The current Imperial Palace sits at the former site of the Edo Castle surrounded by large moats and stone walls. It’s a short walk from Tokyo Station and is the household of the Imperial Family. The Edo Castle used to be occupied by Shogun Tokugawa who ruled Japan from 1603 - 1868. In 1868, the shogun was overthrown in what is known as the Meiji Restoration, and the country’s capital and Imperial Family moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. The palace was built in 1888, but destroyed once during the Second World War. It was rebuilt to it’s exact same style right afterwards.

Today, parts of the Imperial Palace are opened to the public. The inner grounds are usually closed except on January 2nd for a New Years greeting and on February 23rd for the Emperors birthday. The Imperial family makes appearances from a balcony on these special occasions. You can take a stroll around the Imperial Palace East Gardens, see the many bridges and moats from hundreds of years ago or even visit the Museum of Imperial Collections.

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111

Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday, 9:00am - 11:15am, 1:30pm - 2:45pm

Website: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html

How to get there: There are several gates to enter from, but the Otemon Gate is the main entrance. It is a 5 minute walk from the Otemachi Station on the Chiyoda, Tozai, Hanzomon, Marunouchi and Mita subway lines. It’s a 15 minute walk from Tokyo Station.

 

Yasukuni Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Japan’s war dead. It was founded in 1869 for the purpose of enshrining those who have died fighting for their country. There are roughly 2.5 million spirits enshrined there who have fought for their country since the Meiji Restoration in 1868 to now - their names are noted along with origin, date and place of death.

Since World War II, there have been controversies surrounding this shrine in that 14 Class A war criminals are enshrined. Prime Ministers visiting the shrine has further stirred controversies due to regards concerning the violation of separate church and state.

The shrine also features a large museum about wars Japan’s been involved in from a conservative Japanese point of view.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address: 3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8246　

Hours: 6am - 6pm (6am - 5pm from November-February)

Website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/

How to get there: A 5 minute walk from Kudanshita Station, Exit 1 on the Tokyo Metro Tozai, Hanzomon, and Toei Shinjuku lines. A 10 minute walk on the Iidabashi or Ichigaya Station on the JR Sobu and Chuo Lines.

 

Centuries ago, this area was believed to be the former resident home of a Samurai who was a close confidant to the ruling Tokugawa Family. Fast forward to now, this traditional garden is now famous for it’s well manicured scenery for weddings, celebrations banquets and a green tea ceremony experience for overseas visitors.

The garden is centered around a pond with koi fish in it. It also features centuries old bonsai trees. Everything about the garden is grounded in Japanese culture - the architecture, design, layout, culinary techniques, art and music. The garden is also not crowded with people and typically very quiet - a nice change of pace from tourist destinations in the midst of Tokyo.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Tokyo Cheapo

Address:  1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071

Hours: 10am - 8:30pm (Open 9am on weekends)

Website: https://www.happo-en.com/banquet/about/

How to get there: About a 20 minute walk from either Gotanda or Meguro Station on the JR Lines.

 

Opening up in 1959, the National Museum of Western Art is Japan’s only national institution devoted to western art. It started off with the Matsukata Collection which focused on impressionist art and Auguste Rodin's sculptures previously owned by the French. Since it’s opening, the museum has been collecting works ranging from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Every year, it has bought and collected art from around the world in order to expand and educate people in Western Art. The museum features arts by artists such as Money, Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir and much more. It also has a nice garden to take a stroll in.

Entrance fee: 500 Yen for adults, 200 yen for University, Free for 65&over/18&under

Photo credit: Japan Visitor

Address: 7-7 Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007, JAPAN (Located in Ueno Park)

Hours: Closed Mondays and New Years holiday, 9:30am - 5:30pm (8pm Fridays and Saturdays)

*If Monday is a holiday then it is open and closed the next day

Tel: (03)5777-8600

Website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/index.html

How to get there: A 1 minute walk from Ueno Station, Park Exit on the JR Lines.

 

This large public park is famous for many museums and a zoo. The Ueno Park used to be the Kaneiji Temple - the largest and wealthiest Temple in the city. It was owned by the ruling Tokugawa family during the Edo Period, but during the Boshin Civil War which followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the victorious forces of the new ruling Meiji government overthrew the shogunate’s with massive destruction including the temple. The grounds were then converted into one of Japan’s first western style park a long with the openings of a zoo and museums

Today the park is famous for it’s many museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, National Museum for Western Art and more. It is also home to the famous Ueno Zoo.

Additionally, Ueno is very famous for it’s thousands of cherry blossom during the springtime. It;s one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

Entrance fee: free

Photo credit: Live Japan

Address: Ikenohata 3-8, Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007

Hours: 5am - 11pm

Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html

How to get there: A 2 minute walk from Ueno Station on the JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines.

 

Discover anime and manga heaven at this massive shopping complex in Nakano. While Akihabara is known to be the center of anime and manga, Nakano Broadway is the hidden, secret sibling. it’s a hidden gem in the outskirts of Tokyo. The second and third floors are where most of anime and manga goods are while the first and basement floors sell produce, clothes, second hand goods and shoes. They also have many antiique shops including watch shops, camera shops, video games and little souvenir shops as well.

Don’t miss out on the following stores:

• The dozen or so Mandarake shops selling anime and manga goods

• The world famous Bar Zingaro with the 2004 World Barista Champion and 2005 World Cup Tasting Champion Tim Wendelboe’s coffee beans and book 

• 8 layer ice cream at Daily Chico

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Live Japan

Address: 5-52 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001

Hours: Varies on store, but typically around 11am - 7pm

Website: https://nakano-broadway.com/

How to get there: A 5 minute walk from Nakano Station on the JR Line.

 

One of the best views of Tokyo can be seen atop the Tokyo’s government building. This 243 meter tall building houses an observation deck at 202 meters. With favorable weather conditions, you can see Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Dome. The north observation deck is open later at night making it a very popular spot to get a scenic view of cities night time lights.

The second story holds a tourist information center and at times, there are volunteer tour guides who can show you around restricted areas in the government building.

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address: 2−8−1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Hours: 9:30am - 10:30pm

Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html#h2-01

How to get there: Direct access from Tocho-mae Station on the Tokyo Metro Oedo Line or a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Line.

 

The Tokyo Dome City is an entertainment complex that features the massive Tokyo Dome baseball stadium, an amusement park, the Laqua hot spring and spa and variety of restaurants and shops. Here is a simple guide of 5 things you can do at Tokyo Dome City:

• The Tokyo Dome is a massive indoor baseball stadium that seats 55,000 people. It’s home to the Yomiuri Giants. When there are no games, concerts, festivals, shows and events are held inside the Dome.

• Laqua Spa is a popular relaxation spot with hot springs, saunas and pools. Soak in a traditional Japanese onsen here. The hot spring comes from water dug from 1 km underground.

• Right next to the Tokyo Dome is a noticeable amusement park with rides and carnival games. Some if it’s popular rides include the Ferris wheel where you can sing karaoke in side, their signature Thunder Dolphin ride that goes up to 130km/hr (80mph) and an 80 foot tower drop ride.

• Beers and bowling at CuBar lounge. They have a menu of many draft beers, whiskeys and cocktails you’ve never heard of…all while bowling!

• Peek through the ultra large 4k screen of the universe at Sora Theater in the TenQ Space Museum.

Entrance Fee: Depends on attraction

Photo credit: Tokyo Dome Website

Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004

Hours: Varies on store/attraction but varies from 10am - 9pm

Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/

How to get there: A 3 minute walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines. Or a 3 minute walk from Korakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines.

 

The Toyosu Fish Market is the successor of the historical Tsukiji Fish Market. Opening up in 2018, it became the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. Tourists can view the market from a viewing deck on the second floor. When entering the market, you need a visitors pass to be able to get to the viewing deck. Within the complex, you can eat at restaurants that are direct implants from the market.

The market is housed in 3 interconnected buildings - 2 for fish and seafood and 1 for fruits and vegetables. Compared to the lively, authentic action that filled Tsukiji’s atmosphere, Toyosu is a lot more organized and sterile - only clearly marked areas can be visited by tourists.

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Tokyo Cheapo

Address: 6-3 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061

Hours: Market is open from 5am-5pm, but most shops open at about 7am. Closed Sundays and National Holidays.

Website: https://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/

How to get there: A 5 minute walk on the Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line.

 

The Tsukiji Fish Market consists of a few blocks with narrow alleys lined up with wholesale and retail shops a long with restaurants and food stands. Within these shops, you can find fresh seafood, produce, delicious seafood and even kitchen items like knives. A visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market can include a sushi breakfast or lunch as the restaurants and shops are typically opened at 5am and opened until a little past noon. Most of the seafood sold here comes directly from the Toyosu Fish Market, making it one of the best places to enjoy fresh seafood in Tokyo.

The Tsukiji Fish Market opened up in 1935 when it replaced a different fish market in Nihonbashi that was destroyed in the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923. This market was the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world until it moved in 2018 to the Toyosu Fish Market which is where the current fish market is located. Although it relocated, most of the shops and stores remain in Tsukiji, making it a unique place to visit for seafood.

While your’e in the area, also check out the Namiyoke Inari Shrine - the local shrine for the fish market. The shrine literally means “protection from the waves”.

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Tokyo Cheapo

Address: 4-16-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045

Hours: Depending on store, typically opened as early as 5 am and closes around 2pm.

Website: https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/

How to get there: A 1 minute walk from the Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or a 1 minute walk from the Tsukijishijo Station on the Tokyo Metro Toei Oedo Line.