This list of places to visit in Tokyo It will help you to design a route with which you will not miss anything important, from one of the most interesting cities in the world.
Active city 24 hours a day, Tokyo is perfect to visit markets, parks or temples during the day and end the day walking among neons and billboards in neighborhoods such as Akihabara, Shinjuku or Shibuya.
You should keep in mind that the best way to get around Tokyo is to use its efficient and extensive metro network, similar to a large underground city, with which you can reach all the tourist attractions and important points of the city.
And although we know that travel attractions are highly valued, in a city like Tokyo, you can not forget to try its extensive and varied cuisine such as sushi, sashimi, ramen, okonomiyaki, tempura or yakisoba, which will delight your palate.
Based on our experience in the 6 days we spent in the city during the trip to Japan for free and the 10 of our last trip, in which we wrote this guide to travel to Japan, we have made a selection of what we think, are the 10 essential places to see in Tokyo. We start!
1. Akihabara
Akihabara, known as the electronic neighborhood and one of the most essential places to visit in Tokyo, brings together thousands of followers of manga, anime, video games and computers every day, to all kinds of sophisticated accessories, which will leave you speechless.
Although these types of items can be found in other neighborhoods of Tokyo, the number of stores that are concentrated around the Akihabara station and the main street Chuo-Dori, is incomparable, in addition to the environment that is created around, so It is highly recommended to spend a few hours in this corner of the city.
If you can choose the day, one of the best things to do in Tokyo, is to walk around Akihabara on Sunday or holidays, since throughout the day its streets become pedestrian and you can enjoy much more the experience of seeing you surrounded by numerous Advertising signs and neon lights.
Another reason why Akihabara is also known is for his maid cafes, coffee shops where the waitresses are disguised as maids, who will take you to the geek side of the neighborhood.
Other different experiences that you can enjoy in this area are those of sleeping in a capsule hotel or taking pictures in a "Purikura Cosplay", with special filters in which it will appear that you are coming out of a comic or manga series.
A good option to not miss anything about Akihabara is to book this guided tour in Spanish or this tour through the most freaky Tokyo that takes place in this neighborhood and are considered among the best excursions in Tokyo.
The Akihabara neighborhood can be easily reached by several lines such as JR Yamanote, JR Keihin-Tohoku, JR Sobu (all included in the JR Pass) or the Hibiya metro line and the Tsukuba Express, not included in the JRP.
Akihabara
2. The Sensoji Temple
Sensoji, our favorite and oldest temple in the city, is another of the must-see places in Tokyo.
The best way to enter this Buddhist temple, located in the Asakusa neighborhood, is to cross its impressive Kaminarimon gate, which highlights a huge red lantern and statues of gods on each side, which have made it one of Typical photos of the city.
Something to keep in mind is that there are usually a lot of people, so we recommend you arrive very soon if you don't want to see yourself surrounded by a crowd.
Inside the Sensoji Temple, the beautiful five-story pagoda and the Hondo main hall stand out, as well as several rooms, shrines, bells, doors, temples, statues and a garden that will delight every traveler.
Next to the temple, between the Kaminarimon and Hozomon gates is Nakamise Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in all of Japan, where you can enjoy a pleasant walk along its 250 meters of street and more than 90 shops, which you They will show the whole range of sourvenirs that you can take as a souvenir of your trip.
A good option to not miss anything about the Asakusa neighborhood is to book this tour with a guide in Spanish that also includes the Akihabara neighborhood.
To get to the Asakusa station stop, located near the temple, you can take the JR Yamanote line from Tokyo or JR Chuo station from Shinjiku (included in the JR Pass). You have to change at the Kanda station to get to the Ginza metro line.
Another option is to take the water bus of the Sumida River line.
Visiting hours of the main hall: every day from 6 am to 5 pm, the rest of the temple is always open.
Sensoji Temple
3. Tokyo viewpoints
There are several viewpoints in Tokyo that are worth climbing to enjoy the best views of the city and from which you can get to see Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Although any time of the day is good to do so, we recommend you go up one hour before sunset to see the sunset and as the city gradually lights up.
We leave you a list of what are our four favorite Tokyo viewpoints:
- Mori Tower: This building in the Roppongi Hills district has for us the best views of Tokyo from its exterior viewpoint located 238 meters high. Before reaching the roof you have another good viewpoint on the 52nd floor, although the views are behind a glass.
The exterior viewpoint (Sky Deck) opens from 10am to 8pm, while the interior (Tokyo City View) opens from 10am to 11pm and on weekends it closes at 2 am.
- Metropolitan Government Building: This 243 meter building, known as Tochō, has two excellent panoramic viewpoints located 202 meters away. It differs from the rest of the viewpoints of the city in that it is free, making it another of the essential places to visit in Tokyo. The viewpoint of the north tower opens from 9: 30h to 23h and that of the south tower closes at 17: 30h.
- Tokyo Tower: This 333-meter-high tower, inspired by the architecture of the Eiffel Tower, is the most famous viewpoint in the city. The observatory is 250 meters high and has magnificent panoramic views. Also at the base of the tower is the beautiful Zojoji temple, another essential visit to the city.
The viewpoint opens from 9 am to 11 pm.
- Tokyo Skytree: This telecommunications tower opened in 2012 and located in the Sumida neighborhood, is the tallest structure in Japan with its 634 meters high. The first viewpoint (Platform Dembo) is 350 meters high, which you will reach in less than a minute by elevator. The second viewpoint (Tembe Gallery) is the tallest in Tokyo with its 450 meters high and views of vertigo.
The viewpoints open every day from 8 am to 10 pm. You can reserve the ticket without queues here in advance.
Mori Tower viewpoint
Our recommended hotel in Tokyo
As accommodation in Tokyo, we recommend Hotel Horidome Villa, located very close to the Shin Nihombashi subway stop, which belongs to the JR Pass.
The rooms are small, something common throughout Japan, although they have all the comforts and a good quality / price ratio. The hotel also stands out for its friendly staff, who will help you at all times and have several coffee shops nearby for breakfast.
4. Tsukiji fish market
Tsukiji, is the largest fish market in the world and one of the most essential places to see in Japan.
This colorful market has a wide variety of seafood and fish, which are sold in bulk, although it is known worldwide for the tuna auctions that are held, in which tons of freshly caught tuna are auctioned every day between 5 am and 6 am : 15 in the morning.
We must bear in mind that tourists can attend this event, although the entry quota to see the auction is limited, and you will have to register at 2 in the morning to access.
If you are not willing to get up early, you can choose to have breakfast at one of the most recommended restaurants in the area such as Sushi Zanmai or Sushi Dai, then visit the fish market in Tskukiji quietly.
And as we know that any market is always a busy place, when you finish the visit, nothing better than disconnecting in the beautiful Hama Rikyu park.
The best way to get to the market is by stopping at Tsukiji Shijo station with the Oedo subway line, or at Tsukiji station if you come with the Hibiya line.
Update 2018: At the end of September 2018, the Tsukiji market closes its doors and moves to Toyosu, near Odaiba, where from mid-October, it will open its doors to the public, which will be able to see the facilities from some walkways and the Auction through some windows.
Despite this transfer in Tsukiji, the surrounding restaurants and shops will remain, which is why we believe it is still an interesting visit in Tokyo.
Tsukiji Market
5. Shibuya, one of the best places to visit in Tokyo
Shibuya is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the city and another one of the places to visit in Tokyo more essential
It is worth going through both day, with its shops and restaurants of all kinds, as at night, when the presence of neon lights, discos and amazing attractions, will make you lose track of time.
Even if you don't come to Tokyo for shopping, don't forget to enter Shibuya 109, a show for the senses or enter a shopping center, we assure you it's like entering another world.
In addition to this, do not forget to cross the most famous crosswalk in the world, especially from the area where you have the Starbucks in front, or approach the statue of the faithful dog Hachiko. A spectacular viewpoint of the crosswalk and which have recently opened, is located on the terrace of the Magnet building.
Once you have met Shibuya, near the busiest area of the neighborhood, you will find Dongenzaka, the Hill of Love Hotels, hotels that offer themed rooms for hours for sporadic meetings or to make some of your fantasies come true. And even if you are not going to stay in any of them, the decoration and exterior architecture of the hotels full of neons are worth a visit.
To reach the central Shibuya station you can use the JR Pass for the Yamanote, Saikyo, Shonan Shinjuku lines or use the subway.
An interesting option to learn about the history of this neighborhood and Tokyo is to book this guided tour in Spanish or this private tour where you can choose the most interesting visits.
Shibuya, one of the places to visit in Tokyo
Book the best rated tours and excursions in Spanish from Tokyo by travelers:
- Guided tour of Tokyo
- Excursion to Kamakura and Yokohama
- Excursion to Nikko
- Tokyo geek tour
- Lost in Translation night tour
Book here your JRP of 7.14 or 21 days with shipping included- More excursions and tours here
Book the best rated tours and excursions in Spanish from Tokyo by travelers:6. Harajuku
Takeshita-dori pedestrian street, epicenter of the Harajuku neighborhood, is the most amazing and famous in the entire city of Tokyo. With 500 meters full of cafes and shops, it is the point where young people with a style of dress and kawaii behavior are concentrated, especially on weekends.
Near this street, on the Meiji Bridge, you can also see young Sundays of this style, disguised as manga or video game characters, where we advise you to spend a few hours recreating yourself in this difficult world to see anywhere else on the planet.
Another place to gape at the Japanese is at the entrance of Yoyogi Park, where you will see a group of Sundays every Sunday. rockabillies dancing the songs of Elvis Presley with his big toupees.
A good way to know everything that surrounds the kawaii culture is to book this tour with a guide in Spanish that will pass through its most prominent places.
After a pleasant walk through Yoyogi Park you can approach the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine of 1920 that is surrounded by an immense forest and is dedicated to the Emperor and Empress Meiji, which is another of the essential places to visit in Tokyo, that you can't miss
To end a route through the Harakuju neighborhood, you can stroll along Omotesando street full of trendy shops and stylish coffee shops, which will be a perfect end to the day. A good option to not miss anything in this neighborhood is to book this tour with a guide in Spanish that also includes the Akihabara neighborhood.
To get to this area of the city you can use the JR Yamanote line (included in the JR Pass) to get off at Harajuku station or the subway of the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines, to get off at Meiji-jingu-mae.
Yoyogi Park
7. Odaiba
Odaiba is an artificial island located in Tokyo Bay and connected to the city by the long Rainbow Bridge. This island is a good place to spend the afternoon enjoying its attractions, shopping centers and restaurants, where you can also see a replica of the Statue of Liberty, a life-size Gundam in front of the DiverCity, relax in the Onsen Monogatari, climb to Ferris Wheel's 115-meter ferris wheel, visit the Fuji TV building and end up watching the sunset from Odaiba Beach.
The best way to get to Odaiba is from the Asakusa neighborhood, with one of the futuristic cruises that cross the Sumida river to the island. To return we recommend taking the subway line without a driver, Yurikamome, another experience to live in Tokyo.
Odaiba, one of the places to see in Tokyo
8. Shinjuku
most of places to visit in Tokyo They are concentrated around the train stations, as is the case in the Shinjuku neighborhood.
In this area surrounded by large skyscrapers is the administrative part of the city, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, and large hotels such as Park Hyatt Tokyo, which had a special role in the film Lost in translation. If you are a fan of the movie, it may be interesting to book a guided tour in Spanish through the locations where several Lost in Translation scenes were filmed.
Near the station there is also a leisure area that competes with Akihabara in number of neons and electronics stores where you will find from recreational rooms like the typical Pachinko to multi-storey karaoke buildings, as well as huge shopping centers and restaurants of all kinds .
If you are in this area with the sunset, an interesting route at night through the neighborhood, it would include the red light district of Tokyo, known as Kabukicho, and the Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai alleys.
And if at any time you end up somewhat stressed, a good place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku, is the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen park, where you can rest before continuing with the route.
To get to Shinjuku station, the busiest in the world, you can take the Yamanote, Chuo, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku, Keihin-Tohoku lines (included in the JR Pass) or the Seibu, Higashi, Nishi and Oedi subway lines .
Shinjuku
9. Ueno Park
Ueno Park, the most popular in Tokyo and where you can stroll among ponds, museums and temples, is one of the most essential places to visit in Tokyo.
And although any time is good to visit it, you have to keep in mind that this public park dresses up during the cherry blossom in spring, perfect time to travel to Japan.
One of the park's favorite places is the Shinobazi pond, which is divided into three parts: that of the lotuses, boats and cormorants.
In the center of the lake is in Benten-do temple, located on a small island. Other interesting places in the park are the Toshogu Shrine, the five-story pagoda, the Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple and the Jomyoin, the statue of Saigo Takamori and the Great Buddha of Ueno.
In addition to all its attractions, within the park is the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest in the country, where you can review the history of Japan through the many objects on display. The museum opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To finish the route you can take a walk along Ameyoko Street that will take you to the Akihabara neighborhood, where you can end the day between neon lights.
Ameyoko, a popular Tokyo street, turns every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in a large market full of shops of all kinds and street food stalls.
To get to Ueno station you have the JR Yamanote line (included in the JR Pass) and the Hibiya and Ginza metro lines.
Ueno Park
10. Ginza
The Ginza neighborhood, another one of the places to see in Tokyo, stands out for the architecture of its modern buildings and for its exclusive stores.
Although if you like shopping, it also has a wide variety of shopping centers, restaurants and art galleries, which will surprise you with its large windows.
Although any time is good to come to the neighborhood, the best day to walk around Ginza is in the afternoon during the weekend, when the main street Chuo Dori becomes pedestrian and at night, with the spectacular lighting of the buildings.
Among the highlights of the neighborhood is the beautiful traditional Japanese theater Kabuki-Za, the emblematic Sony building, the Ginza Wako with its huge clock, the Tokyu Plaza Ginza and the buildings of the most luxurious international clothing and accessories brands.
If you want to spend a morning in this area, you can combine the visit to Ginza with that of the Tsukiji market, being nearby. A good option to eat in Tokyo and not spend a lot of money is to approach the restaurants of Yurakucho alley, parallel to the train line, which are a spectacle for the senses.
To get to Ginza station you can take the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines (included in the JR Pass) or the Ginza, Hibiya and Marunouchi metro lines.
Ginza
Remember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend you use the N26 card to pay and the Bnext and Revolut cards to get money at the ATMs. They are the ones we use, They are free and will save you a lot.
You can find more information in this article about the best cards to travel without commissions.
How to have internet in Japan?If you want to have internet in Japan a good option is to buy one Holafly SIM card, with which you will have internet from the moment you land, several GB of data, keeping your WhatsApp number and support service in Spanish.
You can buy your Holafly prepaid SIM card here with a 5% discount for being our reader.
If you feel like helping us complete the list of the 10 places to visit in Tokyo, add yours in the comments.
