Tokyo Sightseeing: 8 Must-See Landmarks, Temples & Views (2026)
Tokyo's classic sights run from centuries-old temples and shrines to its most iconic landmarks and tower-top views. This guide covers eight must-see spots, with each area, how to get there, official links, and where to book tower tickets.
Quick tips: A Suica/ICOCA IC card or the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72h) makes hopping between sights easy. The temples, shrines and Shibuya Crossing are free; the observation towers (Skytree, Tokyo Tower) have paid decks — timed tickets recommended. For experiences like teamLab and the Harry Potter studio tour, see our Tokyo attractions guide. Prices are in yen (~150 yen = $1).
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
（Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)）
Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, approached through the Kaminarimon gate and the Nakamise shopping street. Free to visit and lively day and night.
Hours
Main hall 6:00–17:00 (from 6:30 Oct–Mar); grounds 24h
Hours and prices can change. Check the official site for the latest (as of June 2026).
Meiji Jingu Shrine
（Meiji Jingu Shrine）
A serene Shinto shrine set in a vast forest beside Harajuku — a peaceful contrast to the city, free to visit, with seasonal events.
Hours and prices can change. Check the official site for the latest (as of June 2026).
Imperial Palace East Gardens
（Imperial Palace East Gardens）
The public East Gardens of the Imperial Palace — the former Edo Castle grounds with grand stone walls, moats and seasonal gardens, free to enter, right in the heart of Tokyo.
Hours and prices can change. Check the official site for the latest (as of June 2026).
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
（Shibuya Scramble Crossing）
The world's busiest pedestrian crossing — a sea of people beneath giant screens. Free; get the best view from the Shibuya Sky deck or a nearby cafe.
Hours
Open 24 hours (public street)
Cost
Free
Area
Shibuya
Getting there
Right outside Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit)
Hours and prices can change. (as of June 2026)
Tokyo Skytree
（Tokyo Skytree）
At 634m, Japan's tallest tower and a defining landmark of the skyline, with observation decks over the whole city (and Mt. Fuji on clear days) plus shopping below. Timed tickets recommended.
Hours and prices can change. Check the official site for the latest (as of June 2026).
Tokyo Tower
（Tokyo Tower）
Tokyo's classic red-and-white landmark, an Eiffel-inspired tower with observation decks and a nostalgic vibe — beautiful lit up at night.
Hours and prices can change. Check the official site for the latest (as of June 2026).
Tsukiji Outer Market
（Tsukiji Outer Market）
The lively outer market of the former Tsukiji fish market — stalls of fresh sushi, seafood and street food. Free to browse; come hungry in the morning.
Q.Are temples and shrines free, and what's the etiquette?
Visiting the main temples and shrines is free. Senso-ji's main hall is open 6am–5pm (from 6:30am Oct–Mar). Meiji Jingu is free; bow twice, clap twice, bow once, after rinsing your hands at the water basin. Gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, so times shift monthly (as of June 2026).
Q.Where are the best Shibuya photo spots?
The Scramble Crossing is a public street — shoot while crossing or from nearby (don't block foot traffic at busy times). A classic overhead view is SHIBUYA SKY (about 229m up, ¥2,000 adult, reservation-based) (as of June 2026; check official site).
Q.When are the Imperial Palace East Gardens closed?
They're free and need no booking. Closed Mondays and Fridays (with holiday exceptions) and over New Year. Opening hours change by season (e.g. 9am–6pm from mid-April to end of August) (as of June 2026).
Q.Can I see the highlights in one day?
Group them by area: Senso-ji + Skytree (about 5 minutes apart by train), Meiji Jingu + Shibuya (adjacent on the Yamanote line), and the Imperial Palace East Gardens (about 15 minutes' walk from Tokyo Station). Given how long each takes, two half-day areas is realistic (as of June 2026).
Q.What do Tokyo Tower and Skytree cost, and how long do they take?
Rough guide (as of June 2026; variable — check official): Tokyo Tower Main Deck ¥1,500 adult (9am–11pm); Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck from ¥1,800 adult (the counter adds ¥500 per ticket, so web is cheaper). Allow about 30–60 minutes for the view.
Q.How much is kimono rental?
A one-day kimono rental in Asakusa runs from around ¥3,000 (tax incl.) without hair styling, or about ¥4,000+ with it (budget plans from ~¥2,000/day). Plans and return times vary by shop, so confirm when booking (as of June 2026).
🎟️ Experiences & Tours
Book experiences & activities in Tokyo
Tours, attraction tickets, day trips and travel passes (JR Pass, eSIM, IC cards) — booked in English.
Editor of Playable Japan. I curate experiences, sightseeing and food across Japan into a practical, ready-to-book format, double-checking prices, access and booking details against official and primary sources.
