Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Attractions

Our Tokyo attractions section looks at some of the buildings that should be on any Tokyo things to do list. They come in all shapes and sizes: skyscrapers, temples, museums, historical buildings, distinctive architecture, and more.

Attractions that are designed for pleasure include aquariums, planetariums, water parks, theme parks, love hotels... the list goes on. We'll show you a selection below and tell you how to get there, when's best time to visit and how much you can expect to pay.

Tokyo Tower and Skyscrapers

• Skyscrapers - Check out Tokyo Sky City for some great viewing points around the Tokyo. Find a good Tokyo restaurant and take in the night lights of the city over a romantic dinner.

• Tokyo Landmarks - Tokyo Tower is probably the most famous Tokyo landmarks. It is actually taller than the Eiffel Tower but only because they stuck a spike on top - that does make me laugh : )

• Roppongi Hills - In the heart of one of the most popular districts of Tokyo you'll find Roppongi Hills, a relatively new member to our list of Tokyo attractions. A city within a city, the Mori Building which is part of the complex gives some great views, has a museum and art gallery, as well as numerous shops and boutiques.

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Tokyo Temples and Shrines

• Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines - There are many temples and shrines in Tokyo and you don't have to go far, wherever you are, to find one. Two of the most visited are Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, and Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku. Major Japanese festivals are often celebrated here so it's worth finding out what's going on during the period of your vacation. The cherry blossom festival is an annual favorite. If you get a chance to join in these are must do activities.

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Historical Buildings in Tokyo

• The Imperial Palace - The Imperial Palace, originally Edo Castle, is an oasis in the heart of the city surrounded by beautiful gardens. Tokyo attractions don't get much more historical than this. There are only 2 days in the year when you are actually allowed to enter the inner garden and see the Imperial family. The East Garden, however, is open to the public and a great place to relax under the trees.

• Yasukuni Shrine - Perhaps the most controversial of Tokyo's historical buildings is Yasukuni Shrine where the Japanese war dead are honoured. There is a lovely Japanese garden here along with plenty of information in English about events that have occurred in Japanese history.

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Tokyo Museums

Tokyo is bursting with some excellent museums that definitely belong on any Tokyo attractions list. Entrance fees are not expensive, at least not when compared with my home country the UK, and there's something for most tastes. We've highlighted a few below. See our Tokyo Museums section for a larger selection.

• Edo Tokyo Museum - Find out a little more about theEdo period and what life was really like and follow the changes as you move through to modern Tokyo times. Lifesize models and displays really help to bring the past to life

• Studio Ghibli - If animation is your thing then Studio Ghibli in Kichijoji should be on your list of Tokyo attractions to visit. Be warned that this one needs, on average, an advance booking of at least one month. Ask your travel agent for details if you're not sure

• Japanese Sumo Wrestling Museum - Connected to the Kakugiken stadium in Ryogoku where the Grand Sumo Tournament is held, this museum may be small but its a good place to learn about the history of the sport.