Tokyo is a colossal, pulsating metropolis that is so diverse it surprises you with something new every time you visit. It’s almost unbelievable how such a gigantic city can be so organized and everything there can function like clockwork – well, that’s the Japanese mentality for you.
We have prepared a comprehensive guide to Tokyo for you. Here, you’ll find the 15 most interesting places, a trip to Mount Fuji, food, transportation, accommodation, and other valuable information. Moreover, for your convenience, all the places mentioned in this article have been marked on a map. In case you stay longer, make sure to check this 6-day Tokyo itinerary.
15 Places to Visit in Tokyo
Tokyo offers an abundance of activities, making it a city where one could easily spend a lot of time. We have selected 15 of the most interesting places that can be explored during a multi-day visit to the Japanese capital.
1) Sensō-ji Temple in the Historic Asakusa District
The oldest temple in Tokyo, Sensō-ji, is a must-visit. It’s likely the most famous and photographed spot in the entire city. Exploring this monumental Buddhist temple from the 7th century, you won’t want to miss the adjacent Nakamise shopping street. For centuries, diverse traditional Japanese specialties and souvenirs have been sold here.
Temple Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (outer grounds accessible at any time).
2) Tsukiji, the World’s Largest Fish Market for Many Years
Do you love sushi and seafood? Then be sure to include Tsukiji Outer Market in your itinerary. Spanning approximately 150 by 250 meters, this area consists of narrow lanes filled with various stalls offering a wide array of fish and seafood. You’ll have the choice of 300 different shops and restaurants. For many years, Tsukiji Fish Market was renowned for its unique tuna auctions, although sadly, this is now a thing of the past. Nevertheless, the fish market remains a must-visit.
Opening hours for tourists: Every day from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM (many shops are closed on Sundays and some on Wednesdays).
3) View of Tokyo from the “Sky“
The breathtaking view of the entire city from a skyscraper or tower is undoubtedly worth it, especially at night when the city is illuminated by ubiquitous neon lights.
There are two most popular options to enjoy this view. Either the Tokyo Skytree tower or the Metropolitan Government Building.
Tokyo Skytree
The best panoramic view of the city is offered by the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan at 634 meters. The tower features two observation decks, both the highest in Japan and among the highest in the world. The Tempo Galleria is on the 450th floor, and the Tempo Deck, along with an art exhibition, is on the 350th floor.
Buy your tickets online here! Tickets on-site are more expensive, and you might have to wait in a long queue.
Opening hours: Every day from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM).
Metropolitan Government Building
The second option is to take a high-speed elevator to the 45th floor of the Metropolitan Government Building near Shinjuku metro station. There is an observation deck here, freely accessible to the public. The view from here is also fantastic, although not as breathtaking as from the Tokyo Skytree.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 17:00 PM (last entry at 16:30 PM).
4) Imperial Palace and Gardens
The expansive palace situated in the heart of Tokyo serves as the residence for the current imperial family. Access inside the palace is granted to the public only two days a year – January 2nd during the New Year celebrations and December 23rd – the Emperor’s birthday. If you happen to be in Tokyo on one of these days, don’t assume it will be easy to enter the palace. Thousands of people endure hours-long queues even in winter.
Nevertheless, the palace is definitely worth seeing from the outside, and exploring the nearby Imperial Gardens is a must. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of Japanese dignitaries or even the Emperor himself, as they pass through the park in a convoy of limousines.
Garden opening hours: Every day except Monday and Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
5) Akihabara, Electronic District: Paradise for Anime, Manga, and Computer Enthusiasts
If you love anime series, manga, or computer games, Akihabara district will be heaven on Earth for you. Its streets are lined with an incredible array of colorful stores selling comics, DVDs, action figures, plush toys, cards, costumes, toys, and a variety of items you’ve likely never seen before and might not see anywhere else in the world except in Japan.
There are also numerous computer gaming centers and arcade game parlors. Enthusiasts of this kind of entertainment can easily spend several days here, but Akihabara is definitely worth a visit even if you don’t particularly indulge in these activities.
6) Shrine Meiji Jingū
Meiji Shrine is located in the middle of a vast green park. Walking to the shrine can be a great escape from the bustling pace of the city. Meiji Jingu is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Shōken.
Opening hours: Every day from sunrise to sunset.
7) Traditional Rikugien Gardens
For another respite from the city hustle, explore the stunning gardens from the Edo period, considered among the most beautiful in Japan. These gardens are quite extensive, and strolling through all the pathways can easily take an hour.
Undoubtedly, the most beautiful season to visit the gardens is spring when the trees burst into various colors. Autumn is also worth experiencing. Enhance your leisurely walk by visiting one of the local traditional tea houses.
Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
8) Busy Shibuya Crossing
On the contrary, if you want to experience the real urban hustle and bustle, head to the famous pedestrian crossing featured in movies like Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift. It’s often cited as the busiest intersection in the world. When all the cars come to a halt and the pedestrian light turns green, a massive crowd of around 3,000 people converges from all directions at once.
We recommend going up to the first floor of a nearby shopping center, where you can witness the crossing from above. Local cafes with a view are also some of the busiest in the world.
9) Golden Gai Bar District, Tokio
Golden Gai, a small cluster of six narrow alleys connected by even narrower passages, lies in the shadow of towering skyscrapers in a tiny corner of Tokyo’s gigantic hub of commerce and entertainment. Within these few alleys, an incredible number of bars have managed to fit, each so tiny that only 4-8 people can squeeze inside. Most patrons spend only a brief time in each bar, having one drink before moving on to the next. While the drink prices aren’t the cheapest, the cultural experience makes it worthwhile.
Opening hours for most bars: 5:00 PM – 5:30 AM (busiest around 11:00 PM).
10) Sumo Center, Ryogoku District
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, dating back a thousand years. If you find yourself in Tokyo in January, May, or September, make sure not to miss the grand sumo tournament held during these months.
If you don’t happen to be there during the right month, don’t despair. You can still watch sumo training, which is also worth it. Tickets can be purchased online here. If you prefer not to join an organized tour, you can visit the Arashio Sumo Stable, where you can at least peek inside the gym and witness sumo training in progress. In nearby restaurants, you can also try hearty meals typical of sumo wrestlers.
11) Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum is one of the oldest and most renowned museums in Japan. It was opened in 1872 and boasts the largest collection of over 110,000 diverse artifacts from all over Japan. While history enthusiasts would naturally appreciate the museum the most, consider a visit even if history isn’t your forte. It’s truly worth it!
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
12) Futuristic Island of Odaiba
Odaiba is a small artificially created island in Tokyo Bay, where you can witness futuristic artworks such as a giant transformer, intriguing futuristic cars, a replica of the Statue of Liberty, a large Ferris wheel, and many more. You can also experience various virtual reality attractions.
13) Themed Cafés
Having coffee in one of Tokyo’s themed cafés is one of the most unique experiences you can have. There are truly a lot of different kinds, some of which are quite bizarre but extremely fun. Cafés come with themes such as:
- Alice in Wonderland
- Pokémon
- Vampires
- Cats, Owls, Hedgehogs, Snakes
- Anime Monsters
- and many more…
The locations of individual cafés can be found on our map.
14) Onsen and Sento Baths
An integral part of Japanese culture is public nude baths. There are two types – Onsen and Sento. Onsen are natural hot springs with high mineral content, heated by underground volcanic activity. Sento, on the other hand, are artificial baths using heated tap water.
Sento are frequented more by locals than tourists. If you plan to visit, bring your own towel, robe, and toiletries, as they are usually not provided.
Onsen is more tourist-friendly and offers a wider range of experiences. All necessary toiletries are typically provided. However, be aware that most Onsen facilities have a no-tattoo policy. If you have tattoos, it’s better to opt for Sento baths where tattoos are usually allowed.
- The most famous Onsen in Tokyo is Onsen Monogatari. Purchase discounted tickets online here.
- The most famous Sento is Rokuryu Kōsen. Tickets are available for purchase on-site.
15) Disneyland and DisneySea Theme Parks
The first Disneyland theme park opened outside the USA in 1983. The park features seven different themed areas. DisneySea is the fourth most visited theme park in the world. It is inspired by myths and legends of the sea and consists of seven themed ports: Mediterranean Harbor, Mystery Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, and American Waterfront.
Both Disneyland and DisneySea offer immersive experiences, enchanting attractions, and entertainment shows, making them popular destinations for visitors seeking magical adventures in Tokyo.
- Purchase your Disneyland tickets here.
- Purchase your DisneySea tickets here.
- Opening hours of Disneyland: everyday 8:00 – 22:00
- Opening hours of DisneySea: everyday 9:00 – 22:00
Day Trip to Mount Fuji
If you have enough time in Tokyo for a full-day excursion outside the city, make sure to visit the sacred Mount Fuji. You can reach there either by public bus or through an organized tour.
The best spots for capturing Mount Fuji are Chureito Pagoda and the distant side of Lake Kawaguchiko, where you can capture the reflection of Mount Fuji in the water.
Day Trip to Mount Fuji on your own
There are regular buses from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, approximately every two hours.
Traveling by bus provides a convenient option for those looking to explore Mount Fuji from Tokyo, allowing you to enjoy the scenic journey at your own pace.
- Price: approximately 2000 JPY ([convert number=2000 from=”jpy” to=”usd” dp=”0”] USD) one way.
- Time: 2 hours
- Departure Station: Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station
- Terminal Station: Kawaguchiko
- Timetables and tickets to Mt. Fuji can be found here.
- Timetables and tickets from Mt. Fuji to Tokyo can be found here.
From Kawaguchiko Station to Chureito Pagoda, there is a bus service called the World Cultural Heritage Site Loop.
- Timetables.
- Price: 1030 JPY ([convert number=1030 from=”jpy” to=”usd” dp=”0”] USD)
- Time: there 20 minutes, back 50 minutes
From Kawaguchiko Station to the distant side of Lake Kawaguchiko (Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center station), there is a bus service called the Sightseeing Bus (Red-Line).
- Timetables.
- Cena: 1500 JPY ([convert number=1500 from=”jpy” to=”czk” dp=”0”] CZK)
- Doba jízdy: zhruba 30 minut
Tours to Mount Fuji
If you want to have everything hassle-free and manage to visit all the most beautiful viewpoints on Mount Fuji within one day, including a cable car ride to the observation deck, choose an organized tour with a guide.
- Price: 13 000 JPY ([convert number=13000 from=”jpy” to=”usd” dp=”0”] USD)
- Time: 11 hodin
- Book here
If you’d like to climb Mount Fuji, you can book a two-day guided tour here. For the ultimate enthusiasts, there’s also the option of a helicopter flight over Mount Fuji.
Tokyo – Accommodation
In Tokyo, you can choose from four different types of accommodations – ryokan, hotel, guesthouse (hostel), capsule hotel. We have conducted extensive research on accommodations and recommend the following:
Ryokans
If you want a cultural experience, stay in one of the traditional Japanese ryokans, also known as guesthouses.
- Budget
- Asakusa Ryokan Toukaisou (the cheapest Ryokan)
- Ryokan Mikawaya (by the Sensō-ji Shrine)
- Mid-range and Luxury:
- Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa (blízko chrámu Sensō-ji)
- Hoshinoya Tokyo (the most luxurious accommodation in Tokyo)
Hotels
- Budget:
- Super Hotel Asakusa (by the Sensō-ji Shrine)
- Akihabara Washington Hotel (in Akihabara District)
- Mid-range:
- Marunouchi Hotel (by the Tokyo Station)
- Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower (by the Shinjuku)
Guesthouses
- Hiromas Hostel in Kanda (nejlevnější dobře hodnocené ubytování v Tokiu)
- And Hostel Asakusa Station (near Sensō-ji Shrine)
Capsule hotels
Another cultural experience and a very budget-friendly accommodation option. The spaces are small, and facilities are shared.
- Oak Hostel Cabin (the cheapest capsule hotel)
- Hotel Tomariya Ueno (the most popular capsule hotel)
Tokyo Food Guide
We highly recommend trying sushi, which is a Japanese specialty and is made nowhere else in the world better. Opt for sushi during lunch rather than dinner, as prices during the day are significantly lower than in the evening.
What Japanese food to taste?
- Sushi – Small pieces of raw fish and other seafood placed on top of vinegared rice.
- Sashimi – very similar to sushi and often confused with it. Sashimi consists of raw fish only and is dipped in soy sauce.
- Sukiyaki – Thinly sliced beef cooked with various vegetables and long, thin noodles.
- Tempura – Spiced fish or shrimp fried in a special batter, often served with vegetables.
- Jakitori – Small pieces of chicken, liver, and vegetables skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over hot charcoal.
- Tonkatsu – Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, similar to the Czech schnitzel but with a different type of breading.
- Shabu-shabu – Similar to fondue. Thinly sliced beef and various vegetables are cooked briefly in a pot of boiling broth and then dipped in a prepared sauce.
- Nudle Soba a Udon – Two popular types of Japanese noodles. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, and udon noodles are made from wheat.
- Miso Soup: A soup based on fermented soybean paste (miso) with a variety of ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and vegetables.
Tokyo – Doprava
Tokyo is literally crisscrossed with metro lines. Essentially, you don’t need any other form of transportation to get around the city than the metro. Some stations intersect with 5-8 lines at a time. The individual transfers are well marked, but sometimes the walking distances can be quite long. In some stations, you might have to walk up to 500 meters. Additionally, not all underpasses are wheelchair-accessible, and escalators are often missing. This can be challenging if you have luggage or a suitcase on wheels.
Most metro lines operate from 4:30/5:00 in the morning until midnight or 1:00 in the morning. Try to avoid rush hours if possible (7:30-9:30 and 17:00-20:00); the stations are extremely crowded. You can download the metro line map here.
.You can either purchase a full-day ticket for unlimited rides or a prepaid card. The full-day ticket is worth it if you plan to use the metro more than 4 times a day. If you use it up to 4 times, a prepaid card is more economical. The basic full-day ticket does not cover JT train lines (such as the Loop Line). However, you can easily reach most places without using these lines.
Common One-day Ticket
- Price: 1000 JPY ([convert number=1000 from=”jpy” to=”usd” dp=”0”] USD)
- It is valid for most lines (valid for Toei and Tokyo Metro, not valid for JT trains).
Combination Ticket
- Price: 1590 JPY ([convert number=1590 from=”jpy” to=”usd” dp=”0”] USD)
- It is valid for all lines, including JT trains.
Prepaid Card Pasmo or Suica
- One ride: about 200 JPY ([convert number=200 from=”jpy” to=”usd” dp=”0”] USD)
- It is valid for all lines, including JT trains.
Tokyo – Detailed Map With All Places
We have prepared a detailed map with the most beautiful places in Tokyo for your easier orientation and planning. The points are color-coded according to categories, and individual layers can be hidden.
You can export the map and upload it to mobile apps such as Maps.me or Locus Map. If you plan on hiking, we recommend using Locus or offline Mapy.cz.
- Here you can find all our practical maps for easier planning.
Drone footage of Tokyo:
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