Discover Tokyo's Top Landmarks and Hidden Gems
Source:
@NALBA TRAVELS
16 attractions in Tokyo featured in a youtube post by NALBA TRAVELS, verified on Google Maps: Hachikō Memorial Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Sensō-ji, and 13 more.
Hachikō Memorial Statue
Sculpture
4.3
The Hachiko Statue is a popular bronze statue of an Akita dog, symbolizing loyalty, located near Shibuya Station. It honors Hachiko, who waited for his owner at the station for nine years after the owner's death. The area around the statue can be very busy, so it's best to visit at night if you want to take a picture without large crowds.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Landmark
4.5
Shibuya Crossing is known as the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people crossing daily. Visiting both during the day and at night offers different photographic opportunities and captures the vibrant Tokyo atmosphere with its neon signs. For a free elevated view, head to the second floor of the Sundrug store near the metro station; avoid the Starbucks with long queues for a similar view.
Sensō-ji
Place of worship
4.5
Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, bustling with activity and offering numerous food stalls and souvenir shops. To avoid the peak crowds, it's recommended to visit early in the morning, around 9:00-9:30 AM, although souvenir shops might not be open yet. This colorful and spacious temple is perfect for soaking in culture and taking pictures.
Meiji Jingu
Place of worship
4.6
Meiji Jingu Shrine is a vast 170-acre forest located in the heart of the city, offering a peaceful escape just a 20-minute walk from Shibuya Crossing. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine features impressive torii gates and large sake barrel displays. It provides a fascinating cultural experience and a serene atmosphere despite its central location.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Wholesaler
4.3
Tsukiji Market is a must-visit for food lovers, especially those who enjoy sushi and fresh seafood. The market is very popular and can get crowded quickly, so it's best to visit in the morning as many stalls start closing around 2 PM. Don't miss out on trying dishes like soup dumplings, wagyu skewers, and incredibly fresh medium-fatty tuna sashimi. Head to the indoor market section for freshly prepared sushi made to your taste, and enjoy your meal on the rooftop seating area.
Akihabara Electric Town
Place
Akihabara is a paradise for fans of manga, anime, and games, with numerous stores dedicated to these interests. If you visit on a Sunday, the police shut down the main road, making it pedestrian-only and allowing for a more relaxed shopping experience. Explore shops like Animate and Mandarake for comics, manga, and figurines, and enjoy the arcade games and claw machines at places like Taito Station.
Ueno Park
Park
4.3
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's largest parks, offering a wide array of activities and attractions, including a zoo, museums, and various markets and performances. Visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring its diverse offerings. There are also cafes and plenty of green spaces for relaxation, ensuring a dynamic experience with something for everyone.
Hamarikyu Gardens
Garden
4.4
Hamarikyu Gardens is a public park located in Ginza, near Tsukiji Market, offering a serene escape with beautiful landscapes. The gardens are designed in the Edo-period style and are home to a 17th-century Shogun villa. Visitors can find a commemorative stamp at the entrance, and during cherry blossom season, the area is filled with stunning pink blooms.
Takeshita Street
Place
Takeshita Street is a crazy shopping street in Harajuku, known for its unique fashion, crazy foods, and various themed cafes like a pig cafe or a capybara cafe. It's a vibrant and crowded area, so for a more relaxed shopping experience with main street shops in smaller, artsy buildings, explore Cat Street instead. Visit in the afternoon or evening to fully experience the area's lively atmosphere and neon lights.
Ginza
Place
Ginza is a super modern area in Tokyo, renowned for its luxury shopping, featuring numerous designer stores like Tiffany & Co., Hublot, and Ralph Lauren. It's also home to the famous Uniqlo building and stores like Muji and Loft, where you can find unique stationery and Japanese-themed items. Visiting in the afternoon or evening is recommended as many main shops may be closed in the mornings.
Zōjō-ji Temple
Place of worship
4.4
Zojo-ji Temple offers a fantastic view of the Tokyo Tower without having to climb the tower itself. This peaceful area, located amidst greenery, provides an open space to appreciate traditional Japanese architecture alongside modern landmarks. Visiting in the morning can ensure fewer crowds, allowing for a more serene experience and great photo opportunities.
Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
Landmark
4.3
Ameyoko Market, located right next to Ueno Park, offers a lively atmosphere with numerous food stalls and shops selling discounted items. It's a great place to experience local vibes, try various street foods like octopus balls, and find unique goods. The market can be quite busy, but it's well worth the visit for its energy and variety.
Sumida Park
Park
4.2
Sumida Park is a riverside park that offers stunning views of the Tokyo Skytree and the Sumida River. It's an ideal spot to enjoy freshly prepared matcha from Hatoya Matcha. During the sakura season (cherry blossom season), many trees in the park bloom, making it an even more picturesque location.
Omoide Yokocho
Landmark
4.1
Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane, is a famous alleyway in Shinjuku, well-known for its food stalls and lively evening atmosphere. It's a popular spot for drinks and dinner, but can be very crowded and narrow, with smoke from barbecues filling the air. It's recommended to visit for a quick look and photos, rather than a prolonged stay, due to its overwhelming nature.
Shinjuku City
Place
Shinjuku at night transforms into a vibrant, bustling area with an abundance of neon lights and advertisements, creating a truly special atmosphere. While potentially overwhelming due to crowds, it's a must-see for its unique Tokyo charm and diverse dining options. Be sure to check reviews before dining to avoid tourist traps, and don't miss the famous Godzilla Head at the end of the pedestrian-only street.
Koenjikita
Place
Koenji is an excellent area for thrifting and shopping for second-hand items, boasting a vibrant collection of vintage stores. While it's a bit further out, about a 30-minute train ride from the city center, it's worth the trip for its unique finds. Shops like Mode Off, 2nd Street, Atlantis Vintage, and TreFacStyle Koenji 1 offer quality second-hand clothes at reasonable prices.
More featured places in Tokyo
Tokyo's Iconic Landmarks And Day Trips
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Sensō-ji
Asakusa Tokyo Attractions And Experiences
Nakamise-dori Street, Sensō-ji, Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Attractions And Avoiding Tourist Mistakes
Sensō-ji, Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo's Lively Yokocho Alleys For Nightlife
Shinjuku Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, Yurakucho Sanchoku Inshokugai / Yurakucho Farm to Table Dining Alley
Tokyo's Recommended Cafes: Coffee, Scones, and More
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