Tokyo Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors

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First time to Tokyo? We know it can be a bit overwhelming! The list of things to do in Tokyo seems endless. To help you first-timers decide what to do in Tokyo, we have put together the most popular tourist attractions here. Most of them are must-see sites in Tokyo, but you can certainly pick and choose based on your travel preferences and companions. Don’t miss Tsukiji Market if you are a food lover. Check out Ginza and Harajuku if you are a shopping frenetic. Visit one of the romantic walkways (Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi) if you are planning a couple’s trip to Tokyo. Or if you are visiting Tokyo with kids, then Tokyo Disneyland and Ghibli Museum should definitely be on your itinerary.

16 places

Meiji Jingu

Attraction Religious Site Temple

1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

The Meiji Jingu is the most famous and popular Shinto shrine in Japan. It is dedicated to the spirits of the beloved Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The shrine complex is surrounded by a 70-hectare sacred forest . Once you walk past the grand Torii gate at the entrance, you will find a total sanctuary in the middle of the megacity. Meiji Jingu is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Vis...

Senso-ji Temple

Attraction Religious Site Temple

2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Built in 628 , Senso-Ji Temple is the oldest and the most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The temple is also known for its impressive entrance, the Kaminarimon Gate ("Thunder Gate") with a gigantic 700-kilogram red lantern. The 200-meter walkway between the gate and the temple is Nakamise shopping street. You might end up spending more time sampling local delicacies and buying souvenirs here t...

Shinjuku

Attraction Borough / District

Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan

One of the most vibrant city wards of Tokyo, Shinjuku is where you will find everything you have imagined about this city: crowds, traditional houses, modern skyscrapers, bright neon lights, and a buzzing nightlife. It's like a miniature of Tokyo. Popular places to visit in Shinjuku are Shinjuku Gyoen, Kabukicho (Tokyo's red light district), Golden Gai, and Godzilla Head. Shinjuku is recognized i...

Shibuya Crossing

Attraction Street Intersection

Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Shibuya crossing is known as the busiest intersection in the world. It's quite a sight to see hundreds (or even thousands) of people flow through the crossing at the same time as soon as the pedestrian light turns green. Shibuya crossing is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Tokyo.

Shibuya

Attraction Borough / District

Shibuya, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

One of Tokyo's 23 wards, Shibuya is a major commercial and business center of the city. It's the more cosmopolitan part of Tokyo when compared with Shinjuku. Shibuya is popular among young professionals and fashionable people as the neighborhood is considered more urbane, more upscale, and more sophisticated. Popular places to visit in Shibuya are Meiji Jingu, Shibuya Crossing, Omotesando, and Har...

Tokyo Skytree

Attraction Observation Deck Tower

Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan

At an incredible height of 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower, and the second-tallest freestanding structure in the world after the Burj Khali in Dubai. The tower offers stunning views of Tokyo both during the day and at night. Tokyo Skytree is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Tokyo.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Attraction Urban Park

11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan

Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo's largest and most popular park. It's a must-visit, especially in the spring when you can admire over 1,000 cherry trees in delicate bloom and in the fall when you can see Tokyo's most beautiful foliage colors. Shinjuku Gyoen is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Tokyo.

Ueno Park

Attraction Urban Park

5-20 Uenokoen, Taito, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan

Ueno is one of the largest parks in Tokyo with museums, temples, a pond and even a zoo. With over 1,000 cherry trees, it is also one of the most popular parks for watching cherry blossoms in Tokyo. You will see many locals flock to the park to enjoy a Hanami picnic in the spring. Ueno Park is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower

Attraction Observation Deck Tower

Shibakōen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous landmarks of the city. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it was built 8 meters higher to get the crown of the world's tallest self-supported steel tower. When compared with Tokyo Skytree (the other popular observation tower in the city), Tokyo Tower loses in height but some argue its older history and more central location give it more character. Tokyo Tower is r...

Tokyo Disneyland

Attraction Theme Park

Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan

About 30 minutes outside of the city center, Tokyo Disneyland is a fun choice for anyone traveling with children, but some magic rides can even leave adults amazed. Tokyo Disney is actually composed of two different theme parks, the original Tokyo Disneyland (opened in 1983 as the first Disney park outside of the United States) and the newer one-of-a-kind Tokyo DisneySea (opened in 2001). The form...

Ginza

Attraction Borough / District Shopping District

Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Ginza is known to be Tokyo's upscale shopping district with numerous high-end department stores, boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants.. It is as iconic as Fifth Avenue in New York or the Champs-Élysees in Paris. Ginza's main street "Chuo Dori" is lined up with flagship stores of many well-known international brands as well as a few gigantic department stores (Ginza Six, Ginza Mitsukoshi, Ginza M...

Harajuku

Attraction Shopping District

Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Harajuku is a popular shopping district known for its youth culture. The most famous shopping street in Harajuku is Takeshita Street, known for the latest youth fashion and fun 100 yen (~$1) shops. Don't miss the special scene every Sunday when crowds of teenagers dressed up in cosplay outfits gather on the Harajuku Bridge. Harajuku is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of t...

Chidorigafuchi

Attraction Walkway

Kudanminami, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0074, Japan

Chidorigafuchi is a 700-meter long walkway that curves around the moat encircling the imperial palace. When the 200 cherry trees along the riverside come into blossom every spring, the view is simply breathtaking. You can take a boat ride and paddle under the blossoming branches as they reach out over the moat. Chidorigafuchi is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top ...

Meguro River

Attraction River / Lake Walkway

2 Chome, Meguro, Tokyo 152-0000, Japan

Meguro River is an enchanting place to visit especially at night during the cherry blossom festival. 800 cherry trees are lit up with traditional lanterns along the river bank. Lots of street vendors set up food and drinks on sale along the promenade. Meguro River is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Tokyo.

Tsukiji Market

Attraction Seafood Market

5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Tokyo's bustling fish market, Tsukiji, was partially relocated in 2018. What's left is the Tsukiji Outer Market (retail market) which is still definitely worth a visit as over 300 food stalls, restaurants, and retail shops stayed put. The famous tuna auction and Tsukiji Inner Market (wholesale) moved to Toyosu Fish Market about 2km east. Tsukiji Market is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visito...

Ghibli Museum

Attraction Museum

Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

Ghibli Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum showcasing the work of the most famous Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli, by Miyazaki Hayao. It's fun and whimsical - a huge hit for family vacationers and anime lovers. Ghibli Museum is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Tokyo.