6 Highlights in Tokyo You Shouldn't Miss

December 8, 2024, 12:50 am | Read time: 3 minutes

Japan’s capital is the largest metropolitan area in the world and is very popular with travelers. To help you find your way around the megacity, we present six highlights in the city.

Tokyo has around 37 million inhabitants – and together with the surrounding cities, it forms the largest metropolitan region in the world. If you don’t want to lose track here, it’s best to plan your visit to Japan’s capital carefully. We show you which highlights you should definitely consider on a trip to Tokyo.

1. Shibuya Crossing

Die Shibuya Crossing ist Symbolbild für Tokio und ein echtes Highlight — Shibuya Crossing is a symbol of Tokyo and a real highlight

It is probably the symbolic image of Tokyo par excellence: the Shibuya Crossing. The world-famous crossing is considered the busiest crosswalk in the world. Up to 2,500 people cross the streets here every two minutes. There is a lot to discover all around: The Shibuya district is a center for shopping, entertainment, and nightlife.

2. Meiji Shrine

Der Meiji-Schrein bettet sich in einen malerischen Park ein — The Meiji Shrine is nestled in a picturesque park

High up on the list of Tokyo’s top sights – and also in Shibuya – is the Meiji Shrine. Located in a central park, it is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Surrounded by a forest, the shrine offers a haven of peace in the big city, which is why locals often use the area for weddings and ceremonies.

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3. Tokyo Skytree

Der Tokyo Skytree zählt zu den höchsten Gebäuden der Welt — The Tokyo Skytree is one of the tallest buildings in the world

Completed in 2012, the Tokyo Skytree is not only the tallest building in Japan at 634 meters, but also the third tallest in the world. The viewing platform of the TV tower at a height of 350 meters offers an incomparable view of the sea of lights of the Tokyo metropolitan area in the evening, which seemingly stretches to the horizon.

4. Senso-ji Temple

Der Senso-ji-Tempel ist einer der Touristenmagneten Tokios — The Senso-ji Temple is one of Tokyo’s tourist magnets

The colorful Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Access is through the so-called “Thunder Gate” and via a busy shopping street. As the temple is one of the absolute highlights of a visit to Tokyo, it is advisable to avoid the usual peak times.

5. Ginza

In Ginza lässt sich hervorragend einkaufen – vorausgesetzt, man bringt das nötige Kleingeld mit — Ginza is a great place to shop – provided you have the necessary funds

Alongside Shibuya, the glamorous Ginza shopping district is one of the most famous parts of the city. It is known for its luxury boutiques, department stores, as well as upscale restaurants. You can find some of the capital’s oldest department stores here. The art scene is also elaborate: The Kabukiza theater, for example, cultivates the traditional performing art of Kabuki.

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6. Digital Arts Museum

Das Digital Arts Museum beeindruckt mit Kunstwerken der etwas anderen Art — The Digital Arts Museum impresses with works of art of a somewhat different kind

The Digital Arts Museum of the artist collective teamLab offers an exciting contrast to the numerous traditional highlights of Tokyo. Here, digital works, as well as installations of light and sound, inspire visitors. Please note: a spontaneous visit can be difficult – tickets are usually booked out weeks in advance.

With material from dpa

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TRAVELBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@petbook.de.