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Top attractions in Tokyo

See all tours & things to do in Tokyo

Top 10 things to do in Tokyo

The Japanese capital is both bold and humble, chaotic yet ordered, with people-watching as much an attraction as the sightseeing. You'll also discover great food, eccentric shopping, and a unique nightlife, but here's a mixed bag of essentials to squeeze in!

  • 1. Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo's answer to the Eiffel Tower provides visitors with more than just an observation deck. It's also home to the Guinness World Records Museum, an aquarium, and a wax museum!

  • 2. Harajuku

    Most famous for being the heart of Tokyo's youth culture, the district is great for unique boutiques and restaurants. It's even better for sipping Macha and watching people go by!

  • 3. Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo's most visited temple remains a site of spiritual worship as well as a hotspot for tourism. The elegant structure makes a key addition to any sightseeing tour.

  • 4. Meiji Shrine

    If you find Senso-ji a little too busy, then check out the sublimely austere Meiji-jingu, dedicated to the 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West.

  • 5. Tokyo Skytree

    On a clear day you can see as far as Mount Fuji, but it's at night when the views from Japan's tallest structure are most mind-blowing! It's open daily from 8:00AM till 10:00PM.

  • 6. Tokyo Imperial Palace

    Built on the site of the old Edo Castle, the resplendent palace gardens are made for slow history tours. They're free, but you must apply online in advance.

  • 7. Tokyo National Museum

    With the world's largest collection of Japanese arts and artifacts – from ancient pottery to majestic sculptures and samurai swords – you really can't miss the National Museum!

  • 8. Shibuya Crossing

    What to see for free in Tokyo? The world's busiest pedestrian crossing descends into organized chaos every 2 minutes. It's more impressive when it's crowded, so go at rush hour!

  • 9. Cat Café

    Cat cafés are a surprisingly common sight, but which to choose? Try the fairytale decor of Temari no Ouchi in Musashino or find unusual breeds at Chiyoda's Neko JaLaLa.

  • 10. Tsukiji Fish Market

    Up early? The world's largest and liveliest fish market is open daily from 5:00AM for the tuna auction, with several stalls selling the freshest sushi for breakfast!

Planning Your Visit

  • Best time to visit?

    Summer sees visitors flock to the already crowded city, but the best time to go is between September and November. Temperatures remain moderate to warm and the end of peak season means less crowds and shorter lines. Many of Tokyo's sights are completely transformed by the autumn foliage and spring is, naturally, another great time to visit for the parks, trees, and floral displays!

  • How many days?

    First time visitors should book at least 4 or 5 days to see Tokyo. However, a few extra days also allows time to check out other major cities like Kyoto or Osaka. Not that you'd be stuck for attractions in the capital!

  • How to get around?

    Taxis are incredibly expensive and always run the risk of hitting stubborn traffic jams. The best way to get around Tokyo is via its extensive subway network. Be warned though, information in English is hard to come by, so prepare for you journey in advance and don't be afraid to ask station staff or commuters for help!

Good to know

  • Language
    Japanese
  • Currency
    JPY (¥)
  • Time Zone
    UTC (+09:00)
  • Country Code
    81
  • Best time to visit
    A visit in the fall offers mild temperatures, shorter lines, and beautiful foliage!

Top Attractions in Tokyo

Things to Do in Tokyo

Cities in Japan

Other Sightseeing Options in Tokyo

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What people are saying about Tokyo

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 8,040 reviews

I met my guide at the designated meeting place near the station. She was early so we had extra time to get acquainted. I was the only on the tour so Kazumi was very flexible to my interests. She was informative, engaging, and warm - all along expressing her genuine love for the city and showing non-locals the insiders’ way around the market. She was prepared with literature, graphics and pictures. We had fantastic treats - exceptional quality of ingredients. I recommend this tour with Kazumi. One small recommendation: I would suggest shifting the tour time slightly to bridge the lunch time opening of some establishments in order to timely spread the tastings before, during, and after the lunch period.

Tsukiji Outer Market: 3-Hour Food & Drink Walking Tour Reviewed by Anonymous, 12/26/2020

Our guide Rio was charming, informative and had a lovely sense of humor. The museum exhibits were fascinating and the Samurai “fight” was entertaining. The visit was topped off with the opportunity to dress in Samurai outfits and ladies traditional outfits to take some pictures. I would highly recommend a visit to the Shinjuku Samurai Museum!

Tokyo: Shinjuku Samurai Museum Ticket Reviewed by Nicholas, 3/8/2020

Wonderful tour, breathtaking views. I’d recommend skipping the lunch (if you care about authentic Japanese food) and eating where the spring water is. Overall, it was fantastic. I’d want to take out the virtual plane ride over Mt Fuji, just because it’s the end of the tour and does not seem necessary. Otherwise, I loved it!

Mount Fuji Full-Day Scenic Bus Tour from Tokyo Reviewed by Daria, 2/28/2020

My guide was a young student who spoke perfect English, knew the area and was a lot of fun! We were able to experience a couple of firsts for both of us together and the food, while not hard to find out of the way stuff, was still excellent!

Tokyo: Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku Reviewed by Nathan, 2/26/2020

Pocket wifi was waiting for us when we arrived at hotel. Extremely easy to get set up, and has been an absolute blessing having unlimited internet access on the move. Highly recommended!!

Japan: Unlimited Pocket Wi-Fi Router Rental, Hotel Delivery Reviewed by Anonymous, 3/20/2020

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