Tokyo Sightseeing
Japan

Must See Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Tokyo

Mustafa Natalwala 4884 Views

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan. It is also the capital of the capital prefecture of Japan of the same name as the city. All the top things to do in Tokyo are the ones you would most associate with Japan. It is an amalgamation of rich Japanese culture combined with hyper-modern metropolitan surroundings. Amidst all the glitz, glamour and LED lights is a soul that still resonates a wide spectrum of Japanese heritage. The best places to visit in Tokyo are the ones that exemplify this combination. It is here that you find the soul of the city.

Tokyo is a city where you can find something unique to see or experience at every other corner, especially if you are not from Japan. This city will seem 20 years in the future at some Tokyo tourist attractions while simultaneously looking 50 years ancient elsewhere in the city. Tokyo has survived natural disasters, air bombing raids and many other devastating events. Yet it thrives. This spirit can be observed in both the people and places to see Tokyo. The marks left by history on the city are now Tokyo attractions for tourists. At the same time, the people and the city itself lives several years in the future. Some of the most curious things to see in Tokyo can be found in the streets and shops. The city exhibits an unseen way of life and an unbelievable array of gadgetry.

If you are looking for great tech, the streets and small boutique stores are the best places to visit in Tokyo. You can also find incredible gadgets at several malls as well. The more you hunt the markets, the more unique stuff you will find during Tokyo travel. Another truly unique item to grab or at least see is the fashion from Harajuku market. This is something you would only see during Tokyo sightseeing. While on the opposite end of the spectrum, you can see traditional fashion at Kabuki theatre. There are several places to go in Tokyo to experience this traditional art form.

Among other popular attractions you would find on Tokyo travel guide are shinto temples. The oldest shrine in the city is Sensoji Temple, though there are many more to explore besides it. One thing to remember while exploring Tokyo tourist spots is that you should explore a variety of things in a day. If you keep your itinerary heavy on any one type of Tokyo tourist attractions, you will get bored by the end of the day as some aspects might seem repetitive. If you are visiting one place of historical significance, look for some modern places to see in Tokyo after that. This is one of the very few cities in the world where you can easily get numerous experiences in a single day.

You can also explore the city by zones. You can pick out Tokyo top attractions in one part of the city and explore them all in a day. Then you can move to another area and explore the attractions and activities there. This way you will cover whole lot of fun things to do in Tokyo as well. At the end of your Tokyo vacation, you will end gathering numerous such experiences.

Explore The Top and Well-known Tourist Places of Tokyo in 5 Days

In this section we list out all the fun things to do in Tokyo to be covered in 5 days. These Tokyo tourist attractions are selected based on their importance, popularity and proximity to one another. This format allows you to explore majority of Tokyo top attractions in 6 days.

Day 1

1. Tsukiji Fish Market

This fish market has been in operation since the 16th century. This largest wholesale seafood market in the world may not be among the most glamorous places to visit in Tokyo, but it definitely an important aspect of the city’s history as well as present. You would need about 2 hours to explore this market.

Tsukiji Fish Market

2. Hamarikyu Gardens

This large garden used to be a part of the Edo Castle. It is large enough to spend an hour.

Hamarikyu Gardens

3. Tokyo Tower

The architecture of this Tokyo tourist attraction is inspired by the Eiffel Tower of Paris. The observation deck of the Tower is one of the best places for Tokyo sightseeing. You need an hour and a half for the Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower

4. Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum exhibits works of contemporary art. If you are looking wonderful pieces of art among things to see in Tokyo. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

Mori Art Museum

5. Shibuya Market

Shibuya market is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo for shopping. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the shops and street food at this market.

Shibuya Market

Day 2

1. Sensoji Temple

This is the oldest temple of the city. This temple is always among the top things to do in Tokyo. You will need about an hour to explore this temple.

Sensoji Temple

2. Asakusa Shrine

This temple is also known as the Shrine of Three Gods. Built in 1649, it is one of the finest examples of Gongen Zukuri architecture. You will need one hour for Asakusa Shrine.

Asakusa Shrine

3. Tokyo National Museum

No other place among Tokyo tourist attractions showcases history of the city and the region as this museum. There are more than 110,000 exhibits to explore in this museum. You would need at least 2 hours to explore Tokyo National Museum.

Tokyo National Museum

4. Museum of Nature and Science

This museum focuses on the evolution of all life on the planet. It is a fascinating Tokyo attraction to visit. The museum is large enough to warrant 2 hours of your time.

Museum of Nature and Science

5. Ueno Park

This park is one of the best places to visit during Tokyo sightseeing for the marvelous cherry blossoms. You will need 1 hour to explore this park.

Ueno Park

6. Akihabara

Akihabara is among the places to go in Tokyo to enjoy the nightlife. It is the area for entertainment, shopping, dinning, clubbing and all the best things to do in Tokyo.

Akihabara

Day 3

1. Tokyo SkyTree

This is the tallest building in the country. The tower also has a great observation deck offering breathtaking view of the city. You will find it on any Tokyo travel guide. Take off 30 to 45 minutes for this place.

Tokyo SkyTree

2. Tokyo Solamachi

Also known as Tokyo Sky Town, this large complex is a hub of shopping, entertainment, food and more. It is a Tokyo tourist spot which is also very popular among the locals. You will need about an hour to explore the complex.

Tokyo Solamachi

3. Edo Tokyo Museum

This museum focuses on the history and culture of the region during the Edo period, between 1608 and 1868 to be specific. You will need an hour and a half to explore this museum.

Edo Tokyo Museum

4. Museum of Contemporary Art

The museum is spread over 5 floors. It is one of the most fascination places to see in Tokyo, especially for those who know and admire art. You will need about an hour to explore the exhibits here.

Museum of Contemporary Art

5. The Imperial Palace

It is the royal palace. You can expect all the grandiose and glamour here. There are several Tokyo tourist attractions within this palace. It will take you about 2 to 3 hours to explore the palace and all the gardens around it.

The Imperial Palace

Day 4

1. Meiji Jingu Shrine

This Shinto Shrine is dedicated to the souls of Emperor and Empress Shoken. Owing to its beautiful architecture, it is also among Tokyo top attractions. You will need about an hour for this temple.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

2. Yoyogi Park

This large park in Tokyo will take about an hour to explore. For the locals, it is among the best things to do in Tokyo.

Yoyogi Park

3. Harajuku

The Harajuku market is very popular among Japanese girls for a unique style of fashion. If you are going on Tokyo vacation and want to dress up as locals, do visit this market. You will need about 2 hours here.

Harajuku

4. Ota Memorial Museum of Art

This museum if dedicated to Ukiyo E style of Japanese art. If you are hunting traditional art, this museum should be on your list of Tokyo tourist attractions. You will need an hour and a half to explore this place.

Ota Memorial Museum of Art

5. National Art Centre

The National Art Center exhibits both classical works of art as well as contemporary pieces. It takes about 2 hours to explore this place entirely.

National Art Centre

Day 5

1. Tokyo Government Office

Besides the dominating architecture of this structure, the building also has great observation decks. You will need 30 minutes here.

Tokyo Government Office

2. Shinjuku

Shinjuku is yet another area among best places to visit in Tokyo for food, shopping and entertainment. You can keep aside an hour to explore this area.

Shinjuku

3. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

This huge park is picked in the list of Tokyo sightseeing specifically for cherry blossoms, which are an attraction in their own right. You will need about an hour at this park.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

4. Yasukuni Shrine

This Shrine is dedicated to fallen soldiers of Japan. You will about an hour to explore this shinto shrine entirely.

Yasukuni Shrine

5. Museum of Modern Art

Also known as MOMAT, this museum is dedicated to visual arts like film, painting, sculpture and design. It is one of the most interesting places to visit on Tokyo vacation. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

Museum of Modern Art

If you are visiting Tokyo for more than 5 days, do check out the list below to know more tourist attractions in the city. The below section also includes several free things to do in Tokyo to enjoy. We have created a complete list covering almost all the attractions and activities in Tokyo.

Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Tokyo, Japan

  1. Senso Ji
  2. Tokyo Sky Tree
  3. Meiji Jingu
  4. Tokyo Tower
  5. Imperial Palace
  6. Harajuku Art Museum
  7. Ghibli Museum
  8. Tokyo International Museum
  9. Edo Tokyo Museum
  10. Edo Castle Ruins
  11. Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari Park
  12. Mori Art Museum
  13. National Museum of Western Art
  14. National Art Center
  15. Zojoji Temple
  16. Shitamachi Museum
  17. National Museum of Nature & Science
  18. National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation
  19. Imperial Palace
  20. Edo Tokyo Open Air architectural Museum
  21. Nezu Shrine
  22. Nezu Museum
  23. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
  24. Yasukuni Shrine
  25. Hanazono Jija Shrine
  26. National Museum of Modern Art
  27. Hie Shrine
  28. Kanda Shrine
  29. Fujiko Fujio Museum
  30. Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
  31. Jindaiji Temple
  32. Shiba Temple
  33. Hachiko Memorial Statue
  34. National Diet Building
  35. Asakusa Shrine
  36. Akasaka Palace
  37. Fukagawa Edo Museum
  38. Samurai Museum
  39. Ryogoku Fireworks Museum
  40. Meguro Parasitological Museum
  41. Tobacco & Salt Museum
  42. Shitamachi Museum
  43. Tokyo Sewarage Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Tokyo, Japan

  1. Mount Takao
  2. Inokashira Park
  3. Mount Mitake
  4. Shikine Jima Island
  5. Aogashima Island
  6. Kitanomaru Park
  7. Chidorigafuchi Green Way

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Tokyo, Japan

  1. Tokyo Disneyland
  2. Ueno Onshi Park
  3. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
  4. Tokyo Disney Resort
  5. Yoyogi Park
  6. Hamarikyu Gardens
  7. Ueno Zoo
  8. Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park
  9. Sunshine City Amusement Park
  10. Sanrio Puroland
  11. Mori Tower
  12. Tokyo Joypolis
  13. Sumida Aquarium
  14. Tokyo Sea Life Park
  15. Kabuki za Theatre
  16. Tokyo Dome City Attractions
  17. Toritsu Kasairinkai Park
  18. Yomiuri Land
  19. TeamLab Borderless
  20. Daikanransha Amusement Park
  21. Sunshine Aquarium
  22. 21 21 Design Sight
  23. Jindai Botanical Gardens
  24. Kyu Furukawa Gardens
  25. Yokohama Municipal Zoo
  26. Maxell Aqua Park
  27. Tokyo City View & Sky Deck
  28. Sumo Wrestling
  29. Japanese Tea Ceremony
  30. Sento Bathhouse

Shopping in Tokyo, Japan

  1. Sunshine City
  2. Nakamise Shopping Street
  3. Kapabashi Utensils Street
  4. Kichijoji Street
  5. Ginza Market
  6. Shimokitazawa Market
  7. Omotesando Street
  8. Daikanyama Market

Beaches in Tokyo, Japan

  1. Tokyo Disneysea
  2. Odaiba Marine Park

Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventure Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

  1. Riverboat

Sightseeing in Tokyo, Japan

  1. Odaiba Waterfront
  2. Roppongi Street
  3. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
  4. Rainbow Bridge
  5. Omotesando Street
  6. Roppongi Hills
  7. Kabuchiko Street
  8. Rikugien Gardens
  9. Shinjuku Golden Gai Neighbourhood
  10. Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
  11. Hibiya Park
  12. Shinobazu Pond
  13. Tokyo Midtown
  14. Sumida Park
  15. Showa Kinen Park
  16. Shibuya Crossing
  17. Shinjuku Central Park
  18. Aoyama Neighbourhood
  19. Asukayama Park
  20. Harajuku Cat Street

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Tokyo, Japan

  1. Nisshin Tasuke
  2. Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
  3. Minatoya
  4. Yakitori Imai
  5. Sushi Katsura
  6. Karaage ya Oshu Iwai
  7. Sushiro
  8. Han no Daidokoro Kadochika
  9. Harajuku Gyoza Lou
  10. Tempura Uchitsu
  11. Oreryu Shio Ramen
  12. Shichifukujin
  13. Miyako
  14. Taiyaki Wakaba
  15. Fukagawa Meshi
  16. Shichisai
  17. Kisaburo Nojo
  18. Himitsudo
  19. Hakata Motsunabe Yamaya Marunochi
  20. Tamai Nihonbashi Honten
  21. Rainbow Pancake
  22. Seirinkan
  23. Ueno 500 Bar
  24. Kondo
  25. Savoy
  26. Hosokawa
  27. Luke’s Lobster
  28. Nakiryu

How to Reach Tokyo, Japan?

By Air

There are two major options for Tokyo travel: Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. Narita Airport is located about 70 kms away from Tokyo in the northeast direction. It is also the main international airport to visit Tokyo. Many hotels provide airport pickup service from Narita International Airport directly to the hotel or to best places to visit in Tokyo. In public transport, you have the option of taking a train or a bus to reach the city. You can get Tokyo travel guide from the airport in multiple languages. These are really helpful when navigating to all the top things to do in Tokyo using public transport network. Finally, you have the option of using a cab to reach Tokyo tourist attractions. But cabs are quite expensive and public transport is efficient.

The second option to visit Tokyo is Haneda Airport located about 17 kilometers towards south of the city. The airport is one of the busiest in the country. The airport receives both domestic and international flights for Tokyo travel. You have the option of monorail, train and cab to reach any of the Tokyo attractions or your place of accommodation.

By Road

Japan being an island, you can’t get direct international trains to visit Tokyo. You can get fast and efficient trains transit from several cities on the island. You can use online Tokyo travel guide for the same or get a public transport map in your preferred language from the airport or any of the tourism centers during Tokyo travel. Similarly there are several buses running between almost all towns and cities of Japan, connecting to the city. There are also several Tokyo sightseeing bus tours available which you can take.

By Water

Tokyo has one of the finest ports in the world. Among places to go in Tokyo via Ariake Ferry Terminal are Hokkaido, Izu, Ogasarawa Islands and several other smaller islands off the coast of mainland Japan.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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