Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko
One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Visit after sunset to see the lights and crowds in full effect, then stop by the Hachiko statue near the station to hear the story of Tokyo’s most loyal dog.
Tokyo’s must-see sights — without feeling rushed
From Senso-ji Temple and Shibuya Crossing to Skytree and Odaiba, Tokyo offers countless attractions. This page highlights key spots and explains what to expect at each one, so you can pick the places that genuinely fit your trip.
Top sights for first-time visitors
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
Tokyo’s oldest temple, known for its red Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise shopping street and five-storey pagoda. Arrive early or later in the evening for a calmer visit and beautiful views of the lanterns lit at night.
Tokyo Skytree
A 634 m broadcasting tower with two observation decks and sweeping views over the city. Book tickets in advance during busy seasons and choose a clear day if you hope to see Mount Fuji.
Odaiba Waterfront
A modern entertainment district built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. Great for sunset walks, indoor shopping centres and photo spots overlooking Rainbow Bridge and the city skyline.
Landmarks & green spaces
Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
Meiji Jingu is a major Shinto shrine set in a forest next to Harajuku. The long walk beneath wooden torii gates and along gravel paths feels peaceful despite the crowds nearby. On weekends you may see wedding parties in traditional dress.
Right beside it, Yoyogi Park offers open lawns and tree-lined paths where people picnic, jog or practice music and dance. Together they make an easy half-day that balances culture and local life.
Ueno Park & museums
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s main cultural hubs, home to the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science and several art museums. The park also has ponds, cherry trees and plenty of space to walk.
If you enjoy museums, it’s easy to spend most of a day here: visit one or two galleries, stroll around Shinobazu Pond and finish at nearby Ameya-Yokocho market street for street food and small shops.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Just a few minutes from Shinjuku Station, this large garden combines Japanese, English and French landscaping styles. It’s a quiet escape from the busy station area and especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
There is a small entrance fee, but in return you get well-kept paths, lawns and rest areas plus unique views of skyscrapers rising behind the trees.
City districts worth exploring
Akihabara — electronics & anime
Akihabara is packed with electronics stores, gaming arcades and anime shops. Large chain stores sell new gadgets while side streets hide retro game shops, themed cafés and specialist hobby stores. Even if you’re not into anime, the neon signs and billboards make it a memorable walk.
Ginza — shopping & architecture
Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district with flagship stores, galleries and well-designed shopfronts. It’s a good place to browse modern architecture, window-shop or enjoy a quiet coffee above the streets.
On some weekends the main street becomes pedestrian-only, turning it into a wide open walkway lined with tables, chairs and street performers.
Shimokitazawa & Koenji — vintage & subcultures
For a more relaxed side of Tokyo, explore Shimokitazawa and Koenji. Both neighbourhoods are known for second-hand clothing, live music venues and independent cafés. Streets are narrow and walkable, and it’s easy to spend hours drifting between shops and small restaurants.
Easy day trips from Tokyo
Kamakura & Enoshima
Kamakura offers temples, shrines and the famous Great Buddha statue, all close to the coast. You can combine culture and sea air by hopping on the Enoden line to nearby beaches or the small island of Enoshima for ocean views.
Nikko
Further into the mountains, Nikko is known for richly decorated shrines surrounded by forest. It works best as a long day trip or an overnight stay and is especially impressive when the autumn leaves turn red and gold.