Tokyo Top 10

The top 10 things to see and do in Tokyo, according to me. Some items in this list are a group of places that make sense to do or visit together, due to proximity. I’ve weighted the list heavily towards “central” Tokyo, and also included items that would give first-time visitors to Tokyo a general sense of the city.

(1) Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace Grounds

See: Tokyo Imperial Palace jogging map

(2) Tsukiji Market and Ginza

(sadly, the old market has recently close) See: How to visit Tsukiji fish market (Tsukiji fish market map) 築地市場を訪問する方法
Some views of Ginza at night: Day and night: beauty falls on Tokyo

(3) Hibiya Park and Hibiya Hall

Hibiya Park is Japan’s first Western-style park. It’s not very large, but often has fun events on the weekend and is a welcome respite from the city, and is easily accessible to the Yurakucho and Ginza neighborhoods.

(4) Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park; Harajuku and Omotesando

Meiji shrine: a wooded and tranquil escape from the city, but very convenient
Yoyogi park: always active and vibrant
Harajuku: not a place you need to so too often, but worth visiting once

And Cat street: meandering pedestrian street with shopping and people-watching…

(5) Shibuya crossing and surrounding area

Shibuya Crossing
Hachiko: even if you’re not interested, you kind of have to see this sculpture, as it is a mere feet away from Shibuya crossing
Taro Okamoto’s “Myth of Tomorrow” mural
Shibuya Center Gai センター街: the main pedestrian shopping street and heart of Shibuya
Love Hotel Hill: see this map of most/all of the hotels of “Love Hotel Hill” (map)
(now under construction) Shibuya Miyashita Park. The old version of the elevated park included rock climbing and skateboarding.
Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard’s Alley) 渋谷のんべい横丁: crowded area of tiny, old bars

(6) Yokohama Waterfront

Not in Tokyo, but nearby, and worth a visit. See: “I am waiting” for scenes from Yokohama’s waterfront

Old railroad bridge, lined with cherry trees, leading to the waterfront:

Former elevated train line, now a pedestrian path:

(7) Old Manseibashi Station 万世橋駅遺構

This former train station is now home to mAAche ecute, a mixed-used retail facility.

*Outside, inside, and above old Manseibashi Station*

(8) 3331 Arts Chiyoda (closing March 2023)

Former school, now a wonderful space for art galleries and other creative activities. See: 3331 Arts Chiyoda アーツ千代田3331. Sadly, this facility is closing indefinitely for renovations in March 2023.

(9) Yanaka

Although located in the heart heart of central Tokyo, Yanaka follows a slower pace. The neighborhood is set on a hill above the city, which made it a popular location for many temples. Major points of interest include Yanaka Cemetery, Yanaka Ginza shopping street, and Snake Street, a meandering shopping street that used to be a river. (See: I love Yanaka 谷中好きです！)

And the wonderful Yanaka Beer Hall 谷中ビアホール:

(10) Jiyugaoka and Todoroki Ravine

Jiyugaoka is a fun and laid-back neighborhood good for shopping, dining, and just going for a stroll. Nearby is the Todoroki Ravine, an almost magical stream that cuts fairly deep below the neighboring residential streets.