Top Tokyo Attractions - Best Things to Do & Visit

Tokyo
Aphriell Art, Unsplash
December 21
Written by Aisha Chen

Discover the best places and attractions to see in Tokyo. This guide provides a list of the most popular sites to visit in this fascinating destination.

Welcome to Tokyo, a city that is never truly awake or asleep. It brims with energy, tradition, culture, and innovation. If you ever find yourself asking what to see in Tokyo, be prepared for a long list as this city has so much to offer.

In search of things to tick off your travel list? You're certainly in the right place. With its blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, Tokyo offers an endless choice of entertainment, culture, art, and food. You could spend years in this city and still not experience all the places to visit in Tokyo.

Whether you're just planning or already packing your bags, our Tokyo guide helps you sort through the city's multiple personalities. Who knows? You might find yourself under cherry blossom skies or amidst the rush of the Tsukiji fish market. The one thing that's certain is that there are boundless things to do in Tokyo!

1. Senso-ji Temple

History and Cultural Heritage$$$
woman holding pot
Senso-ji Temple / MF Evelyn, Unsplash

Senso-ji Temple is one of the most iconic and revered sites in Tokyo. Located in the Asakusa district, this magnificent Buddhist temple is a place of pilgrimage for the Japanese and a tourist attraction for international visitors.

Built in the 7th century, Senso-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The impressive main building, also known as Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate, captivates visitors with its imposing presence and gigantic paper lantern, the largest in Japan.

Once inside the temple, you can explore its beautiful gardens, admire the various statues and religious rituals, and enjoy the tranquility and spirituality that permeate the place. In addition, at its numerous street stalls, you can taste delicious traditional sweets and buy unique souvenirs to take with you.

2. Akihabara District

Entertainment and Pop Culture$$$
a couple of people that are standing in the street
Akihabara District / Pat Krupa, Unsplash

Akihabara, also known as 'Electric Town', is one of the most vibrant and exciting places in Tokyo, especially for technology and Japanese pop culture enthusiasts. In this lively district, you can find a wide variety of shops specializing in electronics, anime, manga, and video games.

Explore the streets filled with neon lights and dive into a digital world full of gadgets and state-of-the-art devices. In Akihabara, you can find exclusive stores from renowned electronic brands to small street stalls where you can find unique and rare items.

But Akihabara is not just a paradise for technology enthusiasts, it is also a hub of Japanese pop culture. Here, you can enjoy themed cafes, cosplay shops, and maid cafes, where waitresses dress like anime characters and offer you a very special service.

3. Shibuya District

Entertainment and Pop Culture
man in black crew neck t-shirt walking on sidewalk during daytime
Shibuya District / Daryan Shamkhali, Unsplash

The Shibuya District, one of Tokyo's most iconic locations, is famous for its impressive pedestrian crossing. This bustling crossroad is filled with people from all walks of life, creating an iconic image of the city.

Known as the fashion and youth center of Tokyo, Shibuya is home to a wide range of fashion stores and boutiques that attract both locals and tourists. Here, you can find the latest fashion trends and explore the unique shops that make Shibuya a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

In addition to its famous crossing and cutting-edge fashion, Shibuya is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The area's bars and clubs offer a variety of options to enjoy Tokyo's nightlife.

4. Tokyo Skytree

Entertainment and Pop Culture
black and white tower under blue sky during daytime
Tokyo Skytree / Ryoji Iwata, Unsplash

The Tokyo Skytree is a must-visit attraction in Tokyo. This impressive communications tower is the tallest in Japan, standing at xxx meters in height. From its observatory, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, with its towering skyscrapers, historic temples, and beautiful parks.

The Tokyo Skytree is a modern symbol of the city and a must-see for any visitor. You'll appreciate the incredible architecture of the tower and the opportunity to see Tokyo from above. You can also explore the different levels of the tower, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and exhibitions related to Japanese culture.

If you're looking for things to do in Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree should be at the top of your list. Don't miss the chance to ascend this incredible structure and enjoy panoramic views of the city. You'll also find unique souvenirs at the shops located in the tower and have the chance to try delicious Japanese food at its restaurants.

5. Meiji Shrine

Historical Monuments and Architecture
a group of people walking down a street
Meiji Shrine / Aniket Hande, Unsplash

The Meiji Shrine is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo and a must-visit for city's visitors.

Located in the heart of a lush forest, this Shinto shrine is a haven of peace and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Meiji Shrine pays homage to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played a crucial role in modernizing Japan in the late 19th century.

6. Ginza District

Shopping and Commerce
photo of people crossing road
Ginza District / Charles Postiaux, Unsplash

The Ginza district in Tokyo is known as the heart of luxury and elegance in the city. Here, you will find numerous internationally renowned brand stores and exclusive fashion designer boutiques. Furthermore, Ginza is famous for its high-end dining restaurants with Michelin stars and sophisticated cocktail bars. It is the perfect place to enjoy an unmatched shopping and culinary experience.

Ginza is also home to numerous theaters and concert halls, where you can enjoy opera shows, ballet performances, and classical music concerts. The nightlife in Ginza is vibrant and offers a wide variety of bars and clubs to suit all tastes. It is undoubtedly a perfect place to immerse yourself in Tokyo's culture and entertainment.

In addition to its luxury shops and lively nightlife, Ginza boasts elegant streets that are specially designed for pedestrians. It is a perfect place to stroll, admire the modern architecture, and marvel at the bright lights of the towering skyscrapers. There are also numerous parks nearby where you can relax and enjoy a moment of tranquility amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

7. Harajuku District

Entertainment and Pop Culture
photo of people crossing road
Harajuku District / Illiya Vjestica, Unsplash

In Harajuku district, one of Tokyo's most iconic neighborhoods, you can immerse yourself in a world of fashion and youth culture. It is famous for its stylish streets, where local young people showcase their extravagant and innovative outfits. If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will definitely find inspiration here.

Harajuku is also known for its avant-garde shops, filled with unique clothing and accessories. From renowned designer brands to small independent boutiques, there are options for every taste and budget.

In addition to fashion, Harajuku is also famous for its vibrant music and pop culture scene. You can find themed cafes, record stores, art galleries, and events related to Japanese pop culture. If you're a fan of anime, manga, or J-Pop, you'll definitely enjoy your visit to Harajuku.

8. Ueno Park

Natural Spaces and Parks
persons on boat
Ueno Park / Ka Long Li, Unsplash

Ueno Park is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo. With an area of 133 acres, it is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day surrounded by nature. Its beauty is complemented by a vibrant atmosphere thanks to the numerous museums and cultural attractions it houses.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along its tree-lined paths and by its large lake. You can admire the native flora and fauna, as well as the beautiful cherry blossoms during the sakura season.

Ueno Park is much more than just a park. Here you will find some of Tokyo's most important museums, such as the National Museum of Science, the Tokyo National Museum, and the Western Art Museum. Additionally, the famous University of Tokyo is also located nearby, giving it a unique academic and cultural atmosphere.

9. Tsukiji Fish Market

Food and Markets
a woman wearing a face mask preparing food in a kitchen
Tsukiji Fish Market / HONG FENG, Unsplash

Tsukiji Fish Market is a must-visit for any food and Japanese culture enthusiast. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this market is famous for its wide variety of fresh fish and seafood.

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Tsukiji as you explore its narrow aisles filled with vendors and delightful scents. You can find all sorts of marine creatures, from tuna to giant lobsters, that are a feast for the senses.

In addition to the fresh food offerings, the market also houses kitchenware shops, restaurants, and street food stalls. Make sure to try some of the typical Japanese dishes, such as sushi or sashimi, prepared with top-quality ingredients.

10. Tokyo Disneyland

Entertainment and Pop Culture$$$
brown concrete building near body of water during daytime
Tokyo Disneyland / Muhammad Faiz Zulkeflee, Unsplash

Discover the magic of Tokyo Disneyland, the perfect place to enjoy with your family. Located in the city of Urayasu, this tourist attraction is one of the most popular destinations in Tokyo. Surrounded by charming landscapes and a joyful atmosphere, Tokyo Disneyland offers a magical experience for people of all ages.

At Tokyo Disneyland, you can enjoy thrilling rides such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. You can also meet and take photos with your favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy. Additionally, you can witness parades and live shows that will transport you to the world of fairy tales.

Create unforgettable moments at Tokyo Disneyland and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss it on your visit to Tokyo! Dare to immerse yourself in the magic of Disney at this wonderful theme park.

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