City guide
Tokyo's first-visit centre is a long east–west strip: temple streets in Asakusa, museums and markets around Ueno, the Marunouchi–Ginza core, then Shibuya and Shinjuku. A good first day is choosing which stretch of that line to walk, and which to skip.
Not listed here: opening hours, prices, closures and events. They change, so check them before you go.
20 places across 6 areas. Every fact links to its source.
Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, in Asakusa. Tradition holds that it was founded in 628 after fishermen found a statue of Kannon in the Sumida River; the present main hall was rebuilt after World War II.
Indoors & outdoors · Best in the morning · 40–75 min (estimate)
Asakusa
The outer gate of Sensō-ji on Nakamise-dōri, known for a large red chōchin lantern. The present gate dates from a 1960 reconstruction; the lantern is replaced periodically.
Outdoors · Any time · 10–20 min (estimate)
Asakusa
A broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, completed in 2012. At 634 m it is the tallest structure in Japan; the two public observation decks are at about 350 m and 450 m.
Indoors · Best at sunset · 60–120 min (estimate)
Ginza & Tokyo Station
The central railway station in Marunouchi, opened in 1914. Its restored red-brick Marunouchi façade faces the Imperial Palace gardens; the station is a major hub for Shinkansen and local lines.
Indoors & outdoors · Any time · 20–40 min (estimate)
Ginza & Tokyo Station
A district in Chūō known for upscale retail and department stores along Chūō-dōri. It was rebuilt as a brick town after the 1872 fire and remains one of Tokyo's main commercial centres.
Indoors & outdoors · Best in daytime · 40–75 min (estimate)
Shibuya & Harajuku
The scramble crossing in front of Shibuya Station's Hachikō Exit, where pedestrians from all directions cross at once. It is one of Tokyo's most filmed street scenes.
Outdoors · Best in the evening · 15–30 min (estimate)
Shibuya & Harajuku
A Shinto shrine in Shibuya dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, established in 1920. The shrine forest was planted with roughly 100,000 trees donated from across Japan.
Outdoors · Best in the morning · 40–75 min (estimate)
Shinjuku
The twin-tower headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Nishi-Shinjuku, designed by Kenzo Tange and completed in 1991. Free observation decks on the north and south towers overlook the city.
Indoors · Best at sunset · 40–75 min (estimate)
None of them is “the best”. Each one gives up something to get something else.
One east-to-west first day: temple and tower in Asakusa, the brick station façade, then Shibuya's crossing and Meiji Shrine.
Simple rules over the places on this page. Nothing is generated, and every change says why.
Schematic map, not for navigation. Use “Open in maps” for directions.
All times are estimates.
Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, in Asakusa. Tradition holds that it was founded in 628 after fishermen found a statue of Kannon in the Sumida River; the present main hall was rebuilt after World War II.
About 5 min by walking
The approach street between Kaminarimon and Sensō-ji's inner gate, lined with shops selling snacks and souvenirs. It is among the oldest shopping streets tied to a temple approach in Japan.
About 20 min by walking
A broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, completed in 2012. At 634 m it is the tallest structure in Japan; the two public observation decks are at about 350 m and 450 m.
About 30 min by MTR
The central railway station in Marunouchi, opened in 1914. Its restored red-brick Marunouchi façade faces the Imperial Palace gardens; the station is a major hub for Shinkansen and local lines.
About 25 min by MTR
The scramble crossing in front of Shibuya Station's Hachikō Exit, where pedestrians from all directions cross at once. It is one of Tokyo's most filmed street scenes.
About 30 min by walking
A Shinto shrine in Shibuya dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, established in 1920. The shrine forest was planted with roughly 100,000 trees donated from across Japan.
Your trip, not this guide
This page shows places and day routes. To decide whether Tokyo fits you — against alternatives — add your origin, dates, budget, and what matters.
Build my Tokyo decisionWe only list facts that stay true. These change too often to show without a live source:
