Location: Tokyo
Top Things to do in Tokyo
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10 Things to do 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. Edo-Tokyo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,176 reviews
The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum opened its doors in March 1993 as a space to reflect on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo and envision the city and life of the future. Housed in a unique building modeled after an elevated-floor type warehouse, the museum has been a landmark and popular tourist attraction in Tokyo since its opening. The permanent exhibition, showcasing original objects and replicas, offers visitors a journey through the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo since Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum holds special exhibitions at the first floor gallery five to six times a year and carries out various other events, including lectures and workshops on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo. ※As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Edo Tokyo Museum will suspend or cancel museum-organized exhibitions and other events from April 25 (Sun) to May 31 (Tue).
Reviewed By stephanied623 - Milwaukee, United States
When we went, we chose a Saturday to see the live re-enactment of Edo-period music and dance. (Found those details on Peatix) and we were not disappointed! So beautiful! The museum itself was also very impressive. Loved the Bridge and Home Replicas, a few interactive exhibits to touch and try, and the audio guide fits on one ear and starts talking about the exhibit you are near by tapping it to the sign or walking near. Very wonderful sights and experiences here. Beautiful views and explanations and simply an amazing museum all around!
2. Ueno Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,244 reviews
This large park is a favorite destination of Tokyo residents, and within can be found many of the city's main attractions including the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo and the National Museum of Western Art.
Reviewed By Jry550 - Honolulu, United States
My wife and I visited Ueno park on a beautiful sunlit and cool weekend afternoon along with thousands of locals picnicking and enjoying the cherry blossoms in full bloom. They all removed their shoes before walking onto the plastic tarps laid on the ground and the women left their handbags on the edges of the tarps trusting that nothing would happen. Amazing to someone who’s been a victim of theft while on trips in Europe. The Japanese believe that courtesy and respect for others is paramount and it’s a tribute to their culture that the worlds largest city with over 38 million residents can exist so harmoniously. It’s always a treat to visit this wonderful country. This park is home to several museums and a zoo, so plan at least a half day to experience it.
3. Senso-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,321 reviews
According to legend, two brothers kept trying to return a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, to the Sumida River only to have it returned to them the next day. This temple located in Tokyo's Asakusa district was built to honor her.
Reviewed By SandyS1593
There's so much going on at the Senso-ji Temple. There's the Asakusa Shrine, a five-story pagoda, beautiful gardens with a statue of Buddha and a street of over 200 shops that sell traditional Japanese items and souvenirs. If you only have time for one temple stop, I highly recommend Senso-ji.
4. Ginza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,737 reviews
This large neighborhood is home to many stores and restaurants and is a favorite destination for the youth of Tokyo.
Reviewed By YairBarZohar - Qiryat Ata, Israel
This district, considered one of the most exclusive shopping areas in the world, has the largest concentration of Western brands in Japan, including Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and many others. You will also find huge stores of leading electronics companies, including Apple and Sony. Every Sunday and Saturday, from 12:00 to 17:00, the main street that passes through the Ginza district becomes a "pedestrian paradise" and is closed to vehicular traffic, so it's the best time to get there.
5. Tokyo National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,192 reviews
This famous museum houses the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. With over 100,000 pieces and room to display only 4,000, exhibits are rotated constantly
Reviewed By E9706FNpaulo - County Monaghan, Ireland
Located at the top of Ueno Park this is a very large museum and is worth a visit to get a real appreciation of Japanese history and culture. My time was limited so only got to see a portion of worth I wanted to see but would definitely return if back in Tokyo.
6. Asakusa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,105 reviews
This popular Tokyo neighborhood is home to many shops and restaurants as well as the famed Senso-ji Temple.
Reviewed By 228irenak
Great area- both the vast temple and shrine complex and the surrounding area, with super cute traditional streets. Nice place to hang out and walk around the little shops.
7. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,151 reviews
Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed on the site of a private mansion belonging to Lord Naito, a "daimyo" (feudal lord) of the Edo era. Completed in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was re-designated as a national garden after the Second World War and opened to the public. With 58.3 ha(144 acres) in size and a circumference of 3.5 km, it blends three distinct styles, Formal Garden, Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden, and is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era.
Reviewed By Cholo_Juan - Nathalia, Australia
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is perhaps the most beautiful garden in Tokyo, nestled in the heart of Shinjuku/Shibuya within walking distance of Shinjuku Station, this garden to me exemplifies a large Japanese garden, once the private garden of the Naitō family in the Edo period it is now under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit gardens in Japan, the combination of beautiful coloured foliage and stunning landscaping and vistas combine to give garden lovers an experience not to be missed, the garden is built around three lakes with plenty of paths to lead you on to one wonderful view after another, then a tea house or pavilion and then past sculpted beds of shrubs, across bridges and when finaly you need to rest you can sit at one of the cafes and enjoy a snack whilst contemplating the beauty of Japan.
8. Meiji Jingu Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,198 reviews
Two, large gates frame the entrance to this Shinto shrine that was dedicated to Emperor and Empress Meiji. Completed in 1920, repairs were required after the shrine was damaged during World War II.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
My favourite place in Tojyo, simple as that. When combined with its gardens this wonderful, beguiling shrine will keep you captivated for hours as it did me. The main shrine is stunning with is huge torii and beautiful colours I loved the row of burgundy wine barrels and sake barrels opposite, gifts for the consecration of the shrine.. There is a beautiful prayer wall too on the right as you look at the main shrine. They ive you a nice little guide going in and you starmp it yourself with a lovely old ink stamper. The pair of sacred Camphor trees in the forecourt are gorgeous. One was planted in memory of the Emperor who died in 1912, the other for the Empress who passed in 1920. They are two trees tended to look like one, a beautiful sentiment. Now, one main bit of advice. Don't limit yourself just to the main shrine. Wander around the grounds as there are some simply gorgeous smaller ones dotted about. Anyway, a wonderful, spiritual place, very moving and captivating. An absolute must do.
9. Samurai Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,906 reviews
Feel the real Samurai spirit.Samurai Museum is located in the KABUKICHO district of Shinjuku, which is one of the urban areas in Tokyo. It displays various kinds of authentic artifacts such as Samurai armor, helmets and weapons. The mission for the museum is to share true Samurai spirits with you so that you can have a better understanding of Samurai , including how they fought, who they were, what they believed. The museum offers an English guided tour that runs frequently for you to learn rich Samurai history at a deeper level. Many interesting facts about Samurai are covered in this tour.In addition, it has a photo booth where you are allowed to take pictures wearing Samurai outfits or Kimono. Also, the museum offers a special sword show at 2,3,4 and 5 pm everyday for you to watch two trained actors doing a sword fighting performance. The Museum shop is also worth visiting to buy cool gifts such as Katana.
Reviewed By jason3216
The museum has a private collection of some of the best samurai armor, swords and other accessories I have seen. There are guided tours in English that run about every hour (About 1hr duration). Tickets are reasonably priced and includes an informative guided tour, a chance to try on a samurai helmet with a sword as well as other garments such as kimonos. There is also a samurai sword-wielding demonstration that runs at set intervals during the day (You can return during the day to see the demonstration). Easy walking distance from Shinjuku station. A must see.
10. Yomiuri Land
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By Spabkers - Rockhampton, Australia
Starting with the cable-car ride, we spent many hours here enjoying the rides and taking endless Instagram photos once the LED lights lit up the entire park. It was a relatively cheap activity for a family. The unexpected show near the ice-skating ring was a great way to end the night.
