Tokyo attractions

Part of Tokyo Disneyland®, the first Disneyland® to open outside the United States, Tokyo DisneySea® boasts a unique claim to fame—as the world’s only nautical-themed Disney park. Set along the waterfront overlooking Tokyo Bay, it has seven ports of call packed with water rides, boat cruises, and other attractions, alongside the usual parades, shows, and character meet-and-greets you’d expect.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum chronicles the development of Japan’s capital city, from its early days as a sleepy fishing village through the years of expansion and foreign trade wars to its transformation into a major metropolis. The museum building itself also draws visitors as a fine example of postmodern architecture.

Shinjuku is where neon-bright dreams of futuristic Tokyo come to vivid life. Centered around the busiest railway station in the world, the always-buzzing neighborhood is crammed with tall skyscrapers, hidden bars, restaurants to satisfy any palate, and a host of department stores. Whatever you're seeking in Tokyo, you'll likely find it in Shinjuku.

Hanayashiki, opened in Tokyo in 1853, is Japan’s oldest amusement park. It was originally a flower park but developed over the decades to include the rides, shops, and cafés that appear there now. Among its many attractions are the oldest steel-track roller coaster in Japan, rideable robot pandas, a haunted house, and a 3D theater.

Fans of director Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli—which produced the films Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle, among others—can see the filmmaker’s animated fantasylands brought to life and uncover the secrets behind the movies at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. Tickets are only available online and are hard to secure; have a clear ticket-buying plan if you want to visit while in Tokyo.

Engaku-ji is considered by some to be an almost-perfect example of Chinese-inspired Zen architecture. It was founded in 1282 by a Chinese monk, and it’s now one of the most famous Zen Buddhist temples in the country and is classified as a Japanese National Treasure. Located in Kamakura, it’s a convenient place to visit on a day trip from Tokyo.

Flowing through central Tokyo from the Arakawa River to Tokyo Bay, the Sumida River is often considered the lifeblood of the city. This major waterway passes under 26 bridges and is the setting of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, one of Japan’s oldest and most celebrated displays. Visitors come for boat trips that offer a scenic and relaxing way to experience Tokyo from a different perspective.

Japanese and international foodies alike love Tsukishima Monja Street (actually a collection of streets), located on Tsukishima Island in Tokyo Bay. Here, dozens of shops sell monjayaki, savory fried pancakes made with cabbage and a variety of other meat or seafood toppings. Diners usually buy monjayaki as raw batter, then grill it themselves at specially designed tables. Other Japanese favorites, including fried noodles (yakisoba), can be eaten here as well.

In the Shinjuku district of the Japanese capital, the two conjoined towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building—more commonly known as Tocho—are among the most distinctive buildings on the Tokyo skyline. While it’s a functioning local government office, the main reason to visit is to head up to one of the two 45th-floor observation decks. Unlike many Tokyo observation decks, admission is free, but the views are priceless.

Located in the Minato district of Tokyo, Zojo-ji is a Jōdo-shū (also known as Shin Buddhism or True Pure Land Buddhism) temple. An impressive complex with a long and rich history, it is a significant cultural and religious center that offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The temple stands beneath the red-and-white striped Tokyo Tower, which provides a striking contrast between tradition and modernity.

Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni Jinja) was built in 1869 to commemorate Japan’s war dead; the souls of nearly 2.5 million people are enshrined there symbolically following Shinto beliefs. Among those whose names are listed on the shrine are soldiers, students, relief workers, wartime medics, and, controversially, 14 class-A war criminals, including Hideki Tojo, army general and Japanese prime minister during World War II.

The Chidorigafuchi Moat runs along the outside of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It’s always a pretty place for a stroll or a paddleboat ride in the middle of the city, but it comes alive for sakura season. The moat is one of the best and most popular places in Tokyo to see the pretty pink cherry blossom flowers, so famous across Japan and the world.

Yakitori is grilled skewered meat, particularly chicken (tori), and Yakitori Alley in the neighborhood of Yurakucho is one of the best places in Tokyo to get it. The collection of food stalls is as appealing to foodies as it is to anyone wanting a good meal after a busy day of sightseeing. Things stay lively until late into the night, so come here whenever you’ve finished with your day’s activities.

Japan's highest aerial tramway, the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway (Komagatake Ropeway Line) is a popular way to take in some of the most scenic vistas in Japan, including panoramic views of Japan's highest mountain, Mt. Fuji, on a clear day. The ropeway runs from the edge of Lake Ashi to the summit of Mt. Komagatake, carrying passengers 3,115 feet (950 meters) into the sky.

Kawagoe’s Hikawa Shrine is one of the most important shrines in Saitama Prefecture. It’s known as the shrine of love, and you’ll likely see a Shinto wedding here. Despite being one of Kawagoe’s most notable sights, the temple and surrounding grounds are usually not crowded (unless there’s a large wedding), so it's a nice place to relax.

At this fun historical theme park, visitors can see and experience what life was like in Japan during the Edo period, between 1603 and 1868. Edo Wonderland is a replica of an Edo-period town, where every detail convinces visitors that they’ve stepped back in time. History buffs, families, and anyone seeking a fun and informative activity will enjoy Edo Wonderland.

Kagurazaka is a neighborhood of Tokyo that offers modern shopping and but also a traditional style. It has an older feel than much of Tokyo, with cobblestone streets and original Edo-era (1603–1868) and Meiji-era (1868–1912) buildings still standing. It’s a trendy area, and a good place to shop or just sit quietly and people-watch.

One of Tokyo’s top cultural attractions, the Nezu Museum (Nezu Bijutsukan) is home to an impressive collection of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and other East Asian art. Hundreds of works, including paintings, ceramics, and textiles, are displayed throughout the museum, and a whole gallery is dedicated to a tea ceremony collection. At any time, a selection of the 7,500-item-strong collection is on display through rotating exhibitions.

The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Toshogu Shrine (Nikko Toshogu) was built in 1617 to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. It's one of Japan’s finest and best-preserved Shinto shrines, surrounded by a cypress forest in the popular but peaceful town of Nikko. Whether you’re touring Japan or just staying in and around Tokyo for a few days, it’s well worth visiting.

The largest park in central Tokyo, Kasai Rinkai Park was built on reclaimed land and opened in 1989 in an effort to restore and preserve natural Tokyo Bay habitat. It’s one of the few places in Tokyo where you can walk down to the shore, making it an oasis of calm in a hectic city.

Located in Tokyo’s Roppongi area, the National Art Center Tokyo (NACT) is housed in a sleek and innovative building that features undulating blue-glass walls. The museum uses its extensive space—among the largest in Japan—to showcase regularly changing exhibitions. It also houses an art library, hosts educational programs, and has several eateries, including a high-end French brasserie.

With a collection that includes everything from dinosaur bones to Japanese fighter planes, the National Museum of Nature and Science has something for all tastes and age groups. The Japan Gallery looks at the biodiversity and cultural history of the Japanese Archipelago. The Global Gallery has a large collection of taxidermy animals, a hands-on physics gallery with scientific games and challenges, and the ever-popular dinosaur bones exhibits.

Akasaka Palace—the only neo-baroque building in Japan—was built in 1909 as the Crown Prince of Japan’s residence, but was remodeled and reopened as the State Guest House in 1974. As a result, many important international guests have stayed here, and continue to do so, but the central Tokyo palace is also open to visitors when dignitaries aren’t in residence. The grandiose French-style architecture contrasts with much of central Tokyo, making this a fascinating place to visit.

Kitanomaru Park (Kitanomaru Koen) was once the residence of the Tokugawa clan (rulers of Japan between the 17th and 19th centuries) and was part of the grounds of Edo Castle, which burned down in 1873. The park, which opened to the public in 1969, is home to natural woodland as well as a number of museums and galleries.

The pond within Inokashira Park was the first water source for the city of Edo, which today is Tokyo. One of the city’s most utilized green spaces, the park is particularly lovely in prime cherry-blossom viewing and leaf-peeping seasons. Inokashira also houses the famous Ghibli Museum, dedicated to the Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli, plus a zoo and an aquarium, making it a fun family destination.

Japanese culture and history enthusiasts with a passion for architecture and design will love the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Set within Koganei Park in western Tokyo, the traditional buildings on display were moved or reconstructed here in an effort to preserve Japanese architectural history, much of which had already been destroyed through fire, earthquakes, or war. Walk around and see how people once lived in Japan, from farmers to politicians.

Otherwise known as Hello Kitty Land, Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park designed around the friendly cartoon cat and other popular Sanrio characters. With its bright colors and adorable design, it epitomizes Japan’s kawaii (cute style) culture. Even though it’s a train ride from central Tokyo into the suburbs, it’s worth the trip—you’re likely to leave Sanrio Puroland with a lighter outlook on life.

Tokyo’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan for short) is a fun place that’s dedicated to technology and the way it affects our lives. Visit the family-friendly attraction to see robot demonstrations, enjoy interactive exhibits, watch films projected on a domed screen, and listen to talks with scientists. It’s especially popular with kids and teens, but a great pick for all ages.

Toyosu Fish Market is one of the largest wholesale fish markets in the world. Having replaced the famed Tsukiji Fish Market, today’s site consists of three interconnected buildings on Tokyo Bay, featuring stalls selling wholesale fish, fruit, and vegetables. Toyosu is the place to witness lively early-morning tuna auctions and taste some of the freshest seafood in Japan at its on-site restaurants.

Tokyo Midtown is a mixed-use complex with six towers, offering accommodation (apartments) and a hotel, shopping, dining, gardens, and galleries. You could spend a whole day or more in and around Tokyo Midtown, checking out the art and browsing the boutiques. Plus, it’s conveniently located in the Roppongi area, which has other attractions and reasons to visit.