Tokyo rewards curiosity at every turn. One moment you’re beneath a cedar canopy, listening to wind through leaves at a centuries-old shrine. Minutes later, you’re gazing across a neon skyline from a glass deck hundreds of metres in the air. That contrast is why the city keeps people coming back.
This guide, curated by Three Bears Travel, brings together classic sights, trending art spaces, quiet gardens and lively districts. It balances headline attractions with local tips, with options for families, food lovers and anyone chasing a brilliant city break in 2026.
Top places to visit in Tokyo: a complete travel guide
Must-see landmarks in Tokyo
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine Tokyo sits inside a pocket of forest between Harajuku and Yoyogi. Step through the giant torii gate and street noise fades. A broad gravel path leads to the main hall where visitors pause, bow, and offer a quiet wish. Early mornings feel almost private, and summer shade makes it a cool retreat.
Practical pointers:
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Arrive from JR Harajuku or Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station
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Combine with Takeshita Street or Omotesando for a contrast of calm and buzz
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Seasonal charm: spring irises in the Inner Garden, autumn colour across the grounds
Keywords to help plan: Meiji Jingu, things to do in Shibuya Tokyo, meiji shrine tokyo
Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street
Asakusa Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and draws visitors from around Japan. Walk through the Kaminari-mon gate, past giant lanterns and into Nakamise Shopping Street. Stalls sell ningyo-yaki cakes filled with sweet bean paste, senbei rice crackers, and small crafts that make easy gifts. Incense drifts from the main hall; locals waft it toward themselves for good luck.
Tips:
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Aim for early morning or later evening to avoid big crowds
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Try a rickshaw ride for a quick circuit of Asakusa Tokyo
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Wander to Kappabashi Kitchen Town for sharp knives and food models
Keywords to weave into your notes: asakusa sensoji temple, Nakamise Shopping Street Tokyo
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree rises above the east side of the city with two viewing decks and a glass-floored section that makes stomachs flutter. Clear days deliver views to Mount Fuji, and evenings bring a sea of lights. The attached Solamachi mall makes snacks, souvenirs and an aquarium easy to add.
A common question pops up: Tokyo Tower vs Skytree. Tokyo Tower is classic, central and nostalgic; Skytree is taller, modern and built for wide panoramas. Many visitors do both and call it even.
Imperial Palace Plaza and Hamarikyu Gardens
Imperial Palace Tokyo is surrounded by moats and stone walls that hint at Edo’s past. The Plaza and East Gardens are open areas where cyclists glide by, runners do laps, and office workers picnic on clear days. A few stops away, Hamarikyu Gardens provides tidal ponds, maple-lined paths and a tea house where matcha and wagashi are served with a view. It’s hard to beat that pause from the city.
Keywords worth noting in your plan: imperial palace tokyo, Hamarikyu Gardens Tokyo
Tokyo’s districts to put on your map
Tokyo works like a cluster of small cities. Each area has its own rhythm, food and late-night habits. Pick a few and work them deeply rather than skimming ten.
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Shinjuku Tokyo: Skyscraper views at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, tiny bars across Golden Gai, ramen joints under the tracks, and late-night yakitori in Omoide Yokocho
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Shibuya Crossing Tokyo: Iconic scramble, rooftop views from Shibuya Sky, and backstreets packed with cafes and vintage shops
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Akihabara Tokyo: Electronics, retro game stores, model kits and arcades. Look for gachapon shops and second-hand treasure
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Ginza: Flagship fashion, impeccable service, and polished sushi counters. Department store basements are a food playground
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Daikanyama and Nakameguro: Low-rise style, independent boutiques and quiet coffee bars beside the canal
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Odaiba: Waterfront walks, teamLab Tokyo experiences, and spacious malls suited to families on a rainy day
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Ueno and Yanaka: Museums, a zoo, lotus ponds and a slice of old Tokyo charm in winding lanes
A highlight for 2026: teamLab Planets in Toyosu is still a sensation. Bare feet, mirrored rooms, water that ripples as you move, and glowing floral installations set a new standard for immersive art. Time your booking and avoid peak midday slots.
Modern Culture & On the Water
Museums & Art Spaces
Tokyo’s creative pulse is felt in its world-class museums and immersive art venues. Wander through the whimsical Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, where animation storyboards and intricate displays bring beloved films to life—advance tickets are essential. Experience the boundary-pushing digital installations at teamLab Planets Tokyo, or explore contemporary galleries in Roppongi, where local and international artists share the spotlight.
Theme Parks & Family Days
For unforgettable family adventures, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea offer two distinct worlds in one city. Disneyland delivers classic, family-friendly magic, while DisneySea is uniquely Japanese, with themed ports and spectacular shows. Plan for weekday visits and use mobile apps to streamline your day.
Night Experiences
As evening falls, Tokyo transforms. Embark on a dinner cruise for skyline views and a taste of yakatabune tradition, or opt for a Tokyo water bus along the Sumida River—connecting Asakusa, Hamarikyu, and Odaiba—for a relaxing journey through illuminated cityscapes. Whether you’re seeking vibrant nightlife or tranquil waters, Tokyo’s evenings promise memorable moments.
Food and drink that define a visit
Tokyo holds the most Michelin stars worldwide, yet some of the best meals come from a counter with eight stools and a cook who knows your order by day two. Mix high and low.
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Sushi: From omakase masters to standing sushi bars, freshness is the constant. Book high-end counters weeks ahead
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Ramen: Tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso broths all shine. Expect small queues and quick turnover
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Tempura and tendon: Light batter, crisp prawn tails, or a bowl of tempura over rice with a soy glaze
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Wagyu: Try a yakiniku grill for a range of cuts you cook at the table
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Izakaya: Tokyo’s pub culture brings small plates, beer and highballs. Sit down, order a few bites, and let the staff guide you
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Sweets: Matcha parfaits, seasonal fruit cakes and taiyaki filled with custard or anko
Two underrated formats:
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Depachika: Department store food halls with perfect bentos, salads, grilled fish and sweets. Great for park picnics
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Convenience stores: Onigiri, egg sandwiches, and late-night snacks done surprisingly well
Tipping is not expected. A small bow and thank you go further than spare coins.
Seasonal planning for 2026
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Late March to early April: Cherry blossoms. Book early, and plan flexible days in case peak bloom shifts. Ueno Park, Meguro River and Chidorigafuchi boat rides draw big crowds
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May: Fresh greenery and comfortable temperatures. Ideal for long walking days
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June to mid-July: Rainy season. Pack a compact umbrella and choose more indoor sights on wet days
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Late July to August: Hot and humid. Start early, rest in air-conditioned cafes midday, and return out at dusk. Fireworks festivals add sparkle to evenings
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Late October to early December: Autumn colour in parks and temple grounds
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New Year period: Quiet streets, some closures, and peaceful shrine visits around 1 January
Sample itineraries
Short on time or keen to structure days around neighbourhoods and meals? These outlines keep logistics simple.
3 days in Tokyo
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Day 1: Meiji Jingu at opening time, Omotesando coffee, Harajuku snacks, Shibuya Crossing Tokyo and Shibuya Sky at sunset
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Day 2: Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Nakamise treats, Sumida River Tokyo water bus to Hamarikyu Gardens, dinner in Ginza
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Day 3: Akihabara Tokyo for retro games, teamLab Tokyo in Toyosu, ramen crawl in Shinjuku
5 days in Tokyo
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Day 1: Imperial Palace Tokyo Plaza walk, Marunouchi lunch, Nihonbashi shops
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Day 2: Ueno museums, Yanaka backstreets, craft beer near Okachimachi
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Day 3: Ghibli Museum Tokyo in Mitaka, Kichijoji park time and yakitori on Harmonica Yokocho
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Day 4: Tokyo Skytree morning views, Solamachi snacks, Oshiage backstreets, sumo stables area stroll in Ryogoku
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Day 5: Free day for Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea Tokyo, or swap in a Tokyo dinner cruise
Getting around and city hacks
Tokyo transport is clean, safe and on time. Signs and announcements appear in English across most lines.
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IC cards: Suica and PASMO work on trains, metro, buses and many shops. Mobile Suica on Apple Pay or Google Pay is the simplest setup for visitors
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Airport links: Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner keep luggage easy. From Haneda, the Monorail or Keikyu line reaches central stations quickly
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Maps and apps: Use offline maps and real-time route planners. Stations have clear exit numbers that point straight to landmarks
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Private car Tokyo: Families with kids or travellers arriving late at night may prefer an arranged transfer. Hotels can book reliable drivers
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Taxis: Clean and cashless-friendly. Doors open and close automatically
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Shinkansen Japan: For side trips to Kyoto, Kanazawa or Sendai, book reserved seats. Store big bags in end-of-car spaces or use delivery services
Money and connectivity:
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Cards are accepted widely, though small ramen shops may be cash only
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ATMs that accept foreign cards sit inside 7-Eleven and Japan Post offices
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eSIMs and pocket Wi-Fi rentals keep data flowing
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Power is Type A at 100 volts. Many hotels provide universal adapters on request
Manners that make your days smoother:
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Keep voices low on trains, set phones to silent and avoid eating inside carriages
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At shrines, rinse hands at the chozuya before approaching the main hall
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Queues are respected. Stand on the left on most escalators in Tokyo, except in some areas where the norm flips
Working with Three Bears Travel
Planning ahead makes all the difference. Three Bears Travel handles reservations, transport and hidden-gem bookings so your days stay light and spontaneous. Tokyo rewards curiosity — let the moments in between the landmarks surprise you.
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