Tokyo is the most important travel destination in the country. It is the financial, commercial, and industrial center and an incredible shopping hot spot. You will be able to enjoy fantastic cityscape views and cultural attractions, not to mention unique spots you will not find anywhere else. Access is easily offered through Cathay Pacific’s routes, including London to Tokyo, so make sure you will check out the following.
1. Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers an oasis of green space amidst Tokyo’s busy heart. Boasting English and French gardens as well as traditional Japanese ones and plenty of wide open spaces to unwind, the garden was originally constructed as a private estate by Naito clan but later evolved into a botanical garden and imperial garden during Meiji era (1868-1912) before opening to public in 1949.
Shinjuku Gyoen offers many activities to do throughout the year, but its main draw is cherry blossom viewing (hanami) during spring. Over 1,000 trees transform this park into an exquisite display of pink blossoms – but camellia and wisteria blooming also makes the park worth visiting in autumn and winter months.
This garden is known for its tea house and other traditional buildings, providing an ideal setting for peaceful walks or picnics, especially on days with clear weather. Additionally, it’s a popular running spot in Tokyo, though to escape crowds it may be best to enter through its southern gate instead of via Shinjuku Station’s main entrance.
The garden provides a peaceful retreat from Shinjuku’s hectic pace, and is one of Tokyo’s premier places for romance. There are several fine outdoor dining and drinking establishments such as Shake Shack and Starbucks with patio seating, as well as illuminations in the evening that create a lovely stroll experience. Furthermore, cultural events take place here such as Noh drama “Mori no Takigi,” performed on wooded areas within the Garden; don’t miss it!
2. Ueno Park
Ueno Park is more than a traditional Japanese garden: it is an oasis of culture and nature that has long been visited by both residents and visitors. Boasting diverse flora such as ginkgo biloba, camphor trees and zelkova; Ueno Park makes the ideal spot for strolling no matter the season; especially spectacular during cherry blossom season (late March/early April) or during tulip festival in spring! The tree-lined walkways become particularly vibrant.
Ueno Park houses numerous family-friendly museums, such as the National Museum of Nature and Science. Here visitors will find everything from dinosaur fossils to space travel exhibits sure to engage children of all ages – even seeing original taxidermy of Hachiko the dog that once resided here!
Bentendo Temple stands out as an iconic attraction within the park, dedicated to Benzaiten, a goddess associated with art, wealth and matchmaking. This beautiful structure has an ethereal appearance; its vibrant hexagonal tower can be seen from far away.
The Tokyo National Museum, situated within the park, displays an array of art and historical treasures from across Japan – an invaluable opportunity to learn about their history and culture.
Yanaka is an attractive pocket of old Tokyo that recalls traditional Japan, known as one of three Yanesen neighborhoods along with Sendagi and Nezu. Here you’ll find historic wooden houses as well as traditional Japanese sweet shops and cafes.
Pokemon Go players in Ueno Park may recognize some manhole covers around Ueno as Pokestops; those near Tokyo National Museum feature Wynaut and Tyrunt while those near National Museum of Nature and Science feature Baltoy and Bronzor respectively.
Ueno Park boasts plenty of attractions and activities, from its bustling zoo to Ameyoko’s shopping street – once a Black Market during World War II and now home to vendors selling everything from clothing and shoes to snacks.
3. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower should be at the top of any traveler’s itinerary when visiting Japan, serving as both an iconic symbol for Tokyo as well as its development into an economic power. Completed in 1958, this 333-meter tall freestanding steel tower was once considered world tallest. Today it remains popular tourist attraction.
Spring and autumn offer ideal visiting conditions, when weather is generally pleasant and nature in full bloom. Additionally, summer nights provide their own distinct charm with city lights gleaming across the horizon.
Visitors who want to experience Tokyo Tower from its summit can purchase a ticket that includes a tour, so they can skip the line and head straight up! For those seeking a less intense visit, Foot Town provides numerous restaurants, souvenir shops and even an aquarium with over 900 species of rare fish!
FOOT TOWN’s brand new entertainment facility REDdeg TOKYO TOWER opened in 2022 as an immersive space that brings cutting edge technologies and fun experiences right inside Tokyo Tower itself. Offering VR experiences and e-sports activities – plus its signature Japanese torii gates and noren curtains that combine futuristic game center elements with Tokyo’s rich tradition – REDdeg TOKYO TOWER is truly something everyone should experience!
4. Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace serves as both the heart and symbol of Japan. A massive expanse of green, it provides a welcome respite from Tokyo’s crowds, concrete structures, and skyscrapers – offering many excellent shrines, parks, and museums that provide welcome respite.
For an in-depth experience of the inner palace grounds, tours can be organized through Imperial Household Agency website; otherwise visiting Kokyo-gaien can be enough.
For visitors not participating in special tours, the eastern gardens of the imperial palace offer the best experience of this historic landmark. These open to the public and feature Nijubashi bridge – considered an icon of its construction – manicured lawns, topiary trees and flower displays bring a touch of royalty right in the middle of an urban environment.
Chidorigafuchi moat, a favorite spot for joggers. If there’s an important event taking place nearby, dignitaries in limousines or police escorts may drive through the park; additionally there is even a small lake with boats available to rent so visitors can take in all its scenery – perhaps you might even spot Emperor Akihito himself!
At certain points of the year, members of the public can enter and view the inner palace grounds and see members of the royal family. These dates include: December 23rd being Emperor’s Birthday and January 2nd New Years’s Day respectively – otherwise it’s strictly off limits to public visitors.
Outside the gates, visitors can explore the outer moats and charming East Gardens. Additionally, Kitanomaru Park hosts museums about castle towns that once stood here; one such museum focuses specifically on this location.
Tokyo Station is just steps from Wadakura-mon Gate; take the Marunouchi Central exit and follow Gyoko-dori until reaching Wadakura-mon Gate on Gyoko-dori – it takes roughly 10 minutes from either Nijubashimae or Otemachi stations.
