Choose from 200 Fun Things to Do in Japan
Zojo-ji Temple
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Shinjuku
The west portion of Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s main business districts, also houses a majority of the city’s skyscrapers, including the Metropolitan Government Office with its free public observation towers. The eastern portion of the ward, known as Kabukicho, is one of the few remaining geisha districts in Tokyo and one of the wildest red light districts in the country.
If you’re in Tokyo during cherry blossom season in April, or if you need a break from the frenetic city, pay a visit to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a peaceful collection of Japanese, English and French-style gardens centered around a glassy lake. In the evenings, pick one of the many izakayas along the streets and alleys around the station for an inexpensive dinner.
Shiroi Koibito Park
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Shinsaibashi
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Image provide by the Osaka Government Tourism Bureau
Shuri Castle
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Shibuya
- Shibuya is a must-see neighborhood for all first-time visitors to Tokyo.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; there’s a lot to see and do in this neighborhood.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera—the colorful neon lights, eccentric fashion, and throngs of people make it quite photogenic.
Shitenno-ji Temple
One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, Shitenno-ji Temple was built by Prince Shotoku around 593 AD, a cultural hero of Japan who helped to bring the adoption of Buddhism to the country.
Raked-gravel grounds surround the temple, and it is entered through a huge stone tori gate dating back to 1294, the oldest in the country.
A focus for Buddhists in Osaka and around the country, the temple has been reconstructed over the centuries but retains its original 6th century design. The complex includes a many-floored tower, pagoda, lecture hall and gate. Most of the current structures are from the last rebuilding in 1963.
Many Buddhist festivals and activities are held at the temple during the year.
Practical Info
The temple is in the south of the city near Tenno-ji Park. The closest station is Shitennoji-mae.
Tokyo Skytree
- All visitors must pass through security and bag checks to enter the tower.
- On-site facilities include paid parking, restrooms, a café, restaurant, and gift shops.
- The Tokyo Skytree is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Tsukiji Fish Market
The Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, handling more than 2,000 tons of marine products a day. Although the market wasn’t originally intended to be a major tourist attraction when it opened in 1935, Tsukiji now regularly shows up on visitors’ lists of must-see destinations in Tokyo. Witnessing the fresh tuna auction before the sun rises is the primary draw.
The Basics
The market is comprised of two areas: the public Outer Market, which features shops, sushi, and various market stalls; and the Inner Market, where the famous fresh tuna fish auctions are held. The Tsukiji Market is often visited with a tour guide on city walking and biking tours. Fish market tours can also be combined with other Japanese cuisine experiences, such as sushi making classes, cooking classes, and tastings. Nearby attractions seen on sightseeing tours include the Hamarikyu Gardens, the Asakusa district, and the upscale Ginza neighborhood.
Tips for Viewing the Tuna Fish Auction
Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or just starting to appreciate this popular cuisine, it’s a unique experience to stand amidst freshly caught tuna the size of small children and observe how quickly the pieces are snapped up and carted off to be sliced into nigiri and more.
- The early morning tuna fish auction is free and open to the public, although registration is on a strict first-come, first-serve basis and typically opens at 5am before the first 20-minute viewing at 5:25 and the second at 5:50am.
- It’s best to arrive at least two hours early, as crowds are large and the maximum number of visitors allowed in each viewing group is 60. Lines are known to queue up as early as 1am.
- You’ll know you’re getting in if the staff provides you with a vest and directs you to a waiting room where you can sit on the floor if necessary. Keep in mind that there is no flash photography.
- Be sure to dress warm and wear comfortable shoes.
How to Get There
Tsukiji Fish Market is located in central Tokyo above Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo subway line. It is also a five-minute walk away from Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya subway line. If arriving by rail, the Shimbashi Japan Railways station is a 15-minute walk away from the market. Note that trains and buses do not run 24 hours in Tokyo; you can take a taxi to the market or plan on finding lodgings nearby.
When to Get There
Tsukiji Market is open Monday through Saturday, with closures on holidays and occasional Wednesdays. Shops in the Outer Market have varying hours, but the area is generally open between 5am and 2pm. The Inner Market has strict rules—the height of business occurs in the morning, and tourists are not permitted inside until 9 or 10am.
Insider Tips
- If you find yourself in the Inner Market, be cautious of moving machinery and be mindful of the many rules.
- Take advantage of the many restaurants and vendors in the Outer Market that offer some of the best sushi chefs and freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. Having a sushi breakfast after a long wait for the tuna auction is commonplace.
Toyohira River
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Tsutenkaku Tower
Beautifully illuminated and outlined in neon by night, the tower has a decidedly kitsch but cute 1950s futuristic look. Take the elevator to the observation deck on the summit’s fifth level to visit the popular good luck symbol, Billiken, the God of Happiness. A popular American doll in the early 1900s, Billiken was enshrined in the nearby Luna Park, but went missing when the park closed in 1923. To revive the tower and park, a replica was put in the tower and is considered a good luck symbol. Each year thousands of visitors place a coin in his donation box and rub the soles of his feet to make their wishes come true.
Tsutenkaku also boasts some other cool features. The neon lights at the top of the tower are also a weather vane and will predict the next day's forecast. And the clock located on the east side of the building is huge - 18 feet (5.5 meters) across and weighing about 55lbs (25kg). There is also a theater and a few toy museums located within!
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The closest stations are Ebisucho and Dobutsuen-mae.
Tokyo Tower
- Tokyo Tower is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors to the city.
- The tower contains multiple restaurants, ranging from a food court to formal sit-down venues.
- Both viewing observatories are accessible by elevator.
- If you are afraid of heights, Tokyo Tower may not be for you.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office (TMG)
The tallest is Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No. 1, built to resemble both a computer chip and a gothic cathedral. It splits at level 33 into two twin towers which stretch to a height 48 stories, making it the tallest building in the city for many years.
Both towers have observation decks free to the public on level 45, 202 meters high. On really clear days, you might even spot Mt Fuji to the west. The view from the southern tower is considered slightly better but the northern tower remains open later, making it more suitable for night viewing.
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Shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
The shrine was founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063. Despite being a shinto shrine it's layout is that of a Japanese buddhist temple. Because of its extreme beauty it's a popular spot for weddings and for the year's first shrine visit, a practice called hatsumode. During the New Year holidays it draws over 2 million visitors.
The walk from the station to the shrine is beautiful and dramatic: a long wide street embellished by orange torii gates that leads from the waterfront through the entire city. In April and September archery on horseback is performed along this street. The best time to visit is early springtime when the cherry blossoms and azaleas burst into colorful bloom.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The park is split into gardens of three distinct styles: French formal, English landscape and Japanese traditional. Not surprising the Japanese section is the most interesting and beautiful with waterlily ponds, artfully trimmed bushes and statues. The nearby Taiwan pavilion is an elegant spot for photos.
The original gardens date back to 1906, but were destroyed and rebuilt after the war. The diverse and well manicured gardens are great for wandering, taking photos or having an afternoon picnic. The garden has over 1500 cherry trees trees that burst into vivid blooms in late March or early April. It's a favorite spot for blossom viewing and can be very crowded during those times.
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Shimogamo Jinja (Shimogamo Shrine)
Throughout the more than 1,000 years that Kyoto reigned as Japan's capital city, the Imperial Court patronized the Shimogamo Shrine and its neighbor, Kamigamo Shrine, to bring food fortune, protection, and prosperity to the city. Today, the 53 buildings in the shrine complex provide a respite from city life, welcoming visitors into a natural setting where peace and tranquility abound.
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Tokyo Solamachi
If you want to visit the viewing gallery on the building’s 450th floor, you’ll have to book your tickets ahead of time. Once you’re back at the bottom, take some time to shop at the Solamachi mall. The shops sell a huge variety of wares, including local crafts, Japanese housewares, souvenir shops and an entire floor of cartoon and character shops.
Come hungry, because the complex has a large market, a food court and four floors of restaurants serving Japanese and global cuisine. If you’ve had enough shopping but you still need to kill some time, check out the onsite aquarium and planetariums.
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Shinjuku Golden Gai
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Ueno Park (Ueno Koen)
- Visit the Kan'ei-Ji pagoda, which has been standing in the same spot for almost 400 years.
- The statue of samurai warrior Saigo Takamori (found outside the Tokyo National Museum) is a popular photo stop in the park.
- The Shitamachi Museum is dedicated to exploring the legacy of the city’s Shitamachi district and its residents, which historically were craftsmen, fishermen, and merchants.
Tokyo Sea Life Park
The exhibits each focus on sea life from a different environment: the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and an extensive exhibit on the local Tokyo Bay. In the watery blue depths you'll encounter giant spider crabs, deep sea isopods, hammerhead sharks and more. There's an enormous theater-style tuna exhibit. Outside of the water you'll encounter a waterbird sanctuary featuring puffins and a fun penguin exhibit. The park is also home to Japan's largest Ferris Wheel.