30 Things to Do in Tokyo

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 metres above the crossing.

A Shinto shrine set in a dense evergreen forest right next to Harajuku, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

One of Tokyo's largest parks, a broad green space next to Meiji Shrine that fills with picnickers, dancers and musicians on weekends.

A large formal garden blending Japanese, English and French landscaping, just a short walk from Shinjuku Station.

Two towers near Shinjuku Station with a free observation deck on the 45th floor, offering wide views over the city.

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

Tokyo's biggest entertainment district, a dense neon corridor of restaurants, arcades, theatres and bars east of Shinjuku Station.

A smoky alley of yakitori stalls and tiny counter restaurants near the west exit of Shinjuku Station, sometimes called Memory Lane.

Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, centred on a bright red main hall and a five-storey pagoda.

A centuries-old shopping street leading to Senso-ji, lined with stalls selling snacks, fans, kimonos and souvenirs.

The Thunder Gate — the grand outer gate of Senso-ji, famous for its giant red paper lantern and guardian statues.

A 634-metre broadcasting and observation tower across the river from Asakusa — the tallest structure in Japan.

A riverside park along the Sumida River, known for its cherry trees and views of the Skytree across the water.

A large public park packed with museums, a zoo, temples and thousands of cherry trees.

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

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

Japan's oldest zoo, inside Ueno Park, best known for its giant pandas and a wide range of native and exotic animals.

A large pond in the southwest corner of Ueno Park, carpeted with lotus in summer and ringed by a walking path.

Tokyo's electronics mecca — dense blocks of stores selling gadgets, components, anime, games and everything in between.

The main avenue through Akihabara, closed to cars on Sundays and lined with flagship electronics and anime shops.

A multi-storey used-goods shop for manga, anime cells, toys and rare collectibles.

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 clock tower of the historic Wako building.

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

Tokyo's grand kabuki theatre, a modern building in traditional style that has staged kabuki since 1889.

The city's main rail terminal, famous for its red-brick Marunouchi facade restored to its 1914 appearance.

A 333-metre lattice tower in Minato, inspired by the Eiffel Tower and painted international orange and white.

A major Buddhist temple at the foot of Tokyo Tower, with a historic gate and rows of small statues dedicated to unborn children.