Tokyo Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit and Things to Do
Source:
@Abroad in Japan
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Explore the map in the DocentPro app62 places in Tokyo: Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Sensō-ji, Tokyo Skytree, and 59 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in a YouTube post by Abroad in Japan.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Landmark
4.5
Over half a million people cross Shibuya Scramble Crossing every day, making it the world's busiest intersection. Up to 3,000 people cross simultaneously when the lights change, creating a dynamic and impressive spectacle. While iconic, it's just a prelude to the main attractions of Shibuya, offering a fleeting glimpse into Tokyo's bustling urban life.
Sensō-ji
Place of worship
4.5
Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest established temple, dating back to the 7th century, and Japan's most visited spiritual site. Its grand main hall and the incense-filled grounds offer a profound cultural experience, drawing over 30 million visitors annually. The temple area, especially after crowds thin out at night, provides a serene and atmospheric setting for reflection and photography.
Tokyo Skytree
Observation deck
4.4
The Tokyo Skytree is Japan's tallest structure and the third tallest in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. From its observation decks, visitors can see the sprawling urban landscape and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji in the distance. It's a must-visit for stunning cityscapes and an impressive architectural experience.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Wholesaler
4.3
Tsukiji Market, originally the world's largest wholesale fish market, remains a vibrant outer market with over 400 stalls selling fresh seafood and various street foods. Despite the inner auction floor relocating to Toyosu, the outer market continues to be a bustling hub. It's a must-visit for foodies to sample grilled fish, flame-grilled beef, tamagoyaki omelets, and sake.
Yanaka Ginza
Landmark
4.1
Yanaka Ginza is a retro shopping street in a neighborhood that survived WWII bombings, retaining an old Tokyo charm with its Shōwa-era vibe. The street is lined with over 70 mom-and-pop shops, many run by the same families for generations, selling croquettes, tea, and local snacks. It's a beloved spot, also known as 'Cat Street' due to the presence of many cats, offering a nostalgic and unique shopping experience.
Takeshita Street
Place
Takeshita Street is the bustling heart of Harajuku, known as the birthplace of Japan's 'kawaii' (cute) culture, teeming with fashion boutiques and candy-colored shops. It's a vibrant and crowded alley where visitors can indulge in unique street foods like enormous rainbow cotton candy and colorful crepes. The street offers an intense cultural experience.
Yokohama Chinatown
Landmark
4.0
Yokohama Chinatown is Japan's largest Chinatown and one of the biggest in the world, boasting over 600 restaurants and numerous shops. The area is famous for its vibrant, neon-lit streets, offering an array of Chinese dishes like buns and dumplings. It's a lively spot, especially at night, perfect for food exploration and photography.
Minatomirai
Place
Minato Mirai, meaning 'Future Port,' is a modern waterfront district in Yokohama, known for its futuristic skyline and entertainment options. It's an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, offering views of the iconic Landmark Tower and the Cosmo Clock Ferris wheel. The area is a vibrant playground with shopping, dining, and attractions.
Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
Museum
4.2
The Cup Ramen Museum celebrates Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen, with interactive exhibits and displays showcasing the history of cup noodles. Visitors can design their own custom cup noodle flavors and packages in a mini factory. It's a fun and unique experience for all ages, offering insight into a global culinary innovation.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Museum
4.0
This unique museum offers a historical journey through the world of ramen, featuring a replica 1950s Tokyo street scene with various ramen shops. Visitors can try different regional ramen styles from across Japan, available in smaller portions perfect for sampling multiple types. It's an educational and delicious destination for ramen lovers.
Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
Landmark
4.3
Ameyokocho, known as 'Candy Alley,' is a vibrant open-air market in Ueno, Tokyo, bustling with over 400 vendors selling everything from shouting fishmongers to fashion items. Originally a post-war black market, it now offers a lively atmosphere with diverse stalls and standing bars. It's a great spot to explore, shop, and soak in the energetic local culture.
Unicorn Gundam
Landmark
4.6
Located on Odaiba's waterfront, this full-size Unicorn Gundam stands at an impressive 19.7 meters tall and weighs 49 tons. It's composed of hundreds of parts and transforms up to four times a day, with the unicorn on top coming apart, creating a spectacular sight. Even if you're not a Gundam fan, its sheer size and mechanical transformation are awe-inspiring.
Mandarake Complex
Store
4.2
Mandarake, with its flagship store in Nakano Broadway, is a legendary haven for otaku culture, offering a vast array of anime, manga, cosplay items, and vintage collectibles across 30 sub-stores. Founded in 1980, it has become a mecca for fans seeking rare finds and memorabilia. Each store is dedicated to a specific obsession, from VHS tapes to original animation drawings.
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Tourist information center
4.4
The Asakusa Observation Deck, located atop the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, offers glorious, unobstructed views of Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree. Designed by Kengo Kuma, the building itself is an architectural marvel. It provides an unparalleled vantage point to observe the lively atmosphere of Asakusa.
teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
Museum
4.6
Situated in Azabudai Hills, this digital art museum offers a unique, immersive experience with no set path or distinct exhibits. Visitors wander freely through a vast maze where art flows from one room to another, creating a sense of continuous discovery. It's more abstract and exploratory than teamLab Planets, providing a fun and dreamlike environment.
Asakusa Underground Street
Shopping mall
3.8
Asakusa Underground Street is a hidden gem beneath Tokyo's bustling streets, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the Showa-era with its retro shops and bars. This gritty corridor features unique holdouts like diners, barbers, shoe repair shops, and DVD dispensaries, complete with dim lighting and vintage signage. It's a fascinating spot for those looking to experience a different side of Tokyo's history and culture.
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Museum
4.5
Located in Tokyo's Toyosu district, this popular digital art museum opened in 2018. It features surreal water and light installations, including an exhibit with 13,000 real orchids dangling in mid-air. The water exhibit, where visitors wade barefoot through streams and ponds with digital koi carp swimming around their legs, is particularly memorable and often described as therapeutic.
Shimokitazawa
Place
Known as Tokyo's 'hipster capital', Shimokitazawa is a vibrant district with a unique blend of vintage fashion, quirky cafes, and live music venues. This area is perfect for those seeking an alternative side of Tokyo, offering a relaxed atmosphere away from the city's towering skyscrapers. It's renowned for its extensive collection of thrift stores and retro clothing shops.
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)
Museum
4.1
Japan's National Museum of Science and Innovation is packed with robots and features a spectacular Planet Earth model made of over 10,000 OLED panels. Visitors can interact with various robots, including the dancing and waving Pepper robot. It offers a futuristic and interactive experience, although the famous ASIMO robot is now retired.
MEGA Don Quijote
Discount store
4.2
Don Quijote, affectionately known as Donki, is a multi-floor madhouse that sells everything from designer knock-offs to KitKats and beyond. This chaotic, brightly lit store is a rite of passage for visitors to Japan, offering an overwhelming but exciting shopping experience. It's open 24/7, making it a convenient stop for any last-minute needs or quirky souvenirs.
Sumida River Walk
Place
The Sumida River Walk is a scenic promenade along the banks of the Sumida River in Tokyo, perfect for leisurely strolls, especially in the evenings. It offers refreshing cool breezes and stunning views of the Tokyo Skytree. The walk provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city while remaining close to major attractions.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Annex
Buddhist temple
4.5
This small shrine in Akasaka is home to an impressive collection of fox statues, known as Inari guardians, representing the god of rice and prosperity. It's a peaceful and visually striking place, with hundreds of fox statues, red torii gates, and lanterns. Visitors can light incense, contributing to the serene and mystical atmosphere.
Hie Shrine
Place of worship
4.4
Located in Akasaka, Hie Shrine is a small sanctuary of calm nestled among Tokyo's skyscrapers, offering a unique blend of traditional beauty and modern urban landscape. It's famous for its red torii gate tunnels, similar to Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha, and statues of divine monkeys. An escalator helps visitors ascend, making it an accessible and peaceful escape.
Gōtokuji Temple
Place of worship
4.5
This temple is the birthplace of the maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, statues. Legend says a cat saved a samurai lord from a thunderstorm, leading to the temple's prosperity. Visitors can see thousands of these white cat statues, often left as offerings after wishes come true. It's a peaceful and charming spot, surrounded by nature, perfect for cat lovers and those seeking good fortune.
MUJI - Ginza Flagship Store
Store
4.2
Muji Lab in Daikanyama is where the minimalist brand goes full art studio, offering an extensive range of unbranded products from clothes and furniture to entire houses. The store doubles as a design museum and a silent cult, providing a serene yet expensive way to feel calm. It's Muji's final form, but you still might not understand what half the items actually are.
HENRY'S BURGER Daikanyama
Hamburger restaurant
4.2
This tiny burger joint in Tokyo has earned cult status for its authentic Wagyu beef burgers, known for their simple yet incredibly delicious flavor. There are no gimmicks here, just melt-in-your-mouth burgers that will make you question every sad Big Mac you've ever eaten. Despite its small size, Henry's Burger delivers a rich, buttery taste that leaves a lasting impression.
Rikugien Gardens
Garden
4.3
Rikugien Gardens is a sprawling Edo-period strolling garden that offers a serene escape with its meticulously landscaped ponds, teahouses, and meandering trails. The garden features towering trees and vibrant maple forests, especially beautiful in autumn. It's an ideal place to relax, enjoy a traditional matcha tea, and appreciate the curated beauty of Japanese horticulture.
Ginten
Japanese restaurant
4.4
Ginten is a unique izakaya in Ginza famous for its all-you-can-drink shochu directly from a tap at your table, paired with delicious deep-fried golden tempura. Each seat is equipped with a personal tap, allowing you to control your shochu intake for 60 minutes. It's a lively and interactive dining experience.
YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO
Museum
4.3
This brewery in Ebisu offers a deep dive into the history of one of Japan's most beloved beers, Yebisu. Named after one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the brewery offers tastings and insights into the brewing process. It's a unique place to experience Japan's beer culture, tracing the brand's origins and its connection to the city's development.
Sushiro Shinjuku 3-chome
Sushi restaurant
4.0
Sushiro is Japan's most popular conveyor belt sushi chain, known for its extensive menu ranging from tuna to sea urchin at budget-friendly prices. Orders are placed via a touch screen and delivered by a mini shinkansen, offering a fun and efficient dining experience. It's a great place to enjoy a wide variety of sushi in a modern setting.
Nakano Broadway
Shopping mall
4.2
Nakano Broadway, originally a luxury mall from 1966, has transformed into a labyrinthine four-floor complex dedicated to otaku culture, anime, manga, and vintage collectibles. It features numerous sub-stores, making it feel like a museum or a library of pop culture. It's a must-visit for collectors and fans of Japanese subcultures, offering a treasure trove of unique items.
Odaiba Takoyaki Museum
Takeout restaurant
3.8
This food court, located near the 1960s Showa Era Street in Odaiba, is a haven for takoyaki lovers. It serves up various regional variations of Osaka's signature octopus balls, with fresh, sizzling takoyaki made on the spot. Be careful when eating them, as the soft, chewy center is piping hot but incredibly delicious.
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu
Japanese inn
4.4
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu is a traditional Japanese inn offering a luxurious and authentic cultural experience with traditional tatami rooms and sliding shoji doors. Situated just a stone's throw from Sensoji Temple, it provides panoramic views of the temple's pagoda from some rooms and its rooftop hinoki bath. It's a highly recommended stay in Asakusa for its blend of tradition, comfort, and prime location.
Observation deck at Odaiba Seaside Park
Observation deck
4.7
Odaiba's waterfront offers a front-row seat to the Tokyo skyline, perfectly framed by the Rainbow Bridge. Here, you'll find a replica Statue of Liberty perched by the bay, in the shadow of the iconic Fuji TV building. This spot is renowned as Tokyo's most prolific date spot, with couples often seen enjoying the panoramic views.
Nezu Shrine
Shinto shrine
4.4
Nezu Shrine is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, said to date back 1,900 years, famed for its mesmerizing tunnel of a thousand Torii gates. Each April, the shrine's grounds explode with blooming azalea flowers, making it a spectacular sight. It offers a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and a serene atmosphere.
Disaster Prevention Experience Learning Facility (Sona Area Tokyo)
Place
4.2
This government-run facility educates visitors on how to survive a major earthquake, an essential topic in Tokyo. The highlight is an immersive simulation where you navigate the aftermath of a mega-quake as a disaster survivor. Part museum, part apocalypse training ground, it’s a worthwhile visit for both residents and tourists to prepare for potential emergencies.
Akihabara Gachapon Hall
Toy store
4.0
Akihabara Gacha Hall is a treasure trove for gacha enthusiasts, boasting over 500 gacha machines offering everything from anime figures to quirky collectibles. It's a place where you can try your luck and discover unique capsules that you never knew existed. The hall is known for its addictive nature and its vast selection of items.
Loft
General store
4.2
Loft is a massive Japanese store that blends a stationery shop, an interior design studio, and a novelty gift store, all within one glorious five-story labyrinth. It's the perfect place to discover unique and quirky items, from cactus-shaped lamps to foot massagers, making it an ideal destination when you're not sure what you need but want to find something special.
B-SIDE LABEL 原宿店
Store
4.8
This shop is less a store and more a chaotic art gallery plastered with stickers. It offers a vast collection of original Japanese stickers, from adorable kawaii cats to quirky and questionable artwork. The stickers are UV-resistant, waterproof, and even dishwasher-safe, making them durable for sticking anywhere.
Yarō Ramen
Ramen restaurant
3.5
Yarou Ramen in Akihabara is famous for its massive, skyscraper-sized portions of ramen, featuring thick noodles, an oily tonkotsu broth, and generous slabs of braised pork. This ramen is a hearty, unrefined dish perfect for those who are extremely hungry or hungover. Finishing a bowl earns you the respect of the shop staff.
3 COINS Lumine Est
Store
3.7
This shop offers a wide variety of items for 300 yen each, serving as a classier version of the 100-yen store. It specializes in goods you never knew you needed, from Pokémon merchandise to household essentials. It's a great spot to find unique Japanese items and souvenirs at an affordable price, making it popular among locals and tourists.
Matcha Passport
Cafe
4.7
Shimokitazawa's stylish tea shop offers premium matcha green tea sourced from Kyoto's tea fields. The matcha is sold in sachets packed inside literal passports, adding a unique, playful touch. It's the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing matcha drink after exploring the neighborhood, often seen as a trendy spot for visitors.
Bazzstore
Clothing store
4.7
Bazzstore is a prominent thrift store chain in Shimokitazawa, known for its extensive collection of used clothing and vintage items. It's a great place to find unique fashion pieces, with a focus on quality and style. The pricing can be higher than typical thrift stores due to the excellent condition of the items.
Tsutaya Books Daikanyama
Book store
4.5
Located in Daikanyama, T-Site is not just a bookstore but a beautifully designed complex with three sleek, interlinked buildings. It features carefully curated books, magazines, and even vinyl records, all set in a softly lit interior reminiscent of a Scandinavian crime drama. It's a haven for book lovers and design enthusiasts, offering a calm and inspiring atmosphere.
Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street
Place
4.1
Sugamo, affectionately dubbed 'Granny Harajuku,' is a unique shopping district in Tokyo where the median age of shoppers is notably high. The Jizō-dori street stretches for nearly 800 meters, featuring shops selling everything from traditional clothing to street food. It offers a lively and endearing atmosphere, providing a glimpse into a different facet of Tokyo's retail culture.
Karaoke Big EchoYaesu honten
Bar
3.7
Big Echo is a popular karaoke chain in Japan, with branches found in every city, offering private rooms where you can sing your heart out. The Ginza branch is particularly noteworthy for its stunning views of the Tokyo skyline at night. It's a perfect spot to let loose and enjoy a fun-filled evening with friends, especially with the use of a JJESIM voucher for discounts.
Yanaka Cemetery
Cemetery
4.1
Yanaka Cemetery, established in 1874, is one of Tokyo's largest cemeteries, offering a peaceful and beautiful backdrop for a stroll. It's particularly stunning during cherry blossom season, with pathways lined by blooming trees. The cemetery is also home to feral cats that can be seen sleeping on tombs, adding to its unique charm and providing a quiet escape from the city.
Fukutoku Shrine
Shinto shrine
4.3
Fukutoku Shrine is a 1,000-year-old Shinto shrine located in Nihonbashi's bustling business district, offering a striking contrast between ancient ritual and modern chaos. Rebuilt in the 10th century, it's a major place of worship. The shrine is popular for those seeking good fortune and a moment of tranquility amidst towering glass skyscrapers and office blocks.
Village Vanguard
General store
4.2
This is Japan's wildest bookstore, with shelves overflowing with curiosities. It offers a bizarrely random assortment of items, from Tamagotchis and traditional masks to stylish socks and quirky clocks. It's more than just a bookstore; it's a treasure trove of unique and eclectic items, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Menya Nishikawa
Ramen restaurant
4.4
Menya Nishikawa Ramen Shop in Higashi-Shinjuku is a hidden gem that has garnered a reputation for serving one of Tokyo's finest ramen bowls. Their specialty is a rich beef broth ramen, topped with expertly cooked beef slices that are briefly flame-torched to perfection. It is a highly recommended spot for ramen aficionados looking for a unique and delicious meal.
Freeman Shokudo
American restaurant
4.5
Freeman Shokudou in Hatagaya is a renowned Tokyo BBQ haven, specializing in delicious pastrami sandwiches inspired by New York's iconic deli culture. It offers thick, juicy cuts of beef brisket and smoked chicken, served on a bun with fresh ingredients. It's a must-visit for meat lovers seeking an authentic and satisfying BBQ experience.
Jimbocho Book Center
Book store
4.1
Jimbocho Book Town is Tokyo's largest book district, home to 150 bookshops specializing in rare, vintage, and out-of-print books, as well as manga and first editions. This area offers a calm and intellectual atmosphere, a welcome change from the frenetic energy of Akihabara. It's a paradise for book lovers and collectors seeking unique literary treasures.
New Shinbashi Building
Shopping mall
3.7
The New Shinbashi Building is a glorious relic of 1970s bubble-era Japan, appearing like an abandoned government office from the outside. Inside, it's a maze of cafes, standing bars, and old-school repair shops. The building embodies a retro charm where dreams were big and ceilings were low.
Ōshima Island
Island
4.2
Izu Oshima is Tokyo's largest volcanic island, located about 40 miles off the coast, offering a unique escape from the city. The island features sleepy fishing towns, pristine coastlines perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and the Ura-Sabaku Desert with its distinctive black sand. It's an underrated getaway for those seeking adventure or a relaxing day trip.
Komeda's Coffee Shinjuku Yasukuni-dōri
Cafe
3.7
Founded in Nagoya in 1968, Komeda Coffee now boasts over 900 branches nationwide. The cafe features a cozy interior with wood paneling and booths, perfect for a relaxing coffee break. It's renowned for its hearty tonkatsu sandwiches, which are a main attraction rather than a mere afterthought, making it a popular spot for both coffee and substantial meals.
Daily Chiko
Ice cream shop
4.2
Daily Chico Ice Cream Shop, located in the basement of Nakano Broadway, is famous for its jumbo-sized ice cream towers featuring eight stacked layers of soft-serve in various flavors. It has achieved legendary status among locals and tourists. While you can opt for a single scoop, the iconic eight-flavor stack is an unforgettable, albeit potentially messy, experience.
Daiba 1-chome Shopping Street
Shopping mall
4.2
Inside the Decks Mall on Odaiba's waterfront, this retro-themed street is a hidden gem celebrating Japan's Showa era (1926-1989). It features sweet shops, vintage arcades, and a brand-new Showa museum packed with memorabilia from decades past. It’s a nostalgic journey back in time, offering a glimpse into old Tokyo with its unique charm and atmosphere.
Nakano Sun Mall
Shopping mall
4.0
Nakano Sun Mall is a bustling shopping arcade with a distinctive pointed, glass-roofed prism ceiling that bathes the arcade in soft light. It houses over 100 shops and restaurants, stretching from Nakano Station into the heart of otaku culture. The arcade is a vibrant shopping cathedral, offering a mix of mainstream and niche stores.
La France
Bar
4.9
La France is an exclusive bar in Ginza specializing in fresh fruit cocktails, meticulously prepared by cocktail master Yamashita-san. Guests can choose their preferred fruit from a blackboard. It's a refined establishment perfect for a sophisticated evening, offering beautifully crafted drinks in an intimate setting.
Nishikaigan Ruby ' s Shimokitazawaten
Women's clothing store
3.8
Located in Shimokitazawa, this shop is one of many vintage clothing stores that make the neighborhood a thrift hunter's paradise. It offers a wide selection of stylish secondhand items, often reflecting Japanese fashion trends. While prices can be higher due to the well-maintained quality, you can still find unique pieces and fashionable items.
Taiyatai 999 - - Hibiyaten
Thai restaurant
3.8
Located in Shimokitazawa, this Thai restaurant stands out with its neon-lit, Blade Runner-esque interior. It's famous for its delicious and authentic Thai cuisine, served in a setting that feels straight out of an 80s movie. Even if the food wasn't great, the unique atmosphere would be reason enough to visit, but thankfully, the dishes are excellent.
Pathography
Clothing store
5.0
This used clothing store in Shimokitazawa offers a diverse selection of vintage and secondhand apparel. It’s one of many shops contributing to the area’s reputation as a prime destination for fashion-forward thrift shopping. Despite the name, it provides unique and stylish options for those looking for distinctive clothing.
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