
13 Best Places to Visit in Tokyo Japan
1. Tokyo Meiji Shrine


2. Tokyo National Museum


3. Tokyo Imperial Palace


4. TOKYO ODAIBA




6. Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden


7. Tokyo Skytree


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


9. Tokyo Tower


10. Shibuya Crossing


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


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


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


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


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 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


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


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.


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.
