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Tokyo is a city bristling with futuristic technology, breathtaking natural beauty, and remnants of an ancient culture. Whether you’re looking to admire a traditional shrine, shop in a gigantic shopping district, or revel in technological advancement, Tokyo has you covered. Here’s our list of 10 of the greatest places to visit in Tokyo, Japan.

Tsukiji Market

If you’re into seafood, you can’t skip Tsukiji Market. It’s the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, offering over 400 different kinds of seafood. Are you looking for the best caviar? Look no further. Want some tiny sardines? Tsukiji has you covered. And there’s the Tuna Auction, open to only 120 visitors each day with first-come-first-served tickets, which is exactly what its name suggests. You have to see it to believe it.

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace stands where the Feudal Lord Ota Dokan built the first fortress in 1457. The Imperial family still uses the palace, the site is a popular tourist attraction. Featuring 17th-century parks, a two-meter-thick wall surrounding the palace, and the beautiful East Higashi-Gyoen Garden, you can even visit the main Palace Gardens—but only on January 2nd or April 29th.

Ginza District

Ginza is a shopper’s heaven. It’s been Japan’s commercial center for hundreds of years, and on weekends traffic is barred, turning it into one of the world’s largest pedestrian zones. You’ll find a vast assortment of shops, boutiques, and stores, as well as plenty of tea houses and restaurants.

Ueno Park

Ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s downtown? Head over to Ueno Park, the largest green space in the city. Strolling through the lovely grounds will provide the tranquility you’re looking for, and you can also take a small boat around Shinobazu pond. The park is also home to the Ueno Park Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo, and the Aqua-Zoo, one of the largest aquariums in Asia.

Miraikan Museum

Alright, so it’s technically called the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Nippon Kagaku Mirai-kan), but most refer to it as the Miraikan. This museum is devoted to Japan’s role in advancing technology, and is certain to impress any techies among you. Featuring an impressive model of a Maglev train, interactive exhibits on everything from robots to renewable energy, this incredibly modern museum is undoubtedly fascinating.

Tokyo Skytree

You can’t spend time in Tokyo without seeing the Tokyo Skytree. No, seriously—it’s 634 meters tall, so literally you can’t miss it. It’s the world’s tallest freestanding tower, as well as the tallest structure in Tokyo, and its panoramic views of the city below have made it one of Tokyo’s greatest tourist attractions. With observation areas at both the 350- and 450-meter points, the latter of which includes a glass spiral walkway to an even higher level, the Skytree is the perfect place for a breathtaking view of the city.

DisneySea

We know what you’re thinking—why visit a Disney site in Tokyo? But this isn’t your average Disneyland (though Tokyo has one of those, too). DisneySea is one of a kind, made up of seven themed ports of call: American Waterfront, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Mediterranean Harbor, Mermaid Lagoon, Mystery Island, and Port Discovery. It’s a bit more adult-friendly, with alcoholic beverages and less attraction rides for kids. It’s an original park, the only one in the world, and is the fourth most-visited theme park in the world.

Sensoji Temple

The majestic Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s most well-known shrine, an exquisite structure built in 645 AD. Sitting at the end of a long street lined with shops, the shrine is one of the highlights of the Asakusa district, welcoming upwards of 30 million visitors every year. Be sure to admire the Kaminari-mon Gate, which boasts a 3.3-meter-high paper lantern, and the famous Incense Vat.

Akihabara

If you’re into electronics, do yourself a favor and visit Akihabara, the Electric Town. You can wander streets lined with booths selling gadgets, or head to gigantic department stores along the main street. Yodobashi is particularly enormous, with more incredible technology than you’ll know what to do with. This district also draws large crowds of gamers and anime lovers, so if that’s your cup of tea, Akihabara is for you.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Japan has many beautiful gardens, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the best. Sprawling across 144 acres, this garden incorporates three unique landscaping styles—Japanese Traditional, English Garden, and French Formal. If you come during the springtime, you’ll catch a glimpse of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms.

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Jeff Richards
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