Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Tokyo

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the busiest metropolises in the world. And here, local authorities and residents treat every square metre with typical Japanese frugality. The city districts are densely built up. Skyscrapers neighbour with low buildings of the past centuries. This shows the continuity of traditions, but allows to modernise the streets.

Fans of everything unusual should pay their attention to the museums of Tokyo. For example, in the Samurai Museum you can try on armour, and in the Mega Web exhibition centre you can take a ride in a retro car. You can see the beauty of the Japanese capital from the heights of observation decks. One of the best is located in the Tokyo Television Tower.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

Odaiba

 0/5

The main and most interesting districts of the city. They differ in architecture, they have different functions and “specialisation”. Akihabara is famous for shopping outlets, it is the centre of the anime and IT industry. Ginza has the most expensive hotels, top-notch restaurants and great shopping. You can also shop in the Harajuku neighbourhood, but here prices are more affordable and cosplay fans congregate. The artificial island of Odaiba is a sight in itself.

Imperial Palace

 4.4/5

24639 reviews

Located on the grounds of the former Edo Castle. The area, including gardens, is just under 7.5 km². It has been used as a residence since the mid-19th century. The architecture has features of both traditional Japanese style and elements characteristic of Europe. The complex comprises a number of buildings, including the Imperial Concert Hall and the Ministry of the Court. Tourists can only visit the East Garden.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Thursday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Friday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Saturday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Sunday: Closed

Meiji Jingu

 4.6/5

34603 reviews

Built in 1920 in Yoyogi Park and dedicated to Emperor Mutsuhito. Inside is a collection of items from the ruling dynasty of the time. Guests can receive an omikuji, a fortune-telling paper, for a symbolic fee. The perimeter of the temple is surrounded by a fence with figurative carvings. The entrance to the territory is through a large wooden gate. Right behind them is a garden where you can find 80 varieties of irises.

Open time

Monday: 5:20 AM – 5:20 PM
Tuesday: 5:20 AM – 5:20 PM
Wednesday: 5:20 AM – 5:20 PM
Thursday: 5:20 AM – 5:20 PM
Friday: 5:20 AM – 5:20 PM
Saturday: 5:20 AM – 5:20 PM
Sunday: 5:20 AM – 5:20 PM

Sensō-ji

 4.5/5

69353 reviews

Its history dates back to 628. It is considered to be the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital. Its foundation is connected with the discovery of a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon. For several centuries trade was allowed near the temple. This tradition is preserved even now: right from the gate begins a street with souvenir shops and stalls with sweets. A large fair is organised once a year on the grounds of Senso-ji.

Open time

Tokyo Tower

 4.4/5

68801 reviews

Construction lasted a year and a half and was completed in 1958. The structure can easily withstand wind gusts of up to 90 metres per second. It has also been repeatedly tested for its ability to cope with the seismic activity of the region. The height is 333 metres, which is 13 more than the Eiffel Tower. There are observation decks on two levels – 150 and 250 metres.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Tokyo Skytree

 4.4/5

79943 reviews

The translation of the name is “Tokyo sky tree”. It was opened in 2012. With a height of 634 metres, it is the tallest TV tower and the second tallest structure in the world. It is illuminated in either sky blue or purple. Resistant in the event of earthquakes. It is used not only for its intended purpose: there are observation decks, boutiques, restaurants. A complex with a planetarium, an aquarium and shopping areas has been built nearby.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Kabuki-za

 4.3/5

9313 reviews

The year of foundation is 1889. Location – Ginza. It is the city’s main kabuki theatre. The building has been reconstructed several times, retaining its original appearance but changing a lot. It has suffered from both time and disasters such as fires and earthquakes. It seats 1,964 spectators. An underground passage from the theatre to Higashi-Ginza Station is open for visitors’ convenience

Open time

Tokyo National Museum

 4.5/5

23070 reviews

Located in Ueno Park. Its history dates back to 1872. One of the oldest and largest museums in Japan. The area is more than 100 thousand square metres. The museum is a complex of 5 buildings. Each of them is characterised by a certain theme. The established exhibition area has been available to visitors since 1938. It presents samples of applied and fine arts, as well as artefacts related to history and ethnography.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Edo-Tokyo Museum

 4.4/5

12686 reviews

Dedicated to the history of Edo, the name of Tokyo. It opened in 1993. The building is 62.2 metres high, which is the same height as the ancient Edo Castle. The exhibition is divided into two segments. The first – from 1590 – the year of the city’s foundation to 1868, the second – from the time of renaming to the present day. Among the exhibits there are models of ancient buildings, scrolls, kimonos. Interactive programmes have been developed to immerse guests in the past.

Right now place is temporarily closed.
Please re-check in future

Megaweb Toyota City Showcase

 4.3/5

10698 reviews

Japan’s main car museum. Thanks to the founders – Toyota concern, this place has turned into a real amusement park. The exposition includes 6 exhibitions. On several floors there are cars of the present and the future. In one of the halls everyone who knows how to drive a car is allowed to take a ride on the samples presented here. There is also a children’s go-karting track with a length of 150 metres.

Place is closed permanently

Samurai Museum

 4.5/5

3949 reviews

Located in the Shinjuku district. The spacious halls display samurai armour and weapons. Most of the items are authentic. Standard armour was used only in battle. The guide will tell you how to put them on properly. You can try on some samples for an additional fee. Photography is allowed in the museum, except for a few particularly flash-sensitive pictures.

Right now place is temporarily closed.
Please re-check in future

Nezu Museum

 4.5/5

4516 reviews

Set in a picturesque garden amidst streams, tea houses and paths. It is based on a private collection. The building was reconstructed in 2006, at which point the modern history of the museum began. The collection is the national treasures of Japan. Calligraphic scrolls, gold-painted boxes, bronze crockery, folding screens – these and other exhibits introduce Japanese traditions.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

The National Art Center Tokyo

 4.3/5

17709 reviews

Opened its doors to connoisseurs of beauty in 2007. The exhibition halls cover an area of 14,000 m². One of the most visited art museums in the world. Its peculiarity is the absence of a permanent exposition. Within its walls, the art centre hosts temporary exhibitions. The museum co-operates with other cities, including foreign ones, and also acts as a platform for demonstrations of private collections.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The National Museum of Western Art

 4.5/5

8058 reviews

Belongs to Taito County. Founded on the basis of the collection of Matsukata Kojiro. An exhibition building was built for its collection of more than 350 art objects by 1959. It was subsequently completed to increase the number of halls. Now about 2 thousand exhibits are collected under one roof. The exposition includes paintings, sculpture, graphics and drawings of Europe and North America from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

National Museum of Nature and Science

 4.5/5

22535 reviews

Belongs to the Ueno Park area. It has been in operation since 1871. The name has changed several times, although the profile has remained the same. The museum underwent modernisation at the turn of the 1990s and ’00s. It is divided into two galleries: the Global Gallery tells about the planet as a whole, and the Japanese Gallery – about the country’s peculiarities. The aim of the museum is to bring information about the stages of evolution to visitors of all ages. Theatre 360 has been open since 2006.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mori Art Museum

 4.3/5

5734 reviews

It is located on the top two floors of the Mori Tower – 238 metres high. Because of this, it is considered the highest museum in Tokyo. There is a viewing area around the perimeter. The first exhibition opened in 2003. The exposition includes works by contemporary Japanese and foreign artists. It also displays paintings from private collections. For example, paintings by Monet, Kandinsky and Matisse.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monument to Hachiko

It was erected in 1934. It is dedicated to a dog named Hachiko, who became famous even outside Japan thanks to literature and cinema. For many years he came to Shibuya Station to meet his master. He died, but Hachiko never stopped coming to the train, as scheduled. The symbol of loyalty was melted down for the army during World War II. The monument was restored in 1948.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

 4.5/5

4481 reviews

It’s considered the busiest intersection on the planet. During rush hours, 2,500 people cross it in just one minute. That’s how long the green light of the traffic lights is on for pedestrians. More than 2 million people can pass through here per day. Intersections with such a complex device are also found in other countries. All of them are called “Barnes Dance” in honour of the traffic engineer who made them fashionable.

Open time

State Guest House Akasaka Palace

 4.4/5

1033 reviews

It was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is the only neo-Baroque building in Japan. Reminiscent of Buckingham Palace. It is the guest house of the government, where high-ranking representatives of other countries reside. Since 2009 it has the status of the National Treasure of Japan. The complex occupies an area of 117 thousand square metres. The palace is surrounded by a road without intersections, which is about three and a quarter kilometres long.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

 4.4/5

4613 reviews

Also called Tokyo Municipality. This complex of buildings has been the seat of the metropolitan government since 1991. The building is one of the tallest in Tokyo at almost 243 metres. It has 45 floors and 3 more underground levels. The 3 buildings are connected by bridges and between them there is a fan-shaped courtyard with a public garden next to it. The structures are seismically stable and should withstand an earthquake of 8 points.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena

 4.3/5

7244 reviews

The indoor sports arena opened its doors to the public in 1985. It is located in the Yokoami neighbourhood. Sumo competitions attract the most spectators. The main tournaments are held in January, May and September. Ryogoku Kokugikan is also suitable for boxing matches and artist performances. There is a shop selling fried chicken on the underground level. Part of the roof opens up when needed.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tokyo Station

 4.3/5

11455 reviews

The station building was built in 1914. The architect is Tatsuno Kingo. The red brick and some design features refer to the Dutch style. Inside there is a real labyrinth of platforms, stairs, lifts and passages. Every day about 4 thousand trains pass through the station. Most of them are high-speed trains. For the convenience of passengers, there are exits to the nearest metro stations.

Open time

Rainbow Bridge

 4.5/5

2956 reviews

Crossed the northern Tokyo Bay in 1993. The total length of the suspension structure is 798 metres with a width of 49 metres. It is named for its illumination. The lights are solar-powered, which is economical and good for the environment. For pedestrians there are two crossings on the lower tier. The walk will not only help you get to and from Odaiba Island, but also take in the sights of the neighbourhood.

Open time

Tsukiji Outer Market

 4.3/5

47911 reviews

It is also called “fish” among locals, although other products are sold here as well. The market sells about 2,000 tonnes of seafood and fish per day. It consists of two parts. In the inner market, there are wholesale sales, trading and processing of products. On the external one you can buy both wholesale and retail. There are cafes and restaurants. Most of the outlets open very early and close in the morning.

Open time

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

 4.6/5

35979 reviews

The park belongs to two districts at once: Shibuya and Shinjuku. The first park was closed and appeared in 1906. It was destroyed during World War II. It was reopened in 1949. Access was granted to all citizens and visitors to Tokyo. In early spring, cherry blossoms especially attract locals and tourists. The total number of trees is about one and a half thousand. They represent 75 species.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Ueno Park

 4.3/5

27138 reviews

It was laid out in 1873. It is home to several museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. Tourists are also attracted to the temple of the goddess Kannon, where infertile women pray. Once pregnant, they bring a doll as a gift. Toys are traditionally burned once a year. The local zoo is home to more than 2,500 animals. Particularly famous are the two pandas that replaced the deceased general favourite Lin-Lin.

Open time

Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Hamarikyu Gardens

 4.4/5

9748 reviews

Located in the Tuo district. It was laid out in 1946. The area exceeds 25 hectares. The park is surrounded by a moat, which is filled with the waters of Tokyo Bay. Traditional events include falconry on New Year’s Day, tea ceremony in a tea house in the centre of the gardens, and demonstrations by aikido fighters. Access to the park is via one of two bridges or by river tram. There is a charge for everyone except local schoolchildren.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Yoyogi Park

 4.3/5

22378 reviews

Located near Harajuku Station. It is famous for hosting the first aeroplane flight in the country in 1910. Since then, the park has hosted military parades. The rest of the time it is used for recreation. There are sports fields, a cycle track, bicycle hire, and martial arts practice areas. In part of the Yoyogi territory, dogs can walk without a leash, which is a unique phenomenon in Japan.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Chidorigafuchi Park

 4.4/5

2326 reviews

The place is considered one of the most romantic in Tokyo. More than 300 trees are planted along a deep moat filled with water. They overhang the banks and look like floating clouds during the cherry blossom season. A popular pastime is a boat trip. The pier and hire shop are very conveniently equipped. However, you should be prepared to queue, as the place is traditionally crowded.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Tokyo Disneyland

 4.6/5

100150 reviews

It has been open since 1983. Occupies an area of 465,000 m². It was the first Disney theme park to be founded outside the USA. The attractions are located in 7 thematic zones: Wild West Land, Animal Land, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Futureland, Cartoon City and Universal Bazaar. A single ticket is purchased at the entrance and admission to the attractions is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM