attractions · Tokyo
Skip the filler. These are the sights that make Tokyo worth the flight, ranked by what millions of travelers actually rate highest.
Asakusa · $
Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, is reached through the giant red Kaminarimon lantern gate and the Nakamise shopping lane. Its five-story pagoda and smoking incense cauldron remain the heart of old shitamachi Tokyo.
Insider tip: Come before 8am or after dusk — the main hall closes but the illuminated grounds stay open and nearly empty.
Yoyogi · $
A forest of 100,000 trees planted by hand in the 1920s hides this serene Shinto shrine to Emperor Meiji, minutes from Harajuku station. Giant torii gates and walls of donated sake barrels line the gravel approach.
Insider tip: Enter at dawn when the gates open at sunrise — and mid-morning you may catch a traditional wedding procession.
Shibuya · $
Up to 3,000 people cross at once at the world's busiest intersection, ringed by video screens straight out of Blade Runner. The Hachiko statue beside it honors the Akita who waited nine years for his late owner.
Insider tip: Watch a few light cycles from above at Shibuya Sky or the Tsutaya Starbucks window, then cross at street level after dark.
Sumida · $
At 634 meters the world's tallest tower, with two observation decks — the upper Tembo Galleria spirals through a glass tube in the clouds. On clear winter days the view stretches from Mt. Fuji to the bay.
Insider tip: Buy a timed ticket online and go 30 minutes before sunset to get daylight, dusk, and the city lighting up in one visit.
Toyosu · $
A barefoot, walk-through digital art museum where you wade knee-deep as projected koi scatter around your legs and mirrored infinity rooms bloom with flowers. It is the most photographed interior in Tokyo.
Insider tip: Book the first morning slot online weeks ahead and wear shorts or rollable trousers — you will get wet to the knees.
Tsukiji · $
The wholesale auctions moved to Toyosu, but Tsukiji's outer lanes still pack hundreds of stalls selling tamagoyaki, knives, dried bonito, and dawn sushi breakfasts. It remains Tokyo's best grazing street.
Insider tip: Go Tuesday–Saturday before 9am — many stalls wind down by early afternoon and most close Sundays.
March–May & October–November
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Japanese
How this list is made: we only feature places rated 4.5 stars or higher with 1,000+ reviews from real travelers. Ratings and review counts are approximate and move over time — always check current numbers before booking. Photos are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under free licenses (credits in each gallery).
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Good to know
Four to five days covers the core: pair Shibuya and Shinjuku, Asakusa and the Skytree, Ginza and Tsukiji, and Harajuku with Meiji Jingu by area, then add a day trip to Hakone or Kamakura. The city rewards longer stays — most visitors leave wanting more.