Must See Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Tokyo

December 2, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 4611 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.

Table of Contents

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.

2. Hamarikyu Gardens

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4. Yasukuni Shrine

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

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.

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

Senso Ji
Tokyo Sky Tree
Meiji Jingu
Tokyo Tower
Imperial Palace
Harajuku Art Museum
Ghibli Museum
Tokyo International Museum
Edo Tokyo Museum
Edo Castle Ruins
Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari Park
Mori Art Museum
National Museum of Western Art
National Art Center
Zojoji Temple
Shitamachi Museum
National Museum of Nature & Science
National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation
Imperial Palace
Edo Tokyo Open Air architectural Museum
Nezu Shrine
Nezu Museum
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Yasukuni Shrine
Hanazono Jija Shrine
National Museum of Modern Art
Hie Shrine
Kanda Shrine
Fujiko Fujio Museum
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Jindaiji Temple
Shiba Temple
Hachiko Memorial Statue
National Diet Building
Asakusa Shrine
Akasaka Palace
Fukagawa Edo Museum
Samurai Museum
Ryogoku Fireworks Museum
Meguro Parasitological Museum
Tobacco & Salt Museum
Shitamachi Museum
Tokyo Sewarage Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Tokyo, Japan

Mount Takao
Inokashira Park
Mount Mitake
Shikine Jima Island
Aogashima Island
Kitanomaru Park
Chidorigafuchi Green Way

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Disneyland
Ueno Onshi Park
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo Disney Resort
Yoyogi Park
Hamarikyu Gardens
Ueno Zoo
Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park
Sunshine City Amusement Park
Sanrio Puroland
Mori Tower
Tokyo Joypolis
Sumida Aquarium
Tokyo Sea Life Park
Kabuki za Theatre
Tokyo Dome City Attractions
Toritsu Kasairinkai Park
Yomiuri Land
TeamLab Borderless
Daikanransha Amusement Park
Sunshine Aquarium
21 21 Design Sight
Jindai Botanical Gardens
Kyu Furukawa Gardens
Yokohama Municipal Zoo
Maxell Aqua Park
Tokyo City View & Sky Deck
Sumo Wrestling
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Sento Bathhouse

Shopping in Tokyo, Japan

Sunshine City
Nakamise Shopping Street
Kapabashi Utensils Street
Kichijoji Street
Ginza Market
Shimokitazawa Market
Omotesando Street
Daikanyama Market

Beaches in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Disneysea
Odaiba Marine Park

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

Riverboat

Sightseeing in Tokyo, Japan

Odaiba Waterfront
Roppongi Street
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Rainbow Bridge
Omotesando Street
Roppongi Hills
Kabuchiko Street
Rikugien Gardens
Shinjuku Golden Gai Neighbourhood
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Hibiya Park
Shinobazu Pond
Tokyo Midtown
Sumida Park
Showa Kinen Park
Shibuya Crossing
Shinjuku Central Park
Aoyama Neighbourhood
Asukayama Park
Harajuku Cat Street

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

Nisshin Tasuke
Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
Minatoya
Yakitori Imai
Sushi Katsura
Karaage ya Oshu Iwai
Sushiro
Han no Daidokoro Kadochika
Harajuku Gyoza Lou
Tempura Uchitsu
Oreryu Shio Ramen
Shichifukujin
Miyako
Taiyaki Wakaba
Fukagawa Meshi
Shichisai
Kisaburo Nojo
Himitsudo
Hakata Motsunabe Yamaya Marunochi
Tamai Nihonbashi Honten
Rainbow Pancake
Seirinkan
Ueno 500 Bar
Kondo
Savoy
Hosokawa
Luke’s Lobster
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

Tsukiji Fish Market – pythong / PixaBay
Hamarikyu Gardens – FoxyStranger Kawasaki / Wikimedia Commons
Tokyo Tower – Miyatankun / Flickr
Mori Art Museum – Wei-Te Wong / Wikimedia Commons
Shibuya Market – Abdulla Binmassam / PixaBay
Sensoji Temple – Suparat Wirattanapornkul / PixaBay
Asakusa Shrine – Kakidai / Wikimedia Commons
Tokyo National Museum – Wiiii / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Nature and Science – Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
Ueno Park – Alexandre Breveglieri / Flickr
Akihabara – ElHeineken / Wikimedia Commons
Tokyo SkyTree – Wei-Te Wong / Wikimedia Commons
Tokyo Solamachi – Dick-Thomas Johnson / Flickr
Edo Tokyo Museum – Kakidai / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Contemporary Art – Real Estate Japan / Flickr
The Imperial Palace – Leng Kangrui / PixaBay
Meiji Jingu Shrine – Rs1421 / Wikimedia Commons
Yoyogi Park – Shinjiro / Wikimedia Commons
Harajuku – Jason Goh / PixaBay
Ota Memorial Museum of Art – Rs1421 / Wikimedia Commons
National Art Centre – Wiiii / Wikimedia Commons
Tokyo Government Office – Markus Leupold-Löwenthal / Wikimedia Commons
Shinjuku – Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons
Shinjuku Gyoen – Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons
Yasukuni Shrine – Toshihiro Gamo / Flickr
Museum of Modern Art – Kakidai / Wikimedia Commons