23 Best Places to Visit in Tokyo

Tokyo, formerly called Edo, is the most populous city in Japan. This capital city has successfully blended both ultra-modern and traditional cultures and styles, currently being the second-largest urban economy globally. It has hosted many international events, including the 2020 Summer Olympics.

With its advanced technology, eco-conscious outlook and traditional culture, Tokyo is a must-visit in Japan. This article discusses the top tourist places in Tokyo you can visit on your next trip.

Currency in Tokyo: The official currency in Tokyo is the Japanese Yen. 1 Japanese Yen equals 0.61 Indian Rupee as on 11 March 2023*.

Temples and shrines hold special significance for Japan's Buddhist culture, making them one of the top tourist places in Tokyo. Here are some of the grandest and most serene temples to visit in Tokyo.

1. Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya

Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji Shrine is the most tranquil place between two bustling districts of Tokyo. Among the 1,26,000 trees here, the wishing tree is the most popular among tourists because it allows you to write your wishes and tie them to columns around the tree. On Sunday mornings, you can also witness traditional weddings around the shrine.

• How to Reach: A 10 min walk from Harajuku Station and Meiji-jingumae Station
• Operating Hours: Open daily (timings may vary as per season)
• Entry Fee: 500 JPY

2. Sensoji Temple, Taito

Sensoji Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The present building was built after the Second World War, but the vibes of this place take you back to the vintage era of Tokyo, even before the war happened. The incense from the temple wafting over the body is believed to cure diseases and improve your health. You can shop for souvenirs, crafts, sweets, and savoury snacks at Nakamise-Dori.

• How to Reach: A 7-10 min walk from Asakusa Station
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: Free

3. Kaneiji Temple, Taito

This temple is the worship centre for the Tendai sect. It is a part of Ueno Park, and you can only reach this temple after getting through the Ueno Zoo. It used to be the largest temple back in those days, with a massive Buddha statue inside it. The 1963 earthquake destroyed the statue. After the Second World War, only the main building and the five-story pagodas were left.

• How to Reach: A 7 min walk from Asakusa Station
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: Free

4. Zenyomitsu-Ji Temple, Setagaya

    This temple in Tokyo is based on Vajrayana Buddhism and follows the Shingon creed. Its unique collection of historical artefacts is a major highlight for visitors. These artefacts are collected from central Asia, India and China, a notable one being the collection of art from Gandhara. The head of the temple collected these constantly for over 20 years. These represent the origin of Buddhism and its manifestation over time.

• How to Reach: A 29 min walk from Futako-Tamagawa station
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: Free

Tokyo has some world-famous modern and traditional architecture. Check out these top tourist places in Tokyo  that you should visit:        

5. Tokyo Tower, Minato

Above 1000 feet in elevation, the Tokyo Tower is the second tallest structure in Japan after Tokyo Skytree. This Eiffel Tower-like structure has two decks for a 360-degree view of the city; either use an elevator or take 600 steps to the main deck. At the base of the tower, a four-storey complex houses numerous shopping stores, food joints, etc. Try standing on the glass floor sections and looking down almost 145 metres below.

• How to Reach: A 5 min walk from Akabanebashi Metro Station (Oedo Line)
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• Entry Fee: 1200 JPY

6. Tokyo Skytree, Sumida

The 2,080-feet Tokyo Tower, is the second-tallest structure in the world after the 2,717-feet Burj Khalifa. You can witness a 360-degree view of the city from the tower. Tokyo Skytree has also become a dating spot for local and international couples. While the views are spectacular all day, watching the sunset and the city lights come to life is particularly romantic.

• How to Reach: 13 min through the Tokyo Skytree line from the Kita-Senju station
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: 1,000 -3,100 JPY

7. Imperial Palace, Chiyoda

The Imperial Palace is the official residence of the descendants of the royal family. This royal palace is spread across 280 acres and houses several buildings, art galleries, and museums. The lake around the palace adds a sense of serenity to the entire place. Although the significant area is closed to tourists, guided tours are available from Monday to Saturday. In place of the defence circles, there are Japanese-style gardens for tourists.

• How to Reach: A 10 min walk from JR Tokyo Station
• Operating Days: Open daily except on Sundays
• Entry Fee: Free

8. Tokyo Mode Gakuen, Shinjuku

The Mode Gakuen cocoon tower is a technological marvel. It is 669 feet tall with a 50-storey educational facility consisting of three educational institutions. These are Shuto Iko, which is a medical school, HAL Tokyo, which is a technology and design school; and Mode Gakuen, which is a fashion school. It is the world's second-tallest educational building and the seventeenth-tallest tower in Tokyo.

• How to Reach: 6 minutes walk from Shinjuku station
• Operating Days: Open on all days except Sundays
• Entry Fee: Free

If you are an adventure-loving tourist, you will enjoy your options in Tokyo. Remember to witness Japanese sumo wrestling while you are in the city. 

Here is a list of top tourist places  that you can check out for adventure in Tokyo: 

9. Tokyo Disneyland, Urayasu

Tokyo Disneyland has seven themed lands replete with many fun-filled activities. DisneySea Park is the only Disney park dedicated to the theme of myths and legends of the sea. Tokyo Disneyland offers so much that more than a whole day is needed to enjoy everything. It is a paradise for children, and adults can't help but feel like children when they enter this venue.

• How to Reach: A 3 min walk from Maihama Station (JR Line)
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Entry Fee: 2650-8900 JPY

10. Mt. Takao, Hachioji

If you want to go hiking in Tokyo, Mt. Takao is just 1.5 hours from the city centre via train. Every year, this 599-metre mountain attracts as many as 3 million visitors. Those who are not interested in hiking but love the mountain view can take the Mt. Takao Cable Car to the summit.

• How to Reach:  A 14 min car or bus ride from Takaosanguchi Station (Keio Line)
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: There is no entry fee; however, charges apply to parks and other facilities

11. Ueno Park, Taito

The 212-acre Ueno Park is one of the top tourist places in Tokyo. The park houses Ueno Zoo, many museums, art galleries, and temples and shrines. Ueno Zoo, especially the aquatic section, will enthral children. After roaming around the park, head towards Ameyoko shopping street for shopping and dining.

• How to Reach: A 5 min walk from Ueno Station

• Operating Hours: Open daily except on Monday

• Entry Fee: Park entry is free; the zoo and museums have an entry fee starting from 600 JPY

12. Ryogoku, Sumida

Ryogoku is home to the Sumos, and as you get down from the train station, you will come across large portraits and handprints of Sumo wrestlers. Kokugikan, located near the JR Ryogoku Station, is the venue for The Grand Sumo Tournaments. While visiting this area, you may encounter Sumo wrestlers and coaches on the streets and at convenience stores.

• How to Reach: A 5-6 min walk from JR Ryogoku Station
• Operating Days: Open Daily
• Entry Fee: Free

Gardens are among the top tourist places in Tokyo and are perfect for taking a stroll in the greenery. Here's the one you should visit:

13. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Shinjuku

Once belonging to royal families, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the fusion of three types of traditional gardens: French formal, English landscape, and Japanese classic. Almost 1500 varieties of cherry trees attract tourists here. Autumn is the perfect season to visit this place when the leaves transform into crimson and gold. The park also has a beautiful greenhouse, ponds, and pavilions to stroll around in peace.

• How to Reach: A 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station.
• Operating Hours: Open daily except on Monday
• Entry Fee: 500 JPY

14. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Chiyoda

The east gardens of the imperial palace were constructed in the castle's innermost main defence circle, honmaru. The Edo castle was home to Japan's first ruler, followed by successive emperors. Only the gates, walls and moats remain, while the building is completely ruined. Visiting this place will give you an idea about the royal gardens of Japanese emperors from the vintage time.

• How to Reach: A 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station.
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

15. Ninomaru Garden, Chiyoda

This garden is also a part of the imperial palace of Tokyo. It is constructed on the second circle of defence, ninomaru, standing in the place of the imperial palace's main building, which was the house of shoguns and Tokugawa. The styling of this garden will help you witness the Traditional Japanese architectural styles. It is a must-see place if you are visiting Tokyo.

• How to Reach: A 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station.
• Operating Hours: Open daily except on Mondays and Fridays
• Entry Fee: Free

16. Kokyo Gaien National Garden, Chiyoda

This garden is also on the grounds of the Imperial Palace without a playground. If you want to spend an afternoon relaxing amidst nature and exploring the history of the Edo castle, this garden is just the place. Pine trees, the bronze statue of Kusunoki Masashige and the beautiful Nijubashi bridge are special features of the garden.

• How to Reach: A 5-minute walk from Nijubashimae Station.
• Operating Hours: Open daily except on Mondays and Fridays
• Entry Fee: Free

Japanese art has always represented the beauty of nature. It is famous for painting on hand fans, scrolls and folded screens. Below are the top tourist places in Tokyo  for you to visit to explore Japanese art:

17. TeamLab Planets, Koto

This is a unique tourist spot in Tokyo which helps you interact with various art forms instead of being restricted to viewing the art. It offers a memorable experience, helping you gain more insights about art and its fusion with technology. Here, you can witness and experience art forms like calligraphy, mirror art, digital art, etc., while enjoying traditional Japanese food like ramen.

• How to Reach: Less than a 5-minute walk from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station, Meguro Station, or Naka-Meguro Station
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: 1000-3200 JPY

18. Mori Art Museum, Minato

If you want to explore art while enjoying the view of landscapes and towers, this is the right place for you to visit. Mori Art Museum is situated on the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Mori Tower, giving you a 360-degree view of the city. The view includes the Tokyo sky tree and Tokyo Tower. It also has an open-air sky deck. The digital art presentations, along with the conceptual art, are exceptional in this museum.

• How to Reach: A 5 min walk from Azabu-Juban station 
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: 1100-1500 JPY

19. Yayoi Kusama Museum, Shinjuku

Yayoi Kusama specialises in contemporary art and installation, and this museum is entirely dedicated to her art forms. The exhibits change with time, making this museum interesting despite being dedicated to just one artist. Famous for her mirrored rooms and the polka-dot pumpkins, Yayoi Kusama is still reinventing and recreating art forms.

• How to Reach: A 7 min walk from Waseda station
• Operating Hours: Open from Thursday to Saturday
• Entry Fee: 600-1100 JPY

Japan is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom. Viewing cherry blossoms is on everyone's travel bucket list. You can view them in the top tourist places in Tokyo:

20. Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda

Chidorigafuchi park offers one of the unique sakura spots. You can enjoy a lazy river ride on an Edo-era moat, which is now a part of the Imperial Palace grounds. You can also choose to walk along the 700 m-long footpaths through the tunnel of beautiful cherry blossoms. With Kitanomaru Park right in the neighbourhood, you will have enough cherry blossoms to view and capture with your camera.

• How to Reach:  A 5-minute walk from Kudanshita  Station.
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: Free

21. Sumida Park, Taito

The area between Azumabashi Bridge and Sakurabashi Bridge is extremely popular for cherry blossom trees. This stretch on the Sumida River has nearly a thousand cherry blossom trees lined one after the other. This is a preferred picnic spot as the Tokyo sky tree is also visible from here, making it a picture-perfect location. You can also opt for a river cruise on Sumida in a Yakatabune, a traditional pleasure boat in Japan.

• How to Reach: A 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station.
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: Free

22. Inokashira Park, Musashino

This park is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of love. There are around 500 cherry blossom trees in this park. As a suburban Tokyo neighbourhood to the west of Shinjuku, the park shows its beauty during the spring. There is a pond amidst the cherry blossom trees, which get covered by the pink petals falling from the trees. You can take the iconic swan-shaped boats to explore the lake.

• How to Reach: Less than a 10-minute walk from Kichijoji Station
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: Free

23. Meguro River, Setagaya

This is another unique place for viewing cherry blossoms. Nearly 800 cherry blossom trees cover most parts of the river bank. The most amazing time to witness the beauty is at night when the trees are lit up, giving everyone a magnificent view of the cherry blossom trees along the river. You can also book a river cruise on the meguro-gawa part and enjoy the scenery of the cherry blossoms lit up.

• How to Reach: Less than a 5-minute walk from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station, Meguro Station, or Naka-Meguro Station
• Operating Hours: Open daily
• Entry Fee: Free