Unlocking Tokyo’s Hidden Gems: Insider’s Guide to the Best Sightseeing

Share This Article

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a sizable, vibrant, and amazing location. You can visit temples, savor innumerable Japanese culinary specialties, and explore some of the biggest and most unique malls in the world in the world’s most populous metropolis. It might be overwhelming to organize your itinerary in Tokyo because there is so much to do, see, and discover. Stick to these top tourist destinations in Tokyo to keep things easy. But before moving on, head on to some recent restrictions in Tokyo:

Tokyo visiting restrictions

The latest Restriction on the number of visitors allowed in Tokyo suggests that the government works to abolish COVID testing procedures for passengers who are immunized. Japan aims to increase the number of persons who are permitted to enter the country each day from the current 20,000 to up to 50,000.

After considering the infection rates, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will conclude in the upcoming days. The authorities will also evaluate how cases are reported, and doctors will no longer be required to submit specifics about infected patients unless those patients are old or at high risk of developing a serious illness. Once a decision has been taken, the administration will publish the new measures, which will include loosening border controls.

The government still demands a COVID test that is negative that was done within 72 hours of departure, making Japan’s border controls the harshest among the most developed economies. This has drawn harsh criticism for impeding tourists. Additionally, only Japan has a cap on immigration among the Group of Seven nations. Additionally, visitors must have visas and only go on escorted tours.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Image Courtesy by The Gate

A stunning urban paradise is located just to the west of central Tokyo. The 144 acres of green space of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden are unusual in that they include three different types of landscaping: Japanese Traditional, French Formal, and English Garden. The park experiences an increase in tourists in the spring because of its colorful exhibit of cherry blossoms. If you intend to come during this lovely season, do like the locals do and bring picnic provisions to the park.

The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, according to tourists, is the ideal place to get away from Tokyo’s congestion. Visitors claim that even a quick stroll will allow you to experience the park’s tranquil ambiance if you don’t have a few minutes to spare for a picnic. Additionally, visitors claim that the park is well-equipped with facilities like restrooms, dining options, a greenhouse, and a teahouse.

Just a few blocks separate the Shinjukugyoen-Mae metro station from the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The park is open from Tuesday till Sunday, although it is open every day while the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Be aware that there is a 200 yen entrance fee.

Tokyo Skytree

Image Courtesy by Go Tokyo

The journey to Tokyo Skytree is simple. You may find them at the Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line, the Asakusa Subway Line, Oshiage Station on the Keisei Oshiage Line. 

After that, the elevator will take you to floor 350, where there is an observation deck. As soon as you exit it, the breathtaking view of the Tokyo Skytree unfolds before your eyes! A fun fact is that each elevator leading to the observation deck is themed differently. Although the ride is fairly brief, take advantage of it to observe all the unique and fascinating elements of the elevator!

Tembo Galleria, a glass corridor in the Tokyo Skytree, has an even more breathtaking view than the one from floor 350. It’s one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Tokyo and allows you to fully appreciate the mega-metropolis of Tokyo. The Tembo Galleria’s inclined spiral shape will have you believe you are walking on air!

Sorakara Point, at 451.2 meters, is the tallest portion of the Tokyo Skytree tower that is easily accessible. It functions as a sort of stage that, using only glass and light, develops a mysterious, magnificent atmosphere.

Tokyo Disneyland

Image Courtesy by Girl Eat World

Seven distinct zones make up Tokyo Disneyland: Tomorrowland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Adventureland, Critter Country, and lastly the wholly unique World Bazaar. Disney’s Imagineers constructed the park in the early 1980s according to the Oriental Land Company’s requirements. A nearly exact duplicate of the Magic Kingdom in Florida was requested by the firm, coupled with the best of Disneyland. The park’s construction went so quickly that everything was completed two months before the official opening. 

The pavements were created fairly broadly to accommodate the sizable Japanese crowds, but as time went on and the number of visitors slowly decreased, some walkways were cut down, making room for attractions. The core, which is typically rather small in other parks, is nonetheless a sizable area of pavement that is sporadically broken up by the odd statue or bench.

Since Japanese railway laws applicable at the time of the park’s opening required trains stopping at several stations to follow a timetable and collect fares, a Tokyo Disneyland Railroad will have to have a schedule and be a paid attraction. As a result, this resort is not surrounded by a train. While it lacks a train to circle the entire park, it does offer a Western River Railroad that only circles Westernland, Adventureland, and Critter Country.

Tsukiji Honganji Temple

Image Courtesy by Japan Web Magazine

Due to its unique architecture, the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Tsukiji Honganji Temple has become increasingly well-known. The tourist hotspot, which is very near Tsukiji Station, attracts a lot of visitors all year round. Therefore, stopping by this site is a necessity if you’re nearby. The temple was designed by ItoChuta of the University of Tokyo and is modeled after South Asian temples.

It is a subsidiary temple of Kyoto’s Nishi Honganji, the honzan (mother temple) of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect. The temple was built close to Asakusa in 1617, but a catastrophic fire destroyed it. Devout followers and others who were aiming for the main hall’s rebuilding after the fire entered the sea to recapture the land and finish the reconstruction because the plot designated for it was off the coast. Tsukiji is Japanese for “reclaimed land.” Despite being once more demolished by the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923, the temple was rebuilt in 1934 and is now in its present condition.

The main worship hall’s outside is a hand-built stone structure in the old Indian style, while the interior is decorated and laid out in the manner of a Shinshu-sect temple. The pipe organ, along with the stained glass-fit windows and pipe organ, gives the cathedral a spooky feel. The main statue of the temple is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata), who is credited with saving all living things equally. Shinran Shonin founded the Jodoshinshu sect by spreading his teachings. There are two side halls called Dendo Kaikan that are located along either side of the main worship space. The first Dendo Kaikan, which is on your right, includes a relaxing tea room and a Japanese restaurant.

Miraikan and Edo-Tokyo Museums

Image Courtesy by Make My Trip

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, also known as Miraikan, is situated in the Tokyo neighborhood of Odaiba. Visitors can find out about the newest innovations at this science museum.

The museum is divided into three sections: Discover your Earth, Create your future, and Explore the frontiers. Visitors can view exhibits on robots, the environment, computer technology, space technology, and more at each of these designated zones. Kids can participate in science experiments first-hand in the Science Workshop as well. In addition to its ongoing displays, Miraikan sometimes offers temporary and special exhibitions.

The most famous exhibit of the Miraikan Museum, “Geo-Cosmos,” is a breathtaking three-dimensional representation of Earth as it appears from space. Its resolution is greater than 10 million pixels. To show you the current status of Earth, the model also shows images of clouds moving across the display that reflect recent geographic data collected by satellites every day. 

Enjoy another three-dimensional film presentation of “The Man from the 9 Dimensions” at the Dome Theater, which is being projected onto the dome’s ceiling and is based on the idea of “The theory of everything.” For stunning, lifelike representations of space, visit the planetarium to see “Birthday – What Links the Universe and Me,” another creation.

Meiji Shrine

Image Courtesy by Loving Tokyo

At the shrine’s entrance, there are two 40-foot-tall torii gates. You are leaving behind the ordinary and entering a sacred space when you pass beneath. Large cedar trees line the winding approach up to the shrine buildings.

The Inner Garden (Jingu Nai-en or Gyoen), one of Meiji Jingu Shrine’s most stunning places, is filled with approximately 150 types of irises in full bloom in the Minami-ike Shobuda by late June (Iris Garden). The Nai-en Garden is reported to have been personally created by Emperor Meiji for the enjoyment of his wife. The royal couple’s attire and personal items are housed in the Treasure House Annex, which is further within.

The ornate court kimono used by the Meiji rulers is on display in the Treasure House, which is to the north of the main shrine buildings. The Kaguraden for the sacred kagura dances and the several shrine gates, including Minami Shinmon, Gehaiden, and the enormous Otorii gate constructed in 1975 from Japanese cypress from Mount Tandai in Taiwan, are noteworthy additions to the shrine complex. The Shiseikan Dojo is located next to the Treasure Museum (Martial Arts Training Hall).

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to our newsletter to get exclusive weekly updates.

Cloft Recommends