Location: Tokyo
Top Things to do in Tokyo
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Tokyo, Kanto
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Odaiba District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,008 reviews
Another of Tokyo's entertainment districts, this man-made island in Tokyo Bay is home to restaurants, theme parks and interesting architecture.
Reviewed By unescotravelbug - Wooster, United States
I have been to Japan 8 times in the past but never made an effort to visit Odaiba till this trip since we were to depart from Haneda back to USA and stayed in Shinagawa for a night. It’s truly a fun place for all ages. Odaiba is a city of its own with amusement park, waterfront marine park where you will find a small replica of Statue of Liberty standing on the edge of the park with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay on the background. It’s the most visited site on the island. Kids love the fun activities; young adults love shopping for fashion ware, while some prefers visiting the science museums. Ferris wheel and Fuji TV headquarter’s sliver globe observatory are considered the iconic landmarks, along with Rainbow Bridge, all can be seen from the other side of Tokyo Bay by Hamamatsucho. At the waterfront by Aqua City you can include Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge and a tiny needle look of Tokyo Tower all three in one shot of picture, along with Tokyo’s skyscrapers in distance. There are varieties of international cuisines for your hungry appetite or snack shops for midday break. Marine Park is a great location to watch sunset. Night views from the waterfront are exceptional impressive when lighted Rainbow Bridge and small tourist boats shine the darkness of sky. Free shuttle provided by Tokyo Bay bus that loop around the popular sites from The Nation Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation to the waterfront marine park. It runs every 20 minutes till 7pm. There is Rainbow Bus company from Shinagawa Station to Odaiba, runs every so often hourly from East Exit(Konan Exit); turn right you will see a sign directing you to the bus waiting stop. It takes 17 minutes, 210 yens each ride, the last hour of bus return is 9:57 pm., if you miss it there are taxis available to get back to Shinagawa. You can also take a private rail Yurikamome Line from Shinbashi station. If you are making a stop-over there is a manned booth for luggage stored by the west exit( near the Keikyu Rail elevator access) inside of the JR station or just rent a locker.
5. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,558 reviews
The tallest building in Shinjuku, TMG No. 1 offers sweeping views of Tokyo -- all the way to Mt. Fuji on a clear day -- from the 45th floor observatory.
Reviewed By kc3302 - Riverwood, Australia
Fantastic views of the Tokyo City and suburbs. Free entry. There are two observation towers - one in each of the building's two towers. It is located above Tochomae Station (on the Toei Oedo line), or is a comfortable 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station (all other train lines including JR, Keio, Seibu, Odakyu and other subway lines).
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. Yoyogi Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,321 reviews
Reviewed By emma_give - Tokyo, Japan
You saw the title of the review – just go there during Sakura season. You will see a lot of Japanese drinking with their friends in the midst of day! of course not to forget the pink Sakura petal is an amazing background to your new instagram profile picture!
8. Chidorigafuchi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,201 reviews
Reviewed By olafoomes - Amstelveen, The Netherlands
On the moat alongside the north-western side of Kitanomaru park a lot of rowing activities take place especially during the Sakura season. But also on the bank there is a path which offers the most scenic Sakura spot you can probably see in Tokyo, with an about 700 meter long tunnel of cherry trees in the spring. In the evening it is fully lighted which provides for a rather special atmosphere. An absolute Sakura highlight.
9. 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.
10. Meguro River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Reviewed By kayelle100 - Sydney, Australia
We went to Nakameguro to see the illumination of the cherry blossom trees along Meguro River. About 800 cherry trees line a 2.2 kilometre stretch of the Meguro River, and 1 kilometre of this is illuminated, with the lights turned on around sunset (5pm) and switched off at 9pm each night. Red lanterns line both sides of the river, and vendors set up stalls along the narrow side streets selling the usual festival fare, as well as pink champagne / sparkling wine by the glass. The 10 or so bridges across the river provide the most spectacular views.
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