Top tourist attractions in Tokyo: the best sightseeing spots

Tokyo tourist attractions

Explore Tokyo’s historical sites, romantic places and some of the other unique places that make this city so special.
Check out our Tokyo tourism guide, complete to find our recommendations for famous places and must-visit locations.
From historical sites to the Tokyo of the future, there is lots to see and do.

Get to know the history of Edo and more at Tokyo historical sites

Amid the glittering high rises and bustling modern streets, Tokyo’s long, rich history lives on.

Sensoji Temple

Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple is a tremendously popular destination for visitors. Beyond the iconic Kaminarimon Gate is Nakamise Dori souvenir-shopping street, which leads to a complex of fascinating religious structures.

© Sensoji Temple

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu (Shinto Shrine) is set in a soothing forest only a few minutes’ walk from JR Harajuku Station. The shrine was built to commemorate the virtues of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. In 2020 the shrine marks its 100th anniversary.

Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens is a great place to relax and to reflect on the history of Tokyo when it was still called Edo. Different feudal lords used the space for various purposes, ranging from recitals and rice cultivation to military training and falconry.

Courtesy of TOKYO METROPOLITAN PARK ASSOCIATION

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Spend a day away from the bustling city streets exploring a museum of relocated historical buildings. Set in a beautiful park in Tokyo’s western suburbs.

Olympic sites

For history in the making, check out the Olympic sites for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the New National Stadium, the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Nippon Budokan, and Ryogoku Kokugikan.

©JAPAN SPORT COUNCIL

Take your date to these romantic places in Tokyo for an unforgettable experience

Met someone new? Taking a couple’s vacation? Or perhaps even enjoying your honeymoon? You won’t want to miss these romantic places in Tokyo.

TOKYO SKYTREE

On a clear day, the world’s tallest tower offers views for miles and miles in every direction. Not for the faint of heart, but great for thrill-seekers.

©TOKYO-SKYTREETOWN

Tokyo Tower

The Beautiful Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and remains a very popular lookout point. Just a short distance from such well-known districts as Roppongi and Toranomon.

© TOKYO TOWER

Sumida River

A smooth cruise along the Sumida River is relaxing, romantic, and full of photo opportunities, especially as many of the historic bridges spanning the river have recently been renovated. Enjoy the evening illuminations.

Ginza

Ginza continues to present Tokyo at its most elegant and luxurious. Come here for the ultimate in shopping and delicious gourmet cuisine.

Odaiba

Odaiba offers fascinatingly diverse attractions on a large expanse of reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. Recommended for lovers of all ages: an evening bayside stroll, admiring the illuminated Rainbow Bridge.

Discover the unknown: unique places and hidden spots in Tokyo

Looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path? You’ll want to check out one or more of these unique places.

Jiyugaoka

Jiyugaoka is a stylish district of lifestyle stores and appealing eateries. Get a sense of sophisticated everyday residential life in Tokyo.

Daikanyama

Fashion, cosmetics, cafes and striking architecture—all within a few minutes’ walk of the station. A very chic neighborhood just west of the JR Yamanote loop line.

Shinbashi

The beating heart of old-fashioned office Tokyo. Come here to find out how Japan’s corporate warriors relax after a hard day at work. Join the fun in a packed izakaya pub.

Kichijoji

For many visitors from outside Japan, Kichijoji is a largely undiscovered gem, just a 15-minute train ride west of Shinjuku. Enjoy the contrasting pleasures of Harmonica Alley’s traditional eateries and chic department-store shopping.

Anime attractions

Ikebukuro, Nakano and Akihabara are among the must-see locations for any fan of anime and manga. Big-name shops like Animate will have everything you need, but smaller shops also offer quirky souvenirs.

Best ways to get around: transportation for sightseeing

Tourist buses in Tokyo

You can enjoy lots of attractions using tourist buses such as Hato Bus, SKY BUS, and hop-on hop-off buses. As you enjoy the view from the roof of a double-decker bus, you can also listen to knowledgeable tour guides’ explanations.
Note: Some tours offer foreign language support via electronic audio devices.

Train passes especially for tourists

Various passes enable visitors to travel around Tokyo at discount rates. Use the city’s outstanding transit system like a pro.
Note that you may need to show your passport in order to access the following services.

IC Cards

These are prepaid and rechargeable. Anyone using Tokyo trains and buses appreciates the convenience of Suica and PASMO cards. As a visitor, you can use special versions of each card that are valid for just 28 days. These IC cards can also be used at some shops and cafes, and you can recharge your card near the station gates.

Train passes

Discount train passes for tourists make traveling around Tokyo more affordable.
Tokyo Free Kippu, Toei One-Day Pass and Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket are valid for one day. Each offers access to different transit services. The price of each is a guide to its scope of use.

Toei Bus One-Day Pass

You can really get a sense of Tokyo and its people if you thread your way through the streets on a bus.
But these are only a few of many options. For more information, see the Cheap Tickets and IC Cards page.

Other modes of transportation

Buses are another great way to get around Tokyo. For many, you can use an IC card.
Taxis are fast, but more expensive than trains or buses. In Japan, the passenger door is operated from the driver’s seat. Just wait, and it will open.
Recently popular are rentacycles, a great way to see the slow side of Tokyo.

Best places to stay near major attractions

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.
For a traditional Tokyo experience, try the Asakusa area, home to Sensoji Temple. For shopping and trends, Shinjuku is a great base. Planning to travel by Shinkansen? Tokyo, Shinagawa, or Ueno may be good bets. And for party animals looking to stay out late, dance the night away in Shibuya or Roppongi.