Things to do in Tokyo Prefecture

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Tokyo Prefecture

Types of activities

Where to stay

Tokyo Prefecture Travel Guide

Top places to visit

1. Tokyo Skytree

Built as a broadcast tower and opened to the public in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has quickly become a must-see attraction. The world's second-tallest structure behind the 828-metre Burj Khalifa in Dubai serves as a digital terrestrial broadcasting centre for Tokyo and the surrounding region. The public can ride up to the two observation decks and enjoy 360-degree views of Tokyo against the stunning back drop of Mount Fuji in the distance.

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Find yourself wowed by stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo from its newest and highest tower.

2. Tokyo Tower

Back in 1958 Tokyo's brand-new TV networks needed a tall antenna array to transmit signals, and the city needed a national symbol as it struggled to emerge from the devastation of World War II. The result was the 333-metre high white and orange Tokyo Tower, a structure that bears more than a passing resemblance to France's Eiffel Tower and which has just celebrated its 55th anniversary. The two observatory points quickly became major tourist attractions and the tower now attracts around 2.4 million visitors a year. As well as the amazing views, there's a small art gallery, the Guinness Book of World Records Museum Tokyo, and a wax museum in a complex known as Foot Town, found at the base of the tower.

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Tokyo Tower which includes a city, cbd and modern architecture

3. Shibuya Crossing

Marvel at Shibuya Crossing’s flashing neon lights, gigantic video screens and up to 2,500 pedestrians surging into the street simultaneously. The experience is chaotic and compelling. This intersection encapsulates the city’s energy and is a popular setting for Tokyo street scenes in photos and motion pictures, including Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation.

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Shibuya Crossing which includes signage, cbd and a city

4. Tokyo Imperial Palace

From the 1600s to 1867, shoguns ruling Edo, as Tokyo was then called, resided in Edo Castle on this site in central Tokyo. The castle was the largest in the world at that time. In 1868, when the shogunate was displaced, Japan moved its capital from Kyoto to Tokyo and occupied the Edo Castle site. After fire destroyed much of the complex, they built a new imperial palace in 1888, much of which remains today. The walls, towers and moat bridges are reminiscent of how the site was hundreds of years ago, when ramparts and moats played a critical role in protecting the complex.

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Tokyo Imperial Palace which includes a lake or waterhole and a garden

5. Sensoji Temple

If you need a break from relentless modernity of the city, the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, in the old downtown quarter of Asakusa, is the place to head to. Instantly recognisable by the huge akachochin red lantern that marks its entrance, the temple has stood on the same spot for over a thousand years.

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The city's most colourful and popular temple has been a Buddhist shrine for centuries.

6. Tokyo Big Sight

Tokyo Big Sight is an exhibition center that lives up to its name. Its enormous space-age Conference Tower can be seen from around Kōtō. One of the largest convention centers in Japan, this vast complex offers stunning vistas of the Tokyo Bay waterfront and has become an iconic part of the Tokyo skyline. Appreciate the modern and sleek interior décor of this impressive structure as well.

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A set of extraordinary inverted pyramids appears to dominate the sky, crowning an otherworldly complex with a glassy terrace overlooking Tokyo Bay.

What to do in Tokyo Prefecture

Popular places to visit

Tokyo Disneyland®

Ride roller coasters and watch theatrical shows as you witness the magic of Disney come to life at this family-friendly amusement park and resort.

Tokyo DisneySea®

Discover the secrets of the oceans in this magical theme park, where Disney’s sea-dwelling characters will take you on a journey to the world below the waves.

Tokyo Dome

Tokyo Dome is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Tokyo. Amble around this vibrant area's picturesque gardens or experience its fascinating museums.

Tokyo Skytree

Find yourself wowed by stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo from its newest and highest tower.

Tokyo Tower

No, you're not in Paris, though this Eiffel-inspired structure and Tokyo landmark might make you think you've been transported to Europe.

Shibuya Crossing

Guaranteed to overload the senses, this intersection teeming with people is considered to be a symbol of modern Tokyo.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Home to Japan's Imperial Family, the grounds of the Royal Palace make for a peaceful break from urban life.

Sensoji Temple

The city's most colourful and popular temple has been a Buddhist shrine for centuries.

Tokyo Big Sight

A set of extraordinary inverted pyramids appears to dominate the sky, crowning an otherworldly complex with a glassy terrace overlooking Tokyo Bay.

Areas of Tokyo Prefecture

Shinjuku

4.5/5(46 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Shinjuku. Check out top attractions like Samurai Museum and Hanazono Shrine, and jump on the metro at Shinjuku-sanchome Station or Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station to see more of the city.

Shibuya

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Shibuya is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Shibuya Crossing and Yoyogi National Gymnasium. See more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Shibuya Station or Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station.

Ginza

5/5(6 area reviews)

Travelers love Ginza for its popular shops, and you can see more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Ginza Station or Higashi-ginza Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Ginza Six and Yamaha Hall.

Sensō-ji Temple showing a temple or place of worship, signage and religious aspects

Asakusa

5/5(4 area reviews)

Asakusa is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Sensoji Temple or Asakusa Shrine.

Ueno

5/5(3 area reviews)

Travelers choose Ueno for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ueno-okachimachi Station or Ueno-hirokoji Station and check out top sights like Ameyoko Shopping District.

Akasaka

4/5(4 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Tokyo Midtown while getting to know Akasaka, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nogizaka Station or Akasaka Station to see more of the area.