Tokyo is rich in culture and monuments and palaces that speak about the history of this city and entire Japan. On this page, visitors can find a complete list of sights they should not miss while staying in Tokyo. From Imperial Palace, through unbelievable parks and Japanese gardens, to bazaars where you can try amazing culinary specialties.
Sensoji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Legend says that the temple was built after two fisherman found a statue of goddess Kannon. This is an important center of Buddhist faith, and it attracts about 30 milion visitors every year. In the year 628, Hinokuma Hamanari and his brother Takenari were fishing on the Simuda River. While pulling their net out of the water, they were surprised to see that there is a statue in the net. When the village chief realized that they had "caught" the statue of the goddess Kannon, he made the decision to dedicate himself to Buddhism because he understood the discovery of the statue as a sign. He soon converted his house into a temple and dedicated the rest of his life to Buddhism.
Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居) is the main residence of the Japanese emperor. The palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, which is located in a huge green area, surrounded by parks and massive stone walls, and only a few minutes walk from Tokyo station. The residence includes the main building, the private residences of the imperial family, a museum and administrative offices. Edo Castle once belonged to the Tokugawa shogun whose family ruled the area from 1603 to 1868. In 1868, the shogunate was demolished, and the capital as well as the imperial residence were moved to Tokyo.
Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿 御苑) is a so-called national garden but is actually one of the largest parks in Tokyo. Parks are otherwise highly valued places in Tokyo because visitors can distance themselves from the hectic life of the most populous city in the world. In the spring, Shinjuku Gyoen becomes one of the best places in the city to see cherry blossoms - a scene you’ve certainly seen in numerous Hollywood productions when the action takes place in Japan.
Meiji Jingu is one of the shrines in Japan, with a huge forest that covers an area of 70 hectares. The shrine is located in the city of Tokyo, and when you step on its ground, you will be completely lost in the greenery and delight in the peace that reigns in this place. The Meiji Jingu Shrine was founded in 1920 in the honors of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who took the initiative to create the foundations of modern Japan. The shrine is dedicated to their souls. The tombs of the imperial couple are in Kyoto. After the emperor and his wife passed away, the people expressed the desire to mark their virtues and to respect them forever.
The Tokyo Television Tower is a television tower and one of the main landmarks in this city. The tower is located in the city district of Sumida. The Tokyo Tower is the tallest building in Japan with an incredible height of 634 meters. What adorns this television tower are two observatories with an incredible view of the city of Tokyo. These are the highest observatories in Japan, and visitors can choose to visit only one or both.
