7 must-see attractions in Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the world’s largest city. Home to more than 37 million people, the metropolis is packed with exciting contrasts.

The city is a modern mecca, with skyscrapers, high technology and luxurious shopping centres, but there is still place for tradition, with imperial palaces, kimonos and geisha still very much present in the streets of Tokyo.

Modern-day Tokyo is a jumble of ages, where you will discover ancient Japanese traditions alongside contemporary Japanese urban life.

Read our list of 7 attractions to see in Tokyo and find out what you should not miss in the world’s largest city.

1. Visit the world famous street intersection in Shibuya

One of Tokyo’s most photographed attractions is the world-famous street intersection in the Shibuya district, which is believed to be one of the busiest places in the world. At any point of the day, you will see thousands of busy Japanese people crossing the big street.

What makes it so exciting is the fact that you can really feel that you are in the world’s largest city when you cross the Shibuya street. In addition to its photogenic crossing, the district also offers plenty of restaurants, shopping and a vibrant night life, where you really get a taste of Tokyo’s hyper-modern urban scene.

2. Explore Hamarikyu Gardens

Another must-see in the city is Hamarikyu Gardens, a green area in central Tokyo. The park, which faces the bay, is one of the most scenic sights in Tokyo, where visitors come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

As an unusual aside, the park contains salt-water lakes, where the mirror-smooth surface rises and falls with the tides. The park was built in around 1600. The contrast between the park and Tokyo’s modern skyline says a lot about Japan today.

3. Discover Sensoji – Tokyo’s oldest temple

In the old district of Asakusa, you gain a fascinating insight into Japan’s ancient cultural traditions.

Unlike the rest of Tokyo, the Asakusa area is not crowded with modern skyscrapers. This makes for a special atmosphere on the streets of Asakusa, where Tokyo’s oldest temple is located.

The temple is called Sensoji and is a major sight in Tokyo, attracting many Japanese visitors every day. They visit the temple to light incense and waft the sacred smoke over themselves in the hope of curing illnesses, gaining good fortune, having children or something else entirely.

4. Shop in the Harajuku district

If you wish to experience Tokyo’s outstanding shopping opportunities, the Harajuku district is the perfect place to go.

Harajuku is a vibrant area of Tokyo, where you will find world-renowned street fashion and Japanese pop culture.

On Omotesando, a street in the Harajuku area, international fashion stores stand side by side. The staff accompany you all the way out onto the street and bow deeply as you move on in pursuit of the latest Japanese fashion. The deep bow is a traditional Japanese expression of great respect.

This is also where you will disover Japan’s world-famous street fashion. On Takeshita Dori, you are certain to come across Japan’s colourfully-dressed teenagers, who are out to be seen and to show off their fashionable look.

5. Experience the tranquillity of the Meiji Shrine

The Meiji Shrine is one of the most fascinating things you can experience in Tokyo.

The shrine, which is located in a quiet, green park, was built to honour the memory of Emperor Meiji.

To get to the shrine, you have to pass through two large Shinto gates. Once though the gates, your mind is filled with a special sense of calm, contrasting sharply with the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

The shrine is an extremely popular place for the Japanese to hold traditional weddings, and there is a good chance you will see Shinto priests, happy couples and wedding guests.

6. Experience the tuna auction at Toyosu Fish Market

If you wish to experience the world-famous fish auction in Tokyo, it is now held at the brand new market, Toyosu Fish Market.

The authentic, old Tsukiji Fish Market, which is located close to the river in the heart of the city, is still open, but this is not where the tuna auction takes place.

The main attraction at Toyosu Fish Market is the world-famous fish auction – the tuna auction in particular. If you want a seat, you should book it from home a few months in advance and within a certain period. You will then have to get up early to experience the auction of the bluefin tuna, as it starts at 5.30 am!

The world’s most expensive bluefin tuna was sold at the first auction held at the new fish market in 2019 for a staggering 2.5 million pounds. The fish weighed 278 kg, while the largest tuna ever sold at the tuna auction weighed 496 kg, back in 1986.

Besides the fish market, there is also a fruit and vegetable market as well as some restaurants on the floor below the main entrance level.

7. Take a boat trip on the Sumida River

Need a fun and unusual thing to do in Tokyo? Then a boat trip on the Sumida River, which wends its way through the whole of Tokyo, is a great idea.

That way, you get to experience Tokyo from the water as you pass iconic buildings, such as the Asahi Super Dry headquarters, and of course, the legendary 12 bridges, all with their own architecture and colours.

Visit Tokyo on one of our exciting tours to Japan.

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