Japan’s nonstop, futuristic, yet culture-respecting capital is famed for being expansive, exhilarating, and evocative—but what is Tokyo known for beyond being the world’s most populous city?
Superlatives aside, the answers are surprisingly eclectic. Sky-high modern towers are as recognizable as Shinto shrines. Neon-glowing neighborhoods hawking electronics are as revered as Meiji-era architecture. And the city simultaneously holds the title for the most Michelin-starred restaurants and vending machines per capita.
At once celebrated for its contemporary and classical plaudits, asking what is Tokyo famous for often leads to more questions—questions best researched on a visit to this magnificent megalopolis.
Sky-High Towers
Tokyo Skytree
It’s not only the Greater Tokyo Area that’s supersized—Tokyo also boasts one of the best skylines in the world. On a clear day from the right rooftop, you might even squint legendary, snow-dusted Mount Fuji looming in the distance.
Arguably the most recognizable skyscraper is Tokyo Skytree. This soaring telecommunications tower was the world’s second tallest construction when it opened in 2012. Discernable for its slender, sky-piercing lattice frame ringed by various viewing decks, its pinnacle is at 2,080 feet.
View from Tokyo Skytree
Ride the elevator to one of the two observation decks, and you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas across this sprawling modern city. Japan might be known as the Land of the Rising Sun, or Nippon in Japanese, but from here, at night, the skyline subjectively sparkles at its brightest.
Tokyo Tower
Other notable structures embellishing Tokyo’s skyline include the visitable Tokyo Tower, similar in design to Paris’ Eiffel Tower, and Roppongi Hills, a mixed-purpose development home to a vast mall and topped by a rooftop bar.
Not all of Tokyo’s recognizable above-city landmarks are as dominating, though. A replica of the Statue of Liberty, gifted by France, is diminutive compared to its NYC counterpart.
Award-Winning Cuisine
Japanese food
What is Tokyo known for? Being tasty. From hand-pressed nigirizushi to Tokyo-style tempura and all the nabe, or hot pots, noodles and tofu between, embracing this city’s Japanese food scene is never a chore.
Famed for being home to the most Michelin-starred eateries in the world—170 at the last count—there’s a first-class culinary experience on practically every corner.
Japanese food
Not that upscale restaurants necessarily rule the roost; low-key, family-run shokudo restaurants are equally recognized for their soba noodles, supposedly better slurped than chewed, and sizzling sukiyaki beef hot pots.
Sushi might be Japan’s most internationally known savory staple. But dining well here is an everyday, all-menu-encompassing experience, firmly placing Tokyo among the best places to travel for food.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Completed in 1888—two decades after Edo was renamed Tokyo and the capital was relocated from the city now known as Kyoto—the Tokyo Imperial Palace is one of Japan’s most prominent symbols of change.
Signaling a shift simultaneously towards modernity and a reimagined rule of old, the new palace was the result of the Meiji Restoration, which saw Japan once again return to imperial rule.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
The Meiji period ushered in a new era for Japan, with democratic principles quickly leading to economic growth and a fast-developing society. As such, this Japanese landmark is as much a monument to one of the country’s most pivotal moments as a stately abode.
Still, the principal residence of Japan’s Emperor, the Tokyo Imperial Palace and its inner grounds have restricted access. However, joining one of the few daily guided tours for a peek inside is possible if you can secure one of the highly sought-after tickets.
The outer grounds, East Gardens, and various gates and bridges crossing the moat are freely accessible. The ruins of Edo Castle, the eminent building before the Meiji coup, are also visitable.
Shrines & Temples
Senso-ji Temple
When most people guess what Tokyo is known for, temples and shrines are two obvious answers. Estimates place the number of each at around 75,000 across the country, and some of the finest are in the capital.
It’s a good idea to visit both types of sacred sites in Japan to better understand the nation’s history, cultural norms, and religions. Temples are Buddhist, while Shinto Shrines are dedicated to Japan’s long-standing spiritual belief system.
Since 1947, Japan has officially been a secular country, and both Shintoism and Buddhism peacefully co-exist and, to a degree, complement each other.
Meiji Shrine
The most iconic Shinto Shrine in Tokyo is Meiji Shrine or Meiji Jingū—Jingū refers to any shrine dedicated to the Meiji Emperor and Empress.
It is set in a sprawling artificial forest planted with over 200 tree species from across Japan. Serene and reflective, the early 20th-century shrine is renowned for having the largest wooden torii gate, or shrine entranceway, in the world. Visit at 2 pm to witness the nikku-sai, a daily food offering.
Tokyo’s most recognizable and oldest temple is Senso-ji, founded in 645 AD. A magnificent complex coated in crimson and scented by osenko incense sticks, the main hall and adjacent five-tier pagoda are one of Tokyo’s most picturesque and busy sights.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing
A more contemporary reply to what is Tokyo famous for is the world’s most iconic pedestrian intersections. It is a somewhat surprising entry to earn pride of place in nearly every visitor’s guide, but once you’ve seen Shibuya’s centerpiece in action, you’ll understand why.
The most famous sight in its namesake district, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing is special as all traffic lights switch to red simultaneously. Then, thousands of people at one time start walking across in any direction—hence the scramble crossing moniker.
More than just a miniature microcosm of this fast-moving megalopolis, the crossing is a cultural icon. Flanked by illuminated digital billboards and placed atop the city’s busiest station, it’s earned silver screen fame in numerous Hollywood blockbusters.
Shibuya Crossing
On a standard working day, around two to three million people patiently wait for the 90-second countdown to pass to make their move. Walking across the junction is practically a Tokyo rite of passage, but witnessing the controlled chaos from above is equally fascinating.
Sit in a nearby rooftop bar or first-floor coffee house and occasionally peer over to see the steady stream of people coming and going. It’s quite the spectacle, even more so at night when neon advertising lights bathe the hub in flashy colors.
Cherry Blossom Season
Cherry blossom
The most internationally recognized event that Japan is known for is the Sakura, or cherry blossom season, when a gorgeous explosion of pastel pinks and white hues brings an almost ethereal appeal to swathes of the country.
Even the big city sees its share of delicate petals, with Tokyo’s blooms often arriving at the end of March. The mankai, or peak, is usually in early April, with the flowers sometimes remaining until early March.
Plan your visit to coincide with arguably the world’s most famous flower festival, and you can partake in hanami, the Japanese word for flower viewing. This is a perfect reason to get acquainted with Tokyo’s pretty parks and serene gardens.
In Ueno Park, you’ll be greeted by more than 1,000 cherry trees flanking its central avenue, practically raining down pink confetti towards the end of the season.
Chidorigafuchi
Further afield, the vast Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, on the city’s fringes, is the perfect place for a picnic under the shade of a pink canopy. However, for the ultimate hanami experience, hop on a boat at Chidorigafuchi, the moat hemming the Imperial Palace’s island.
From the water, you’ll feel like you’re sailing into a fairytale as you glide through a tunnel of blossoms. And given that the Japanese even have a dedicated word for viewing illuminated blossoms at night—yozakura—it’s not uncommon to plan a whole afternoon and evening around admiring nature’s captivating canvas.
Shopping, Fashion, & Markets
Japanese souvenirs
Tokyo and shopping go hand in hand. From Odaiba Island’s Venice-themed mall to the upscale boutiques of Chuo-Dori Street in Ginza, the choice of shopping destination is often overwhelming.
Thankfully, the city’s distinct districts serve as a helpful retail therapy guide. One of the most interesting and internationally intriguing areas is Harajuku in Shibuya.
The term Harajuku fashion has dominated Tokyo Fashion Week and headlines in recent years, and the area is a fantastical mishmash of self-expression with often outlandish streetwear and individually styled outfits, making it Tokyo’s place to see and be seen.
Tsukiji Outer Market
If you’re a foodie rather than a fashionista, head for Tsukiji Outer Market, even though the main inner fish auctions have sadly relocated.
Once one of the world’s largest wholesale fish markets, it remains an energetic and renowned destination to sample local seafood flavors, with countless street stalls and restaurants selling and serving everything from sushi and fish-shaped taiyaki cakes to hand-carved chef knives.
Akihabara & Animanga
Akihabara
Ask a gamer what Tokyo is known for, and they are sure to answer Akihabara. Known as the “Electric City,” this animated Tokyo neighborhood is a hub of all things pop culture and electronics, with stores hawking gadgets and games, and arcades offering hours of entertainment.
The area is equally renowned for its animanga culture, an amalgamation of anime, Japan’s animated cartoons, and manga, referring to comics and other forms of animation. Enthusiasts of either will find all the latest releases, vintage collectibles, and every pop-up-themed event they could dream of in this immersive pocket of the city.
Excellent Public Transport
Shinkansen
In 1964, the first Shinkansen, commonly called the bullet train, departed Tokyo station, becoming the world’s first high-speed rail route.
Since then, Japan has been at the forefront regarding transport speed and cleanliness, and somehow—given the sheer numbers who use the system—surprisingly organized and on-time public transport.
Thankfully, there’s no need to barrel across the countryside to experience Japan’s world-class transport system. The Tokyo Metro system predates the Shinkansen by 37 years, and with its counterpart, the Toei Subway, it accommodates around seven million passengers daily.
Shinjuku Station
Other transport distinctions that Tokyo is known for include the sometimes confusing Shinjuku Station, being crowned the world’s busiest. Then there are the novel heated seats in all cars, and the infamous oshiyas, or “pushers.” These employed pushers ensure everyone is squeezed in during rush hour and it all adds to the experience.
While the transport system is essential in such a sprawling city, it serves a secondary purpose. Many metro stations are almost self-contained, subterranean cities.
Even if riding the rails isn’t on your agenda, descend to one of the larger terminals to experience a world of retail and restaurants. Listen out for the quirky individual game-like music played at certain stations.
Theme Parks & Themed Attractions
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo’s embrace of all things animated, quirky, and entertaining has earned this Japanese city top billing in the list of Asian theme park destinations.
In 1853 the country’s first amusement park, Asakusa Hanayashiki, opened in the city’s Taitō ward. Since then, it’s been joined by many others, including international household names.
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are two of the most famous, with striking similarities to their Californian cousins. Still, the Tokyo experience is unique, with a host of different rides and experiences alongside the classics, including a more interactive and accessible castle.
Sanrio Puroland Photo by Konaine on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
More regional picks include Sanrio Puroland, founded by the company responsible for many of Japan’s most loved characters, including Hello Kitty. Joypolis, on artificial Odaiba island, is a vast indoor arcade park operated by SEGA, the Japanese computer game company.
Still, this is Tokyo, so there’s no need to head to a dedicated space to experience animated entertainment. Dine in one of the city’s Robot Cafes, attended by a mechanical server, or go Mario Karting in costume through downtown Akihabara to experience the theme park that is living, breathing Tokyo.
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum
For a deep, informative look into Japan’s history, humanities, and artistic chronology, there’s arguably no better place to start than the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.
One of the most famous cultural attractions that Tokyo is known for, the museum’s importance can’t be overstated. Especially as the museum was founded in 1872, making it the oldest museum in the country.
Over 100,000 items comprise the prestigious catalog, including around 90 items designated so significant to Japan’s heritage that they are listed as National Treasures. However, only around three percent of the collection is displayed at any given time.
Tokyo National Museum Photo by Dick Thomas Johnson on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
The museum is renowned for its size and it’s easy to spend a whole day wandering around, letting the eras of Japan—from prehistory to modern times—and neighboring nations unfurl across the multitude of art and artifacts.
While the exhibits change regularly, some of the most notable National Treasures in the museum’s care include 16th-century ink paintings from the Muromachi period, lacquered Edo writing boxes, and a sixth-century Kofun engraved sword. You can check the online e-museum to see which items are currently viewable.
Vending Machines
Vending machine in Tokyo
Tokyo has a strange obsession with vending machines. There’s one on practically every street corner.
Estimates place the number of automatic snack and drink machines at around one for every 40 people. And while this is a nationwide phenomenon, this places approximately four million of Japan’s over five million vending machines in Tokyo.
Vending machine in Tokyo
Part of the national landscape since 1888, these machines quickly grew in popularity in the mid-20th century. Soon, there was a steady stream of refreshing summer drinks, winter-warming metal bottles of coffee, and a wide variety of only-in-Japan snacks everywhere.
Some machines have animated touch screens, quirky designs, and items beyond the obvious. While cold juice or cute chocolate bars are standard, some also dispense noodles, fashion accessories, and gachapon capsule toys.
Read: Three Days in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple
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