Location: Tokyo
Top Things to do in Tokyo
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10 Historic Sites in Tokyo That You Shouldn't Miss
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
Restaurants in Tokyo
1. Sengaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
Reviewed By Dylan914 - Sale, United Kingdom
This temple is a little our of the way and doesnt seem to be as visited as some of the other attractions we visited. We werent able to go in to the temple itself (not sure if we were just unlucky or if its one of the many that dont allow access). The site is very interesting and covers the history of the 47 ronin (yes - the Keanu Reeves film is based on this story!). The site is well preserved - worth a visit if you're in the area. We spent a couple of hours in the area - but a lot of that time was spent sitting!
2. Hozomon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By SteveS1970 - Coventry, United Kingdom
This is a fantastic looking gate on the way up to the Senso-ji temple. Huge lanterns adorn it and it is worth spending time looking at thethe guards which stand on either side protecting the temple.
3. Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Swarovski - Melbourne, Australia
It is amazing to see a FLW design in Tokyo and his design is so recognizable throughout this well preserved old building. It was originally started as a school for girls and now it is used for lectures and seminars. There are some early photos - a bit like a museum - but the day we visited there was a lecture on. Just a 5 or 10 minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station.
4. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,012 reviews
These beautiful gardens are located outside of the Imperial Palace. Access to the gardens is open to the public although the palace itself is off limits.
Reviewed By martynr164 - Phichit, Thailand
From subway station T08 we entered the garden through the Hirakawa gate & exited at the Ote-Mon gate towards Tokyo station. Good afternoon stroll away from the hustle & bustle of the city.
5. Toshogu Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 521 reviews
Listed as a National Treasure, this shrine was constructed in 651 and dedicated to shogun Tokugawa leyasu. A second Toshogu Shrine is located in Nikko and both were built by leyasu's grandson.
Reviewed By urbandrifter - Melbourne, Australia
Well worth a visit even though there wasn’t any flowers really out. It’s a quiet and peaceful place and found the whole area somewhere to just chill out and soak up Japan. A photographers dream. Wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. Kids will enjoy this place as well. Really enjoyed the surrounding temple, the copper lanterns and all the beautiful offerings.
6. Kyu Iwasakitei Teien
7. Two-tiered Bridge (Ni-ju Bashi)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
Stunning double bridges, one of intricate stone, one of lovely ironworks that mark the entrance to the Imperial Palace. It is possible to enter only on January 2nd and on the Emperors birthday, every other day a photo of the bridges from the other side of the inner moat is all you can do. But it's worth it, the views are gorgeous, as are the bridges themselves. Definitely the highlight of any visit to the Imperial Palace Park and grounds
8. Hie Jinjya
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 667 reviews
Reviewed By tlarraya - Community of Madrid, Spain
It was different to other temples and shrines (different colours), it´s beautiful and the torii gates path is also beautiful and great for pictures. Loved the monkey statues and it has an authentic sacred feeling to it.
9. Tokyo Central Railway Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,236 reviews
Reviewed By Hasnah1962 - Singapore, Singapore
We took the Shinkansen bullet train from Nagano and disembarked at this station. Opened in 1914, the station has been recently renovated to a beautiful grand colonial building in striking red brick. It is connected to many shopping malls via underground passages.
10. Yasukuni Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,617 reviews
A large, torii gate stands at the entrance to this shrine built in memory of those who lost their lives defending Japan. Many officials still come and offer prayer annually on August 15, the anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II.
Reviewed By stevehe159 - Perth, Australia
Large tree lined paths leading to huge gates and into the shrine. We saw many people honouoring their dead ancestors. Some of the inturred are convicted war criminals, executed by the victors. Also many martyrs (eg kamikaze) giving their life for their country/emperor. A good place to visit - included the war museum (with cafe), beautiful gardens, interesting external statues. Despite the controversy of who is interred here an interesting place to visit.
