You can visit and enjoy many places throughout Japan, from historical and beautiful scenic destinations to urban cities and amusement parks for all ages. There is no shortage of places to go in a country with five main islands, yet in size, it is the equivalent of California! However, there are many places to enjoy just in Tokyo without leaving your backyard!

Popular places in Tokyo 

Planning a visit to Japan? Wondering about things to do and places to see in Tokyo? Well, this bustling metropolis, as the one with the largest population globally, has tons of places and activities to keep you busy in trying to explore more.

Some of the famous areas worth visiting in Tokyo are the area around the Imperial Palace, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, and Omotesando (often referred to as the Champs-Elysees of Japan), Ginza, Tsukiji, Ueno, and Asagaya.

Tokyo has one of the world’s most convenient and efficient public transport systems, making it quite easy to visit all such areas. And the longer you live here, the more you can discover — especially if you venture through the side streets and the off-grid regions outside the hotspots. Of course, tourists generally go to the famous areas highlighted in tourist guidebooks or tourism websites. However, you will find so many flavors of Japan and Japanese life in almost all the areas, which may not be counted as tourist spots.  And this is the best way to get acquainted with Japan. However, here is a view of Tokyo’s hot spots from a local perspective!

Akasaka and the Imperial Palace

Akasaka is the center of politics and business, with famous shrines, office buildings, many embassies, and well-known entertainment areas such as Roppongi and Roppongi Midtown.  It’s a blend of old and new. This area is the center with deep historical significance — given that the Edo Castle is located here and the area around it where many of the lords of the Tokugawa shogun resided in old times.  The imperial family lives on these grounds, still surrounded by the stone walls, vast gardens, and water encircling the palace. 

Nowadays, living in and around Akasaka is very expensive and upscale. However, many expats and locals who work for large companies live in this area despite the high rent.  Visiting the Hie Jinja shrine (where many weddings are held), the Imperial grounds around the castle, Akasaka Palace, or the state guest house (Geihinkan 迎賓館) is definitely worth seeing. In addition, there are many office buildings, such as Roppongi Hills, attracting many local and foreign tourists. Akasaka Circus and Midtown are also very popular for their shops and restaurants.

Meiji Jingu, Harajuku and Omotesando

The Meiji Shrine was dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan, when the Shogunate era ended.  The shrine is magnificent, and the entire area inside is peaceful, completely contrasting with the noise and crowds of everyday Tokyo city life. 

The shrine sits in the middle of forests and gardens, and if one were to look at aerial photos — it’s hard to believe, amid the concrete, packed buildings, shops, and streets surrounding the area!  Very close by is Yoyogi Koen Park, which is also peaceful and popular for picnics, especially for family outings, and Shinjuku Gyoten National Garden.

Growing up as a teenager, Harajuku was very popular, and it still is today, especially Takeshita Dori, or avenue with crepe and dessert cafes and small trendy fashion boutiques.  Nearby is Omotesando, with upscale brand-name shops and restaurants.  There are no towering skyscrapers in these areas. Instead, many buildings are a few stories high, covered with Ivy, such as Omotesando Hills, a famous shopping mall.  Neon and bright signs are almost non-existent and are relatively less hustle than in Roppongi, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.

Ginza, Tsukiji, Ueno and Asagaya

Many locals call Ginza the Beverly Hills of Japan, with very upscale brand stores and high-end restaurants. It is also a popular venue for corporate client entertainment or Settai (接待).  Unlike Roppongi and Midtown, it is tranquil and refined. On weekends, the streets are closed to traffic, so people and families with children can take a stroll and even take in a street performer show. 

Tsukiji is next door and world-renowned for the fish market. It is a hot spot for sushi and inexpensive local street food. 

Ueno is known for the park, zoo, and Ameyayokocho Shotengai, a shopping street famous for selling expensive food items at discount prices. 

Asagaya shrine is a tourist favorite, and nearby is the river where it’s popular to ride the Yakatabune (屋形船) boats. You can enjoy food and drinks served on these boats while sightseeing.

The places mentioned above are famous, well-known, and listed in most guidebooks.  These are popular tourist attractions. But, like many places in Japan, there is a story behind these locals beneath the surface. 

Tokyo is a perfect example of the combination of a modern city still with a traditional flavor, and each area differs from another. Each has its unique identity and character, and many other places are off the beaten path to explore and discover. Most of these places have been evolving and changing. However, they still maintain their unique flavor and give a peek into the classic combination of modernity and Japan's traditional culture.