10 Best Things To See In Tokyo For First-Time Visitors

Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but it can also feel overwhelming on a first visit. With a population of more than 37 million people, the city is packed with neighbourhoods, attractions, food experiences, and cultural sites. 

After spending several days exploring the city, we narrowed our list down to what we believe are the 10 best things to see in Tokyo. These experiences offer a well-rounded introduction to the city and are tailored for first-time visitors. From panoramic views and sacred shrines to lively streets, traditional neighbourhoods, and unforgettable food, this guide will help you understand Tokyo without trying to see everything at once.

Tokyo is massive, fast-paced, and full of choices, which makes knowing where to start the hardest part of visiting the city. Let us help you make the most of your visit.

What You’ll Discover in This Guide to Tokyo

This guide focuses on the 10 best things to see in Tokyo for first-time visitors and is based on our personal experiences while there. These suggestions give you a balanced overview of the city without trying to do too much.

In This Post You Will Learn

✅ On your first day in Tokyo, it is worth getting a private tour guide to help you navigate the city and see some of the major sights. We booked this tour and were able to cover many locations while learning about the city from a local.

If you only have a few days in Tokyo, these stops will help you appreciate the city’s size, history, culture, and daily life.

1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks

One of the best ways to absorb the scale of Tokyo is from above. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is home to the offices of the city government and features two towers, each with an observation deck on the 45th floor. 

The observation decks are free to enter, which makes this a good alternative to the expensive Tokyo Skytree. The elevators are incredibly fast and reach the top in just 55 seconds. We recommend visiting the South Tower, as it offers the best view of Tokyo. On clear days, you can see across the entire city and even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

The decks are open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, but going in the morning helps avoid long queues. Inside, there are small shopping kiosks, free Wi-Fi, and when we visited, a pianist playing quietly in the background. It is an impressive way to start your Tokyo visit without having to stress about reservations or expensive tickets.

2. Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine sits in the center of Tokyo, yet it feels completely removed from the city. It is surrounded by a dense forest that creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere from the moment you enter. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan.

Although most Japanese people practice Buddhism, many also follow Shinto traditions. This makes Meiji Jingu a busy and meaningful place for locals. The grounds are large, and the walk from the impressive torii gate at the entrance to the Grand Hall takes close to ten minutes and passes through quiet forest paths.

Along the way, we saw many features common to Shinto shrines. These include decorated sake barrels, prayer plaques, and fortune racks where visitors leave written wishes.

What we hadn’t seen previously was a display of wine barrels, which represent a cultural exchange that took place with France.

Due to the time of year we visited, we were also lucky to witness families celebrating Shichi-Go-San, a traditional event where children dress in a kimono and receive blessings. It was heartwarming to see generations gathered together, and the children excited to be dressed up and receiving presents and treats on their special day.

While some areas of the shrine are busy, other paths are quiet and provide a lovely escape in the middle of the city. Be sure to put this location on your list.

3. Takeshita Street and Kawaii Culture

For something completely different, visit Takeshita Street in Harajuku. This street is unlike anything we have ever seen. It is the heart of Japan’s kawaii culture, which celebrates all things cute.

The street is packed with colourful food stalls, fashion shops, and capsule toy machines. Everything is designed to be playful and eye-catching. 

One of the most surprising things we found was the number of animal cafes. In addition to cats and puppies, you can sit with pigs, capybara, and even otters!

Even if you do not visit inside the shops, walking down Takeshita Street is an experience on its own. The energy and creativity of the displays offer a side of Tokyo that feels completely unique from anywhere else in the city.

4. Shibuya Crossing

No list of the 10 best things to see in Tokyo would be complete without including Shibuya Crossing. This famous intersection allows pedestrians to cross from multiple directions at once, including diagonally across the centre.

We felt the neighbourhood had a similar feel to Times Square in New York, with large screens, bright lights, and constant movement.

We crossed the street several times and thought it was chaotic and fun at the same time.

If you arrive by subway, make sure to pause before heading outside. There are great viewing spots inside the Shibuya station where you can watch the crossing from above before getting into the thick of it. 

Afterward, explore the surrounding streets. Shibuya is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend a few hours.

5. Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

Depending on the season, a walk along Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is worth a visit. This wide avenue is lined with tall ginkgo trees that form a natural canopy over the sidewalks.

We visited in early November, just before peak colour, but the trees had already started turning yellow. Even then, it was beautiful. Later in the season, the golden leaves create one of the most photographed scenes in Tokyo.

One thing to watch for in the fall is the large ginkgo seeds that drop from the trees. They are easy to avoid but have a strong smell. Despite that, this avenue offers a calm and scenic walk in an otherwise busy city centre.

6. Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Asakusa is one of the more traditional areas of Tokyo and offers a glimpse into the city’s past. The area includes shopping streets, modern malls, great local restaurants and historic temples.

Nakamise-dori Street is filled with souvenir stalls and snacks, leading directly to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple.

This area becomes very crowded during the day, so we suggest visiting at night. The temple grounds are beautifully lit after dark, and the atmosphere is calmer and more enjoyable.

While in Asakusa, we also participated in a traditional tea ceremony. Dressing in a kimono and learning how to prepare tea was one of our favourite cultural experiences in Tokyo.

The tea ceremony is very meaningful in Japanese culture, and taking part helped us better understand its purpose and history.

✅ We highly recommend this Tea Ceremony experience. They take such good care of you, getting you dressed in a kimono and then teaching you about the tradition and importance of Japanese tea making while instructing you on how to make your own tea. It is a wonderful cultural activity.

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7. Tsukiji Fish Market

The Tsukiji Fish Market has been operating for around 80 years and remains one of the best places to explore Japanese food culture. The market includes approximately 460 shops selling seafood, beef, produce, sweets, knives, and kitchen tools.

Because the market is busy and can feel overwhelming, we chose to do a guided food tour. This was one of the best decisions we made. Our local guide walked us through the outer market, inner market, and the commercial area where businesses buy fresh fish.

Along the way, we learned about different ingredients and tried a wide variety of street foods.

These included shumai pork dumplings, fish cakes, tamagoyaki on a stick, wagyu beef, yakitori, fried corn balls, and fresh sashimi prepared in front of us. The tour made the experience far more educational, and it was delicious!

✅ If you are looking for a fantastic food tour in Tokyo, then check out the tour that we did. We loved learning about the different foods, traditions and cultures with our local guide. It was a perfect way to experience street food safely. And the tastings were wonderful!

8. Tokyo’s Green Spaces and Gardens

One thing that surprised us about Tokyo were the numerous large green spaces. The grounds of the Imperial Palace are extensive and surrounded by a water-filled moat. Walking paths have manicured trees, willows, and bird-filled areas that feel far removed from city life. 

We also visited Hamarikyu Gardens, which sit near Tokyo Bay. During our visit, the gardens were filled with blooming cosmos flowers in a range of varieties and colours.

The grounds also include ponds, bridges, tea houses, and mature trees.  This was originally a spot where the Shoguns entertained.

These gardens showed us some traditional Japanese landscape design and provided a peaceful break from sightseeing. We noticed, here in particular, that Tokyo balances nature and urban development extremely well.

9. Tokyo Bay Houseboat Dinner

For a truly memorable evening, consider a houseboat dinner on Tokyo Bay. We spent an evening aboard a traditional houseboat, enjoying a hot pot meal that we cooked ourselves at the table.

Our host explained the customs behind houseboat hospitality, and the night felt more like a house party than a tour. After we finished dinner, a talented performer sang and played traditional music, inviting guests to join in.

Seeing the city view from the water on the top deck was a highlight. The Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge were both beautifully lit, creating stunning views. It was a perfect, relaxing way to experience the city at night.

✅ To have a very memorable experience on an evening boat ride, we recommend this tour. Our meal was tasty, the entertainment lively, and the views from the boat of the skyline at night were amazing. It was a fabulous way to spend an evening.

10. Yanaka, Tokyo’s Old Town

Yanaka offers a rare look at Tokyo before modernization. This neighbourhood survived fires, earthquakes, and World War II, and still resembles what it was originally like in the 1600s.

The area is often described as a living gallery of Japan’s past. It contains original houses, narrow streets, and around 60 temples. It reminded us of the beautiful streets of Kanazawa. One temple dates back to the 13th century.

Walking through Yanaka Cemetery is also fascinating, with elegant family plots dating back 300 years. You can even see the tomb where the last Shogun (#15) is buried.

Yanaka has its own shopping street, often called Yanaka Ginza, where former homes now house shops, cafes, and bars. 

Make sure to keep an eye open for the numerous cat sculptures and signs around town. For many years, the people of this area cared for street cats, so they were often seen roaming around. They even have a cat tail treat that is very tasty!

Nearby is Nezu Jinja, a 300-year-old shrine with a beautiful set of torii gates. These aren’t nearly as crowded as Fushimi Inari in Kyoto.

✅ We highly recommend visiting Yanaka with a guide, as the history shared adds depth to every stop. Check out the 5-star tour that we took. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and we explored this entire district during our walking tour.

FAQs About The 10 Best Things To See In Tokyo

Is Tokyo Good For First Time Visitors?

Yes. Tokyo is safe, clean, and well connected with public transit. The variety of attractions makes it ideal for first-time visitors.

How Many Days Do You Need In Tokyo?

We recommend at least three or four days to see the main highlights without rushing.

 Is Tokyo Expensive To Visit?

Tokyo can be affordable. There are many attractions that are free or low cost, and food options range from casual to high end.

For instance, we had a very tasty meal for a reasonable price at the franchise Sushizanmai in Asakusa, where you can watch the chefs make your food if you sit at the counter.

 What Area Should First-Time Visitors Stay In?

Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Ginza are good areas with easy transportation and access to major sights.

We would recommend the following properties for your stay in Tokyo:

Experience a Traditional Style stay with an Onsen: Try Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs. This is a lovely property, perfectly located to visit several popular sights and restaurants within the area. It has simple Japanese decor and the staff are very welcoming.

Stay in the middle of the action of Shinjuku: Try Hotel Groove Shinjuku for a modern hotel with exceptional views of the city. This property offers good-sized rooms and several restaurants on site. Outside is easy access to public transit, lots of restaurants, and it is well positioned to several sights in the city.

To enjoy the shopping district of Ginza: Try The Celestine Ginza for personalized service, comfortable rooms and a terrific restaurant with fabulous views.

Modern and close to Tokyo Station: Try Marunouchi Hotel, which is ideally located at the Tokyo Station and attached to a convenient mall. This is a newly refurbished hotel with comfortable rooms and restaurants on-site. Amenities are provided, and the staff is very helpful.

Is English Widely Spoken In Tokyo?

English is common in tourist areas, train stations, and hotels. We found that translation apps are also helpful.

Is Tokyo Worth Visiting?

Tokyo is one of the most diverse cities we have ever visited. It offers history, culture, food, nature, and modern life in a way few cities can match. While it can feel overwhelming at first, focusing on the 10 best things to see in Tokyo provides a great introduction to this vibrant city.

Whether it is your first visit or your first step into Japan, Tokyo delivers experiences that are varied and memorable. We feel it is a city that keeps surprising you, day after day and would recommend spending some time here.

Let us help you with travel guides for other cities when you visit Japan. We have articles on Kyoto, Kanazawa, Hiroshima and Sakaiminato. Happy planning!