Tokyo Top Attractions
Discover Tokyo’s remarkable mix of traditional temples, lively streets, peaceful gardens and unforgettable skyline views. These seven attractions offer a friendly introduction to the city, with time to explore its history, enjoy its energy and taste a few local favourites along the way.
Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa
Senso-ji brings traditional Tokyo to life with grand gates, a striking pagoda and the scent of incense drifting through its courtyard. Located in Asakusa, it is Tokyo’s oldest temple, with origins traditionally traced to 628. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist figure associated with compassion.
Begin at Kaminarimon, the famous Thunder Gate, where an enormous red lantern welcomes visitors. From here, Nakamise shopping street leads towards the temple, lined with stalls selling snacks, crafts and souvenirs. It is a lovely place to discover the atmosphere of old Tokyo.
The buildings seen today include postwar reconstructions, reflecting both the temple’s long history and the city’s resilience. Take time to explore the grounds respectfully, then wander the surrounding lanes for quieter views and small cafés. Nearby, the Sumida River offers an easy change of pace and views towards Tokyo Skytree. Asakusa combines history, everyday culture and plenty of opportunities to enjoy local treats.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing captures Tokyo’s energy in one unforgettable scene. When the traffic lights change, people stream across the intersection from several directions, weaving past one another beneath bright screens and towering buildings. It is an everyday part of city life that has become a symbol of modern Tokyo.
The crossing sits outside Shibuya Station, close to the statue of Hachiko. This beloved dog is remembered for waiting for his owner at the station, and the statue remains a popular meeting place.
Walk across to experience the movement at street level, then seek an elevated view to appreciate the pattern of the crowds. Shibuya Sky offers a wider panorama from above, while the surrounding district is packed with shops, cafés and restaurants. Evening brings glowing signs and a different atmosphere, although daytime makes the street scene easier to photograph. Leave time to explore beyond the intersection: Shibuya’s smaller streets reveal plenty of character.
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine offers a peaceful contrast to Tokyo’s busy streets. A short walk from Harajuku Station brings you into a wooded setting, where broad gravel paths and impressive torii gates lead towards the shrine. The change in atmosphere is part of what makes a visit so memorable.
Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine was established in 1920. Its forest was created with trees donated from across Japan, forming a green sanctuary that feels surprisingly removed from the surrounding city.
Explore the approach at a relaxed pace and take time to appreciate the traditional architecture. You may see visitors writing wishes on wooden ema plaques or, occasionally, a wedding procession. This is an active place of worship, so follow local guidance and be considerate when taking photographs. Afterwards, nearby Yoyogi Park and Harajuku offer an easy continuation of your day, bringing nature, fashion and street life into the same outing.
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree gives the city a spectacular sense of scale. Rising above the Sumida area, the broadcasting tower reaches 634 metres and has become one of Tokyo’s most recognisable landmarks. Its sleek outline stands in striking contrast to the traditional streets of nearby Asakusa.
Opened in 2012, the tower combines broadcasting facilities with observation decks offering far-reaching views. From above, the city unfolds into a vast landscape of rooftops, railways and rivers. On clear days, Mount Fuji may appear on the horizon.
The experience changes with the light: daytime reveals the details of the city, while evening transforms Tokyo into a glittering panorama. At ground level, Tokyo Solamachi adds shops and places to eat, making the area an easy destination for a longer visit. Pair Skytree with a stroll beside the Sumida River or a visit to Senso-ji. Together, these sights offer a wonderful introduction to Tokyo’s blend of old and new.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen is a refreshing escape from the pace of central Tokyo. Spacious lawns, mature trees and carefully designed gardens create a setting where you can slow down without travelling far from the city’s shops and stations. Nearby towers rising above the greenery make the contrast especially striking.
The grounds have roots in an Edo-period estate and later became an imperial garden before opening to the public after the Second World War. Today, Japanese and Western garden styles provide different landscapes to explore within one visit.
Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are popular highlights, but quieter seasons also have their charm. Follow the paths around ponds, enjoy the changing views and leave time simply to sit and take in the surroundings. Bring your camera, comfortable shoes and a little patience for discovering the smaller details. Check the garden’s opening calendar before visiting, particularly if you are planning around a short Tokyo stay.
Imperial Palace & Surroundings
Tokyo’s Imperial Palace area offers a fascinating connection between the modern capital and its earlier life as Edo. Wide moats, stone walls and carefully kept grounds occupy the site of Edo Castle, once the centre of power for the Tokugawa shoguns.
The palace is the residence of Japan’s Emperor, and the private residential grounds are generally closed to casual visitors. However, the surrounding public areas provide rewarding walks and memorable views. The bridges near the palace are among the best known photographic scenes.
The East Gardens, when open, reveal castle remains, greenery and changing seasonal colour. Treat these gardens and the palace frontage as related places to explore, rather than expecting unrestricted access throughout the complex. A relaxed walk also pairs well with nearby Marunouchi and Tokyo Station, where historic architecture meets contemporary shops and cafés. This part of Tokyo rewards visitors who enjoy history, open space and a quieter perspective on the city.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower remains one of the capital’s most loved landmarks. Its red-and-white steel structure rises above the Shiba area, bringing a nostalgic touch to the modern skyline. Even with newer towers nearby, its familiar outline continues to capture the character of Tokyo.
Completed in 1958, the tower became a symbol of Japan’s postwar recovery and growth. Originally built for broadcasting, it also welcomes visitors to observation decks with views across the city. By night, its illumination adds warmth to the surrounding streets.
A visit works beautifully with nearby Zojo-ji Temple, where traditional architecture frames the tower in the background. The contrast makes this one of Tokyo’s most distinctive sightseeing combinations. Spend time exploring the area at street level before heading upwards, and consider returning after sunset for a different atmosphere. Whether seen from a garden path, temple courtyard or observation deck, Tokyo Tower offers a memorable mix of history, design and city scenery.
Must Try in Tokyo
From classic Edo-style favourites to modern cafe treats, Tokyo offers something delicious around every corner. Enjoy these dishes and drinks between sightseeing stops.
Sushi
Try beautifully prepared nigiri, with fresh toppings over seasoned rice. Tokyo’s sushi tradition has roots in the old city of Edo.
Tempura
Lightly battered seafood and vegetables, fried until crisp. Enjoy with dipping sauce, salt or served over a bowl of rice.
Ramen
A comforting bowl of noodles, broth and toppings. Tokyo offers everything from classic soy-based soups to rich contemporary styles.
Soba
Buckwheat noodles served chilled with dipping sauce or in warm broth. A simple dish with a long place in Tokyo’s food culture.
Yakitori
Grilled chicken skewers seasoned with salt or a savoury-sweet glaze. A delicious choice for a relaxed evening in an izakaya.
Taiyaki
Fish-shaped cakes traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste. Look for freshly cooked ones with lightly crisp edges.
Matcha latte
Green tea blended with milk, served hot or iced. A refreshing café break between Tokyo sightseeing stops.
Beer
Enjoy a chilled beer alongside your meal, from familiar Japanese lagers to locally brewed options.
Tokyo Banana
These soft sponge cakes with banana-flavoured custard are a popular Tokyo souvenir. Enjoy a small sweet break, or take home a neatly packaged box to share.
Wagyu Beef
Tokyo offers plenty of places to enjoy richly marbled Japanese beef. Try a carefully cooked steak or a few grilled slices as a special meal between sightseeing days.
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