Are you planning to go to Japan? For you who are first timer to go to Japan, especially Tokyo, here are must-visit locations in the city.
1. Asakusa & Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple, is Tokyo’s oldest buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It enshrines a sacred statue of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, that it said to have been found in the waters of Sumida Rivers in the 8th century. Through the centuries, the entire district of Asakusa flourished around this Temple.
There are so many nice spots to photograph on the temple grounds, including Kaminarimon Gate with its impressive lantern and the five-story pagoda.
One of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, Nakamise Dori, is 250-meter-long to the temple. There are souvenir shops in both sides of the street.
2. Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is an intersection right outside the Shibuya Station, where as many as 3000 pedestrians cross each time. You can experience the urbanized side of Tokyo here.
Shibuya Crossing area becomes very crowded on weekend evenings. You can enjoy the view from above. There is a place named “Shibuya Sky”. The Shibuya Sky observatory offers breathtaking views of the crossing and also you can feel the pulse of ever-changing Shibuya District.
3. Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree stands 634 tall, was built as a broadcasting tower in 2012. It is a must-visit location near Asakusa. There are two observation decks within Tokyo Skytree. The Tembo Deck, located 350 meters above ground, and The Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.
Besides the panorama of Tokyo and its surroundings, on clear weather day, you can see as far as Mount. Fuji from here.
4. Ueno Park
The Japanese government designed Ueno Park in 1873 as the first facility in Tokyo. The well-known Tokyo National Museum, and the National Museum of Nature and Science are located within Ueno Park.
Ueno Park is one of the best locations to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo around the end of March.
5. Ameyoko Street – Ueno
Ameya Yokocho, or the “Ameyoko Street”, is located in Ueno. This is a shopping street with so many variety of stores, from grocery stores selling marine products and fresh fruit, to clothing and cosmetic stores. You can also enjoy Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices here.
6. The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is located near Tokyo Station It was formerly called Edo Castle, functioned as the headquarters of “Tokugawa Shogunate”. It became the Emperor’s residence in 1868.
The Gates and Japanese gardens built during the castle days still remain. Nijubashi Bridge is famous for its picturesque view.
Guided tours of the facilities are held regularly, and the tours require a reservation. It held twice a day except on Sundays and Mondays.
The alleys surrounding the Imperial Palace have become one of the most popular jogging routes in Tokyo.
7. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a green oasis in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest districts. Created in 1906, it was first owned by the Imperial Family, and became open to the public in 1949.
This location is perfect for enjoying the cherry blossoms and fall foliage in the heart of Tokyo.
8. Ginza and the Kabukiza Theater
The Kabukiza Theater in Ginza is the prime location to enjoy a Kabuki performance, one of Japan’s traditional performing arts. It was built in 1889 and has undergone four renovations since then. So it continues to fascinate whoever visit this place.
A shopping area is also available here for anyone who are interested with souvenirs and gifts related to Kabuki.
9. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was the tallest radio tower in Japan, before construction of Tokyo Skytree. A man-made structure, measuring 333 meter in height. It has stood as the symbol of Tokyo since 1958.
Tokyo Tower has two viewing platforms. It allows visitors to see the view of the city as well as far away in the distance. Even you can see Mount. Fuji on clear days.
10. Odaiba, Entertainment District
Odaiba is a seaside district with a refreshing ocean breeze, served as a venue area for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Many visitors choose to come to Odaiba Marine Park, which has its own Statue of Liberty, and views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay, as the first destination.
Odaiba also has many popular attractions, such as the life-size “Unicorn Gundam Statue” located in front of the Diver City Tokyo Plaza shopping mall, Tokyo Joypolis, Sega indoor amusement park, and the Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo. And ideal area to spend with friends and families.
To get to Odaiba, you can hop on board the Yurikamome train, that operates along the Tokyo Bay area, and enjoy the beautiful view.
Source: https://matcha-jp.com/en/2589