Discover Tokyo: 20 Must-See Attractions, Districts and Sight
Here’s our top 20 must-see attractions, districts, and sights in Tokyo.
Tokyo blends futuristic innovation with a rich cultural heritage, offering everything from the latest tech to ancient temples. With over 60,000 vending machines, sumo tournaments, and a food scene that includes more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, Tokyo never runs out of surprises. If you're a food lover, be sure to check out our guide to the city’s top dining spots.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
🌸 Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to Early April):
Spring brings iconic cherry blossoms to Tokyo, especially in places like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park. Expect higher hotel prices and crowded spots, but it’s worth it for the vibrant pink blooms.
❄️ Winter (December to February):
Tokyo is cooler but still comfortable in winter. While the city rarely sees snow, it’s a good time to enjoy quieter attractions and lower accommodation prices. Plus, nearby ski resorts are just a train ride away if you're into winter sports.
🍂 Off-Peak (Late Autumn to Early Winter, September to November):
For fewer crowds and better deals on hotels, consider visiting in late autumn or early winter. Fall foliage is beautiful, and you'll avoid the summer heat and humidity.
☀️ Summer (June to August):
Tokyo gets hot and humid in summer, but it’s also festival season. Expect large crowds and higher prices, especially if you're attending events like the Sumida River Fireworks.
Tokyo by the Numbers
🌏 Population: Tokyo is home to over 14 million people, with more than 37 million in the greater metropolitan area, making it one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world.
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1. Shibuya Crossing
One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Shibuya Crossing is a Tokyo icon. It's an exhilarating experience to see hundreds of people moving in every direction when the traffic lights turn red. For a bird’s-eye view, head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck or one of the nearby cafes.
✅ Best time to go: Late afternoon to evening for the lights, or just before sunset if you want golden hour photos.
✅ Where to watch from: Shibuya Sky for an epic rooftop view (you’ll need to book ahead!), Magnet by Shibuya109 has a great lookout, or go classic with a coffee at the Starbucks Tsutaya.
✅ How to cross it: Wait for the green man, then walk straight, diagonal — whatever you want!
2. Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple, and it's a must-visit in Asakusa. The grand Kaminarimon Gate marks the entrance, followed by Nakamise Street, a bustling market filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs. A glimpse into Tokyo’s past in the heart of the modern city.
3. Tokyo Skytree
At 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and offers jaw-dropping views of the city from its observation decks. The surrounding Tokyo Skytree Town is home to shops, restaurants, and an aquarium, making it a great spot for a full day out.
4. Meiji Shrine (Harajuku)
Nestled within a serene forest, the Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It’s a peaceful escape from the city's chaos, offering a spiritual respite and insight into Japan’s cultural heritage. Located near Harajuku, you can also explore the trendy fashion scene afterward.
5. Akihabara
For anime and gaming lovers, Akihabara is Tokyo’s epicenter of all things tech and pop culture. Explore its countless shops selling electronics, manga, anime, and video games. Don't miss the themed cafes, such as maid cafes, that offer an immersive experience into Japanese subcultures.
6. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
This expansive green space in the middle of Shinjuku offers a perfect escape into nature. With a blend of Japanese, English, and French garden landscapes, it’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring. It’s a wonderful place for a relaxing stroll or a peaceful picnic.
7. Tsukiji Outer Market
Although the inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji’s outer market remains a food lover’s paradise. Try fresh sushi, seafood, and various street food offerings while exploring the lively alleys.
8. Odaiba
Odaiba is a futuristic island in Tokyo Bay, known for its cutting-edge attractions. Visit teamLab Borderless, a mesmerizing digital art museum, or enjoy panoramic views of the bay from the Odaiba Seaside Park. You can also find the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
9. Roppongi Hills
Roppongi is an upscale district known for luxury shopping, fine dining, and art museums. Visit the Mori Art Museum or Tokyo City View observation deck for stunning panoramic views of Tokyo, particularly beautiful at night when the skyline is illuminated.
10. Ueno Park
One of Tokyo’s largest green spaces, Ueno Park is home to cultural landmarks such as Ueno Zoo and several museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. It’s also a great spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and offers a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing day out.
Best places to stay:
📍Where should you stay in Tokyo? Tokyo is HUGE — and choosing the right area to stay can be overwhelming. We felt totally lost when we first started planning, so here’s a breakdown of the most popular neighbourhoods and what kind of traveler they suit:
✅ We stayed in Ginza (and loved it!): Luxury, designer stores, and high-end dining. Very clean and stylish. Ideal if you want a more polished, grown-up base. Great transport links too.
✅ Shinjuku: Bustling, energetic, and super central. Great for first-timers. Think neon lights, shopping, late-night eats, and easy access to trains (especially if you’re using the JR Pass). Heads up: It’s busy—if you like quiet, maybe look elsewhere.
✅ Shibuya: Trendy, youthful, and walkable. Close to famous sights like Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko. Fun area if you want a modern Tokyo experience and love nightlife or quirky cafés.
✅ Asakusa: Traditional vibes with a slower pace. Home to Senso-ji Temple and old-school charm. Feels more local and laid-back. Great for culture lovers or those on a tighter budget.
✅ Tokyo Station / Marunouchi: Super convenient for train travel (especially Shinkansen). More business-like, but great if you’re planning lots of day trips or want easy airport access.
11. Harajuku
Harajuku is the beating heart of Tokyo’s youth culture. The iconic Takeshita Street is lined with quirky shops, colorful fashion, and unique cafes. It’s the perfect place to soak up Tokyo’s vibrant street style, and nearby Omotesando offers a more upscale shopping experience.
12. Ginza
Tokyo’s luxury shopping district, Ginza, features high-end boutiques, department stores, and gourmet restaurants. Explore its sleek streets, enjoy a visit to one of the city’s many art galleries, or simply people-watch in this stylish area.
13. The Imperial Palace
Home to the Japanese Imperial Family, the Imperial Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the East Gardens, which are open to the public year-round. Though the palace itself is not open to tourists, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll among historical landmarks.
14. Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland and its sister park, Tokyo DisneySea, are world-renowned for their immersive attractions and magical experiences. From thrilling rides to parades and character meet-and-greets, these parks provide fun for all ages.
15. Shimokitazawa
A hip, bohemian district, Shimokitazawa is perfect for those seeking an alternative side to Tokyo. Filled with vintage stores, indie cafes, and live music venues, it’s the place to experience the creative vibe of Tokyo’s younger generation.
16. Sumo Wrestling Tournament
Sumo wrestling is one of Japan’s most iconic traditions. If you’re in Tokyo during one of the major sumo tournaments (held in January, May, and September), don’t miss the chance to see the excitement live at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena. It’s an unforgettable cultural experience as you watch sumo wrestlers battle it out in a time-honored sport.
17. teamLab Borderless
One of the most immersive experiences Tokyo has to offer, teamLab Borderless is a digital art museum where interactive installations come to life around you. The exhibit’s combination of light, sound, and technology creates a surreal environment where visitors can touch, walk through, and even interact with the art.
18. Sumida Aquarium (Tokyo Skytree Town)
Located within Tokyo Skytree Town, the Sumida Aquarium offers a fascinating look into aquatic life. The design is unique, with beautifully crafted exhibits that focus on local marine life as well as exotic species from around the world. It’s a perfect stop for aquarium lovers.
19. Tokyo National Museum
Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan's oldest and largest museum. With its incredible collection of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits, it’s a must-visit for history buffs wanting to dive deep into Japan’s past.
20. Concerts at Tokyo Dome or Nippon Budokan
Tokyo is home to some of the world’s best concert venues, and you can catch big-name artists from around the globe. When we visited, we were lucky enough to catch Bruno Mars at the Tokyo Dome. Whether you’re into pop, rock, or traditional Japanese music, there’s always something happening at iconic venues like Tokyo Dome or the Nippon Budokan.
Tokyo is a city that offers something for every type of traveler—whether you’re interested in history, culture, technology, or entertainment. With so many attractions, districts, and experiences, you’ll never run out of things to see and do. From the tranquility of Meiji Shrine to the excitement of sumo tournaments and the futuristic displays at teamLab, Tokyo promises a unique adventure at every corner.
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