Guide to Sightseeing Spots
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings Observation Decks
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings have become the face of the West Side of Shinjuku Station. You can see all of Tokyo from the popular 202-meter high observation decks, located on the 45th floor of Main Building No. 1. We recommend the South Observation Deck during the day, as you can see toward the popular Odaiba entertainment district. There is also a café where you can get a light snack. The North Observation Deck, which is open until 10:30 p.m., is great for enjoying Tokyo at night, complete with drinks at the deck's café and bar, where a variety of alcoholic drinks are available.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Tower / Observatory |
| Caption |
View from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observation Deck |
| Address |
2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Tokyo Metro Nishi-shinjuku Station
Via the passageway to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings: 10 mins on foot |
| Admission |
Admission free |
| Open |
South Observation Deck: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Until 10:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month).
North Observation Deck: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. |
| Closed |
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month (South Observation Deck), 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month (North Observation Deck) |
Tokyo Tower
The 333 m. symbol of Tokyo. Completed in 1958, Tokyo Tower today has observatories offering a view out towards Mt. Fuji and across the city of Tokyo. It also has several amusement spots including an aquarium and restaurants. Live concerts are offered in the observatory and nighttime illuminations attract many visitors.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Tower / Observatory |
| Caption |
Built in March, 1960, the tower is 333 m high |
| Address |
4-2-8 Shibakoen Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Tokyo Metro Kamiyacho Station Exit 1: 7 mins on foot |
| Admission |
JPY 820 (JPY 600 additional for special observatory) |
| Open |
9am-10pm (Depends on the facility) |
| Closed |
Open 365 days a year |
Tokyo Midtown
Tokyo Midtown is a multipurpose commercial complex located on the former site of the Defense Agency Headquarters. Based on the concept "high-quality life in the heart of the city," the complex houses 132 unique shops and restaurants. The upper floors of its 248-meter trademark tower-Midtown Tower-are also home to the Ritz Carlton Tokyo. Suntory Museum is located in the Gardenside area. Tokyo Midtown is also the focus of attention as Roppongi's newest information center.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping complex |
| Address |
9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Direct connection from Tokyo Roppongi Station Exit 8 /
From Nogizaka Station Exit 3 : 3 mins on foot |
| Business Hour |
Shops 11:00-21:00, Restaurants 11:00-24:00 (depending on the shop or facility) |
SHIBUYA109
SHIBUYA109 is filled with shops and is known as the center of Shibuya's fashion world. There are nearly 110 shops covering 10 floors, where you can find women's wear, women's shoes, bags, accessories and more. The area around the entrance has become the place to meet.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping complex |
| Caption |
A Shibuya landmark, standing at the entrance of Dogenzaka street. |
| Address |
2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Tokyo Metro Shibuya Station Exit 3 |
| Open |
Shops (Basement 2 to 7th floor) 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Restaurants (7th, 8th floors) 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. |
| Closed |
Open 365 days a year |
Tsukiji Jogai Market (Tsukiji outer market)
The 200-square meter area is packed with about 330 fishmongers, greengrocers and restaurants, with energetic shopkeepers calling out from every side. The adjacent Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market (inner market) is strictly for wholesalers, but the outer market is open to the public. Many people come here to shop not only for fish but also for a wide variety of foodstuffs such as vegetables, soup stock, seaweed, tea and rare delicacies. The best shopping hours are between 9:00 and 13:00. The market bustles with family shoppers on Saturdays, the day before the market closes.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping (food, liquor) |
| Caption |
Guaranteed fresh and cheap |
| Address |
Tsukiji 4-10-16, Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Tsukiji Station Exit 1: 3 mins on foot |
| Open |
About 5 a.m.-1 p.m. |
| Closed |
Closed Sundays and national holidays, as well as two Wednesdays a month (varies). |
Akihabara Shopping Area
Japan's No. 1 electrical shopping area with more than 500 stores attracting thousands. After WWII, the Akihabara area became known as place to pick up electrical items such as household appliances and small parts for larger machines at low prices. Today it is similar only bigger and better and PC stores are particularly popular as are stores selling plastic models and figurines.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping district |
| Caption |
An area also popular with foreigners |
| Address |
Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Akihabara Station / Suehirocho Station: 1-8 mins on foot |
Ginza
Ginza is one of Japan's best-known entertainment districts. It is lined with shops, ranging from century-old retailers to department stores and the latest high-fashion boutiques. Recently a number of shops targeting younger people have been added, making it a district that is fun for all ages. The Japanese expression "burabura" means to amble about, so the phrase "Ginbura" (Ginza + burabura) has come to signify spending time in a luxurious way.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping district, Popular area for leisurely stroll |
| Address |
Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, Higashi-ginza Station, Ginza-itchome Station |
Omote-sando
"Sando" is the name given to roads leading up to shrines for the purpose of visiting them. Omote-sando stretches west from Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920. Currently, it is home to top brands like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, and has become a mecca for the city's fashionable people. Lined with trees, this avenue's many open cafes offer an escape from the noisy strip outside.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping district, Popular area for leisurely stroll |
| Address |
Minato and Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Tokyo Metro Omote-sando Station |
Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon)
The Tokyo's oldest temple and a symbolic place of shitamachi in Tokyo. It was founded in 628. In the Edo-era (1603-1867), the shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated the temple as facility for government. It has valuable items such as painting on the ceiling or five-story tower.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shrine / Temple |
| Address |
2-3-1 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station Exit 1: 5 mins on foot |
| Admission |
Free of charge |
| Open |
6.30am-5pm (Apr - Sep: from 6am) |
| Closed |
Open 365 days a year |
Koishikawa-Korakuen (Garden)
A garden related to Mito Tokugawa Family. The garden built in 1629 was reconstructed and completed by Mito Mitsukuni (1628 - 1701). In the garden of the width of 70,000 sq. m. is well designed, and it offers seasonal views.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Garden |
| Caption |
Enjoyable in every season |
| Address |
1-6-6 Koraku Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Tokyo Metro Korakuen Station Koraku Exit: 8 mins on foot |
| Admission |
JPY 300 |
| Open |
9am-5pm (Admission until 4.30pm) |
| Closed |
Open 365 days a year |
Kokyo Gaien (The Imperial Palace Park)
Enjoy the view of beautiful lawns and black pine trees. In the Edo-era (1603 - 1867), the house of the chief servants at the palace was located on this site and today Nijubashi, a well known symbol of the Imperial Palace is near the park. The similarly famed Sakurada Gate is located to the south of the park and is designated as an important cultural property.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Park |
| Caption |
The main stone bridge (Nijubashi) is also called "Meganebashi (meaning the bridge of eyeglass)" |
| Address |
Kokyo Gaien Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Nijubashimae Station Exit 2: 1 mins on foot |
| Admission |
Free of charge |
Meiji Jingu Shrine
The vast grounds expand to the west of Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line. The shrine was built in 1920 in dedication to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It has had the largest number of New Year's visitors in Japan for 29 consecutive years. The 700,000-square meter Yoyogi Forest, which comprises about 100,000 trees donated by citizens across Japan, offers peace of mind with its dense foliage.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shrine / Temple |
| Caption |
Meiji Jingu Shrine - the oasis in the megalopolis |
| Address |
1-1 Yoyogikamizono-cho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station Exit 2: 1 min on foot to South entrance. |
| Admission |
Free of charge |
| Open |
From sunrise to sunset |
| Closed |
Open 365 days a year |
House of Councilors Tour
Get to know the systems and functions of the House of Councilors. In the House of Councilors visitors can see the lobby, conference hall, central hall with its gorgeous decorations and a rest lounge used by the Emperor. If necessary, services such as interpretation - using sign language - are available but contact staff in advance. A shop in the annex sells souvenirs such as sweets in the shape of the Diet Building. The Kensei Kinenkan (memorial hall of the constitution process) is located behind the Diet Building and gardens in both Japanese and Western styles are located to the front of the main building.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Architecture / Facility tour |
| Address |
1-7-1 Nagata-cho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Nagatacho Station Exit 1: 3 mins on foot / Kokkai-gijidomae Station Exit 1: 5 mins on foot |
| Admission |
Free of charge (reservation is necessary for 10 or more visitors) |
| Open |
Tour: 9am-5pm (Admission until 4pm) |
| Closed |
Sat, Sun and national holidays, Year-end & New Year holidays |
Tokyo Stock Exchange
Directors of the Japanese economy. This facility is often seen on TV news and the media center, information terrace where stock prices are shown and exhibition hall offering historical views if the Japanese stock exchange market can be toured but groups do require advance bookings.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Architecture / Facility tour |
| Address |
2-1 Nihombashikabuto-cho Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Kayabacho Station Exit 11: 5 min. on foot |
| Admission |
Free of charge |
| Open |
9am-4pm |
| Closed |
Sat. Sun. and national holidays |
Namikidori Street
For foreign high class brand shops. Namikidori Street is located between Ginza 1-chome and 8-chome running for around 1km in all. The famous brand shops of Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Max Mara, Cartier, Chanel, Loewe and others are all to be found along this street and as it is set off the main Ginza streets, it is popular with more discreet shoppers.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping district, Popular area for leisurely stroll |
| Address |
Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Ginza Station Exit B5 / B6: immediate access |
| Open |
Depends on the shop |
| Closed |
Depends on the shop |
Monja Street
Centered on Tsukishima's commercial Nishi-Nakadori Ave. About 70 monjayaki restaurants are in fierce competition to create unique flavors for their monja (a kind of savory pancake featuring cabbage and various fillings). The Tsukishima Monja Association (open year-round, 12 noon-8 p.m.) offers special maps and gifts.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Restaurant district |
| Address |
Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Tsukishima Station Exit 7: immediate access |
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art
Seizo Ota was a collector of ukiyo-e paintings from the 17th-early 20th centuries. Ukiyo-e became popular overseas. The museum was founded based on his final wishes. It houses about 12,000 ukiyo-e works, including those by Katsushika Hokusai. Every Monday, about 70 works are put on display. Within the museum, there is also a rock garden in the rest area. The exhibit takes about 45 minutes to view.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Museum |
| Caption |
Relaxing, comfortable space |
| Address |
1-10-10 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station Exit 3: 5 mins on foot |
| Admission |
Admission: ¥700 (Separate entrance fee for special exhibits) |
| Open |
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Closed |
Mondays; between exhibitions (end of exhibit-end of month) |
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The site was the residence of the Naito family, feudal lords of the Takato domain in Shinshu. The name was changed to Shinjuku Imperial Botanical Garden in May 1879, and then to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden after World War II, when it was opened to the public. The park spans an area of 58.3ha and has a circumference of 3.5km, and is scattered with diverse garden styles like neat and orderly French formal, vast English landscape, and traditional Japanese, where visitors stroll a path and enjoy ponds and streams from various angles. Beautiful flowers bloom year round such as cherry blossoms and rhododendrons from January to May, and chrysanthemums in November.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Garden |
| Caption |
A suprisingly quiet spot within Shinjuku |
| Address |
11 Naitou-machi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station Exit 1: 5 mins on foot |
| Admission |
JPY 200 |
| Open |
9am-4.30pm (Admission until 4pm) |
| Closed |
Mon (If Mon is a national holiday, Tue will be closed) |
Tokyo National Museum
The collection consists of 110,000 items including 91 national treasures. Also, one of the buildings is recognized for representing the Western-style architecture of the late Meiji era.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Museum |
| Caption |
Mainly Japanese arts and crafts are displayed at the Main building (Japanese gallery) |
| Address |
13-9 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
15-min. walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station or Nezu Station |
| Admission |
JPY 600 |
| Open |
9:30am-5pm (Admission until 4:30pm) |
| Closed |
Closed Mondays (the next business day when a public holiday falls on a Monday); December 28-January 1; open during Golden Week and Obon holidays in general |
Suntory Museum of Art
Head toward Tokyo Midtown from Akasaka-mitsuke. With about 3,000 items, including paintings, ceramics, lacquer ware, glass and dyed textiles, some of which are national treasures or important cultural assets, the museum holds a variety of exhibits under its mission statement: "Art revisited, beauty revealed." The museum was designed by internationally renowned architect Kengo Kuma, based on the concept of Japanese modernism. In addition to its museum shop-cum-café, "shop x cafe," the museum also houses a tea ceremony room, "Genchoan."
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Museum |
| Address |
Tokyo Midtown Garden side, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Roppongi Station Exit 4a |
| Admission |
Depends on exhibition |
| Open |
10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Until 6 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays and national holidays). |
| Closed |
Tuesdays (Wednesdays when Tuesday is a holiday), Jan. 1 and between exhibitions. |
Shibuya
Shibuya is symbolic as a center of youth culture. The northwest side of Shibuya Station, stretching from the Hachiko Exit, is the area's entertainment district. Hachiko-mae Plaza is probably the most popular meeting place in all of Japan. The crosswalk at the nearby intersection is so crowded, you might think it's a parade. This spot is also a popular spot for foreign tourists to take photos.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping / Entertainment |
| Address |
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Tokyo Metro Shibuya Station |
Cat Street
A winding road that traces the old Shibuya River, which stretches from either side of Omote-sando avenue. On the north side of Omote-sando is the heart of Ura-Harajuku, where many young designers have unique boutiques. On the south side is a pedestrian street that takes you to Shibuya in only 15 minutes.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping district, Popular area for leisurely stroll |
| Address |
4 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
From Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station Exit 5: 3 mins on foot |
Echika Omote-sando
Underground commercial facility that is the center of fashion and culinary trends that could only have been built in Omote-sando. It includes a food court created in the image of France's Marseilles, nail salons, accessory shops, general retailers and a variety of shops in the Beauty Zone. The Fashion Zone, with convenient, trendy shops for the busy woman, bakery cafes, juice bars, specialty food shops and more in the food trend zone. There is also a Stylish Japanese zone, making it possible to sample a concentrated version of Tokyo.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping complex |
| Address |
3-6-12 Kita-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Inside Tokyo Metro Omote-sando Station |
| Open |
10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Depends on shop) |
| Closed |
Open 365 days a year |
Maru building (Marunouchi Building)
Multipurpose complex near Tokyo Station. More than just offices, there are shops from the basement to the 4th floor and restaurants on the 5th, 6th, 35th and 36th floors, about 140 in all. The architecture, too, has created a stir for its inclusion of art works by domestic and foreign artists, as well as the lower floors, whose design recalls the old Maru building.
Recommended Course |
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| Type |
Shopping complex |
| Caption |
The newest spot in Tokyo's Marunouchi district |
| Address |
2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
| Access |
Direct underground access from Tokyo Metro Nijubashi Station Exit 4 |
| Admission |
Depends on shop, facility |
| Open |
Basement-4th floor: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Sundays, national holidays). 5th, 6th, 35th and 36th floors: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (10 p.m. on Sundays, national holidays). |
| Closed |
Open 365 days a year (Except Jan. 1, scheduled maintenance) |
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