Popular Sights in Tokyo
Tokyo Tower @ Clement Souchet, Unsplash
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FAMOUS LANDMARKS
Tokyo offers a wide range of attractions to enjoy. Here are some of our recommendations to visit during your stay!
Tokyo Skytree
Enjoy breathtaking views from the tallest tower in the world! The iconic Tokyo Skytree stands at 634m at the center of Tokyo Skytree Town. There are two observation floors at the top of the tower, both sitting above 450m in the sky. At the base of Skytree you can explore shopping, dining and entertainment areas.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is the nickname for a comprehensive radio tower located in the Shibakoen area in the Minato ward. The official name for the tower built in 1958 is “Japan Radio Tower”. This 333 meters high structure is regarded as a symbol of Tokyo, as well as a tourist attraction.
Tokyo Skytree @ Robby McCullough, Unsplash
Tokyo Imperial Palace @ Julie Anne Garrido, Unsplash
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Marvelous Imperial Palace, where Japan’s Imperial Family still resides to this day. Located on the former site of the Edo Castle, the palace is surrounded by a moat, park and massive stone walls in the heart of Tokyo. The Imperial Palace East Gardens, which has been open to the public since 1968, stand the innermost circles of defense for old Edo Castle. This garden is a spacious, sprawling garden in the center of Tokyo, and it’s the only part of the inner palace area that’s open to the public. Stroll through for a pleasant escape from the surrounding concrete jungle.
St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo
Founded in 1899 as an annex to the Virgin French Language School, the cathedral was originally a Gothic wooden shrine with tatami mats on its followers' seats. It was burnt down in the bombing of Tokyo in 1945, but was later built by architect Kenzo Tange with the support of acoustic and structural engineers from the Parish of Cologne in Germany and the University of Tokyo. The highlight of the hall is the cross-shaped top light on the ceiling. It looks like a cross, whether viewed from the sky or looking up at the ceiling from inside the cathedral. Also, the largest pipe organ in Japan is located at this church with wonderful sound effects.
NATURE AREAS & LIVELY PARKS
An oasis in the cluster of skyscrapers and high rises of the metropolis, the parks of Tokyo are impeccably well maintained and manicured. Visit during spring or fall to see the vivid colors of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Spring at Ueno Park @ Dino Johannes, Unsplash
Ueno Park
Ueno Onshi Park has many attractions, such as Tokyo's leading museums, the popular Ueno Zoo, hundreds of cherry blossoms that bloom in late March, and the Ueno Daibutsu, which once had a large Buddha statue. Explore Ueno Park, and allow yourself to be inspired by the area’s various noteworthy art galleries and museums.
Ueno Zoological Gardens
Ueno Zoo is located in Ueno Park, and it is the oldest zoo in Japan, opened in 1882. The zoo has over 500 species of animals from all over the world, including tigers, pandas, gorillas, zebras, king penguins, llamas, and ostriches. The animals are provided areas similar to their natural habitats.
Hama Rikyu Gardens
Alongside Tokyo Bay you'll find the Hama Rikyu Gardens. Originally built as the residence of a feudal lord, the grounds now serve as a scenic garden adorned with different trees such as the plum and cherry blossom trees, which peak in the spring. Surrounded by a pond sits a tea house where one can enjoy a cup of matcha tea along with admiring the surroundings.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Gyoen was a samurai residence in the Edo period and was opened to the public in 1949 as a national park. There are three distinctive gardens that represent the Meiji era, which are a combination of an orthopedic garden, a landscape garden, and a Japanese garden. The area is 58.3 hectares in total. The lush garden has about 10,000 trees, of which about 1,000 cherry trees dye the park pink in the spring. You can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves in autumn as well. Shinjuku Gyoen is a spot that you can enjoy regardless of the season.
Imperial Palace East Garden
The East Imperial Garden is located in the center of the big city, but still has a vast greenery. Many historic buildings remain in the garden, and you can appreciate the beauty of Japanese trees, flowers, gardens and architecture while touching the history of modern Japan. In addition visitors can explore the concert hall and Tokagakudo, which were built in 1966 to commemorate the 60th birthday of Empress Kojun, and the Sannomaru Shozokan, which exhibits works of art such as paintings, books, and crafts that have been passed down to the imperial family for generations.
Yoyogi Park
This park is perfect for exploring forests, fountains, and enjoying the greenery. It is also a popular spot for joggers, group exercisers, as well as for casual hangouts such as picnics. Yoyogi park is located only a few minutes walk away from the Harajuku Station. Every month, various events that showcase Japanese and international culture and food are held at this popular and spacious park.
Hama Rikyu Gardens @ TOKI
Vibrant green moss-covered trees in Yoyogi Park @ Marek Okon, Unsplash
BEAUTIFUL TEMPLES & SHRINES
Take a walking tour through Tokyo and discover how tradition and modernity intertwine seamlessly.
Sensō-ji Temple
Journey through the iconic Kaminarimon and down the various shops and sights of the vibrant Nakamise street to reach Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple. Sensoji Temple is almost half a millennia old, taking you back to an era of Tokyo long ago.
Zozo-ji Temple
Established in 1393, Zojo-ji is picturesquely located next to the iconic Tokyo Tower. This temple is famous for enshrining 6 shoguns of the Tokugawa shogunate. Some say that Zojoji is Tokyo's guardian angel because of the fact that it survived the war.
Yushima Seido Temple
This temple of Confucius was established in 1632 as a private shrine, and then later relocated in its current location in 1690 as a facility of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Yushima Seido is one of the rare Confucian temples in Japan, and also one of the most well-known. The architecture of the temple is built in Chinese style, which differs from the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. The buildings in the area were reconstructed after being destroyed in 1923 by the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Asakusa Shrine
This small Shinto shrine is located next to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Asakusa Shrine honors three commoners who were involved in the foundation of Senso-ji. The main buildings of the shrine survived WWII, and are now nominated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Asakusa Shrine @ Moiz K. Malik, Unsplash
Meiji-jingu Shrine
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu is a shrine that is nestled near the bustling hubs of central Tokyo. Despite its close proximity to the city center, the shrine is surrounded by a forest of trees, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Enjoy a fine balance of nature and history as you explore through Ueno's gorgeous national park and the lavish Toshogu shrine dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine is one of the few early-Edo-period buildings in Tokyo that managed to miraculously survive fires, earthquakes, and bombings. Admire the detailed, intricate carvings attributed to early Edo period sculptor Hidari Jingoro.
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