Would you also like to see the most popular sites in Tokyo, which are famous for their beauty, significance, and experience? Tokyo is one of the most appealing and beautiful tourist destinations such along with Paris, Dubai and Istanbul. It is the Japanese capital, but also one of the wealthiest and strongest financial world centers. To the travelers and the visitors, Tokyo is known to have unique Japanese culture, temples, shrines, modern skyscrapers, and anime/manga culture.
Tourists who are coming to Tokyo first time may be excited and a bit confused as there are many best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers. They usually rely more on guides, travel tips, and clear instructions. That’s why this post will be proven to be very helpful for them.
You will surely travel locally in Tokyo as their rail system is the most punctual in the world. If the train is late by one minute, then the railway staff apologizes to the passengers. Let me tell you more that Tokyo is home to the world’s largest seafood market (Toyosu Market), where you can get fresh sushi and sashimi.
Donald Richie, an American author who wrote deeply about Tokyo that:
Tokyo is a city designed not by architects but by time.
For tourists visiting Tokyo for the first time, there are some must-visit attractions, where they can get the real taste of the city. Now, let’s see the best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers!
Step into Tokyo’s Old Temple – Senso-ji in Asakusa
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is the oldest and most famous Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It is dedicated to Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) and considered the heart of Japanese culture and spirituality. People pray to the Goddess Kannon and express their wishes. They burn incense (Osenko) and inhale the smoke to seek good luck.
It’s famous to draw fortune-telling paper named “Omikuji”. In case of misfortunes, people will tie it to the iron wires of the temple to transfer the misfortunes. Tourists visit here to have their photos taken with the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), which is a symbolic lantern that is used to mark the entrance of the temple. Festivals also held in and around the temple, and the largest one is Sanja Matsuri in May, and thousands of people attend it.
This is the best place because it’s the oldest temple in Tokyo, a cultural and historical gem. Located near the Asakusa train station makes it convenient for tourists. Here, on one hand, you get the religious and spiritual side, on the other hand, you also get the fun of shopping and street food. If you are lucky, then watching the colorful festivals here is an unforgettable experience.
Reach New Heights at Tokyo Skytree
This is the ultra-modern broadcasting tower of Tokyo that is 634 meters (2080 feet) tall. This tower was finished in 2012 and was built with the purpose of broadcasting television and radio; however, at the moment, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Tokyo Skytree Tower is situated in Sumida Ward. The tower is surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants, and aquariums, thus it has turned into a full-fledged entertainment center.
This is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers to give panoramic city views. From here, the central area of the city and nearby rivers are easily visible as it is Tokyo’s most recognizable structure, so a must-see experience for first-time tourists. You will see Tokyo’s urban sprawl, rivers, and Mount Fuji and sunrise/sunset views all in one place. Tourists get a feel of the modernity and innovation of Tokyo by seeing the technology and architecture.
First-timers mostly take selfies and cityscape photography from observation decks. They try Japanese food at the Skytree restaurant and buy souvenirs as well as local gifts from the Solamachi complex. In the evening or at night, light shows keep them enjoying. Some tourists also get knowledge by reading information panels about the tower’s design and technology.
Feel the Pulse of the City at Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is a renowned pedestrian crossing in Tokyo. It is the road intersection in front of the Shibuya Station. When the traffic lights turn red, the lights on all sides go off at the same time, and the people are given the signal to cross. As the green pedestrian signal is on, approximately 2500 individuals cross at once on all sides of the road, North, South, East, West and even on the diagonal. Because of this, it’s often called “the scramble”. This scene looks like “organized chaos”; everyone crosses smoothly without touching each other. Tourists and locals enjoy it as a spectacle.
Being part of the best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers, Shibuya Crossing is on the must-visit list, as it perfectly represents the energy and rush of modern Tokyo. This crossing is featured in movies, dramas, and advertisements such as Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift. Here you get the real feel of Japanese urban life: neon lights, big screens, fashion, and food.
It’s very exciting to walk along a wave and be part of a crossing for the first time. Tourists often cross multiple times to get the feel. They also make the videos and capture photos here. However, drone shoots are not possible. The best view of the crossing is from the second floor of Starbucks (Shibuya Tsutaya Building). There is also now a specially designated “Shibuya Sky” observation deck, which offers views of the entire crossing and skyline.
A Day of Culture and Fun in Ueno Park & Zoo
Ueno Park is a historic public park located in the Ueno District of Tokyo. It was constructed in 1873, and it is believed to be the oldest municipal park in Tokyo. It is located on 133 acres and consists of iconic trees, lakes, museums and a zoo. Ueno Park is also referred to as the cultural center of Tokyo, since it is a place where history, art and nature are all combined.
Additionally, Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoological garden in Japan, having been established in 1882. The animals amounts to 3,000 plus, and the species amounts to 400 plus, and among the animals, giant pandas are the most attractive in the zoo. It is a family-friendly establishment where adults and children can have fun.
First-time tourists could not forget the sakura experience. Ueno Park boasts of the world-renowned cherry blossoms, and 1000+ sakura trees bloom in the spring. The park contains numerous significant museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. You will have the opportunity to visit the history and culture of Japan here.
There are also pandas, elephants, tigers, gorillas and Japanese rare animals that tourists can view. Shinobazu Pond is a lovely lake with lotus flowers that bloom during summer. Boat rides and photography are also available to the visitors. Small festivals and cultural events are also held in the park. Transporting can be convenient since it is not far away, and this can be helpful to the first-time tourist in Tokyo.
Walk Through the Beauty of Meiji Jingu Shrine in Central Tokyo
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine erected in honor of both Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Empress Shoken. It was built in 1920, and it can be regarded as one of the most sacred and important spiritual sites in Tokyo. It is also directly adjacent to Harajuku Station and Yoyogi Park, and exists in the same environment as a modern shopping district. Tourists pray at this place and get to feel Japanese culture.
International tourists who are first-time travelers tend to experience the modern end of Tokyo, and Meiji Shrine offers them a feel of traditional Japan. The audiences are usually very large in this area, yet the area offers a serene and spiritual equilibrium. Passing through the wooden Torii Gates (Giant Gates) is an unforgettable Japanese ritual for first-timers. Photography is a must-do activity there.
You can also pray in the local style: clap twice, bow once, and make a wish. Write your wishes and hang them on the board (Ema – Wish Plaques). Buy Omamori charms for luck, love, health, or success. In addition, take a slow walk on the forested walkway and enjoy nature. Many tourists do photography in forest pathways to capture 10,000+ trees, and the scenery looks different in every season.
First-time visitors often get a look at traditional Japanese weddings inside the shrine. This shrine gets filled with crowds during New Year’s celebrations, with millions of people. Hence, Meiji Shrine is a spiritual and peaceful destination that balances the contrast with the modern side of Tokyo.
To sum up, for first-time tourists, Tokyo should be a mix of a little culture, a little modern, a little shopping, and a little nature. It’s a separate world where old traditions and futuristic charm come together. The best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers are not just tourist spots, but a journey. So, plan your trip now and enjoy going there!