For years, Japan has been one of the top travel destinations. Many cite its capital, Tokyo, as a great city for cuisine, culture, and even history. If this is your first time in the Land of the Rising Sun, here are the best attractions in Tokyo for the quintessential Japan experience.
Featured photo credit: Riccardo Chiarini
Photo credit: Ryoji Iwata
The Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation deck in the heart of the city. It’s the tallest structure of its kind in Japan, standing at 634 metres. As such, you’ll be guaranteed the best views of Tokyo’s skyline from the Tembo Deck. While you’re there, visit the world’s tallest skywalk at Tembo Galleria.
Afterwards, explore the rest of Tokyo Skytree’s attractions. For those who love to shop, Solamachi is a shopping complex that has the Konica Minolta Planetarium and the Sumida Aquarium.
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| Tokyo Skytree, 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo, Japan |
Photo credit: teamLab Planets (Website)
Get your phones and cameras ready for one of the top Instagrammable spots in Tokyo. At teamLab Planets, you’ll be transported to a whole new world. This art museum consists of four major exhibition spaces as well as two gardens. While each of the creative spaces follows a different theme, all of them are hypnotic regardless. You’ll get to experience how art and technology come together as you move through a vibrant floating garden, or a reflective room filled with LED lights.
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| 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan |
Photo credit: Elton Sa
Among Tokyo’s many attractions, the Harajuku District is perfect if you want to revamp your closet. Famous for Japanese street fashion, this district is home to many different styles under one roof. Just go for a shopping spree at any of Harajuku’s trendy boutiques and vintage stores to see what we mean.
Besides fashion, street food is just as popular here — specifically crêpes. If you’re in need of a quick bite, head to Marion Crêpes for a sweet or savoury treat. After that, it’s time to indulge in a karaoke session or two at Karaoke Kan.
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| Harajuku, Tokyo |
Photo credit: Josh Wilburne
After a day out in the Harajuku District, it’s time to experience the nightlife in Tokyo. One of the best places to go for this would be Shinjuku. The ward is famous for its myriad of legendary bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. For the foodies out there, you can go on several sake tastings and indulge in premium Japanese Wagyu beef.
But if you really want to take up your Shinjuku tour up a notch, go on a themed go-kart tour. You’ll get to dress up in Pikachu costumes as you zip past iconic locations in Tokyo like the Shibuya Crossing.
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| Shinjuku IBIS Hotel, 7 Chome-10-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan |
Photo credit: Priscilla Fraire
You might recognise Shibuya Crossing from photographs, films, and maybe a travel magazine or two. But did you know that it’s the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing? The second the light turns green, you’ll get to witness a wave of 3,000 pedestrians making their way over to the other side. Now, this is an experience you can’t miss out on!
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| 2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043 |
Photo credit: Sravan V
One of the best ways to get up close and personal with Mount Fuji is to go to Hakone. It’s a small town in the west of Tokyo that’s perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Kick off your trip with a sightseeing cruise through Lake Ashinoko; you’ll get to see the lakeside Hakone Shrine in the background, as well as Mount Fuji in the distance.
Afterwards, soak in a hot spring: another famous activity in Hakone. There are plenty in town, and considering the cold weather, it’ll certainly warm you up.
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| Keio-Plaza Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan |
Photo credit: Coralie Mercier
For a taste of traditional Japanese food, visit Tsukiji Outer Market. Besides fresh produce and seafood, the wholesale market also has a range of retail stores and restaurants. In fact, many sushi restaurants open as early as 7am so you can grab breakfast before exploring the rest of the market.
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| 2 Chome-12-6 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 |
Photo credit: Julie Anne Garrido
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial family. While most of the palace remains off-limits, free guided tours are provided. They’re available from Tuesdays to Saturdays at two different time slots (10am and 1.30pm). While you can book your slot in advance on their website, you can also buy your tickets last minute at Kikyō-mon.
Similarly, the Imperial Palace East Gardens is open to the public. You can visit the grounds without any reservations by easily accessing it via Ōte-mon near Tokyo Station.
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| 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan |
Photo credit: Colton Jones
Let’s face it — most of us have dreamt of going to Disneyland at least once. Luckily for you, you can fulfil your childhood dreams at Tokyo Disney Resort! The resort is home to two famous theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. When you’re here, you’ll be transported to a world of themed park rides, lively Disney parades, and pure nostalgia.
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| 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan |
Photo credit: 1986 0125
Sensōji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple located in the Asakusa District. It’s the primary location for Japan’s major Shinto festivals, especially Sanja Matsuri. When you first enter, you’ll encounter the Thunder Gate, Kaminarimon. The iconic temple gates are a significant symbol of the city, especially with the lantern and the religious statues that border on either side.
After that, walk through Nakamise Dori, a 200-metre shopping street that connects Kaminarimon and Hōzōmon Gate. It’s actually the best place you can shop for souvenirs and snacks on your trip.
Altogether, these top Tokyo attractions form the quintessential Japan experience. Get ready to have a good time with good food and drinks!
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| Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan |
