14 Places to visit in Tokyo

Cities in Japan are examples of places that leave a permanent impression on us. You’re probably wondering why. Continue reading to find out what to see in Tokyo, a city that has the power to amaze and even transform you.

And it is that there are so many different things to do in Japan’s capital that you will undoubtedly return home with unusual tastes and passions. As a result, you may discover yourself to be a fan of traditional Japanese cuisine, a fan of karaoke, or even have a revelation in ancient temples.

Would you like to learn more about this avant-garde and traditional city? So, chill for a few moments and join us to see our picks for the best things to see and do in Tokyo. Perhaps you’ll decide to plan your trip abroad.

Visit Odaiba, an artificial island

South of Central Station, across the impressive Rainbow Bridge into Odaiba, is a less geeky option. On an artificial island, it is a high-tech and entertainment complex. Such a combination is only possible in Tokyo!

Take a spin on the great Daikanransha Ferris wheel as a child and take spectacular photos from above. Admira explores technological innovations that you can’t imagine in the Teamlab Borderless and the Miraikan (“Future Museum”).

Akihabara

This is the Tokyo attraction you’ve always wanted to visit. Akihabara, known as the electronic district, is located north of the central station and is home to hundreds of manga stores, video games, computers, and various accessories.

Make time to visit the Mandarake Complex, which has eight floors of manga and anime, as well as the Yodobashi Camera electronics store and the Super Potato collectible video game store. Take advantage of the foreigners’ tax-free status!

Have a good time at arcades like the Sega Club. To round out the day, have a snack at a maid cafe, which is staffed by friendly anime waitresses.

Enjoy Harajuku

Takeshita-dori promenade, the heart of the Harajuku district, is a little further northeast. It is a half-kilometer pedestrian street with cafes, shops, and local artist shows. It has a youthful and relaxed atmosphere!

People are free to express themselves here. As a result, many people will be cosplaying as their favorite anime characters. Of course, there are a multitude of idol and pop culture souvenir shops to satisfy your geeky side.

The Yoyogi area is adjacent to this neighborhood on the west side. It is notable for its large public park and the Meiji temple. And the partygoers will have a great time living together and dancing in the rockabilly bars.

Shopping in Ginza

The vibrant Ginza shopping district is a 10-minute walk from Central Station. The avant-garde architecture, top restaurants, and luxury shops will amaze you (Chanel, Gucci, Swarovski). Be cautious with the prices!

Go window shopping or let your imagination run wild at the Sony and Nissan showrooms housed in the futuristic Ginza Place if you don’t want to break the bank on your first day in Tokyo. The experience will amaze you!

Tokyo Ramen Street

A must-do in Tokyo is to try this famous Japanese noodle dish. There are thousands of restaurants, each with its own special recipe. We recommend visiting a ramen street.

Tokyo Ramen Street, located just below the central station, welcomes you with dozens of restaurants and stalls. Delicious noodle bowls with seafood, mushrooms, eggs, beef, pork, vegetables, and unusual soy sauces are available here.

Prices for each dish start at $1.50, and water is complimentary. If you prefer, you can pair your large plate with sake or a local beer such as Asahi, Sapporo Black Label, or Ebisu. The only downside is that you’ll miss this ramen!

You must try authentic sushi

Where can you eat Japan’s most famous dish? As you might expect, there will be a wide range of options, from small places in alleys to luxury restaurants in Ginza. Explore our suggestions!

Locate the Genki Sushi chain’s locations throughout the city. Delicious sushi is available here for as little as one dollar (110 yen). Try the seafood, chicken, and even the sushi burger options. Green tea is included!

Sushi preparation in the same bar where you eat it is a must-see in Tokyo. Sushiro restaurants, which can be found throughout the city, offer a wide range of cuisines at reasonable prices (from 1.5 dollars).

Tokyo Station

We recommend taking a train or bus from Narita or Haneda airports to the magnificent Tokyo Station. It’s easily identified by its retro red brick façade, which contrasts with the city’s ultra-modern skyline.

Trains and buses arrive and depart from here for almost anywhere in the city and Japan. It is located in the heart of Marunouchi, the financial district. Japanese fast food and hundreds of shops can be found within its avant-garde interior.

Our recommendation is that you purchase the PASMO prepaid card here for 500 yen (4.5 USD) and take the subway to the places to see in Tokyo. It is the cheapest option, but you must avoid the notorious rush hours.

Shinjuku and Yoyogi parks

Two of the city’s largest parks are located northwest of Central Station. The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the first.

This 58-hectare park contains a variety of Japanese, English, and French gardens. The cherry blossoms put on a show worthy of a movie at the end of winter. So it’s well worth the $4.5 admission fee.

Our second Tokyo recommendation is a 20-minute walk to the west. We’re referring to the Yoyogui public park.

Visit the legendary Mount Fuji

Set aside an entire day to visit Mount Fuji, one of Tokyo’s natural wonders, when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A Willer Express or Kosoku Bus from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station will cost you around USD23. One option from here is to hike to the mountain’s surrounding lakes or bathe in its famous hot springs.

If you enjoy mountain sports, you can take a $14 bus to Fuji Subaru Station. This is where tours to Japan’s most famous snow peak begin. The trip to the top takes between 2 and 8 hours in the summer.

Meiji Temple offers a spiritual evening

If you followed our advice and spent the day in Shinjuku Garden, you will find the Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi Park. It is the most significant Shinto temple in Tokyo.

The site honors the spirits of former Emperors Meiji and Shken, his wife. As soon as you walk in, you are surrounded by the peaceful and contemplative atmosphere that characterizes Shinto temples. Because admission is free, don’t miss out on seeing this attraction.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji, located in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood, is the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, and some believe it predates the city. It was built 1,600 years ago on the site where two fishermen discovered a statue of the goddess Bodhisattva Kannon, according to legend.

Unfortunately, almost nothing of the older structures remain. Most were rebuilt after being bombed out during WWII. Today, it is a bustling center of devotion and the sale of various souvenirs.

The temple is open seven days a week and admission is free. Upon entering, notice the enormous lantern hanging on the door. Inside, a unique fortune teller predicts your luck, and large pyres with incense are where people come to ward off bad luck.

Visit the Imperial Palace

When you visit Tokyo Station, you will notice a large green area on the horizon from the side of its famous brick facade. This is a section of the gardens surrounding Japan’s magnificent Imperial Palace.

Despite its fairytale appearance, this massive walled complex with traditional Japanese architecture is still the residence of the Japanese Emperor. This is, of course, a restricted area. The Imperial Palace East Gardens, on the other hand, are always open and free.

National Museum of Science and Innovation

When we discussed the Odaiba neighborhood in Tokyo Bay, we mentioned this museum as one of the high-tech attractions. Miraikan is another name for it. Interaction and learning are combined in an unexpected way here.

Chemistry, robotics, computer science, medicine, and space exploration are all represented in the permanent exhibition. There are also sections on the cosmos, earthquakes, and marine life. It’s like going back to school, only better!

Tickets to Japanese museums are not cheap, but they are still affordable, ranging from $6 to $9 USD. We recommend purchasing the Grutto Pass if you plan on visiting several. This pass grants you access to over 99 museums and other cultural institutions.

If you are interested in art and technology, be sure to read our guide to the world’s most important museums. The diversity and beauty of these venues will astound you from America to Europe, and then to Asia and Oceania.

You now have a guide to the most fascinating, curious, and unusual places to visit in Tokyo. Pack your belongings, book a low-cost flight, and immerse yourself in a country that will turn your world upside down. Have a safe journey!

Tour the Tokyo National Museum

Ueno Park, located east of Central Station, is home to a zoo and a collection of the best museums in Tokyo. The National Museum stands out among them. Some of Japan’s most valuable artistic and scientific works are kept there.

This enclosure is quite large, so don’t expect to complete it in a single day. Take your time admiring some of the more than 11,000 pieces in its collection. Exquisite kimonos, samurai swords, and gold-plated Buddha statues are on display.

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