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 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.

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 near Shinjuku Station. Admission is charged; confirm the fee.

Two towers near Shinjuku Station with free observation rooms high in the building and wide views over western Tokyo, including Fuji on a clear day.

A grid of six narrow alleys east of Shinjuku Station, 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, theaters 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, 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.

The Thunder Gate, the outer gate of Senso-ji, known for its giant red lantern and guardian statues. Walking through it is free.

A 634-meter broadcasting and observation tower east of Asakusa, across the Sumida River, and the tallest structure in Japan.

A riverside park on the Asakusa bank of the Sumida River, with cherry trees and a free view of Skytree across the water.

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.

Japan's oldest zoo, inside Ueno Park. The surrounding paths are free; the zoo charges admission and posts which houses are open.

A large pond at the south end of Ueno Park, covered with lotus in summer and ringed by a free walking path out to Benten-do.

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

The main avenue through Akihabara, lined with flagship electronics and anime shops. Cars are usually kept off it on Sunday afternoons.

A multi-story used-goods shop in Akihabara for manga, anime cels, toys, and collectibles, a short walk from the Electric Town exit.

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 kabuki theater in eastern Ginza, beside Higashi-Ginza Station, in a modern building that has staged kabuki since 1889.

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

A 333-meter lattice tower in Minato, painted international orange and white, with paid observation decks beside Zojo-ji temple.

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