Tokyo boasts numerous iconic tourist spots that will enthrall any visitor, from traditional temples to sampling local Tokyo cuisine at izakayas – there’s something here for everyone in this vibrant megacity!
Studio Ghibli Museum is an absolute must for those who love Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films, with many beloved characters from My Neighbour Totoro, Castle in the Sky and Nausicaa featured. And with the numerous Cathay Pacific flights available, including Sydney to Tokyo, why not visit them all?
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple stands as an iconic and traditional Buddhist temple of Tokyo’s Asakusa district, known for its striking features that have drawn tourists for over 1,300 years – drawing people of all backgrounds as visitors flock here! Attracting many tourists with its impressive gates decorated by rows of red lanterns that glow beautifully at nighttime, Sensoji Temple remains a must-visit destination.
Sensoji can be entered through Kaminarimon or “Thunder Gate.” This impressive structure boasts two statues representing Fujin-sama or wind and Raijin-sama or thunder and lightning respectively. A giant red lantern bearing the kanji letters for “thunder gate” sits above this entranceway while an accompanying green plaque reads Kinryuzan or Golden Dragon Mountain is found just above.
After entering through the gates, you will enter Nakamise-dori, a shopping street leading directly to the main temple complex. Here, traditional Japanese shops provide an array of souvenirs ranging from traditional goods to modern gifts. Additionally, many stores also provide oracle readings whereby, for a small donation fee, an oracle will offer guidance in answering any question that arises about any topic imaginable.
As soon as you step foot inside Sensoji’s Hondo – its main hall – you will witness some of Japan’s finest artworks painted directly onto its ceiling and upper walls. Although you are free to roam freely within this open hall, certain parts may not allow entry for certain reasons so be sure to ask guards for advice if unsure. In addition to its main temple there are also several other halls worth seeing within Sensoji which make this trip well worthwhile.
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree stands as the second tallest structure and is an unforgettable symbol of city. Opened in 2011, this tower serves as a broadcasting, restaurant and observation tower as well as being primary television and radio broadcast site in greater Tokyo area. Embellished with an original hue inspired by “aijiro,” a light shade of blue used in traditional Japanese painting techniques; visitors to this spectacular attraction enjoy both stunning architecture as well as incredible illumination shows at night!
Tokyo residents were initially taken aback when this skyscraper’s futuristic design initially shocked them, but now its presence has become part of their cityscape. Its striking slender silhouette stands out even more at night when illuminated with various colors and patterns from lighting effects.
The tower’s two observatories provide breathtaking vistas of Tokyo. The lower-deck observatory, known as Tembo Deck, stands 350 meters high with glass floor panels for dizzying views down into Tokyo streets below. Meanwhile, above digital broadcasting antennas lies Tembo Galleria which features a circular glass corridor offering even more vertiginous thrills.
The exterior of the Skytree tower is painted a unique hue inspired by traditional Japanese hue, Aijiro. This color symbolizes harmony with both sky and nature as well as being symbolic of today and tomorrow. Not only is its visual beauty remarkable; so too is its engineering brilliance: its core column made of reinforced concrete houses elevator shafts and emergency staircases but is not part of its support structure which relies solely on steel beams for support – resulting in one of the world’s most efficient and sustainable buildings.
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu offers an escape from Tokyo’s modernity, set amid a sacred forest of over 100,000 trees. Established in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this revered shrine remains one of Japan’s most visited. The inner area, called Naien, boasts 700,000 square meters of greenery spanning 700000 square meters; inside this oasis lies an elegant museum that displays valuable articles belonging to them both; other popular events at Meiji Jingu include Kigensai on February 11 where portable shrines are paraded; Joyasai on December 31 where offerings to gods are made; both events remain popular among visitors today.
Gaien (formerly Gaijien Park) features an expansive park with plenty of room for strolling. Here can be found two important buildings – Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and National Stadium which was constructed for the 1964 Olympic Games by architect Kenzo Tange – along with beautiful gardens such as Iris Garden designed by Emperor Meiji for his wife to refresh herself, Kiyomasa Well, which is said to possess healing powers, and Kiyomasa Well rumoured to be used as medicine source.
Meiji Jingu is an ideal spot to visit at any time of year, but particularly popular during New Year’s Eve when two million visitors gather here for Hatsumode (the initial shrine visit of each new year). Additionally, visitors may come here regularly and leave prayers or wishes in wooden plaques called Ema hung up at the shrine – many Shinto and Buddhist worshippers write them believing their kami (gods or spirits) can read them and hear their prayers!
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo’s largest park, is an oasis of garden bliss where visitors can find everything from traditional Japanese gardens to English and French style gardens. Divided into three sections for easy navigation, visitors will discover perfectly maintained shrubs and foliage as well as several ponds featuring small islands and bridges adorned with bridges adorned with small islands and bridges dotted throughout. Plus there is even a teahouse located within this enchanting garden paradise which serves traditional Japanese tea and other refreshments!
Shinjuku Gyoen’s main draw is its collection of traditional Japanese garden buildings. Many were originally constructed for use by Imperial family but are now open to the public; Kyu Goryotei stands out as being an incredible piece from this collection, built to honor Showa Emperor’s wedding and considered one of Japan’s most stunning traditional landscape gardens; becoming an integral part of Shinjuku Gyoen history in its own right.
There are also other traditional buildings within the park, including a gate and tea house, along with various species of birds that call this spot home and provide cherry blossom viewing during spring.
Shinjuku Gyoen can be enjoyed year-round, but the spring and fall are especially captivating times to visit as over 1,000 cherry trees bloom and the leaves change color. Additionally, there’s a greenhouse within the park to offer comfort on rainy days; making this must-visit destination for anyone visiting Tokyo.
Odaiba Statue of Liberty
Odaiba’s Statue of Liberty is one of Tokyo’s top attractions for visitors. Replicated from New York, visitors will marvel at all its intricate details that comprise this magnificent statue.
Odaiba Statue of Liberty was initially built to honor Japan’s relationship with France, who donated its original statue of Liberty to the US in 1886. Although initially intended as temporary display, due to overwhelming demand it became permanent in 2000.
Visitors to Odaiba can easily reach it using the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi station to Toyosu, taking either stop to Odaiba before walking off-board to view the Statue of Liberty.
Odaiba is a popular tourist attraction, offering plenty of things to do for its visitors. Shopping opportunities abound here as well as several museums and entertainment venues such as bbq beach, ferris wheel ride, Japanese science museum Tokyo Joypolis, life size Gundam robot.
The Statue of Liberty is an attractive landmark that attracts photographers. From all sides, its striking silhouette provides stunning photos of Tokyo’s skyline; at night when illuminated and reflected back in water it looks particularly striking. Odaiba offers many attractions so take some time out of your trip to explore it fully; cruise around Odaiba can add even more pleasure.
