Best Sightseeing Locations in Tokyo
Do you know about Tokyo’s world-famous tourist spots?
While the city is best known for its dazzling entertainment districts, Tokyo is also home to many beautiful natural areas.
Many people imagine Tokyo as a cutting-edge metropolis, but it also has places that have preserved tradition for centuries.
A fascinating mix of modern and historic, urban and natural—Tokyo is a city of contrasts in the best possible way.
In this article, we’ll introduce 13 incredible must-visit spots in Japan’s capital!
If you’re looking for the best Tokyo food recommendations, check this out!
1. Senso ji
Sensoji Temple is a historic and prestigious temple with nearly 1,400 years of history.
The Kaminarimon Gate, marked by its iconic large lantern, is one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks.
Leading up to the main hall is Nakamise Street, a lively shopping district always bustling with visitors.
If you’re interested, be sure to check it out!
2. Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest broadcasting tower, standing at 634 meters.
It is famous for its observation decks, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo from high above.
Inside the Skytree, you’ll find an aquarium, a planetarium, restaurants, and many other attractions, making it a great place to explore in various ways.
3. Tsukiji
Tsukiji is a market where delicious food from all over Japan gathers.
It used to have two main areas: the “inner market” for vendors and the “outer market” for the general public, but now the “inner market” has relocated to Toyosu.
Tsukiji remains a popular spot for tourists, as it offers fresh and tasty dishes at affordable prices, making it a must-visit destination.
4. Ameyoko
Ameyoko is one of Japan’s most famous shopping streets, stretching about 500 meters from Ueno to Okachimachi.
You can find a wide variety of items here, from food and daily necessities to unique and rare goods.
The bustling atmosphere, especially during the year-end, is well-known and often featured in TV and online news every year.
5. Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is a nature-filled zoo located in the heart of Tokyo, home to over 300 species of animals.
The most famous residents here are undoubtedly the pandas.
Since pandas are rare in Japan, it’s a must-see when you visit.
In addition, you can experience the lives of various other animals up close. If you’re an animal lover, be sure to check it out!
6. Akihabara
Akihabara is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Tokyo.
Here, you can deeply experience Japan’s subculture. It’s not an exaggeration to say that you can find almost all kinds of anime, manga, and gaming-related goods in this area.
If you’re interested in the so-called “otaku” culture, this is definitely a must-visit spot!
7. Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street is a popular shopping street located just outside Harajuku Station, especially loved by young people.
It’s lined with creative and unique fashion stores, making it a hub for trends!
Takeshita Street is also known for its cute food items, offering delicious treats that are not only tasty but also perfect for photos.
8. The National Diet Building
The National Diet Building is the center of Japan’s politics, where elected members of the Diet meet to discuss policies and laws.
In fact, it is open to the public, and you can tour the building to learn more. It’s a place where you can feel the history of Japanese politics and its present-day workings.
If you’re interested, be sure to check it out!
9. The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is the residence of Japan’s Emperor, a symbol of the nation.
It was once used as the residence of the shoguns during the Edo period, and it houses many historic buildings.
While tours of the interior require reservations, you can also purchase souvenirs related to the imperial family.
10. The Yamanote Line
The Yamanote Line is a circular railway that runs through the heart of Tokyo.
Along this line, you’ll find many of Tokyo’s most famous districts. Ueno, for example, is home to the Ameyoko Market and Ueno Zoo, which are featured in this video.
In Shinjuku, you’ll find Kabukicho, the largest entertainment district in Tokyo, while Shibuya is known for its famous scramble crossing and the Hachiko statue!
Ikebukuro offers a wide variety of stores catering to all ages and interests!
Tokyo Station is the heart of Japan, and its architecture is highly valued as a historical landmark.
Additionally, Shinagawa is home to numerous embassies, making it a place foreigners will likely visit several times.
11. Mount Takao
Tokyo is well-known as a bustling metropolis, but it also offers a lot of natural beauty.
Mount Takao, located in the western part of Tokyo, stands at 599 meters and holds the record for the highest number of climbers in the world!
The mountain is particularly stunning during the autumn season, when the leaves turn red and yellow, attracting many visitors.
Also, don’t miss Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple, dedicated to the mythical Japanese creature, Tengu. The temple provides a traditional Japanese atmosphere, so be sure to stop by and experience it!
12. Okutama
The area further west from Mount Takao is generally known as Okutama.
Once you reach here, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes that seem far removed from the city of Tokyo.
Some of the highlights include the Nippara Limestone Cave, which has been formed over hundreds of years, and Okutama Lake, where you can enjoy different scenic views throughout the four seasons.
These spots are definitely worth a visit for nature lovers!
13. Ogasawara Islands
The Ogasawara Islands are a beautiful group of islands that are registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Although they are considered part of Tokyo, they are located about 1,000 kilometers away from the city.
The stunning emerald-green sea is just the beginning — here, you may also encounter rare plants and animals that exist nowhere else in the world.
While it’s not the easiest destination to reach, it’s definitely a place worth visiting if you get the chance!
Did You Have a Favorite Tokyo Sight?
How did you like the recommended tourist spots in Tokyo that we shared?
We hope you were able to experience the city’s innovation, history, and nature.
Tokyo has so many more fascinating places that we couldn’t cover in this post.
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, be sure to not only use this article as a reference, but also explore other blogs for even more information.
Wishing you a wonderful journey!
We’ve also posted a video version of this article on our school’s YouTube channel.
The video includes photos that we couldn’t share in the article.
It’s in both Japanese and Burmese, so if you’re interested, feel free to check it out!
