10 Must-Visit Places in Tokyo
Here is a guide to Tokyo's top 10 must-visit attractions, complete with accurate train.
1. Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺)
Founded in 628 AD, Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple. It was built after two fisherman brothers pulled a golden statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) from the nearby Sumida River. Visitors enter through the famous "Kaminarimon" (Thunder Gate), marked by a massive red paper lantern. The lively pathway leading to the main hall, known as Nakamise-dori, is lined with traditional shops offering delicious local street food and unique Japanese souvenirs.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Asakusa Station (浅草駅): Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G19) / Toei Asakusa Line (A18) – 5-minute walk.
Official Website:
Visit Senso-ji Official Website
2. TOKYO SKYTREE
Standing at a staggering 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world. Completed in 2012, its design blends futuristic engineering with traditional Japanese architectural concepts, utilizing a central column design inspired by ancient five-story pagodas to make it highly earthquake-resistant. On a clear day, the observation decks offer a breathtaking 360-degree view of Tokyo and even Mount Fuji. At the base of the tower sits "Solamachi," a massive shopping and dining complex.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Tokyo Skytree Station (とうきょうスカイツリー駅): Tobu Skytree Line – Directly connected.
Oshiage Station (押上駅): Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (Z14) / Toei Asakusa Line (A20) – Directly connected.
Official Website:
Visit Tokyo Skytree Official Website
3. Meiji Jingu Shrine (明治神宮)
Established in 1920, Meiji Jingu is a grand Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who laid the foundations of modern Japan. Although it sits right in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo, it is surrounded by a dense, tranquil forest of over 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan. It is the perfect city-center sanctuary to experience peaceful nature, traditional Shinto rituals, and towering wooden Torii gates.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Harajuku Station (原宿駅): JR Yamanote Line – 1-minute walk.
Meijijingumae Station (明治神宮前駅): Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (C03) / Fukutoshin Line (F15) – 1-minute walk.
Official Website:
Visit Meiji Jingu Official Website
4. Shibuya Scramble Crossing & SHIBUYA SKY
When the traffic lights turn red, thousands of pedestrians cross this multi-directional intersection simultaneously, creating the visual symbol of modern Tokyo. Right outside the station lies the famous bronze statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog, which serves as Tokyo's ultimate meeting point. Recently, visiting "SHIBUYA SKY"—an open-air observation deck on top of the nearby Shibuya Scramble Square building—has become a must-do to get a jaw-dropping bird's-eye view of the intersection and the city skyline.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Shibuya Station (渋谷駅): JR Yamanote Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G01), Hanzomon Line (Z01), Fukutoshin Line (F16) – 1-minute walk to the crossing.
Official Website:
Visit Shibuya Scramble Square Official Website
5. Tokyo Tower
Built in 1958 and reaching a height of 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is a beloved classic landmark inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. For decades, its signature white and orange structure has warmed up Tokyo's night skyline with its beautiful light displays. At the base of the tower is "FootTown," a lively facility packed with souvenir shops, cafes, and indoor attractions.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Akabanebashi Station (赤羽橋駅): Toei Oedo Line (E21) – 5-minute walk.
Kamiyacho Station (神谷町駅): Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (H05) – 7-minute walk.
Official Website:
Visit Tokyo Tower Official Website
6. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑)
Originally a private mansion belonging to the Naito family (lords of the Edo period), this land was later converted into an Imperial garden before opening to the public as a national park in 1949. The park seamlessly blends three distinct styles: English Landscape, French Formal, and Japanese Traditional. Anime fans will recognize it as the main setting for Makoto Shinkai's film The Garden of Words. It remains one of the absolute best spots in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Shinjukugyoen-mae Station (新宿御苑前駅): Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (M10) – 5-minute walk.
Shinjuku-sanchome Station (新宿三丁目駅): Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Fukutoshin Line, Toei Shinjuku Line – 5-minute walk.
Official Website:
Visit Shinjuku Gyoen Official Website
7. The Imperial Palace (皇居 - Kokyo)
Built on the former site of Edo Castle, the historic stronghold of the Tokugawa Shogunate, this is the official residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The palace is surrounded by massive stone walls and picturesque deep moats, offering a serene contrast to the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo's financial district. While the inner palace grounds require a booking, visitors can freely explore the gorgeous Imperial Palace East Gardens and view the famous double-arched "Meganebashi" (Spectacles Bridge) without a reservation.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Otemachi Station (大手町駅): Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (C11), Hanzomon Line (Z08), Tozai Line (T09), Marunouchi Line (M18) / Toei Mita Line (I09) – Directly connected via Exit C13a.
Official Website:
Visit Imperial Palace Tour Guide Website
8. Akihabara (秋葉原)
What started as a black market for radio parts after World War II evolved into the world's largest electronics district, and is now celebrated globally as the mecca of Otaku culture (anime, manga, video games, and figures). From retro gaming lounges and vintage toy shops to multi-story electronics department stores and quirky Maid Cafes, Akihabara offers a sensory-filled look into Japan's unique pop-culture phenomenon.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅): JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Sobu Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (H16) – 1-minute walk.
Official Website:
Visit Akihabara Electrical Town Website
9. Odaiba (お台場)
The name "Odaiba" comes from the defensive fort islands (daiba) built by the Edo Shogunate in the 1850s to protect the city from foreign warships. Today, it has been transformed into a futuristic, man-made waterfront entertainment district. Known for its beautiful sunsets overlooking the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo's very own replica of the Statue of Liberty, Odaiba is packed with massive shopping malls, futuristic museums, and a giant, life-sized Gundam statue.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Odaiba-kaihinkoen Station (お台場海浜公園駅) / Daiba Station (台場駅): Yurikamome Line – 3-minute walk.
Official Website:
Visit Tokyo Metropolitan Odaiba Park Website
10. Ginza (銀座)
The name Ginza literally translates to "Silver Mint," originating from the silver-coin minting office established here during the Edo period. Today, it is Japan's premier luxury shopping and dining district. As the birthplace of Western-style modernization in Tokyo in the late 19th century, it blends historical charm (like the iconic Seiko clock tower on the Wako building) with ultra-modern architectural masterpieces like GINZA SIX. On weekends, the main street is closed to vehicle traffic, turning into a pleasant pedestrian paradise.
Nearest Stations & Lines:
Ginza Station (銀座駅): Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G09), Marunouchi Line (M16), Hibiya Line (H09) – Directly connected inside the station.
Official Website:
Visit GINZA Official Website
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