Have you ever dreamed of being in a city where old temples stand next to tall towers, robots serve food, and colourful lights shine all night? That place is Tokyo! It is the capital of Japan and one of the busiest cities in the world. Tokyo is full of fun, history, cool buildings, and tasty food. You can find quiet gardens, busy shopping streets, and even theme parks – all in one city. Tokyo is on the east side of Japan and is easy to reach if you land at Narita International Airport.
If this is your first time going to Tokyo, you might feel excited and a little confused. There’s so much to see! Don’t worry, we’ve picked the 10 best places to visit in Tokyo that will help you enjoy your trip. The best time to go is during spring (March, April, or May) when the cherry blossoms are blooming. You can travel around the city easily by trains and subways. Tokyo has something for everyone – fun things to do, cheap and tasty food, and amazing places to stay. Let’s look at the most famous places and the best things to do in each one!
List Of 10 Best Places To Visit In Tokyo
Tokyo is a city of lavish contrasts, blending old-world elegance with cutting-edge modernity. The honour-bound customs and symphony of cherry blossoms that reverberate across Tokyo's lively streets are renowned worldwide. Underneath the neon lights of the city's skyscrapers, the cultural essence of the past is still very much alive and well. The elusive charm of Tokyo entices tourists to discover its hidden gems, which are a reflection of the city's diverse culture.
- Meiji Shrine | Iconic Shinto Shrine In Tokyo
- Senso-Ji Temple | Oldest Buddhist Temple In Asakusa
- Ueno Park And Ueno Zoo | Tokyo Park With A Popular Zoo
- Tokyo Tower | Landmark Observation Tower In Minato
- Tokyo Skytree | Tallest Structure With Broadcasting Tower
- Shibuya Crossing | Famous Pedestrian Scramble In Shibuya
- Akihabara | Electric Town, Anime And Tech Hub
- Tokyo Disneyland | Magical Theme Park Near Tokyo
- Kabuki-Za | Renowned Kabuki Theater
- Hamarikyu Gardens | Scenic Garden Near Tokyo Bay Waterfront
1. Meiji Shrine | Iconic Shinto Shrine In Tokyo
At Meiji Shrine, one of the most important places to see in Tokyo, you can find peace in the middle of a green forest. It is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo as it is a peaceful place that combines spiritual beauty with natural peace.
- Where. Shibuya, Tokyo
- Timings. 5:20 AM to 5:20 PM, all days
- How to Reach. A short walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line).
- Entry Cost. Free
Best Things to Do:
- Write wishes on ema (wooden plaques) and hang them at the offering hall.
- Observe traditional Shinto wedding ceremonies held at the shrine grounds.
- Inspect the massive torii gate made from 1,500-year-old cypress wood.
- View cultural exhibits at the Meiji Jingu Museum featuring imperial belongings.
2. Senso-Ji Temple | Oldest Buddhist Temple In Asakusa
Senso-Ji in Asakusa is a cultural gem and a top tourist spot. It is Tokyo's oldest temple. The lively Nakamise Street goes to the huge Thunder Gate, making the whole experience more real. It stands out as one of the coolest places to go in Tokyo because it is full of faith and history.
- Where. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
- Timings. 6 AM to 5 PM, all days
- How to Reach. The nearest stations are Asakusa Station (Ginza and Asakusa subway lines) and Tawaramachi Station (Ginza subway line).
- Entry Cost. Free
Best Things to Do:
- Burn incense at the jokoro for spiritual purification.
- Browse traditional snacks and souvenirs along Nakamise-dori.
- Photograph the Kaminarimon Gate featuring the giant red lantern.
- Look for omikuji (fortune slips) and tie the bad ones to metal racks.
3. Ueno Park And Ueno Zoo | Tokyo Park With A Popular Zoo
With its cherry flowers, museums, and peaceful pond, Ueno Park is a beautiful place to relax. The Ueno Zoo, which is right next door, is Japan's oldest and has a great mix of nature and animals. Together, they make interesting places to travel in Tokyo that combine fun and learning.
- Where. Taito, Tokyo
- Timings. Ueno Park is usually open 24 hours, while Ueno Zoo is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, all days except Monday (closed)
- How to Reach. Easily accessible from Ueno Station (various lines).
- Entry Cost. 600 yen for Adults (16-64 yrs); 300 yen for seniors above 65 yrs; 200 yen for students (13-15 yrs), free for children below 12 yrs.
Best Things to Do:
- Observe giant pandas and over 400 animal species at Japan’s oldest zoo.
- Inspect the preserved remains of Saigo Takamori’s statue, a key historical figure.
- View national treasures at Tokyo National Museum within the park grounds.
- Attend seasonal cherry blossom light-ups and open-air events.
4. Tokyo Tower | Landmark Observation Tower In Minato
Tokyo Tower is a famous structure that stands out against the city's skyline and offers great views. It is very tall in Minato and is lit up at night, making it a stunning sight. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Tokyo and you can't leave without seeing this amazing piece of architecture.
- Where. Minato, Tokyo
- Timings. 9 AM to 10:30 PM, all days
- How to Reach. The nearest stations are Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line) and Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line).
- Entry Cost. There is an admission fee to enter Tokyo Tower, with different prices for the main deck - 1200 yen for Adults (above 19 yrs); 1000 yen for students (16 - 18 yrs); 700 yen for children (7-15 yrs), 500 yen for children (4-6 yrs).
Best Things to Do:
- Ascend the 150m main deck for panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
- Walk across the glass floor Skywalk Window for a thrilling perspective.
- Dine at FootTown’s cafes beneath the tower and shop for themed memorabilia.
- Participate in seasonal illumination events, especially during Christmas.
5. Tokyo Skytree | Tallest Structure With Broadcasting Tower
The Tokyo Skytree in Sumida is the world's largest freestanding broadcasting tower. It is a modern marvel. Its futuristic look and viewing decks offer views of the city that can't be beaten. It's one of the best places to see in Tokyo, and it gives you a unique view of the huge city.
- Where. 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo
- Timings. 10 AM to 9 PM (Mon-Thu); 9 AM to 10 PM ( Fri-Sun)
- How to Reach. The nearest station is Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line).
- Entry Cost. There is an admission fee to enter Tokyo Skytree, with different prices for the Tembo Deck - 2100 yen for Adults (above 18 yrs); 1550 yen for students (12-17 yrs); 950 yen for children (6-11 yrs).
Best Things to Do:
- Reach the Tembo Galleria at 450m for a spiralling view path.
- Experience time-lapse cityscapes from the 360° observation deck.
- Shop at Tokyo Solamachi Mall housing over 300 stores and restaurants.
- Enter the Sumida Aquarium with indoor open pool zones for marine life viewing.
6. Shibuya Crossing | Famous Pedestrian Scramble In Shibuya
As a pulsating symbol of Tokyo's energy, Shibuya Crossing is a mesmerising spectacle. The world's busiest pedestrian crossing is surrounded by vibrant billboards and neon lights. It's a dynamic and iconic scene, ranking high among the must-see places to see in Tokyo.
- Where. Shibuya, Tokyo
- Timings. All day open
- How to Reach. Reach Shibuya Crossing by train to Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyu Toyoko, Tokyo Metro) or be well-connected by bus.
- Entry Cost. Free
Best Things to Do:
- Watch the diagonal crossing chaos from Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit view decks.
- Snap photos with the Hachiko Statue, honouring Japan’s most loyal dog.
- Observe Tokyo’s youth culture from rooftop cafes nearby like Magnet by Shibuya109.
- Compare global street styles showcased around Center Gai.
7. Akihabara | Electric Town, Anime And Tech Hub
Akihabara is a busy area of Tokyo that is known as the place to be for tech and cartoon fans. Electric stores, manga stores, and themed bars can be found on neon-lit streets. Along with being one of the best places to go in Tokyo, it has a unique mix of pop culture and cutting-edge tech.
- Where. Chiyoda, Tokyo
- Timings. 10 AM to 5 PM, all days
- How to Reach. Akihabara is easily accessible by train, and the Akihabara Station is a central point.
- Entry Cost. Free
Best Things to Do:
- Try out vintage arcade machines inside multi-level gaming buildings like SEGA Akihabara.
- Purchase limited-edition figurines and manga at Mandarake Complex.
- Customise tech gear at discount electronic shops such as Yodobashi Camera.
- Dine at character-themed cafés with interactive anime performances.
8. Tokyo Disneyland | Magical Theme Park Near Tokyo
Tokyo Disneyland is a wonderful world of fun and magic that is located in Urayasu. It's a dream place for families to visit, with famous sites and well-known characters. It is known as one of the most charming tourist attractions in Tokyo and offers a fun break for everyone.
- Where. Urayasu, Chiba
- Timings. 9 AM to 9 PM, all days
- How to Reach. Take the JR Keiyo Line or Musashino Line to Maihama Station
- Entry Cost. 660 yen onwards for adults above 12 yrs & 330 yen onwards for children below 11 yrs
Best Things to Do:
- Queue for the Pooh’s Hunny Hunt ride with trackless navigation tech.
- Experience seasonal parades such as Disney Halloween and Christmas Fantasy.
- Collect exclusive Tokyo-only merchandise at World Bazaar.
- Sample iconic park foods like Mickey-shaped churros and soy sauce popcorn.
9. Kabuki-Za | Renowned Kabuki Theater
Kabuki-Za is Japan's main Kabuki theatre, and it's located in Ginza. It shows traditional performing arts. Kabuki performances are one of the most interesting things to see in Tokyo. With their elaborate costumes and dramatic stories, they keep the country's rich cultural history alive.
- Where. 4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
- Timings. 10 AM to 6 PM, all days
- How to Reach. Kabuki-za is near Higashi Ginza Station (Toei Asakusa Line) and Ginza Station (Ginza Line).
- Entry Cost. 18000 yen for first-floor seats; 14000 yen for second-floor seats; 6000 yen for Upper Tier A & 4000 yen for Upper Tier B
Best Things to Do:
- Book a single-act ticket to witness Kabuki without a full-day commitment.
- Rent English subtitle guides for real-time narration of performances.
- Visit the Kabuki Gallery for costumes, stage models, and actor artefacts.
- Purchase handcrafted theatre goods from the underground shopping arcade.
10. Hamarikyu Gardens | Scenic Garden Near Tokyo Bay Waterfront
Located at the mouth of the Sumida River, Hamarikyu Gardens is a serene oasis in bustling Tokyo. Its traditional landscape, teahouses, and tidal pond harmonise nature and history. As one of the tranquil tourist attractions in Tokyo, it offers a peaceful retreat amidst the urban hustle.
- Where. Chuo, Tokyo
- Timings. 9 AM to 5 PM, all days
- How to Reach. Shiodome Station and Shimbashi Station are the nearest stations.
- Entry Cost. Free
Best Things to Do:
- Try matcha and traditional sweets inside the 300-year-old Nakajima Tea House.
- Observe tidal ponds that change level with Tokyo Bay’s seawater flow.
- Watch falconry demonstrations held during New Year events.
- Inspect the remains of duck hunting blinds used by Edo shoguns.
Read More : Places To Visit In Japan
Every visit melts into a cherished chapter in the memories of Tokyo's magic, where the echoes of tradition harmonise with the rhythm of modernity." As you wave farewell to this city, take with you the memories intertwined within its streets, parks, and cultural treasures.
While Tokyo's charm awaits your return for another chapter in the drama of adventure, entrust Adotrip for all your travel bookings. Enhance your travels by making reservations with us, which will guarantee that each day of your trip through Tokyo is a melodic, joyful crescendo.
With us, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Tokyo
Q1. What to know about visiting Tokyo?
A1. Tokyo is a safe, efficient, and culturally rich city where modern infrastructure blends with historic traditions. The city uses the Japanese yen and has excellent public transport, primarily through its punctual train and subway systems. English signage is widely available at major stations, but basic Japanese phrases can be helpful. Tokyo is best visited in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the city hosts seasonal festivals and cherry blossom or foliage viewing. Cash is still widely used, so carrying some is advisable. Prepaid IC cards like Suica or Pasmo make commuting and small payments easier.
Q2. What are 5 interesting facts about Tokyo, Japan?
A2. Some of the most interesting facts about Tokyo, Japan.
- Tokyo is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with over 37 million residents.
- The city was once known as Edo until it was renamed Tokyo in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration.
- Tokyo has the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world—Shibuya Crossing sees over 2,500 people cross at once.
- The city is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city globally.
- Tokyo’s underground flood defence system, the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, is an engineering marvel designed to prevent city-wide flooding.
Q3. What is Tokyo famous for?
A3. Tokyo is famous for its fusion of advanced technology and preserved traditions. It is globally known for cherry blossoms, sushi, anime culture, neon-lit districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya, and historic sites such as Senso-ji Temple and the Imperial Palace. The city also leads in fashion, electronics, robotics, and culinary experiences, making it a major destination for both cultural and modern attractions.
Q4. What is the number one tourist attraction in Tokyo?
A4. The most iconic tourist attraction in Tokyo is Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan at 634 metres. It serves as a broadcasting tower and offers unmatched 360° views of the city from its observation decks. With features like the Tembo Galleria, souvenir shops, the Sumida Aquarium, and shopping at Tokyo Solamachi, it draws millions of visitors each year.