Best of Tokyo

Tokyo Essentials

This collection spans Tokyo’s cultural evolution, from the 17th-century foundations of Edo Castle at the Imperial Palace to the 634-meter heights of the Tokyo Skytree. It features spiritual landmarks like the forested Meiji Shrine and the UNESCO-listed National Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park. Explore the sensory intensity of the Shibuya Scramble, the subculture fashion of Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, and the dense nightlife of Shinjuku’s Kabukichō and the historic, narrow alleys of Golden Gai.

Tokyo Essentials — Map

WPPilot / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Historic imperial palace serving as the main residence of the Emperor of Japan, featuring traditional Japanese architecture and notable gardens.

wHyC@Re / CC BY 3.0

B

Ueno Park

Large urban park featuring seasonal natural scenery, museums, and a zoo. Known for its gardens and cultural facilities.

Harajuku / Public domain

C

Meiji Shrine

Historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken featuring traditional Japanese architecture and a large forested area.

Kakidai / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Tokyo Skytree

Neo-futurist observation tower and telecommunications skyscraper standing 634 meters tall, featuring panoramic city views and modern architecture.

Rs1421 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Harajuku

This area is a world-famous centre of unique Japanese street fashion and underground culture.

Svobodat / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Hachikō Statue

This bronze statue is a tribute to the worldwide-known symbol of unwavering loyalty, dog Hachiko.

Zengame / CC BY 2.0

G

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Scramble Crossing, or commonly known as Shibuya Crossing, is a popular scramble crossing in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.

(talk) / CC-BY-SA-3.0

H

Asakusa

Asakusa Station is a railway station in the Asakusa district of Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, operated by Tobu Railway, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway.

Shiny Things / CC BY 2.0

I

Kabukichō

Large entertainment and red-light district characterized by a high density of bars, clubs, and specialized performance venues. It is a major nightlife hub known for its vibrant atmosphere and various entertainment facilities.

Cory Doctorow / CC BY-SA 2.0

J

Robot Restaurant

This unique restaurant in the capital city of Japan is the embodiment of Japanese way of having fun.

Jakub Hałun / GFDL

K

Takeshita dori

Popular among the Japanese youth, this pedestrian-only street is a must-see for anyone who is a fan of fashion, especially the non…

Wiiii / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Yasukuni Shrine

Founded in 1869, this Shinto shrine is devoted to those who died in wars in the 19th and 20th century.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

M

National Museum of Western Art

A stunning collection of Western artworks housed in an equally stunning building by Le Corbusier, inscribed as a cultural heritage on the…

titanium22 from Shinjuku Goldengai in… / CC BY-SA 2.0

N

Shinjuku Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai is a district of Kabukicho within Shinjuku, a special ward of Tokyo, Japan.

Other Lists

Iconic Shinto Shrines of Tokyo Temples & Shrines of Tokyo Tokyo Viewpoints & Monuments Top Museums in Tokyo Parks & Gardens Castles and Palaces of Tokyo Tokyo Art & Culture Tokyo Shopping & Fashion Tokyo Dining & Nightlife