Culture / Tour Spots in Tokyo Area

Area

Tokyo
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Culture / Tour

Ueno Zoo

4.0

3044 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 9-83

This urban zoo located in Taito City’s Ueno-onshi-koen Park is Japan’s oldest zoo, having opened in 1882. Inside are more than 500 types of animals, and it is most famous for giant panda in particular. The zoo is breeding and displaying the world’s three rarest animals that include the pygmy hippopotamus and okapi as well as the panda. From the 1990s the animal enclosures were refurbished to provide a space for patrons to see animals in more natural surroundings.

Some zoos are designed to look like the animals are really in nature. This zoo was not one of those. All the animals were in tiny cages. Some of the cages were just concrete, and there was nothing...
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

4.5

1918 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Mitakashi Shimorenjaku 1-1-83 Metropolitan Inokashira Park In Saiten

This is an animation art museum managed by Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki with a motto of “Let's get lost together.” In addition to displaying materials and storyboards of past Ghibli works, the museum always features various sections that will expand one's perception of animation such as the replicated animation studio and the screenings of short animated films made just for the museum. With a nostalgic building and a route that blends in greenery, this is a place that both adults and children can enjoy just as they please. Entry to the museum is only by reservation and the closest station is Mitaka Station.

A must-visit for Ghibli fans!! We were extremely excited to visit this museum! You have to purchase the tickets online and collect them from the konbini. You can take a bus to the museum from...
Samurai Museum

4.5

1907 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Shinjuku-ku Kabukichou 2-25-6 Yongwa 6th Building 1F

This museum is dedicated to generals and samurai of the Warring States period. There are displays of armor and swords by period, and explanations of the origins of the samurai. You can also rent armor to get your picture taken as a samurai! It's very popular with tourists from overseas. They also have an attraction letting you join in a sword battle, as well as lots of events like sword preparation and calligraphy classes. They also sell souvenirs and gifts like replica armor.

Very engaging and interactive experience at this museum! The guides were very knowledgeable on the history but also had really cool activities at the end (ninja and samurai) to make it a good...
Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum

4.5

2178 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Sumida-ku Yokoami 1-4-1

Located near Ryogoku Kokugikan, the museum has been popular since its opening in 1993 as a place to reflect on the history and culture of Edo Tokyo and to consider the future of the city and people's lives. Many foreign tourists visit this facility to enjoy learning about the city, its culture, and the lives of the people of Edo Tokyo.

Well worth a trip - lovely exhibition, amazing building. I spent around 3 hours looking at the various displays. Truly fascinating and gives a great understanding of the Edo period. Staff were...
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

4.0

1089 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Koutou-ku Aomi 2-3-6

This is a national science museum on Odaiba island. The permanent exhibits cover a broad range of subjects from the simple science questions to those regarding the latest technologies including the earth environment, space exploration, and the wonders of life. The dome shaped theater that plays 3D science films and other three-dimensional planetarium presentations is very popular. The director of this museum is the famous astronaut, Mamoru Mohri.

If you come expecting a museum of emerging science and technology, you might be a tad disappointed. This really is more of a set of more or less sophisticated art pieces and exhibits showcasing...
Nezu Museum

4.5

879 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Minato-ku Minamiaoyama 6-5-1

This art museum located in Minami Aoyama opened in 1941 to conserve and exhibit the collection of Kaichiro Nezu, whose career included being president of Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. The collection of over 7,400 items (as of March 2016) is mostly comprised of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art, and encompasses many National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and important works of art. In addition to the galleries in the main building, visitors can also view the Japanese garden that includes a teahouse, a stone Buddhist image, and stone lanterns.

The museum itself is lovely, if small-ish. But the real treasure here are the gardens and tea room! So thoughtfully designed, quiet, and wonderful to walk around—you’ll forget you’re in the middle of...
SUMIDA AQUARIUM

4.0

851 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Sumida-ku Oshiage 1-1-2 Tokyo Sky Tree Town/Sola Machi 5/6 F

This aquarium is located in the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Soramachi(R) inside Tokyo Skytree Town(R). It has attracted attention for exhibits that break the mold of typical aquariums. These include the Tokyo Daisuiso, which recreates the waters of the Ogasawara Islands, a world heritage site. It also includes the Edorium, which displays goldfish in dreamlike Japanese-style spaces. At the Aqua Lab, visitors can watch the caretakers breed and research jellyfish. Visitors love watching the penguins swim in the aquarium's indoor open pool tank, one of the largest in Japan.

This aquarium is next to the Tokyo Skytree. It is a world class attraction with penquins, jellyfish, and a plethora of other sea life.
Sunshine Aquarium

4.0

722 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Toshima-ku Higashikebukuro 3-1 Sunshine City World Import Mart Bill/rooftop

"This aquarium was designed to be an ""oasis in the sky."" Located inside Sunshine City, an Ikebukuro landmark, in addition to being visited by tourists from across the country and the world, the aquarium is also a favorite destination for couples, friends, families, and people of all ages. Along with exhibits modeled after actual coral reefs, lakes, rivers, and other scenery, the aquarium's new atmospheric jellyfish exhibit, remodeled and reopened on July 9, 2020, is also popular. In the aquarium's outdoor area, visitors can see seals and penguins swimming overhead as if they were flying through the sky."

Very nice Aquarium, but hard to find without help.Had great display tanks with slot of unusual animals like sea dragons. A lot of stuff I have never seen in aquariums in the US or Thiland. Hard to...
The National Museum of Western Art

4.5

912 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 7-7

This art museum, located in Ueno Onshi Park in Tokyo's Taito Ward, preserves and displays Western art. Designed by French architect Le Corbusier, the museum building, which has been designated a World Heritage site, is a highlight in itself. The Matsukata Collection, which was assembled by businessman Kojiro Matsukata and donated and returned to Japan by the French government, forms the foundation of the museum's standing exhibition, which also includes paintings from the end of the Middle Ages to the early 20th century by artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, as well as modern French sculptures. In addition, the museum holds special exhibitions several times a year.

The museum is an UNESCO world heritage site itself and outside are several large Rodin sculptures. Some more in the lobby as well Inside, there is the regular collection and special Picasso...
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

4.0

545 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 8-36

Located within Ueno Onshi Koen (Ueno Park) in Tokyo’s Taito City, this is Japan’s first national art museum and opened in 1926. With a goal of serving as an entrance to art for Tokyo’s citizens, it hosts numerous exhibitions throughout the year such as special exhibitions jointly sponsored with media outlets, competitions arranged through art organizations, and collection exhibits that primarily include works of calligraphy. The facility also includes a café where guests can enjoy beverages and light meals, a restaurant that takes pride in its authentic roast beef, and a museum shop.

The special exhibit was the well-known Gustave Klimt. Id seen quite a few of his works before but this was extensive and very educational about his history and philosophy. Not all of his...
Tokyo Sea Life Park

4.0

563 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Edogawa-ku Rinkaichou 6-2-3

This is an aquarium inside Kasai Rinkai Park where guests can see Bluefin tuna swimming around up close—an unusual feature by global standards. Said to be the most popular aquarium in eastern Japan, it recorded 3.55 million visitors when it opened in 1989. There are a main building with its glass dome, a freshwater fish exhibit and an external area, and many attractions such as the large donut-shaped tank where Bluefin tuna swim around and Japan’s largest penguin exhibit. The facility also displays countless varieties of unusual sea creatures such as fish from the coastal waters near Australia and the polar regions.

Tokyo Sea Life Park is a perfect place for people from all walks of life. Besides the variety of sea life indoors, outside was a picturesque view overlooking the water, and a very well-maintained...
Edo-Tokyo Open-air Architectural Museum

4.5

355 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Koganeishi Sakurachou 3-7-1 In the Metropolitan Koganei Park

This is an outdoor museum that exhibits historical buildings reconstructed from the metropolitan Koganei Park. It was established as an annex of the Edo-Tokyo Museum. In this museum, there are more than 30 restored buildings that date back to the Edo and early Showa periods. In the Center Zone are several reconstructed buildings such as Jisho-in Mausoleum (Otama-ya) and the residence of Takahashi Korekiyo who was assassinated in the 2.26 Incident. There are also reconstructed houses from Yamanote at the West Zone and at the East Zone visitors can enjoy a traditional neighborhood atmosphere with stores, public baths, and bars.

小金井公園の敷地内にある野外博物館。江戸時代から明治・大正時代の面影を遺す建物を移築し、保存することにより、その時代の建物の特徴や暮らしを身近に体験することが出来ます。都心から1時間程度で行けるところにあるため、気軽に行くことが出来ます。昔ながらの家屋や古民家が好き、そこにいるとホッとする、という、日頃のコンクリートジャングルに囲まれた生活の中で疲れを感じた人が行くには最適のところではないかと思い...
Tokyo Tama Zoological Park

4.5

325 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Hinoshi Hodokubo 7-1-1

This zoo opened in 1958 and is one of the largest zoos in the country with approximately 320 species of animals kept on its expansive premises. A characteristic of the zoo is its spacious exhibits that make use of the area’s abundant nature. It is famous for its Sky Walk, a 150-meter rope set up high for orangutans to cross over. The park is divided up into four zones, the Asian Zone, African Zone, Australia Zone, and Insectarium, which are all connected by a shuttle bus. The closest station is Tama-dobutsukoen Station.

Please help baby chimp Plum she needs some physical and mental rehabilitation. She is underdeveloped at her age. The hair on her stomach is worn off . And she is going to be very ill if something...
Tokyo National Museum

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 13-9

This is a national museum located within Ueno-onshi-koen Park that was established in 1872. Five buildings including the main building serve as exhibit halls, although it has several other facilities such as archives. With an enormous number of collections, it has accumulated over 116,000 items of Oriental art and ancient relics, mostly from Japan. A great number of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties are also included inside. The museum also holds special exhibitions that run three to five times a year.
The Sumida Hokusai Museum

4.0

270 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Sumida-ku Kamezawa 2-7-2

This is a hidden gem - you might have seen Hokusai works in your own country as part of an arts tour, but to see his work in his home area is pretty special. The entry fee was reasonable and we...
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

4.5

285 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Minato-ku Akasaka 9-7-6 Tokyo Midtown/Garden

Located in Tokyo Midtown, a multi-purpose complex directly connected to Roppongi Station, this museum holds exhibitions about design. Unlike traditional museums it was created to “think about daily articles from a design perspective, create objects and propose new ideas.” It is mainly host to organized exhibitions but also features talks and other events. The architecture of the building was designed by Tadao Ando and makes for a very unique exterior, such as with its roof made of one folded iron plate.

Incredible architecture with great design exhibit. Highly recommend for design enthusiasts. Park is also lovely. Limited but well curated gift shop.
Tokyo Contemporary Art Museum

4.0

254 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Koto-ku Miyoshi 4-1-1 Kiba Park

Wonderful exhibitions in a beautiful space. We went to get into the Dior exhibition but had missed same day sales so we stayed to look at the two current displays of contemporary Japanese art...
Suntory Museum of Art

4.0

199 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Minato-ku Akasaka 9-7-4 Tokyo Midtown Galleria 3F

This is an art gallery with a focus on Japanese ancient art located on the third floor of Tokyo Midtown Galleria Museum. Besides the National Treasure “Box with fusenryou design in mother-of-pearl inlay and maki-e”, the gallery is home to about 3,000 works of art. There is no permanent exhibition, but wonderful planned exhibitions not bound by the norms of regular exhibitions including paintings, ceramics, lacquer work, etc. are held. In addition, the tea room “Genchoan” offers Matcha green tea and seasonal Japanese sweets. The nearest station is Roppongi Station.

Located in the middle of an upscale shopping mall, this small but elegant museum spread over two floors is devoted to special exhibits. Admission price is typical for most top tier museums hosting...
Tokyo Fire Department Museum

4.0

267 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Shinjuku-ku Yotsuya 3-10

I had this museum high on my list considering my father is a firefighter in Australia. The history levels and the static displays of the fire fighting equipment was fascinating, comparable to the...
Inokashira Park Zoo

4.0

250 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Musashinoshi Gotenyama 1-17-6

This is a zoo occupying approximately one-third of Inokashira Onshi Koen (Inokashira Park) in Tokyo’s Musashino City. It is famous for its elephant Hanako, who had lived for a long time, passed away in 2016. Inside the park are small paths where the squirrels roam free, a petting corner, and a square where visitors can search for wildlife (Sundays 11 am-12 pm. Second Sunday only from January-March and November-December) and displays for the very popular capybara. In the separate zoo are exhibits of aquatic animals such as fish, amphibians, insects and waterfowl. Altogether both zoos keep more than 200 species of animals.

The zoo itself isnt anything special but, a nice place to pass the time, a surprising thing was that there is an statue museum inside.

Leisure / Hobbies Culture / Tour

Aquarium Museum / Science Museum Zoo Art Museum Botanical Garden

Tokyo Areas

The setting of countless iconic movie scenes and the inspiration for songs, poetry, and literature worldwide, Tokyo barely requires an introduction. It’s hard for the kaleidoscopic neon lights, wacky pop culture, and some of the world’s tallest structures not to instill excitement in any first-time visitor to Tokyo, whether you’re in the very center of the hustle and bustle in Shinjuku or Shibuya or looking in from the quieter suburbs.