Tokyo's Top Ten Points of Interest

For Shrines and Temples click here.

For Gardens click here.

While not your typical list of Top sites to see in Tokyo, we at exploringtokyo.com have no vested interest in what to recommend to you therefore we are free to be as creative and original as we please and serve you up what’s hot.

Here you will find of course the standard classics such as Tokyo Tower but then lesser known spots, such as the Ameya Yokocho Market which are an essential part of the Tokyo experience.

Who wants to go only places where the travel groups go? Sure you want to see the main attractions, but don’t forget some of the real gems lie hidden away on less frequented roads.

Tokyo Tower – Tokyo

Soaring high in the sky, the bright international orange Tokyo Tower glows, whether its day or night. The grandness and impact can only be known by actually visiting the tower, photographs and film doesn’t do it justice. Not only does it glow a warm orange during morning and later afternoon, at night time the tower lights up, illuminating the night like a beacon.

Tsukiji Fish Market – Shiodome

While most authorities wouldn’t recommend Tsukiji as a top tourist spot in Tokyo, we at exploringtokyo.com try to keep it fresh and spare you from the boring and banal. The world’s largest fish market has hundreds of merchants with stands selling all manner of things from the ocean, including huge foot tunas, octopus, squid, and occasionally shark. Not only are there vendors, but many sushi and sea food shops. Coming straight out of the Bay they serve up Tokyo’s freshest sea food.

Ameya Yokocho Market – Ueno

Tokyo’s best traditional market, at Ameya Yokocho you’ll find just about anything. Formerly Tokyo’s post WWII black market it was and still is one of the best places to find quality items for a good price. The market runs along side and under an elevated train rail, giving it a unique ‘old world’ atmosphere. You’ll find fresh produce, fish, fruit, snacks, fashions, shoes, jewelry, traditional Japanese clothes and more.

Read more about the Ameya Yokocho Market

Palette Town – Odaiba

An artificial island that was relatively recently reclaimed from the Tokyo Bay, Odaiba takes advantage of its generous land plot and hosts some of Tokyo’s largest buildings. Being chiefly an entertainment district you’ll find much to do and see in Palette Town and Joyopolis (the islands two fun spots). Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel, Toyota Showroom, Beaches, “Leisure Land”, Venus Fort shops, the list goes on.

Tokyo Midtown & Roppongi Hills – Roppongi

If its shopping you want, then you want Roppongi. Namely two complexes: Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, each within an 8 minute walk of each other. These are Tokyo’s most modern and aesthetic shopping malls; there is nothing in America to compare to them. And don’t get the idea that all the stores are just ‘Gucci’ and ‘Prada’; there are plenty of stores that are agreeable to more reasonable budgets.

Downtown Yokohama – Yokohama

Of course Yokohama isn’t Tokyo at all but it’s only a forty five minute train ride away, and how worthwhile it is to go. Yokohama’s downtown is literally jam-packed with things to see. Also being on a bay Yokohama has a few elements from Tokyo’s Odaiba, but the similarities stop there. Yokohama has Japan’s tallest building, largest Chinatown, most delightful marine walk at Yamashita Park and much more.

Akihabara Electric Town – Akihabara

Fun and entertainment are the key notes of Akihabara; arcades, comic book stores, “duty free” shopping , electronics super stores and more. It is the headquarters for Japanese animation and comic books in the city, thousands of fans come from all around to get the latest releases. The tourist will find enjoyment in the duty-free shopping from anything to electronics to house-hold goods.

Central Shibuya - Shibuya

If for no other reason, come to Shibuya just to see the world’s most crowded and busiest intersection. During the peak hours of the day thousands of commuters will cross in just minutes. Other than the intersection Shibuya has its place as Tokyo’s trendiest shopping area, where the youth go just to walk the streets and show off their oh-so-cool fashions.

Garden Place – Ebisu

Located slightly in the sticks, Ebisu Garden Place is a little piece of Europe in the Far East. Most of the buildings are designed in a ‘turn of the century’ brick style, and the ground in paving stones; there is even a full sized replica of a French Chateaux. The area is very walkable, with beautiful promenades. If you want a snack or more there are several cafes at your disposal.

Read more about Ebisu Garden Place

Kabukicho – Shinjuku

Take a walk on the wild side, literally, and check out Tokyo’s seedy Red Light District. But fear not, you should be safe, however we can’t guarantee anything, (especially if you’re a woman). The streets are lined with shady stores, servicing adults only. In the store fronts you’ll find many out-going and handsome young men just dying to get you inside. Typically they won’t bother to talk to foreigners, unless you’re a woman.