When planning for a trip to Tokyo, you will need to book your accommodations and list things you want to do in the city. In this post, I will suggest some of the must-see attractions in Tokyo that you can put in your list.
Here are my recommendations of the 20 best things to do and see in Tokyo for first-time visitors:
1. Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon, is one of the oldest temples in Japan and one of the must-see attractions in Tokyo. This temple is located in Asakusa district and is easily reachable within 5 mins walk from Asakua station on Ginza line.
Sensoji is a huge complex that encompasses the main temple, two main gates (Kaminarimon and Hozomon), a 5-story pagoda, and Nakamise-dōri pedestrianized shopping street where you can shop for Japanese souvenirs.
The main hall of Sensoji Temple is usually open from 6am to 5pm, while its ground is open 24/7. You can visit the temple for free.
2. Skytree
Skytree, located in eastern Tokyo, just a short distance from Sensoji Temple is one of the best things to do in Tokyo. It is the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world where you can find an observation deck with sweeping views of the city. It also hosts a shopping complex and an aquarium.
Skytree is usually open from 10am to 10pm daily, and you can buy tickets at their counter on the 4th floor or book advance online on its website. It is easily accessible by taking a train to Oshiage Station or Tokyo Skytree Station.
3. Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a huge public park located in the Ueno district of Tokyo, close to Asakusa. The park is home to various museums, shrines, temples, and a zoo. This park is easily accessible as it is located right next to Ueno Station, a major transport hub of Tokyo.
Ueno Park is at its most beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring. It attracts lots of people to come to enjoy hanami, doing picnics while viewing the flowers.
You can explore many museums and cultural attractions like the National Museum of Nature & Science, Tokyo National Museum, Metropolitan Art Museum, University Art Museum, National Museum of Nature & Science Global Gallery, The Ueno Royal Museum, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and Gojoten Shrine.
The park is also home to a tranquil Shinobazu no Ike Pond where you can watch the bird, ride the paddle boat, or take photos with the lotus flower.
4. Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. It is one of my favorite places to visit in Shibuya district of Tokyo. The shrine is easily accessible from Harajuku Station on JR Yamanote Line. It is free to enter, and open from sunrise to sunset.
Here you can visit Meiji Jingu Museum, The Inner Garden. It is really great when walking from the busy streets into a dense forest. It is a great place to sightsee and relax, but I recommend being respectful when you visit as many people may be actively praying around you.
5. Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a popular tranquil park between Shibuya and Shinjuku. It is located right next to Meiji Shrine and is only 5 mins walk from Harajuku Station. The park has wide open grassy spaces surrounded by cherry trees. It is a great place for a picnic, especially during April’s cherry blossom season.
You can take a leisure park around the pond. There are also plenty of benches if you want to sit down and relax. It is also clean, and most trees are well maintained.
6. Harajuku’s Takeshita Street and Omotesando
Takeshita Street is a popular and busy shopping street that extends from Harajuku Station. It is home to many of Japan’s distinctive cultural shops, fashion, cafes and foods. Here You can find quirky fashion clothes and accessories.
In addition to shopping, you can find many sweet street foods here like strawberry tanhulu’s and Pompompurin desserts, not much cookies for the savory ones though.
You can head to the nearby Cat Street for more shopping experience. Omotesando street is where you can find many high-end boutiques and shops.
7. Nezu Museum
Omote-Sando Station is located in Aoyama district close to Omote-Sando Station on Hanzomon, Ginza, and Chiyoda train lines. It is a must see attraction in Tokyo for art lovers. The museum has a large collection of works of Japanese and East Asian art.
The museum has a beautiful peaceful Japanese garden and cafe. You can find a nice collection of old Japanese tea ceremonies in the museum. Great place to visit to dig a bit of Japanese culture.
8. Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is a famous tourist attraction in all of Japan. It is an absolutely must see when visiting Tokyo. It is bustling with people and activity with giant TV screens and billboards all over.
It is the world’s largest pedestrian crossing and appeared in famous movies like Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Tons of people from all directions, so you have to be careful not to collide with the others.
I think it is a fun place to visit during rush hour. You can go upstairs to see the crossing from above. Many videographers record a lot of people crossing at almost the same time.
9. Hachikō Statue
Hachikō Statue is a famous statue about a loyal dog located very close to Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Shibuya Station Exit No.8. It is a great place to take a photo with the dog.
The statue is also a popular meeting spot in Tokyo. You can watch the Hachiko Movie to know more about the dog stories, very touching!
10. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large part located just east of Shinjuku Station. It is a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle where you can find a full greenhouse and beautiful views of Tokyo.
The park is open from 9am and closes at 4, 6, 7 pm depending on the season. The fee to enter is 500 yen, a very reasonable price for what the garden has to offer.
The park is clean and well maintained, a great place to stroll around, have a picnic. It is more beautiful during the Sakura season and autumn foliage in November.
11. Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane,is a popular place to enjoy a nightlife in Shinjuku district of Tokyo. This area is packed with small bars and eateries in its tiny alleyways.
It is a great place to experience the old Japanese movie style vibe. You can find a lot of food here, it can be crowded and expensive, but overall a great place to take photos, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
12. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a popular skyscraper in the western part of Shinjuku district, right next to Shinjuku Chuo Park. It has an observation deck where you can visit for free and enjoy stunning views of the city and even view Mt Fuji on a clear day.
The building also has a gift shop where you can find some nice items and is not too expensive. I think this is a must-see for people who are visiting Tokyo for the first time. Not only is it free but also offers 360 degrees with big windows all around. Much better than Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree.
13. Golden Gai and Kabukicho
Kabukicho is a famous entertainment and redlight district in the eastern part of Shinjuku. This area is packed with small clubs, pubs, and bars, and the Robot Restaurant, on the lantern-lit Golden Gai’s alleys.
During the day, you can visit the Samurai Museum, Hanazono Shrine, and the Ninja Trick House. During night time, it is a great place to go bar hopping.
There will be many touts in this area, I recommend ignoring them. If you follow them, be prepared to get an oversized bill.
14. Akihabara
Akihabara is a manga and electronic town of Tokyo. It is a must visit for manga lovers, electronic and otaku goods. It is located in the eastern part of Tokyo, close to popular districts like Ueno and Asakusa.
If you love maid cafes, this is a place to go. You can find many cosplay-themed restaurants where waitresses dress like French maids. The maids will serve food and make conversation with the customers.
Akihabara is well-served by Akihabara Station. You can easily access it on the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Sobu, Tsukuba Express and Hibiya Line.
15. Tsukiji Outer Fish Market
Tsukiji Outer Fish Market is a popular market located near Ginza. It is a great place to get food for breakfast. You can find lots of seafood here which is quality and pretty good value.
Tsukiji Outer Fish Market is typically open from 5 am to 2 pm daily except Sunday, Wednesday, and national holidays. The market is close to Tsukiji Shijo Station and Tsukiji Station. The Shimbashi Station on the JR line is 20 mins walk away.
16. teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets, located on the man-made island Odaiba, is a unique art museum and a must-see attraction in Tokyo. It has lots of exhibitions, but I found out that the first one was the most fascinating.
It has two sections, Water and Garden. You can stroll barefoot through the installations for a sensory experience. Plan to spend a minimum of 1.5 hrs to 2 hrs exploring this museum.
I suggest wearing shorts or loose pants that you can roll up to your knees to avoid getting wet. Also book a ticket in advance at least a month before your visit as it books out very quickly.
teamLab Planets is located only 10 mins away from Ginza. It is close to the Toyosu station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line.
17. Tokyo River Cruise
Exploring Tokyo along the river on the cruise tour is a great thing to do in the capital of Japan. You can find boats connecting Odaiba and Asakusa, and enjoy beautiful views from the water of many iconic attractions like Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge.
From Asakusa Pier, the cruise boat will take you to Hamarikyu, Hinode Pier, Toyosu, and Odaiba. The Pier is easily accessible from major train stations in Asakusa. You can buy a ticket from the ticket machine.
18. Go-karting
If you have a correct driver’s license, you can take the Go-karting tour, which is one of the must things to do in Tokyo for those who love driving.
You can wear a popular cosplay costume and drive on the streets of Tokyo in the actual traffic. The tour guides will help you to take lots of photos.
19. Ghibli Museum
Ghibli Museum is a must-see in Tokyo for Studio Ghibli’s fans. You can explore several zones, including the exhibition room and an outdoor zone where you can take a photo with your favorite character.
Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, outside of central Tokyo. It is 20 mins walk from Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line. You can buy tickets easily online through websites like Klook.
20. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are must-see attractions for families visiting Tokyo, especially for Disney’s fans. They are located on Tokyo Bay and are fun places for couples and families of all ages.
Tokyo Disneyland is easily accessible from JR Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland Station. It is really open from 8am to 10 pm. You can book tickets online through Klook.
Tokyo DisneySea is a well-known theme park in Tokyo Disney Resort. It is easily reachable by taking ake the Disney Resort Monorail from Maihama Station to Tokyo DisneySea Station.
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There you have it, my recommendation of the best things to do in Tokyo for your first visit. You have so many things to explore from temples, shrines, museums, parks, shopping, nightlife, and food. Do I miss anything? Feel free to comment down below, I’d like to hear your thoughts!