16 Stunning Places to Visit in Tokyo for First-Time Visitors

Liputan6.com, Jakarta If you love traveling, visiting Tokyo should be at the top of your list. The capital city of Japan is unlike any other city in the world. The mix of modern life and traditional culture creates a special charm that makes this city very worthy of visiting. Whether you are interested in Japan history and old culture or love Japanese pop culture, there are many interesting place to explore in this beautiful city.

If you are planning your first trip to this charming city, here are some of the best places you should visit in Tokyo that will make your journey unforgettable:

Home to Japan’s Emperor, the Tokyo Imperial Palace is surrounded by deep moats, stone bridges, and wide green lawns. You can't get inside the palace, but you can take a tour around the palace gound and enjoy the beautiful gardens around the complex. The East Gardens is one of the most famous palace gardens. Inside the garden, you’ll find the ruins of Edo Castle, historic guardhouses, and quiet walking paths that let you feel the country’s royal elegance and peaceful beauty.

Located in Asakusa, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. This beautiful temple was built in 645 AD. The Kaminarimon Gate, with its huge red lantern, leads you to the Nakamise shopping street, lined with snack stalls and souvenir shops. Inside the temple grounds, you can see people drawing fortune slips, lighting incense for blessings, and admiring the five-story pagoda that glows beautifully at night.

Akihabara is the heart of Japan’s anime and gaming world, where bright neon signs and music fill every corner. Small shops and huge buildings like Yodobashi Camera sell everything from high-tech gadgets to anime collectibles. You can visit themed cafes, play retro arcade games, or explore specialty stores selling rare figures and manga, making it a true paradise for pop culture lovers.

Rising 634 meters above the city, Tokyo Skytree offers breathtaking panoramic views from its Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Fuji in the distance. The Solamachi complex below the tower includes restaurants, souvenir shops, and Sumida Aquarium. At night, the tower lights up in changing colors, creating a romantic skyline view worth capturing.

Inside Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum holds over 100,000 cultural treasures, from samurai armor and swords to ancient Buddhist statues and paintings. The Honkan building focuses on Japanese art, while other halls show Asian artifacts. The calm museum gardens with tea houses and ponds provide a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on Japan’s deep artistic history.

The famous Tokyo Tower has stood as a proud city symbol since 1958. It was the best place to enjoy the panoramic view of the city before the Tokyo Skytree open. However, it's still one of the best places to visit in Tokyo. From the main and top decks, you can see Tokyo Bay, Roppongi Hills, and even Mount Fuji. Inside, visitors can enjoy cafes and gift shops. The tower’s nightly illuminations add a beautiful glow to Tokyo’s skyline.

Known for its fast pace and youth culture, Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods. The Shibuya Crossing is famous for the thousands of people who move in every direction when the lights change. Around the crossing, you’ll find trendy stores like Shibuya 109, cozy cafes, karaoke bars, and restaurants. Don’t miss the Hachiko statue, a beloved local meeting point.

If you love fashion and shopping, don't forget to visit the famous Harajuku district. Takeshita Street is packed with tiny boutiques selling unique clothing and accessories, while crepe and bubble tea stands line the way. You can see young people dressed in kawaii and gothic styles expressing their individuality. Just nearby, Omotesando Avenue offers stylish cafes, designer shops, and modern architecture for a more refined experience.

Ueno Park is a large green area filled with culture and nature. In spring, over a thousand cherry blossom trees bloom, turning the park into a pink wonderland. The park also houses Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Strolling along Shinobazu Pond, you can see lotus flowers in summer and migratory birds in winter.

This large garden offers a peaceful escape from Tokyo’s busy city life. Japanese, English, and French garden styles blend beautifully across its wide lawns, traditional teahouses, and reflective ponds. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, while autumn brings colorful maple leaves. It’s an ideal spot for a slow walk, photography, or enjoying a calm picnic in nature.

When you are hungry, you can go to the Tsukiji Market to grab some tasty Japanese food to fill up your energy. In this famous market, there are many restaurants and cafes that offer tasty local foods to satisfy your palate. You can try fresh sushi, grilled scallops, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and other local dishes. Many stalls sell kitchen tools, knives, and Japanese ingredients. Watching chefs prepare sashimi and shoppers bargain for the day’s catch gives you a glimpse of Tokyo’s culinary spirit.

Built on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba mixes entertainment and futuristic charm. You can visit DiverCity for shopping and see the giant Gundam statue, or enjoy digital art shows at teamLab Borderless. The area also has seaside parks, the Ferris wheel at Palette Town, and the Oedo-Onsen Monogatari hot spring theme park for a relaxing soak. And don't forget to see the famous giant statue of Gundam while you are in Odaiba.

Surrounded by over 100,000 trees, Meiji Shrine offers a peaceful break from city noise. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it’s a place where people come to pray and write wishes on wooden ema plaques. The long gravel path, massive torii gates, and the shrine’s inner courtyard give visitors a sense of spiritual calm and history.

During spring, the Chidorigafuchi Moat turns into a breathtaking sea of pink cherry blossoms. The trees stretch along the water near the Imperial Palace, creating one of the city’s most romantic sceneries. Renting a rowboat lets you glide under the blossoms, while walking paths and lantern-lit views make it perfect for an evening stroll.

Tokyo Disneyland captures the magic of Disney with thrilling rides, colorful parades, and themed lands. You can explore Adventureland’s Jungle Cruise, ride Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, or meet Mickey and Minnie in Toontown. The park is known for its clean environment, delicious themed snacks, and cheerful staff that make every visit unforgettable.

Hidden in Mitaka, the Ghibli Museum brings Studio Ghibli’s animated worlds to life. Exhibits show the creative process behind movies like *Spirited Away* and *My Neighbor Totoro*. Visitors can watch exclusive short films, explore whimsical rooms filled with sketches, and climb inside Totoro’s Catbus. The museum’s fairytale design makes it a must-see for film lovers and dreamers alike.