12 Must Visit Places In Tokyo, Japan

must visit places in tokyo
Mathew
Mathew 
Updated
| 6 min read

Tokyo is one of the cities around the world with major attractions that can make your head spin. If you are planning on visiting Japan, you will need to do a lot of planning because you can never visit all the attractions of this city in a single day. From the numerous ancient sacred temples to vintage clothing stores blended with the modern day culture of this city, you can never have enough of Tokyo! Every time you visit, you’ll find something new that will be worth the experience. It’s a huge city that has a lot of charms that make people fall in love with it. Below is a list of the must-visit places in Tokyo, Japan.

1. Kichijoji, Tokyo (from USD 103.0)

Renowned as one of Tokyo’s most sought-after residential locales, Kichijoji stands out for its alluring assortment of bars that pepper its landscape. Anchoring this experience is Harmonica Yokocho (Harmonica Alley), nestled at the very heart of Kichijoji. This vibrant enclave, once a bustling post-World War II flea market, has blossomed into a captivating tapestry of diverse establishments, encompassing stores, boutiques, and inviting gastropubs.

Venturing into this immersive journey, guests are accompanied by a guide that speaks Japanese, English, and Spanish while exploring the bustling nightlife. Discover the world of exquisite Japanese cocktails, such as the intriguing oolong-shu, the classic whisky highballs, and the delightful umeshu plum wine, all paired with the camaraderie shared among locals and fellow explorers.

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The Midnight Diners: Tokyo Experience

Duration: 4hours

23 reviews

2. Tsukiji Market (from USD 88.0)

Tsukiji Market, historically known as the “Kitchen of Tokyo,” has stood as a culinary epicenter in Japan for decades. Situated in Tokyo, this bustling marketplace has been revered as a vibrant hub for seafood and culinary treasures, offering a captivating array of street vendors, restaurants, and shops, with some boasting over a century of history.

Experience an immersive journey that lets you witness the mesmerizing artistry of masterful fish carving and indulge in an enticing selection of local delicacies, all under the supervision of a knowledgeable local guide. Conclude your expedition at an authentic sushi haven, savoring meticulously crafted high-quality morsels that harmonize perfectly with the rich notes of Japanese sake.

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Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Tour

Duration: 3hours

14 reviews

3. Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Tokyo Japan
Source: Pixabay

Sensōji is one of the oldest visited Buddhist temples located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. Even though the temple maybe just a 15-minute walk from Tokyo’s tallest skyscraper in Japan, Tokyo Skytree, Sensoji Temple has its own traditional Japanese atmosphere. Once you enter this place you will take a tour back in time to the ancient Japanese era. Visitors from around the world gather around a large incense cauldron in front of the temple where incense is said to benefit good health.

Sensoji Temple

Address: 2-3-1, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Opening hours: From 9.30 a.m to 11.00 p.m

Price: Free (1 USD for fortune telling)

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4. Tokyo Imperial Palace

tokyo imperial palace
Source: Pixabay

Tokyo Imperial Palace is one of the main attractions frequented by tourists in Tokyo. Though the main area itself is not open to the public because the imperial family still lives there, the gardens are open to the public. There is an exception of two days of the year, this is January 2nd for New Year’s greetings event and December 23rd which is the Emperor’s birthday. However, there are guided tours of the palace grounds offered throughout the year to visitors in Tokyo who seek to understand the ancient feel of Japanese rulers.

Tokyo imperial Palace.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan

Opening hours: From 9 a.m to 5 p.m [Closed on Sundays and mondays]

Price: Free

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Tokyo Tour Guide

Ayano

Ayano

Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I will capture beautiful photos that will become lasting memories. Join my tour and let's explore Tokyo together!

Tours by Ayano

5. Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rob Young used under CC BY 2.0

Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySEA is one of the most iconic theme parks in the world. Sitting on a 15-acre (6-hectare) theme park in Urayasu, its main gate is directly adjacent to both Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland Station. It was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States, opened on 15th April 1983. Tokyo Disneyland is made up of seven themed lands and it features seasonal decorations and parades that will blow your mind!

Tokyo Disneyland

Address: Theme park in Urayasu, Japan

Opening hours: 8 a.m to 10 p.m

Price: 68 USD (7600 Yen)

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6. Shibuya

Shibuya Crossing
Source: Photo by Flickr user William Warby used under CC BY 2.0

Shibuya is a very busy commercial area in Tokyo, with Shibuya crossing rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world. Shibuya Crossing is like a giant beating heart, sending people in all directions with every pulsing light change. Perhaps nowhere else says ‘Welcome to Tokyo’ better than this place. Hundreds of people at peak times, cross at a time, coming from all directions at once, yet still managing to dodge each other in a practiced manner. There are great cafes and restaurants around where you can stop and have a taste of the Japanese cuisines.

Shibuya, Tokyo.

Address: 150-8010 Shibuya 1-18-21, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Opening hours: 24 hours.

Price: Free

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7. Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum: Honkan
Source: Photo by Flickr user Gary Todd used under CC0

Tokyo National Museum popularly referred to as “Tohaku,” is the oldest Japanese national museum and the largest art museum in Japan, established in 1872. This is one of the largest art museums in the world where it collects expensive antiques and preserves a collection of artworks. It is the place that processes a lot of ancient knowledge about archaeological objects that focus on Japans’s heritage. Signs and other guides, along with some explanatory panels inside the museum, are shown in three languages (English, Chinese, and Korean). The item descriptions are written in Japanese and English in order for you to admire the works without worries of understanding Japanese if you are doing a short stay in Tokyo.

Tokyo National Museum

Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taitō, Tokyo 110-8712, Japan

Opening hours: From 9.30 am to 5 p.m

Price: 6 USD (20 Yen) people over 70 years old, free

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8. Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo Skytree Aerial photography
Source: Pixabay

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting tower in Eastern Tokyo, that offers visitors panoramic views of the metropolis as well as a huge array of Solamachi shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. In fact, it is the tallest building in Tokyo being 634m (2080 feet) high, making it also the tallest completely self-supporting tower in the world. Completed in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has quickly become a new symbol of Tokyo. Its striking white profile is visible throughout the city and adds a bold futuristic touch to the urban skyline. Tokyo Skytree is beautifully lit up till late in the evening in patterns of light that change from day to day, making an amazing place to visit at nighttime as well.

Tokyo Sky Tree

Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan

Opening hours: From 8 a.m to 10 p.m

Price: From 5 USD to 18 USD (510 Yen to 2060 Yen)

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9. Kabukicho

Shinjuku Kabukicho Japan
Source: Pixabay

This the one place to visit if you just want to explore the streets; there are plenty of things to do in Kabukicho. The entertainment district is filled with bright lights, bars, restaurants and pachinko parlors as well as touts. This is a great place to enjoy the younger scene in Tokyo and it has something to suit everyone, as well as being home to some of the most famous spots in the city. This is the ultimate place to have a wild nightlife experience in Tokyo.

Kabukicho Japan

Address: Kabukicho Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan

opening hours: 24 hours a day

Price: Free

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10. Ginza, Tokyo (from USD 170.0)

Ginza Tokyo Japan
Source: Pixabay

Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining, and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs and cafes. Most shops in the Ginza district are open every day of the week but the most ideal time to visit is on weekend afternoons when the central Chuo Dori street is closed to automobile traffic and becomes a pedestrian zone. The road closure takes place from 1200 to 1700h where you have peace of mind maneuvering the streets as you tour this busy district.

Ginza Tokyo

Address: Chūō, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

byFood experiences

1) Tokyo food tour

Experience Tokyo’s rich culinary tapestry on this food tour that stretches from Ginza to neighboring districts such as Yurakucho and Shinbashi. Immerse yourself in Japan’s izakaya (pub) culture, and meander through charming Yokocho alleys. With seasonal and regional food options catering to various dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegan, the area offers a flavorful experience to every guest.

During the course of the tour, participants can engage with locals, fellow travelers, and the captivating history of Japan. This exceptional journey that uncovers Tokyo’s essence through its culinary and cultural treasures culminates in a delightful dessert.

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The All Star Tokyo Food Tour

Duration: 3hours

4 reviews

11. Harajuku, Tokyo (from USD 203.0)

Harajuku street view
Source: Pixabay

Harajuku (& Meiji Jingu) is a colorful street well known for its fashion scene with vintage clothing stores and more traditional upmarket boutiques in the leafy Omotesando Avenue. Small bars and trendy cafes fill the surrounding lanes while cultural hotspots include the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, which hosts cutting-edge temporary exhibitions and cultural shows for visitors who are seeking to understand the evolution of Japan’s culture.

Harajuku Tokyo

Address: 1 Chome-13-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Opeinng hours: 24 hours

byFood experiences

1) Harajuku food tour

Embark on a delectable three-and-a-half-hour of culinary journey through Tokyo’s vibrant Harajuku District. Gather a group of two to six fellow food enthusiasts and set off to explore the iconic Takeshita Street. Indulge in a delightful array of sweet treats and savory street foods, capturing the essence of Tokyo’s culinary culture.

The adventure continues as you join the guide at her favored Harajuku restaurant, where you’ll savor all-you-can-drink beverages while crafting your own savory Japanese pancakes, including okonomiyaki and monjayaki.

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Harajuku Food Tour with Shizuka: Kawaii Sweets & Street Food

Duration: 3.5hours

8 reviews

12. Yasakuni Shrine


Yasukuni Shrine was founded in 1869 to honor Samurais and soldiers who fell in the Boshin War that restored the Meiji Emperor to power and second world war veterans. Yasukuni is the second largest shrine in Tokyo which is located right in the heart of Tokyo But never got bombarded during the war, making it the most controversial shrine in Japan. The Kudanshita station of the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line is a three-minute walk from the shrine making it an accessible place to visitors staying in the outskirts of the city.

Yasukuni Shrine

Address: 3 Chome-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8246, Japan

Opening hours: From 6 a.m to 6 p.m

Price: 7 USD (800 Yen)

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Visit Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan, is one of the most amazing and modern cities in the world where tourists flock to see its endless wonders. If you are the type of traveler that seeks the adventure of knowing more about cultures and cities around the world, then this the city for you. Make sure to make a plan to visit Tokyo for a truly unforgettable sightseeing experience.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Mathew Mulinge is a trained project developer and a mentor who loves traveling. In addition, he is an experienced outdoor adventurer who loves the thrill of venturing into mountains and outdoor...Read more

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