Welcome to Tokyo, a City of Infinite Charm

Tokyo is a uniquely fascinating city where centuries of history and culture coexist with cutting-edge technology and futuristic landscapes. First-time visitors may feel overwhelmed by its vastness and diversity. However, this is precisely what makes Tokyo a place where everyone can create their own special experience.

In this guide, we’ll introduce 10 carefully selected tourist spots that even first-time visitors can enjoy with confidence. From classic tourist destinations to hidden gems loved by locals, we’ve included a wide range of selections to help you plan your Tokyo trip!

1. Senso-ji Temple | Tokyo’s Most Historic Temple

Senso-ji Temple, located in Asakusa where Tokyo’s downtown atmosphere remains strong, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, founded in 628. The Kaminarimon Gate with its distinctive large red lantern is an iconic symbol of Tokyo tourism, and many tourists take commemorative photos here.

After passing through the Kaminarimon Gate, you’ll find “Nakamise Street” stretching about 250m, lined with about 90 shops including long-established Japanese confectionery stores dating back to the Edo period, traditional crafts, and stylish souvenir shops. There are plenty of street foods to enjoy while walking, such as ningyo-yaki (small cakes filled with sweet red bean paste) and age-manjū (fried sweet buns), offering a traditional Japanese shopping experience.

On the way to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, there are many highlights including the giant five-story pagoda and the Hozomon Gate. The Asakusa Shrine is particularly revered for bringing good business fortune and is deeply worshipped by local shop owners.

Recommended Points:

• There are many yukata (summer kimono) rental shops around Asakusa where you can enjoy walking around town in traditional Japanese clothing
• Early morning is recommended for visiting Senso-ji Temple when there are fewer tourists and you can pray in a quiet atmosphere
• Inside the temple grounds, under the “Zuishinmon Gate,” there is a “healing Buddha” statue that is said to cure illnesses if you stroke the part of the statue corresponding to your own ailment

2. Tokyo Skytree | A 634m Symbol of Tokyo

Tokyo Skytree, which opened in May 2012, is the world’s tallest self-supporting broadcast tower at 634m. From its two observation decks—the “Tembo Deck” (350m) and the “Tembo Galleria” (450m)—you can enjoy spectacular views that extend all the way to Mount Fuji on clear days.

At night, the tower is illuminated with two alternating lighting patterns called “Iki” and “Miyabi.” The special seasonal lighting is particularly impressive, with the tower turning pink during cherry blossom season and red and green during the Christmas season.

At the foot of Skytree is the commercial facility “Tokyo Solamachi” with about 300 shops and restaurants. The “Sumida Aquarium” and “Planetarium Tenku” are particularly popular spots for families.

Recommended Points:

• To avoid crowds, visiting on weekdays right after opening or in the evening is recommended
• Purchasing a date and time-specific “Fast Ticket” in advance for the observation deck will help you avoid long waiting times
• The “Skytree Shop” in Solamachi offers a wide variety of Skytree-exclusive souvenirs

3. Ueno Park | A Concentration of Culture, Nature, and Zoo

Ueno Park, which opened as Japan’s first park during the Meiji era, is beloved as a center of culture and art in Tokyo. Within the park are cultural facilities such as the “Tokyo National Museum,” “National Museum of Western Art,” and “National Science Museum,” where you can experience art, history, and science.

Especially popular is the “Ueno Zoo,” home to more than 1,300 species of animals. The giant pandas “Xiao Wan” and “Lei Lei” are the star attractions of the zoo, captivating many visitors.

In spring, about 1,200 cherry trees bloom, making it one of Japan’s representative cherry blossom viewing spots that attracts many visitors. At “Shinobazu Pond” in the park, lotus flowers bloom, and you can enjoy the scenery of the park from the water by riding a boat.

Recommended Points:

• Ueno Park is also close to “Ameyoko Shopping Street,” where you can enjoy shopping in a vibrant commercial district
• On Fridays and Saturdays, Ueno Zoo and the museums and art galleries are often open in the evening, making nighttime cultural experiences possible
• Inside the park is the “Former Tokyo Music School Sougakudo,” a western-style building from the Meiji era where music concerts are still held today

4. Shibuya Scramble Crossing | A World-Famous Photo Spot

The Shibuya Scramble Crossing, through which about 500,000 people pass daily, is known domestically and internationally as the “world’s busiest intersection.” When the pedestrian signal turns green, people begin crossing the intersection from all directions simultaneously—a scene that symbolizes the vitality of Japanese cities and has appeared in many movies and dramas.

From “Shibuya Sky,” the observation facility in “Shibuya Scramble Square” which opened in November 2019, you can look down on the Scramble Crossing from directly above and enjoy breathtaking views day and night. The time from dusk to night is particularly spectacular, as the neon-lit intersection creates a fantastical atmosphere.

The Shibuya area is also known as a center of youth culture, with spots gathering the latest fashion, music, and technology. Landmarks such as the statue of the loyal dog Hachiko and “SHIBUYA109” are also must-sees.

Recommended Points:

• For a panoramic view of the Scramble Crossing, the second floor seats at Starbucks Coffee in front of Shibuya Station are recommended (though often crowded)
• Saturday evenings to night have particularly heavy foot traffic, allowing you to fully experience Shibuya’s energetic atmosphere
• Surrounding streets such as “Shibuya Center Street” and “Spain Slope” are lined with unique shops and are enjoyable to explore

5. Meiji Shrine | A Healing Shrine to Experience Tranquility in the City

Meiji Shrine, within walking distance of Harajuku Station and Omotesando Station, is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Despite being in the heart of the city, it is surrounded by a vast forest of about 70 hectares, and once you step inside, you’ll feel enveloped in tranquility as if the hustle and bustle of the city were just an illusion.

As you pass through the massive wooden torii gate and walk along the approximately 1km approach, you may feel as if your heart is being purified. Although this forest was artificially created, it has grown into a rich forest with more than 100,000 trees after more than 100 years.

At the main shrine, various traditional ceremonies and weddings are held, and if you’re lucky, you might encounter a bride in a traditional white kimono. From June to July, about 150 species of beautiful irises bloom in the “Iris Garden.”

Recommended Points:

• “Kiyomasa’s Well” is considered a powerful spiritual spot, and it is said that purifying yourself with its spring water will increase your good fortune
• The “Goshuin” (shrine seal) of Meiji Shrine is beautiful as calligraphy art and popular among collectors
• The shrine boasts Japan’s highest number of visitors (about 3 million) for the New Year’s first shrine visit, so be prepared for crowds if visiting at the beginning of the year

6. Tsukiji Outer Market | A Spot That Food Lovers Can’t Resist

The “Tsukiji Outer Market,” which surrounds the former Tsukiji Market that moved to Toyosu Market in 2018, is Tokyo’s premier food sanctuary with about 400 restaurants and food shops. Fresh seafood bowls, sushi, dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelette), freshly baked Japanese sweets, and more allow you to enjoy Japanese food culture.

Breakfast at seafood bowl specialty shops is particularly popular. Seafood bowls overflowing with fresh tuna, sea urchin, and salmon roe unique to Tsukiji are so popular that many tourists line up. There are also many cookware shops featuring skilled craftsmen’s knives and dishes, making it a treasure trove for cooking enthusiasts.

Many shops in the outer market open early in the morning, with activity starting around 5 am. Visiting during the cool morning hours allows you to see local chefs shopping for ingredients, giving you a more authentic atmosphere.

Recommended Points:

• Early morning visits are recommended, but some shops may open in the afternoon, so check business hours in advance
• At long-established dried food stores such as “Tsukiji Uogashi” and “Toyodaya,” you can purchase high-quality seaweed, bonito flakes, and other souvenirs
• “Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple” at the edge of the outer market features a distinctive Indian-style architectural style and offers a quiet moment

7. teamLab Planets TOKYO | A Fantastical Digital Art Space

“teamLab Planets TOKYO,” located in Toyosu, is an experiential art space created by the digital art collective “teamLab.” With the concept of a “museum where you enter the water,” it’s an unprecedented museum where you walk barefoot through rooms with floors covered in water or mirrors, becoming one with the artwork.

There are many Instagram-worthy fantastical exhibits, such as “A Museum Where You Can Enter the Water and Flowers,” which changes with the seasons, and “Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space – Inverted Globe, Giant Connecting Block,” an infinitely expanding space of light. The artworks change in real-time based on the movements and positions of visitors, allowing for new experiences with each visit.

This facility, which continues to evolve into 2025, is highly rated by domestic and international tourists as a place to experience contemporary Japanese creativity that differs from traditional tourism.

Recommended Points:

• Since some areas have water-covered floors, it’s recommended to wear shorts or skirts that can be rolled up above the knee
• Purchasing tickets online in advance can significantly reduce waiting time
• Weekdays right after opening or in the evening tend to be less crowded
• Photography is allowed, so make sure your camera or smartphone battery is fully charged before visiting

8. Odaiba | Rainbow Bridge and Beautiful Ocean Views

“Odaiba,” an artificial island floating in Tokyo Bay, is a complex resort area where shopping, entertainment, technology, and beautiful ocean scenery can be enjoyed at once. Developed in the 1990s, this area has now become one of Tokyo’s representative tourist destinations.

Its symbol, the “Rainbow Bridge,” is beautiful against the blue sea of Tokyo Bay during the day and colorfully illuminated at night, with the scenery during the magic hour at dusk being particularly spectacular. From the bridge’s walkway, the “Rainbow Promenade,” you can view Tokyo’s skyscrapers and Tokyo Bay.

Odaiba is lined with large commercial facilities such as “DiverCity Tokyo” and “AQUA CiTY Odaiba,” where shopping and gourmet food can be enjoyed. The 18m life-sized “Unicorn Gundam” statue is a must-see spot for anime fans. You can also experience traditional Japanese hot spring culture at “Oedo Onsen Monogatari.”

Recommended Points:

• The Statue of Liberty in Odaiba Seaside Park is a replica gifted from America, and a photo with Rainbow Bridge in the background is a classic shot
• The large Ferris wheel at “Palette Town” offers a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay
• After sunset, the night view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from “Odaiba Marine Park” is particularly beautiful
• The view from the spherical observation room “Hachitama” in the “Fuji Television Headquarters Building” is also worth seeing

9. Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge | A Spot to Feel Japanese History and Nature

The Imperial Palace, located in the center of Tokyo, is the residence of the Imperial Family and was once the site of Edo Castle. The vast grounds are surrounded by moats and stone walls, enveloped in rich nature and tranquility despite being in the heart of the city.

The iconic “Nijubashi Bridge” of the Imperial Palace officially refers to two bridges: the “Seimon Ishibashi” and the “Yuki Bridge.” This elegant bridge and its surroundings make for an excellent photo spot that conveys Japanese tradition and formality.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public, where you can stroll while enjoying seasonal nature and historical buildings. In particular, the ruins of Edo Castle’s main keep and structures such as the “Fujimi Yagura” tower convey the vestiges of the Edo period to the present day.

Recommended Points:

• “Kusunoki Rest” in the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens is a rest area on the Tokyo Station side, offering the best view of Nijubashi Bridge
• The area around the Imperial Palace is a popular running course, with people running the approximately 5km circuit
• The Imperial Palace East Gardens are relatively empty on weekdays, allowing for a leisurely stroll
• By participating in the Imperial Palace General Tour (advance reservation required), you can visit parts of the palace interior that are normally off-limits

10. Tokyo Tower | A Symbol of Tokyo Unchanged Then and Now

Tokyo Tower, completed in 1958, stands at 333m tall and has been beloved as a Tokyo landmark for many years. Its red and white design modeled after the Eiffel Tower radiates a beauty that is both retro and sophisticated.

There are two observation decks: the “Main Deck” (150m) and the “Top Deck” (250m), offering 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo. The night view is especially exceptional, with the twinkling city lights creating a scene often described as “like opening a jewelry box.”

Inside the tower are restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, allowing for various enjoyments beyond just the view. At the foot of the tower is the historic temple “Zojoji,” where you can spend quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Recommended Points:

• The special nightly illumination “Diamond Veil,” which changes hourly, is spectacular
• “Foot Town” inside the tower has attractions such as the Tokyo Tower Aquarium and Tokyo One Piece Tower
• “Shiba Park” surrounds Tokyo Tower, where you can enjoy walking in a lush park with the tower in the background
• The view of Tokyo Tower from the grounds of Zojoji Temple is an excellent photo spot blending tradition and modernity

Conclusion | Tokyo Tourism is Enjoyable Time and Time Again!

Tokyo is a city overflowing with infinite charm, from places where you can feel the good old Japanese traditions and culture to spots where you can experience cutting-edge technology and pop culture. The 10 places introduced here are all classic tourist destinations that will satisfy both first-time visitors and repeaters.

To efficiently tour these attractions, it’s recommended to use the Tokyo Metro “24-hour Ticket” or the Toei Subway “One-day Pass.” Also, using tourist bus tours such as “Hato Bus” allows you to visit major spots efficiently with a guide.

Tokyo’s tourist spots change their appearance with the seasons, so you can enjoy different experiences depending on when you visit—cherry blossoms in spring, firework festivals in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and illuminations in winter. Please use this article as a reference to create your own Tokyo tourism plan. It will surely become a wonderful memory!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best season for Tokyo tourism?
A: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) with mild climate are recommended. The cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is particularly beautiful, but there are many tourists and it gets crowded.

Q: What transportation do you recommend in Tokyo?
A: Subways and JR are convenient. There are also advantageous tickets for foreign visitors such as the “Japan Rail Pass” and “Tokyo Subway Ticket.” Taxis are convenient but relatively expensive.

Q: How many days are needed for Tokyo tourism?
A: At least 3 days are needed just to visit the major tourist attractions. With 5-7 days, you can also enjoy day trips to suburban areas such as Kamakura, Yokohama, and Nikko.

Q: What are recommended souvenirs to buy in Tokyo?
A: Sweets such as Tokyo Banana, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory confections, Asakusa’s Ningyo-yaki, and region-limited Kit Kats, as well as Japanese tea and beautiful hand towels (tenugui) are popular.