Best Places to Visit in Tokyo - Travel? Visit here

Exploring Tokyo: Must-Visit Destinations

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Table of Content:

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Tokyo DisneySea: A Magical Journey

Opinion: DisneySea was honestly the most magical two-day experience we’ve ever had. Reliving the memories of our favourite childhood shows was a blast from the past! We were lucky enough to meet and greet with Donald Duck, taking photos to cherish. We went on a few rides and had our top and least favourite experiences. The Tower of Terror was our least favourite. Even though we booked Express Online on the DisneySea App to skip the line, the ride mostly just went up and down for 30 seconds, and we didn’t find it particularly thrilling.

Suggestion: We felt that there wasn’t much of a need for a 2-day pass as we were able to participate in pretty much all the rides (as long as you purchase the Express Online pass). If you plan to take your time and if you have children who you feel will need more time, feel free to buy the 2nd day. For solo/couple travellers who want to maximize their experience in other parts of Tokyo and to save money, I would recommend a 1-day pass and purchasing an Express Online for the busier rides to maximize your experience and efficiency.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland was an absolute dream come true, truly living up to its reputation as a place where magic comes alive. We bought a 1 day ticket and arrived early morning to beat the rush. The Tokyo Disneyland app is useful to see the wait times for rides. We loved the beauty and the beast ride that brought back childhood memories.

From classic rides to dazzling parades, every corner of the park is filled with incredible detail and a joyful atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Tokyo Station First Avenue

Tokyo Station First Avenue is a shopper’s paradise, located within the sprawling Tokyo Station complex. This shopping area is particularly known for its character-themed shopping streets, such as Tokyo Character Street, where fans can find merchandise from popular anime and manga series.

Opinion: Something different we have never seen before where right within the station you can go through a paradise of shopping experience of different stores and restaurants. This shopping area is particularly known for its character-themed shopping streets, such as Tokyo Character Street, where fans can find merchandise from popular anime and manga series.

Suggestion: Don’t miss Ramen Street! This underground haven gathers top-notch ramen from famous shops all over Japan. Conveniently located, it’s just a quick walk upstairs from First Avenue, placing you right in the heart of central Tokyo. Plus, the main level offers a delicious array of other dining options, from sushi buffets to tempting desserts.

LaQua (Tokyo Dome City)

LaQua, part of Tokyo Dome City, offered a fantastic blend of urban excitement and relaxation. We loved its unique combination of a hot spring spa, thrilling roller coasters that weave through buildings, and diverse shopping and dining options, all with great city views.

We didn’t go to the spa, but we did enjoy the rides around the area as it was a pleasant sight to see and close by to the City Dome for its sports arena.

Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is an iconic Tokyo landmark, especially stunning when lit up at night. This suspension bridge offers fantastic views of the Tokyo Bay area, including Odaiba and the city skyline, making it a perfect spot for a scenic stroll or photo opportunity. When we went in the morning, we were on our way to Tokyo Joypolis.

Tokyo Joypolis

We were surprised about how much we loved Tokyo Joypolis, located in Odaiba. We saw online and thought might be more for children, but was surprised by all the rides and animation. We highly recommend for any age even adults to experience the indoor amusement park. We loved how we were so familiar with all of the anime shows. Don’t forget you can buy your tickets through Klook to get a bigger discount. At the same time, visit Deck and do a browse of the stores.

The Making of Harry Potter Theme Park

Just a quick 30-minute train ride from the bustling Tokyo Station lies an enchanting experience no Harry Potter fan should miss: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter! Prepare to be completely immersed in the wizarding world and discover the fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets of how the beloved Harry Potter films came to life.

Opinion: The Harry Potter Theme Park honestly was amazing and we enjoyed every bit of it. During the time, we bought English dialogue as we thought it was mandatory. We realized that that this was not needed throughout the tour. The whole experience was amazing; we could be digitally live on walls and act in scenes that can make any Harry Potter Fan feel magical.

Suggestion: Before entering the indoor experience, we would recommend you go to the Harry Potter Store first to buy our outfits like robes and wands before the self-guided tour. Additionally, the food was mediocre and we would highly recommend trying the Butter Beer. Food in Tokyo can be found here.

The Red Tower

Standing tall at 333 meters, the iconic Red Tokyo Tower offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. Modeled after the Eiffel Tower, this structure is a symbol of Tokyo’s post-war rebirth. Visitors can explore multiple observation decks, including the Main Deck and the Top Deck, for panoramic views. The tower also houses various attractions such as Tokyo One Piece Tower, a theme park dedicated to the popular anime, and Foot Town, which features museums, restaurants, and shops. Illuminated at night, the Red Tokyo Tower becomes a dazzling beacon in the Tokyo skyline.

Opinion: We were lucky as we arrived on the day that they had their 65th year anniversary and had their 65th anniversary logo displayed on each level. We had the top deck, which we found not as crowded to sightsee.

Suggestion: Highly recommend using the Klook App here as we had purchased a personal tour that came with a drink, and a redeemable photo as a souvenir.

Tokyo National Museum

We were very lucky as it was Age Day, so the National Museum entrance was free admission. The Tokyo National Museum was an incredible dive into Japan’s rich history and culture. It was great to see so many artifacts and a book store near the end.

KITTE Marunouchi

Right outside Tokyo Station, you can admire the Marunouchi Square and then go to KITTE Marunouchi shopping mall where you can enjoy the malls architecture and many stores.

Tsukiji Fish Market

While the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, the outer Tsukiji Fish Market remains a bustling hub for fresh seafood and local delicacies. Visitors can wander through narrow alleys lined with stalls selling everything from sushi and sashimi to grilled seafood and Japanese kitchenware. For an authentic experience, indulge in a sushi breakfast at one of the many small eateries around the market. Tsukiji offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s culinary culture and is a paradise for food lovers.
Check out our food page for Tsukiji Fish Market.

Opinion: For the most cost-effective and flavorful journey through the market’s sushi offerings, we suggest a simple strategy: one nigiri per guest, per stall. This ‘sushi hop’ allows you to savor a wide variety of specialties without overspending.

Suggestion: Trust us, if you want to enjoy Tsukiji Market, get there early! We made the mistake of going in the afternoon, and it was packed. We’d suggest allocating about half a day for your visit and pairing it with a trip down Ginza District which is a short walking distance.

Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s premier shopping district, famous for its upscale boutiques, flagship stores, and luxurious department stores. Home to the world’s largest Uniqlo store, a visit to Ginza is a must for fashion enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on Guu, a popular spot offering a blend of Japanese izakaya dishes with a contemporary twist.

Read more here about Ginza and what to do around the area.

Shinjuku

Opinion: Our time in Shinjuku was brief, but memorable. We explored the area before enjoying a night out at a lively pub. The diverse crowd that gathered for drinks truly made the experience special.

Suggestion: To truly appreciate Shinjuku, experience it both by day and night. Daylight reveals its impressive design and architectural, while the evening unveils its vibrant nightlife.

Read more about things to do in Shinjuku here.

Shibuya

Opinion: Shibuya Crossing absolutely lives up to the hype and buzz! This iconic scramble crossing, framed by dazzling neon and vibrant shopping, is an experience. Even in the morning, the energy was electric. We especially adored the charming Christmas decor and the endless trendy boutiques perfect for window shopping. A quick trip to the stylish Omotesando Hills, renowned for its street fashion, was the perfect cherry on top!

Suggestion: Keep in mind that both weekday and weekend rush hours can get busy. For a smoother experience, we recommend aiming for off-peak periods.

Read more about Shibuya here.

Akihabara

Opinion: Akihabara Japan was our favourite place to go out on the whole trip. It might be because we were on a mission to find the best cost for all of the One-Piece Collection. Every street and block had every anime you can imagine. We had a hotel that was quite central from Akihabara and based on how much we loved Japan and our experience we had booked our 2^nd trip again for this summer of 2024.

Check out more about Akihabara here.

Asakusa District

We went to Akasaka District to see the Sensoji Temple and nearby traditional restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. We found it to be a great area to explore, balancing a refined atmosphere with hidden spots perfect for an evening stroll.

Aside from Asakusa, we didn’t get to try much food in Asakusa District other than 1 place which you can read it here. (#6 on the link). If you want to know more about Asakusa District, click here.

Ikebukuro

We went to Ikebukuro because we were on a mission to buy a watch from Bic Camera and Ikebukuro is the only location that had it in stock.

Read more about things to do at Ikebukuro here.

Roppongi

Our friend recommended to go Roppongi as it is known for the party city, but we decided to do more strolls and enjoy the nearby stores as most things were closing up.
The 2 places we decided to visit was Roppongi Hills Mori Tower & Tokyo Midtown. We enjoy their architecture which we found very cool and their view of the overall city.

Akasaka

We saw online Akasaka is the place to go to see Harry Potter theme walkway and cafes. We are glad we went as Akasaka was very cute and memorable.
When we went here we went to try Kanno Coffee which had amazingly delicious matcha desserts.

Ueno

Ueno definitely made us feel very calm and zen. We had gone to 3 places in total while we were on the trip. Uneo Zoo,
Tokyo National Museum, and Ameyoko Market.
Ueno Zoo was amazing to see all the different and unique animals while Tokyo National Museum offered us great culture and history.
Ameyoko Market was a short walkthrough experience as we were looking for some particular swimwear clothing.

Conclusion:

Tokyo is a city of captivating contrasts, where vibrant, modern markets buzz alongside temples and enriching cultural centers. No matter your travel style – whether you crave adventure, live for delicious food, or are eager to immerse yourself in culture – Tokyo promises an unforgettable experience. We have gone to Japan twice in a year and we cannot get enough of the culture, food, and experience. We’ve explored far and wide and are thrilled to share our top 12 absolute favorite places to visit.