Places to visit in Tokyo

There are so many places to visit in Tokyo, it’s almost impossible to ever get bored with Japan’s capital. After a comprehensive 7 day itinerary in Tokyo, we absolutely fell in love with the city. So much so, that we decided to move to Tokyo for a while and get to experience the less known sights of the mega-metropolis.

From the famed Shibuya to the secret corners of Akihabara, here are the places to visit in Tokyo during your next trip to Japan.

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Rainy Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
Rainy Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing

One of the best places to visit in Tokyo is, undoubtedly, the well-known Shibuya Crossing. This pedestrian scramble seems to somehow represent the core soul of Tokyo: busy and frantic, but utterly organized and dynamic. No trip to Tokyo is complete without a quick trip to the Shibuya crossing. And remember there are many things to do in Shibuya which involve shopping, eating and photographing.

Cory from You Could Travel in Shinjuku Gyeon
Cory from You Could Travel in Shinjuku Gyeon

Shinjuku Gyoen

One of our favorite parks in Tokyo is the Shinjuku Gyoen. This is a magnet for tourists during the cherry blossom festival, yet, despite the crowds, it remains one of the most zen places in the city. We recommend spending at least a few hours exploring the park’s green corners.

Cabs night time Shinjuku
Cabs night time Shinjuku

Shinjuku Golden Gai

Who’s up for some fun in Tokyo? Golden Gai is the places to visit in Tokyo if you want to interact with the locals and grab a few drinks. Golden Gai is located in Shinjuku, and it’s a well-known neighborhood for those searching for late night fun. You can find some establishments with English menus on the door, so probably you should aim for those bars. If someone refuses you entry, it’s because these bars have very few seats (like 3-5) and very likely they are fully booked or are expecting their regulars.

Kabukicho

For Tokyo adult guide entertainment, Kabukicho should be added to your list. Ideally, you would just watch and not touch, as these establishments are known to be linked with the Japanese mafia. Many foreigners get scammed here, so if you don’t have a local guide or don’t know Japanese, perhaps you should meander around.

entrance to Meiji Shrine during autumn with gingko leaves on the floor
entrance to Meiji Shrine during autumn with gingko leaves on the floor

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is a beautiful, large green space in Tokyo which attracts countless locals during the weekend. For those looking to escape the bustle of the city, Yoyogi Park is the place to visit in Tokyo. Remember to grab a blanket, a few snacks and enjoy a lovely picnic under one of the many colorful trees of the Yoyogi Park.

Wedding Meiji Jingu
Wedding Meiji Jingu

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located in Yoyogi Park. This is a place in Tokyo where you will see many traditional Japanese weddings. Please be sure to photograph from afar and be respectful. Next to Meiji Shrine, you can see a wall of sake barrels. Don’t forget to learn more about Japanese manners before heading to any shrine in Tokyo.

Crazy Crepes purchased from Harajuku filled with cream, berry sauce, white cheesecake and fruits
Crazy Crepes purchased from Harajuku filled with cream, berry sauce, white cheesecake and fruits

Takeshita Street

Located in the heart of Harajuku, Takeshita is a long street lined with shops, boutiques, and eateries tailored for a more young and colorful target audience. Takeshita will surprise you with many out of ordinary fashion accessories, fun dishes and cute desserts. This is the kawaii paradise place.

Tokyo from above as seen from Tokyu Plaza in Omotesando
Tokyo from above as seen from Tokyu Plaza in Omotesando

Omotesando Hills

Omotesando Hills is the place to visit in Tokyo if you love fashion boutiques. You can start at Omotesando Plaza and make your way towards Shibuya. The street usually looks best at night, when all the shops put up a dreamy light show to capture your attention and imagination. This street is rather expensive, so it’s more targeted towards luxury shoppers who love brands. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants for a well-deserved break.

Tokyo Ginza at night
Tokyo Ginza at night

Ginza

Ginza is one of my favorite places in Tokyo and truly, it is a shopper’a paradise. You should experience Ginza during the weekend, when part of the main street is closed to cars and open to pedestrians only. There are some tables and chairs available as well, for when you might need to take a break from all the shopping.

Man walking along the Tsukiji Outer Market first thing in the morning
Man walking along the Tsukiji Outer Market first thing in the morning

Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji Market is a seafood nirvana and continues to operate as an outdoor market. You can purchase fresh food here and enjoy fantastic Japanese food made with ingredients caught the same day. It’s also a great place to find souvenirs such as dried seaweed and packed sesame seeds.

View of Tokyo skytree in Sumida
View of Tokyo skytree in Sumida

Tokyo Skytree

Do you want to see Tokyo from above? Head over to the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. It is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower from where you can enjoy incredible views of the city. We recommend visiting just before sunset.

Views from Tokyo Metropolitan building in Shinjuku by Hyunwon Jang
Views from Tokyo Metropolitan building in Shinjuku by Hyunwon Jang

Tokyo Government Building

If you travel to Japan on a budget, you might want to consider the Tokyo Government Building. It is among the best free things to do in Tokyo as it enables tourists to enjoy unbelievable views of the city, entirely free. No reservation needed, just head to the building located in Shinjuku, and have lots of fun!

Akihabara Train Station Tokyo

Akihabara

Oh, sweet Akihabara, the electronic town is a fantastic place for those interested in electronics, manga and anime. Akihabara is a bit geeky but also provocative, with its unconventional jumbo posters of anime characters. You can either love or hate Akihabara, but it will definitely leave a deep impression.

spiritual sensoji tokyo
spiritual sensoji tokyo

Senso-Ji

Senso-Ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and among the most popular things to do in Tokyo. It is open 24/7 which means you can visit during nighttime so you can enjoy the temple grounds in quiet. Don’t forget to draw an omikuji and immerse yourself in the spiritual side of Japan.

Ueno Zoo Main Entrance
Ueno Zoo Main Entrance

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is not just a beloved green space in Tokyo but a cultural hotspot. With so many things to do in Ueno Park, it’s easy to see why this park became a popular tourist attraction. Beyond a relaxing walk in the park, you can visit various temples, as well as check some of Tokyo’s most impressive museums (including the main Tokyo Museum).

Are you ready to explore Japan’s capital? Leave a comment and let us know what places to visit in Tokyo will you add to your epic itinerary!

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Cory from You Could Travel entering Senso-ji in Tokyo, Japan

Cory Varga – Cory Varga is a Tokyo-based licensed travel agent and published travel writer. Her main expertise is writing about Japan, where she happily lives with her husband.
Cory published her first book on Japanese customs and manners because she’s obsessed with everything Japan and wants to share more about the local customs with the rest of the world.
While Cory has visited hundreds of destinations and has lived in 7 different countries, Japan remains her favorite place to live and write about. Cory is multilingual, and she lives in Tokyo, Japan with her husband.

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