Japan fascinates many Europeans. It is a country where traditional construction is intertwined with thoroughly modern projects made of steel and glass. In the Land of the Rising Sun, one can encounter phenomena that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. On the one hand, Shibuja with a Shinto temple, on the other – the Harajuku district full of colorful youth subcultures – Tokyo is an extremely diverse metropolis where you will surely find something for yourself. Here are 8 of its most important attractions. Each different, each unique.

Imperial Palace – one of the most important monuments in Tokyo

A symbol of imperial power and Japanese tradition, one of the most famous monuments of the country, which is definitely worth seeing during a trip to Japan. The Imperial Palace is located in the Chiyoda district – near the main station – and was built on the foundations of the former Edo Castle. This attraction in Tokyo impresses not only with its appearance, but also with the size of the area in which it is located, because it is comparable to New York’s Central Park. The famous spectacle bridge (also known as the double bridge) near the palace is only allowed to be crossed by the emperor on a daily basis. Only 2 times a year, on December 23 (Emperor Akihito’s birthday) and January 2 (During the New Year celebrations), the gates open and the bridge is open to tourists. On January 2, they can additionally see the imperial family appear briefly on the porch to greet the new arrivals. Most of the area, apart from the area where the Emperor’s Palace is located, is open to the public and can be explored with a guide. The Japanese, out of respect for their emperor, do not pronounce his name. They won’t do it until after his death.

Attractions in Tokyo – Meiji Jingu Temple

The spiritual center of the Shibuja district with a temple dedicated to the former imperial couple – Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. An oasis of calm in a bustling city and an important religious site. To reach the Meiji Jingu Temple, you have to go through the characteristic gate (torii) and enter the area covered with trees. On both sides of the avenue are barrels of wine and sake (called taru), used in religious ceremonies and donated by manufacturers. According to tradition, in Shinto shrines, sake was eaten (and is still eaten) in this form. The sight of a pile of barrels, traditionally wrapped in paper, is unheard of anywhere else. Shintoists can leave wooden tablets with prayers here. It is also worth visiting the beautiful gardens with irises, which are an enclave of greenery and color for the inhabitants of the busy metropolis. The sanctuary of the Shinto religion was created thanks to the commitment of the Japanese who devoted themselves to this goal. As many as 100,000 trees, and more specifically cedars, were used for the construction. The official opening of the temple took place on November 1, 1920. Currently, it is one of the most visited places in Tokyo – the attraction is visited by over 7 million people in the full tourist season.

Interesting places in Tokyo – Harajuku District

A district besieged by teenagers belonging to youth subcultures, but also by lovers of Japanese fashion and pop culture. Plenty of modern, electronics-packed shops are something that attracts young people like a magnet. The stands give you the opportunity to take a selfie, buy gadgets, costumes, mascots, characteristic Japanese uniforms or chips with unusual flavors – in a word, they allow you to break away from the gray reality and move a bit to an alternative world. There are designer shops here, expensive, dedicated to specific cartoon characters, including Sailor Moon, which the Polish viewer associates as Sailor Moon. The Harajuku district in Tokyo is for some a land of kitsch, for others – a favorite way to spend free time and deepen fashion passions. From the perspective of a tourist, definitely worth seeing, an interesting place in Tokyo.

We visit Tokyo – the historic Asakusa Temple from the Edo period

The Asakusa Temple, also called Senso-ji, located in one of the oldest districts of Tokyo, is one of the oldest Japanese Buddhist buildings in the capital. Every Japanese person is obliged to visit here at least once in their lifetime.

There is a legend associated with its creation. Well, in 628, two fishermen named Pinamon fished a statue out of the water. They unanimously decided to put it back in the river – where they had taken it from. The statue, however, miraculously jumped out of the water. For the fishermen, this was a clear sign that a temple had to be built in this place. So it happened and in 642 the building was ready. There are two gates leading to the temple. Nearby there are souvenir stalls where you can buy e.g. porcelain cat figurine with raised paw, maneki-neko. With its inviting gesture, it is supposed to attract good luck and success. It is worth knowing what to visit in Tokyo not only to broaden your horizons, but also to get to know the local culture and beliefs better.

What is worth seeing in Tokyo? Akamise shopping arcade

The arcade is one of the must-see places for many tourists coming to Tokyo. You can reach the Sensoji temple – the oldest and one of the most visited temples in the capital of Japan by tourists, which attracts crowds of visitors every day. The Akamise Passage is a great place to feel the atmosphere of an Asian market, full of stalls with tea, fruit and souvenirs. Sweet snacks based on rice flour and stuffed with green beans are particularly interesting. For those thirsty for Japanese street food, it is certainly an interesting place in Tokyo worth visiting.

Shinjuku district – the main business center of Tokyo

The favorite place of many people who had the opportunity to be in Tokyo before. It is here that the world’s largest metro station, colorful neon lights, atmospheric restaurants and pubs, as well as shops of the world’s most expensive clothing brands are located. Modern, vibrant and full of young people – this is the district of Shinjuku.

The western part encourages you to lift your head up towards skyscrapers climbing towards the clouds. Modern architecture, the hustle and bustle and lights of the big city – these elements create a unique atmosphere.
The eastern part of the district is a bit more artistic and colorful. Filled with shop neons and hostesses encouraging you to come in, cheerfully bustling – this is the impression that accompanies most visitors to this part of the city.

If you are traveling in a group and have different expectations for sightseeing, this Tokyo attraction should be on your list – the best compromise at its simplest!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with observation deck

Strolling through the Shinjuku district, it is worth paying attention to the unusual government building – The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. According to the assumptions of the project, created by Kenzo Tange, it was to be associated with an electronic integrated circuit. The shape of the building, the façade and the layout of the windows may actually resemble it. The building impresses not only with its appearance, but also with its height – 242.9 m, it is ranked second in the category of the tallest buildings in Tokyo. The construction, successfully completed in December 1990, cost about a billion dollars and came from public funds. However, the views from its top on the 45th floor are priceless. The panorama of Tokyo can be admired from one of the two towers – north or south. In the first one there is also a cafe. On a clear day, you can even see the famous Mount Fuji on the horizon – it’s an attraction!

Unusual tourist attractions in Tokyo – Red Light District

In the evening, the famous Red Light District is teeming with life. Residents, often couples, but also tourists willingly walk along it. Unlike in Amsterdam, a passerby will not see a naked woman practicing the oldest profession in the world. It’s easier to meet suspicious-looking men here, encouraging you to enter one of the premises. It’s not hard to guess what they’re here for. Kabukicho in the Shinjuku district is also famous for its porn cinemas, nightclubs and sex shops. It is an open secret that many of the local sex businesses are owned by the yakuza. If you are planning a trip to the country of the Rising Sun, be sure to read the article Your first trip to Japan and check what you should know about the culture and customs prevailing here and how to prepare for your trip.