Tokyo Travel Guide

Sensōji is Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy; legend holds that two fishermen pulled a Kannon statue from the Sumida River in 628. Visitors pass the iconic Kaminarimon gate with its giant red lantern, then stroll Nakamise-dori, a shopping street of century-old shops selling ningyo-yaki cakes, rice crackers and souvenirs, to reach the main hall and five-storey pagoda. The temple is alive with incense, omikuji fortunes, temizuya purification and ema plaques. With the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree nearby, it is the perfect first stop for old Edo atmosphere.

Shibuya Crossing is widely called the busiest pedestrian crossing on Earth: when the light turns green, crowds from five directions surge in at once, a flowing ocean that captures Tokyo's urban energy. Beside JR Shibuya Station, ringed by giant screens, department stores and neon—most dramatic at night—the nearby Hachiko dog statue is the classic meeting landmark. Photographing the surge from a second-floor café or the overhead bridge is on many visitors' lists. Both a transit hub and the best window onto Japan's city rhythm and youth culture.

Tokyo Skytree is a towering modern landmark, the world's tallest self-supporting broadcasting tower; from high decks you overlook Tokyo's endless glittering panorama - a spectacular sight. In Sumida, 634 m, with two high decks (about 350 and 450 m). On clear days see Mt. Fuji; at night the city is a sea of lights. Below are shops and an aquarium.

Shibuya is Tokyo's pulsing trend hub, famous for the world's busiest scramble crossing—when the light turns green, hundreds surge from every side, a spectacle of modern urban life. Home to the Hachiko statue, Shibuya Sky observatory, 109 department store and endless streetwear, it's the landmark of youth culture, fashion and nightlife. By day the neon rests; by night it blazes—the place to feel Tokyo's speed and energy.

Tokyo Tower is a classic, nostalgic red-and-white landmark, a red iron tower carrying Tokyo's memories; from the top you overlook the city - a nostalgic, classic sight. In Minato, built in the 1950s, about 330 m, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, red and white. At night it glows warm orange. It has observation decks - on clear days you may see Mt. Fuji; at night the city lights. A symbol of post-war revival.

The Ueno Royal Museum, opened in 1972 in Ueno Park and run by the Japan Art Association, is known for the VOCA young-artist prize exhibition and themed shows on impressionism and other movements. Compact and easy, it fits neatly into a Ueno museum circuit.