10 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Tokyo You Must Visit
Discover the best tourist destinations in Tokyo that offer stunning views, unique experiences, and the chance to enjoy the richness of Japanese culture.
Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, beautifully blends modern and traditional charm. From towering skyscrapers to peaceful historical temples, Tokyo is a city that offers everything for travelers.
Whatever your interests, be it culture, history, entertainment, or cuisine, Tokyo has a variety of must-visit destinations. This article reviews the top 10 tourist attractions that you should add to your travel bucket list to experience all the charms of this city that never sleeps.
1. Tsukiji Outer Market
As the largest and most famous fish market in the world, Tsukiji Market is a must-visit destination, even though the large fish market has been moved to Toyosu. Tsukiji Outer Market remains a culinary haven offering a variety of Japanese cuisine.
From fresh sushi to “Yamacho Tamagoyaki” (a signature omelette), the market offers an unforgettable shopping and dining experience.
Also, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market, which is always bustling with local shops and restaurants serving delicious dishes. For more excitement, check out Things to do Tokyo, where you’ll find even more vibrant experiences across the city.
2. Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, attracts over 30 million visitors each year. Located in Asakusa, the temple is famous for its majestic Kaminarimon gate and iconic five- story pagoda.
Along Nakamise Dori, a traditional shopping street, you can buy Japanese souvenirs. The temple is also a place where visitors come to pray to the deity Kannon-sama, who is believed to remove hardships from their lives.
The peaceful and historical atmosphere around the temple makes Senso-ji one of Tokyo’s top tourist attractions.
3. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, is one of the city’s iconic symbols. Standing at 333 meters tall, the tower offers a panoramic view of Tokyo, both during the day and at night.
The best recommendation is to visit Roppongi Hills to enjoy the most stunning view of Tokyo Tower, especially when the tower lights up at night.
Tokyo Tower also has various entertainment facilities, including restaurants, allowing you to enjoy time with family or friends while enjoying the city view.
4. Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest broadcasting tower at 634 meters, is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions.
Opened in 2012, Tokyo Skytree offers two observation decks located at 350 and 450 meters, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of Tokyo, and even Mount Fuji on clear days.
Surrounding Tokyo Skytree Town are various entertainment and commercial facilities, including shopping malls, an aquarium, and a planetarium, making it an ideal place to shop and relax after enjoying the view.
5. Kabukiza Theater
The Kabukiza Theatre, located in Ginza, is the ultimate place to enjoy kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing arts form that combines music, dance, and drama.
Since its construction in 1889, the theater has undergone several renovations and remains a popular venue for tourists and locals alike.
While kabuki tickets may be expensive, you can still visit the underground souvenir shop which sells a variety of kabuki-themed items, including specialty snacks that are popular souvenirs among tourists.
6. Kabukicho
Kabukicho, located in Shinjuku, is an entertainment district known for its lively nightlife. Known as the “District of Nightlife”, Kabukicho offers a variety of restaurants, bars, karaoke and other entertainment venues that can satisfy your desire for fun.
Although the area once had a bad reputation, Kabukicho now has many interesting hidden spots to explore. Don’t miss the brightly lit neon sign at the main entrance, which is iconic and a symbol of this area.
7. Shinjuku 3D Billboard
Shinjuku is home to Tokyo’s most advanced 3D billboards, known for the spectacular visual effects featured on the Cross Shinjuku Vision building. One of the most interesting features is the giant cat image that appears realistically, moving and interacting with visitors.
This billboard really stands out after dark, when the 3D effect really stands out and provides a stunning visual experience. This is the perfect place to take photos and enjoy the advanced technology that brings Tokyo to life at night.
8. Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the world’s busiest intersection and a symbol of Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. Thousands of people cross this road every second, creating a stunning sight for visitors. At night, Shibuya comes alive with neon billboards that illuminate the area.
For a spectacular view of Shibuya Crossing, visit the bridge between Shibuya Station and Shibuya Mark City, a great place to get stunning photos of the crowds passing by.
9. Rainbow Bridge Odaiba
The Rainbow Bridge connects Tokyo with Odaiba, an artificial island located in Tokyo Bay. This bridge is famous for its colorful lighting that makes it look like a rainbow, especially at night.
To get the best view of the bridge, you can ride the futuristic Yurikamome trail that crosses the bridge. Odaiba also offers a variety of interesting attractions, such as Daiba Park and a large shopping mall, which allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the bridge while shopping or relaxing.
10. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are both theme parks located in Urayasu, near Tokyo, that offer a great experience for the whole family. Tokyo Disneyland was the first park to open outside of America and offers a variety of iconic Disney character-based rides.
Tokyo DisneySea, on the other hand, offers a stunning ocean theme with a variety of adventure-based rides. Both parks are great for all ages and offer a fun experience that should not be missed when visiting Tokyo.
Tokyo is a city rich in contrasts between tradition and modernity. With a variety of impressive tourist destinations, from traditional markets to skyscrapers, Tourist Attractions in Japan like Tokyo offer something special for everyone.
Each tourist spot has its own uniqueness, giving you the opportunity to enjoy various aspects of Japan’s rich culture. From natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, make sure you visit these 10 tourist destinations to experience Tokyo’s charm firsthand.