A Must-Read for Travel Newbies: Top 10 Attractions to Visit in Tokyo for First-Timers

▲ Tokyo Skytree. (Photo / fromTokyo Skytree official website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

When it comes to independent travel, Japan is definitely one of the best destinations, and among them, Tokyo—voted by netizens as the most beloved Japanese city among Taiwanese—has become a popular tourist spot in Japan thanks to its convenient transportation and safety.The travel sharing platformTravel Barhas compiled the top 10 most popular attractions in Tokyo for 2015,which are must-visits when you come to Tokyo, and it’s recommended to include the following spots in your itinerary planning!

1. Tokyo Skytree
Standing at 634 meters tall, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world, also known as Sky Tree or the New Tokyo Tower. It is currently the tallest tower in the world—twice as high as Tokyo Tower. The tower has two observation decks that offer views of the entire Kanto region, and on clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance. When night falls, the tower lights up, creating a romantic and beautiful spectacle.

2. Senso-ji Temple
Established in 628, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo. The “Senso-ji Kannon,” believed to grant worldly benefits, is worshipped by many devotees, with about 30 million visitors coming here to pray each year. Designated as a prayer site for the Tokugawa shogunate by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period, it also served as the center of Japanese commoner culture. In addition to the famous Thunder Gate, other highlights within the temple grounds, such as the ceiling paintings and the five-story pagoda, are also worth seeing.

▲ Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

3. Tsukiji Market
A public wholesale market located in Tsukiji, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, known as the “stomach of Tokyo,” it is the largest fish market in Japan. Its massive scale and fame make it not only the top wholesale market in Tokyo but also in all of Japan. With an abundance of fresh food and affordable, delicious sushi and sashimi restaurants, it attracts many tourists and has become one of the must-visit tourist spots. However, it will be relocated to the new Toyosu Market starting in 2016.

▲ Tsukiji Market in Tokyo. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

4. Tokyo Station
Known as the “main gateway” of Tokyo, this station holds the status of a central station in the capital and was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2003. It is also one of the stations selected for the “100 Stations of the Kanto Region.” Its architectural style, featuring red brick and gray-white decorative bands, is known as the “Tatsuno Kingo” style, and the interior bas-reliefs inside the 28-meter-high arched roofs of the Marunouchi entrance station building carry a classic charm.

▲ Tokyo Station. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

5. Tokyo Disneyland
Located in Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo Disneyland was established in 1983 and is situated in the suburbs of Tokyo. It is a must-visit attraction for many travelers and is the first Asian theme park founded by The Walt Disney Company. Disney stories have accompanied the growth of many people, and no matter if you’re an adult or a child, you can find your own beautiful childhood memories here.

▲ Tokyo Disneyland. (Photo / by reporter Chen Rui Zhong)

6. Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Also known as the Ghibli Museum, it is an animation museum located in Mitaka City, Tokyo. The museum is run by Hayao Miyazaki, a writer, manga artist, and animation director, with his eldest son Goro Miyazaki serving as the first museum director. As Miyazaki’s animated films gained global popularity, this place has also become a must-visit pilgrimage destination for fans.

▲ Ghibli Museum, Mitaka. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

7. DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Located in Odaiba on Tokyo Bay, DiverCity is not only a great place for shopping but is also built on reclaimed land. The shopping facilities offer a variety of goods including fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, bags, home décor, pet supplies, and cartoon toys, attracting many young people. You can also enjoy the Rainbow Bridge and sea views along the waterfront promenade, making it a cozy and relaxing destination and one of the best choices for family trips.

▲DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Photo provided by DiverCity Tokyo Plaza)

8. Ueno Ameyoko
When it comes to an affordable and fun place to shop, Ueno Ameyoko in Tokyo is definitely an excellent choice. It’s a hotspot for cosmetics and health products, where you can find some of the cheapest deals in all of Tokyo, allowing travelers to compare prices to their heart’s content. The nearby streets are also bustling, and treasure hunting here will surely lead you to discover amazing goods and unique shops.

9. Meiji Shrine
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Meiji Shrine was established on November 1, 1920, as a shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, and its Treasure Hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It’s also one of the most popular spots for New Year’s shrine visits in the Tokyo area. Additionally, the grand torii gate at the entrance is made from 1,500-year-old Taiwanese cypress wood sourced from Taiwan’s Dan Mountain.

▲Meiji Shrine in Japan. (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

10. Tokyo DisneySea
Opened in 2001, Tokyo DisneySea is the second theme park to open within the Tokyo Disney Resort and the ninth Disney theme park in the world. The park features European and American maritime aesthetics, along with ocean-themed attractions and facilities that deliver a fresh and thrilling experience. It has now become one of the most visited and beloved Disney theme parks globally.

▲Tokyo DisneySea. (Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun)