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Tokyo grew from Edo, the castle town of the Tokugawa shoguns, and became Japan's capital when the emperor moved there in 1868. Today it anchors one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, yet it works less like a single downtown than a patchwork of neighborhoods, from older temple districts in the east to the bright commercial hubs of the west.
In Asakusa, the lantern-hung gate of Senso-ji opens onto a lane of snack and souvenir stalls, and Tokyo Skytree rises across the Sumida River with observation decks far above the city. Ueno Park gathers several major museums around its ponds and paths. Near Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace East Gardens preserve stone walls and moats from the old castle. Mornings are ideal for grazing at the Tsukiji Outer Market. On the west side, a wooded approach leads to Meiji Jingu, and Shibuya Crossing surges with pedestrians whenever the lights change. Shinjuku Gyoen offers lawns and formal gardens by day, and after dark the tiny bars and glowing signs of Shinjuku take over.
The city rewards interests ranging from art and design to food, shopping and pop culture, and its rail network makes covering ground easy. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, while summer is hot and humid. Kamakura, Nikko and Hakone are popular side trips.
WiserMap travel guideTokyo Japan Senso-ji Temple and Neon Shinjuku StreetsDiscover Tokyo's best places, from Senso-ji and Meiji Jingu to Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ueno, with neighborhood tips, seasons, trains and a four-day itinerary.Read the guide
Tokyo's oldest temple, entered through the giant red lantern of Kaminarimon Gate and the shop-lined Nakamise street selling snacks and souvenirs. The main hall and five-story pagoda are lit beautifully at night. Explore Asakusa's backstreets for old-style eateries and craft shops.
A Shinto shrine honoring Emperor Meiji, set in a peaceful forest of about 100,000 trees right beside busy Harajuku. Walk under huge wooden torii gates past sake barrels to the main hall, and you may see a traditional wedding procession. Free entry, open sunrise to sunset.
At 634 meters, the tallest tower in Japan, with two observation decks offering views across the city and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. At its base, Tokyo Solamachi has shops, restaurants and an aquarium. Book timed tickets online and go near sunset to see the city light up.
The home of Japan's emperor, surrounded by moats, stone walls and the famous Nijubashi bridge. The East Gardens, built on the old Edo Castle grounds, are free to enter and have seasonal flowers, a teahouse and the original castle keep foundations. Closed Mondays and Fridays.
The world's busiest pedestrian crossing, where crowds surge from all directions each time the lights change. Watch from the Shibuya Sky deck or cafes above, then explore shops, the Hachiko statue and side streets full of bars. Most dramatic at night under the neon screens.
After dark, Shinjuku glows with neon. Squeeze into the tiny bars of Golden Gai, eat yakitori in smoky Omoide Yokocho, see the giant 3D cat billboard and view the skyline free from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation decks. Kabukicho is busy all night.
A large park famous for cherry blossoms, with shrines, a lotus pond and Ueno Zoo. It is also home to the Tokyo National Museum, with Japan's finest art collection, plus the National Museum of Nature and Science and the National Museum of Western Art. Allow a full day.
One of Tokyo's most beautiful gardens, blending Japanese, English and French styles across wide lawns, ponds and a greenhouse. More than 1,000 cherry trees make it a top hanami spot in spring, and autumn colors are stunning. Small entry fee; alcohol is not allowed.
Although the wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji's outer market still bustles with more than 400 stalls and shops. Try fresh sushi, tamagoyaki omelets, grilled scallops and matcha, and browse kitchen knives and tableware. Go in the morning, as many stalls close by early afternoon.
Tokyo's center for electronics, anime, manga and video games, with multistory shops, retro game stores, figure collectors' shops and maid cafes. Even if you are not a fan, the bright signs and energy are fun to see. Sunday afternoons the main street becomes pedestrian-only.
Tokyo's upscale shopping district, with flagship stores of global brands, historic department stores like Mitsukoshi and Wako, art galleries and fine dining. On weekend afternoons Chuo-dori closes to traffic. Visit the Kabuki-za theater to catch a single act of traditional kabuki.
An immersive digital art museum where you walk barefoot through water, mirrored rooms and floating flower gardens filled with light and projections. It is a unique, photogenic experience for all ages. Tickets sell out, so book online and wear clothing you can roll up to the knee.
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