The Best Places To Visit In Tokyo
Sensō-ji Temple, Asakusa
This is the city’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple. Located in the Asakusa district, it was originally built in 645 AD and still attracts millions of Japanese visitors who pay homage to the historic site. To reach the temple, you'll walk through the bustling Nakamise shopping street, lined with stalls selling traditional snacks like fish-shaped taiyaki cakes and souvenirs. Wafts of incense will greet you as you walk to its grand entrance, the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). Inside, the main hall and five-story pagoda offer a moment for reflection – and a chance to make a wish on its wooden plaques.
Meji Jingu, Harajuku
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s iconic Shinto shrine, is surrounded by a vast forest near one of the city’s coolest districts – Harajuku. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, visitors can now experience spiritual rituals, like writing wishes on ema (wooden plaques), see its famous colourful barrels (filled with sake) and explore the inner gardens. You might also see geishas walking through its winding paths.
Atago Shrine, Toranomon
Tucked away in the foothills of Nagano is the Atago Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful temples. Here, you’ll spot businessmen paying their respects to the temple during their lunchbreak – and you too can recite a short incantation at the shrine. It’s surrounded by lush gardens and stone torii gates.
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Ftokyo-city-guide-slndscapevisit-2.png?itok=ANO8VKr_)
Harujuku, Sherri Andrew
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection and is a symbol of Tokyo’s modernity. Located outside Shibuya Station, it sees hundreds of people crossing from all directions at once, creating a display of co-ordinated chaos. Surrounded by towering screens, neon lights and a maze of shops, cafés and restaurants, it’s a must-visit. Head to the first floor of the nearby Starbucks for the best vantage point.
Green Spaces
There’s an abundance of green spaces around the city, with numerous places to see the famous cherry blossom in bloom. Chidorigafuchi Park, near the Imperial Palace, is famous for this – book a boat trip to glide under the flowers. Then there’s the famous Shinjuku Gyoen, home to traditional Japanese, English and French gardens; as well as Yoyogi Park near Harajuku where you can enjoy sandos and matchas on the manicured lawns. Meanwhile, Ueno Park is home to numerous museums, and Todoroki Ravine Park in Setagaya has a peaceful trail for when you want to escape the crowds.
Tokyo’s Vantage Points
Tokyo’s skyscrapers are as famous as its ancient temples, and there are plenty of spots around the city to take in the skyline. Tokyo Tower, the city’s iconic red and white landmark (inspired by the Eiffel Tower), offers panoramic views from its observation decks, while the towering Shibuya Sky gives visitors 360° views over the busy Shibuya district. For something quirkier, head to Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku to see the giant Godzilla Head towering over the building or visit the Statue of Liberty replica in Odaiba for a unique backdrop of both the waterfront and cityscape.
Harajuku
One of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods is Harajuku, where you’ll spot eclectic street style, and a blend of old and new in the form of architecture and restaurants. Walk down the busy Takeshita Street before exploring the side alleys where you’ll find excellent vintage and streetwear stores, jewellery boutiques and pop-ups.
Data Lore/Unsplash
Liam Burnett Blue/Unsplash
Imperial Palace, Chiyoda
Set on the former site of Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace is the primary residence of Japan’s Emperor. The complex is surrounded by moats, towering stone walls and lush gardens. While the inner palace is off-limits to the public, visitors can explore the landscaped East Gardens, open year-round or admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge at the palace’s entrance
Tsukiji Outer Market, Chuo City
No trip to the city is complete without visiting Tokyo’s most famous fish market. Though the famous wholesale market recently moved to Toyosu, the Outer Market still has an excellent selection of fresh seafood and local produce. Many of its small restaurants and market stalls open from 5am, when you can tuck into traditional Japanese breakfasts or sushi platters. You’ll also find a range of kitchenware, including Japanese knives.
teamLab Galleries, Various Sites
Founded by a group of Japanese artists over 20 years ago, teamLab now has two immersive galleries in Tokyo. Blurring the lines between art and technology, art moves and flows freely across rooms, allowing visitors to engage with the exhibits as they transform in real-time. teamLab Borderless is housed in the Mori Building at Azabudai Hills, where visitors are encouraged to move through rooms to discover art by famous names, as well as work created by visitors themselves. Meanwhile, teamLab Planets immerses you in water and digital projections, creating a surreal, sensory experience.
Tokyo National Museum, Taito
Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest and largest museum, showcasing an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts spanning thousands of years. Its exhibitions offer a deep dive into Japan’s cultural heritage, featuring samurai armour, calligraphy, ceramics and Buddhist statues.
Visit TNM.JP
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Ftokyo-city-guide-landscpe-visit.jpg?itok=xUxdrhpP)
Soya Cui/Unsplash
The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, Chiyoda
The National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT) displays Japanese and international art from the 20th century to the present. Located near Kanda, the museum has an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and design works, offering insight into Japan's evolving artistic movements
Visit MOMAT.GO.JP
Mori Art Museum, Minato
Perched atop the Roppongi Hills, the Mori Art Museum is a leading institution for contemporary art. Known for its dynamic exhibitions, it offers a mix of Japanese and international works across various mediums. Be sure to visit its rooftop observation deck for panoramic views of the city.
Visit MORI.ART.MUSEUM
Yayoi Kusama Museum, Shinjuku
Japan’s most famous living artist is one of the country’s most celebrated visionaries. Here, you can see her iconic works, from her polka-dot art to immersive infinity rooms. It’s a celebration of Kusama’s avant-garde vision, with exhibits that explore her life, mental health, and surreal worlds through a kaleidoscope of colour and patterns.
Visit YAYOIKUSAMAMUSEUM.JP
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Located in Mitaka, the Ghibli Museum is a magical journey into the world of Studio Ghibli. It brings to life the iconic films of Hayao Miyazaki – like Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron – with interactive exhibits and life-sized models of his characters.
Visit GHIBLI-MUSEUM.JP
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Ftokyo-city-guide-slndscapevisit-1.png?itok=A3WqupeL)
Winged Jedi/Unsplash; Ryoji Iwata/Unsplash; Pexels/Eva Bronzini
Edo-Tokyo Museum, Sumida
The Edo-Tokyo Museum offers a fascinating look at Tokyo's transformation from a small fishing village to the global metropolis it is today. Located in Ryogoku, the museum’s interactive exhibits, scale models, and historical artifacts will give you insight into Japan’s fascinating past and ingenuity.
Visit EDO-TOKYO-MUSEUM.OR.JP
Karaoke
In the late 60s, a Japanese engineer created the first karaoke machine. The word ‘karaoke’ comes from two Japanese words: ‘kara’ (meaning empty) and ‘oke’ (short for ‘orchestra’), meaning ‘empty orchestra’. In the 80s karaoke boxes and private rooms opened throughout the country – and it’s still how the Japanese kick back today. Look out for karaoke bar chains dotted around the city, like Karaoke Kan and Big Echo, though you’ll find smaller bars on virtually every street corner in Shibuya and Shunjuku.
Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling originated in ancient times and the rules have remained the same ever since. Matches are held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan arena, where the atmosphere is electric, with fans cheering for their favourite wrestlers, known as rikishi, as they perform ceremonial stomps and powerful moves. Be sure to buy tickets in advance, especially if you’re after ring-side seats.
Visit BUYSUMOTCKETS.COM
Tokyo DisneySea, Urayasu
Disney fans, this one’s for you. This immersive underwater theme park takes visitors on a journey through seven themed ports, with amusement rides, entertainment and themed dining. Popular rides include Aquatopia (a whirling watercraft ride) and the Indiana Jones Adventure: ‘Temple of the Crystal Skull’. Visitors can expect night-time shows, character parades and Japanese dishes you won’t find at other Disney parks.
Visit TOKYODISNEYRESORT.JP
BACK TO: Main Page | JUMP TO: The Best Places To Eat In Tokyo
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.