Why Tokyo?
The World's most populous metropolis.
Yoking past and future, Tokyo dazzles with its traditional culture and passion for everything new, from contrasting architecture to a dynamic arts scene to phenomenal dining throughout.
It's home to the world's busiest intersection. The Shibuya Crossing is the busiest intersection in Tokyo - and the world. There are 7 crossings from either side of the streets and as many as 2,500 people cross the intersection every time the lights turn green. Locals call this moment 'the incredible scramble'. The sight of cars stopping in all directions to make way for the huge wave of pedestrians is mesmerising.
Tourist attractions
Top things to do in Tokyo:
Visit the Sensō-ji Temple
In the Asakusa district of Tokyo, the exquisite Sensō-ji Temple (Kinryū-zan Sensō-ji)) – the city's most famous shrine – stands at the end of a long street market hosting vendors selling masks, carvings, combs made of ebony and wood, toys, kimonos, fabrics, and precious paper goods. Dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, the temple was established in AD 645 and retains its original appearance despite having been rebuilt numerous times.
Address:
2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032
Highlights:
Seeing the Kaminari-mon Gate with its 3.3-meter-high red paper lantern bearing the inscription "Thunder Gate," as well as the famous and much-loved Incense Vat, reputed to drive away ailments.
Explore the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Walk through one of Tokyo's most historic pieces of land when you visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Formerly the residence of the Naito family during the Edo period (17th-19th centuries), it was transferred to the Imperial Family. It is now a national garden, which opened in 1949, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Japan.
Address:
11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Highlights:
It happens to be one of the best spots in Tokyo to view the cherry blossoms, as the garden has roughly 1,500 cherry trees.
Tour the Imperial Palace
The chief attraction of Tokyo's Marunouchi district is the Imperial Palace (Kōkyo) with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats. Still in use by the Imperial family, the Imperial Palace stands on the site where, in 1457, the Feudal Lord Ota Dokan built the first fortress, the focal point from which the city of Tokyo (or Edo, as it was then) gradually spread.
Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111
Highlights:
A 17th-century palace known for its historic walls, bridge, gate, and garden.