13 Most Popular Attractions In Tokyo

Because of popular attractions in Tokyo, it holds the title of the world's most expensive city for living. Also, people visiting here are very fortunate to roam around the city easily; thanks to its superb rail and subway networks. There are numerous things to do and popular attractions in Tokyo which will make you fall in love with the city. Indulge yourself in the internationally famed cuisine, festivals and traditional Japanese pursuits. It is a populated city that is worth exploring. Here is the list of most popular attractions in Tokyo that you must explore on your visit to Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower is an important landmark of Tokyo city. It is the second tallest and self-supported metal construction in Japan; standing at 333 meters. It was built in 1958, stands as a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth.

Along with being a famous tourist spot, the tower also holds a broadcast antenna. The tower broadcasts signals for some of the famous Japanese media outlets. This tower is so popular in the world that more than 150 million people have visited this tower till the date.

The main deck of the tower is at 150 meters which can be reached either by elevator or a 600-step staircase. The elevator is connected from the main deck to the top deck, which is at 250 meters. Since the tower is located at the center of the city, the deck offers a mesmerizing view of the city. On clear sunny days, visitors can also witness the Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. The admission cost for the main deck is 2000 Yen ($ 18.68) and for both of the deck is 3000 Yen ($ 28.01). Enjoying the view of Tokyo city from such height is a feeling that cannot be described in a word, that’s why it is considered as popular attractions in Tokyo.

Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

Access: Onarimon Station on the Mita Subway Line, Kamiyacho on the Hibiya Subway Line and Akabanebashi Station on the Oedo Subway Line are the closet subway station. From these stations, the tower is at a distance of 5-10 minutes of walk.

Kamakurakōkōmae Station is a famous railway station on the Enoshima Electric Railway. The station is located in Kamakura, and the platform is facing the beautiful ocean. The special thing about this station is that it has a single side platform with only one track and from one track only the bi-directional traffic is served.

If you are visiting Kamakurakōkōmae Station, then taking a ride on the local train becomes a must. Take the train to Enoshima which will take you through the scenic routes of coastline. If you are not willing to take the ride, then click some photographs of the famous sightseeing spot; Japanese anime Slam Dunk.

Address: 1-chōme-1 Koshigoe, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0033, Japan

Access: From Fujisawa station, take a train (Enoden) to reach Kamakurakōkōmae Station. It takes 15-20 minutes to reach the station by train. Take JR Tōkaidō line from Tokyo station to reach Fujisawa station. From Kamakura, it takes 20 minutes to reach Kamakurakōkōmae.

Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko), is an attractive spot in Hakone National Park. This park is famous for Hakone Shrine, which is considered a holy place by the Japanese. Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko) was formed 3000 years ago by a volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone. Today, this picturesque lake with the framework of Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone. The lake shores are untouched by the modern infrastructure, hence offers you the best tranquil beauty amidst nature.

Two ship companies offer sightseeing ships for the visitors that cruises in Lake Ashi and offers the best views of mountains and lakes. Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats are the companies that operate from southern shores to the northern end of the lake. The boat cruises for 30 minutes from one end to another end and it cost 1000 Yen ($9.35) for one trip. Hakone Sightseeing Boats offers pirate shaped ship which is a replica of a real pirate ship, gives an amazing experience.

Address: Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

Access: Cruise is available from the three different ports of Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko).

Togendai Port: Togendai Station, last stop on Hakone ropeway is closest.

Hakone-machi Port: For this port, buses are available from Odawara Station and Hokoneyumoto Station.

Motohakone Port: For this location also, buses are available from Odawara Station and Hokoneyumoto Station.

Aokigahara forest is a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Aokigahara forest is also known as the suicide forest or the sea of tress. This place is on the outskirts of Japan city; calm, quiet and beautiful. You can take a solo trip or travel with a local guide. The forest is located at the foothills of Mount Fuji with numerous caves.

People visiting there are enthusiasts for ghost tours and discovering the dark history of the forest; no need to hold your breath, this place is safe for traveling. Spend one day in the arms nature and explore a wide variety of flora and fauna. Tour to the forest generally takes 11-12 hours, so save a full day for the Aokigahara forest tour.

Address: Narusawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0300, Japan

Access: There are 5 different ways to reach the Aokigahara forest from Tokyo city by bus, train, and car.

1st Route: Train for Shin-Fuji (Shizouka) from Tokyo (Shinkansen Kodama line) then take a bus from Shinfuji station to Motosuko. From Motosuko, walk to the forest that is at a distance of 2.3km.

2nd: Train from Shiodome to Shinjuku (Toei Subway Oedo line), then take a bus from the bus terminal Shinjuku to Shojiko Iriguchi. From Shojiko Iriguchi, walk to the forest that is at a distance of 1.6km.

3rd: Bus from Tokyo Station, Yaesu North Exit Tekko Building to Kawaguchigo station, then take another bus from Kawaguchigo station to Ishigaki entrance. From Ishigaki entrance, walk to the forest that is at a distance of 2.2km.

4th: Train from Tokyo (Shinkansen Kodama line) to Mishima, then take another train to Fuji and take one more train to Fujinomiya from Fuji. From Fujinomiya station, take a bus to Motosoku and then walk 2.3 km to reach the forest.

5th: Drive from Tokyo to Aokigahara.

If you are looking for the most popular spot for shopping, food, and entertainment, then Ginza is the right place to explore and is one of the popular attractions in Tokyo. Ginza is a district in Tokyo that features numerous boutiques, night clubs, cafes, art galleries, and departmental stores.

You can visit various stores to explore what they offer. Some of the famous stops for shopping and dining are Ginza Wako, Ginza Six, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, Kabukiza Theatre and Uniqlo. Ginza Six is the largest shopping complex in the district. Most of the shops remain open every day of the week, but it is best to visit there on weekend afternoons.

Address: Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Access: Ginza district is easily accessible by these two train stations.

1: Ginza Station on the Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Ginza Subway Lines.

2: Yurakucho Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, and JR Yamanote Line.

Gotokuji is a Buddhist temple, located in the Setagaya district of Tokyo. The temple is the birthplace of the Maneki-Neko (beckoning cat), known for the good luck charm. Due to the legend citing, this temple is famous among the Buddhist people. Japanese people believe Maneki Neko cat as a lucky charm that brings good fortune and happiness. Kids love this place because thousands of identical “Maneki-Neko” lucky cats can be seen in this popular attraction in Tokyo.

According to the buzz from ancient times, if the right paw of the cat is raised, it means it invites money, and if the left paw of the cat is raised, it invites people and the community. Here you will find the famous Japanese lucky cat ornaments and souvenirs like lucky cat keyrings, piggy banks, soft toys, planting pots and posters. The temple opens every day from 6 am to 6 pm, and entrance is free.

Address: 2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021, Japan

Access: From central Tokyo, visitors can take a train from Shinjuku station to Gotokuji station in the direction of Hon-Atsugi (Odakyu line). The temple is less than five minutes’ walk from Gotokuji station.

Sensō-ji Temple is the oldest and most prominent temple in Asakusa and is one of the popular attractions in Tokyo. The history of this temple will take you 1,400 years back. The temple is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion. The temple is incredibly popular; millions of people visit this temple every year.

The story behind the Sensoji temple started in the Sumida River. According to the legend, in year 628, two brothers once fished a statuette of Kannon (goddess) from Sumida River. Even after trying a lot of time, they were not able to put it back into the river; the statuette always returned to them. And since then, people visit this place seeking mercy from the goddess. This is one of the popular attractions in Tokyo.

Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Access: From Asakusa Station, Sensō-ji Temple is just a few steps away. Take either Asakusa Subway Line, Ginza Subway Line or Tobu Railways to reach Asakusa Station.

From Tokyo Station, take JR Yamanote line to Kanda Station and from Shinjuku Station take JR Chuo Line (Orange Line) to Kanda Station and then transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa station.

Lake Yamanakako is a part of the Fuji Five Lakes, located in Yomanako village, near Mount Fuji. This lake is the largest among all the Fuji Five Lakes. Panorama Dai is a popular observation spot that offers an amazing view of mountains and lakes. To reach the Panorama Dai, you will have to do a small hike from the "Mikuniyama Hiking Course Iriguchi" bus stop. Viewing the photogenic summit of the mountain from lakeside is breathtaking.

This place has a lot to offer to the people who are enthusiasts of Japanese outdoor sports. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, windsurfing, water skiing, and other water sports on the lake. This is one of the popular attractions in Tokyo.

Address: Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, Japan

Access: Every day more than a dozen buses ply from Shinjuku station and Tokyo station to Lake Yamanakako.Also, from Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station. Many public buses operate for Lake Yamanakako. Furthermore, Fujikko tourist buses are also there that depart from Fujisan Station.

Venetian Glass Museum is the first art museum of Japan showcasing the artwork of Venetian glass. The museum exhibits fabulous crafts from the 15th to 19th century along with displaying modern work. This a museum where you can enjoy the place involving all your senses.

There is a pond between Modern Glass Museum and Venetian Glass Museum, and it displays delicate glass crafts. The whole garden is surrounded by beautiful glassworks, including goblets, sculptures, vases, and lamps. At one end of the garden, there is a cafe with an open terrace where you can sit and enjoy the sip of warm coffee along with enjoying the performance of live Canzoni (Italian ballads). This is one of the popular attractions in Tokyo.

Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan

Access: Take a Hakone Tozan bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station going towards Togendai and get off at Hakone Glass no Mori-mae bus stop.

Kawaguchiko Tenjō-Yama Park is a park located at Mt. Tenjo, at an altitude of 1,075 m. This place is officially known as Lake Kawaguchi Mt. Tenjō Ropeway. From the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, take ropeway, and in around 5 minutes, you will be at the observation deck of the park. The skirts of Mount Fuji, cityscape of Fujiyoshida and sea of trees can be seen from the observation deck of Tenjō-Yama Park.

The panoramic view of the lake and mountains from such height is astonishing. You can either take a round trip by ropeway or try to reach the bottom by hiking a trail of the forested mountain slope.

Address: 1163-1 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0303, Japan

Access: From Kawaguchiko Station, mount Tenjo is located at a distance of 1 km. Visitors can take bus or hike from the Kawaguchiko Station to reach mount Tenjo. The mount Fuji world heritage loop bus also stops at this location.

Kamakura Seaside Park in Yuigahama Area is the most beautiful and peaceful place where you can enjoy the sunset leaving behind all the hustle-bustle of the cities. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and surfing along the coastline of the sea. The rental shops and beach huts (open only during the season) provide shade, shower room, and changing room. Water sports are also available for sports enthusiasts. This place is a perfect getaway with family and friends to enjoy nature.

There you will find a lot of options for food and beverages. Do not forget to try the fresh seafood available at an economical price.

Address: 4 Chome-7-1 Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0014, Japan

Access: From Yuigahama Station, the beach at a distance of about a 5-minute walk. From JR Kamakura Station, a 20-minute walk will take you to the beach.

Sankeien Garden is the traditional Japanese style landscape garden spread over 175,000 square meters, famous for its seasonal beauty. The garden exhibits numerous historic buildings and houses in Japan. Strolling through the garden, you will find bamboo groves, bridges, ponds, flowers, beautiful scrolling trails, and small rivers. There are restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy some food while watching the green surrounding and heritage buildings.

If you are lucky enough, you can witness the gorgeous cherry blossoms (late March or early April), and hundreds of Japanese pink lotus blossoms bursting with beauty in July and August. If you are there in mid to late February, you can see the beautiful plum blossoms (ume).

Address: 58 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan

Access: From Sakuragicho Station and Yokohama Station, take bus number 8 or 148 to Sankeien-Iriguchi, and from there the garden is five minutes away by foot. Take a direct taxi from Negishi Station to Sankeien. Also, take JR Nageshi Line to Negishi Station, and then take a bus (Bus Number 58, 99 or 101) to Honmoku. The garden is 5-10 minutes by foot from Honmoku.

Arakurayama Sengen Park has a pagoda that offers a beautiful view of Mount Fuji in the background. The park overlooks Fujiyoshida City and Mount Fuji: a perfect place to sit and relax amidst nature and under the sky. The park holds Arakura Sengen Shrine and a pagoda. To reach pagoda, you have to climb 398 steps from the Arakura Sengen Shrine. While climbing, you will see a great view of the surroundings and the city.

This place is one of the popular attractions in Tokyo among photographers. The park offers a mesmerizing view of Mount Fuji along with Pagoda. During mid-April, cherry blossom hits the full bloom in thousands of threes which looks spectacular. During November, the leaves turn red, and it complements the color of the pagoda. This place is worth spending a full day and clicking pictures.

Address: 〒403-0011 Yamanashi, Fujiyoshida, Arakura, Asama 2,3353, Japan

Access: From Takao Station, take the Chuo Line train to Otsuki. From there take the Fuji Kyuko Line to Shimo-Yoshida Station, and from there Arakura Sengen Shrine is a ten-minute walk. And the pagoda is a further 10-minute walk. You can also take the famous Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus and get off at the Chureito Iriguchi bus stop. From there Arakura Sengen Shrine is a short walk. Buses operate at an interval of 90 minutes.

Tokyo, an incredible destination that holds natural beauty, ancient temples, heritage buildings, and the most modern developments altogether. Dig in the popular local cuisine and make some new friends. With so much to see and explore in Tokyo, do not miss these places that have a lot to offer. Do not stick only to these popular attractions of Tokyo, make your bucket list and explore the city. Click your pictures in popular attractions of Tokyo and create a lifetime memory with this city. Enjoy your Tokyo tour.