🕓 2026/2/28
#Tourist Spots
Table of Contents
- Imperial Palace | An Urban Oasis Where History and Nature Unite
- Senso-ji Temple | Experience the Charm of Old Edo at Tokyo’s Oldest Temple
- Meiji Jingu Shrine | A Sacred Haven of Tranquility in the Heart of the City
- Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Tokyo
- – What is Tokyo? –
- Imperial Palace | An Urban Oasis Where History and Nature Unite
- >> Learn More About the Imperial Palace
Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Tokyo
– What is Tokyo? –
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, shaped by cutting-edge technology, historic temples and shrines, world-class cuisine, and a diverse and vibrant culture.
Tokyo’s history stretches back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when it was already Japan’s largest city and served as the political center of the Tokugawa shogunate. Many legacies from this era remain today, with sites such as Senso-ji Temple and Ueno Park now popular tourist attractions.
Today, Tokyo is Japan’s largest city with a population of approximately 14 million and boasts one of the world’s largest economies. As a result, Tokyo has become an international hub for business, finance, fashion, arts, culture, and many other fields.
Imperial Palace | An Urban Oasis Where History and Nature Unite
● Highlights of the Imperial Palace
Located in the heart of Chiyoda, Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is a special place where Japanese history and nature harmoniously blend. Originally known as Edo Castle, it served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Since the Meiji era, it has been the home of the Emperor of Japan.
Within the palace grounds, there are areas freely accessible to visitors, areas that require advance reservations, and restricted areas. The central part of the palace remains the Emperor’s residence and is generally not open to the public. However, on January 2nd for the New Year’s Greeting and on the Emperor’s Birthday, visitors are allowed to enter the plaza in front of the palace.
The palace grounds feature remarkably lush greenery that seems impossible for the center of a major city. The Ninomaru Grove and the Fruit Tree Collection Garden within the East Gardens are home to diverse plant life and attract a variety of wild birds.
It is a precious spot where you can enjoy strolling through rich greenery while experiencing Japanese history and culture. Truly an “oasis of Tokyo,” where you can immerse yourself in both nature and history right in the heart of the city.
● History of the Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is an iconic symbol that continues to preserve Japan’s history and culture. Its origins trace back to Edo Castle during the Edo period. In 1457, the warrior Ota Dokan built Edo Castle, and in 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu took up residence there. The castle developed as the political center of the Tokugawa shogunate, but in 1657, the Great Fire of Meireki destroyed the castle keep, which was never rebuilt.
In 1868, the Meiji Restoration brought an end to the Tokugawa shogunate, and Emperor Meiji relocated to Tokyo. Edo Castle was renamed “Tokyo Castle” and became the Emperor’s residence. However, in 1873, the Nishinomaru Palace was destroyed by fire, and the Emperor temporarily moved to the Akasaka Detached Palace. The “Meiji Palace” was then completed in 1888.
During the Tokyo air raids of 1945, the Meiji Palace was destroyed. Post-war reconstruction progressed, and the current palace was completed in 1968. Today, the Imperial Palace is cherished not only for its historical value but also as a precious natural environment in the heart of the city.
● Access to the Imperial Palace
- Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station
- Official Website: Imperial Palace Official Website
- Google Maps: Imperial Palace Location
● Highlights of Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple, located in the Asakusa district of Taito, Tokyo, is the oldest temple in Tokyo and one of Japan’s most iconic tourist destinations, attracting approximately 30 million visitors annually. With its historic structures, traditional culture, and vibrant shopping streets, it draws visitors from both Japan and around the world.
The iconic symbol of Senso-ji is “Kaminarimon” (Thunder Gate), famous for its massive red lantern and a popular photo spot for visitors. Passing through Kaminarimon leads to “Nakamise-dori,” considered Japan’s oldest shopping street, lined with approximately 90 shops. Beyond Nakamise-dori, you’ll find historical structures including the main hall and the five-story pagoda.
Senso-ji hosts various events throughout the year, with the “Sanja Matsuri” in May being the most famous, drawing enormous crowds. Additionally, the surrounding area offers many spots to enjoy food and culture, including “Kappabashi Dougu Street” and “Hoppy Street,” making it a truly captivating tourist destination.
● History of Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, with its origins dating back to the year 628. On March 18th of that year, two brothers, Hinokuma Hamanari and Takenari, were fishing in the Sumida River when they pulled up a statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) in their net. They showed the statue to the village chief, Haji no Nakatomo, who identified it as a sacred image of Sho-Kannon (Holy Kannon). Nakatomo converted his home into a temple to enshrine the statue, and this is said to be the origin of Senso-ji Temple.
Over the centuries, Senso-ji continued to develop through many historical events. In 1180, Minamoto no Yoritomo visited the temple to pray for victory during his campaign against the Taira clan. In 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Senso-ji as a prayer temple and donated 500 koku of land to the temple.
During the Edo period, Senso-ji flourished as a center of faith for the common people, with numerous shops and theaters lining the surrounding area, making it a hub of culture. However, during the Tokyo air raids of 1945, the main hall and many other buildings were destroyed. The main hall was rebuilt in 1958, giving Senso-ji its current appearance.
● Access to Senso-ji Temple
- Address: 2-chome, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from “Asakusa” Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, 8-minute walk from “Asakusa” Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
- Official Website: Senso-ji Temple Official Website
- Google Maps: Senso-ji Temple Location
>> Learn More About Senso-ji Temple
Meiji Jingu Shrine | A Sacred Haven of Tranquility in the Heart of the City
● Highlights of Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, established in 1920. The vast grounds feature approximately 100,000 trees, creating a serene space filled with beautiful nature throughout the four seasons. This forest, also known as the “Eternal Forest,” offers visitors moments of peaceful tranquility despite being in the heart of the city.
Within the shrine grounds, you’ll find historic structures including one of Japan’s largest wooden torii gates and the majestic main hall. The Meiji Jingu Treasure House displays items associated with Emperor Meiji and historical artifacts, offering a window into Japan’s modern history. Meiji Jingu is also renowned as a spiritual power spot, with “Kiyomasa’s Well” being particularly popular as a place where crystal-clear spring water flows, attracting many visitors.
The excellent accessibility is another attraction of Meiji Jingu. You can reach the shrine in just a few minutes’ walk from JR Yamanote Line “Harajuku” Station or Tokyo Metro “Meiji-jingumae” Station, making it easy to visit.
● History of Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine was established on November 1, 1920, in the Yoyogi area of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. After Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914, there was a growing nationwide desire to enshrine their spirits and honor their achievements for eternity. In response to this public enthusiasm, the government decided to build the shrine, selecting the historically significant Yoyogi site.
During its construction, approximately 100,000 trees were donated from across the country, and a total of 110,000 young volunteers contributed to the building work. This collective effort created the vast and lush forest that exists today.
On April 14, 1945, during World War II, the main buildings of Meiji Jingu were destroyed in air raids, but they were rebuilt in 1958 and remain standing to this day.
● Access to Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR “Harajuku” Station Omotesando Exit, 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line/Fukutoshin Line “Meiji-jingumae” Station, 5-minute walk from Odakyu Line “Sangubashi” Station
- Official Website: Meiji Jingu Shrine Official Website
- Google Maps: Meiji Jingu Shrine Location
>> Learn More About Meiji Jingu Shrine
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