Alright, let's talk Tokyo. You're planning a trip, you've typed "places to go in Tokyo Japan" into Google about a hundred times, and your head is probably spinning. Shrines, skyscrapers, neon lights, quiet gardens... where do you even start?
I get it. I've lived here for years, and friends visiting constantly ask me the same thing. Forget the generic lists repeating the same top 5. Finding truly great places to go in Tokyo Japan means digging deeper. What's worth your precious time? What's overhyped? How do you actually get there without getting hopelessly lost in Shinjuku Station? That's what we're tackling here.
The Must-See Tokyo Spots (But With the Real Details)
Sure, Senso-ji is iconic. But knowing it opens at 6 AM lets you beat the insane crowds and actually feel the atmosphere. These are the big hitters, dissected:
History & Culture Deep Dive
Tokyo isn't just about the future. You need these roots.
| Place | What It Is | Address | Hours | Cost (Yen) | Getting There | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) | Tokyo's oldest temple, iconic Kaminarimon Gate. | 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City | Main Hall: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Oct-Mar), 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Apr-Sep). Nakamise-dori (market street) shops open ~9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. | Free (Grounds). Fortune slips (omikuji): 100¥. | 5-min walk from Asakusa Sta. (Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, Tobu Line) | GO EARLY. Seriously. By 10 AM, Nakamise-dori is a human traffic jam. Sunrise visit is magical. Skip the plastic souvenirs, try Ningyo-yaki (sweet cakes). |
| Meiji Jingu Shrine | Massive Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji & Empress Shoken, nestled in a huge forest. | 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya City | Sunrise to Sunset (varies seasonally, approx 5:30 AM - 5:30 PM in winter, 5 AM - 6 PM summer). Museum has separate hours/fee. | Free (Shrine grounds) | Short walk from Harajuku Sta. (JR Yamanote Line) or Meiji-jingu-mae Sta. (Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line). Follow the wooden torii gates. | A peaceful oasis right next to crazy Harajuku. The forest walk is half the experience. Weekends often see traditional weddings – beautiful to witness respectfully. |
| Imperial Palace East Gardens | Part of the inner palace area open to the public. Ruins, gardens, nice views. | 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Mar-mid Apr & Sept-Oct), 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (mid Apr-Aug), 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Nov-Feb). Closed: Mondays & Fridays (unless holiday), Dec 28 - Jan 3. | Free | Short walk from Otemachi Sta. (Multiple lines) or Tokyo Sta. (Marunouchi North Exit). Requires a free entry ticket obtained on-site (show passport). | Nice for a stroll, but honestly, it's primarily lawns and old stone foundations. Great if you're near Tokyo Station anyway. Don't expect elaborate gardens. The view of the moat and modern buildings is cool. |
See the difference? Knowing Senso-ji opens at dawn or that the Imperial Gardens close on Mondays changes your plans. That's the info you need.
Modern Tokyo & Pop Culture
Okay, now for the electric energy.
| Place | What It Is | Vibe/Highlight | Address | Key Info | Getting There | My Honest Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shibuya Scramble Crossing | The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. | Pure Tokyo energy. People-watching central. | In front of Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit | Always "open". Best viewing: Starbucks Tsutaya (2nd floor, buy a coffee) or MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 (pay observation deck). | Directly outside Shibuya Sta. (JR Yamanote, Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin, Den-en-toshi, Tokyu lines). Follow the crowds. | It's chaotic and overwhelming. Worth experiencing once, especially at night with the neon. The Starbucks gets packed – go early or late. Don't just cross, observe it. |
| Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden | Massive, beautiful park blending Japanese, French, and English garden styles. | Peaceful escape amidst skyscrapers. | 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last entry 3:30 PM). Closed: Mondays (or Tue if Mon is holiday), Dec 29 - Jan 3. Entrance Fee: 500¥ (Cash often preferred). | 10-min walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Sta. (Marunouchi Line) or Sendagaya Sta. (JR). Closer to JR Shinjuku south exits. | My absolute favorite city escape. Perfect for cherry blossoms (late Mar/early Apr), autumn leaves (Nov), or just a quiet picnic. Vast and well-maintained. Worth every yen. |
| Akihabara (Akiba) | Electric Town. Epicenter of anime, manga, electronics, gaming, and maid cafes. | Over-the-top pop culture sensory overload. | Mainly around Chuo Dori, Akihabara | Stores: Generally 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (some later, arcades 24h). Maid Cafes: Vary, often need reservation. | Akihabara Sta. (JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Sobu Lines, Hibiya Line). | Even if you're not an otaku, it's fascinating. Yodobashi Camera is a tech wonderland. Arcades are noisy fun. Maid cafes? Personally find them awkward and overpriced, but it's an experience some seek. Be prepared for crowds. |
| teamLab Planets TOKYO | Immersive digital art museum where you walk barefoot through water and projections. | Unique, Instagrammable, interactive art. | 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City | Hours: Vary, check official site. Usually 9 AM - 10 PM. Must Book Online: Yes, absolutely essential weeks/months ahead. Fee: ~3800¥ (Adult). Time: Allow 1.5-2 hours. | Short walk from Shin-Toyosu Sta. (Yurikamome Line) or Toyosu Sta. (Metro Yurakucho Line). | It's undeniably cool and unique. BUT: Booking is a competitive sport, it's pricey, and can feel crowded. Go on a weekday if possible. Wear shorts/pants you can roll up – you wade in knee-deep water in one section. Worth it if you love immersive art. |
Shinjuku Gyoen is a lifesaver when the city gets too much. Akihabara? Pure spectacle. teamLab? Book early or forget it.
Beyond the Obvious: Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Want to feel like you're discovering something? Here's where locals hang.
- Yanaka Ginza: Old Tokyo charm. Think "cat street" (though fewer cats now), tiny artisan shops, cheap street food (croquettes!), and nostalgic vibes. Near Nippori Station (JR). Best on a sunny afternoon. Much quieter than Asakusa.
- Kagurazaka: Sloping street with French-Japanese fusion. Cobblestones, hidden izakayas, bakeries, and a geisha district vibe (though less visible than Kyoto). Near Iidabashi Station (Multiple lines). Explore the side alleys! Great for dinner.
- Kichijoji (Inokashira Park): Beloved local neighborhood. The park has a small zoo (meh), boat rentals, and the Ghibli Museum (requires crazy advance booking). Great shopping streets (Harmonica Alley), cafes, indie vibe. Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo Line). Feels like a mini-city within Tokyo.
Honestly, Yanaka Ginza feels like stepping back 50 years. Perfect antidote to Shibuya's madness.
Foodie Havens (Beyond Sushi)
Tokyo eats. It's incredible. Don't just default to tourist traps.
Essential Experiences
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Yes, the tuna auction moved to Toyosu, but the *outer market* (Jogai Shijo) is still buzzing with incredible fresh seafood snacks, knives, tea, pickles. Open ~5:00 AM - 2:00 PM (many shops close earlier). Near Tsukijishijo Station (Oedo Line) or walk from Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line). Go hungry for breakfast! Try tamagoyaki (sweet omelette), fresh scallops, uni (sea urchin - adventurous!). Gets packed by 10 AM.
- Ramen Street (Tokyo Station Ichibangai): 8 top ramen shops in the basement of Tokyo Station. Diverse styles (shoyu, shio, tonkotsu, tsukemen). Perfect for a pre/post-shinkansen meal. Expect queues, but they move. Most shops 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM.
- Depachika (Department Store Basements): Food halls on steroids. Takashimaya, Isetan, Mitsukoshi… exquisite prepared foods, bento, sweets, gourmet ingredients. Lunchtime (11:30 AM - 1 PM) is prime time for office workers grabbing bento. A feast for the eyes.
That first bite of piping hot tonkotsu ramen after a long flight? Pure bliss. Tsukiji outer market is still chaotic and delicious.
Practical Tokyo Survival Guide (Stuff You Actually Need)
Okay, logistics. Because getting around matters.
Tokyo Transport Made (Almost) Simple
- Suica/Pasmo Card: Get one IMMEDIATELY at any major station airport kiosk. Charge it with cash. Tap in/out trains, subways, buses, buy drinks from vending machines, pay at convenience stores. Lifesaver. Works in many other cities too.
- Google Maps is Your Friend: Seriously, it nails train/subway times, platforms, and walking directions. Shows fares too.
- JR Yamanote Line: The green loop line connecting major hubs: Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Harajuku, Shinagawa. Master this line.
- Toei Subway / Tokyo Metro: Two companies, but your Suica/Pasmo works on both. Lines are color-coded and lettered (e.g., Ginza Line = Orange = G). Focus on the line letter/color more than the company.
- Walking: Stations are huge. Shinjuku Station is a multi-level maze. Give yourself extra time, follow signs diligently.
- Taxis: Expensive. Flag fall is around 420-500¥ for the first km, then adds up fast. Only for short hops late at night or with luggage if needed. Doors open automatically!
Essential Tips for Finding Great Places to Go in Tokyo Japan
- Cash is Still King (Sometimes): While cards are more common, smaller restaurants, shrines (for charms/goshuin), market stalls, and some entrance fees (like Shinjuku Gyoen) prefer or only take cash. Carry 10,000-20,000¥.
- Convenience Stores (Konbini) are Amazing: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson. Good cheap coffee, sandwiches, onigiri (rice balls), basic toiletries, ATMs (usually accept intl cards), pay bills, print tickets. Open 24/7.
- Goshuin: Unique shrine/temple stamps and calligraphy in a special book. Costs 300-500¥ per stamp. A beautiful, authentic souvenir. Ask for "Goshuin cho" (book) at the first shrine.
- Pocket WiFi or SIM: Essential for navigation and translation. Rent online for airport pickup or delivery to your hotel. Highly recommended.
- Learn Key Phrases: "Sumimasen" (Excuse me/Sorry), "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you), "Eigo no menyuu arimasu ka?" (Do you have an English menu?). Effort goes a long way.
- Trash Cans are Rare: Carry a small bag for your trash until you find a bin (often near vending machines or in convenience stores).
- Shoes Off: In temples, shrines, traditional restaurants (look for the genkan entryway), and sometimes even viewing rooms (like teamLab). Follow others' lead.
Seriously, get the Suica card. It's the first thing I tell anyone visiting. And yes, finding a trash can when you need one is practically an Olympic sport.
Your Tokyo Questions Answered (The Stuff I Get Asked Constantly)
Is the JR Pass worth it just for Tokyo?
Nope, usually not. The JR Pass is for long-distance Shinkansen travel. Within Tokyo, your Suica/Pasmo covers most JR lines (including the Yamanote), subways, and buses. Calculate long-distance trips separately. If only staying in Tokyo/Kanto region, skip the JR Pass.
How many days do I *really* need for Tokyo?
It's massive. Absolute minimum: 4 full days to scratch the surface (e.g., Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya/Shinjuku, one museum/garden, one neighborhood like Harajuku or Akiba). Better: 5-7 days to explore different districts, day trips (Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone), and not feel rushed. You could spend weeks!
What's the best area to stay in Tokyo?
Depends on budget and vibe!
Shibuya/Shinjuku: Central, vibrant, great transport, busy day and night. Can be expensive/noisy.
Ginza/Tokyo Station: Upscale, convenient for travel, polished. Pricey.
Asakusa: Older vibe, near Senso-ji, slightly cheaper, good local feel. Transport connections are good but not the *central* hub.
Ueno: Great park, museums, access to Skyliner from Narita, slightly cheaper hotels. Can feel less polished.
Near a JR Yamanote Line Station: This is the golden rule. Being near Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Hamamatsucho, etc., gives you maximum flexibility.
Personally, I prefer places like Ebisu or Meguro – on the Yamanote but slightly less chaotic than Shinjuku.
Is Tokyo expensive?
It can be, but it doesn't have to break the bank.
Savings: Convenience store meals (500-800¥), standing ramen bars (900-1200¥), supermarket bento late at night (discounted!), free temples/shrines/gardens (like Imperial East Garden, Yoyogi Park), walking.
Splurges: High-end sushi (10,000¥+), department store dining, luxury hotels, certain experiences (teamLab).
Budget wisely – mix cheap eats with a few nice meals. Accommodation will likely be your biggest cost.
What are the best day trips from Tokyo?
So many! Top picks:
Kamakura: Coastal town with giant Buddha (Daibutsu), beautiful temples, hiking (~1 hr by JR Yokosuka Line). Get the Enoden Line tram for coastal views.
Nikko: Stunning UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples in the mountains, waterfalls (~2 hrs by Tobu or JR line). Requires more time – consider a full day.
Hakone: Hot springs (onsen), views of Mt. Fuji (on clear days!), Lake Ashi, pirate ship, ropeway (~1.5-2 hrs by Odakyu Romancecar). Get the Hakone Free Pass.
Yokohama: Japan's second-largest city, great Chinatown, waterfront, Cup Noodles Museum (~30 min by JR Keihin-Tohoku Line or Tokyu Toyoko Line). Easy half-day trip.
Kawagoe ("Little Edo"): Preserved old Edo-period warehouse district (~30 min by Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro). Feels like stepping back in time.
What should I absolutely avoid doing in Tokyo?
Mostly common sense, but:
Don't eat or drink while walking (find a spot to stand/sit).
Don't talk loudly on your phone on trains/buses (text instead).
Don't litter (hold your trash).
Don't tip (it's not expected and can be confusing).
Don't smoke while walking (designated smoking areas only).
Don't blow your nose loudly in public (sniffle quietly or step aside).
Just be observant and respectful – Japanese people are incredibly tolerant, but following these shows awareness.
Putting It All Together: Your Tokyo Game Plan
Planning your places to go in Tokyo Japan trip isn't about cramming everything in. It's about choosing what resonates.
- Mix it up: Balance ancient (Senso-ji) with modern (Shibuya Scramble), hectic (Akihabara) with peaceful (Shinjuku Gyoen or Meiji Jingu).
- Cluster by Area: Don't zigzag across the city daily. Day 1: Asakusa + Ueno. Day 2: Harajuku (Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park), Shibuya, maybe Shinjuku at night. Day 3: Shinjuku (Gyoen), maybe a museum or dive into Shinjuku's alleys (Golden Gai/Omoide Yokocho at night). Day 4: TeamLab Planets (Toyosu) + maybe Odaiba or Ginza in the afternoon/evening.
- Book Ahead (Crucial!): teamLab Planets, Ghibli Museum, popular restaurants (especially high-end sushi or unique experiences), maybe Shibuya Sky observation deck. Do this weeks/months in advance.
- Embrace Flexibility: Found an amazing little izakaya down an alley? Stay! A downpour hits? Dive into a department store food hall or arcade. Overwhelmed? Find a park bench. Some of my best Tokyo memories were unplanned detours.
- Buy the Goshuincho: Start collecting stamps at your first shrine. It becomes a personal, beautiful travelogue.
The biggest mistake? Trying to do it all. You can't. Pick a few key places to go in Tokyo Japan that excite you, leave room to wander, and soak it in. That crowded backstreet izakaya with salarymen spilling out might just be more memorable than checking off every temple. Honestly, the best moments often happen when you put the map away. Tokyo rewards the curious. Get that Suica card charged, wear comfy shoes, and go explore.
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