Tokyo Travel Guide: Top Must-See Spots for International Visitors

Overview

Planning your Tokyo adventure? We’ve hand-picked six must-see destinations based on popularity, atmosphere, ease of access, and budget-friendliness. Whether you’re here for history, pop culture, cuisine or cityscapes, this guide will help you navigate Tokyo like a local.

Top 6 Tokyo Attractions

Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)

Tokyo’s oldest and most visited Buddhist temple, famous for its grand Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street.

• Atmosphere: Traditional, family-friendly
• Language Support: English signs, guide maps available
• Dress Code: Casual; respectful attire recommended

Entry Fee	Average Spend	Nearest Station	Opening Hours
Free	¥500–¥1,500 (snacks & souvenirs)	Asakusa (Ginza Line, Tsukuba Express)	6:00–17:00

Don’t miss the Nakamise Street stalls for traditional sweets and souvenirs. For more in Asakusa, see our Asakusa Neighborhood Guide

Meiji Shrine (Harajuku)

A serene Shinto sanctuary nestled in a lush forested area, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.

• Atmosphere: Peaceful, spiritual
• Language Support: English audio guides available
• Dress Code: Conservative; no bare shoulders or shorts

Entry Fee	Average Spend	Nearest Station	Opening Hours
Free	¥300 (ema & omikuji)	Harajuku (JR Yamanote) / Meiji-jingumae (Chiyoda Line)	Sunrise–Sunset

Stroll through the forested Meiji Jingu Inner Garden (¥500). Pair your visit with a walk down Takeshita Street—see our Harajuku Guide

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

The world’s busiest pedestrian scramble and the beloved Hachiko bronze statue—an iconic photo op.

• Atmosphere: Energetic, urban
• Language Support: Signage in English
• Dress Code: Casual, fashionable

Entry Fee	Average Spend	Nearest Station	Best Viewpoint
Free	¥1,000–¥3,000 (cafés)	Shibuya (JR, Tokyo Metro)	2F Starbucks or Shibuya Sky (¥1,800)

Tokyo Skytree (Sumida)

Japan’s tallest tower offering sweeping views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.

• Atmosphere: Modern, family-friendly
• Language Support: Multilingual staff, audio guides
• Dress Code: Casual

Entry Fee	Average Spend	Nearest Station	Opening Hours
Tembo Deck ¥2,100 Tembo Galleria ¥3,100	¥1,500–¥4,000 (café & gift shop)	Oshiage (Skytree) Station	8:00–22:00

Tsukiji Outer Market

Former inner market’s lively outer stalls, offering fresh seafood, street food and kitchenware.

• Atmosphere: Bustling, foodie-centric
• Language Support: English menus at major stalls
• Dress Code: Casual; comfortable shoes

Entry Fee	Average Spend	Nearest Station	Opening Hours
Free	¥2,000–¥5,000 (breakfast & snacks)	Tsukiji Shijo (Oedo Line) / Tsukiji (Hibiya Line)	5:00–14:00 (most shops)

Try tamago-yaki (¥300) and maguro-don (¥1,500).

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

A spacious park blending Japanese, English and French garden styles—an oasis in the city’s heart.

• Atmosphere: Tranquil, romantic
• Language Support: English signs, guide pamphlets
• Dress Code: Casual; picnic welcome

Entry Fee	Average Spend	Nearest Station	Opening Hours
¥500 (adult)	¥500–¥1,000 (cafés & shops)	Shinjuku (JR, Metro)	9:00–16:30 (Closed Mon)

Seasonal highlights: cherry blossoms (Mar–Apr) and autumn foliage (Nov). Picnic blankets are available at the Welcome Center.

Summary

• Senso-ji: History & culture in Asakusa
• Meiji Shrine: Spiritual retreat in Harajuku
• Shibuya Crossing: Urban excitement
• Tokyo Skytree: Panoramic city views
• Tsukiji Market: Culinary adventure
• Shinjuku Gyoen: City oasis

Each spot is easily reachable by public transport, offers English support, and fits a mid-range budget. Plan 2–3 days to cover all highlights, and use a Suica/Pasmo card for seamless travel.