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Tokyo is a unique and fascinating city that expertly blends tradition and innovation to offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the Japan of temples and shrines or the Japan of robots and animal cafes, you’ll find it here. But this plethora of choice can mean that finding the best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers can be tricky.
Tokyo is the world’s largest city. 37 million people call Tokyo home, which is more than four times the population of New York City. That means that getting around can be incredibly confusing, especially for first timers.
Traveling to Tokyo for the first time is exciting but it can also be a culture shock. At times the city has an otherworldly feel. In my experience, the best way to overcome this is to be prepared.
With that in mind, here are the best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers.
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1. Climb to the top of the Tokyo Tower
One of the first things I do when I arrive in Tokyo is visit the Tokyo Tower. This bright red Eiffel Tower dupe dominates the skyline and offers awe-inspiring views across the city.
The sheer scale of Tokyo is overwhelming, and this is a great place to really appreciate it. As well as an excellent cityscape, some of the landmarks you can spot from the top of the tower on a clear day include Roppongi Hills, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Tokyo Skytree.
The Tokyo Tower was first opened in 1958 and was the tallest tower in Japan until the Tokyo Skytree opened in 2012. There are plenty of high-level viewing platforms in Tokyo, but this is one of the most iconic.
There are two types of tickets for the Tokyo Tower: main deck and top deck. Go to the top deck which has futuristic, mirrored walls and by far the best views. Tickets to the main deck cost 1,500 yen while the top deck tour costs 3,300 yen.
Travel tip: On the main deck you’ll find the Skywalk Window. Walk over this clear glass floor and you can look straight down 145 meters (476 feet) to the ground below. This was my son’s favorite experience here, so a real highlight for daredevil kids!
2. Embrace youth culture in Harajuku
Harajuku is the heart of all things youth culture and quirky in Tokyo. The district has a somewhat well-deserved reputation as a tourist trap thanks to the sheer number of tourists that choose to visit, but it’s still a fun and fascinating place to be.
Take the train to Harajuku Station which is on the JR Yamanote loop line.
Harajuku is considered the birthplace of all things kawaii (cute) and is a trendsetting, culture-rich spot where new trends are born. People come here to shop, eat, see and be seen. Takeshita Street is the iconic main street of Harajuku and the best spot for shopping. You’ll also find huge gachapon (capsule toy) stores here that are a big attraction.
If you’re keen to find Tokyo’s famous animal cafes (and I know people have mixed feelings about these) then you’ll find several in Harajuku. My favorite of this is Mipig, the micropig cafe. Drink tea as micropigs climb onto your lap for cuddles. This costs 1,650 yen per 30 mins in the cafe.
Make sure you arrive in Harajuku hungry. The area is packed full of insta-worthy snack foods such as cotton candy shaped like a teddy bear, rainbow colored grilled cheese, and crepes which will give you a sugar overload. You’ll also find kawaii-themed cafes here such as the Snoopy cafe of the Sanrio Pompompurin cafe.
Travel Tip – Try to visit on a weekday if you don’t want to fight through crowds. It’s always busy in Harajuku, but at weekends the crowd levels increase to the point of being unmanageable and uncomfortable.
3. Walk the Shibuya Scramble Crossing
I can’t think of anywhere else in the world where crossing a road is considered a tourist attraction. But between 1,000 to 2,500 people can cross the Shibuya crossing every two minutes, making it an incredible spectacle.
The scramble is located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachikō exit and you’ll also find some of Tokyo’s most famous and iconic oversized billboards here, including regularly changing 3D buildings.
But don’t worry, I’m not recommending you visit Shibuya just to cross a road. The Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine is also located in Shibuya. This is a relatively new shrine that was only constructed in 1920 and it is a large complex that sits in beautiful grounds. Entry to the shrine and its grounds is free of charge.
If history isn’t your thing, then Shibuya is a built-up commercial area and a great place to shop, eat and socialize.
Before you head back to the station, make a stop to say hi to Hachiko. Hachiko was a dog who is remembered in statue form for his unwavering loyalty. Hachiko waited for more than 9 years outside Shibuya station for his owner to return after his death, only stopping his vigil when he passed away himself.
4. Visit Tokyo DisneySea
This one is divisive and it won’t work for everyone, but if you’re travelling with kids (or if you’re a theme park junkie in your own right) then you really shouldn’t miss Tokyo Disney Sea. This is one of two Disneyland parks in Tokyo, but Tokyo DisneySea is regularly ranked the best theme park in the world.
Tokyo DisneySea is around a 20-minute train ride from Tokyo station. Take the train to Maihama Station on the JR Keiyo Line or Musashino Line and then use the private Disneyland monorail to travel to the Tokyo DisneySea entrance.
As the name suggests, the park is split into distinctive sea ports and it pairs Japanese creativity with distinctive magic. At times you’ll feel your in a port in Venice, then you’ll move to San Fransisco, but all with the backdrop of Tokyo Bay. Imagine a Disney park created by imagineers who were told money is no object!
It is beautifully designed, has a wonderful flow from area to area, and also boasts a selection of incredible rides that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
As an added bonus, tickets to the Tokyo Disneyland Parks are considerably cheaper than there more famous counterparts in America or France. Ticket prices vary by date, but expect to pay an average of 9,900 yen for a single day entry ticket to Tokyo DisneySea.
Travel tip: Arrive early. The park officially opens at 9 am but people arrive at least an hour early to join the queue to enter.
You can’t secure free ride fast passes or show tickets until your in the park, so getting in early is essential.
5. Visit Akihabara, Tokyo’s Electric Town
If you have any interest in electronics, gaming, arcades, or manga then you need to visit Tokyo’s Electric Town, Akihabara. As a self-confessed nerd, I can tell you that this is nerd heaven!
You can enjoy shopping for new and vintage gaming or anime related products, then challenge your travel companions in one of the many high-rise arcades. Even if you’re not into anime and gaming, this neon lit visual spectacle is a place well worth exploring.
Akihabara is also where Tokyo’s famous maid cafes are located. This is a popular experience in Japan which is somewhat fetishized in the west, but isn’t actually sinister at all. In fact, you can even bring your kids.
No physical contact or inappropriate conduct of any kind is allowed. Waitresses cosplaying as maids serve your meal and give you their undivided attention, providing a rare opportunity for adults to disappear into a fantasy world. It’s not something I would do again, but it’s an interesting experience and one that is uniquely Japanese.
If you need a break from all that neon then Akihabara is also home to a tranquil shrine, the Kanda Myōjin Shrine. Dating back 1,300 years, this huge and extremely ornate shrine sells talismans to bless electronic devices, a subtle a nod to its location. Those working in tech often come here to seek blessings for their innovations.
Travel tip: Visit Akihabara later in the day when it has a more vibrant atmosphere, and when you can really appreciate the impact of the neon as the sun is setting.
6. Walk around the gardens of the Imperial Palace
Like so many people, I took my first trip to Japan in April to coincide with the cherry blossom season, and it felt like the whole country was in full bloom. One of my enduring memories was of just how beautiful the gardens of the Imperial Palace were, making this one of the best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers.
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is home to the Japanese imperial family and was built in 1914. It is beautiful and elaborate from the outside, and incredibly imposing which makes sense as it is one of the largest royal fortresses in the world.
Most of the Palace itself is off limits. In fact, I didn’t actually go inside the palace at all. But the East Gardens are open to the public all year round and they are truly spectacular.
There really aren’t enough superlatives to describe how beautiful they are throughout the year, but especially in the spring. Even if you don’t have green fingers yourself, this is still one of the best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers.
The Tokyo Imperial Palace opens until 4 pm but the opening hours are extended until 4:30 pm between March 1st and April 14th, and until 5 pm from April 15th to August 31st when the days are longer.
Local tip: Arrive at least an hour before the Palace closes, as last admission is strictly one hour before the closing time listed above.
7. Indulge in retail therapy in Odaiba City
Although this is a list which could go on forever, the final entry on this list of best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers is to visit Odaiba.
Odaiba is located on a large, artificial island in Tokyo Bay and you get here from Tokyo by crossing over the city’s iconic rainbow bridge. If you’re travelling by train, you’ll need the Yurikamome trainline.
What makes Odaiba such a great place to visit is that there’s just so much to see and do here. Ride the Daikanransha Ferris wheel for amazing Mount Fuji views, visit the Miraikan science museum where you can engage with futuristic robots, or for something a little silly, visit the Unko Museum. This is less museum and more an interactive play center and photospot dedicated to poop!
Odaiba is home to a whole host of mega malls such as Aqua City, DiverCity and VenusFort. So whether you’re looking for fashion, homeware, or even stores dedicated to niche interests such as Doraemon and Hello Kitty, you’ll find them all here.
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