Tokyo is Japan’s ultramodern and busy capital — the most populous metropolitan area in the world. There’s a huge variety of things to do in Tokyo, so let me show you attractions around the different districts of the city and nearby prefectures.

1. Shibuya Crossing

Location: 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City. Save on Google Maps.

There’s no other spot that embodies the pulsating energy of Tokyo than Shibuya Crossing. It’s a must-visit in Tokyo, especially for first-time travelers. This scramble intersection is reputed to be the busiest in the world. Go after dark when the crowds reach their peak. Join the thousands crossing at a time, coming from all directions at once.

Pro tip: The Tokyo Metro Subway is an affordable and convenient way to get around the city. Save money and time by getting an unlimited Tokyo Subway Pass (book here now). No need to purchase tickets individually at each station. Just slide your ticket to the machine to enter the subway and have a smooth trip.

When in Tokyo, mobile internet is a must! Purchase a Japan SIM Card (book here) or rent a Pocket WIFI Hotspot (book here) Having access to your favorite travel apps will help you make the most out of your trip. For example, if you want to know how to get around by public transport, you can simply Google Maps directions feature. You’ll find accurate information on train routes, where to board/depart, scheduled time, and more.

To make your trip planning easy, I added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my Instagram feed. Feel free to use Instagram’s save feature for quick access later.

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2. Hachiko Memorial Statue

Location: Beside Shibuya Crossing. Save on Google Maps.

When in Shibuya, drop by the statue of Hachiko, the famous loyal dog of Tokyo. It’s a must-visit, especially if you know the heart-warming story. You can’t miss it since it’s right outside the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station.

Sky Hop-On Hop-off Bus Pass

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3. TeamLab Borderless

Location: Odaiba Palette Town 2F. Save on Google Maps.

Arguably the most Instagram-famous attraction in Tokyo, TeamLab Borderless digital art museum offers an immersive experience that’s sure to overwhelm the senses and spark your imagination. Part of the fun is discovering the different exhibits hidden behind the dark maze-like corridors. It’s easy to get lost and lost track of time. So, keep a list of the top exhibits before going. Don’t miss the “Crystal World”, “Forest of Resonating Lamps”, “Light Vortex II” and “Weightless Forest”.

TeamLab Borderless entrance ticket

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Where to Stay in Tokyo

Check room rates and discounts on Tokyo hotels, hotels & home rentals. Click below, set your minimum/maximum price, and sort by review ratings to find the best place within your budget. Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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4. Gundam Unicorn Statue & Odaiba

Location: Diver City mall, Odaiba, Aomi, Koto. Save on Google Maps.

A life-size 1:1 Gundam statue standing outside Diver City mall, in Tokyo’s Odaiba district. You can even see it transform between Unicorn mode and destroy mode every 2 hours at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Then at night, there’s a light show at 7am. It’s pretty cool to see.

5. Sensoji Temple, Asakusa

Location: Asakusa. Save on Google Maps.

Found in Asakusa district, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple with a history going back 1,400 years. Enter through the Hozomon Gate with its massive hanging lanterns and take a picture of the Five-storied Pagoda (Goju-no-to),

Asakusa, Tokyo Kimono Experience with Japanese Hairstyling

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6. Nakamise Shopping Street

Location: In front of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa. Save on Google Maps.

Tokyo’s biggest souvenir market found in front of Sensoji Temple. The shopping street stretches over 250 meters and it is lined on both sides with traditional souvenir shops.

7. Tokyo Skytree

Location: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City (near Asakusa). Save on Google Maps.

With a height of 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and the World’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. There are two observation decks (at heights of 350 and 450 meters) boasting 360-degree views out over Tokyo.

Tokyo Skytree entrance ticket

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8. Harajuku District & Takeshita Street

Location: 1 Chome-17 Jingumae, Shibuya. Save on Google Maps.

See the quirky side of Tokyo at Takeshita Street in Harajuku district. Here you’ll find shops and boutiques catered to Tokyo’s teenagers. Takeshita Street is also popular for its delicious crepes, giant cotton candies, and other colorful food experiences.

9. Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)

Location: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya. Save on Google Maps.

Take a break from Tokyo’s bustling city streets and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Meiji Jingu stands in the middle of a densely forested area not far from Harajuku Station. It’s one of the most important Shinto Shrines in the city and is particularly popular as a venue for traditional Shinto weddings. There’s a good chance you’ll see a wedding procession here.

10. Edo-Tokyo Museum & Ryogoku District

Location: Near Ryogoku Station. 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida. Save on Google Maps.

My favorite museum in Tokyo! Get a fascinating glimpse of Tokyo during the 400-year Edo period. The Edo-Tokyo Museum houses fantastic models and exhibits, showing life from Japan’s bygone era to the modern-day. The moment I entered the main hall, I was already in awe of the reconstruction of the wooden Nihombashi bridge and a kabuki theater. Smaller models of Edo-style Japanese houses and miniature models of entire villages were also quite impressive.

11. Tokyo National Museum

Location: Ueno, Taito. Save on Google Maps.

The Tokyo National Museum is an art museum in Ueno Park. It houses the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. The Honkan gallery is where you can find the main display of Japanese art from various centuries including kimonos and samurai swords.

Tokyo National Museum Entrance Ticket

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12. Ueno Park

Location: Ueno, Taito. Save on Google Maps.

I went on a stroll around Ueno Park on my way to the Tokyo National Museum. This spacious park is a very popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and hanami parties during the Spring season. There are lots of interesting places to visit in the surrounding area including the Toshogu Shrine, Five-Story Pagoda, Shinobazu Pond, Ameyoko Shopping District, and several other museums.

13. Ameya Yokocho Market (Ameyoko Shopping Street)

Location: Ueno, Taito. Save on Google Maps.

A busy market street that sits under the rail line between JR Ueno and Okachimachi stations. There are more than 400 stores selling seafood, clothing, dried food, sweets, and a wide range of other items. Ameya Yokocho Market is a great place to find a bargain or entry Tokyo’s sidestreet food.

14. Akihabara

Location: Taito City, Tokyo, Japan. Save on Google Maps.

Neon-lit Akihabara is a fascinating district filled with shops specializing in high-tech gadgets, manga, anime and video games. It’s known as Japan’s electric town. There are many interesting things to do here like experiencing themed cafes and go-karting. See a different side of Akihabara at Kanda Myojin Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo.

Street Go Karting Experience in Akihabara

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Maid Cafe Experience at Maidreamin Tokyo

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Tokyo Owl Cafe

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Other Landmarks & Points of Interest

MIRAIKAN (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)

Location: Odaiba, Aomi, Koto. Save on Google Maps.

This is Japan’s Future Museum where you can get to see Asimo, the famous Honda robot, and the world’s largest Globe OLED display, which shows real-time events of global weather patterns. It’s a pretty interesting spot to visit in tandem with other nearby attractions in Odaiba, especially if you’re with children who are interested in science as there are a lot of interactive elements.

Tokyo National Museum Ticket Entrance Ticket

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Hario Cafe

Location: 1 Chome-12-15 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo. Save on Google Maps.

Shinjuku District

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Where to go near Tokyo

Narita & Chiba

Location: Chiba. Save on Google Maps.

If you’re looking for places to visit near Tokyo, Chiba prefecture offers a lot of interesting attractions. Don’t miss Narita-san Temple, a beautiful & popular Buddhist temple not far away from Narita Airport, and the well-preserved Old Town of Sawara Little Edo.

JR East Nagano-Niigata Area Pass

Mount Fuji

Location: Chūbu region. Save on Google Maps.

See Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain and most iconic landmark. The lakeside towns of Kawaguchi-ko and Hakone are the most popular spots where you can get beautiful views of Mount Fuji.

Mt Fuji Classic Route Day Tour from Tokyo with Matcha Experience

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Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Scenic Spots Day Tour from Tokyo

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Tokyo-Mount Fuji and Hakone Day Tour

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Hakone Freepass (2 or 3 Days)

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Yokohama

Location: Kanagawa. Save on Google Maps.

Yokohama is one of the best day trips near Tokyo. This huge port city offers tons of fun things to do. One of my favorite attractions here is the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. Here, you can have a taste of ramen from different parts of Japan and soak up the 1950s Tokyo vibe. The biggest attraction here, of course, is the Yokohama Chinatown, one of the World’s largest Chinatowns. Yohokama is also famous for the Cup Noodle Museum by Nissin, the Red Brick Warehouses, Yamashita Park (seaside park) and the Cosmoworld amusement park. Train travel from Tokyo to Yokohama only takes 25 minutes.

Kamakura

Location: Kanagawa. Save on Google Maps.

Kamakura is often described as the Kyoto of East Japan. It’s easy to visit from Tokyo as the train ride only takes one hour. This seaside town is famous for its many beautiful temples, shrines, and the iconic giant sitting Buddha statue. If you can’t make it to Kyoto during your trip, Kamakura is a decent alternative.

Nikko

Location: Tochigi. Save on Google Maps.

Located a few hours by train north of Tokyo, Nikko is a quiet temple town and UNESCO world heritage site surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. In Nikko, you can find the Toshogu, Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine, and Kegon Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the country.

Where to stayTours + discounts

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Tokyo that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Tokyo

Tokyo tourist spots, things to do in Tokyo, where to go in Tokyo & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Click below & search recommended Tokyo hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

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Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Tokyo and Japan Essentials

Japan Mobile Data SIM card/Pocket WIFI

Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location:

Japan SIM cardPocket WIFISee all discounts

Tokyo Subway Unli-Pass

Get unlimited access around Tokyo through Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Save money and enjoy time-saving convenience with this pass! Just slide your ticket to the machine to enter the subway and have a smooth trip around Tokyo. Click below & book online.

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Narita Airport-Tokyo High-Speed Skyliner Train Transfers

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Suica IC Transport Card

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JR Pass for Whole Japan

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