Things to see and do in Tokyo

Tokyo Skytree, at 634 meters (2,080 ft), is the highest point in Tokyo. You can see this broadcast tower from anywhere in the city, and the 2 observation decks, fine-dining restaurant, and cafe it contains make it a tourist hotspot. The tower is especially beautiful at night, being illuminated in different patterns on different days.

The highest point visitors can access is 451 meters high, where you'll find a special stage that has been built to replicate the feeling of floating. Solamchai shopping mall is at the base of Tokyo Skytree, containing over 300 shops, restaurants, an aquarium, and a planetarium.

Sensoji Temple is one of the most significant among Tokyo's many ancient temples. The Buddhist temple is the centerpiece of the history-rich Asakusa district, northeast of the city center, and is nearby other notable landmarks such as the Asakusa Shrine.

Start your visit at the magnificent Kaminarimon Gate, also known as the Thunder Gate, with its giant red lantern. Between the gate and Sensoji Temple, you can browse along the centuries-old Nakamise shopping street, where you can pick up traditional Japanese souvenirs and taste some exotic snacks. At the temple, admire the sheer beauty of its main hall, and the elegant 5-story pagoda.

Asakusa Shrine is also known as the Shrine of the 3 gods, in honor of the 3 men who built the nearby Buddhist temple, Sensoji. It's common to visit both monuments, one after the other. At Asakusa, you'll see many worshippers praying for health, wealth, and good luck in love.

A 200-meter pedestrian street leading to the shrine is lined with rows of souvenir shops and snack stalls before it passes under a stone gate. There are several important festivals that take place around Asakusa Shrine, including Sanja Matsuri in May, held in honor of the 3 founders of the temple.

Tokyo Disneyland, located in Chibu Prefecture, on the outskirts of Tokyo, is a very popular family amusement park. Open since 1983, there are 4 lands to explore: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The focal point of the theme park is the towering Cinderella Castle, and popular rides include Splash Mountain and Star Tours.

In 2001, Tokyo Disneyland was joined by a sister resort, Tokyo DisneySea, which has a nautical theme. It's possible to explore both parks in 1 day, but most people choose to visit the parks separately. You'll see Micky, Minnie, and the crew in many spots throughout the park.

The Tokyo National Museum immerses you in a wide-ranging assortment of historical art pieces and archaeological objects, housed within its 5 exhibition buildings. There's well over 100,000 items in its collection, including some of Japan's most cherished national treasures, such as the masterpieces of Unkei, Japan's celebrated Buddhist sculptor.

You'll find the Tokyo National Museum in the northern grounds of Ueno Park in Taito, just a short walk out of Uguisudani Station. After browsing through the ancient statues, masks, ceramics, paintings, swords, and sets of armor, you can grab lunch at one of several restaurants or poke around the souvenir shops.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden covers an area of 144 acres between Shibuya and Shinjuku wards in the center of Tokyo. Opened to the public in 1949, this former private garden features 3 different styles: French, English, and traditional Japanese. The park is blanketed in over 20,000 trees, including about 1,500 cherry trees, which bloom between late March and late April.

A greenhouse built in the 1950s houses over 1,700 tropical and subtropical species, and drinks and snacks can be purchased from stalls scattered throughout the grounds. Getting to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is fairly easy, as it's located within walking distance from at least 3 Tokyo Metro stations.

Meiji Shrine lies at the heart of one of Tokyo's green oases, Yoyogi Park, and can be reached by walking from Harujuku Station. This Shinto shrine dates back to 1915, following the death of Emperor Meiji, and is dedicated to his and his wife's deified spirits.

Entering through Yoyogi Park's 40-foot-tall torii gate, you'll pass through cool and tranquil forest paths before reaching the Meiji Shrine. Here, you can write down your wishes on wooden Ema tablets, which are then hung around a tree and blessed during a morning ceremony in front of the main temple.

Shibuya Crossing is one of the most iconic places in Tokyo. Located directly outside Shibuya station, it's rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world. Like a choreographed ballet, as soon as cars stop at the red lights, hundreds, if not thousands, of people break out in all directions to cross this bustling intersection.

Often featured in magazines, movies, and television, it really encapsulates the busy nature of Tokyo, especially after dark. A recommended venue to watch the scene unfold is the Starbucks coffee shop, which overlooks the intersection from the second floor of the Q Front Building.

Tokyo's Roponggi Hills is a city within a city; a mega complex of high-rise buildings, containing offices, apartments, shops, restaurants, and movie theatres. The centerpiece is the 54-story Mori Tower, with its famous Tokyo City View observation deck. The complex is ringed by the Yamanote railway line in the Minato ward.

For some retail therapy, Roponggi Hills is home to many designer fashion stores, and if you're an art buff, the Mori Art Museum's innovative exhibits are worth seeing. Between the high-rise buildings, you'll find the green, open-air oasis of the Mori Garden, designed with traditional Zen landscaping in mind.

Takashimaya Times Square Shinjuku is one of the biggest shopping malls in Tokyo. With a total of 15 floors of shopping, it's practically guaranteed they'll have what you're looking for. You'll find fashion, health and beauty, travel gear, homeware, and 3 floors of dining.

If you're looking for kitsch souvenirs from your time in Japan to take back home, don't miss the cavernous Tokyu Hands, a famous DIY store that stocks an amazing range of products at usually cheap prices. Takashimaya Times Square is located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station's south exit.

Ueno Zoo covers 35 acres of Ueno Park, and is home to over 3,000 animals from over 400 species. Established in 1882, it's the oldest zoological park in Japan. You'll find it easily in Taito, a small ward in the northeast of Tokyo, which is well served by public transport.

The stars of Ueno Zoo are the Sumatran tiger, the Central African western lowland gorillas, and the Chinese giant pandas, all kept in environments similar to their natural habitats. Ueno Zoo also features a good choice of restaurants and snack bars for refreshments during your visit.

Tokyo Imperial Palace has been home to Japan's emperors since 1868. The intricate structure was destroyed during WWII, but rebuilt in a traditional Edo-period style in 1968. Tours of the grounds take place twice a day, and can be booked online. Be sure to explore the stunning East Gardens, which are accessible without a reservation.

The inner grounds are not open to the public, except for 2 very special days in the year'for a New Year's greeting on January 2nd, and the Emperor's birthday on December 23rd. The palace grounds also contain the Yasakuni Shrine and Nippon Budikan indoor arena.

Tokyo Tower, located in Minato, is one of the city's most popular viewpoints. At a height of 333 meters, it's been one of Tokyo's tallest structures for over well over 50 years, and has 2 separate viewing platforms. On a good day, you'll be able to see Mount Fuji way off on the horizon.

This tourist hotspot and telecommunications tower looks very much like Paris' Eiffel Tower, which it was modelled on, but the bright orange and white color scheme is unique. There's a collection souvenir shops, restaurants, and a small amusement park on the ground floor.

The Tsukiji Fish Market dates back to the beginning of the Edo period in the 16th century, when fishermen would sell their catches near the Nihonbashi Bridge, which eventually developed into a market. Now, it's the largest wholesale seafood market in the world, and draws visitors from far and wide to witness its exciting fish auctions.

If you're not really into the early morning auctions at Tsukiji Fish Market, you can always try a sushi breakfast, or further explore the outer area, with its fruit and vegetable markets and shops selling sashimi knives and Japanese bowls.

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is a charming place to shop and dine. Located in Taito District in the northeast of Tokyo, Yanaka Ginza has retained a serene atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo. This peaceful ambiance can be felt through the presence of many cats roaming and sleeping along the street.

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street houses about 70 shops and eating places. You'll find handcrafted trinkets and wares at fair prices, and a choice of tasty Japanese sweets, snacks, and street food. There's even a traditional liquor store where you can sample local sakes and beers.

Chidorigafuchi Park is a charming natural area around the northwestern section of the Chidorigafuchi Moat that circles the Imperial Palace. Pretty at any time of year, the magical sight of 260 flowering cherry trees in full bloom during March and April every year brings over 1 million visitors to Chidorigafuchi Park in a 3-week period alone.

Popular activities at Chidorigafuchi Park include renting a rowing boat to explore the moat, as well as strolling along a 700-meter pathway. Along the walkway you'll pass a simple cemetery dedicated to Japan's unidentified war dead from WWII.

Shibuya 109 Building is the place to go if you're looking for the latest Japanese fashion trends. This department store, overlooking the iconic Shibuya Crossing in downtown Tokyo, has been designed to host a myriad of small retail shops that aim at attracting young female customers.

The original plan was even more successful than planned, as Shibuya 109 Building has become Tokyo's leading shopping mall for girls interested in high-fashion sub-cultures. You'll find here Japanese fashion clothing and items, cosmetics, and a good choice of international brands. There's also a few shops dedicated to men's fashion.

Koishikawa Botanical Garden is one of Tokyo's oldest and grandest gardens, dating back to the 17th-century Tokugawa shogunate. It's one of the city's best green oases, where you can retreat from the bustling scenes of Tokyo's metropolis and enjoy natural forests, flower-lined ponds, and riverside pathways bordered by Japan's iconic cherry blossom trees.

The 40-acre Koishikawa Botanical Garden is overseen by the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science, and is a 15-minute walk from Myogadani Station or Hakusan Station. Naturally, the best time to visit is springtime, around April or May, when the pink cherry blossom trees come into full bloom.

Yasukuni Shrine is located in central Tokyo, just north of the moat that protects the Imperial Palace. Founded in 1869 by Emperor Meiji, its purpose is to commemorate all those who died at war for Japan, including men, women, children, and even animals. Despite the controversy attached to this Shinto shine, due to the many known war criminals enshrined here, it's a regal monument and a popular tourist attraction.

Open daily at 6 am, the shrine's precinct is a pleasant place to take a stroll through well-kept gardens. Popular Shinto festivals are held at Yasukuni Shrine, especially in spring and fall.