best things to do in Tokyo

Top 10 best things to do and see in Tokyo (Japan)

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN TOKYO?

The Japanese capital is a gigantic megalopolis with a truly special atmosphere, where ultra-modern skyscrapers stand alongside Shinto temples. This list of the 10 best things to do and see will help you plan your Tokyo travel itinerary, if you want to focus on the main places to visit.

How many days to stay in Tokyo? If you can, stay at least 4 to 5 days to explore the city.


Here are 10 must-see things to do and see on a trip to Tokyo:

1. Going to Harajuku on Sundays to see the cosplay parade

Harajuku is a district that you will find in Shibuya district. It’s particularly known for its pedestrian street Takeshita-dori where the most eccentric young Tokyo-style people seem to be concentrated. For the chance to admire the beauty of imaginative fashion but also to see cosplay parades, join the Harajuku Bridge. Located between the subway exit, Meiji-jingu and Yoyogi Park, the latter welcomes many Japanese costumed every Sunday.

what to see in Tokyo

2. The Akihabara district

Akihabara is the ideal meeting place for video game and manga lovers and is Tokyo’s electronic district. Appreciated by Tokyoites of all ages, it’s also crowded by tourists who are willing to let themselves be tempted by the many arcades, computer equipment shops and numerous shops with overflowing departments will delight collectors. The Club Sega, the many Maid cafés or Super Potato, a shop specialising in retro video games, are among the highlights.

what to do in Tokyo

3. Discover the Shinto shrine of Meiji-jingu

Located in the Harajuku district, a stone’s throw from Yoyogi Park, Meiji-jingu is a very popular sanctuary, appreciated by the inhabitants as well as by tourists, many of whom use its vast avenue every day. Located in a real green setting, the Shinto complex is accessible free of charge and will allow you to enjoy a pleasant walk. After passing through the Imperial Garden, a forest of one hundred thousand trees, you will reach the main complex: the Interior Garden.

top things to do in Tokyo

4. Admire the Buddhist temple of Senso-ji

Located in the Asakusa district, Senso-ji temple is a must-see during a stay in Tokyo. The oldest Buddhist temple in the city, it’s accessible free of charge. Before reaching it, you can enjoy the attractions of a long shopping path where you can find typical dishes or traditional souvenirs. The temple itself consists of a large five-storey pagoda behind which are other buildings and a main building.

top sights in Tokyo

5. The Shibuya district

Known for its famous huge pedestrian crossroads, Shibuya is a dynamic and modern district of Tokyo. A fashion temple for young fashionistas, a place of all leisure and entertainment, it’s a place of passage thanks to its station but also to the presence of the statue of the dog Hachiko, a meeting place. A stone’s throw away is the world’s largest pedestrian crossroads. Surrounded by giant screens where advertisements follow one another throughout the day and night, it impresses by its gigantic size.

top things to see in Tokyo

6. Enjoy the view of Odaiba Bay

Located in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba Island is an urban seaside resort known for its shopping centres, pleasant surroundings and many activities and restaurants. There is also a Ferris wheel and museums. It’s possible to reach it by the monorail of the Yurikamome line and thus, to take the Rainbow Bridge. If you take another transport, you can admire it from Odaiba, the island that offers you a magnificent urban panorama of the Japanese capital.

places to visit in Tokyo

7. Shinjuku Gyoen

Located in the western part of the city, Shinjuku Gyoen offers you the opportunity to walk through three gardens in Japanese, French and English style. Originally created for the pleasure of the Naito family, it’s open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm for 200 yen (adult) or 50 yen (child). Due to the great richness of its flora, it’s ideal during the sakura period (late March/April) and to admire the momiji (mid-November/December). The vast lawns of this park will offer you the most relaxing and relaxing conditions for walking, in all seasons.

Tokyo tourist attractions

8. Enjoy the view from the top of Tokyo City Hall or from Tokyo Skytree

To admire one of the city’s most beautiful views, you can visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which is a 51-storey building located in Shinjuku District. On site, a 360° observatory at an altitude of more than 200 metres is accessible free of charge and will allow you to become aware of the vastness of Tokyo. Tokyo SkyTree is located in Asakusa and reaches a height of 634 meters. To access the Tembo Deck (350 metres), you will need to count about 17 € and for the Tembo Galleria (450 metres), about 25 €. Finally, for a view of the Tokyo Tower, go to the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower.

Tokyo things to do

9. Tsukiji Fish Market

Early morning birds will not resist a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Largest in the world, it’s so vast that you could easily get lost in it. However, note that there are three major must-see attractions: the tuna auction, the covered market and the outdoor part of the market where you can shop and enjoy very fresh fish at the shop tables. Access is free of charge but there are many rules for getting around. In particular, it’s prohibited to take pictures inside, touch the products and interfere with the work of professionals.

Tokyo sightseeing

10. The Edo-Tokyo Museum

If you were to visit only one museum in Tokyo, it would be the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Very interactive and complete, it houses many models and reconstructions that will allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of the extraordinary city that was Edo and then discover the first steps and details of the evolution that transformed it into the Tokyo we know today. Two to three hours on site will allow you to discover its wonders. Volunteer guides offer a free visit. The entrance fee is 600 yen.

Tokyo points of interest

MORE THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN TOKYO

If you have more time in Tokyo, here are some other places to visit that are worth a look:

  • Take an excursion to Nikko
  • See a Sumo fight

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