Points on the map
10 AMAZING THINGS TO SEE IN TOKYO, JAPAN
Discover the top 10 things to do in Tokyo. Explore Tokyo’s culture, history, and must-see attractions for an unforgettable trip!
I visited Japan for the first time and promised myself I would return because I absolutely loved it! I was amazed at how comfortable I felt in a place halfway across the world from home.
Since then, I’ve visited Japan three more times, making it one of my favorite travel destinations. Japan is the perfect mix of modernity and tradition. You can walk down one of Tokyo’s most high-tech streets and suddenly find yourself in front of an incredible Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple.
This time, I’m writing about the 10 best things to do in Tokyo. However, there’s so much more to see! Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis, one of the largest cities in the world. Imagine how many activities you can do there!
Since the city is huge, transportation times are much different from other cities. One time in Tokyo, I planned to meet a friend who had lived there for years. I misjudged the distance, thinking she was closer, and my 30-minute trip turned into an hour and a half!
When you open Google Maps in Tokyo, you tend to compare distances with what yo nothing prepares you for the size of this Japanese city. Coming from Uruguay, where everything is ime to adjust my sense of time and distance.
Even though Tokyo is huge, everything is well connected. The city has an extensive subway system that covers everywhere from the center to the periphery, so getting to all the spots I mention below is simple.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Tokyo during your first visit to Japan. These iconic attractions are must-sees, so let’s get started!
1. SENSO-JI TEMPLE: A HISTORICAL TREASURE IN TOKYO
Sensō-ji Temple, located in the Asakusa district, is the oldest Buddhist temple in the city and one of its most famous landmarks in Japan. It was founded in 645, and it’s dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Sensō-ji holds deep spiritual significance and symbolizes Japanese culture. It’s also one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions.
The temple complex features the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, or Thunder Gate. It leads to Nakamise Street, lined with traditional shops and souvenirs.
SANJA MATSURI
During my visit, I was lucky to experience the Sanja Matsuri, also known as the Three Shrine Festival. This is one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto festivals, honoring the temple’s founders: the fishermen brothers Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo.
The Sanja Matsuri is a fusion of tradition and celebration. Seeing the whole community come together with music and dance amazed me. What struck me the most was the procession of mikoshi (portable shrines). According to tradition, carrying these mikoshi brings good fortune. Seeing all these Japanese people enjoying their religion and sense of community was truly amazing!
NAKAMISE SHOPPING STREET
To enter Sensō-ji, you first walk through Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with souvenir shops. The first time I went, I didn’t buy anything, thinking I’d find similar products at better prices elsewhere. I ended up returning because, though prices are higher, the quality and uniqueness of the items are unbeatable. You’ll find everything from home decor to keepsakes and souvenirs.
OMIKUJI: FORTUNE TELLING
At Sensō-ji, you can also try omikuji—small fortune-telling papers available at most temples and shrines in Japan. They are very popular and cost only 100 yen.
The last time I was in Tokyo, I got “bad luck” omikuji twice.. Maybe the temple wants me to keep coming back until I get good luck? Until then, I’ll just have to keep returning! I hope your luck is better than mine!
According to tradition, if you draw bad luck, you should tie the paper to a tree at the temple so the deities can take away your misfortune. Currently, many temples have special spaces to tie these papers so that trees are not harmed. By doing this, it is believed that bad luck gets trapped there and the deities take it away, distancing it from you.
ASAKUSA CULTURE AND TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
I recommend visiting the Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center, where you’ll find a free observatory in the heart of the Asakusa district. From the 8th floor, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Sensō-ji, Nakamise Street, and the Tokyo Skytree. Additionally, the observatory is open from 9 AM to 10 PM. Consider visiting in the morning to avoid crowds, or in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset and see the city light up beautifully.
2. SHIBUYA CROSSING
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most popular neighborhoods, known for its incredible fashion and entertainment scene. It’s an iconic tourist destination, famous for the massive Shibuya Crossing. This intersection is one of the world’s most recognized, with over two million people crossing daily. You’ll also find the Hachiko Statue, one of the most photographed landmarks in Tokyo.
Crossing Shibuya Crossing is a must-do experience. It’s fascinating to see people crossing from all directions. To fully enjoy it, I suggest going in the late afternoon when the streets are bustling with people leaving work.
Here are two top spots to view this famous crossing from above:
– View from Starbucks: Located in the Tsutaya building, this Starbucks offers one of the best views of Shibuya Crossing.
– View from World Currency Shop Shibuya: By chance, I discovered this spot on the seventh floor when I went to exchange money. It provides an amazing view of the crossing, without the crowds!
Shibuya is also Tokyo’s fashion hub, where trends are born before spreading across the world. If you love shopping or exploring Japanese fashion trends, Shibuya is the place to be. I recommend wandering through Shibuya’s small streets, especially Center-gai, which is great for taking neon-lit photos and shopping.
3. MEIJI SHRINE: A PEACEFUL OASIS IN TOKYO
Located in the vibrant Harajuku area, Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrines. Therefore, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
The main entrance to the shrine features a large wooden torii gate with a curved top beam in the myōjin style. Torii gates are an unmistakable part of the Japanese landscape, marking the transition between the sacred and the everyday world. Furthermore, the path to the shrine is lined with trees and greenery, creating a serene atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo.
During our visit, we were fortunate to witness a traditional Shinto wedding at Meiji Shrine, which was truly amazing. The family procession, dressed in vibrant kimonos, was a beautiful sight. These weddings are often held on Sundays, so I recommend visiting on that day for the chance to see one.
4. TAKESHITA STREET IN HARAJUKU
Harajuku is one of Tokyo’s fashion meccas, recognized as the center of street fashion, subcultures, and youth trends. At the heart of Harajuku lies the narrow and bustling Takeshita Street, which is filled with trendy fashion boutiques, accessory shops, street food stalls, idol stores, and cozy cafes. This street perfectly represents everything Harajuku is famous for; therefore, it’s a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts.
Harajuku is ideal for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to immerse yourself in the colorful world of Japanese anime culture and the cute “kawaii” aesthetic. This area is particularly popular with teenagers and young adults passionate about fashion, and it’s one of the most vibrant spots in Tokyo.
5. AKIHABARA: ANIME WONDERLAND
Akihabara is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Tokyo, originally known as the go-to place for electronics. However, in recent years, it has transformed into the ultimate spot for otaku culture.
In Akihabara, you will find not only electronics stores but also shops specializing in video games, anime, and manga. Moreover, there’s a wide array of related merchandise, including cosplay costumes and collectible figurines.
Strolling down the neon-lit avenues or exploring side streets filled with vintage electronics stores creates an unforgettable experience. The main street, Chuo-dori, features the largest stores, but don’t miss the nearby alleys like Sotokanda 1-chome, close to the station, where you’ll find old electronics shops worth visiting.
6. UENO: CULTURE AND NATURE
For an amazing experience, I recommend walking from Akihabara to Ameyoko and the Ueno area. One of the joys of visiting Tokyo—and especially Japan—is exploring its streets on foot. It’s incredibly safe, and the small alleys are perfect for getting lost and discovering hidden gems that aren’t listed on any maps.
The journey begins at the 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan shopping center, following a route parallel to the train tracks, surrounded by shops and restaurants. Upon reaching Okachimachi, you’ll discover the lively Ameyoko market, bustling with clothing stores, fresh fish markets, vegetable stalls, and street food vendors. We stopped for lunch at a small Chinese food stall, sitting outside to enjoy the atmosphere while watching people pass by and workers go about their day.
At the end of this walk, you’ll arrive at Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s green lungs, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. We visited on a weekend, which I highly recommend, as it’s lovely to see Japanese families with their children playing, friends and couples having picnics, and groups enjoying games.
When we were there, a lively festival with live music and street food stalls was taking place, creating a relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some delicious street food while soaking in the vibrant Tokyo energy.
It’s refreshing to witness the relaxed side of Japanese society here, a contrast to the serious demeanor often observed in the subways and streets of Tokyo. Ueno Park provides a glimpse into how locals spend quality time with their loved ones, offering a heartwarming experience in the midst of this city.
7. SHINJUKU
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s administrative and commercial centers. This area is packed with skyscrapers, shopping malls, restaurants, izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), cinemas, and neon-lit billboards, offering an unforgettable urban experience.
One of the highlights of Shinjuku is its world-famous Shinjuku Station, which holds the record as the busiest train station in the world, serving 3.64 million passengers daily. It’s easy to get lost in its vast network of platforms and corridors, but that’s part of the adventure!
For an incredible panoramic view of the city, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The twin towers, each standing at 243 meters, offer observation decks at 202 meters, and the best part? Admission is free! On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.
8. GINZA: TOKYO’S LUXURY SHOPPING DISTRICT
For a more sophisticated side of Tokyo, head to Ginza, known for its luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-end showrooms. This area is a paradise for those interested in high-fashion brands and exclusive boutiques. Additionally, Ginza’s architecture is amazing, as many buildings are designed by world-class architects, making it a perfect spot for architecture enthusiasts.
A unique feature of Ginza is the Chuo-dori Street, which closes to vehicular traffic from 12:00 to 17:00 on weekends and holidays. This creates a peaceful pedestrian zone, allowing visitors to stroll through Ginza’s luxury avenues at a relaxed pace, enjoying the elegant ambiance of the district.
9. IMPERIAL PALACE: JAPAN’S ROYAL PAST
Just a short walk from Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace is a must-see when exploring the city. Although access to the interior of the palace is restricted, people can enjoy walking through the beautifully landscaped Imperial Palace Gardens and take in the scenic views of the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, one of the palace’s most photographed features.
10. TOKYO STATION
Tokyo Station is not only a major transportation hub but also a destination in its own right. Originally opened in 1914, the station’s red-brick architecture on the Marunouchi side has been beautifully restored, making it a popular spot for history and architecture buffs.
Inside, Tokyo Station offers a range of attractions, including the famous Character Street, where you’ll find stores dedicated to beloved Japanese characters. Ramen Street is a must-visit for foodies, offering various ramen shops serving regional specialties from across Japan.
And there you have it – 10 incredible things to do in Tokyo on your first trip!
: )