What to see in Tokyo

Discovering the must-see attractions in Japan's capital

Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, is a metropolis that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity. With its futuristic skyscrapers, ancient temples, bustling districts, and serene gardens, Tokyo offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The city is a mosaic of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality and attractions, ranging from the dazzling lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the tranquil atmosphere of the temples in Asakusa.

Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Tokyo is easily accessible thanks to its efficient public transportation system, consisting of trains, subways, and buses. The city is also a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide range of culinary options from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls. Japanese culture is deeply rooted in Tokyo's daily life, and visitors can experience everything from traditional arts to tea ceremonies, manga, and anime. Don't miss the traditional shopping in Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza or in the boutiques of Aoyama and Omotesando.

The city of Tokyo enchants and fascinates with its vibrant energy, rich culture, and endless possibilities for exploration. With unforgettable experiences, the metropolis offers the opportunity to enjoy a memorable vacation in the renowned capital of Japan.

The 10 must-see things in Tokyo are:

1. Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Shibuya Crossing is one of the world's busiest and most iconic pedestrian intersections. Located just outside Shibuya Station, the crossing is famous for the constant flow of people crossing the streets under the lights of gigantic advertising screens. Near the intersection, in the small square in front of the station, you will find the famous statue of the dog Hachiko. After admiring the crossing, explore the nearby shops and restaurants. For a break, Yoyogi Park is a 20-minute walk away, near the Meiji-jingu Shrine. Meanwhile, Shibuya at night offers karaoke bars, pachinko, arcades, pubs, and nightclubs.

2. Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine

Parco Yoyogi e Santuario Meiji, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Yoyogi Park is located in the Shibuya district and is one of Tokyo's largest city parks, ideal for walks, picnics, and outdoor activities. Adjacent to the park stands the Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine's main entrance is marked by a majestic wooden torii, leading to a tranquil path through the forest to the main shrine. Meiji Shrine is a perfect place to experience Japanese spirituality and participate in traditional rituals. Here, prayers and wishes are written on wooden tablets called ema, which are hung near the shrine.

3. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa

Tempio di Sensoji, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Sensoji Temple is the oldest and one of the most significant temples in Tokyo. Located in the Asakusa district, the temple is an important Buddhist worship site and a popular tourist destination. At the entrance of the temple is the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), followed by the lively Nakamise-dori, a street filled with souvenir shops and street food stalls. Inside the temple, visitors can participate in traditional rituals and admire the historic architecture. You can continue your visit to the district by climbing the Tokyo Skytree observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

4. Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo

Parco Ueno, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Ueno Park is one of the largest green spaces in Tokyo, famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The park also hosts numerous museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the Metropolitan Art Museum, the Western Art Museum, and the Science Museum. Ueno Zoo, located within the park, is Japan's oldest zoo and houses a variety of animals, including the famous giant pandas. The park is an ideal place for a relaxing walk, a picnic, or a pedal boat ride on Shinobazu Lake. From here, you can continue exploring the old city and the Ameyoko market street until you reach Akihabara, a must-see destination for manga and animation enthusiasts.

5. Akihabara

Akihabara, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Akihabara is a paradise for technology and otaku culture lovers. This district is famous for its numerous electronics, anime, manga, and video game stores. Akihabara also hosts several manga cafes and maid cafes, where the staff wears themed costumes and offers a unique and fun experience. It is the perfect place to buy technological gadgets, souvenirs, and immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture. The area is lively and energetic, even at night when neon lights illuminate the streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Here, you will find arcades and specialty shops, making it a must-visit for gamers and anime fans.

6.Tokyo Tower

Torre di Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Tokyo Tower is one of the city's most recognizable structures, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Standing at 333 meters, the tower offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city from its main observation deck at 150 meters high. For an even more breathtaking view, you can go up to the upper observation deck at 250 meters, offering a 360-degree view of Tokyo, visible in all directions up to Mount Fuji on clear days. The tower is also illuminated at night, creating a charming night view. Visitors can enjoy temporary exhibitions, souvenir shops, and restaurants inside the tower.

7. Odaiba

Odaiba, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, known for its futuristic attractions and unique urban landscape. Major attractions include the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping center, with the famous Gundam statue, the Oedo Onsen Monogatari theme park, and the Miraikan Science and Innovation Museum. Odaiba also offers splendid views of the Rainbow Bridge and the Odaiba Statue of Liberty. The island hosts various entertainment complexes, shopping centers, and dining options, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

8. Tokyo Imperial Palace

Palazzo Imperiale, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is one of the city's most important and historically significant attractions. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the palace is the official residence of the Japanese imperial family. Visitors can explore the beautiful East Gardens (Higashi Gyoen), which are open all year round. The Imperial Palace gardens are an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the metropolis, with ponds, bridges, and a variety of flora that changes with the seasons. The gardens also include the remains of Edo Castle, adding a historical touch to the landscape. A walk around the moat and along the historic walls offers a serene and fascinating experience, making it a perfect retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

9. Hama-Rikyu Gardens

Giardini Hama-Rikyu, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Hama-Rikyu Gardens are a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Originally a hunting ground for the Tokugawa shogunate, the gardens are now open to the public and offer a splendid landscape of lakes, bridges, and pavilions. Visitors can also participate in a traditional tea ceremony in one of the tea houses within the garden. The gardens are particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season and in autumn when the foliage changes color. The gardens' proximity to the Sumida River offers a pleasant view of the river and the surrounding skyscrapers.

10. Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest and most beautiful parks, perfect for a break from the city's hustle and bustle. The park offers a variety of gardens, including a traditional Japanese garden, a formal French garden, and an English landscape garden. In spring, Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms, while in autumn it is known for its splendid autumn colors. The park also includes greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants and is a serene place to relax, have a picnic, or enjoy a peaceful walk.

Discover the Tokyo Guide

Text by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine

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Check the flight schedules to Dubai and embark on a journey to discover the vibrant Shibuya district with its famous crossing, the serene Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the elegant Tokyo Tower for a panoramic view of the city, the lush Ueno Park with its zoo and museums, the modern Shinjuku district with its skyscrapers and gardens, or the futuristic Odaiba with high-tech attractions and bay views.

Partnership with Booking.com

Where to sleep in Tokyo

Tokyo offers different and special possibilities for accommodation between hotels, apartments, hostels or capsule hotels.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

DISTRICTS

Hotels in the districts

Tokyo Disney Resort Area

Tokyo Station

Ueno

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Akasaka Palace

Edo Tokyo Museum

Hachiko Statue

Japan Imperial Palace

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Museum of Contemporary Art

National Art Center

National Museum of Modern Art

National Theatre of Japan

Sensoji Temple

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo Tower

AIRPORTS

Hotels near the airports

HOTELS IN JAPAN

Hotels in other cities of Japan

Giappone

TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN TOKYO

Tokyo, with its fusion of tradition and modernity, offers a wide range of excursions that allow you to explore the city and its surroundings from various perspectives to understand the history, culture, and nature of Japan. Whether visiting its museums, such as TeamLab Planets Tokyo, savoring Japanese cuisine at its famous Tsukiji fish market, learning the art of Kintsugi, taking a traditional cruise on the Sumida River, or climbing Mount Fuji, every experience adds a unique and memorable dimension to your journey in Japan.

Partnership with GetYourGuide

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Admission ticket to teamLab Planets TOKYO to discover the immersive art exhibition with artistic and digital art installations. The museum features enchanting installations with lights and sounds. Admission ticket valid for one day. Info and reservations.

Sumida River Cruise with traditional japanese dinner

Fiume Sumida Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Traditional Yakatabune cruise on the Sumida River in Tokyo to admire from the water Azumabashi (heart of Asakusa), Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, and Tokyo Skytree. Japanese dinner served on the boat. The cruise starts and ends at Azumabashi Bridge. Duration 3 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before with a full refund. Info and booking of the tour.

Gastronomic tasting at Tsukiji fish market

Mercato del pesce di Tsukiji, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Gastronomic tour at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo with a local guide to discover Tokyo's culinary culture. Tasting of traditional Japanese specialties at the market: finger food, grilled tuna, unagi, fried crab, sashimi, matcha ice cream. All included. Duration 2 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before with a full refund. Info and booking of the tour.

Kintsugi experience in Seibu Shibuya

Experience to learn the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi in the heart of Shibuya. Choose an old Japanese ceramic to repair, repair it with gold powder, and take it home. Duration 1 hour. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before with a full refund. Info and booking of the tour.

Monte Fuji, Hakone, and Lake Ashi Cruise

Monte Fuji, Tokyo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Departure from Tokyo by bus to Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak (2,000 meters) and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. Immerse yourself in nature and a Japanese Shinto shrine and enjoy a Japanese lunch in the mountains. Visit a traditional Japanese garden with a view of Mount Fuji. Then reach the Hakone area with a visit to Owakudani, a volcanic valley. The Hakone Ropeway, with views of Mount Hakone and Mount Fuji, takes you to Lake Ashi for a cruise. The bus then reaches Odawara Station and returns to Tokyo by Japanese bullet train (Shinkansen). Duration 10 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before with a full refund. Info and booking of the tour.

Discover all the tours and excursions