When we were organising our trip to Japan I have to confess that we were a little lost as to what to do inTokyo, because the city is e-nor-me and we soon realised that more than the classic tourist attractions, the city's best feature is its neighbourhoods, its crowded streets, the illuminated billboards... But of course, there's plenty to visit in Tokyo.
Located on the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, Tokyo is the country's capital and, despite being one of the most populous metropolises in the world, offers an excellent quality of life. Equally important is choosing the perfect place to stay during your visit, and luckily Tokyo has plentiful options. Whether you are seeking luxury or economic, Tokyo has something for everyone. For an enjoyable stay, we suggest checking out some of the 4-star accommodations offered on http://www.tokyo-hotels-stay.com/en/4-stars/.
The city manages to blend Japanese tradition with modernity and technology, making it a very attractive travel destination in terms of culture and organisation. From classic temples to sparkling skyscrapers, Tokyo has managed to preserve its history while simultaneously stepping into the future.
So come and see some of the sights of Tokyo, this capital that has won us over. But remember, a successful trip involves not only sightseeing, but also choosing a comfortable and convenient place to stay. Check out the recommended hotels on tophotels.com and choose the one that suits you best.
Things to do in Tokyo: tourist attractions
1. Tsukiji Market
This is a very famous fish market in the city and no wonder, as it is considered one of the largest in the world!
The amount of fish that circulates there each day is unbelievable and the place is also home to a huge tuna auction, which takes place in the late hours of the morning and is hotly contested, even by tourists. If you want to attend, get up early (before 5am) as there are only 120 seats.
Tsukiji Market is a tourist attraction because of its grandeur and quality, but don't forget that it's a market, so expect crowds and hurried staff, as well as lots of fresh seafood!
Address: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Ch??, Tokyo
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 5am to 2pm. Closed on Sundays and certain Wednesdays.
How to get there: Tsukiji Shijo Station, Oedo Line
Shutterstock image
2. Meiji Jingu Shrine
Founded in 1920, the Meiji Jingu Shrine is relatively new if we consider the construction dates of the other temples. It was built in dedication to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. The emperor ascended the throne in 1867, during modern Japan, and it was during his reign that the country began its journey towards joining the great world powers.
The shrine is heavily wooded and there are even hiking trails in the area. As a curiosity, the trees in the small forest were brought there specially, in other words, the forest was "assembled" by man.
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening hours: The shrine is open daily, but the hours change monthly according to sunset. Check the official website: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/map/4.html
Cost: 500 yen for adults
How to get there: Meiji Jingu Mae or Harajuku Station
3. Takeshita Dori
When you're planning what to do in Tokyo, you should include a visit to Takeshita Dori Street. It's where Japanese pop culture can be seen at its best.
It's that stereotype of Japanese people with colourful hair, unusual clothes and cosplay (people who dress up as characters from films and cartoons).
The street is very popular with young people and shops of all values can be found there. It's worth a visit if only to get to know and observe the Japanese in their day-to-day culture.
Address: 1 Chome-19 Jing?mae, Shibuya-ku
How to get there: Harajuku Station
4. Imperial Palace
The residence of Japan's imperial family since 1888, when the palace was transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo, the architecture is classic Japanese, with typical roofs.
Right from the start, two bridges leading to the entrance of the palace catch the eye and it is possible to take a guided tour inside, but this must be booked well in advance.
One of Tokyo's main tourist attractions
If you can't make the guided tour, at least visit the Palace's East Gardens, which are open to the public.
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo
How to get there: Tokyo Station
5. Senso-ji Temple
Also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, this building is one of the best-known Buddhist temples in the city. The colours are very striking and are one of the attractions of the temple, which should not be left out of your Tokyo itinerary.
Completed in 645, the shrine is dedicated to the goddess of mercy Kannon and is the oldest in the Japanese capital. The place is considered a refuge within the bustling capital and impresses with its architecture.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Open: Daily from 6am to 5pm
Cost: Free
How to get there: Asakusa Station
6. Ueno Park
Ueno Park is located in the centre of Tokyo and is a great place to relax.
The grounds were formerly part of Kaneji Temple, which was damaged during the Civil War in 1868. After the conflict, the area officially became a public park and was opened to the public in 1873.
Inside, as well as contact with nature, there are various attractions such as museums, temples, monuments and even a zoo, which is one of Ueno Park's main attractions, along with the Tokyo National Museum.
7 - Tokyo National Museum
Created in 1972, this is the oldest and largest national museum in the country. It was originally located at Yushima Shrine, but was later moved to Ueno Park.
There are around 114,000 items in the collection of Asian art in areas such as paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, decorative arts and archaeology. They are divided into 10 exhibition areas, including objects that are Cultural Property of Japan and National Treasures.
Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Tait?, Tokyo
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am to 5pm. Fridays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 9pm. Sundays from 9.30am to 5pm.
Cost: Adults 620 (520) yen
How to get there: JR Line Ueno Station + about 10 minutes on foot.
Website: http://www.tnm.jp/
8 - Ueno Zoo
Just as the museum inside the park is the oldest in Japan, Ueno Zoo is also the oldest in the country, having been founded in 1882. It currently houses 3,000 animals of 400 different species.
Address: Ueno Zoo, 9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm.
Cost: 600 yen
How to get there: Ueno Station
9. Edo-Tokyo Museum
This museum is very interesting for those who want to learn about the history of Japan from the Edo period, which runs from 1603 to 1869, right up to the present day. The way of life, politics, economy and architecture of the times are presented in drawings and models of the city that are on permanent display in the museum. There are also temporary exhibitions, always related to the city.
Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday and Sundays from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Saturdays from 9.30am to 7.30pm.
Cost: 600 yen for adults
How to get there: Ryogoku Station
Website: http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en
10. Shibuya intersection
Going to the Shibuya intersection is one of the things that has to be on your list of things to do in Tokyo. That's because it's the busiest intersection in the world and you've probably seen this scene in a video. When the 8 green lights open for pedestrians, the intersection of 5 streets, which are still next to underground stations, becomes so crowded that it's almost impossible to see the ground.
However, there is another attraction besides the crowded intersection. It's the statue of the Akita dog made famous in a film with actor Richard Gere, "Always by your side". Based on true events, the story of the dog called Hachiko touched and still touches many people, so much so that there is a statue in honour of the little animal right in front of Shibuya train station.
He was known for going to the station exit every day to wait for his owner to come home from work, but his owner had already died and Hachiko continued to go to the station for nine years to wait for him, until finally it was time for him to go too. Getting a photo with his statue is almost mission impossible, given the number of people who want to do the same, lol.
How to get there: Shibuya Statio
Things to do in Tokyo: viewpoints
11. Tokyo Skytree
The tower's name literally means "sky tree", so you can imagine that it's an attraction with a very pleasant view.
The tower is actually for broadcasting television channels in Tokyo and is 634 metres high, making it the tallest structure in Japan. You can access two observation decks, one at a height of 350 metres and the other 100 metres above.
Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 10pm
Cost: There are different types of tickets depending on what you want to see, ranging from ¥1,030 to ¥4,000 for adults.
How to get there: Between Tokyo Skytree and Oshiage stations
Website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
12. Tokyo Tower
If Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo has the Tokyo Tower. In fact, the Japanese version is taller than the French one and is considered to be the largest steel tower in the world. It is 333 metres high and represents Japan's rise as a world power in the post-war period.
Like the Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Tower offers access to two observation decks, one 150 metres above the ground and the other 250. You can go up by lift or stairs (but be prepared to face 600 steps!). And the tour doesn't end there, because at the base of the tower there are several shops, restaurants, cafés and even an amusement park!
Address: 4-2-8 Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku
Opening hours: Main observatory (150 m) - 9am to 11pm. Special observatory (250 m) - 9am to 10.15pm
Cost: 900 ¥ for the main observatory or 2800 ¥ for both observatories
How to get there: Onarimon, Akabanebashi or Kamiyacho stations
Website: http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en.html
13. Metropolitan Government Building
This is a government building that can be a great option for those who don't want to spend the money on tickets to Tokio Tower and Tokyo Skytree, after all, the view is free at this attraction. This was the first place we visited when we were in the city.
The observation decks were once on the list of Tokyo's most popular attractions and, although they have lost their place, they are still worth a visit, especially if you want to save money!
The building itself is 243 metres high and there are cafés and souvenir shops on the decks. Although it's free to enter, there's just one detail: because it's a government building, you have to go through security measures at the entrance, such as checking luggage.
Address: 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Opening hours: North Observatory from 9.30am to 11pm. South Observatory from 9.30am to 5.30pm
How to get there: Tocho-mae Station
Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/english/offices/observat.html
Disney Parks in Japan
Although it's not exactly in Tokyo, the Disney complex is next door, in the town of Urayasu, which is easily accessible by public transport from the Japanese capital.
14. Tokyo DisneySea
Located within the Disney Resort, Tokyo DisneySea is a park whose theme is maritime legends, unique to Japan. Instead of Cinderella's castle, it's the Little Mermaid's. ????
The park is divided into seven regions: Mediterranean Harbour, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Discovery Harbour and American Fort. What sets this park apart is that it has many attractions for adults and great food.
15. Tokyo Disneyland
This is another park within Disney's Japanese complex, in Urayasu, but more like Orlando's Magic Kingdom (basically a copy), in other words, based on the world-famous cartoons. It was the first Disney park outside the USA and also has seven themed areas.
For those who have already been to Disney Orlando and only have one day to visit Disney Japan, I advise you to visit the first park, DisneySea, as it only exists there and is very beautiful. But be prepared for the queues: huge!
Address: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture
Hours ofoperation: Daily from 8am to 10pm generally, but times may vary, so check the official website before you go.
Cost: 7400 yen for adults
How to get there: Maihama Station