The Japanese capital of Tokyo attracts millions of visitors every year and remains one of the world’s most popular cities. This busy metropolis is home to 13.9 million people in the city itself as well as a total of 40 million in the urban areas, making it one of the most populated in the entire world.
The city features an intriguing juxtaposition of traditional Japanese temples alongside modern skyscrapers and towers. The city is the seat of the Japanese government and sits on the main island of Honshu.
In 1943, Tokyo was officially given status as a metropolis, something that not many places can lay claim to and is an economical capital of the world. A staggering 51 out of fortune 500 companies have their bases here, that is an astonishing figure. This shows in the economy of city which is known to be one of the most expensive to visit anywhere in the world.
If you are paying a visit to Tokyo, there are plenty of thing to see and do here and it will be an experience that you are likely to never forget. In this article, we want to share with you some of the very best things to do whilst staying in this incredible city.
1. Tokyo Skytree
This awesome tower is an excellent vantage point to take in views across the city with its sky high observation deck, where you can wile away many hours marvelling at the city.
The tower stands at a huge 634 metres making it the second tallest building in the world. It remained the tallest for many years until the erection of the Burj Khalifa.
It is the official centre for broadcasting in Japan and many of the countries TV and radio stations are broadcast from this location.
2. Senso-ji
You are always going to have an amazing choice of Buddhist temples when visiting Japan and it can be a little overwhelming choosing which ones you want to see, but when in Tokyo, you simply must pay a visit to the Senso-ji temple which is the oldest one in all of Tokyo.
Not only will you have the opportunity to explore the temple but there are also a variety of shops which well traditional Japanese wares, making the perfect souvenir of your visit. The temple is extremely popular and attracts 30 million guests each year.
3. Tokyo Disneyland
This 115 acre theme park is one of the most famed locations in all of Japan. There are many Disney parks across the globe but this one is special and is a must see when visiting the city.
This is an excellent choice for families with children who will love the magic that Disneyland provides.
The park features seven different areas all with their own theme including the world bazaar and Tomorrowland.
4. Imperial Palace
This palace is the official residence of the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family and so attracts many visitors each year. Whilst guests are not permitted to explore all of the palace, due to it being a home, there are ample opportunities to explore parts of it.
The palace features a beautiful moat which is one of the main points of interest and is a great way to experience the Japanese culture.
5. Harajuku
Probably one of Tokyo’s most famed locations, Harajuku is a shopping district which is well known for its youth culture and links to fashion. Locals flock here in their thousands to experience the vibrancy and excitement of this area and tourists to the city should not miss out on this.
There are a great selection of beautiful little boutiques and a brilliant variety of cafes and places to eat. This lively location is perfect for experiencing Tokyo at it’s best.
6. Tokyo Disney Sea
If you have visited Disneyland then perhaps another great location to try would be Disney sea which is another of Tokyo’s most popular attractions for families.
This park is larger on a setting of 176 acres and first opened its doors in 2001 and has since become the fastest growing theme park in terms of visitors in the world.
There is an app available so that guests can look at queue times and park information which is particularly useful.
7. Mount Takao
If you are looking for something a little more relaxing to recover from the hustle and bustle of the city then a visit to Mount Takao is simply ideal.
There are plenty of opportunities for hiking or perhaps a gentle stroll as well as the beautiful Tama gardens which are extremely easy on the eyes. The mountain sits within the Meiji No Mori Takao Quasi National Park and so is a protected area.
8. Ghibli Museum
The famous Japanese animation studio, Ghibli has a very popular museum which is excellent for kids and adults alike. There is a dedicated children’s museum so this is the first port of call for many families as well as a technology museum which is particularly interesting.
On top of this there is an on site cafe and a book shop as well as a lovely little roof garden, meaning that this can easily fill up a day with all that there is to do here.
9. Ise Sueyoshi
When in any country, it is vital to try out the local cuisine and to do this in Tokyo, Ise Sueyoshi is the best place. This beautiful restaurant is definitely one for the adults and is not really kid friendly, but for a special night, it is well worth a visit.
The staff here are amazing hosts and the food is renowned for how good it is. There is a brilliant vegan menu showing that the eatery thinks of every detail.
10. Yomiuri Land
For those who are travelling with children this is the perfect day out. The location features five swimming pools both inside and out meaning this is ideal for all types of weather. There are a selection of water slides which are always popular with the young ones and will keep them entertained for hours.
11. Ueno Zoo
If you are an animal lover then when in Tokyo why not visit one of the most renowned zoos in the world and the oldest zoo in the country. Founded in 1882, the zoo is home to many animals including hippos, rhinos, pandas, tigers and elephants.
In total, there are over 2600 creatures who call the zoo home and this makes for an ideal educational visit for people of all ages.
12. Tokyo National Museum
Situated in the Ueno park, the Tokyo National Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. This is the oldest museum in Japan and houses a stunning collection of pieces of traditional Japanese art and artefacts.
This is the largest museum in Japan and so takes some time to walk around but it is well worth the visit to see the Buddhist art that is here as well as the 110 thousand other items.
13. Sunshine City
For those who wish to indulge in some retail therapy whilst on their trip to one of the fashion capitals of the world, a trip to Sunshine city is a must.
There are huge selection of shops in this massive location in a tower which stands at 240 metres as well as a great variety of places to eat such as cafes and restaurants. Sunshine city is known for being a vibrant and lively location which is loved by locals and tourists alike.
14. Izu Islands
Why not take a break from the busy city and relax at the Izu Islands which are located off the coast of Tokyo. The island group is made up of 12 individual islands of which, nine are currently inhabited. The scenery here is amazing and this is one of the reasons it is such a popular destination.
On top of that there is the chance to take part in activities such as swimming and scuba diving. If you prefer, you can simply relax and take in the incredible sea views that can be observed from here.
15. Zojoji Temple
Built hundreds of years ago in 1622, this stunning temple is constructed of wood in the traditional Japanese style and attracts many people to its beauty. This is the main Jodo-Shu Chinzei Temple and since 2015 has been listed as a national treasure of Japan. There is a gallery here which features some amazing Japanese paintings too.
Conclusion
Tokyo is one of the world’s greatest cities and it is easy to see why. With a great mix of traditional and modern, there is something that will appeal to everyone in this vibrant Japanese metropolis.
With two of the main Disney parks being located here, the city attracts many tourists in the way of families with children, and Disney is not the only thing to do for this type of visitor.
That being said, there are also many things to see and do for adult travellers, and one thing is for sure, a visit to Tokyo will never be boring!
Last Updated on April 3, 2020