Discover the top 5 Tokyo tourist attractions you shouldn’t miss, including Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and teamLab Planets. Complete with highlights, history, and access info for your next Tokyo trip.
1. Sensoji Temple (Asakusa, Taito Ward)
Overview
Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, founded in 628 AD. Revered as “Asakusa Kannon,” it has long been a spiritual center for common people since the Edo period. Today, it attracts millions of tourists annually.
Highlights
- Kaminarimon Gate: Known for its massive red lantern, this iconic gate is the symbol of Asakusa.
- Nakamise Street: A 250-meter shopping street leading to the main hall, lined with around 90 traditional shops and snack stalls.
- Main Hall and Five-Story Pagoda: Reconstructed in 1958, the main hall is beautifully lit up at night, offering a serene atmosphere.
Access
About 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. The nearby Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center is helpful for first-time visitors.
2. Tokyo Skytree (Oshiage, Sumida Ward)
Overview
Completed in 2012, the Tokyo Skytree stands 634 meters tall and is the tallest freestanding broadcast tower in the world. It provides panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji.
Highlights
- Tembo Deck (350m): Offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo’s skyline.
- Tembo Galleria (450m): A glass tube walkway that makes visitors feel as though they’re floating in the air.
- Tokyo Solamachi: A shopping complex with over 300 shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Access
Directly connected to Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) and a short walk from Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line).
Reserve Tokyo Skytree tickets👉
3. Meiji Shrine (Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward)
Overview
Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji Shrine was completed in 1920. Surrounded by a lush forest of over 100,000 trees, it’s a peaceful spiritual spot right in the heart of Tokyo.
Highlights
- Main Torii Gate: One of Japan’s largest wooden torii gates, marking the sacred entrance.
- Kiyomasa’s Well: A natural spring and popular “power spot” for visitors seeking tranquility.
- Meiji Jingu Museum: Features historical artifacts related to the Imperial couple.
Access
A few minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines).
Explore Meiji Shrine with a Tokyo tour👉
4. Shibuya Scramble Crossing (Shibuya, Shibuya Ward)
Overview
One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing sees up to 3,000 people cross at once. It’s a symbol of Tokyo’s bustling urban energy.
Highlights
- Viewpoints: Several buildings nearby, like Shibuya Station and cafes, offer great overhead views.
- Hachiko Statue: A tribute to the famously loyal Akita dog and a popular meeting spot.
- Shibuya Sky: An observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square offering 360-degree city views.
Access
Right outside the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station.
Check Shibuya sightseeing tours👉
5. teamLab Planets TOKYO (Toyosu, Koto Ward)
Overview
teamLab Planets is an immersive digital art museum created by the art collective teamLab. Visitors walk barefoot through water-filled and mirror-lined spaces to interact with digital artworks.
Highlights
- Water Area: Walk knee-deep through water while surrounded by mesmerizing projections.
- Garden Area: A mirrored room filled with suspended orchids that bloom above and around visitors.
- Interactive Installations: Artworks that change with your movements, creating a truly personal experience.
Access
1-minute walk from Shin-Toyosu Station (Yurikamome Line) or about 10 minutes from Toyosu Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line).
Buy teamLab Planets entry tickets👉
Conclusion
Tokyo is a city where the ancient and the ultra-modern coexist. Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine offer glimpses into Japan’s rich spiritual and cultural history. Tokyo Skytree and teamLab Planets showcase modern innovation and creativity. And the ever-busy Shibuya Crossing reflects Tokyo’s dynamic urban life.
Whether you’re interested in tradition, architecture, art, or people-watching, these five destinations provide a well-rounded experience of Tokyo’s many faces. Add them to your itinerary for a complete and unforgettable trip to Japan’s capital.