No journey to Japan would be complete without a visit to its incredible capital city, Tokyo. Tokyo is also the intersection where the Japanese connect with residents from all over the world. As fast-paced as Tokyo’s development appears to be, the city is equally devoted to its historical gardens, temples, and museums. Whether it is Harajuku’s vibrant fashion, cafes, maid cafes, or the passionate mega fans of otaku, there are plenty of astounding destinations to explore in Tokyo. And we have discussed some of them in this article. Discover them all!
8 Finest Places To Explore In Tokyo
Let us examine some of the major tourist destinations in Tokyo so that you can plan your trip with ease and comfort.
1. Sensōji
Sensō-JI is Tokyo’s largest ancient Buddhist temple and a significant place in Tokyo for Japanese in Asakusa and other communities. It is also one of the most renowned places to visit in Tokyo. The temple is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, also known as Guan Yin or the Goddess of Mercy. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple and holds great significance. Previously associated with the Tendai organization, it gained popularity after World War II.
Location: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, JapanTimings: 6 AM – 5 PM
2. Akihabara
Akihabara, also referred to as Akiba after a nearby temple, is a district in Tokyo that is famous for its numerous electronics and gadget shops. It is also one of the nearby places to explore in Tokyo. Akihabara has gained recognition as the central hub of Japan’s otaku culture, and many shops, particularly those dedicated to anime and manga, are scattered among the electronic stores in the area. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, is closed to vehicular traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March). Tokyo’s Electric Town mesmerizes tourists with its vast assortment of anime, manga, and gaming merchandise. You can find everything you desire – comics, DVDs, dolls, trading and playing cards, clothing, magazines.
Location: Taito City, Tokyo, JapanHow to get there: Subway- R Yamanote Line, Sobu Line or Tokyo Metro’s Hibiya Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line
3. Nakamise
Situated just ahead of Sensoji after Kaminarimon, a massive paper lantern significantly painted in vivid red-and-dark colors to depict thunderclouds and lightning, Nakamise is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. In addition to traditional Japanese souvenirs such as yukata, keychains, and fans, various local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along Nakamise.
Located in: Sensō-JiLocation: 1 Chome-20 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, JapanOpening Hours: Opens 10 AM
4. Ueno Park
You can easily spend a whole day at Ueno Park, Tokyo’s largest and most beloved tourist destinations in Tokyo. It’s here where you’ll find the Tokyo National Museum, the city’s most popular art museum, along with The National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the Shitamachi Museum, among others. For a memorable evening, visit any museum for a fulfilling end to the day.
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5. Meiji Shrine
Meiji Sanctuary is a Shinto sacred spot that is dedicated to the venerated spirits of Emperor Meiji and his spouse, Empress Shōken. This place is one of the most cherished places to explore in Tokyo for couples. To show gratefulness at a Torii (sanctuary entrance) you need to bow once when entering and leaving. At the Purification Basin (water well) you should cleanse your hands. Rinse your mouth with your left hand before washing your left hand once again. In conclusion, flush the ladle (allow the remaining water to flow down the handle of the ladle). At the main sanctuary building, bow twice.
Location: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono Cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, JapanOpening hours : 6:30 AM – 4:30 PMHow to reach: Chiyoda Line and Fukutoshin Line (Tokyo Metro)
6. Tokyo Imperial Palace
Tokyo Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is one of the places to explore in Tokyo for family. Except on Jan 2 (New Year’s Greeting) and Dec 23 (Emperor’s Birthday), the palace and inner gardens are not open to the public. Only on both special dates, tourists can enter the palace grounds and see the members of the Imperial Family, who appear on the balcony. The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a part of the palace area and are accessible to the tourists.
Location: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda 100-0001, Tokyo PrefectureOpening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PMHow to reach: Marunouchi Line and Hanzomon Line (Tokyo Metro)
7. Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Market is the largest discounted fish market in the world. It handles approximately 400 different types of fish from more affordable aquatic varieties to the most expensive caviar, and from economical sardines to 300 kg fish and whale species. The most fascinating aspect is the Tuna Auction. It is limited to 120 individuals per day. Tickets are provided on a First Come, First served basis beginning at 4:30 AM at the market’s Fish Information Center, located near the Kachidoki entrance. (Not the main entrance) The first 60 ticket holders can observe the auction from 5:25 AM until 5:50 AM, while the remaining 60 ticket holders can witness the rest of the bidding from 5:50 AM until 6:15 AM.
Note: To witness the Tuna Auction, it is wise to stay near the Ginza area so you can avail a more affordable taxi in the morning. No trains operate at this hour.
Location: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, JapanHours: 4 AM – 11 AM (except Sundays and alternate Wednesdays)How to get there: Hibiya Line – Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro)
8. Harajuku
Harajuku is a vibrant district known for its colorful fashion boutiques and shops. Harajuku and the Takeshita-dōri are the places to visit for unique styles (think Lolita fashion). You will adore the architecture and high-quality brands in Omotesandō. If Harajuku is the fashion hub of Tokyo, then Omotesando and Aoyama are its younger counterparts. Brimming with high-end fashion boutiques, iconic architecture, and the most extravagant café culture in all of Japan, it is extremely difficult to resist shopping here.
This expansive tree-lined street running southeast from Harajuku Station towards Aoyama is the main thoroughfare of Harajuku and one of Tokyo’s most fashionable streets. It is one of the best shopping streets and street fashion zones in the city. Some consider it an extension of Harajuku, or even a part of Harajuku itself, but Omotesando’s upscale shopping sets it apart. The cosmopolitan street is often compared to Paris’ Champs-Élysées.
Location: 4 Chome-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, JapanOperating Hours: Closes at 10 PM
Ensure you jot down all of these splendid places to explore in Tokyo on your itinerary so you don’t miss out on any rejuvenating and thrilling experiences that this marvelous city has to offer. Book your journey to Japan immediately and enjoy an unforgettable vacation!
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Commonly Asked Questions About Places To Explore In Tokyo In Summer
Is Tokyo a decent place to reside?
Yes, it is a fairly secure and comfortable place to visit and live in.
What’s the weather like in Tokyo, Japan?
Tokyo has a pleasant and agreeable climate for the most part of the year. The optimal time to visit Tokyo is during the summer season.
What should I wear in Tokyo?
You should wear casual and comfortable attire in Tokyo and carry a jacket in case it becomes slightly cold.
What is the chilliest month in Tokyo?
January is the coldest month in Tokyo.
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