Tokyo First Timer

Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, with a bright red main hall and a five-story pagoda. Walking the grounds is free.

A centuries-old shopping street from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji, lined with stalls selling snacks, fans, and souvenirs. There is no admission.

A large public park west of Ueno Station, with museums, a zoo, temples, and thousands of cherry trees. The paths are free.

Japan's oldest and largest museum, holding an unmatched collection of Japanese art, samurai armor, ceramics and Buddhist sculpture.

A bustling market street running from Ueno to Okachimachi, famous for cheap snacks, street food, clothes and fresh seafood.

Tokyo's busiest scramble crossing, where up to a few thousand people cross on each light change. It is the city at its most kinetic.

A small bronze statue of the famously loyal dog Hachiko, who waited at Shibuya Station for his owner every day for nearly a decade.

An open-air rooftop observation deck on the 47th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square tower, 229 meters above the crossing.

A Shinto shrine in a dense evergreen forest beside Harajuku, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The main approach is free.

A grid of six narrow alleys east of Shinjuku Station, packed with more than 200 tiny bars, many seating fewer than ten people.

Dense blocks of gadget, parts, anime, and game shops around Akihabara Station's Electric Town exit. The streets are free to walk.

A nearly 1,300-year-old Shinto shrine near Akihabara, known for blessing technology and hosting one of Tokyo's great festivals.

The landmark intersection at Ginza 4-chome, anchored by the Wako clock tower. It is a public crossing with no admission.

A lively market district of food stalls and shops selling fresh seafood, produce and kitchenware, next to the former wholesale market.

Tokyo's main rail terminal, with a red-brick Marunouchi facade restored to its 1914 appearance. The plaza is free to visit.