Tokyo: Top 15 sights of the Japanese capital

Imperial Palace

What could be more luxurious and rich than the Imperial Palace? The sights of Japan are amazing, but the Imperial Castle cannot be compared to anything. It is located in the park zone of Tokyo and occupies more than 740 hectares of territory. So, we recommend you to start your acquaintance with the Japanese capital from here.

The white building with a sharp roof of the castle consists of two floors and one underground. The interiors of the Palace are executed in Japanese style. The castle is surrounded by protective moats filled with water. Around the main building is a picturesque natural oasis. Unfortunately for tourists, you can only admire all this luxury from afar — it is forbidden to walk on the territory of the residence.

However, twice a year those wishing to visit the Imperial Palace can take advantage of a unique chance — after New Year's Eve and on the Emperor's Birthday, access to the inner gardens of the complex is open.

Museum of the Future

As we live in the year 2024, the exhibits in this museum have advanced dozens, if not hundreds, of years into the future.

At the Miraikan, or Museum of the Future as it is also known, visitors can see the technological advances of today, from simple everyday issues to the latest technologies, global environment, space exploration and life science. Among the exhibits here are many of the latest technological developments, the famous humanoid work of Ashimo, and live video feeds from seismometers around the country, which prove that Japan is literally being shaken by earthquakes every minute.

Happoen Garden

This example of classical garden art cannot boast of its size, but its filling is impressive.

One of the reasons for the success of this Tokyo landmark is the complete lack of symmetry that characterizes the garden complexes of Europe. The corner of tranquility and virgin nature is located in the midst of the most noisy and busy quarter of the capital, surrounded by glass and concrete. Strolling through the park, you can find a waterfall hidden in the dense greenery, watch emperor carp swimming quietly in a picturesque pond or simply enjoy the embrace of dense greenery.

Meiji Emperor Shrine

Meiji is Japan's largest Shinto temple and one of the most popular attractions not only in Tokyo, but in the whole country.

The building is a unique example of Japanese temple architecture surrounded by a majestic garden. There is a treasury with the personal belongings of Emperor Meiji. In the outer garden, there is a Wedding Hall, where marriage ceremonies in the Shinto tradition are still held, and a Picture Gallery with frescoes depicting the life of the imperial family. Each guest is given an omikuji (prophecy sheet). If you want to know your destiny, plan a visit to this attraction.

Fish Market

The largest seafood market by size is Japan's Tsukiji. Today, the wholesale area has been relocated. The favorite place of tourists, where tuna auctions were regularly organized, was placed in the closed building of Toyosa market.

Visitors were given a specially glazed area. From it you can see how the huge fish is cultivated and auctioned. You can directly get to the auction by appointment. The upper floors in the new market are occupied by retailers and small restaurants with delicious fish dishes.

A visit to the fish market in Tokyo is far from just about grocery shopping, but first and foremost an opportunity to touch the distinctive Japanese culture.

Kabukizu Theater

To visit the capital of Japan and not see a performance at the Kabukizu Theater, where actors pass down every gesture and pose from generation to generation, would be unforgivable. The theater was built in 1889 and has undergone several restorations.

A makeshift stage awaits guests at the entrance. The auditorium consists of 1,964 seats, which are usually filled with tourists and Japanese who respect the old national tradition. The performances are conducted in Old Japanese with live music.

Shinjuku Street

On the "golden street", small bars operate in old two-story houses. The neighborhood is known as the island of nightlife, especially favored by the bohemians. If you don't know what to see in Tokyo at night, Golden Gai's more than 200 establishments will come to the rescue. But be warned: some bars have incredibly high prices. Check the menu boards before you go in.

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Ueno Park

The largest Ueno Park is located on an area of 50 hectares near the central part of the Japanese capital. The huge territory has found a place for museum complexes, a zoo, beautiful alleys and secluded corners for rest. In spring cherry blossoms bloom here, and the park is filled with tourists from all over the world.

Visitors love the summer lotus blossoms near the small island temple of Shinobazu. Walking around the park is a must, you should take time to visit the national museum, art gallery and nature exhibition.

National Museum of Tokyo

The National Museum of Tokyo — stores a limitless amount of historical and not only treasures.

A huge cultural center with more than 120 thousand expositions will be to the taste of everyone who is interested in the peculiarities of the development of the region. Among them are paintings of great artists, objects of Japanese antiquity and other Asian countries. The gallery is represented by priceless books, drawings and photographs. In addition to the main collection here you can see thematic collections devoted to anime culture, the history of the pharaohs and other such issues.

Studio Ghibli Museum

Anime or Japanese animation is popular not only among the inhabitants of Japan, but also all over the world. You can get acquainted with the features of this art form in the largest animation center Ghibli, founded in 1985. To visit the museum complex, you need to book a ticket in advance.

Guests are told how Japanese anime developed, show sketches of cartoons and offer to visit the office where Miyazaki worked. The exhibition is interesting with different little things discovered in non-standard places. Tourists may unexpectedly discover a tiny cat on a crane, a hidden passage, a tangled maze or a magic lantern.

Sumo Stadium

This huge stadium was built in 1985 and seats over 10,000 spectators. The best way to get into the spirit of sumo as an integral part of Japanese culture is to come here during competitions.

Music performances and other inventions are organized here just as often.

Shinjuku Geen Park

This popular Tokyo park is a gem of garden art from the reign of Emperor Meiji.

The park was built on the site of Lord Naito's private mansion, Edo era. Founded in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was turned into a national park and opened to the public when World War II ended.

The 58.3-hectare facility is a modern garden with approximately 10,000 trees. From cherry blossoms in spring to soft greenery in summer, chrysanthemums and colorful leaves in autumn and snowy landscapes in winter, Shinjuku Gen is the perfect place to get close to nature and enjoy the changing seasons.

Tokyo Disneyland

No matter how old you are, a place where fairy tales come to life is always a good idea to visit.

One such location in Tokyo is the local Disneyland, which is over 450 thousand square meters in area. This park is divided into "states" in the style of Walt Disney animation universes. There is a "country of the future", "cartoon city", "Wild West country" — there is a fascinating world for every traveler.

Mori Art Museum

The founder and patron of the Mori Art Museum was Japan's wealthiest and most influential real estate developer, Minori Mori. The museum complex is located in the Roppongi skyscraper on two floors 52 and 53. The followers of the gallery's founder have collected the best exhibits of contemporary art and architecture during the museum's lifetime.