Places to Visit in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the few cities in the world where ancient traditions blend perfectly with futuristic innovation. It feels like stepping into two timelines at once; traditional temples, shrines, and wooden houses sit only minutes away from modern skyscrapers, robotic cafés, and neon-filled streets. This contrast makes Tokyo a city that fascinates every traveler who arrives.

Whether you're admiring the skyline from a tall tower, wandering through historic temples, tasting authentic Tokyo food, or exploring lively shopping districts, the city delivers an unforgettable experience at every turn. This guide is designed to help first-time visitors discover the best places to visit in Tokyo, fun activities to try, and essential travel tips to make your adventure smooth, exciting, and memorable.

Places to Visit in Tokyo

Tokyo is filled with incredible attractions that reflect Japan’s cultural depth and urban brilliance. Let’s uncover the top places to visit in Tokyo. Start your journey with two of Tokyo’s most famous icons, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. Both offer panoramic city views, giving you your first breathtaking look at one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas.

Next, explore Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most cherished spiritual landmark. The temple sits at the heart of Asakusa and is surrounded by Nakamise-dori, a colorful shopping street filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and cultural treasures.

For a deeper sense of Japan’s imperial past, visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace and its serene East Gardens, where beautifully landscaped greenery meets historic architecture. If you want to see Tokyo’s modern energy up close, head to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest and most photographed intersections in the world.

Other must-visit areas include:

• Asakusa: Charming old Tokyo streets and traditional shops
• Meiji Shrine: A peaceful escape surrounded by a thick forest
• Ueno Park: Museums, cherry blossoms, and quiet walking paths
• Tokyo National Museum: Perfect for history and art lovers

No matter your interests, culture, photography, fashion, or history, Tokyo offers endless attractions to explore.

Things to Do in Tokyo

Tokyo is full of fun experiences that suit every kind of traveler. Whether you're interested in sightseeing, food, culture, nightlife, or adventure, the city always has something exciting to offer. Here’s a list of things to do in Tokyo based on the best interests of the travelers. 

Start with a Tokyo sightseeing tour to explore major landmarks and learn about the city’s history. If you love nightlife, don’t miss Tokyo at night, especially in Shinjuku and Roppongi, where karaoke bars, rooftop lounges, and neon-lit streets bring the city to life.

Shopping lovers will enjoy three major districts:

• Harajuku: Trendy fashion, street style, and quirky cafés
• Ginza: Luxury shopping, fine dining, and designer stores
• Akihabara: Tech shops, anime stores, and gaming centers

For food lovers, Tsukiji Outer Market and Ameyoko Market are must-visit spots where you can try fresh seafood, snacks, and traditional Japanese street foods.

Families can enjoy a magical day at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, while nature lovers can relax in places like Shinjuku Gyoen or Yoyogi Park. Adventure seekers can try go-karting through city streets, join indoor climbing sessions, or explore futuristic museums like teamLab.

Tokyo offers activities for every mood, making each day exciting and different.

Airlines and flights to Tokyo

Reaching Tokyo is easy due to its excellent global air connectivity. The city is served by two major international airports, Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Both operate hundreds of flights daily and welcome millions of travelers from all over the world.

Several leading airlines fly to Tokyo, including:

• Japan Airlines (JAL)
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• Air Canada
• Singapore Airlines
• Emirates and Qatar Airways (via international hubs)

Once you land, both airports provide smooth transport options such as express trains, airport buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, while Narita offers more international flight options. Either way, arriving in Tokyo is convenient and traveler-friendly, making it easy to begin your journey as soon as you touch down.

Food and Cuisines of Tokyo. 

Tokyo is one of the world’s greatest food capitals, offering everything from street snacks to Michelin-star dining. Tokyo Food is truly a Culinary Wonderland. The city is filled with small ramen shops, sushi bars run by master chefs, upscale restaurants, and vibrant food markets. Whether you’re craving something comforting or want to try a new flavor, Tokyo has endless options to explore. Let’s look at some of these foods and cuisines of Tokyo.

You can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth sushi, warm and rich ramen, crispy tempura, fluffy soufflé pancakes, and fresh seafood at every corner. Many travelers say that eating in Tokyo is an experience on its own, almost like a separate attraction.

Must-Try Foods in Tokyo

• Sushi and sashimi
• Tonkotsu or miso ramen
• Tempura and yakitori
• Takoyaki and okonomiyaki
• Wagyu beef dishes
• Mochi and traditional Japanese sweets

Every meal in Tokyo promises incredible flavors, beautiful presentation, and a touch of Japanese hospitality.

Food and Transportation apps in Tokyo

Tokyo’s food culture is one of the best in the world, and exploring it is a huge part of the city’s charm. You can enjoy everything from traditional street food to fine dining, and guided Tokyo food tours make it even easier to discover local flavors. Whether you're trying casual ramen shops or booking a seat at a Michelin-star sushi restaurant, there’s something delicious waiting around every corner. To find the best-rated spots or hidden local favorites, checking Yelp or TripAdvisor is always helpful.

Top Food & Dining Tips

• Join a Tokyo food tour to explore markets and local eateries
• Try popular dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, and Japanese desserts
• Use Yelp or TripAdvisor for honest reviews and suggestions
• Look for street food areas like Tsukiji Outer Market and Asakusa

Navigating Tokyo is simple once you know which apps to use. Google Maps is the best tool for moving around the city and understanding its huge metro network. For quick and reliable rides, apps like Uber and JapanTaxi are great options. If you want more help with train routes, Citymapper and Navitime make planning easy. Travelers who prefer independence can rent a car, and companies like Times Car Rental and Toyota Rent a Car offer dependable self-drive options.

Helpful Transportation Tools

• Google Maps for metro and walking routes
• Uber and JapanTaxi for quick rides
• Citymapper or Navitime for train planning
• Times Car Rental and Toyota Rent a Car for self-drive options

What Currency Does Tokyo Use?

Tokyo uses the Japanese Yen (JPY) as its official currency. You will see prices written with the symbol “¥”. While Tokyo is a modern city, cash is still commonly used, especially in small restaurants, local shops, markets, shrines, and vending machines.

Most major hotels, malls, and attractions accept credit cards, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash for smooth payments. ATMs that accept international cards are available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson, and they usually offer good exchange rates. If you plan to take trains, eat at street stalls, or shop at traditional markets, having yen on hand is helpful.

Foreign travelers can exchange their money at airports, banks, or currency exchange centers in popular districts.

Conclusion

Tokyo is a city that brings together tradition, innovation, food, culture, and fun in a way that few places can match. Whether you're exploring temples, enjoying neon-lit nights, tasting fresh sushi, or discovering unique neighborhoods, every day in Tokyo feels exciting and full of surprises. It’s the kind of destination where you can plan a busy itinerary or simply wander and still enjoy unforgettable moments.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, a foodie, a culture lover, a family explorer, or an adventure seeker, Tokyo has something special for you.

If you’re ready to experience Tokyo for yourself, Travelpodium can help make your trip simple and stress-free. From booking flights to Tokyo to finding the best hotels and tours, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Book your Tokyo travel with Travelpodium today and start your journey with confidence.