top 20 places to visit in tokyotop 20 places to visit in tokyo

It's about 20 minutes west of the Shinjuku area on public transportation. Outside of the shrine is a large archway called a Torii. . Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in Asia to travel and live in and the prices can be restrictive, particularly if youre on a tight budget. Top 20 Must Visit in Tokyo | GoWithGuide Popular things to do. 16 Best Places to Visit in Tokyo for First-Timers - overseas attractions Japans bar alley where you can get a drink in atmospheric surroundings. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. Its really easy and well organized to get to the top observation deck and despite the 1,150-foot (350-m) height, youre transported to the top in the super quick lift in no time! 2023. Action cameras come in many shapes and sizes find the perfect alternative for you. Enjoy the evening illuminations! Asakusas Sensoji Temple is a tremendously popular destination for visitors. See something interesting? Akihabara, a.k.a. You wont want to miss these romantic places in Tokyo. You can credit the lack of crowds to an application policy, which limits the number of visitors. Includes enough museums and beaches and other attractions to keep you busy for days, if not weeks! Proudly ranking alongside Fifth Avenue and the Champs-lyses, Ginza is one of the most famous shopping strips in the world. Just wait, and it will open! Tokyo Skytree 9. Half-day Tours. What to do there: If you enjoy shopping, you dont need to be told what to do in this area. Join the fun in a packed izakaya pub! 4.0 At night, one of the most popular places to enjoy Tokyo nightlife is Golden Gai in Shinjuku, where several mid-century pubs are . There are amusement parks where you can ride go-karts and Ferris wheels and you can even go to the Legoland Discovery Center! What to do there: The Meji shrine is still a functioning shrine so make sure you take part in a ritual while youre there. I, Masato, a National Tour Guide, am ready to bring you to some places you want, please contact me. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. Unlike its French counterpart, the best time to visit the Tokyo Tower is at night, according to reviewers. 11. First opened in 1882, it is home to a variety of animals including giant pandas, elephants, lions, and polar bears. Need a Place Quick? Its a great place for a fun night out, as only Japan can do it. Those who did bring their kids in tow said they had a ball. Beyond the iconic Kaminarimon Gate is Nakamise Dori souvenir-shopping street, which leads to a complex of fascinating religious structures. 10 Top Tourist Attractions in Tokyo (with Map) - Touropia Arainbowmenagerie of sea creatures decorates the stalls from top to bottom daily, and octogenarian fishmongers hail passersby with promises of culinary delights. But, aside from the many distractions on Odaiba, the gorgeous views across the water have most eyes turned back toward downtown. Please read our disclosure for more info. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. Planning to travel by Shinkansen? 1. Go bar hopping in Kabukicho. The area dates back to the 1950s and since then the alley has been filled with eateries and yakitori shops, all of them close to the Shibuya station. Make sure you check on the showtimes for the magician as well, as this will add another layer of fun to an already interesting night. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Be served by and interact with cute maids in Tokyo. Nomiya Yokocho is a less-touristy option in off-beat Kita-Senju, with a new wave of foreign restaurants joining the charmingly claustrophobic chaos of its traditional bars. 20. Come here for the ultimate in shopping and delicious gourmet cuisine. Its reached via a long, rambling forest path marked by towering torii (entrance gates), and its grounds are vast, enveloping a series of wooden shrine buildings and landscaped gardens in a thick coat of green. Just to the west of downtown Tokyo lies a gorgeous urban oasis. You wont regret adding them to your Tokyo itinerary! Not only is it a uniquely interesting sport to watch, if slightly unusual to western minds, but its also exciting to be among the crowd as the locals cheer on their favorites and get swept up in the challenge and competition. Ramen lovers should slurpstone-milled noodles topped with truffle oil at Tsuta in Sugamo, while modern fine dining is typified by Florilge, a double Michelin-starredFrench-Japanese fusion where tasting menus are prepped in the culinary theaterof an open kitchen. Its one of the most interesting cities in the world and offers all the best parts of Japanese culture as well as the most incredible food youll ever eat. The artworks inside the building are stunning, but the building itself and its garden are just as amazing. Its actually really fascinating to watch. Note: Some tours offer foreign language support via electronic audio devices. Tokyo is a great place to explore the two sides to Japanese culture: the traditional side of temples and history and the modern side of manga and robots. They make some of Japans most popular and magical animated films including Spirited Away, which won an Oscar for the best-animated movie in 2003. Different feudal lords used the space for various purposes, ranging from recitals and rice cultivation to military training and falconry. Tokyo is a city like no other. Why its so awesome: This is a shop and an art gallery in one. Topping off at 2,080 feet, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower (that's tower, not building) in the world. A lot depends on how much time you have and how comfortable you are diving into Tokyo's complex but efficient public transport system. And during cherry blossom season, these gardens are a choice spot for locals looking to enjoy the seasonal foliage. Tokyo 1-Day Highlights Private Walking Tour Tokyo 1-Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (Customizable, 8-Hour) Explore the city highlights on our Tokyo private walking tour! Nezu Museum. Explore Tokyos historical sites, romantic places and some of the other unique places that make this city so special. Here's your Japan bucket list Written by Kasey. As a visitor, you can use special versions of each card that are valid for just 28 days. Designed by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, lord of theKawagoe estate, around the turn of the 17th century, the Rikugi-en garden in Bunkyo Ward is a bucolic splotch of green amid the turgid bustle of urban Tokyo. You'd think the Imperial Palace would be mobbed with tourists, but it's not. Ranked: 20 Best Cities To Live In The World, According To A - Forbes Top Places to Visit in Tokyo, Japan: See Tripadvisor's 15,39,858 traveller reviews and photos of Tokyo attractions. Locals gather in huge numbers in parks and along river banks for sake-fuelled cherry blossom-viewing parties under a canopy of pink and white flowers. Instead, it welcomes you to stay and enjoy the traditional art, so follow your impulses and take your time. Its over a hundred years old and is home to a huge variety of shops and restaurants. The majority of travelers enjoyed their experience at the Sensoji Temple. There are evening tickets that allow you to enter after 6 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends, so going sightseeing during the day, and visiting the theme parks in the evenings is also a great way to save time. In addition to artifacts from Japan's history, you'll also find pieces from all across the Asian continent, including Buddhist scrolls that date all the way back to 607. Roppongi 14. Powerful daimyo (feudal lords) ruled much of Japan from the 10th to the 19th centuries, but in Tokyo a city stricken over the centuries by rampaging fires, earth-shattering quakes, bombing raidsand poor upkeep of traditional architecture few visible remnants of their influence remains. Mossy footpaths, waka poetry-inspired spiritual masonry, mirror-like ponds and cobblestone bridges are joined by shifting autumn foliage and a resplendent weeping cherry tree in spring. Both avid and amateur anime fans love the Ghibli Museum. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. Those who expressed interest in anime loved their visit, saying you can't leave Tokyo without experiencing the world Akihabara has to offer for fans. Why its so awesome: This suburb is where you can buy almost any piece of technology or game thats on the market at the moment. The backstreets of Harajuku are Tokyo's street-fashion laboratory; this is where you'll find the trendsetters, the peacocks and the style photographers who chronicle it all and the vintage clothing storesstaffed by resident bohemians that keep everything moving. If you know anything about Japanese animation, this is its home. All the . Relaxed, varied dining area on the lower floors where you can pick up snacks from all over the world. 23 of the most beautiful places in Japan Aside from culture and tradition, Japan also offers some of the world's most spectacular landscapes. What to do there: The Tokyo Tower has two observation decks at different heights, so make sure you go up during the day or night to take photos of the city. If you enjoy museums, then you should go to the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Walk over the class floor for views the whole way to the ground 1,150-foot (350-m) below! The number of incredible places to visit in Tokyo is seemingly endless, with attractions ranging from National Parks and zoos to futuristic electronics districts and fashion hubs. Tokyo's oldest temple is a must-visit for anyone coming to Japan's capital. Devotees loved having the opportunity to get lost in the director's magical world, which many say the museum executed just about perfectly. You can spend your days shopping for next-century electronics in futuristic malls or finding inner peace in timeless temples and serene zen gardens, and your evenings sipping sake in back-alley bars or clubbing with the cosplay set dressed up as a manga superhero. Why its so awesome: Most cities have one shopping area that dominates over all the others and for Japan, its the Ginza. Carrying out such respects are optional, the rules of the shrine are not. Yokocho (alleyways) are as much a part of Tokyos culture as its urban design. Travel Stories Japan Tokyo 14 top things to do in Tokyo, from sushi to kabuki Save Joe Bindloss David McElhinney Jun 6, 2022 10 min read Explore the best things to do in Tokyo Jonathan Stokes / Lonely Planet Toyko is the megacity that other world capitals look up to. Again, thank you! But where you can find it, the old Tokyo still exudes a powerful magic. Or perhaps even enjoying your honeymoon? That's because the neighborhood houses lots of Michelin-rated restaurants, including the three-star Ginza Kojyu, which is also considered one of the 50 best restaurants in the world. For a traditional Tokyo experience, try the Asakusa area, home to What to do there: This theatre has shows running constantly so make sure you get a ticket while youre in the city. You can get a birds eye view of the whole city from the top of the Tokyo Skytree, Getting up to the observation deck requires a ticket to get up the tallest building in Japan. Alternatively, check out Kichijojis Harmonica Alley, a network of corridors filled with the crackle of dripping meat skewers on open grills, cheap-as-chips standing bars pouring draft glasses of Asahi, and hole-in-the-wall snack joints. Location: 9-83 Uenoken, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan. So, if you get the chance, buy a ticket and attend one of the matches. If you don't want to share space with throngs of tourists, visitors suggest coming early morning or late at night. Its traditional to bow at these gates when you enter and when you leave. There's also a petting area where patrons can get up close and personal and touch sting rays and bamboo sharks. The beating heart of old-fashioned office Tokyo. Endless fun awaits in Electric Town! Travelers will also run into penguins during their visit, puffins and turtles, to name a few. Despite its claim to antiquity, however, the structures that currently stand are relatively new reconstructions of previous edifices (during World War II, nearly the entire temple was razed). I made comments on the top 10 places. The tree-lined avenue of Omote-sand is famed for blending modern Japanese aesthetic preferences with Western hipster trends. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy this informal, unusual museum. The observation decks offer 360-degree views of Tokyo's sprawling cityscape and come equipped with guides pointing out notable buildings in the skyline. Its easy to reach being within walking distance of Harajuku Station. The colorful Nakamise-dri arcade approaching the temple complex overflows with vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. Travelers recommended taking advantage of the complimentary museum tour guides on-site (available in multiple languages). You wont find the cold, almost anesthetic feel of some museums in this building. Senso Ji Temple in Asakusa. Kids will particularly enjoy the displays as they can touch, climb on and play with many of them. Travelers were impressed with all that the Tokyo National Museum has to offer. A selection of free and low-cost guided tours operates from the Tokyo Tourist Information Center offices in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building and Shinjuku Bus Terminal. These are our favorite road trips. While the buildings are certainly worth visiting, the surrounding forest (considered part of the vast Yoyogi Park) is a sight to see as well. Drink water from ANYWHERE. . The views of Tokyo Bay, which surround the aquarium, were a nice bonus for visiting travelers (the entrance to the Sea Life Park is a large glass dome situated on the edge of the water). From the broadcast tower's 360-degree observation decks, the whole cityits striking. The main plaza holds a five-story pagoda, renovated in 2017, and a giant cauldron of incense, kept constantly smoking by the crowds of visitors who throng the compound daily, particularly at weekends. You should also make sure you see the short film they have featured because it changes every month and you wont see it anywhere else. Enjoy the contrasting pleasures of Harmonica Alleys traditional eateries and chic department-store shopping. A post shared by Yin (@bakudanmusume) on Sep 12, 2019 at 9:13pm PDT. But make sure that you find a good spot to see it at night as well because the lights are truly spectacular. This area also caters to anime lovers, so if you enjoy this genre then you should definitely explore it. What to do there: There are five sections in this art display so make sure you spend time with each one. But you wouldnt know from being there, as it looks and smells like its been soaking up incense for longer than you can imagine. What to do there: This is actually a functioning temple so be respectful of the locals you see praying and burning incense inside. The fist-sized seared scallops, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and uni (sea urchin) sushi at Tsukiji are must-eats. https://www.instagram.com/aaron_radcliffe/, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJfVuXfiAGMymTUClEmbFvw, Noodle addict, city dweller, dumpling smasher, and the man with the most extroverted voice you'll possibly ever hear, Aaron Radcliffe is the founder of. A huge and stunning natural area with lots to do. Free admission, few lines, speedy elevator, helpful customer service and no time restrictions at the top was ideal for travelers who were looking to take their time with the incredible views in front of them. If youre interested in history, youll get some great shots in this area, which looks like it belongs to a previous age. There are also plenty of theaters as well. And if you have the time, make sure you visit the Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari, which is a hot springs theme park where you can wear a traditional yukata and relax in a variety of different natural baths. Why its so awesome: The Tokyo SkyTree has two observatories that are the highest in the city, so basically, youll get the best view of Tokyo when you spend some time in this building. 30 Best Things to Do in Tokyo - Japan Web Magazine The oldest religious site in Tokyo is also its most visited. Travelers loved the penguin exhibit as well as the touching station and recommended a visit if you have kids in tow or are staying near Disneyland and looking to pass some time. Japan has a talent for including huge swaths of nature in the middle of cities and this park is one of the best examples of that. ASIMO has opposable thumbs, can run, and even kick a soccer ball (as it did with President Obama in his 2014 visit to the museum). Why its so awesome: Japanese architecture and their sense of aesthetics are different from anywhere else in the world and theyre both absolutely stunning. It is not just a place of sightseeing; in fact, it is a place of immense religious value. You cant photograph the inside of the shrine, but youll get some good shots out of the outside. Basically, this museum will make you feel like a big kid, rushing around too excited to choose just one thing to look at. Opening hours: From 8 a.m to 10 p.m. Price: From 5 USD to 18 USD (510 Yen to 2060 Yen) 7. Expect to find a karaoke parlor or two nearby where you can finish the evening at full volume. Its a really crowded landmark, so plan to visit either early in the morning or late at night if you want to avoid the crowds. 8. 8 of the best things to do in Fukuoka, one of Japan's most laid-back cities, The best things you can do for free in Kyoto, Your guide to Kyoto's most beautiful parks, Greeting customs from around the world (and how to do them properly), Belgium boosts domestic tourism with restaurant and cultural vouchers for residents, Vilnius will transport you around the world with travel-themed weekends, Seeking sanctuary in Japan's Saitama Prefecture, It's almost time to see the synchronous fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The 10 most spectacular road trips in Japan, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Located 20 km (11 miles) from central Tokyo, Haneda International Airport is a favorite of domestic . If youre lucky enough to nab one, mentally prepare yourself for a liquid lunch of rice wine, impassioned crowd support and highly audible slaps of belly on belly. DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and Decks Tokyo Beach facility offers lots in the way of dining and shopping in addition to entertainment options. Weaving together several fantastical worlds, this futuristic art experience is surprisingly delightful and makes for some great photos. Why its so awesome: Odaiba is a neighborhood set on a mini island in the middle of Tokyo Bay and its the center of entertainment, eating, and cool architecture in the city. These are prepaid and rechargeable. 26 Best Things to Do in Tokyo | Cond Nast Traveler No matter what part of science youre interested in, youll find something fascinating to do here. 1. Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus. Its basically street after street thats dedicated to computers and gadgets. Know your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before you fly. Why its so awesome: Japan is a city that loves technology, skyscrapers, and modern everything and yet the designers of it recognized that nature was vital as well and incorporated lots of amazing parks in the city. And if you need this during your holiday, then Ueno Park is the perfect place to get it. Yes; The best quirky restaurants in Tokyo. Make sure you get an eyeful of Honda's impressive ASIMO robot while here. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Why its so awesome: Japans religions are quite different from Western beliefs. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Youll find the freshest seafood youve ever eaten in this market and also some of the most inventive dishes. Obviously, this means that there cant be tournaments all year round, which is why this venue holds other sporting competitions like kickboxing too. If you are an art admirer, make sure you visit Nezu Museum, a fabulous art museum, when vacationing in Tokyo. Top attractions in Tokyo Sort by: Central Tokyo 1 Tsukiji Outer Market Market for fresh seafood and produce. There are a huge variety of shops within the building as well as some food stalls that serve famous Japanese snacks. Note that you may need to show your passport in order to access the following services. More than 200 Michelin stars have been awarded to restaurants across the capital, ranging from simple ramen shops, where a bowl of soup costs less than an hourly wage, to 11-course haute cuisine menus that will burn a fairly sizeable hole in your retirement fund. Save up to 62% and get access to 2, 3, or 4 activities with this one pass! Take advantage of high-end shopping as well as small, quirky shops that sell things youll only find in Japan! Best neighborhood for upscale shopping. Just be aware that this museum doesnt cater to tourists, so most of the signs are in Japanese, and you might find it a little difficult to find your way around. At Shibuyas famous 'scramble' crossing, all of this comes together every time the lights change, and its an awesome sight. This is where a lot of the locals in Tokyo go to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the quiet. For many visitors from outside Japan, Kichijoji is a largely undiscovered gem, just a 15-minute train ride west of Shinjuku. 6. Klook Pass Greater Tokyo. Youve got to experience sumo wrestling in Japan! You dont even have to sit through a whole play if you arent sure if youll like it because there are single-act tickets that you can buy at the door. This expertly designed museum showcases the city's history with large- and small-scale models chronicling Tokyo's architectural transformation as well as recreating Japanese life through the centuries (exhibits with statues recreate cultural practices and norms of the time). Continue to 5 of 18 below. Meiji Shrine [SEE MAP] The Meiji Jingu, or Meiji Shrine, is one of the most important tourist attractions in Tokyo. 2. Its still used as one of the homes of the Japanese imperial family. This museum is one of the country's most expansive, housing about 116,000 pieces of art and artifacts that cover the longest recorded history of Japan. Feel the mystical energy of the Meiji Shrine. During the spring, the park gets an extra boost in visitors for its vibrant display of cherry blossoms. Taking a couples vacation? Because of its significant importance in Japanese society, admittance to the site is hard to get (you have to put in your application several weeks in advance) and access inside the actual palace is even fewer and far between. Its particularly awesome at night, when it lights up with the spectrum of the rainbow, making it look exactly like its name promises. It's easy to visit Kyoto on a budget. Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest market in Tokyo. When approaching the main shrine, it's customary to pay your respects by bowing twice, then clapping your hands twice, make a wish and bow once again. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Places to visit in Tokyo | Japan Wonder Travel Blog For a traditional Tokyo experience, try the Asakusa area, home to Sensoji Temple. While there is no need to stay in any specific area or tourist hotel, some parts of Tokyo may be more convenient depending on your plans. 20 Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids: Family Activities We Love | La They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. He was acquitted of rape as the court ruled his actions did not make it . Even if you don't have a couple hours to spare for a picnic, visitors say a short stroll is enough to take up the park's peaceful atmosphere. Visitors also say the East Gardens, which are part of the Imperial Palace complex, are much more of a sight to see.