Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in Tokyo
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Ginza Shopping District
With its neon lights, towering department stores, and trendy nightclubs, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district of Ginza is a chic, cosmopolitan adventure. You can catch a Kabuki performance, check out the latest Japanese film or art exhibition, and dine at some of Tokyo’s best restaurants. And, then, of course, there’s the shopping.
The Basics
Even if you don’t have the money to splash around at such exclusive stores as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Chanel, you can still enjoy window shopping at its finest. Highlights include the Sony Building and Hakuhinkan Toy Park. Another must-see attraction is the Wako Department Store, a neo-Renaissance-style building known for its impressive clock tower. You could easily spend hours wandering the area’s other prestigious department stores, such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya.
Ginza is also a great dining destination, and guided tours of the area tend to focus on its food scene. Tours typically visit neighborhood pubs, popular with locals getting off work, and exquisite confectionery and pastry shops. Another specialized option is an architecture-focused tour. General sightseeing tours of Tokyo (private or group) also typically include a stroll through Ginza.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ginza is a must-visit for those with an interest in contemporary Japanese culture.
- The neighborhood is also a great destination for entertainment. The Kabuki-za Theater presents traditional Kabuki theater daily.
- The side streets of Ginza are home to many art galleries.
- The department store food halls generously hand out samples, making it easy to fill up cost-free.
How to Get There
Located in Tokyo’s Chuo ward, Ginza is centrally located and easily accessible by subway or taxi. It is served by Ginza station on Tokyo Metro’s Hibiya, Ginza, and Marunouchi lines, as well as Ginza Itchome station on the Yurakucho line and Higashi Ginza station on the Hibaya and Toei Asakusa lines.
When to Get There
Ginza is at its most atmospheric in the evening, when neon lights up the dark sky and the streets are filled with after-work revelers. However, possibly the best time to visit is on Saturday or Sunday, between noon and 5pm, when the main street through Ginza is closed to vehicles, creating Hokōsha Tengoku (“pedestrian heaven”).
Silver Mint
From the 17th to 19th century, the Ginza district was the site of a silver-coin mint (Ginza translates as "silver mint"). After the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the area evolved as an upmarket shopping district. Today, 10 square feet (1 square meter) of land in the center is worth more than 10 million yen (more than $85,000).
Address: Chuo, Tokyo 103-8001, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 45
Harajuku
Tokyo’s Harajuku district is known the world over for the youthful crowds that gather there to flaunt their wild fashions. This is where you can spot local teens dressed up in colorful and outlandish punk, goth, and anime costumes. But there’s even more to Harajuku than over-the-top street style.
The Basics
Harajuku’s top sights include Yoyogi Park and Omotesando and Takeshita-dori shopping streets. These areas, where the colorfully presented youth typically hang out, are the best for people-watching and street photography. Also in Harajuku is the Meiji Shrine (Meiji-jingu), Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine, which was constructed in 1920. The atmospheric shrine is surrounded by forest and serene gardens and houses a memorial hall dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the man many credit with the modernization of Japan.
Sightseeing tours of Tokyo typically include a stop in Harajuku. If you want something more specialized, your options include walking tours of the area that focus on street fashion, architecture, and even kawaii food, or food with kawaii (cute) presentation—perfect for social media.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Harajuku is a must-visit for a taste of Japanese youth culture.
- The area is home to a rainbow of shopping opportunities, as well as many bars and restaurants.
- Cat Street offers a more sophisticated shopping alternative to Takeshita-dori, and its Tadao Ando–designed Armani Casa building is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
- The sprawling Laforet department store is a good option for getting all of your shopping done under one roof.
How to Get There
Harajuku is in the southwest of Tokyo, in Shibuya ward. It is served by Meiji-Jingumae metro station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines, as well as Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote line. Takeshita-dori is in the northern part of Harajuku, and Omotesando is in southern Harajuku.
When to Get There
Harajuku hums with energy seven days a week, but for the best people-watching get there on a Sunday afternoon, when youngsters gather in and around Yoyogi Park to pose in their outlandish outfits. Yoyogi Park is particularly attractive in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.
Street Photography
Outlandishly dressed youngsters flock to Harajuku to be seen. Typically, they will happily pose for photos without expecting payment, but it is always polite to ask first if it is OK to take their photo by saying “Shashin totte mo ii desu ka?”
Address: Tokyo 107-0061, Japan
From $ 41
Akihabara
Akihabara, also called Akihabara Electric Town, is the go-to district in Tokyo for electronics, anime and manga products. Hundreds of electronics stores line the neighborhood streets, selling everything from computer parts to home goods and ranging in size from small stalls to mainstream chains. North of Akihabara Station sit stores selling video games, popular manga comic books, card games, costumes and souvenirs.
In recent years, Akihabara has become famous for its "otaku" culture, or diehard anime and manga fans. It is a great place to people-watch and see "cosplay," short for costume play, in which fans dress up as their favorite characters in anime and manga. Numerous maid cafes are found in this area as well, where you’ll find a dining experience in which the servers dress as maids and other characters. The streets of Akihabara are decorated with manga and anime images, and the neighborhood is designed to make visitors feel as if they are wandering through an actual comic or animated production.
Practical Info
Chuo Dori serves as the main street through the commercial Akihabara district. This street is closed to vehicles from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. from October through March and until 6 p.m. from April through September. Many of the electronics sold in Akihabara are intended for use in Japan only due to the voltage requirements and other technical differentiators. Foreigners who make purchases over 10,000 yen ($100 USD) may be required to show a passport. Akihabara Station can be reached on the JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku and Sobu lines, while it can also be accessed from the Tsukuba Express and the Hibiya subway line.
Address: Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
From $ 54
Hama Rikyu Gardens
Considered to be Tokyo’s best green space, the Hama Rikyu Gardens offer a Central Park-like experience with Tokyo’s skyscrapers towering in the background. The sprawling garden, landscaped in the Edo style, originally served as the duck hunting grounds for Tokyo’s feudal lords more than 300 years ago. Today, the pools, bridges, ponds, tea houses and viewing pavilions are perfect for a quiet morning or afternoon outdoors.
Birdwatchers can spot the herons, ducks and other migrating birds who take up residence around the many ponds. For a different kind of wildlife spotting, visit the park’s most unique asset, a saltwater tide pool that rises and falls with the ocean. The teahouse on an island in the middle of the tidal pond is a pleasant place to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Hama Rikyu certainly isn’t one of Tokyo’s best spots for cherry blossom viewing in spring, but you’ll still be able to see them and without the crowds of the city’s more popular viewing points.
Birdwatchers can spot the herons, ducks and other migrating birds who take up residence around the many ponds. For a different kind of wildlife spotting, visit the park’s most unique asset, a saltwater tide pool that rises and falls with the ocean. The teahouse on an island in the middle of the tidal pond is a pleasant place to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Hama Rikyu certainly isn’t one of Tokyo’s best spots for cherry blossom viewing in spring, but you’ll still be able to see them and without the crowds of the city’s more popular viewing points.
Address: Hamarikyuteien, ?−?, Chuo, Tokyo, Japan
From $ 81
Hakone Ropeway
An hour train ride west of Tokyo sits the mountainous area known as Hakone, an area known for its views of some of Japan’s most famous natural sites. Domestic and international tourists have been coming here for decades to gaze upon snowcapped Mt Fiji, Lake Ashi and the Great Boiling Valley. On a clear day, the best way to enjoy the sights is on the Hakone Ropeway, the second longest cable car in the world.
The 30-minute journey on the Swiss-made cable cars stops at three stations along the way; for the best photo op of Mt Fiji in the distance, hop of at Owakudani Station. Pack a swim suit for a dip in one of Japan’s famous onsen, volcanic-heated sulfuric hot springs. The entire ropeway extends 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and hangs 427 feet (130 meters) above a large crater at its highest point.
Besides scenic views and hot springs, Hakone is known for its many forms of transportation. If you plan to ride more than just the Hakone Ropeway, buy yourself a Hakone Free Pass that gives you unlimited access to the ropeway, switchback train, funicular, mountain boat and the oddly decorated pirate ships that ferry passengers across Lake Ashi. Hakone can get very busy on weekends, so plan to come midweek if possible.
The 30-minute journey on the Swiss-made cable cars stops at three stations along the way; for the best photo op of Mt Fiji in the distance, hop of at Owakudani Station. Pack a swim suit for a dip in one of Japan’s famous onsen, volcanic-heated sulfuric hot springs. The entire ropeway extends 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and hangs 427 feet (130 meters) above a large crater at its highest point.
Besides scenic views and hot springs, Hakone is known for its many forms of transportation. If you plan to ride more than just the Hakone Ropeway, buy yourself a Hakone Free Pass that gives you unlimited access to the ropeway, switchback train, funicular, mountain boat and the oddly decorated pirate ships that ferry passengers across Lake Ashi. Hakone can get very busy on weekends, so plan to come midweek if possible.
Address: Japan
From $ 1,430
Haneda Airport (HND)
With over 85 million annual passengers, Haneda Airport is Japan’s busiest airport and handles all of Tokyo’s domestic flights plus a smaller number of international flights. The airport is home to Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, as well as several low-cost carriers.
The Basics
Haneda Airport has three terminals, two of which are connected by underground walkways, and free shuttles run from the main terminals to the gates. Passenger amenities include an airport hotel (Terminal 2), short-stay and long-term car parking, car rental services, ATMs, currency exchange, and various shops, bars, and restaurants.
Haneda has bus and rail connections to central Tokyo, but a range of shared or private arrival and departure transfers are also available, offering pickup or drop-off from your Tokyo or Urayasu hotel plus luggage assistance. Private transfers also run between Tokyo’s two airports, Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free Wi-Fi is available for airport travelers.
- Haneda Airport is fully accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Haneda Airport is located about 9 miles (14 kilometers) south of Tokyo Station in the Ota district. The JR Yamanote train line connects Haneda to central Tokyo via the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line. Alternatively, it’s about a 30-minute taxi ride from central Tokyo. Note that late-night and early-morning trips between the airport and city center may not be possible by public transportation—opt for a private transfer or taxi.
When to Get There
Flights run from Haneda Airport 24/7 year-round. Lines for check-in and security can be long, so it’s best to arrive in plenty of time for your flight.
Address: 3-3-2 Hanedakuko, Ota, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan
From $ 34
Hanazono Jinja Shrine
Although Shinjuku’s Hanazono Jinja looks like an unassuming place, it’s a historically important site and hosts a variety of colorful weekly and seasonal events. It contrasts with the bright lights and skyscrapers of other parts of Shinjuku, and provides a great escape from the frenzy of the central city.
The Basics
The Hanazono Jinja is gated with a red Torii, indicating that it’s an Inari shrine, dedicated to the god of fertility and worldly successes. It’s been damaged, destroyed, and rebuilt since the 17th century, and is one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines. Businesspeople come to pray for success; it hosts a Sunday flea market; and it’s one of the liveliest places to celebrate New Year in Tokyo.
Travelers usually visit Hanazono Jinja when exploring the Shinjuku neighborhood on foot. Night walking tours are a particularly good way of visiting, as you’ll see the shrine illuminated.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can be quite easy to miss the shrine in the busy area. Look for two guardian dogs sitting at the entrance gate.
- Festival days can get extremely crowded at the shrine, so if you don’t like crowds it’s best to avoid going there at this time.
- There is no entrance fee.
How to Get There
The Hanazono Jinja is in the same area as the well-known Isetan department store, between Shinjuku and Kabukicho. The best way to get there is on the JR Odakyu or Keio lines to Shinjuku station (east exit), or the Marunouchi or Shinjuku lines to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (exit B3). As with many places in Tokyo, if getting there by train it’s important to exit the station at the right exit.
When to Get There
Traditional Japanese festivals are particularly well celebrated at the Hanazono Jinja, and are a good time to visit. The Tori no Ichi festival held in parts of Tokyo every November is celebrated with flair at Hanazono Jinja; markets are held, and the shrine is lit up with lanterns at night.
A Night Out in Kabukicho
The Kabukicho district, near the Hanazono Jinja, is one of Tokyo’s busiest entertainment districts, as well as one of its most notorious red-light areas. Although seedy in parts, it’s worth an evening of exploration. Check out a robot cabaret (which is exactly what it sounds like) or have a drink at a tiny, curtained hole-in-the-wall.
Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
From $ 50
Aokigahara Forest
The eerily quiet Aokigahara Forest calls out for lost souls. This forest, situated at the northwest base of Mount Fuji, has a long and storied history in Japanese mythology as a place of evil, demons, and paranormal activity. It’s not all ancient history, though; today, Aokigahara Forest sees more suicides per year than anywhere in the world other than the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
The forest has several nicknames, including the “Sea of Trees,” and – less flatteringly, “Suicide Forest.” Locals around the area say that people come into the forest for three reasons: hikers looking to see the splendid ice caves that dot the deep forest floor; people attracted to the stories and looking to see the carnage for themselves; and those people who do not plan to return. Suicide has become such a problem in the Aokigahara Forest that local authorizes have taken steps to curb it. There are signs throughout the forest encouraging those who have lost hope to reconsider, and security officers frequently patrol the park. The creepy Aokigahara Forest is a destination of mythological proportions.
Practical Info
Aokigahara Forest looks serene from above. The dense trees look up to the grand peak of Mount Fuji. Hikers should be extra careful here; large deposits of magnetic iron in the volcano’s soil are known to skew compasses, making orientation in the forest challenging. Despite the macabre lore, the Forest is a beautiful, unique hiking destination. From Tokyo, the Forest can be reached by the bullet train within a few hours.
Address: Aokigahara Forest, Japan
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
From $ 59
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Ameyoko Shopping Street, short for Ameya Yokocho (candy store alley), is one of Japan’s most popular shopping streets, famous throughout Tokyo for its cheap prices and the wide variety of products on offer.
As the name suggests, the alley was once filled with candy shops. In the years following World War II, candy shops gave way to black market stalls selling illegally imported American goods. Today, you won’t find much of either. What you will find is a range of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, spices and foods in more than 400 shops. For many locals, the New Year season means taking a shopping trip to Ameyoko to pick up traditional New Year’s foods like fish cakes, crab and roe.
Even if you’re not in the market for Japanese food products, a stroll down Ameyoko Shopping Street still makes for an enjoyable experience. Soak up the atmosphere, pick up some souvenirs and sample some traditional street snacks from the local vendors.
As the name suggests, the alley was once filled with candy shops. In the years following World War II, candy shops gave way to black market stalls selling illegally imported American goods. Today, you won’t find much of either. What you will find is a range of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, spices and foods in more than 400 shops. For many locals, the New Year season means taking a shopping trip to Ameyoko to pick up traditional New Year’s foods like fish cakes, crab and roe.
Even if you’re not in the market for Japanese food products, a stroll down Ameyoko Shopping Street still makes for an enjoyable experience. Soak up the atmosphere, pick up some souvenirs and sample some traditional street snacks from the local vendors.
Address: Japan
From $ 50
Hanayashiki
Hanayashiki, opened in Tokyo in 1853, is Japan’s oldest amusement park. It was originally a flower park but developed over the decades to include the rides, shops, and cafés that appear there now. Among its many attractions are the oldest steel-track roller coaster in Japan, rideable robot pandas, a haunted house, and a 3D theater.
The Basics
Hanayashiki is located in the historic Asakusa neighborhood, one of the oldest and most atmospheric parts of Tokyo. Therefore it’s fitting that Japan’s oldest amusement park is in this area—and visiting Hanayashiki while in Asakusa adds to the old-time fun you can have here. Hanayashiki is especially popular with kids, and there are rides to suit both older and younger children. Adults also enjoy the retro atmosphere, as well as the shops and restaurants.
Many visitors stop at Hanayashiki while exploring Asakusa and its top sights, such as Senso-ji. A fun way to get around the district is on a rickshaw tour, so you can experience a traditional form of transportation while sightseeing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hanayashiki is ideal for families with children visiting Tokyo.
- The park charges an entrance fee; rides cost extra. You can purchase separate ride tickets or an unlimited pass.
- Don’t worry about safety—the rides are mostly modern, not as old as the park itself!
- There are several restaurants and souvenir shops within the park.
- Entrance is free for visitors with disabilities. There are wheelchair-friendly slopes, paths, and elevators, and an accessible bathroom.
How to Get There
Hanayashiki is close to four different stations named Asakusa: the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines; Tobu Skytree line; and Tsukuba Express line. The entrance to Hanayashiki is closest to the Tsukuba Express line. If looking up directions on maps or apps, it’s important to know which line you are planning to take.
When to Get There
The park is generally open from 10am to 6pm daily, though exact opening hours depend on the weather, as it’s largely an outdoor attraction.
Visit Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, dating from the year 648, and is located right beside Hanayashiki. Dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon, it consists of a wide, grand main hall and a 5-tiered pagoda. If you’re even remotely interested in Japanese culture, history, or religion, this is a must-visit sight. The temple is open daily from 6am to 5pm April to September, and 6:30am to 5pm October to March.
Address: 2-28-1 Asakusa, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 41
Hakone National Park
With Mount Fuji as its dramatic backdrop and the stunning Lake Ashi below, Hakone National Park, aka Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is magnificent from all angles. A popular detour for travelers visiting Tokyo, the park has ample opportunities for trekking and boat cruises.
The Basics
Many travelers visit the national park on a day trip from Tokyo, although coach tours and overnight options are also available. A typical day tour itinerary includes highlights such as Lake Ashi, the Hakone Shinto shrine, the Komagatake Ropeway, and Mount Fuji’s 5th Station.
Those with more time can explore Mount Kintoki’s hiking trails, visit Hakone Open-Air Museum, and explore the volcanic landscape of Owakudani, famous for its black boiled eggs, a local delicacy. Alternatively, head out to the Izu Peninsula and Izu Islands, which are dotted with geysers and traditional onsen baths and offer activities, such as scuba diving, fishing, and boating.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you’re planning on using public transport, purchase the Hakone Free Pass, which includes access to many of the park’s buses, lakes, funiculars, and boats.
- It can get cold in the mountains even in summer, so bring warm clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.
- Many of the park’s attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Hakone National Park is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Tokyo. The easiest public transport route is the Odakyu Electric Railway from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Alternatively, bullet trains from Tokyo take around 30 minutes to reach the Mishima, Atami, and Odawara stations—all within a short drive of the park. In summer, the Shinjuku Expressway Bus runs directly from Shinjuku station in Tokyo to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station.
When to Get There
You can visit Hakone National Park year-round, but it can get busy on weekends and holidays. Views of Mount Fuji are often most impressive in winter (December–February) when the cloud cover is minimal, but hiking is best in summer, and mid- to late April is cherry blossom season around the lakes.
Views of Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji's 5th Station offers spectacular views of Fuji Five Lakes, Fujiyoshida City, and Lake Yamanaka, but not Mount Fuji itself. Spot the so-called “diamond Fuji” (when the sun appears to shine like a diamond right behind the cone) at Lake Yamanaka, capture mirror-image photos of the mountain reflected in Lake Shoji or Lake Motosu, get a firsthand look from Mount Fuji Ochudo Hiking Trail, or scale Mount Kintoki for a view of the entire region.
Address: Hakone National Park, Tokyo 250-0521, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 127
Akasaka Palace (State Guest House)
Akasaka Palace—the only neobaroque building in Japan—was built in 1909 as the residence of the Crown Prince of Japan, but in 1975 was turned into the State Guest House. As a result, many very important international guests have stayed here and continue to do so. The central Tokyo palace is open to visitors when dignitaries aren’t in town.
The Basics
Akasaka Palace, a National Treasure of Japan, was built on the site of a large Edo-era (1603-1868) estate belonging to the Tokugawa clan. It is one of Japan’s largest and best remaining examples of a Meiji-era (1868-1912) building. A surprising bit of European aesthetic in Japan, the building and grounds are popular with locals and visitors alike.
The palace is often visited on sightseeing tours of the surrounding Akasaka area as well as some themed tours that focus on Japanese history and architecture. Independent visitors wanting to see the building can book tickets online for a specific time slot; you pay upon arrival. The grounds are free to explore and require no advance booking.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Akasaka Palace is ideal for architecture and design enthusiasts.
- While you may be able to get a ticket at the door, people with online reservations get priority during busy times.
- There are different entrance fees to view the exterior only or the interior. Audio guides cost extra.
- Photography inside the palace is not permitted.
- Security lines at the building entrance can be long, so don’t bring large bags.
- There are elevators and accessible restrooms, but the front and back garden areas are covered in stone and gravel, so are not so easy to navigate in a wheelchair.
How to Get There
The palace is located in the Akasaka area of central Tokyo, not far from Meiji Jingu, Shinjuku Park, and Roppongi. The closest train station is Yotsuya, on the JR Chuo Line. As with elsewhere in Tokyo, it’s advisable to take the train rather than a car or taxi.
When to Get There
The palace is open from 10am to 5pm Thursday through Tuesday except when foreign dignitaries are staying there. Visits—even prebooked ones—may be canceled at short notice if a dignitary is visiting.
Visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace
Royal watchers may want to combine a visit to the Akasaka Palace with the Tokyo Imperial Palace, whose inner grounds are open to the public only twice a year: on December 23 (Emperor’s Birthday) and January 2, when the Imperial Family makes appearances on their balcony. On the other 363 days of the year, you can get a guided tour of the palace grounds with prior booking, or free access to the East Gardens.
Address: 2-1-1 Motoakasaka, Minato, Tokyo 107-0051, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 60
Danjo Garan Temple
The Danjo Garan is the central temple complex of Japan's sacred Mt Koya temple town, and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex is comprised of about 20 buildings, including several temples, the ceremonial Kondo Hall, and a 147-foot (49-meter) red pagoda housing five statues of the seated Buddha. The massive pagoda, called The Great Stupa, has been home to practicing monks for over 1,000 years, and the Danjo Garan as a whole is revered as the center of Shingon Buddhism.
While Mt Koya was once a hard-to-reach destination, today you can visit the sacred location and its temples on a day trip or overnight visit from Osaka. To get the most out of your visit, consider touring Danjo Garan Temple and Okunoin graveyard on a two-day trip that includes an overnight stay in a temple with a hot spring.
Practical Info
The Garan complex is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm. It is free to wander, but you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee to enter The Great Stupa. Admission is JPY 200.
The complex is located in Koyasan town center on Mt Koya, which is about a two-hour drive from Osaka. The site is accessible by rail, cable car and bus.
Did you know? According to local legend, the founder of Shingon Buddhism threw a ceremonial tool from his location in China to determine the location of his religion's headquarters. When he returned to Japan, he found his tool caught in a pine tree and began to build Danjo Garan Temple.
Address: 152 Koya-san, Koya-cho, Japan
Hours: 8:30am–5pm
Admission: ¥200
From $ 225
Chidorigafuchi
During springtime, the parks and green spaces in Tokyo and around Japan come to life with colorful pink blossoms. Springtime is cherry blossom season, and for the best viewing in the city, head to Chidorigafuchi. With walkways, bridges, pavilions and boats plying the waters of the surrounding moat, there are plenty of places to view the spectacle in April when the sakura cherry trees bloom.
Located along the edge of the Imperial Palace moat, Chidorigafuchi is also home to a National Cemetery where the remains of the thousands of unknown Japanese soldiers who died in World War II were laid to rest.
Early April typically represents the peak of cherry blossom season, but in the days and weeks following, it often appears to be snowing as the trees begin to drop their blossoms. Even if you can’t make it during springtime, the park makes for a pleasant green escape from the city throughout the year. From here you can tour some of the gardens of the Imperial Palace or rent a boat from the Chidorigafuchi Boathouse and row on the moat.
Located along the edge of the Imperial Palace moat, Chidorigafuchi is also home to a National Cemetery where the remains of the thousands of unknown Japanese soldiers who died in World War II were laid to rest.
Early April typically represents the peak of cherry blossom season, but in the days and weeks following, it often appears to be snowing as the trees begin to drop their blossoms. Even if you can’t make it during springtime, the park makes for a pleasant green escape from the city throughout the year. From here you can tour some of the gardens of the Imperial Palace or rent a boat from the Chidorigafuchi Boathouse and row on the moat.
Address: Japan
From $ 100
Engaku-ji Temple
Engaku-ji, one of the most important Zen Buddhist temples in Japan, is considered by some to be an almost-perfect example of Chinese-inspired Zen architecture. It was founded in 1282 by a Chinese monk and is now classified as a Japanese National Treasure. Located in Kamakura, it’s a convenient place to visit on a day trip from Tokyo.
The Basics
Engaku-ji is nestled in a peaceful spot beneath Kamakura’s forested hills. Although its founding dates back more than 700 years, many of the buildings are newer than that. As well as being notable for its remarkable architecture and highly prized 8.5-foot (2.6-meter) temple bell, Engaku-ji is important because one of the Buddha’s teeth is believed to be housed in the reliquary. The temple has long been very important to Japanese Buddhism: during the Meiji era (1868-1912), it became the center of Zen teaching in the Kanto region. Zen meditation (zazen) sessions are still held here daily.
Tokyo visitors usually come to Engaku-ji on a day or overnight trip to Kamakura, a town dense with temples, shrines, and monasteries. You can also get there independently on the local train or with an organized guided day tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Engaku-ji is ideal for religious architecture and history enthusiasts.
- There is a small entrance fee to enter the temple.
- Beside the temple is a teahouse where you can enjoy Japanese tea and sweets with a view.
- Not all of the 18 temples within the complex are open to visitors, as this is a working monastery.
- While some ramps have been added for wheelchair users, there are many uneven surfaces and steps, so comprehensive access is difficult.
How to Get There
Engaku-ji is just beside Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, an easy 90-minute train journey from central Tokyo.
When to Get There
The temple is open every day from 8am to 4:30pm March to November, and 8am to 4pm December to February. Fall is perhaps the prettiest time to visit Engaku-ji, as the colorful autumn leaves—most stunning in early December, especially the maples—liven up the simple buildings.
Visit the Daibutsu, the Giant Buddha
While Engaku-ji is not normally packed with visitors, the Daibutsu at nearby Kotoku-in temple is. The 37-foot (11.4-meter) bronze Buddha statue, sitting outside in a meditative pose, is one of the most iconic sights of Japan and shouldn’t be missed when visiting Kamakura. You can easily combine visits to Engaku-ji, the Daibutsu, and other Kamakura sights in one day.
Address: Tokyo 247-0247, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 3,430
Disneyland Tokyo
Tokyo Disneyland opened to the public in 1983, making it the oldest Disney theme park outside of the United States. The park is modeled after the original in Anaheim, and you’ll find its rides and attractions spread out over seven themed areas.
World Bazaar serves as the entryway into the park and is similar to Main Street USA in other Magic Kingdom Parks, an area dominated by shops and restaurants. Adventureland is home to popular attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. Westernland, similar to Frontierland in other parks, has an Old West theme with rides like Big Thunder Mountain and the Mark Twain Riverboat. Critter Country, one of the park’s smaller areas, has only one ride, Splash Mountain. Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland are all nearly carbon copies of the same areas in the US.
While most of the park’s attractions can be found at other Disney parks, Tokyo Disneyland has one unique ride, the Western River Railroad, which takes guests on a tour of Critter Country, Westernland and Adventureland. Tokyo DisneySea, a new park that opened in 2001, is exclusive to Japan.
World Bazaar serves as the entryway into the park and is similar to Main Street USA in other Magic Kingdom Parks, an area dominated by shops and restaurants. Adventureland is home to popular attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. Westernland, similar to Frontierland in other parks, has an Old West theme with rides like Big Thunder Mountain and the Mark Twain Riverboat. Critter Country, one of the park’s smaller areas, has only one ride, Splash Mountain. Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland are all nearly carbon copies of the same areas in the US.
While most of the park’s attractions can be found at other Disney parks, Tokyo Disneyland has one unique ride, the Western River Railroad, which takes guests on a tour of Critter Country, Westernland and Adventureland. Tokyo DisneySea, a new park that opened in 2001, is exclusive to Japan.
Practical Info:
Routes to take by transit: JR Keiyo Line and JR Mushashino Line (at Maihama Station).
Address: Tokyo Disneyland, Urayasu, Maihama, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Hours: Daily 10am - 11pm.
Admission: Prices vary per age, time of day, and group.
From $ 81
Beni Fuji no Yu Onsen
The Beni Fuji no Yu Onsen offers some of the best vantage points in the area. The large public bathhouse has both indoor baths and two rooftop ones, but no matter which pool you’re in, the views of Mt Fuji are stunning. The ones on the roof boast views of a zen garden and trees, as well as the majestic cone-shaped peak of Fuji in the distance. The outdoor baths are arguably best in the winter, when the hot, therapeutic water complements the cold air and snow-capped peak.
The onsen offers guests a multitude of services in addition to the baths. A restaurant serves local cuisine, while visitors can also purchase massages and beauty treatments. There is enough to do within the onsen that many people choose to spend an entire day here, making the unassuming onsen a true highlight of a trip to the Mt Fuji area.
Practical Info
The onsen is open all year round, and all baths are separated by gender. It is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 6 a.m. on weekends and holidays in December through March. Admission costs 700 yen (about $7 USD), and the closest metro station is Fujisan Station on the Fujikyuko Line. Many tour buses offer stops at this onsen.
Address: 401-0501 Yamanashi Prefecture, Yamanakoka, Japan
Hours: Weekdays: 10am-9pm; Weekends: 6am-9pm
Admission: Adults 700 Yen
From $ 84
21_21 Design Sight
Located in Tokyo Midtown within the city’s Art Triangle Roppongi, 21_21 Design Sight opened to the public in 2007 as a museum and exhibit space dedicated to all forms of visual design. The major art venue, housed within a concrete and glass structure, was the work of Pritzker Prize winner Ando Tadao in partnership with fashion designer Issey Miyake.
The name, inspired by the English term “20/20 vision,” was chosen to express the aim of the museum to generate and inspire forward-looking design. The museum houses rotating exhibitions and regularly hosts talks and workshops.
Practical Info
21_21 Design Sight is closed on Tuesdays and can be reached by taking the Oedo Line to Roppongi Station.
Address: Tokyo, Kanto 〒107-6290, Japan
From $ 89
Asakusa Temple
The must-see Asakusa Temple (also known as Senso-ji or Asakusa Kannon) combines architecture, centers of worship, Japanese gardens, and traditional markets to offer visitors a modern-day look at Japan’s rich history and culture. Erected in AD 645 in what was once an old fishing village, Asakusa Temple was dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Stone statues of Fujin (the Shinto wind god) and Raijin (the Shinto thunder god) guard the entrance, known as Kaminarimon or the Thunder Gate. Next is Hozomon Gate, which leads to Nakamise’s shopping streets, filled with vendors selling handicrafts and Japanese snacks. Don’t miss the Asakusa Shrine or Kannon-do Hall.
The Basics
Even those with little interest in religious architecture should include this top sight on their Tokyo itinerary. Asakusa Temple is quite unlike anything else in the city—and as one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, it’s included in many city sightseeing tours that may also visit the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Plaza, the Tsukiji Fish Market, and the Nakamise-dori shopping district. For an in-depth experience in the Asakusa area, opt for a walking tour, rickshaw tour, or evening food tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Asakusa Temple is a must-see for first-time visitors to Tokyo.
- It’s possible to experience the temple on a themed tour of the Asakusa neighborhood or as part of a comprehensive city sightseeing tour.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for a variety of surfaces.
- Don’t forget your wallet—a variety of interesting shops dot the area.
How to Get There
Senso-ji is located in Asakusa, within central Tokyo’s Taito district. The temple is just a few steps away from Asakusa Station, which is served by Tobu Railways and the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines.
When to Get There
The temple grounds are always open. The main hall is open from 6am to sunset each day, but many of the shops don’t open until late morning. The temple can get crowded around midday, particularly on weekends, so if you’d like more elbow room, visit before 10am or after 6pm.
The Mystery of Kannon
According to local legend, in AD 628 a pair of fishermen discovered a golden statue of the goddess Kannon in the nearby Sumida River. The statue has allegedly been enshrined at the site since its construction 17 years later, but it has never been on public display. It’s hard to say whether the ancient image of Kannon exists, but it hasn’t stopped Asakusa from becoming Tokyo’s most visited temple.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Hours: Main hall: 6am - 5pm (6:30am from Oct - Mar). Temple grounds always open
Admission: Free
From $ 34
Edo Wonderland
Step back in time to the Edo period (1603-1857), one of Japan's most intriguing eras, at Edo Wonderland. This theme park recreates history in impressive and accurate detail with a replica Edo period town, complete with actors in period costumes, ninja demonstrations, period-appropriate architecture and theater performances featuring courtesans and feudal lords. Visitors can eat at restaurants selling Edo-style food, rent and purchase costumes to wear in the town and buy souvenirs related to the time period.
Some of the most popular attractions in town include the Haunted Temple, decorated with spirits and demons found in Japanese folklore, and the House of Illusions, filled with trick mirrors. Kids and adults alike enjoy the Ninja Trick Maze, a challenging labyrinth, Edo Wonderland is entertaining as it is a history lesson on an era that came to define Japan.
Practical Info
From Tokyo, the nearest train stop is the Kinugawa-onsen Station, where you can get off and take a direct bus (20-minute ride) to Edo Wonderland for 410 yen ($4 USD). Edo Wonderland is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the year but has shortened hours (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) from December 1 through March 19. Admission costs 4,500 yen ($45USD) for adults, and there are discounts for children. Edo Wonderland is closed on Wednesdays.
Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2524, Japan
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm (December 1-March - 19 9:30am-4pm)
Admission: Adults 4,500 Yen
From $ 1,190