Visiting Tokyo: temples and must-see attractions

Dernière mise à jour de cet article le 19 July 2026

After spending four weeks in Australia, it was time to switch countries and continents with a trip to Japan! In fact, it was my first time visiting Japan—and even my first time in Asia. So this trip was a whole new experience in every way. And what better way to start than by visiting Tokyo?

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a metropolis where ancient traditions and futuristic innovations coexist in perfect harmony. These four days in Tokyo were packed with new discoveries. With its vibrant neighborhoods, temples, and illuminated skyscrapers, the city offers a truly unique experience. And what about its cuisine? Pure bliss for the taste buds! 

So in this article, find out what to do in Tokyo. And read Kiki’s review—he’ll never forget how he learned to eat with chopsticks.

Explore the Tokyo Skytree 

We’ll start this tour of Tokyo with the Tokyo Skytree, the modern symbol of the Japanese capital. Opened in 2012, this tower stands 634 meters tall and towers over the city, making it one of the tallest towers in the world.

Go to the top of the Tokyo Skytree

Located in the Sumida district, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Tokyo, Mount Fuji on clear days, and the vast urban landscape stretching as far as the eye can see from its two observation decks.

Sunset is the perfect time to watch the city transition from daylight to the glow of its nighttime lights.

Also, to get the most out of the Tokyo Skytree, you can opt for a combo ticket that lets you go up to 450 meters. We hadn’t noticed that the first time, so we went back.

The view is spectacular on a clear day. Let’s be honest, though—we weren’t exactly lucky, since the weather was so gloomy. But luckily, there was a brief break in the clouds that let us enjoy the view for a few moments. 

We recommend buying your tickets in advance—preferably online through the official website—to avoid the long lines. 

Go to the Shibaji Mall

If you go to the top of the Tokyo Skytree, you’ll inevitably pass through the Shibaji shopping center, which is located inside the building. One floor is dedicated entirely to children, featuring games and attractions, while the other floors offer clothing, shoes, and bookstores—including a wide selection of manga. There are also very popular themed shops like Pokémon, Snoopy, and Chikawa, perfect for fans of Japanese culture and unique souvenirs.

In fact, in the shopping mall and all over the city, you’ll find Gashapon—those small capsule machines that are iconic in Japan. For just a few hundred yen, you insert a coin, turn the crank, and receive a small figurine or a surprise item. Personally, I loved these machines—they take you right back to your childhood. Plus, they’re a great way to bring back souvenirs from Japan or decorate your purse or backpack at really low prices, while always enjoying the surprise of not knowing what you’ll find inside the capsule. 

It might sound silly, but it’s one of my fondest memories of Tokyo—searching high and low for capsules with Kiki-themed items!

Visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo 

Next up is the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the official primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. However, from the outside, you can only see the Nijubashi Bridge, the famous iconic bridge in front of the palace entrance. The palace itself is not open to the public, but the gardens are. 

Thus, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace correspond to the former grounds of Edo Castle, the fortress of the Tokugawa shogunate built in the 17th century. Visitors can admire the massive stones of the ancient fortifications, which are impressive and serve as a reminder of the shogunate’s former power. 

A walk through the gardens is pleasant.

What stands out the most is the contrast between the park and the high-rises.

Explore the Marunouchi District in Tokyo

As you leave the gardens, you can continue your stroll through Chiyoda, one of Tokyo’s wards that perfectly encapsulates the city’s duality: both modern and traditional. You’ll pass through Marunouchi, Tokyo’s historic business district. It’s famous for its modern skyscrapers, the headquarters of major Japanese and international companies, and its clean, well-organized streets. 

The Tokyo International Forum

That’s how we discovered the Tokyo International Forum, with its impressive glass-and-metal structure. Is it worth the trip? Not really, but if you’re in the neighborhood, why not?

Tokyo Station 

The tour of this neighborhood ends near Tokyo Station, a true symbol of the Japanese capital. With its European-inspired red-brick facade, it stands in stark contrast to the futuristic skyscrapers of the Marunouchi district. 

The interior is just as spectacular, with its iconic dome, endless shopping arcades, and platforms where Shinkansen and commuter trains come and go one after another. 

It’s a place where you can really feel the rhythm of the city: dynamic, well-organized, and surprisingly beautiful for such a busy train station. 

Visit the Asakusa District in Tokyo

Asakusa is a must-see neighborhood on any trip to Tokyo, featuring the Sensō-ji Shrine, a vibrant place steeped in centuries of history.

Sensō-ji Temple

The tour begins as you pass under the majestic Kaminarimon Gate, with its famous giant lantern, and you are immersed in a unique atmosphere that blends spirituality, excitement, and tradition. 

Next, you’ll walk down the long Nakamise-dōri street, lined with traditional shops—a true invitation to stroll. There, you’ll find good-luck charms and fans, as well as sweet and savory specialties to sample. The stalls are open from 9:30 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. 

Then you’ll arrive at Sensō-ji Temple, which is magnificent with its vibrant colors and imposing architecture—both day and night.

You can spend several minutes watching locals and tourists purify themselves at the fountain and burn incense.

In fact, whether you’re religious or not, drawing an omikuji is a must-do experience in Japan. These are fortune slips written on strips of paper that are drawn at random at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples throughout Japan. So, will you have good or bad luck?

Furthermore, within the grounds of Sensō-ji Temple, the five-story pagoda stands out for its elegant silhouette. Rebuilt in 1973 after World War II, it follows the principles of traditional Buddhist architecture. Its five stories symbolize the fundamental elements of Buddhism.

The Shinnakamise Covered Walkways

Near Sensō-ji Temple, you’ll find several long covered walkways. Lined with small shops and restaurants, they offer a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere, a far cry from Tokyo’s large shopping malls. You’ll find everything from local specialties to more traditional shops—perfect for strolling, grabbing a quick bite, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the Asakusa neighborhood.

Sumida Park

Asakusa also offers a lovely contrast between tradition and modernity, with a view of the Tokyo Skytree. You can take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Sumida River.

This brings us to Sumida Park.

Many families come to enjoy the activities in a friendly, good-natured atmosphere. 

And as is often the case in Tokyo, a temple suddenly appears when you least expect it.

The Asakusa neighborhood is definitely a must-see when visiting Tokyo.

The Shibuya District 

Aside from the legendary intersection, Shibuya isn’t the most exciting neighborhood in Tokyo. Yes, there are big screens, lots of people, and huge shopping malls.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya is best known for its massive intersection, where hundreds of people cross at the same time in a perfectly orchestrated ballet. Even though it’s a tourist spot, the experience is definitely worth the trip. 

The best view is still from the Starbucks right across the street. Take a seat by the floor-to-ceiling window and watch the constant comings and goings, the neon lights, and the neighborhood’s almost electric energy. 

Shibuya Station

Shibuya Station is one of the largest and most complex stations in Tokyo. It’s a veritable maze, with multiple levels, exits in every direction, and numerous transfer options. Despite its complexity, everything runs smoothly and the signage is very clear. You’ll have a view of Shibuya Crossing.

The train station is an integral part of the neighborhood’s identity: always bustling, always lively, and full of cafés, shops, and small restaurants where you can take a break between trips.

Go to Tsuzuki Market

The Tsukiji Market is one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its lively atmosphere and ultra-fresh seafood. Although the main fish market has been relocated to Toyosu, Tsukiji retains all its charm with its Outer Market—a maze of narrow alleys lined with traditional stalls, sushi restaurants, street food stands, and specialty shops. 

Unfortunately, this market is far too touristy, and the restaurants aren’t necessarily the best. Above all, the prices are much higher than in other parts of Tokyo. 

Parks in Tokyo

In Tokyo, parks are often very large and offer plenty of space for walking or relaxing, but they don’t resemble the traditional Japanese gardens one might imagine. 

UENO Park 

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s largest and most pleasant green spaces.

While strolling through the park, you’ll also come across temples and shrines, such as the Toshogu Shrine and the Kiyomizu Kannon-dō Temple.

There’s even a lake, Shinobazu-no-ike, where you can go paddle boating or walk around it.

The park is also home to several major museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and a zoo.

Hama-Rikyū Garden

Hama-Rikyū Garden is a true haven of tranquility in the heart of Tokyo, offering a striking contrast to the skyscrapers that surround it.

There’s also a traditional teahouse where you can enjoy a cup of matcha tea while taking in the scenery. And of course, you take off your shoes before going inside! 

Go to Odaiba Island

Odaiba is a modern artificial island located in Tokyo Bay. The island has a small beach, perfect for relaxing, even though swimming isn’t necessarily allowed.

Watch the sunset on the beach—it’s beautiful! 

Odaiba is easily accessible by boat from Asakusa, with a pleasant ride aboard a futuristic boat.

The views are magnificent, especially at sunset. 

For the return trip, the elevated train (Yurikamome) takes you back to central Tokyo while offering spectacular views of the skyscrapers and the bay.

Explore Monchichi Park 

Does Kiki have his own park? You bet! Amid the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Monchichi Park is a pleasant surprise. In fact, we found out about this park completely by chance. We just had to go!

There’s a small museum that traces Kiki’s history. Isn’t that wonderful! So why does Kiki have blue eyes? Kiki himself answers that question at the end of the article.

There’s even a bus and several specialty stores featuring Kiki in Tokyo.

For all Kiki fans, Tokyo is a paradise!

Where to eat in Tokyo?

In Tokyo, eating well doesn’t have to be expensive! The city is full of small restaurants where you can enjoy ramen, fresh sushi, or dumplings. The portions are generous and the prices are very affordable. For example, two bowls of ramen cost only about €10—enough to treat yourself without breaking the bank. 

But in Tokyo, there’s also Japanese barbecue, often called yakiniku. Each table is equipped with a small built-in grill or a hot plate. You choose different types of meat (beef, pork, chicken) and cook the meat yourself. The meats are often marinated or served with flavorful sauces, and are accompanied by rice and/or vegetables. 

Are you thirsty? In Tokyo, beverage vending machines are absolutely everywhere—you’ll find them on almost every street, at every station, and in every park.

It’s impossible to get dehydrated in Tokyo!

Where to stay in Tokyo? 

Our hotel was in Asakusa, with a view of the Skytree. The location was perfect for exploring Tokyo, since we had a subway station nearby, as well as Sensho-ji Temple and a wide variety of restaurants within easy reach.

It’s also important to know that hotel rooms are really small in Tokyo and in Japan in general.

How do you get around Tokyo? 

Getting around Tokyo is surprisingly easy thanks to a highly efficient subway and bus system.

When it comes to the subway, there’s no need to worry about getting lost.  Each station is numbered, with signs indicating the previous and next stations, which makes it easy to find your way. Once on board, you can either look at your phone or just close your eyes! If you’re standing, stand in front of the people seated in two perfectly organized rows. 

The buses run on time and are clearly marked with their numbers. Some buses are even miniature, which adds a touch of quintessentially Japanese charm.

For added convenience, you can use a Pasmo card, which can be reloaded at stations. You tap your card when entering and exiting, and the fare is calculated based on the distance traveled. If you don’t have enough balance when exiting, you can easily reload your card at the machines.

If you make a mistake or need to turn around, you won’t be able to pass through the gate automatically. You’ll need to speak to an attendant at the booth next to the barriers, who will reset your card. If you’re unsure or having trouble, the locals are always willing to help, and it’s rare to feel lost.

You’ll need cash to load your card; credit cards are not accepted at the machines.

How do I get to Tokyo?

Tokyo is primarily accessible by plane thanks to its two major international airports: Narita, located about 60 km east of the city, and Haneda, which is closer to the city center, about 20 km away. 

From the airport, it’s easy to reach downtown by train, bus, or taxi. The Narita Express (N’EX) and the Keisei Skyliner trains provide quick connections from the airport to Tokyo Station and major neighborhoods. Haneda is also served by train lines and the monorail, offering convenient access to the city. 

For travelers coming from other parts of Japan, the Shinkansen (bullet train) allows you to reach Tokyo from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, or Sendai in just a few hours.

How long should I plan to spend visiting Tokyo?

You’ll need at least four days to visit Tokyo—the city is so vast that even then, you’ll only get a small glimpse of it. After that, you can plan a trip to Hakone to see Mount Fuji and visit Kyoto, as well as spend a day in Nara, explore Kinosaki Onsen, and finish up in vibrant Osaka.

Tokyo is often the first stop on a trip: for an overview, feel free to check out my article on a first trip to Japan.

Kiki’s review of his visit to Tokyo

A city with 37 million residents—it must be utter chaos. At least, that’s what Kiki thought. Far from it, because this city is in Japan—the country where everything is perfectly orderly! And everyone follows the rules there. This means, among other things, never eating ramen soup with a spoon (but we’ll come back to that later). 

In other major cities, riding the subway is a real struggle for survival: you have to elbow your way in. In Tokyo? Not at all. No matter how many people are on the train, everyone settles into the car with precision. And when it gets really cramped, the pros pull out their ultimate trick: just turn around and slide in backward, like a USB drive that suddenly fits. Does anyone complain? Of course not. This is Japan.

Kiki, a superstar in Japan

Kiki is used to the fact that some people still recognize him. After all, he used to be a cult favorite and could be found in every child’s bedroom. Here in Tokyo, however, he’s a superstar! Around every corner, you come across Kiki figurines of all sizes and colors. There’s even a park named after him in Tokyo. But honestly, he was expecting a little more than just a few information signs. What really makes him proud, though, are his blue eyes. The Kiki figures—er, those produced before 1985—still had blue eyes; now they’re brown. His eyes, and the fact that he’s been by Sophie’s side ever since, make him absolutely one of a kind!

Kiki and the chopsticks

And now, let’s move on to the ramen drama: at a small restaurant, Kiki wanted to eat his ramen with a spoon. Something unthinkable in Japan! The woman at the next table couldn’t stand the sight and showed Kiki how to eat ramen properly: with chopsticks! She patiently taught him the technique for holding chopsticks. And something he’d never managed to do in his entire life—despite numerous pitiful attempts—finally worked: he finally knew how to hold chopsticks properly! But Kiki still marvels at his own stupidity to this day: how could he have ever thought of eating soup with a spoon?