There are few places in the world where the meeting of ancient traditions and futuristic technology is as striking as in Japan’s capital, Tokyo.
But what should you see as a visitor to this fascinating city? With more than 30 million residents, Tokyo is a vibrant metropolis offering experiences to suit every type of traveller.
In this blog post, we share our top tips and recommendations for the best things to do in Tokyo – 10 must-see attractions – so you can begin to dream of your next big adventure in Japan’s dynamic capital.
Amid modern skyscrapers and shimmering neon lights lies Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji.
When you visit this Buddhist temple, originally built in the 7th century, you’ll be greeted by beautiful red lanterns, the scent of incense, and the sight of intricately decorated temple walls. You might even hear the distinctive rattle of small metal containers as hopeful visitors shake them to draw an omikuji – a fortune-telling slip predicting their future.
The path leading to the temple gate is lined with food stalls and souvenir shops, and the area buzzes with life as both travellers and locals make their way towards the temple.
Since its construction, the temple has been rebuilt around 20 times – including after the Second World War, when most of it was destroyed during the bombings of 1945, as well as following earthquakes and fires.
As the temple is a popular attraction among both travellers and locals, we recommend visiting towards the end of the day, when the illuminated temple creates a magical and atmospheric setting.
In Tokyo stands a tower that bears a striking resemblance to the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris – only it’s 3 metres taller. And instead of being iron-grey, it’s painted red and white.
Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and was created as a model of the Eiffel Tower. Until 2012, at 333 metres tall, it was the tallest building in Japan.
As well as being an impressive sight from the ground, visitors can take the lift up the tower to enjoy breathtaking views across Tokyo. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Fuji rising majestically on the horizon. Many visitors choose to come in the late afternoon to watch the city lights gradually illuminate the skyline.
Tokyo is home to what is perhaps the world’s most famous pedestrian crossing. As soon as the lights turn green, huge crowds surge across the junction from every direction all at once.
The pedestrian crossing is centrally located near one of the city’s major stations, Shibuya Station, making it the most visited pedestrian crossing in Japan – and, some would argue, in the entire world. Despite the crowds, you’ll notice that the traffic surrounding this enormous intersection is remarkably well organised. For example, no one drives through a red light.
At its busiest, the famous crossing – also known as The Scramble – sees between 1,000 and 2,500 people moving through it every two minutes, with up to three million crossing here each day. It’s a favourite photo spot for travellers, and you’ll often see people dashing to the centre the moment the light turns green to capture that perfect shot right in the middle of it all.
You can experience the vibrant energy of this crossing by walking through with the crowds – perhaps even more than once – or head up to one of the nearby buildings to look down on it all, such as the neighbouring Starbucks or the Shibuya Sky observation deck.
Right in the heart of Tokyo, you’ll find a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by majestic trees and impressive Torii gates – the Meiji Shrine.
Built in 1920, this shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who reigned from 1867 to 1912, and his wife, Empress Shoken.
The path through the forest leading to the shrine is lined with around 100,000 trees, and as you wander along, it’s easy to forget that you’re standing in the middle of one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
The Meiji Shrine is a popular gathering place for the Japanese during national holidays, so it’s a good idea to check which celebrations fall during your stay.
In Ueno Park, you’ll find the Tokyo National Museum – Japan’s oldest and largest museum, which opened its first exhibition back in 1872.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of artefacts offering a fascinating insight into Japan’s ancient history. Among the highlights are numerous items from the age of the samurai, including intricately detailed armour, beautifully decorated swords, and elegant kimonos.
Behind the museum lies a traditional Japanese garden where, in spring, ten different varieties of cherry trees burst into blossom.
Do you dream of biting into a piece of handcrafted Japanese sushi made with freshly caught fish? Then you should head to the Tsukiji Market.
The local restaurants here open as early as around 5 a.m., serving different types of Japanese cuisine, including sushi. Just wandering through the narrow streets and watching one piece of sushi after another being passed over the counter is an experience in itself.
Here, you can taste the famous bluefin tuna in two exclusive cuts – chutoro and otoro – both so rich in fat that the fish almost melts on your tongue.
Before 2018, the fish trade also took place at Tsukiji Market, but it has since moved to Toyosu Market. If you’re an early riser, don’t miss the chance to witness a tuna auction at Toyosu, which begins between 5 and 6 a.m. In early 2026, one of the most expensive tuna in Tokyo’s history was sold for a staggering 3.2 million dollars to Kiyomura Corp, the company behind the renowned sushi restaurant chain Sushi Zanmai.
At TeamLab, you step into a world where art and technology intertwine. You’ll move through rooms filled with light, colour, and digital installations that respond to your movements, creating an experience unlike anything else.
TeamLab is an international artist collective founded in 2001, which has since opened a wealth of exhibitions across the globe – including in Australia, the USA, Singapore, and several cities throughout Japan. What ties all their exhibitions together is the way they blend different art forms to explore the relationship between people and the world around us.
Tokyo is home to two TeamLab museums which, while similar in concept, each showcase their own unique exhibitions.
TeamLab Planets is an intense, sensory experience where you walk barefoot through water and installations, for example, one filled with thousands of real flowers. Borderless offers a dreamier, more fluid experience. Here the artworks move freely between spaces, interact with one another, and merge seamlessly without clear boundaries.
TIP: Remember to book well in advance, as the TeamLab museums are extremely popular.
In the heart of Tokyo’s modern business district, within walking distance of Tokyo Station, lies the beautiful Tokyo Imperial Palace, surrounded by trees and stone walls.
The palace serves as the residence of Japan’s current Emperor, Naruhito, which means it’s not open to visitors. However, you can still admire its historic buildings from the outside. You’re free to stroll through the lush gardens, wandering between old stone walls, carefully tended lawns, and blooming trees, while the city’s skyscrapers rise dramatically in the background.
In spring and autumn, the gardens are especially popular, when cherry blossom and maple trees fill the surroundings with vibrant colours.
If you’re in the mood for some exercise, you can combine your visit to Tokyo Imperial Palace with a walk or run around the palace grounds. The route covers 5 km, with no traffic lights to halt your pace and a level, paved surface that makes for an easy circuit. Just remember that etiquette dictates you should run anti-clockwise around the palace.
In the district of Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s many fascinating neighbourhoods, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building dominates the skyline.
The building serves as Tokyo’s city hall, but for many visitors, it’s the panoramic view from the observation deck 202 metres above ground that’s the main attraction. From here, you can admire the city’s impressive skyscrapers, beautiful parks, and on clear days, even catch sight of Mount Fuji on the horizon.
Tokyo offers plenty of opportunities to take in the vast city from above—from Japan’s tallest building, the Tokyo Skytree, to Shibuya Sky, where adventurous visitors can ride an outdoor escalator higher into the open air. However, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is our favourite—not only because of the mesmerising evening light show, but also because entry is free.
In Japan, you’re bound to come across the white, waving cat known as Manekineko. And if you can’t get enough of this cute Japanese figure, you should definitely visit Gotoku-ji Temple.
The temple is said to be the birthplace of the little cat figurine, and all around the temple grounds you’ll find hundreds of small white cats with their paws raised, standing side by side. The Maneki-neko figure is considered a lucky charm in Japanese culture, believed to bring fortune and prosperity to its owner.
According to Japanese folklore, a samurai named Naotaka once sought shelter from a storm beneath a tree near Gotoku-ji Temple. A cat raised its paw and beckoned Naotaka into the temple. Moments later, lightning struck the very spot where he had been standing. The samurai believed the cat had saved his life, and after its death, the cat was immortalised as a Maneki-neko – the beckoning lucky cat that’s still thought to bring good fortune today.
Whether you find yourself surrounded by the crowds in Shibuya, watch the sun set over the city from an observation tower, or feel the calm descend in a forest-clad shrine, Tokyo will leave a truly unique impression.
On our tours of Japan, there’s often plenty of time in the capital, giving you the chance to experience the Tokyo attractions that top your list.
If you’re unsure which of our tours to choose, you’re always welcome to contact our experienced travel specialists, who are ready to guide you safely towards your next big adventure.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
Gain a unique insight into Japan’s many faces with visits to two of the country’s most fascinating cities, where Kyoto’s timeless traditions meet Tokyo’s modern rhythm.
On this tour to Japan’s main island, you’ll experience a carefully selected collection of the country’s most remarkable highlights. Honshu offers everything from sacred temples and magnificent Japanese gardens to fascinating culture and vibrant cities.
You get Japan to your very core on this big tour. Experience famous highlights like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa and Osaka spiced with less famous pearls like Okayama and Naoshima.
An experience for life with big contrasts between ultra-modern Tokyo, exquisite temples and gardens, maiko in kimonos and traditional tea houses in Kyoto, and the samurai town of Kanazawa.
Experience the essence of Japan short and sweet with the most important cultural cities: Tokyo and Kyoto. The contrasts between the ultra-modern and the old traditions truly amazes most people.
Embark on a magnificent tour through Japan’s many facets, unfolding like chapters in a living story. From sacred temples and breathtaking mountain landscapes to historic castles and vibrant metropolises.
Gain a unique insight into Japan’s many faces with visits to two of the country’s most fascinating cities, where Kyoto’s timeless traditions meet Tokyo’s modern rhythm.
On this tour to Japan’s main island, you’ll experience a carefully selected collection of the country’s most remarkable highlights. Honshu offers everything from sacred temples and magnificent Japanese gardens to fascinating culture and vibrant cities.
You get Japan to your very core on this big tour. Experience famous highlights like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa and Osaka spiced with less famous pearls like Okayama and Naoshima.
An experience for life with big contrasts between ultra-modern Tokyo, exquisite temples and gardens, maiko in kimonos and traditional tea houses in Kyoto, and the samurai town of Kanazawa.
Experience the essence of Japan short and sweet with the most important cultural cities: Tokyo and Kyoto. The contrasts between the ultra-modern and the old traditions truly amazes most people.
Embark on a magnificent tour through Japan’s many facets, unfolding like chapters in a living story. From sacred temples and breathtaking mountain landscapes to historic castles and vibrant metropolises.
