Tokyo is a deep and diverse city, and there are still plenty of spots to enjoy. I want to know about not only the regular spots, but also the hidden spots! We have carefully selected some of the best spots in Tokyo that we recommend you to visit at least once.
Whether you are familiar with Tokyo or not, whether you are looking for a different kind of fun or date, reading this will give you a chance to discover a new Tokyo.
So, if there's a spot you're interested in, get ready now and head out!
Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree area
Tokyo's old-town heart, where centuries-old temples stand just a short walk from the city's tallest tower. This is the part of Tokyo that still feels like Edo.
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 628 AD, sits at the end of Nakamise-dori shopping street. Pass through the giant red Kaminarimon gate, browse the souvenir stalls along the approach, and take in the incense smoke at the main hall. Early morning visits (before 9 AM) are the best way to beat the crowds and see the temple grounds in quiet light. The five-story pagoda and surrounding gardens look especially good at dusk when the lanterns are lit.
Tokyo Skytree
At 634 meters, this is the tallest structure in Japan. The observation decks at 350m and 450m give you a full panoramic view of Tokyo, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible to the west. The shopping complex Tokyo Solamachi at the base has over 300 shops and restaurants, plus the Sumida Aquarium. If you're visiting during cherry blossom season, the views of the Sumida River lined with sakura trees from the Tembo Deck are unforgettable.
For a deeper look at the Asakusa and Skytree area, check out our full guide:
Sumida River Walk and Tokyo Mizumachi
The pedestrian bridge connecting Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree opened in 2020, and it has quickly become one of the best free walks in the city. Stroll along the river, stop at the craft beer stands and cafes in the Tokyo Mizumachi complex underneath the railway tracks, and take in the skyline from the water. In late March and early April, the riverside cherry trees are in full bloom here.
Shibuya and Harajuku area
The center of Tokyo's youth culture and fashion scene. Every time you visit, something new has opened.
Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky
The world-famous scramble crossing is a spectacle worth seeing at least once. Stand on the second floor of the Starbucks in the TSUTAYA building for a bird's-eye view, or head up to Shibuya Sky on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square (about 230m up) for a 360-degree open-air observation deck. The sunset and night views from up there are particularly impressive. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to skip the line.
Takeshita Street and Harajuku
Takeshita Street is the epicenter of Harajuku's kawaii culture. Crepe shops, vintage clothing stores, and character goods fill both sides of this narrow pedestrian street. It gets packed on weekends, so weekday mornings are the sweet spot for a relaxed stroll. Beyond Takeshita Street, Cat Street and the back streets of Ura-Harajuku offer a more relaxed vibe with independent boutiques and cafes.
For more on Harajuku's best spots:
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Just steps from the buzz of Harajuku station, the forested approach to Meiji Jingu feels like entering a different world. The shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is surrounded by 100,000 trees donated from across Japan when it was established in 1920. The walk through the towering torii gates and along the gravel path is calming any time of year. On weekends, you might catch a traditional Shinto wedding procession.
Omotesando
Often called Tokyo's Champs-Elysees, this tree-lined avenue is home to flagship stores from international and Japanese brands. The architecture alone is worth the trip, with buildings designed by Tadao Ando (Omotesando Hills), Toyo Ito, and SANAA. Side streets hide independent galleries and quiet cafes where you can rest your feet.
Ueno and Yanesen area
Yanaka Ginza
The retro shopping streets of downtown are photogenic and interesting places to discover something new. The staircase known as 'YUYAKE DANDAN' leads down to a peaceful, atmospheric space that can truly be described as downtown. Grab a menchi-katsu (fried meat cutlet) from one of the street vendors and eat it as you walk, the way locals do.
The National Museum of Western Art
The museum is a World Heritage Site designed by Le Corbusier, with a collection of around 6,000 works of art. The Rodin sculptures in the forecourt can be viewed free of charge. The museum attracts large crowds when it holds special exhibitions, so check the schedule and book tickets in advance if you can.
National Museum of Nature and Science
It houses giant dinosaur skeletons, extensive taxidermy collections, and more than four million items in total. It is a large museum with two halls, the 'Japan Gallery' (The Environment on the Japanese Islands) and the 'Global Gallery' (The History of Life on Earth). Kids and adults alike can easily spend half a day here.
Ueno Park
During the cherry blossom season (usually late March to early April), the park fills up with hanami (flower viewing) parties under the 800+ cherry trees along the main path. It is one of Tokyo's most popular sakura spots, with food stalls and lantern lighting in the evenings. After the cherry blossom season, the park becomes quieter and the large fountain area is a great place to relax. The Ueno Zoo, famous for its giant pandas, is also nearby and worth a visit.
For a detailed guide to Ueno and the surrounding area:
Shinobazu Pond
Here, you can enjoy an elegant boat ride on the swan-shaped pedal boats. A walk around the pond is also recommended. There are food stalls near the boat ramp almost every day, so it is a pleasant, lively spot. In summer, the lotus flowers covering the pond are a sight to see.
Popular pubs in the Ameyoko shopping street
One of the deepest ways to enjoy Ueno is to go to a pub from noon. There are rows of cheap and tasty popular izakayas open from lunchtime. In a lively space where someone is always laughing and the waiters are calling out to passersby, sharing a small table with everyone and drinking together will bring you closer together and make you have a good time.
If you like the yokocho (alleyway) drinking scene, we have a full guide:
Ueno Frontier Tower
The complex reopened in 2017. The facilities include PARCO_ya, a slightly more mature and elegant storefront, a cinema and restaurants.
Iidabashi and Kagurazaka area
Kagurazaka
The main street representing the Kagurazaka area. With an increasing number of stylish Italian, French and other restaurants and hideaways, it is a perfect spot for adult dates. The cobblestone back alleys still have the atmosphere of old geisha districts, and exploring them on foot is half the fun.
Tokyo Daijingu
There is a shrine dedicated to the god of love, which is said to offer very strong benefits. It is a very popular spot for those who want to achieve love. Various festive events are held every month, and the limited-edition seasonal omamori (charms) are popular souvenirs.
Akagi Shrine
Located on a street in Kagurazaka, this shrine is said to be beneficial for matchmaking and the arts. It has a nice, stylish atmosphere in keeping with Kagurazaka, and there is also a cafe inside. The building itself was redesigned by architect Kengo Kuma and is worth a look even if you are not the shrine-visiting type.
la kagu
A collection of fashionable select shops housed in a converted warehouse that once belonged to a publishing house. The space has kept its industrial character, and the range of goods and clothes inside is fun to browse through.
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
This garden has a deep history dating back to the Edo period (established in 1629) and is a quiet, peaceful and relaxing place to spend time. Here you can enjoy seasonal flowers in spring, irises in June, and fiery autumn leaves from late November through December. It is one of Tokyo's oldest gardens, along with Rikugien and Hamarikyu.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa and Monzennakacho area
Blue Bottle Coffee Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
The first Blue Bottle Coffee location in Japan, and the shop that helped put Kiyosumi-Shirakawa on the map as a coffee town. There are many other coffee stands and cafes in the area, so you can use this as a starting point to enjoy visiting a variety of them.
Kiyosumi Teien Garden
A traditional Japanese-style garden, known as a 'kaiyushiki rinsen-teien' (a strolling garden with a pond), in which visitors walk around the garden in a circle to appreciate it. Visitors can feel the history that has been handed down since the Meiji era. The stepping stones across the pond are a highlight. Admission is just 150 yen.
Ninjo Fukagawa Goriyaku Dori
This shopping arcade on the approach to Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is a great place to enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period. Fairs are held regularly and you can feel the bustle of old Edo. Go and soak it in.
Fukagawa Fudodo
Fukagawa Fudodo, which sits along the Ninjo Fukagawa Goriyaku Dori. Inside, there is a crystal corridor containing some 10,000 statues of Fudo. The Gomadaki fire ritual, where offerings are burnt and prayers are delivered, is held daily and is open to anyone.
Tomioka Hachimangu
It is considered the largest Hachimangu shrine in Tokyo and is also where the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, one of the three largest festivals in Edo, is held every August. Located just a short walk from Fukagawa Fudo, flea markets are held twice a month on the 1st and 15th.
Areas along the Chuo Line (Nakano to Kichijoji)
The Chuo Line runs west from Shinjuku through a string of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. These are the kinds of places where you start to feel what it is like to actually live in Tokyo.
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park, also known as the 'Lover's Mecca', offers a zoo, boat rides and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The park is ideal for picnics and can be easily visited by parents and children, couples and friends. In spring, the cherry blossoms reflecting on the surface of the pond are a favorite photo spot.
Inokashira Benzaiten
This water deity shrine is located in Inokashira Park, and it is said that washing your money there will bring you good financial luck. It is worth a visit if you come to the park.
Harmonica Alley
This is a well-loved spot in Kichijoji, where standing bars and tiny eateries are packed side by side in narrow alleys. You might end up sharing a drink with the person sitting next to you. It gets especially lively after 5 PM on weekdays.
Nakano Broadway
You can enjoy a different kind of Japanese culture at Nakano Broadway, with its subcultural and pop atmosphere. Mandarake, the famous secondhand manga and anime goods dealer, has multiple shops on the upper floors. If you are into anime, figures, or retro toys, you will love this side of Tokyo.
Koenji Street
The izakayas that line the elevated streets of Koenji are cozy and comfortable, and it is easy to become friends with the people sitting next to you in this drinking area. It is said to be a space where once you get hooked, you become addicted. Koenji is also known for its many vintage clothing shops and the famous Awa Odori dance festival held every August.
Asagaya Pearl Center
The shopping street in Asagaya that greets you as soon as you get off the train. It is always crowded with people and a fun place to eat and drink. It has a friendly atmosphere with many families and makes you want to live here one day!
Ebisu and Daikanyama area
YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO
The former Yebisu Beer Museum reopened in spring 2024 as YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO, a new experience facility where you can learn about the history of Yebisu beer and enjoy tastings. There is a tasting salon where you can try freshly brewed beer and limited-edition varieties not available anywhere else, plus a shop with exclusive merchandise. Advance reservation is recommended, especially on weekends.
Saigoyama Park
The park is a local favorite where you can relax, with good views and not many people. On a fine day, you may be able to see Mt. Fuji in the distance. This is a spot you should visit at least once.
Korinin Temple
On weekday mornings, you can experience zazen (seated meditation) without the need to make a reservation at this temple, which is registered as a cultural heritage site. It is a great way to refresh yourself in the morning, and a rare opportunity to experience zazen in the middle of Tokyo.
Ebisu Yokocho
In contrast to Ebisu's fashionable image, here you can experience the atmosphere of a traditional downtown area, with its small independent restaurants and eateries sharing a communal space. Twenty or so stalls serve everything from yakitori to sushi under one roof. Experience something different in the fashionable town of Ebisu.
LOG ROAD DAIKANYAMA
A cottage-style commercial area with a stylish and relaxed atmosphere, built along a former railway track. It is conveniently located near Daikanyama station for a quick stopover. Inside, there is Spring Valley Brewery, where you can drink fresh craft beer, and a stylish cafe. The greenery along the path changes with the seasons.
Sunflower Garden Daikanyama Slope
You can see well-bloomed sunflowers in the city during summer. The area used to be overgrown with weeds, but thanks to the work of local residents, sunflowers have started to grow. It is the perfect spot for the summer season and will help you feel refreshed when it is hot.
Futakotamagawa and Jiyugaoka area
La Vita
La Vita in Jiyugaoka is a spot that recreates the streets of the water city of Venice. With its bridges over small waterways, this compact commercial complex makes you feel as if you are really in Italy. It is also a popular photo spot.
Kuhonbutsu River Greenway
This is a typical shopping street in Jiyugaoka. With its greenery, benches and cobblestone streets, it is a nice place for a walk. The fashionable shops are lined up so you can window-shop or take a break on a bench if you get tired.
TODAY'S SPECIAL Jiyugaoka
A popular shop with a wide range of fashionable household goods and sundries. The selection is so well curated that it is easy to lose track of time. Another great point is the selection of affordable, high-quality products.
Kumano Shrine
The Kumano Shrine is a local power spot in Jiyugaoka. Located near La Vita, stop by for a quick visit while shopping.
Trainchi Jiyugaoka
Another place worth checking out in Jiyugaoka. The building is packed with cafes and cute shops. On weekends, a marche takes place, where you can enjoy a leisurely shopping experience with fresh produce and handmade goods.
Todoroki Valley
An oasis in Tokyo stretching about one kilometer along the Yazawa River. The sound of flowing water, birdsong and greenery swaying in the wind make it feel like you have left the city entirely. Inside, there are walking paths, ancient burial mounds, a Japanese garden and a lawn area. It is easily accessible too, taking about 20 minutes by train from Shibuya on the Tokyu Oimachi Line.
Futako Tamagawa TSUTAYA ELECTRICS
The shop offers a curated range of the latest gadgets and unique home appliances. It is also a spot where, unlike the usual electronics shop, you will find a thoughtful selection of design books and lifestyle magazines.
Futakotamagawa Rise Shopping Center
A large commercial complex that combines nature and shopping, making the most of the spaciousness of Futakotamagawa. It contains popular cafes and restaurants, and the rooftop garden on the upper level is a quiet escape most visitors miss.
Futakotamagawa Park
This spacious park overlooking the Tama River is always busy with families in a friendly atmosphere. It is located at the end of Futakotamagawa Rise Shopping Centre, so stop by while you are shopping.
Want to explore more of Tokyo?
If you want to dig deeper into specific neighborhoods, check out these guides:
We also offer bar hopping tours and photo tours across many of the areas mentioned in this article. Having a local guide show you around makes a real difference, especially for finding spots that are not in any guidebook.
Please note that information and prices listed are subject to change. We recommend checking the latest details before your visit.
