One of the world’s largest megacities, Tokyo is a place where bustling, ultra-modern districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ginza coexist with traditional neighbourhoods like Asakusa, Kanda and Nezu, where the atmosphere of old Edo still lingers. Despite being home to some 14 million people, the city is rich in greenery, with expansive spaces such as Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen woven into the urban fabric.
From skylines lined with high-rises and promenades along the Sumida River, to centuries-old shrines and temples and a food scene that’s second to none, Tokyo is packed with more attractions than anyone could hope to keep track of.
Enter this list: our curated selection of 88 must-visit spots, from essential landmarks to locally loved shops and lesser-known gems. Use it as a guide to explore Tokyo and discover the distinct charms and character of each neighbourhood.
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SKAC (Skwat Kameari Art Centre)
A makeshift collective cultural space hidden under the Joban Line railway tracks, SKAC houses an architectural office, an art book distributor, a tiny coffee shop and a record store that stands out among the city's countless repositories of analogue treasures.
Kakimori
Kakimori’s pens, inks and letter sets are curated based on how comfortable they are to use. Best of all are the bespoke notebooks, made to order in 30 to 90 minutes.
Tokyo Riverside Distillery
With sustainability at the heart of its operation, this distillery makes inventive spirits from ingredients that would otherwise go to waste. Stop by for a tasting or head to the bar and dining area to enjoy gin cocktails.
Kazunoya Oiwake
This bar and eatery hosts intense live performances of the Tsugaru shamisen, a traditional banjo-like instrument, along with shows centred on other forms of Japanese folk music.
Tokyo Skytree
Gaze out over the vastness of the world’s greatest city from the 634m-tall Tokyo Skytree’s twin observatories (at 350m and 450m high) before exploring the 300-plus shops and restaurants in Tokyo Solamachi at the foot of the tower.
Sumoland
A heavyweight of a restaurant, Sumoland near Tokyo’s main sumo stadium invites you to watch an authentic sumo show, savour hearty wrestler food and step into the ring for a bout yourself (but preferably not in that order).
Kappabashi Kitchenware Town
Looking to set up a restaurant? You’ll find everything you need in these streets – from pots, dishes and knives to colourful storefront lanterns, noren curtains and the unmissable plastic food samples.
Koganeyu
Once a humble neighbourhood sento, Koganeyu was transformed into a stylish, tattoo-friendly communal bathhouse in 2020, complete with a craft beer taproom that doubles as a DJ booth. Morning bathing is available from 6am to 9am.
Sumida Hokusai Museum
This museum is dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai, a famed ukiyo-e (woodblock print) artist. It showcases a collection of his masterpieces, including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
Mia Mia Kuramae
A friendly coffee joint housed in a beautifully renovated 120-year-old rice shop, Mia Mia serves up top-notch espresso-based drinks and transforms into a bar with vinyl tunes in the evenings. Lingered too long? No problem – there’s a ryokan inn upstairs.
V.A.
Vanguard of streetwear culture, Hiroshi Fujiwara is one of the masterminds behind Harajuku concept store V.A. (‘various artists’), which features a bakery and café as well as a pop-up retail space where you can shop the store's collab apparel and goods.
Shibuya Sky
Catch the best views of Tokyo from 229m above ground at the Sky Stage open-air observation area on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. One of the highlights here is the Sky Edge, a corner where you can look down at the cityscape without any obstruction.
Eriko Osawa Earthly Gelato
Gelato maestro and ‘vegetable sommelier’ Eriko Osawa collaborates with farmers across the country to craft flavours that highlight seasonal ingredients and the characteristics of their places of origin. More than half of her offerings are plant-based.
Night Market
Night Market is a pan-Asian restaurant promising a fresh culinary journey through the traditional flavours of countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, all reimagined with the inimitable flair of chef Chiaki Naito, formerly of the three-Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant L'Effervescence.
Shibuya Parco
Fashion megastore Parco is about more than just fits: tenants include a cool mix of shops and restaurants plus art galleries, a cinema and an entire floor dedicated to manga and gaming.
WWW
The tiered floor is a dead giveaway: gig spot WWW was once an arthouse cinema. The sound at sister venue WWW X upstairs is slightly different but equally powerful.
The Bellwood
This boundary-pushing cocktail bar explores the synergy between spirits and refreshments like coffee and tea in its innovative concoctions – and the backroom serves omakase sushi with cocktail pairings.
Sega Store Tokyo
The second Sega store in the world stocks a wide selection of products featuring Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Dr Robotnik (Dr Eggman in Japan), Like a Dragon and other fan favourites, ranging from keychains and acrylic stands to pillows and plushies.
Meiji Shrine & Inner Garden
Meiji Jingu is an urban oasis surrounded by a lush forest. Take a leisurely stroll through the verdant nature to discover a striking torii gate, a beautiful wall of sake barrels and impressive shrine buildings.
Ohjo Building
Built in 1964, the Ohjo Building is one of Tokyo's coolest cultural spaces. A repurposed café-turned-cabaret-turned-karaoke spot in the heart of Kabukicho, the fortress-like red-brick structure hosts everything from plays and gigs to fashion and contemporary art shows.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
More than 250 tiny drinking dens crammed into seven narrow alleys – this is Golden Gai, where each bar has a unique vibe, ranging from high-end cocktails to hard rock.
Udon Shin
This udon shop serves freshly made noodles that go down nice and smooth, plus sides like tempura. Don't miss the signature 'carbonara udon', topped with cheese and bacon tempura.
Coffee Zingaro
This café by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami features artwork and an interior inspired by the Showa era (1926-1989). Beyond sipping on coffee, you can also play retro games on the tables that double as gaming consoles.
Nakano Broadway
Akihabara? These days, the diehard otaku prefer to go to Nakano Broadway for its over 300 shops to get their fix – whether that involves manga, collectible figurines or high-end watches.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
Visit the free observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to fully appreciate the seemingly endless cityscape of our sprawling metropolis. Stay after dark for the spectacular projection mapping displays, which feature Godzilla on weekends and holidays.
Japan National Stadium Tour
Take a tour of the stadium that hosted the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. You can admire the architectural design of Japanese starchitect Kengo Kuma and even step onto the running track.
Daikanyama T-Site
This dreamy bookstore is stocked with a good range of English-language titles, art books, antique tomes and magazines. The second-floor lounge functions as a café and workspace.
DJ Bar Bridge
The spectacular views are combined with an impeccably tuned sound system at this laid-back DJ bar overlooking Shibuya's scramble crossing. Audio aficionados shouldn't have anything to complain about here, while laymen will appreciate the reasonably priced drinks.
Yayoi Kusama Museum
The world's first museum dedicated solely to Yayoi Kusama, this five-storey structure features about two exhibitions a year showcasing the contemporary artist's signature works. The exhibited works will change from exhibition to exhibition. Tickets can be purchased on the museum's website only.
teamLab Borderless: Mori Building Digital Art Museum Epson
Iconic digital art museum teamLab Borderless has relocated to the new Azabudai Hills complex. This captivating space boasts more than 70 immersive installations, where interactive art and futuristic technology intertwine seamlessly.
Pizza Studio Tamaki
The Naples-style pizza at this restaurant is unforgettable. Opt for the Tamaki with smoked mozzarella, pecorino romano, basil and cherry tomatoes, or try the seasonal pizza that changes every month.
Tokyo Confidential
Boasting a stunning rooftop view of Tokyo Tower, cocktail den Tokyo Confidential is a vibrant bar serving up good times and great hospitality. Its current menu concept is inspired by the iconic maneki neko lucky cats.
Kabukiza Theatre
Tokyo's main kabuki institution, Kabukiza Theatre has been an iconic landmark of Ginza since opening in 1889. The current building, reopened in 2013, is its fifth incarnation.
Ginza Six
One of Ginza’s largest commercial complexes isn’t just about retail therapy: there’s plenty of art here, too, beginning with a line-up of giant installations in the central atrium.
Ippodo Tea Aoyama Store
Kyoto-based Ippodo’s brand new Aoyama outpost is your one-stop shop for all things green tea, including freshly whisked top-grade matcha at the in-store tearoom and tips for brewing the perfect cuppa at home.
Sodden Frog
Two-Michelin-starred restaurant Florilège makes its first foray into the capital’s bar scene with Sodden Frog, where house-made ingredients from fresh herbs and veggies to fruit-infused spirits meet ultra-elevated bar bites.
Kuro Mame Tokyo
World Brewers Cup-winning master barista Emi Fukahori conjures up personalised cups of coffee at her menuless, reservations-only omakase salon. Using rare beans roasted in house, Kuro Mame delivers an elevated coffee experience, inviting you to savour every nuance of aroma and texture.
Kantan na Yume
Traditional Japanese confectionery wagashi are brought into the 21st century by the young sweets artisans at Kantan na Yume, a pop-artsy café set in a pink building adorned with glitzy neon signs. Kiki, their signature wagashi, is made with sweet bean paste, cream cheese and a hint of lemon.
Harmonica Yokocho
This collection of alleys on the north side of Kichijoji Station is known for its many small but excellent restaurants, izakaya and bars. You’ll also find specialist shops for takeaway goodies like pork cutlets and dango (rice flour dumplings).
Nadai Unatoto Nakano
The eel’s an absolute steal at this down-to-earth unagi specialist that serves the potent delicacy soft, aromatic and lathered in a mildly sweet sauce – either simply over rice or paired with a dashi broth as hitsumabushi.
Tensuke
You wouldn't think a tempura soft-boiled egg served over rice could be so delicious, but the Tamago Lunch dish at this counter seat-only speciality tempura spot is simply irresistible. The chefs’ unique frying “performance” is pretty cool too.
Sippo
Sippo offers a wonderful selection of Japanese homeware, fashion, jewellery and accessories, while the shop’s in-store café is an ideal spot for a healthy and delicious lunch.
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is the heart of Kichijoji and a popular spot for sakura-spotting come spring. The central pond can be explored on swan-shaped boats, while the small zoo houses squirrels and other cute animals.
Uplink Kichijoji Parco
A stalwart of Tokyo’s indie film scene, Uplink cinema and cultural centre’s five-screen outpost in Kichijoji shows a wide variety of alternative, arthouse and experimental movies every day.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
This museum showcases relocated or preserved buildings from different periods in Tokyo’s history. Visitors can explore traditional houses, shops and bathhouses; they provide a rich insight into the city’s cultural and architectural evolution.
Ghibli Museum
Designed by Hayao Miyazaki, this whimsical museum in Mitaka is dedicated to the art of animation, showcasing legendary works from Studio Ghibli. Tickets must be purchased in advance, no exceptions.
Yakatabune Sushi Origami
What’s better than savouring luxurious counter-style sushi while gazing out at some of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks? Doing the same on a boat, of course. These two-and-a-half hour culinary cruises are available exclusively for dinner.
Tsukiji Market
Although the wholesale market had moved to Toyosu, there's still plenty to see and eat here. Now functioning as a food and retail market, there's fresh seafood, deli-style dishes, cooking ingredients and sushi galore.
Note: To ensure safety during the busy year-end period, Tsukiji Outer Market is asking inbound tour groups and visitors to refrain from eating while walking. Visitors are encouraged to avoid this period and plan their visit for a quieter time after the New Year.
Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation
The Miraikan's science and technology exhibits inspire contemplation on a brighter future for all while keeping visitors reliably entertained.
Takanawa Gateway City
One of Tokyo's newest and most ambitious mixed-use developments, the futuristic Takanawa Gateway City combines upscale shopping, greenery and cultural vibrancy across a whopping 9.5 hectares on a site that was once a key entry point to the shogun's capital of Edo.
Rainbow Bridge
The city's most famous bridge crosses the port of Tokyo and is shaped like - surprise, surprise - a rainbow. The pedestrian walkway offers remarkable views, but go prepared: there are no toilets up on the bridge.
T.Y. Harbor
Tokyo's best waterfront brewery produces a plentiful range of ales, and the attached restaurant serves up modern American cuisine.
Hi Monsieur
This quirky café is decorated with knick-knacks that appear to have nothing in common, except a vague association with Europe and America. Admire them while savouring a cup of coffee.
Ryogoku Kokugikan
Tokyo's Ryogoku neighbourhood is famous for its sumo culture and there's no better place to start exploring than the Kokugikan stadium. Three annual sumo tournaments are held here while there's also an on-site sumo museum.
Rikugien
The Rikugien Gardens offer a serene escape from the city and are famous for their cherry blossoms in spring and maple trees in autumn. You can also stop by the Fukiage Chaya tea house for a cup of matcha.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo is the first of its kind in Asia, offering fans a journey behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films. The immersive experience features authentic sets, costumes and props, alongside captivating special exhibits and interactive experiences.
Jazz Spot Intro
Bar Intro is narrow and cramped, even by Tokyo standards, but always welcomes newcomers. Keep an eye out for the sax player Inoue-san; he'll take a solo or two and then run over to serve customers before jumping back into the band.
Onigiri Bongo
There's almost always a queue in front of Bongo, an onigiri shop that offers a whopping 50 types of rice balls, but these delicacies are worth the wait.
Anime Tokyo Station
This vast archive, gallery and event hub offers free access to an anime database containing details on over 15,000 shows and 180,000 episodes - and is worth a visit just for its monumental entrance.
Aeru
A whirlwind of international influences, tightly curated wine pairings and unique tableware that wouldn't look out of place in an art gallery elevate the contemporary French delicacies served at this cave-like hideout in classy Mejiro.
Kandagawa Bakery
This bakery has a divine selection of baked goods from baguettes to shokupan (Japanese milk bread). Look out for the more distinctive creations, too, like chestnut coffee brioche and matcha anpan.
Global Ring Theatre
Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park has been completely reborn and now boasts both an open-air theatre and a café providing tourist information in several languages.
No Room For Squares
All things jazz shake hands at this reimagined listening bar and café. Choice picks from the venue’s 2,000-strong record collection soundtrack the weekdays, while top players from across Japan descend on the joint to play live on the weekends.
Café Trois Chambres
Time truly appears to stand still at this kissaten (traditional coffee shop), where the cheesecakes (both rare and baked) are heavenly.
Flash Disc Ranch
The vintage sound system here is usually turned up almost all the way, accompanying your search for everything from rock and jazz to house and new wave.
Time Out Café & Diner
Boastful? Yes, but you would be too if you shared your name with a burger as good as this. Have it at our very own Time Out Café & Diner in Ebisu.
I’m donut? Gluten-Free
No wheat? No problem. Ultra-airy but satisfyingly chewy, ‘nama’ (fresh) doughnuts went viral largely thanks to I’m donut?, and Ryota Hirako’s crew look set to extend their dominion over Tokyo’s doughnut universe with this new offshoot specialising in gluten-free creations.
Osoba no Kouga
The simple pleasure of a bowl of soba goes gourmet at the Michelin-listed Kouga, where the noodles are made fresh from top-quality buckwheat ground in-house on a stone mill. Always go for the decadent uni (sea urchin roe) soba.
Teddy Brown
Teddy Brown’s beastly burgers unleash the full force of kuroge wagyu (Japanese black) beef. Ground fresh in-store every morning, these patties boast the perfect balance of raw power and refined umami flavour – and pair perfectly with the shop’s naturally sweet buns.
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
Japan’s leading photography and video art museum hosts more than 15 exhibitions a year across its three rooms. There are the occasional film screenings, too.
Udatsu Sushi
Chef Hisashi Udatsu brings cool new flair to the hallowed art of omakase sushi with creations such as fatty tuna smoked in hay and applewood, and rolls of seasonal fish and seaweed stuffed with fresh micro-herbs instead of rice.
Nezu Shrine
An imposing main hall, a row of red torii gates, and a stunning bloom of azaleas in April – as far as Instagram-friendly shrines go, Nezu is hard to beat.
The National Museum of Western Art
Designed by Le Corbusier, the World Heritage-registered NMWA exhibits Western art from the medieval period to the 20th century, including Impressionist masterpieces and Rodin sculptures.
Kayaba Coffee
This charming old house in Yanaka has been home to a café for more than 80 years. Stop by for a cup of coffee paired with kissaten (traditional coffee shop) classics like egg sandwiches as you soak up the retro atmosphere.
Koishikawa Botanical Gardens
Koishikawa is a stately garden dating back some 340 years and has the historical sites to show for it. There’s a beautiful cherry blossom grove plus an extensive living plant collection.
Yanaka Ginza
This retro shopping street is lined with buildings dating back to the 1940s. You’ll find around 60 shops along the winding street selling everything from ceramics and handmade goods to desserts and street food.
Ueno Park
You could spend an entire day exploring Ueno Park. Not only is it a welcome green sanctuary, it’s also home to some of Tokyo’s finest museums, numerous shrines and the ever-popular Ueno Zoo.
Café Nekoemon
Cats are a common sight in Yanesen, so this uber-purry workshop and café fits right in. Try decorating your own maneki neko (beckoning cat) over tea and cat-themed sweets.
Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station’s red-brick facade, rebuilt in 2012 according to the original design, is a prominent reminder of Japan’s rush to modernisation in the early 20th century.
Ueno Sakuragi Atari
A series of three more than 85-year-old houses in picturesque Yanaka have been renovated into a single complex of stores, including a craft beer bar which feels like the set of an old Japanese movie and a bakery dedicated to using domestic wheat.
Komiyama Shoten
This legendary Jimbocho bookstore has been drawing bibliophiles and collectors for over 80 years. The shop is best known for its unparalleled collection of photo books, featuring giants of Japanese photography alongside a strong line-up of Western works.
Gyoza no Nikutaro
Specialising in sensationally good gyoza wrapped in chewy homemade dough and filled with freshly minced meat and garlic chives, Nikutaro demonstrates that eating well for under ¥1,000 remains eminently possible in Tokyo.
Spice up your soul
Hidden away on the second floor above a bookstore, this ever-bustling curry shop is a Jimbocho icon. First-timers should go for the soulful beef curry, featuring a deep brown roux made with a mixture of spices and fruit.
Book Bar Lilliput
Accessible through a discreet door at the back of a bookstore, this intimate drinking den offers a rarified retreat from Jimbocho’s busy streets. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the neighbourhood’s literary atmosphere.
Namco Akihabara
Anime and game lovers will be in their element at this five-storey entertainment complex in Akihabara. Have a go at the rhythm arcade games, collect trinkets from capsule toy machines, or test your luck with the crane games.
Dawn Avatar Robot Restaurant
A pioneer in inclusive employment practices, this revolutionary café is staffed by robots who are actually pleasant to chat with – because they’re piloted remotely by people with disabilities.
Nihonbashi Tonkatsu Hajime Hanare
Popular tonkatsu specialist Hajime now has a second outlet serving an impressive shrimp katsudon (fried shrimp over rice). These gigantic deep-fried shrimp are wrapped in thin layers of pork.
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
One of the city’s most family-friendly art museums, the MOT is beloved for its diverse line-up of well-curated exhibitions and collection of around 6,000 works. The museum celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025.
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