Planning your first visit to Tokyo? Be prepared to visit a city in which ancient traditions seamlessly mix with state-of-the-art technology. From historic shrines and temples to sleek skyscrapers and lively pop culture, Tokyo is a destination for every traveler.
Whether you’d like to stroll across the famous Shibuya Crossing, visit centuries-old temples in Asakusa, or delve into the bohemian fashion world in Harajuku, this guide will lead you through the 14 best places to visit in Tokyo.
Planning to visit Tokyo?
Let’s jump into the top must-see spots that will make your first trip to Tokyo one to remember!
1. Shibuya Crossing – The Heartbeat of Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing’s location: Shibuya Station, Tokyo
Best time to visit Shibuya Crossing: Night or evening to witness the entire neon-lit atmosphere
Check out the best time to visit Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing is perhaps the one picture that best encapsulates Tokyo. The world’s busiest intersection, Shibuya Crossing is an entrancing scene where hundreds of commuters from all directions come together in perfect harmony. To get the best view, proceed to Shibuya Scramble Square Observatory or have a cup of coffee at a nearby café.
How to reach Shibuya Crossing: Use JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, or Fukutoshin Line and alight at Shibuya Station, then proceed to exit via Hachiko Exit.
2. Shinjuku Gyoen – A nature escape in the city
Shinjuku Gyoen’s location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
Best time to visit Shinjuku Gyoen : Cherry blossoms (March–April), autumn colors (November).
Shinjuku Gyoen is a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens, along with Japanese, English, and French garden styles, make it one of the best places to visit in Tokyo for picnics, tea ceremonies, and viewing seasonal flowers.
How to reach Shinjuku Gyoen : Use the JR Yamanote Line or Chuo Line to Shinjuku Station, then walk 10 minutes from the South Exit.
3. Akihabara – The best anime & tech hub
Akihabara’s location: Akihabara, Tokyo
Best time to go to Akihabara: Weekends for street performances and cosplayers.
Dubbed as “Electric Town,” Akihabara is a heaven for anime, manga, and gaming fans. It’s where you’ll find multi-story anime stores, gaming arcades, themed cafes, and tech outlets. This is where you want to be if you enjoy Japanese pop culture.
How to reach Akihabara : Use the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, or Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Akihabara Station and exit at Electric Town Exit.
4. Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s spiritual side
Location of Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple : Asakusa, Tokyo
Best time to visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple : Early morning to avoid crowds and visit on evening for a peaceful atmosphere.
One of Tokyo’s most historic districts, Asakusa is home to Senso-ji, the city’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Stroll along Nakamise Shopping Street, where you’ll find traditional snacks and souvenirs before reaching the iconic Kaminarimon Gate.
How to reach Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple : Get on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tobu Skytree Line and go to Asakusa Station, then walk for 5 minutes.
5. Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree – City View from Sky
Location: Tokyo Tower (Minato), Tokyo Skytree (Sumida)
Best Time to Visit: At sunset, the cityscape looks breathtaking
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower, at 333 meters, gives a classic view of the city. Two of Tokyo’s most well-known landmarks, these towers offer amazing views of the city: On clear days, Tokyo Skytree, the highest building in Japan at 634 meters, boasts observation decks with panoramic views reaching Mount Fuji. Both buildings are must-see sites with stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
How to Get There
Tokyo Tower: Walk from Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line, which is 5 minutes away.
Tokyo Skytree: Ride the Tobu Skytree Line to Oshiage Station or the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.
6. Harajuku & Takeshita Street – The Fashion Hub
Harajuku & Takeshita Street location: Harajuku, Tokyo
Best time to visit Harajuku & Takeshita Street : Afternoon for colorful shopping and street style.
Fashion haven, Harajuku is the place where Tokyo’s most audacious styles exist. Takeshita Street teems with unconventional stores, pop-up cafés, and gram-worthy eats like massive rainbow-colored cotton candy and crepes. In the near vicinity, tranquil Meiji Shrine provides a respite into historical Japanese culture.
How to reach Harajuku & Takeshita Street : Go to Harajuku Station by JR Yamanote Line or Meiji-Jingumae Station by Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.
7. Tsukiji Outer Market – Foodie’s Haven
Location of Tsukiji Outer Market: Chuo, Tokyo
Best time to visit Tsukiji Outer Market: Early morning (6 AM–10 AM) for the freshest seafood.
Although the main Tsukiji Fish Market has relocated to Toyosu, the Outer Market is still a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Savor fresh sushi, grilled scallops, uni (sea urchin), and Japanese omelets (tamagoyaki).
How to get to Tsukiji Outer Market: Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station or the Toei Oedo Line to Tsukijishijo Station.
8. Ghibli Museum – A Magical Experience for Anime Lovers
Ghibli Museum’s Location: Mitaka, Tokyo
Best time to visit Ghibli Museum : Anytime (Advance booking required)
Step into the world of Studio Ghibli at this whimsical museum dedicated to Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved films. The interactive exhibits, life-sized set pieces, and special screenings make this one of the best places to visit in Tokyo for any anime lover.
How to reach Ghibli Museum: Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka Station, then walk 15 minutes or take a community bus.
9. Odaiba – Tokyo’s Futuristic Playground
Odaiba’s location: Tokyo Bay, Odaiba
Best Time to Visit Odaiba: Evening for Rainbow Bridge views
An artificial island, Odaiba has TeamLab Planets (interactive digital art museum), DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (life-sized Gundam statue), and Odaiba Seaside Park.
How to reach Odaiba: Take the Rinkai Line to Tokyo Teleport Station or the Yurikamome Line to Daiba Station.
10. Roppongi Hills & Mori Tower – Nightlife & Skyline Views
Roppongi Hills & Mori Tower’s address: Roppongi, Tokyo
Best time of day to visit Roppongi Hills & Mori Tower: Night to enjoy city lights and entertainment.
Roppongi is renowned for upscale nightlife, art museums, and stunning skyline views of Mori Tower’s observation deck. It is lined with high-end bars, clubs, and restaurants, earning it the reputation as a leading nightlife spot.
How to reach Roppongi Hills & Mori Tower: Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Roppongi Station.
11. Ueno Park & Ueno Zoo
Ueno Park & Ueno Zoo location: Ueno, Tokyo
Best time of the year to visit Ueno park & Ueno Zoo: Spring (March–April) is the ideal time to visit for cherry blossoms.
Among Tokyo’s biggest public parks, Ueno Park boasts museums, cherry blossom trees, and Ueno Zoo—Japan’s oldest zoo with the well-known giant pandas. The Tokyo National Museum, which features samurai armor and rare historical relics, also calls the park home. The park starts to get especially popular for hanami, or cherry blossom viewing events, in spring.
How to reach Ueno Park & Ueno Zoo: Take the JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, or Hibiya Line to Ueno Station.
12. Yanaka – Old Tokyo Charm
Yanaka’s location: Yanaka, Tokyo
Best time of the day to visit Yanaka: Ideal time to visit is morning or afternoon for a leisurely walk.
Yanaka presents historic alleyways, traditional temples, and local handicap stores for a window into “old Tokyo.” Yanaka has a vintage, Edo-era beauty unlike the contemporary Shinjuku skyscrapers. On foot, this is a fantastic area to uncover secret shrines, little cafés, and the quiet Yanaka Cemetery.
How to reach Yanaka: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Nippori Station.
13. Shimokitazawa – Tokyo’s Hipster District
Shimokitazawa’s location: Setagaya, Tokyo
Best time to visit Shimokitazawa: Afternoon for café hopping and exploring boutiques.
For those who enjoy vintage apparel, Shimokitazawa is a delight with its indie boutiques, second-hand stores, and hip cafés. Its laid-back, bohemian vibe makes it ideal for slow discovery of unusual objects.
How to reach Shimokitazawa: Take the Keio Inokashira Line or Odakyu Line to Shimokitazawa Station.
14. Ryogoku – The Sumo Wrestling Capital
Ryogoku’s location: Ryogoku, Tokyo
Best time of the year to visit Ryogoku: During sumo wrestling events in January, May, or September.
Comprising the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, this area is the center of sumo wrestling in Japan. Visitors may visit the Sumo Museum or view sumo events scheduled in January, May, and September. Not far away is a chanko-nabe dinner, a filling hotpot customarily consumed by sumo wrestlers.
How to reach Ryogoku: Travel the JR Sobu Line to Ryogoku Station. The sumo stadium lies directly outside the station.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo offers an endless array of experiences, from historic temples to futuristic wonders. Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or pop culture fan, these best places to visit in Tokyo for first-timers will make your trip unforgettable!
