Top places to visit in Tokyo
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TOP Places To Visit In Tokyo

Tokyo, one of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world has a lot to offer. It is a melting pot of traditional, modern, high tech, quirky, weird and efficiency. So, 7 days trip to Tokyo may not be enough. But, well, all of us have to live within budgets, right?

Now let me introduce to you some of the TOP places to visit when you are in Tokyo. These are not-to-be-missed attractions which you can find near the subway train stations. However, these are only some suggestions for your upcoming trip to Tokyo. So do feel free to add more if you like or you have more time to explore. 

  • Shinjuku
  • Shibuya
  • Ueno
  • Akihabara
  • Ginza
  • Sumida
  • Odaiba

Shinjuku

This is an entertainment district with lots of tall buildings. If you are interested in looking at the cityscapes, then you can go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building‘s observatory on the 45th floor. On the other hand, you can visit the Samurai Museum where it exhibits the Japanese swords and costumes used by the samurais if observatory is not your thing. Night time, this district comes to live with Kabukicho‘s colourful neon lights, live shows and restaurants. If you prefer small eateries and pubs, try the Shinjuku Golden-Gai where there are hundreds of shops ranging from old ones that reminiscent of the 1950s to the new ones opened up with modern concepts. In addition, this is also a shopping haven for the ladies with lots of shops and department stores such as Takashimaya, Odakyu Department Store, Keio Department Store, Isetan, Tokyo Hands etc.

Shinjuku JR station
Shinjuku JR station with shopping mall surrounding it
Takashimaya department store at Shinjuku
Takashimaya department store together with Tokyo Hand at Shinjuku

Shibuya

This district has been separated into 2 very distinct areas. On one side is filled with shops selling the latest trends and on the opposite side is a peace and quiet garden with a famous shrine. The bustling retail areas are Takeshita-Dori Street, Omotesando, Omotesando Hills and Harajuku. In addition to that, Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest crossings in the world, is the not-to-be-missed famous sight in this area. In contrast, if you like to explore the cultural side of Shibuya, then you should go Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is located in the garden next to Harajuku Subway Station.

Line of shops and trees on Omotesanda Street, Shibuya
Line of shops and trees on Omotesanda Street, Shibuya
The Cat Street in Shibuya
The quiet street in Shibuya called Cat Street

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Ueno

This is an area rich in culture and nature that encompasses museums, historic structures and zoo. As a result, this family-friendly area has a slow and relaxing atmosphere whereby you can unwind and laze around. Take a stroll from Ueno Station to Ueno Park, The National Museums of Western Art, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoological Gardens. Rather than exploring the concrete jungle of Tokyo, why not dig into nature and culture instead?

National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Tokyo Japan
One of the museums in Ueno that we visited, i.e. National Museum of Nature and Science
The Ueno Zoo in Tokyo Japan
OMG! Look at the long queues in front of the Ueno Zoo entrance!
Special Munch exhibition in Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
The special Munch exhibition in Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Akihabara

Anyone who is interested in electronic gadgets and equipment, this is the place to be. Everywhere you go, you get to see the anime and gaming and electronic stores. It’s a heaven for techies. On Sunday, the streets of Akihabara is turned into a pedestrian-walking only street with no sight of any vehicles.

Akihabara on a Sunday
A car-free Akihabara on Sunday!
Akihabara in Tokyo
We got a different experience on this car-free Sunday on Akihabara street

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Ginza

Ginza is a shopping heaven for all. Here, you can find shops selling everything from luxury goods to popular affordable items that can satisfy everyone’s need. Besides shopping, you get entertainment like Kabukiza Theatre, Nissan Crossing which showcases a few stylish sports cars, Sukiyabashi Crossing, modern hotels, trendy cafes and restaurants and museums.

Sukiyabashi Crossing in Ginza Tokyo
Sukiyabashi Crossing in Ginza Tokyo
The night view of Ginza Street Tokyo
Lots of shoppers walking along the street of Ginza at night
Nissan Crossing at Ginza Tokyo
One of the top attractions in Ginza is this Nissan Crossing which showcases the latest Nissan sport cars. Cool!

Sumida

A township that combines the old and the new. The old here is the art of sumo wrestling, where the grand tournament of the ancient Japanese martial art held here. There is also a sumo museum where you can get more in-depth information about this ancient martial art. The modern side of this area is Tokyo Skytree ( i.e. one of the top visit places in Tokyo),  Sumida Aquarium, Tokyo Solamachi and Konica Minolta Planetarium.

Tokyo Solamachi shopping mall in Sumida
Tokyo Solamachi shopping mall that houses hundreds of retails shop from value buys to luxury brands, with one entire floor dedicated to souvenirs shopping
Tokyo Skytree in Sumida
The tallest tower in the world, Tokyo Skytree!

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Odaiba

A man-made island with lots of entertainment, shopping, high technology museums and eateries. The main attractions are Rainbow Bridge, Fuji TV Headquarters, Marine Park, Statue of Liberty, Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari, lifesize Gundam statue, MORI Digital Art Museum, SEGA Joypolis and many more.

The SEGA Joypolis amusement park in Odaiba Tokyo
The SEGA Joypolis amusement park in Odaiba Tokyo
The colourful Ferris Wheel and Venus Fort at Odaiba Tokyo
Odaiba is a family-friendly place with colourful Ferris Wheel and factory outlets side-by-side, everyone in the family is happy!
Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge at Odaiba Tokyo
This is NOT New York! This is the replica of the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba Tokyo!
The life-size Gundam in front of the Diver City in Odaiba Tokyo
The life-size Gundam in front of the Diver City in Odaiba Tokyo

In conclusion, these are just some of the top sightseeing spots in central Tokyo. Feel free to explore further away from central Tokyo in addition of what I have mentioned in the above if you have more time.

If you are interested in finding out more about my other travel stories and travel tips, click the following links.

Click here for FREE Tokyo Itinerary Checklist

Click here for FREE Tokyo Itinerary Checklist

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Klook.com

Hi, I am Keen. This blog is about taking the Goldilocks approach to travel and lifestyle, i.e. Just Right!!! Here I share tips, tricks and itineraries from my personal experience travelling as a couple and as a family to various places around the world. Most of my journey involved architectures, cultural, shopping, food and family outing. In addition to being an occasional traveller, I am also into staying healthy and ageing gracefully. I hope to inspire you to travel more, create better memories and live a life that you love!

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