Things to do in Tokyo

Known as a hip, fashionable and modern city, Tokyo has a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing. There are many places worth visiting that will take your mind off shopping and brightly-dressed locals for a while. Stepping into a different side of Tokyo where you can admire the charms of the old days, exquisite nature and splendid architecture is also something you should experience during your stay in Tokyo.

Imperial Palace

The main landmark in Tokyo, the Imperial Palace bears the remains of Edo Castle and still acts as a residence for the emperor of Japan. Built in 1888, the palace welcomes visitors to take a stroll on its grounds, which enompass a big green open space known as the East Garden, or Higashi Gyoen. If you are in Tokyo during springtime, come here to witness the gardens blooming with cherry blossom and many colourful flowers. Guided tours inside and around the palace can be booked in advance. The tour is conducted in Japanese, but pamphlets in English are available.

Yasukuni Shrine

Located to the north of the Imperial Palace, the Yasukuni Shrine was built to commemorate those Japanese soldiers who lost their lives during the Pacific War of WWII. Confined behind a huge steel torii gate and opening onto a long avenue lined with gingko and cherry trees, the shrine reflects the beauty of Japanese architecture and offers an in-depth insight into the war. The Worship Hall is a Shinto-style building, while the Yushukan Museum displays war memorabilia (which can be a bit creepy) including human torpedo and kamikaze suicide attack planes.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Museum-lovers should make a stop at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which unveils the citys history, art, culture and architecture. Your experience at the museum will be uplifting as the historical side of the city is revealed through impressive visual displays. The name Edo comes from the late 1500s name for Tokyo. Other interesting exhibits feature an ancient Kabuki theatre, maps, photographs and portrayals of the lives of the citys merchants, craftsmen and townspeople in the old days.

Sensoji Temple

The citys oldest temple, situated in the Asakuna area, Sensoji Temple is very popular among tourists who visit Tokyo and the pilgrims who flock to the temple everyday to pay respect to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. It is believed that Sensoji Temple was built to enshrine a golden image of Kannon, which was found in the river by two brothers. The temple also boasts a nearby bright and colourful pedestrian street, Nakamise Dori, where tourists can find many shops and stalls. Very close to the temple is the Demboin Garden, an ideal place to relax and walk around.

Tokyo National Museum

Fans of art cannot afford to miss Tokyo National Museum, which showcases the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. With five different buildings and a variety of exhibits on show here, you should ensure you have enough time to see them all. You will be fascinated by antique kimonos, delicate pottery and woodblock prints, as well as archaeological finds which are housed in the museum. The displays of artefacts rotate regularly to encourage visitors to come back and see the new collections.

Ueno Park

This spacious park in the Ueno section of Taito-ku is a favourite destination for tourists, as the park is home to many notable sites. Also known as the Ueno Imperial Gift Park, the Ueno Park features three museums, a concert hall and a few important shrines. If you are travelling with children, head to the Ueno Zoo, located on the same premises, which is very popular among tourists and locals alike. However, the park's trademark is probably the outstanding statue of Saigo Takamori walking his dog, which is situated in the centre of the park. Saigo Takamori was one of the most influential samurais in Japanese history.