableware, attend a lecture on the history of Kintsugi, and learn the craft for yourself. Best of all, you’ll be able to take the finished product back home as a souvenir.

Japanese tea and sweets are served during the break.

4. Enjoy a Tea Ceremony Experience

sado chado japanese tea ceremony tokyo
matcha green tea effect japan kyoto

Speaking of tea, a tea ceremony experience is an absolute must when you’re visiting Tokyo. While Kyoto is said to be the epicenter of tea ceremonies, you’ll find more than your fair share of them in Tokyo as well.

One of the top places for an authentic tea ceremony in the city is hosted by Jidaiya. While various packages are available, we recommend that you opt for the ‘Kimono and Tea Ceremony’ bundle for a more authentic experience.

During the ceremony, you’ll also be treated to Anko Dama, a classic Japanese sweet made of beans, sugar, and agar.

kyoto obanzai ryori japan onigiri
japanese rice ball

As we mentioned above, Japan has a way of finding beauty in everything – and origami is another such factor!

The Japanese art of paper folding has become quite popular all over the world and if you’d like to try your hand at it, you can always head to Origami Kaikan in Bunkyo City.

An art gallery and a shop rolled up in one, Origami Kaikan features just about every kind of origami you can think of, from classic cranes to more elaborate ones. Bear in mind that the exhibits rotate seasonally, so there’s always something new to admire!

The last floor is home to a workshop where you can sign up for a class and try your hand at making your very own origami.

The Best Time to Visit Tokyo

The best time to visit Tokyo is from September to November (fall) or March to May (spring). Cherry blossom season in spring does see an influx of tourists, but the weather is quite pleasant during that time. To avoid the crowds, you can always plan your visit in the fall.

Tokyo is a year-round destination but it’s good to know that summer can get especially hot and humid. Winter in Tokyo is still sunny but quite cold, with temperatures plummeting down to 5 degrees Celsius at night. Snow in central Tokyo isn’t super common. At the most, the city sees a light sprinkling of snow once or twice per year.  

Getting Around in Tokyo

Tokyo is a highly walkable city, so remember to bring sturdy shoes. You can also rent a bicycle to get around like the locals.

It’s a well-known fact that Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world – and Tokyo is no exception! The metro network is managed by several companies. The trains are known for being exceptionally clean and punctual. Just remember to keep your voice low when traveling on public transportation.

You’ll also find plenty of bus lines, taxis, and rideshares, but the subway is the most convenient way of getting around when you’re not walking. Just remember to get a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo.

Travel Tips for Visiting Tokyo Japan

Before you zip up your suitcase, we have just a few more travel tips for you

  • Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: Most people in Tokyo can understand simple English phrases but it’s still courteous to learn some basic Japanese like Konnichiwa (Hello), Sumimasen (Exuse me), and Arigatou Gozaimasu (Thank you).
  • Get a Tokyo Pass
  • Check out the free Tokyo tours and activities.
  • Pack adequately: winter can get chillier than you’d think, so be sure to bring your warm clothing.
  • There may be lots of walking involved so bring your comfiest and sturdiest shoes as well.
  • Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting during Cherry Blossom and snow season for ski since most establishments sell out very quickly.
  • Tipping isn’t customary in Japan.
  • Get a Japan Rail Pass to easily travel around the country by train.
  • Avoid traveling during rush hour.
  • Keep your voice low in public spaces, especially when you are on the train.
  • Stay hydrated, especially if visiting between May and October. These months are notoriously hot and it’s easy to get dehydrated especially when sight-seeing.
  • Take some day trips from Tokyo. Neighboring spots like Gongendo Park and Lake Kawaguchiko have the best cherry blossoms in Japan.
  • Free Wi-Fi and SIM Cards: The free Wi-Fi passport provides access to various Softbank hotspots at hotels, train stations, cafes, and various locations across Japan.

*Please be aware that we cannot accommodate for individual food allergies or intolerances, so it is the responsibility of each guest to ensure their selections are safe for them to consume.

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