Tokyo, Japan does not know what the word “boredom” means. The challenge for any visitor is finding the time to settle down and simply drink in the pure awesome emanating from every corner of this dynamic landscape. Tokyo is not merely anime culture, ramen noodles and J-pop bands. There is something for everyone here to immerse themselves in. Visiting the main attractions and some lesser known treasures will give you a complete look into Japan and ensure you will want to revisit again and again.
The instant you disembark from the plane and make your way through the airport, you are greeted with sightseeing boards and possibilities. Granted, the two airports are much like attractions themselves—with the souvenir stores and eateries. Bypass them for last minute, pre-departure souvenirs. Instead, head for the trains, subways and other transportation counters. There’s some valuable tickets you can get your hands on (or redeem if you choose to order them online):
Tokyo Furii Kippu—also known as the JR East Rail Pass—is just one of many ways to get unlimited rides on Tokyo public transportation for a flat rate. This is a great way to save money when you know you’ll be utilizing the extensive train system that Tokyo’s been graced with.
Should you prefer using the Tokyo Metro Lines (Fukutoshin, Marunochi, Ginza to name a few), then another recommended ticket is the Tokyo Subway Ticket that has three versions: 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour. These tickets are an underestimated but crucial component in getting the most out of your stay in Tokyo.
Museum lover? Then you need the Grutt Pass. Buy it for 2000 yen and get one-time free or discounted admission to 79 attractions and museums in Tokyo. Some of those places are as follows:
- Ueno Zoological Gardens
- Ueno Park National Science Museum
- Ueno Imperial Palace and Gardens
- The Yebisu Beer Museum (Free Beer!)
- Meguro Museum of Art
- Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
- Odaiba’s Miraikan
- Edogawa’s Tokyo Sea Life Park
- Roppongi’s Mori Art Museum
- Mitaka-shi’s Inokashira Koen Zoo
Because most of these attractions are on most people’s must-see list for Tokyo, it’s quite obvious how awesome the Grutt Pass is. Nearly every other museum mentioned hereafter is covered by the voucher book.
Sakura at Chiyoda-ku photo by Yoshikazu TAKADA
So you want to do more than come to Tokyo for the museums, obviously. There are indeed some “tourist attractions” that even the Japanese rush to visit. Here’s the best of the best, listed by the ward (ku) where they are found.
Shibuya-ku
- Everyone who comes to Japan eventually winds up at Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park. In the middle of the energetic Harajuku and Yoyogi Stadium area, these two places bring in a flood of people throughout the year. Meiji Jingu is a tremendously important location for Matsuri (festivals), Shinto prayer and sightseeing. Meanwhile, Yoyogi Koen is the ultimate spot to picnic and see an international crowd of buskers and Japanese culture unfold.
- Hachiko Statue and Shibuya Crossing – The area has a unique gravity. Fashionistas run for Shibuya 109, travellers seek pictures of the famous intersection that overflows with bodies, and college students scramble to get inside the Tsutaya shop nearby. Then there’s the Hachiko Square where tour guides and groups of people linger. A great photo spot. This is also where you might see Mario Kart racers and ride the go-karts yourself!
- Takeshita-dori – A narrow road crammed with bodies, alternative clothing stores, cotton candy, socks and purikura photo booths. Scour the back alleys for hidden ninja shrine.
- Omotesando Hills – If the second-hand stores around Ura-hara and Takeshita-dori aren’t your style, consider heading to the extravagant Omotesando Hills instead. The best names in fashion have stores here.
- Kiddyland and Oriental Bazaar on Omotesando-dori, Shibuya are not necessarily hidden gems, but they are bountiful resources of souvenirs. Kiddyland will cater to those who want items from globally recognized cartoons and movies. Oriental Bazaar has western sized traditional Japanese clothing, dinnerware, art and other trinkets.
Shinjuku-ku
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Park – Entrance into the park isn’t usually free, but the 200 yen fee is worth it. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the ultimate Japanese gardens in Tokyo. No matter the season, the flora is breath-taking.
- Taisoji Temple is close to Shinjuku Gyoen but not well-known by tourists. To the locals, however, it is the place you go for the Obon Matsuri. You can also find a ridiculous amount of stray cats hanging out.
- Tokyo Toy Museum – Within walking distance of Shinjuku Gyoen, you can check out traditional Japanese toys and how entertainment has changed in Japan throughout the years.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – Free admission to a wonderful view? Please! There’s a café on the observation deck floor, so you can eat your cake and check out the night-time views of Shinjuku and nearby districts.
- Kabukicho – The red light district of Shinjuku. The bars, host and hostess clubs and blinding lights are a great introduction to Japan’s nightlife. However, don’t stray from the main roads—and don’t listen to the barkers.
- The Samurai Museum in Kabukicho, Shinjuku is the ultimate experience for people who have always dreamt of not only learning more about bushido and seeing samurai weapons up close but to also don that armor and wield a sword. The international staff is friendly, knowledgeable and, frankly, awesome.
Nakamise-dori in Asakusa
Taito-ku
- Tokyo Skytree – The tallest broadcasting tower in the world also has plenty of attractions and shopping around the base. Take in the fountains than ride the elevator for over 350 floors to see views that are indescribable.
- Nakamise-dori, Kaminarimon and Senso-ji Temple – Probably one of the most visited areas in Japan. The walk down Nakamise-dori begins at the Thunder Gate, a massive entrance to the holy grounds of Senso-ji. Taste taiyaki, a bean-filled pastry, pick up souvenirs for decent prices, check out Engei Hall for matinee shows then breath in incense and get your fortune at the temple. The night illumination around Senso-ji is touted as some of the best in the region.
- Kappabashi-dori is also in Asakusa, perpendicular to Senso-ji’s grounds and leads into Ueno. If you want to buy a takoyaki pan, this is where you go.
- Ueno Park and surrounding attractions – There is no reason not to go to Ueno. The grounds are absolutely beautiful throughout the year. You also never know what kind of events are going on. A number of museums, hidden ponds and quiet places can be discovered.
- Ameyoko-dori is like Nakamise-dori: cramped, crowded and teeming with affordable goods to bring home. Just below Ueno Park.
- Yushima-tenmangu Shrine is to the southwest of Ueno Park. The shrine has an understated beauty. Head here for a moment of Zen.
Just another day in Akihabara
Chiyoda-ku
- Akihabara Yodobashi Camera – This is everything great about Chuo’s Electric Town packed into a humongous store with everything from electronics, toys, books, food, clothing and a sporting complex. Surrounding the department store are food stalls straight from Osaka.
- Kanda Myojin Shrine, Akihabara – Where nerds go to pray for stronger firewalls and no data leaks. No joke.
- The Imperial Palace (and everything around it), including Yasukuni Shrine, is a great location for see Japanese history, gardens, and religious rites. Though you can’t access the palace grounds, the sights are fantastic. Plenty of treasures to find!
Sumida-ku
- Edo-Tokyo Museum is right next to Kokugikan, the sumo wrestling stadium, in Ryogoku. Those who want to learn more about the Edo period of Japan will love this place. The artifacts are stunning. There’s even a life-sized kabuki stage and ukiyo-e paint stalls.
- Kyuyasuda Gardens and Yokomicho Koen are five minutes from the Edo-Tokyo Museum. The peace you find here will be a nice reprieve. Don’t forget to check out the museum dedicated to the victims of the earthquake that hit Tokyo in 1923.
Toshima-ku
- Sunshine City & Sky Restaurants – You might have doubts about this department building actually being “city” material, but it is. Aside from clothing shopping, there’s an aquarium, planetarium, hotel, restaurants everywhere, observation deck, amusement parks (Namja Town) and a Pokémon Center.
- Animate (Ikebukuro or Akihabara) – Anime fanatics will love the prime locations of this store. Animate is where you can purchase manga, video and other anime and manga-focused products. Ikebukuro currently has two locations: the headquarters and the older building, which has been remodelled into a cosplayer’s realm and café.
Another beautiful day at Tokyo Tower phot by Joe deSousa
Various Locations
- Tokyo Tower – Everyone needs a photograph of Tokyo Tower. The observation deck is 900 yen, but you can enjoy the area without going to the top. There is live entertainment all around this monument, as well as the nearby temple, Zojoji, where you can dine with monks.
- You can’t go wrong with Odaiba, an island of pure entertainment: Aqua City, Mediage Cinema, a Takoyaki museum, DECKS, SEGA Joypolis, a life-sized Gundam that moves, Palette Town, Leisureland and Venus Fort, Toyoto Mega Web, the Miraikan and a Maritime Museum.
- Meguro Parasitological Museum – The only parasite museum in the world. Need I say more?
- Nakano Broadway is moments away from Nakano Station, quite the distance from Akihabara. But consider this place the lesser known yet infinitely entertaining sibling. Nakano Broadway is full of Tokyo subculture without the throngs of people in other, more touristy locales.
The Odaiba Gundam
Lastly, here’s some recommended and memorable places to grab a unique meal while you’re in Tokyo:
- The Lock Up Izakaya (Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno) – Like horror? How does dining and drinking with blood-thirsty monsters sound?
- Ninja Asakusa – Another themed izakaya that is child-friendly. Watch ninjas fight, take pictures and make memories.
- Hoppy Street, Asakusa – Inspired the night time town in Spirited Away.
- Daimasu Sake Bar – Also in Asakusa, hidden in the alleys around Nakamise-dori. The food and drinks are out of this world.
- The Hackers Bar, Roppongi – Order a Blue Screen of Death and partake in Javascript night. You can pay with Bitcoin.
- The Iron Fairies, Ginza – A steampunk paradise. The interior is unfathomably complex, and the drinks don’t disappear either.
The best of Tokyo is not limited to these listed attractions, but they are the best way to start. As the Japanese say, “One meeting, one chance.” Anyone who has been in the land for a while will tell you that the best places are those you find along with way. Venture the streets, taste the local cuisine, and let your senses guide your through this miraculous metropolis in the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Asakusa photo by OiMax