The Top 10 places in Tokyo
1. Sensoji Temple
There are thousands of temples in Japan, but the oldest is the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. According to most accounts, the temple’s history dates back to 645, making it over 1,400 years old. Much of the temple was destroyed during WWII, but it was later rebuilt in the original style. As a result, Sensoji Temple serves as a reminder of the Japanese people’s resilience and an example of new beginnings. The massive Thunder Gate with hanging lamps serves as the temple’s entrance and serves as the foundation for an annual festival held there each spring. Don’t forget to spend some time at Nakamise-dri when you visit Sensoji Temple.
2. Tsukiji Market
Seafood and sushi are important components of the Japanese diet, and at the Tsukiji Market, you can see where chefs and restaurants get their daily catch. Tsukiji is the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market. The inner market is where wholesalers buy large quantities of seafood, but the outer market is where you can buy just enough fish for dinner or dine at sushi restaurants that serve only the freshest fish. Arrive early for the best chance of experiencing the market’s full fervor. The majority of customers arrive before dawn, and by mid-morning, the entire operation has largely shut down.
3. Ueno Park
The Ueno Park in Tokyo’s Ueno district was built on the grounds of a former temple. Ueno was designated as a public park at the end of the nineteenth century and is most popular in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, because of the numerous museums housed within, Ueno Park is a fantastic Tokyo attraction all year round. There are also ponds, shrines, gardens, and over 9,000 trees. Ueno Park is open all hours of the day and night, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors from all over the world.
4. Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Jingu, also known as the Meiji Shrine, is a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. The shrine is Shinto in nature and is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his Empress. It was established in 1920 to commemorate the death of the Emperor who was responsible for the Meiji Restoration. The shrine, which is made of copper and Japanese cypress, is now only a small part of the overall complex. Admire the Meiji Shrine, tour the incredible works in the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, and explore the Treasure Museum.
5. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
When most people think of Japan, they envision skyscrapers, bustling streets, and large shopping malls. That is why discovering the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, an area that belonged to the Nait family during the Edo period is such a treat. The gardens are now open to the public. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden features three distinct landscape designs: English garden landscaping, French formal landscaping, and traditional Japanese gardening. You can bring a picnic, stroll along the paved walkways, admire the large greenhouses, or simply stop to admire the gardens’ over 20,000 cherry trees.
6. Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing
Shibuya, a ward in Tokyo, is known for its bustle and abundance of shops, restaurants, and nightlife that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The massive pedestrian crossing directly in front of Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit is a must-see in Shibuya. Giant neon screens above show advertisements in bright colors with flashing lights, and the pedestrian crossing is clogged with people at every stoplight change. You might recognize the Shibuya district from films or television shows because it perfectly captures the city’s population density.
7. Tokyo Tower
It may surprise you to discover an Eiffel Tower-inspired structure in the heart of Tokyo. But, there you have it! The bright orange and white lattice tower is the second tallest structure in Japan and one of the city’s most easily recognizable landmarks. Tokyo Tower, which was built in 1958, is primarily used for communication and broadcasting. You can, however, visit one of the two observation decks, both of which provide a spectacular view of the city below.
8. Tokyo Imperial Palace
The extraordinary Imperial Palace in Tokyo serves as the Emperor of Japan’s primary residence. The area is far more than just a single palace; it is a sprawling park occupying a staggering amount of land in the heart of the city. Many of the outer gardens are open to the public and free of charge, allowing you to stroll through green parks while admiring the water-filled moat and cherry trees all around you. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in April, this becomes one of the best spots in town for photography. Previously, the Imperial Palace was known as Edo Castle, and it was home to samurai warriors.
9. Akihabara
Akihabara, Tokyo’s major shopping and electronics district, is located in the Chiyoda Ward. While many locals visit for a variety of reasons, it is also a popular destination for visitors, particularly those looking to experience a different side of Japanese culture. Akihabara is best known for two things: tech stores and otaku culture. If you’re fascinated by the tech-savvy Japanese, Akihabara is the place to go to see what’s new and exciting in technology. There are dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga, and other collectibles in this center of Japanese otaku and anime culture. There are also a number of maid cafes, where employees dress up as maids and act out various anime characters.
10. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is officially known as Toch by locals. In any case, the building is a complex of three different structures, within which the majority of Tokyo’s government works every day. Toch was designed by architect Kenzo Tange and stands 48 stories tall, with a 33-story split. This gives the structure the appearance of a Gothic cathedral, but there is no doubt that it is a modern structure. It has an observation platform from which you can see the sprawling Shinjuku district below. On a clear day, you might even see Mount Fuji to the west. Access is completely free.
