1. Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is a good place to see the bright lights of Tokyo.Shibuya has been featured in countless movies, television shows and music videos. It is arguably the most famous spot in Japan. Make sure to check out the little statue of Hachiko located in the square.
Hachiko was a dog (in the 1920s) who came to meet his owner every night at the station. His owner died but Hachiko continued to come each evening to wait for his return for over 10 years. In the evenings, you will see hundreds of people standing around Hachiko waiting for friends. The statue of Hachiko is the busiest meeting spot in Japan. After taking some photos of the crossing (much more photogenic at night). Take a walk up Sentagai (the street the crossing leads in to). Shibuya is a good place for shopping, dinner and drinks.
2. Yoyogi park on a Sunday
Yoyogi park attracts plenty of interesting people on Sunday including fashion subculture fans, members of the Tokyo Rockabilly Club, hipsters, hippies and everyone else you can imagine.
3. Odaiba
Take the Yurikamome Monorail to Odaiba to check out some great views of Tokyo Bay. Odaiba is a large artificial island that features entertainment, restaurants and shopping complexes. Attractions include Fuji Television Building (one of Japan's most popular TV stations), a huge Gundam and a smallish replica of the statue of liberty. It is a popular spot for young Tokyo couples to go on a date.
4. Shimbashi Nightlife
Even if you aren't a big drinker you should explore Tokyo's nightlife. A good place to start is Shimbashi, a popular spot with Japanese salary men after work. Check out Shimbashi's many outdoor yakitori stands. The area is unique for its tiny restaurants jammed under the Yamanote line train tracks.
5. Shopping in Ginza
Ginza is Asia's premiere upscale shopping area. Even if you are not in the market for Tiffany's diamonds or Cartier watches it is a interesting place to go for a walk. Ginza is popular with Japanese office ladies.
6. Shopping in Omotesando
Omotesando is an upscale (second only to Ginza) shopping and dining area. Its main street (Omotesando dori) is a wide tree-lined boulevard that's reminiscent of the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It's a great place to go for a walk on a sunny afternoon. Omotesando features many appealing restaurants and cafes.
7. Go to a love hotel
Love hotels are an interesting experience especially if you can find a nice one. You have to be a male - female couple to go in. Depending on the time of day they have different plans from three hours to all night. There are love hotels all over Tokyo and they should not be hard to find. Check out Shibuya, Shinjuku or Shin-Yokohama.8. Sensoji Temple
Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest (and most visited) temple. It's also the site of Tokyo's biggest festival: the Sanja Matsuri.
9. Inogashira Park
Inogashira Park is a large (95 acre) park in Tokyo dedicated to the vengeful goddess of music. It has a large pond and boat rentals. It's a popular place to enjoy hanami in Spring. The nearby Kichijoji area also has plenty of shopping, restaurants and night life.
10. Electronics Shopping in Akihabara
Akihabara is otaku paradise. It's the best place in Tokyo to find electronics, anime and manga. It's possible to find obscure items in Akihabara such as robot parts.
11. Shopping in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is a hipster neighborhood that hasn't changed all that much since WWII. It's a good place to spot Japanese street fashions. Shimokitazawa is also known for its quirky little shops, live houses (concert halls), cafes and bars.
12. Kappabashi
Ever wonder where all those plastic models of food in front of Japanese restaurants come from? Kappabashi is the mecca of Japanese kitchen supplies.
13. MOS Burger
MOS Burger is a quality Japanese fast food chain. A lot of the burgers have mounds of sauce on top and are pretty challenging to eat.14. Ueno Zoo
Japan's oldest and best known zoo in Ueno Park. Home to 460 species including popular animals such as Pandas.15. Tokyo Disney Land
Might seem more like American culture than Japanese but Japanese people love it so why not give it a try. Avoid weekends and national holidays.16. Tokyo National Museum
The biggest and oldest museum in Japan with Japanese and Asian art and archaeological items. Located in Ueno park.17. Ghibli Museum
Museum featuring the Japanese Anime of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. If you are a fan of Miyazaki's wonderful films you will enjoy the museum. The museum is located in Inogashira park. You need to buy your tickets in advance because the museum is incredibly popular with Japanese people.18. Mori Art Museum
The Mori Art Museum is atop one of the largest and most famous buildings in Tokyo: Roppongi Hills. The museum has different exhibitions and tends to focus on Asian modern art.19. Eat Sushi
If you go to Japan everybody's going to ask you how the sushi was when you get back. There are good sushi restaurants all over Tokyo but Tsukiji is the most famous neighborhood for fish. I recommend kaiten zushi (conveyor belt) sushi both because it tends to be reasonably priced and it is easier to order without speaking Japanese.20. Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Sky Tree is the second highest structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city. There's also an aquarium onsite.
21. Tokyo Summerland
Tokyo Summerland is a theme park within the Tokyo city limits but about an hour and a half from central Tokyo. It's large wave pool is popular and sometimes insanely crowded.22. Tokyo Clubbing
There's a club for every taste in Tokyo. Check out the Tokyo nightlife guide.
23. Sing Karaoke
Karaoke are Japan's favorite private party. Karaoke boxes are ubiquitous in Tokyo in entertainment districts such as Shinjuku and Shibuya.
24. Purikura
Purikura are sticker photo machines seen all over Japan. It is fun to give this a try. Everyone looks much better in Purikura photos.25. Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a 6 block area near Shinjuku's (somewhat dangerous) Kabukicho entertainment district. Golden Gai is well known for it's tiny bars that have as few as 3 customer seats. Establishments in the area look like dive bars. However, Japan's rich and famous are known to frequent the area.
26. Imperial Palace
Tokyo Imperial Palace sits at the former site of Edo Castle — one of the greatest Engineering feats in history. Two large parks are open to the public on the grounds of the palace: Imperial Palace East Gardens and Imperial Palace Gaien (Kokyo Gaien).The palace's immense moats impress most visitors. It's also possible to book a guided tour of the palace itself (limited tours: you need to apply).
27. Tsukishima Monja
Monja is Tokyo's answer to Okonomiyaki (Osaka's most famous dish). Monja are essentially Japanese pancakes that you cook yourself. There is a bit of a technique to it so its best if some Japanese friends can show you the ropes. Tsukishima is the most famous area for Monja restaurants.28. Hibiya Park
Hibiya Park is a large park sandwiched between the Imperial Palace and the Shinbashi business district. Hibiya park was Japan's first western style park. It features intriguing Gothic and Edwardian architecture.29. Freshness Burger
Freshness Burger is a Japanese fast food chain.30. Sugamo
Sugamo is where Tokyo people over 80 hang out. It's like traveling back in time to Tokyo before the 1950s.
31. Harajuku Shopping
Harajuku is a popular shopping area for hipster teenagers. It's also filled with foreign tourists armed with cameras looking for the mythical Harajuku girl.32. Ebisu
Ebisu is a popular upscale dining, entertainment and residential neighborhood . It's known for it's many cafes, restaurants and standing bars (tachinomiya).33. Yasukuni Shrine
Visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine that honors Japan's war dead including war criminals that were enshrined here.34. Kasumigaseki
Kasumigaseki is a central Tokyo neighborhood beside the Imperial Palace that's home to most of Japan's federal government buildings including the Supreme Court of Japan. It is good place for a photo tour.35. Komazawa Olympic Park
A nice park with lots of trees and some decaying remnants of 1964 Tokyo Olympic buildings.36. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is the classic place to see Tokyo from the sky. It's still one of the most famous buildings in Japan.
37. Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is Japan's busiest shrine. There always seems to be a holiday, event, festival, wedding or ritual happening here. It's a great place to see life in Tokyo.38. Daikanyama
A upscale neighborhood of luxury boutiques and cute cake shops.39. Marunouchi
There several department stores in this area. A quieter place to shop than Shibuya or Shinjuku.40. Nonbei Yokocho
Nonbei Yokocho is a tiny side street in Shibuya that's filled with even smaller bars and restaurants. Like Golden Gai in Shinjuku, many bars here have just 3 or 4 seats for customers. In the old days, they didn't have bathrooms. Now there's a few small bathrooms just off the street.
41. Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Asia's biggest (and most notorious) red light district. It's relatively safe for a walk during the daytime. We've posted a few travel warnings for the area.
42. Sangenjaya
A small but popular neighborhood with a few shops and restaurants.43. Futako Tamagawa
Futako Tamagawa is an upscale residential and shopping area that's popular with Tokyo's summer BBQ crowd.44. Sumo
Check out a sumo match in the Ryogoku area.
45. Korakuen
A Japanese amusement park in central Tokyo.46. Japanese baseball game
Tokyo has two professional baseball teams the Yomiuri Giants (both the most popular and hated team in Japan) and the Yakuri Swallows.47. Ramen
No trip to Japan is complete without a big bowl of oily Japanese ramen noodles.48. Toshimaen
Another big amusement park in Tokyo.49. Sunshine 60
Sunshine 60 was the tallest building in Japan until 1991. It sits at the former site of Japan's most notorious prison ~ Sugamo Prison. There are persistent urban legends that the building is haunted with the ghosts of prisoners who met their end at the prison.Sunshine 60 features an observation deck on the 60th floor. It's no longer Tokyo's highest viewpoint. However, it's an open air observation deck (a rarity in the city). The adjoined Sunshine City complex also has an aquarium, theaters and shopping.
50. Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109 is a trend-setting Japanese department store in Shibuya. It's frequented by young women (14-24 years of age). Shibuya 109 is well known in Japan for its outlandish fashions. It's often featured in Japanese magazines, TV, movies and manga. Anyone over 30 (and men) might not feel comfortable here.
51. Tokyu Hands
A urban hardware store popular with artists, graphic designers and young creative people. The massive flagship store in Shibuya might be a good place to find some unique souvenirs.52. Showa Kinen Koen
A large park near Tachikawa open most days 9:30 to 16:30. Has numerous gardens, ponds and sports facilities. It a nice place to view the leaves changing color in Autumn.53. Aoyama Bochi
Aoyama Bochi is a large Japanese cemetery located in Aoyama on some of the most expensive land in the world. A great place for a walk. Located near Aoyama-Itchome station on Oedo, Hanzomon and Ginza lines.54. Shinjuku Gyoen Park
A large park once owned by the Emperor between Shinjuku and Shibuya. It has several large gardens in French, English and Japanese styles.55. Internet Cafe
Japanese Internet cafes provide private booths with comfortable seating or lay-flat-mats. You can use Internet, watch dvds, read from their large manga and magazine collection, order food and have free drinks. Many have extra features such as showers. Internet cafes are a great place to relax away from the noisy Tokyo streets and write some people back home.56. Kagurazaka
One of Tokyo's oldest entertainment areas with exclusive invitation only restaurants some of which featuring Geisha. Some restaurants in the area are open to the public.57. Naka Meguro
Yet another neighborhood that is trendy and has lots of shops and restaurants.58. Capsule Hotel
Capsule Hotels were a fad in the 1980s in Japan for tiny hotel rooms that resemble beds on a submarine. There are still a few of these around in Tokyo and there is a big one at Akihabara. Men and Women are strictly segregated.59. Tokyo River Cruise
There are various dinner cruises available of Sumida river and Tokyo Bay.
60. Hanegi Park
A small park famous for its plum tree festival held annually from the middle of February to March. Nice park well off the beaten path.61. Tokyo Bay Fireworks
The Tokyo Bay Fireworks are held each summer, check the web for the schedule. There is a major fireworks display somewhere in Tokyo almost every weekend of summer. The Japanese love fireworks and the atmosphere is always a party.62. Sento
Go to a Japanese bathhouse (sento). Definitely a memorable experience. Any of Tokyo's old neighborhoods will have a bath house. There are several in Ueno for example. Sento can be identified by their tall chimneys.63. Musashi Koyama
Musashi Koyama has a long shotengai featuring Mom and Pop shops and restaurants. A great place to shop on a rainy day.
64. Shinokubo
Tokyo's little Korea. If you are craving spicy food this is your place.65. Yokohama
Yokohama station has plenty of shopping and restaurants and you can see famous Yokohama bay.66. Hostess Clubs
Hostess clubs are about conversation and karaoke. They're innocent enough. It's a great place to practice your Japanese and speak with the locals.67. Japanese Soccer
If the national men's team is playing while you're in Tokyo try going to a popular sports bar and watching the game. There are several around Tokyo station for example. Japanese fans are really enthusiastic.68. Maid Cafe
Check out a maid cafe in Akihabara. Maid cafe waitresses cosplay maids and greet customers with a "welcome home". They treat customers as if they are their personal maid. Customers can play video games or have their photo taken with waitresses. It's innocent enough.
69. Shop at Uniqlo
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing chain that sells no-label basic fashions. Its clothing is inexpensive and high quality. Uniqlo recently opened a new flagship store in the posh Ginza shopping district. Uniqlo is extraordinarily popular — the chain's owner is now Japan's richest man.70. Edo Tokyo Museum
The Tokyo Edo Museum is a good museum that seeks to explain various aspects of Japanese culture. It is located at Ryogoku station.71. Cherry Blossom Viewing (hanami)
Tokyo's best weather is in early spring. This is when Tokyo's sakura bloom and the city comes alive. Cherry blossom viewing sounds like a quiet event. In fact it's just an excuse to have huge parties in the great outdoors.72. 100 Yen Shop
Japanese dollar stores are amazing. It is surprising how much interesting stuff you can pick up for 100 yen including souvenirs.73. Kabuki
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese drama that includes elements of dance and comedy. Men play all the female roles in a Kabuki play and Kabuki is known for its elaborate makeup. Try Kabuki-za in Ginza.74. Muji
Muji is a popular chain of Japanese stores that carry clothing and home furnishings. Muji is known for its plain, simple, functional designs.75. Yokohama Chinatown
The best place in Japan for Chinese food.76. Summer BBQ
July to October is Tokyo's summer BBQ season. Riverside BBQ parties are popular amongst Tokyo families and university students (they're inexpensive). The best place for a Tokyo BBQ is the Tamagawa river at Futako-Shinchi. There's a large bridge that provides shelter in case of rain.77. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tokyo city hall) in Shinjuku (JR West exit) has a free observation deck on the 45 floor that's worth checking out on a clear day. The west side of Shinjuku has more skyscrapers than any other area in the city. It's a treat for architecture buffs.
78. Family Restaurant
Japanese Family Restaurants are chain restaurants that resemble American diners of the 1950s. Like coffee shops, people tend to go to family restaurants to study or talk endlessly with their friends. Family restaurants are the type of place you can order a coffee or desert and sit for hours without feeling guilty. Popular chains include Denny's, Johnathan's and Skylark.79.Shopping in Shinjuku
There are quite a few good department stores at Shinjuku centered around JR Shinjuku station (south exit).80. Shiodome
Shiodome is a mixed residential and office district (a city-in-a-city complex). It was built in the mid 1990s (it replaced a massive freight shipping yard — the old Shinbashi station).Today, many of Japan's top companies are headquartered here. Shiodome features some fine architecture and a assortment of shopping and entertainment that targets the area's office workers.
81. Shiatsu
Get a Japanese massage. There are a few places around Shibuya station.82. Product Showrooms
Most of the big Japanese manufacturers have huge showrooms to promote their latest products. The showrooms have attractive female staff and various product displays. Check out the Honda and Sony showrooms at Aoyama-itchome station.83. Ameyoko
Ameyoko (candy shop alley) is a crowded shopping bazaar that's known for its cheap prices, odd merchandise and heated price negotiations. It's a great area for a photo tour — Ameyoko has character.
84. Kiyosumi Teien
A Edo-era Japanese garden open to the public.85. Kasai Rinkai Koen
A big park on the shores of Tokyo bay that features various attractions such as Tokyo Sealife Aquarium.86. Tokyo Motor Show
The Tokyo Motor Show is one of the World's three biggest car shows. It's held every every two years (October - November) in Chiba. Check the Japan event schedule.
87. Mount Mitake
Mount Mitake is a popular hiking destination within the Tokyo city limits that also features a Shinto Shrine.88. Tokyo Dome City
A entertainment complex located at Tokyo Dome that features a good roller coaster.
89. Nishiazabu
Take a stroll around Tokyo's most expensive residential neighborhood. There are plenty of embassies in the area.90. Shinagawa Nightlife
Shinagawa is a large business, dining and nightlife area in downtown Tokyo. Each evening Japanese salary men flock from their offices to Shinagawa's many izakaya (Japanese pubs).91. Climb Takao Mountain
Takao-san is a mountain within the Tokyo city limits (an hour and a half from Tokyo station at Chuo line Takao station) that is popular with hikers. If your feeling lazy there is a ropeway to the top. There is a beer garden and monkey park at the summit.92. Sanrio Puroland
Another Tokyo amusement park. It focuses on insanely cute characters like Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi.93. Shinagawa Aquarium
Dozens of huge fish tanks with 300 species including dolphins, turtles, mana rays, sharks, sea lions and penguins.
94. Koenji
Koenji is a old Japanese neighborhood that's popular with Tokyo hipsters. It's known for its used clothing shops, cafes, concert halls and nightlife.95. Japanese Arcade
There are numerous arcades in Tokyo filled with UFO catcher, popular video and gambling games. These complexes are sometimes five or six stories high and are interesting to walk though even if you don't play any games. There are several in Shinjuku and Shibuya.
96. The Museum of Criminology
A grim but interesting history museum. Presented by the Meiji University of Criminology.97. Jiyugaoka
A trendy residential neighborhood with restaurants and shopping.98. Pachinko
Pachinko is a popular form of Japanese gambling that's somewhat similar to slot machines.99. Zojoji Temple
An old temple (1393) right beside Tokyo Tower.100. Tokyo Matsuri
There are hundreds of festivals in Tokyo each year. Festivals allow visitors to see Tokyo at its most lively. Check the holiday and event schedule for recommended events.
101. Get out of Tokyo
If you're in Japan for a week or more it's recommend to visit Kyoto a few days. Kyoto is an ancient city that has 1000s of fascinating temples and shrines. There are many things to do in Kyoto.| Tweet |
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