First Time in Tokyo: Best Things To Do
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Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The city’s many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum).
Best Things To do In Tokyo For a Spectacular Trip!
Read and enjoy Tokyo! Discover both modern and traditional aspects of this dynamic Japanese capital.
Zojoji Temple
Zojoji offers you the chance to not only visit a splendid temple, but also to attend various Buddhist ceremonies that take place daily in the shrines and the gardens. The moment you enter, you’ll be met with the magnificent, original, two-story vermillion-lacquered gate, 21 meters high, almost 29 meters wide and with a depth of 17 and a half meters, it was built in 1622, and is the oldest wooden construction in Tokyo.
Its name, Sangedatsumon, means “gate that delivers the mind from greed, hatred and foolishness”. The statues of Buddha and other deities you can see on the gate are also original. Inside the temple, you’ll immediately find the main hall, or Daiden. It was rebuilt in 1974, combining the temple’s traditional architecture with a more modern style. A large statue of Buddha is displayed in this room; on its right is an image of the great master who perfected Pure Land Buddhism, Shan-tao, and on the left, you can see a statue of Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo School. The hall hosts seminars, religious rites and memorial services.
Another particularly interesting building is of course the Mausoleum of the Tokugawa Shogun, with the tombs of six governors of the Tokugawa Dynasty, the Imperial Princess Kazunomiya, and other wives and children of the shoguns of Edo. The interiors of the Koshoden Seminary are well worth a visit. They feature a coffered ceiling with paintings of plants and flowers, donated by 120 Japanese artists, and the small Ankokuden Temple, which houses the Black Image of the Amitabha Buddha. This image was devoutly worshipped by the founder of the Tokugawa dynasty, and is said to have always protected him in battle.
Local Cousine
Japanese cuisine is one of the most widespread and popular around the world, and one of the healthiest: remember that this country has the longest life expectancy in the world. The best-known Japanese dishes are made with raw fish, cut into strips, such as in Sashimi, or served on rolls of rice with vinegar, as in Sushi. Japanese cuisine, however, is quite varied and also features a large number of cooked fish and meat dishes.
A full meal, usually dinner, always starts with soup; the most common is Miso soup, but pasta is also served as a first course, such as Ramen, noodles of Chinese origin made with wheat and eggs, or with a more typical kind of noodles such as Soba, made with buckwheat flour, which can either be served in soup or enjoyed cold, dipped into a sauce made with soya, spring onions and egg. Another typical Japanese specialty is Udon; thick, long noodles served in a meat or fish broth. You might also like to try Dango; dumplings made from boiled rice, served on a skewer and covered with a variety of sauces.
The best-known cooked Japanese dish is undoubtedly Tempura: a delicious specialty consisting of fish, crustaceans or vegetables fried in a light batter. The quality depends largely on the amount of times the frying oil has been used. You’ll also find grilled or stewed fish, but if you prefer meat, there’s also plenty to choose from. The best-known meat dish is Shabu Shabu; strips of various pork and veal cuts boiled in a light soup directly on the table and served with vegetables.
Another dish you’ll find in many places is the extremely popular Yakitori, or chicken skewers; prices vary according to the part of the chicken you choose. Or you can try Nikujaga, a stew made with meat, potatoes and onions, served with rice and sweet soy sauce.
Shibuya Scramble Square
Catch the best views of Tokyo at this 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Shibuya Sky is approximately 230 metres above ground and is the highest point in the district of Shibuya. The ‘Sky Edge’, a corner where you can look down at the cityscape below without any obstruction, is a particularly good photo spot that provides a panoramic view of the city.
In addition to the breathtaking views, the rooftop also features hammocks for cloud watching and an observation compass to help you identify major landmarks in the distance such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium and even Mt Fuji (on a clear day). At night, you’ll be able to see a light show called the ‘Crossing Light’ as 18 beams illuminate the city sky.
Shibuya Sky, however, is more than just an observatory: it spans three floors and has an indoor section which incorporates dazzling digital art displays to encourage you to see the city in a different way. On the 46th floor, there is a café and bar, where you can sit back with a drink as you enjoy the aerial views of Tokyo at any time of day regardless of the weather.
Admission for adults 18 years and older is ¥2,000 at the door, junior high school and high school students is ¥1,600, elementary school students is ¥900, and children aged 3 to 5 is ¥500. You can also purchase tickets in advance through the Shibuya Scramble Square website and get up to ¥200 discount – but tickets booked online are designated to a specific time slot on a specific date. Individuals with disabilities will be granted admission at half the price.
5. Escape Into the Inner City Sanctum That Is Meiji Jingu
From its majestic torii gate and the surrounding forest to the iconic wall of sake barrels, Meiji Shrine (or Meiji Jingu) is easily the most iconic shrine in Tokyo and draws millions of visitors every year. Completed in 1920, the shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji – whose reign (1868-1912) coincided with Japan’s modernisation and his consort, Empress Shoken. The original shrine buildings (except for Shukueisha and Minami-Shinmon) were burnt down after an air raid during World War II, so the current main buildings date back to 1958 when they were reconstructed. These structures are an impressive example of the austere style and restrained colours typical of Shinto architecture.
While the shrine is an ever-popular spot for sightseeing, it gets especially busy for Hatsumode (the first Shinto shrine visit of the New Year). Hatsumode occurs over the first three days of the New Year and is an auspicious occasion to worship and wish for good fortune. The shrine also regularly hosts numerous festivals, including two sumo dedicatory ceremonies in early January and at the end of September. You are likely to see couples dressed in wedding attire on your visit, as it is a common venue for Shinto marriage ceremonies.
Know before you go
Admission is free, but if you want to experience the shrine at its most tranquil state, you might need to be up by dawn as the landmark draws a large number of visitors every day. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year, but the gates open as early as 5am in the summer months.
Up to three million people visit Meiji Shrine for good luck at New Year, but wishes can be made year round on wooden tablets called ema. You can write your own prayer on a tablet by making a small donation to the shrine and either hang it under the camphor tree or take it home with you. Alternatively, you can write a letter to the deities, either to express gratitude or to wish for something, and slip it into the letter box near the tree with a donation.
There is a small garden off the main path of the shrine and it’s a good place to go to for a little peace and quiet. The garden’s landscape changes with the seasons. In spring, the bushes in front of the teahouse boast bright red azalea blossoms whereas in the summer, roughly 1,500 iris plants go into full bloom. Bear in mind that the garden’s opening hours differ from the shrine, and there’s an entry fee of ¥500.
Senso-ji Buddhist Temple
The large entrance you can see in front of you is known as Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate: the two statues at either side represent the two deities of wind and thunder. The huge red and black paper lantern almost four meters tall and more than three meters wide and weighing 700 kilos – is a votive offering made to the temple by the founder of Panasonic, Matsushita Konosuke.
As you walk through the entrance, you’ll see two colorful statues of a man and a woman, representing two guardians of the temple. Beyond the entrance is a 250-meter-long street called Nakamise, which leads to the second gate of the temple. You may be surprised that the street is packed with souvenir shops: this is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, where shops opened already in the early 18th century to meet the needs of the numerous pilgrims flocking to the temple.
In addition to the main temple, the Senso-ji complex also includes a large number of structures spread around a huge Japanese-style garden, which is well worth a visit. Let me point out the most significant ones. The most immediately visible one is the five-story pagoda to the left of the second entrance to the temple. It was built in 1973 to replace an earlier three-story pagoda which had been completely destroyed.
On the same side, almost next to the main hall, you’ll see another small pagoda built in red wood, the oldest one in the complex. It was built in 1649 to replace an earlier one. This pagoda, which survived the World War II bombing raids, was placed in its current position in 1994. Another building that survived the war is the one next to it, called Awashimado, which for a few years was home to the statue of Guanyin, after the main hall was destroyed by the air raids. Awashimado dates to the early 18th century, and is dedicated to women.
To the right of the main hall is a Torii, or entrance to a sacred place, a typical feature of Japanese architecture. It has a simple structure, with two vertical supporting columns and a horizontal pole on the top, usually vermillion in color. This one is white, and leads to another shrine, called Asakusa Jinja, dedicated to the three founders of the temple: the two fishermen brothers who found the statue of Guanyin, and the chief of the brothers’ village.
Not far from the main hall, you’ll find a structure known as the “building of the shadows”, with numerous statues of Buddhist deities inside. To reach it, you have to cross the little Ishibashi bridge, the oldest in Tokyo, built in 1618. Lastly, don’t miss the Cenbo-in Garden, which is not usually very busy. Created alongside some delightful little ponds, it has some features that continuously alter the garden’s landscape. An interesting fact: opposite the Awashimado shrine is an old stone lantern. It’s said that if a child passes under it, he or she will never suffer from worms or smallpox.
Meiji Sanctuary
The Meiji Shrine is the best-known Shinto shrine in Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Empress Shōken. It was Emperor Meiji, much loved by the Japanese, who moved the capital of Japan to Tokyo. He was largely responsible for the modernization of Japan and for making it a major international economic power. After his death in 1912, the Japanese parliament approved a resolution to commemorate his importance with a shrine, and the choice fell to an iris garden Emperor Meiji and his wife frequently visited.
Construction began in 1915, and the shrine was designed in traditional nagare-zukuri style, the main features, as you can see, are the asymmetrical roof and the use of Japanese cypress and copper. The shrine was inaugurated on November 1st, 1920. The building you can see today, however, was built in 1958, and is a copy of the original, which was destroyed during the Second World War.
It is located in the middle of a man-made evergreen forest, comprising 120,000 trees of 365 different species, donated by individuals from all over Japan. The complex is divided into two main areas: the Naien, or inner precinct, where you can find the shrine and the small Treasure Museum with objects and jewels that belonged to the emperor and his wife. The museum is built in Azekura-zukuri style, i.e. with an exclusively joined-log structure.
The Gaien, or outside precinct, comprises the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, with a collection of 80 large murals illustrating the life of the emperor and his wife. You’ll also find a large number of sports facilities here, including the National Stadium.
A number of ceremonial procedures are required to enter the complex: you must bow before the entrance, wash your hands and face, and then bow twice again in front of the shrine, clap your hands and lower your head another two times.
Shinjuku Garden
The splendid Shinjuku Gyoen, unlike other parks in Tokyo, is divided into three very different areas: a French-style garden, an English-style garden, and a traditional Japanese-style garden. The garden dates to the time of Emperor Meiji, when Japan began opening up to Western culture.
The area was originally the site of a Japanese garden, created in 1772 for the palace of a daimyo, or feudal lord, from the Edo Period. After this era came to an end and the country returned to imperial rule, both the residence and the land were converted into an experimental agriculture facility, and later into a botanical garden. It was not until 1879 that it became an actual imperial garden, and in 1906, it was redesigned and laid out in the form we can see today.
The visit to this enormous 58,000-square-meter garden, with a circumference of three and a half kilometers, is a truly unique experience. The French garden, with its geometric layout based on symmetrical flowerbeds, featuring sculpted hedges, statues, water features and magnificent perspectives. The less formal English garden is based on alternating natural and man-made elements, including grottoes, brooks, centuries-old trees, shrubbery, pagodas, shrines and ruins, which you can admire on your stroll through what seems like an enchanted forest.
You’ll finally come out into a splendid Japanese garden, featuring an abundance of ponds, bridges and brooks, created to resemble miniature versions of Japanese mountain landscapes. There are around 10,000 trees growing in the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, including the first Himalayan cedars and cypresses planted in Japan. Thanks to the cherry blossoms in spring, the pale green hues of summer, the chrysanthemums and colorful leaves of autumn and the snow-covered winter landscapes, this is the ideal place to explore nature and enjoy the changing seasons.
Hama-rikyu Gardens
Hama-rikyu stands out from other gardens in Tokyo in that it isn’t known for its weeping cherry blossom or maple foliage, but its bright pink plum trees that blossom in late winter. This tranquil garden, once a hunting ground for the Tokugawa shogunate, now cowers in the shadow of the Shiodome development. The garden’s main appeal lies in the abundance of water in and around it and the fact that it feels deceptively spacious, thanks to beautiful landscaping. Located on reclaimed land, it is surrounded by an ancient walled moat with two entrances, over the Otemon and Naka-no-gomon bridges (it’s also possible to reach Hama-rikyu by boat from Asakusa). The focal points are the huge tidal pond, which contains two islands (one with a teahouse) connected to the shore by charming wooden bridges, and a photogenic 300-year-old pine tree.
Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum (Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) is the oldest and largest of Japan’s top-level national museums, which also include the Kyoto National Museum, the Nara National Museum and the Kyushu National Museum. It was originally established in 1872 at Yushima Seido Shrine and moved to its current location in Ueno Park a few years later.
The Tokyo National Museum features one of the largest and best collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan, made up of over 100,000 individual items including nearly a hundred national treasures. At any one time, about 4000 different items from the permanent museum collection are on display. In addition, visiting temporary exhibitions are also held regularly. Good English information and audio guides are available.
Imperial Palace
The large gardens around the Imperial Palace roughly coincide with the area once occupied by the Edo Castle, for centuries the largest fortress in the world. It was home to over 150,000 people, including officials, soldiers and servants of the Shogun, the military generals who governed the city at the time. The whole area is surrounded by moats and rivers which were once crossed by wooden bridges, now replaced by bridges built in stone, reinforced concrete or iron. The imperial palace, called Kyūden, and the headquarters of the Imperial Household Agency are located in the former west citadel of the castle.
The new complex was completed in 1968 in a modernist style, with clear references to Japanese architecture, such as the large pavilion roof. It is divided into six buildings, containing the emperor’s offices, gala reception and dining rooms, as well as the residences of the imperial family. A small part of the interior can be visited by guided tours, which must be booked through the Imperial Household Agency, which you’ll find in the park.
Among the structures you can admire in the gardens the Tenshukaku, the central tower of the Edo Castle and stretches of the castle walls. The only three buildings dating to the Edo Period still standing are the lookout towers in the area along the moat. They have three floors, and you can spot them thanks to their characteristic pagoda roofs. In the gardens, you’ll also find most of the administrative buildings, including the Tokagakudo Imperial Concert Hall, structures for the guards such as the Saineikan meditation hall, a Japanese garden and the Museum of the Imperial Collections.
The Suwa no chaya, a tea room reconstructed as it was during the time of the Edo Castle, just behind the concert hall is worth a visit. The keep of the Edo Castle had a base of 41 by 45 meters and a height of 11 meters, which was the foundation of a 51-meter, five-story fort, making it the tallest tower in Japan. It was destroyed by fire in 1657, however, and was never rebuilt.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is one of the most universally known symbols of the city. With a height of 333 meters, it is the second-highest structure in Japan. In compliance with air safety regulations, it is painted orange and white, making it easily visible from a distance and bringing a dash of color to the futuristic skyline of the city. Built in 1958 and modeled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tokyo Tower was initially used as a broadcasting antenna and observation point, while today it is one of the city’s major tourist attractions: although it still transmits TV and radio signals, it has been visited by over 150 million people since it was built.
Two fast elevators take visitors up to the terraces, which offer breath-taking views over Tokyo from heights of 150 and 250 meters. Beneath the tower is a four-story building, known as Foot Town, with restaurants, stores and even a playground. On the first floor is an aquarium. It’s one of the largest in the world, with some 50,000 fish of 900 different species. There’s also a restaurant with a capacity of up to 400 people, as well as the elevators. On the second floor, there are stores and fast-food restaurants, while on the third and fourth floors you’ll find a series of rooms dedicated to interactive games based on the “One Piece” manga series, as well as a store selling one of the largest selections of comics in the city.
On the roof of Foot Town is a small children’s park. From here, you can avoid the lift if you like, and take the 660 steps up to the main observation deck. The choice is yours! At night, the tower is lit up with 176 projectors: orange from October 2nd to July 6th, and white from July 7th until October 1st.
