When it comes to the best places to visit in Asia, Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is a large, energetic, and incredible place to visit. It is located in east central Honshu and is one of the world’s most modern cities because of the top attractions and unforgettable moments you can experience in the city. The city is easy to navigate because of its superb rail and subway network.
There are so many popular Tokyo tourist attractions ranging from – fantastic shopping malls, traditional restaurants, professional sports clubs, and sumo wrestling, a traditional Japanese pursuit – whether you are looking to get some excitement in this city or you want to know more about the long history of Tokyo, This city has something to offer to everyone as it is a blend of ultramodern – neon-lit skyscrapers – and traditional historic Japanese temples.
I know you’ve planned a trip to this beautiful city but your list wouldn’t be complete if you don’t add these 10 popular tourist attractions in Tokyo to it.
Here is a comprehensive guide on Tokyo tourist attractions to keep you edutained throughout your vacation:
Tokyo sky tree
Location: 1 Chome 1-2 Oshiage, Sumida city, Tokyo, 131-0045, Japan. The Tokyo sky tree is the world’s tallest communications and broadcasting tower, it became the tallest structure in Japan in 2011 with a towering height of 634 m(2,080ft).
Since its opening in 2012, it has been one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tokyo, especially for thrill-seekers who will love to have a stunning view from the two observation decks – 350m and 450m with a unique glass spiral walkway. The sky tree is designed in the form of a massive tripod featuring Sumida Aquarium and a romantic planetarium called Tenku.
To enter the sky tree, one of the popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, you will need to buy a ticket; it is less expensive if you book in advance. Buy here.
Meiji Shrine
Location: 1-1 Kamizono chō, Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, 151-0053. Although it doesn’t contain the emperor’s grace, The Meiji shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife empress Shōken and is one of Tokyo’s most famous and important religious sites.
Its original structure was destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt in 1958. The shrine is at the very heart of Tokyo Surrounded by a soothing forest planted by young volunteers. A visit to the Meiji shrine allows you to immerse yourself in its peaceful environment and explore the Meiji memorial gallery and treasure museum. The shrine opens every day of the year from sunrise to sunset and there’s no entrance fee. You can also visit the Meiji Website to know more about the visiting hours.
Ueno Park
Location: Uenokoen, Taito city Tokyo 110-0007, Japan. The Ueno park is Japan’s most popular city park attracting over 10 million visitors yearly especially during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It is a spacious public park where you can hang out with friends and family and enjoy nature at its peak.
For an Art lover, Ueno park is the best for you because It contains several museums – The Ueno royal museum, Tokyo national museum, national museum of nature and science, national museum of western art, Tokyo national museum of western art, Tokyo metropolitan art museum – ponds, zoos, shrines and gardens and over 9000 trees. It is free to enter Ueno Park but there are many facilities in the park that will charge up to 600 yen before you go in. you can also visit the Ueno Park Website to be sure of the opening and closing times.
Shibuya Crossing
Location: Shibuya 1-18-21, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8010. Shibuya is a major business center in Tokyo that houses two of the busiest railway stations in the world – Shinjuku station and Shibuya station. It is a place where you will never get bored because of its abundance of shops and restaurants that operate 24/7. Shibuya is known for its enormous pedestrian crossing directly in front of the Shibuya station’s Hachiko exit.
Sensoji Temple
Location: 2-Chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito city, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan. Sensō-Ji is the oldest – over 1400 years old – and most significant Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It is a fulfilling and the most visited spiritual site in the world with over 30 million visitors annually. It houses so many other temples and is usually the base for the spring annual festival. The Kaminarimon – entrance gate is the enormous thunder gate with hanging lamps.
The street – Nakamise Dori – leading to the temple is a busy one with so many shops where you can buy snacks, and souvenirs, and even visit the fortune tellers. You can also visit the oldest amusement park called Hanayashiki with your loved ones and enjoy the view of the historical heart of Tokyo.
From April to September, the shrine is open from 6 am to 5 pm, and from October to march, it is open from 6:30 am – 5 pm. To know more about the history of Sensoji and any other questions you might have please visit the Sensoji Website.
Mt. Takao
Location: Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan. Mount Takao is a famous hiking spot with eight hiking courses for hikers, it is 1,965ft tall and has more than 2.5 million visitors every year. It is protected within Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-national park. It has a cable car that can take you to the midpoint of the mountain to enjoy the view of the city. Take a day to hike and enjoy the view from the mountain top, you can visit the Buddhist temple – Yakuo-in – and Gokurakuyu!
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Location: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda city, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan. Tokyo Imperial Palace is a large park-like area that houses the Fukiage palace which is the main residence of the emperor of japan where several ceremonies and receptions take place in the metropolis. it is surrounded by moats and walls.
It is a fun-filling place that allows you to bask in the wonders of nature while strolling through green parks. The imperial palace was known as the Edo palace, home to samurai warriors, the historical structure is still there in the Japanese garden – you can go learn about the history of Edo. There’s no admission fee. You can visit the Imperial Palace Website to get the visitor’s guide and map.
Ginza District
Location: chou, Tokyo. The Ginza district is a popular shopping area of Tokyo with numerous international stores, restaurants, boutiques, and coffee houses. It is the center of 5 major roads in japan. It is said to be one of the most expensive, elegant, luxurious city districts in the world. It is where you will find famous traditionally staged performances, it is always open for you to shop and see the amazing nightlife of the town.
Get the town guide and tourist information on the official Ginza website.
Tsukiji Market
Location: 5 Chome 2-1 Tsukiji, Chou city, Tokyo japan. The Tsukiji market opened on 11 February 1935 to replace the older market that was destroyed in 1923 during the great Kanto earthquake. It was said to be the largest wholesale supermarket of any kind and also the largest market for fish and seafood.
Tsukiji is a major tourist attraction for visitors, although the inner wholesale market has closed, the outer retail market is very much alive and serves the tourist purpose of entertaining visitors with restaurants and shopping stores. If you want to have a good taste of Japanese sushi then going to the Tsukiji market should be on your list. It is advisable to visit the place early in the day because that’s when the market is active.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Location: 2 Chome 8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku city, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan.The locals refer to this building as Tochō. It is the seat of the Tokyo metropolitan government with three different structures – each taking up a city block – which govern the Tokyo metropolis. The main building has 48 stories and is the tallest and is the tallest of the three, the building was designed by architect Kenzo Tange – one of the most significant architects of the 20 century.
It has two observation decks – one in each tower on floor 45 – (663 ft high), where you can admire the sprawling district of Shinjuku just below you. It contains gift and coffee shops. Decks are open between 9:30 – 23:00 and access is free.
Conclusion
Visiting one of the world’s most luxurious cities will have your belle filled with fun and your eyes filled with amazing things. Tokyo tourist attractions are numerous but in this article are 10 popular tourist attractions to visit while in Tokyo.
The sky tree is the world’s tallest broadcasting tower and its two observatory decks can give you the best view of the city, The Meiji shrine with its soothing environs, the Ueno park that houses several museums for art lovers, the Shibuya street where you can buy anything you want, Mount Takao where you can have the fun of your life hiking with your spouse, the Tsukiji market where you can get tasty sushi. You can get all these and more in the city of Tokyo. Go explore!!!