Content creators, avid travelers, and everyone in between! Are you looking to share your travels and experiences in Japan through sharing amazing photos and videos of the most frequently visited landmarks in Tokyo? Well, here are the top 6 Tokyo landmarks you simply cannot miss!
1. Tokyo Tower
The Tokyo Tower in Shiba-koen, Minato Ward is one of the oldest and most nostalgic landmarks in Tokyo inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Tokyo Tower was built in 1958, and is 1,093 feet (333 meters) tall, which is actually slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower and is the second tallest structure in Japan after the Tokyo Skytree. It still functions as a broadcast tower for radio and TV.
Tokyo Tower has two observation decks:
Main Deck: (492 feet/150 meters high) Provides a panoramic view of Tokyo which is absolutely stunning on a clear night. On clear days, you can view The Tokyo Skytree, Odaiba, and even Mt. Fuji in the distance!
Top Deck: (820 feet/250 meters high) This is an observation area with floor-to-ceiling windows and a slightly more upscale vibe where you can learn about the tower’s history.
At night, the tower is illuminated to celebrate national holidays, special events, or occasions. Make sure you visit the tower for stunning photo opportunities either in the early morning, sunset, or in the evening when the tower is lit up.
2. Senso-ji Temple
One of Tokyo’s oldest and most symbolic Buddhist temples which attracts millions of visitors each year is located in Asakusa, Taito Ward. Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺), has a rich history and a strong spiritual significance dating back 1,400 years. The main gate, named Kaminarimon (雷門) (Pictured above), is a massive gate adorned with a giant red lantern weighing over 1543 pounds (700 kilos), and translates to “Thunder Gate”, symbolizing the gods of thunder and wind who stand guard on each side of the gate. After you pass under the large lantern, you enter Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street with shops selling various Japanese souvenirs and snacks. At The end of the shopping street, you will arrive at the temple where millions purchase an omikuji (fortune slip) for advice for the year ahead, and/or burn incense to purify themselves for healing, good health, or fortune.
3. Tokyo Skytree
Feel as though you are on top of the world at the tallest structure in Japan! Tokyo Skytree has the most awe-inspiring views of the city from its observation decks and is also a great spot for souvenir shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Skytree was completed in 2012 and stands at 2,080 feet (634 meters), and is currently the third tallest structure in the world. The Skytree is not far from Senso-ji Temple so it’s worth paying a visit to the Skytree after the temple, especially for sunset and an unforgettable view of the twinkling evening lights of Tokyo.
Tokyo Skytree has two observation decks:
Tembo Deck: (1148 feet/350 meters high) The windows on this 360-degree deck are from the floor to the ceiling, allowing you unobstructed photos of Tokyo and beyond on a clear day.
Tembo Galleria: (1476 feet/450 meters high) This deck offers a thrilling glass-floor view, allowing you to look straight down at the city beneath you!
The Tokyo Solamachi shopping mall located at the base of the Skytree houses over 300 shops and is a great one-stop shopping mall for all of your Japanese and international dining, fashion, and souvenir needs. Nearby, you will find Skytree Town with a number of entertainment options including a planetarium and an aquarium.
For tips on how to get around Tokyo, check out: From Trains to Bikes: Navigating Tokyo Like a Local
4. Shibuya Scramble
Shibuya crossing (Shibuya Scramble) is without a doubt one of the busiest crossings in the world. Depicted in various movies and TV shows, this crossing is an energetic intersection where traffic stops in all directions to allow hundreds of thousands of people to cross all at once. The Scramble is surrounded by tall buildings adorned with colorful, vibrant neon lights, and large digital billboards, the classic images that usually come to mind when people think of Tokyo. Near the crossing is the famous Hachiko Statue, a tribute to the famous loyal dog who waited for his owner at Shibuya Station every day. Other notable spots to view and get great photos of the Scramble are from the Shibuya Sky building, or Shibuya Scramble Starbucks.
5. Shibuya Sky
The Shibuya Sky Building was completed in 2019 with the goal of offering a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the entire city from the heart of one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and entertaining districts – Shibuya. The observation deck is 751 feet (229 meters) high, and offers the best location for day shots of the sprawling metropolis, or gorgeous night shots and/or videos of the city’s bright lights and busy energy.
The outdoor rooftop is an area where visitors can walk around the edge of the building, feel the breeze, and enjoy the incredible scenery from every angle. In addition, there is a glass-floored viewing area named “Sky Edge”, where those who are brave enough can walk on a transparent floor and see the city below your feet. The Shibuya Sky Building requires a reservation to enter, so make sure to book your tickets in advance.
6. Unicorn Gundam Statue
Take a trip to Odaiba and visit the large Gundam Statue! After arriving at Tokyo Teleport Station, you will find an area with tons of shopping and restaurants. In front of the DiverCity Tokyo Shopping Plaza, you cannot miss the towering Unicorn Gundam Statue from the Mobile Suit Gundam series which stands at nearly 65 feet (20 meters) tall. At night, the statue is lit up and an anime show is projected on the side of the building. On the other side of DiverCity is AquaCity where nearby you have views of Odaiba Beach, Rainbow Bridge (which is a must-see when it is lit up at night!), and even a small-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty. All in all, Odaiba is a great spot to take memorable photos and videos with some of Tokyo’s most impressive landmarks.
So, there you have it—six must-see landmarks in Tokyo that will totally blow your mind! Whether you’re snapping pics at the iconic Shibuya Crossing, soaking in the views from Tokyo Skytree, or exploring the history of Senso-ji, Tokyo’s got something unforgettable around every corner. Just remember to pack your phone charger (you’ll need it!) and bring your best camera to capture and share these amazing moments with the world. Trust us, Tokyo will leave you with memories that last a lifetime!