by Ivan Mlinaric / CC BY-SA 2.0
The City That Combines Ancient Mystique with Neon Brilliance
Table of Contents
A. About Tokyo
Nickname: The Eastern CapitalTokyo is one of the busiest cities on the planet: the pace of life in the modern Japanese Capital with its skyscrapers, neon, electronics stores, large shopping complexes, and countless bars and clubs never seems to slow down.
The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populous metropolitan area in the entire world.
➕ The Good
Tokyo scores remarkably high for its beautiful location on Tokyo Bay with the Sumida River and is one of the safest metropolises in the world.
The city also boasts fantastic shopping, in districts such as Ginza, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Shinjuku. In addition, the Japanese capital scores notably well for its nightlife and transport.
➖ Negative Aspects
Tokyo possesses no real standout sights, and the quality of the sights is overall not particularly high.
Furthermore, there is no real center, and the Japanese capital experiences a high price level. From time to time, you might notice unpleasant odors from canalizations.
B. Best Things to Do in Tokyo in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than 120 sights in Tokyo. The following sights contribute to a score of 7.05/10 in this most important category:
# Sky Tree 7
With a height of 634 m (2,080 ft), Sky Tree is the second tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
From the two observation platforms at 451 m, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Tokyo.
Television Tower Total Height: 634 m / 2,080 ft | Observation Deck: 450 m / 1,480 ft) | Built: 2012
by By Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Shibuya 6
Shibuya is a trendy shopping, eating, and entertainment district full of people, neon lights, and giant screens.
It is home to the Shibuya Crossing, a famous intersection outside Shibuya Station.
City District with the famous Shibuya Crossing
# Tokyo National Museum 6
Located inside Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest largest, and best museum. It houses in five separate exhibition buildings over 110,000 items in areas of architecture, fine art, sculpture, calligraphy, classical books, ancient manuscripts, and archaeological materials.
Archaeological and Art Museum Gallery Space: 38,000 m2 / 410,000 ft2 | Established: 1872 | Visitors (2017): 2,178,825
by Wiiii / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Senso-ji 5
Located in Asakusa, the colorful Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Adjacent to the temple is an impressive five-story pagoda, the Asakusa Shinto shrine.
by Felix Filnkössl / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Imperial Palace 5
Destroyed during air raids in 1945, the Imperial Palace was rebuilt in 1968 using the principles of traditional Japanese architecture. Daily guided tours of the palace grounds are available, though the inner grounds of the palace are generally not open to the public.
Palace ⚠️ Prebooking ahead required!
# Meiji-jingu 5
Located in the middle of a dark forest, Meiji Shrine is the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo. It honors the spirits of Emperor Meiji, who died in 1912.
by Kakidai / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Shinjuku 5
Home to the world's busiest railway station, this lively city district is full of skyscrapers, bright lights, and flashing billboards.
# Tokyo International Forum 5
This impressive multi-purpose exhibition center features swooping curves of steel and glass, with an exterior design resembling an elongated boat.
Modern Building | Modern Architecture
by Hide1228 / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Akihabara Electric Town 5
Also known as Electric Town, this city district is known worldwide as a wonderland for gamers, computer enthusiasts, and fans of anime and manga.
City District with Yodobashi Camera Electronic Store
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Tokyo
#11 | Edo-Tokyo Museum 5
The Edo-Tokyo Museum, established in 1993 in Sumida, Tokyo, offers an immersive journey through Tokyo's history with its distinctive architecture and engaging exhibits.
by Wiiii / CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Ueno Park 5
Ueno Park in Tokyo is renowned for its cherry blossoms, cultural institutions, historical background, and vibrant seasonal festivals. Established in 1873, it is one of Japan's oldest public parks, originally part of the temple grounds of Kan'ei-ji.
by Guilhem Vellut / CC BY-SA 2.0
#13 | Takeshita Street 5
Takeshita Street is a bustling pedestrian shopping street in the Harajuku district of Tokyo.
It is famous for its vibrant youth culture and trendy shops. The street is lined with boutiques, cafes, and fast-food outlets. Takeshita Street is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
by Intforce / CC BY-SA 4.0
#14 | Tokyo Tower 5
Tokyo Tower, completed in 1958, is a 333-meter-high communications and observation tower in Tokyo, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and painted white and orange for safety.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from its two observation decks, located at 150 meters and 250 meters.
by Akonnchiroll / CC BY-SA 4.0
#15 | Ginza 5
Ginza is Tokyo's premier shopping and entertainment district, blending luxury retail, fine dining, and a lively nightlife scene.
by Kakidai / CC BY-SA 4.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Tokyo
MOUNT FUJI 7
Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain and an active volcano, is a cultural icon and popular tourist destination renowned for its natural beauty and hiking opportunities.
Mountain 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 2013 | Height: 3776 m | Distance from Tokyo: 132 km
by Akonnchiroll / CC BY-SA 4.0
Yokohama 7
Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, is located just south of Tokyo on Tokyo Bay.
Yokohama is a key port city and blends modern urban landscapes with rich cultural experiences, notably in Minato Mirai 21 and its large Chinatown.
City Distance from Tokyo: 35 km
by akumach / CC BY-SA 2.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Tokyo (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Tokyo for at least three entire days: