🕓 2026/2/28
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table of contents
- Imperial Palace |An oasis in the heart of the city where history and nature merge
- Sensoji Temple | Feel the Edo atmosphere at Tokyo’s oldest temple
- Meiji Shrine | A quiet and sacred space in the middle of the city
- 3 must-visit sightseeing spots in Tokyo
- – What is Tokyo? –
- 1. Imperial Palace | An oasis in the heart of the city where history and nature merge
- >>Click here for details about the Imperial Palace
3 must-visit sightseeing spots in Tokyo
– What is Tokyo? –
Japan’s capital city is shaped by advanced technology, historic temples and shrines, world-class cuisine, and a diverse and vibrant culture.
Tokyo’s history goes back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when it flourished as Japan’s largest city and became the political center of the Tokugawa shogunate. Many relics from this era still remain today, and have become tourist destinations, such as Sensoji Temple and Ueno Park.
Currently, Tokyo is Japan’s largest city, with a population of approximately 14 million people, and its economy is one of the largest in the world. As a result, Tokyo has become an international center for many fields, including business, finance, fashion, art, and culture.
1. Imperial Palace | An oasis in the heart of the city where history and nature merge
● The charm of the Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace, located in the center of Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward, is a special place where Japanese history and nature are in perfect harmony. It was originally Edo Castle and was home to the Tokugawa shogunate shogunate, but from the Meiji period onwards it became the residence of the emperor, and continues to this day.
There are areas within the grounds of the Imperial Palace that are open to the general public, areas that require advance reservations, and areas that are restricted from entry. The center of the Imperial Palace is still the residence of His Majesty the Emperor and is usually closed to the public. However, you can enter the square in front of the palace on special days such as the New Year General Visit on January 2nd every year and the Emperor’s birthday.
The grounds of the Imperial Palace are so rich in nature that it is hard to believe that it is in the center of the city. A variety of plants grow in the Ninomaru woodland and old fruit variety garden within East Gyoen National Garden, and a variety of wild birds visit.
It is a valuable spot where you can enjoy a walk surrounded by rich greenery while feeling the history and culture of Japan. It is a place that can truly be called an “Tokyo oasis” where you can fully enjoy nature and history while being in the heart of the city.
● Imperial Palacehistory
The Imperial Palace is a symbolic presence that continues to inherit Japan’s history and culture. Its origins date back to Edo Castle during the Edo period. In 1457, the military commander Ota Dokan built Edo Castle, and in 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu entered the castle. It developed as the political center of the Edo shogunate, but the castle tower was destroyed in the Great Meireki Fire of 1657 and was never rebuilt.
With the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Edo Shogunate came to an end and Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo. Edo Castle became “Tokyo Castle” and became the residence of the Emperor. However, in 1873, the Nishinomaru Palace was destroyed by fire, and the Emperor was temporarily relocated to the Akasaka Imperial Villa. In 1888, Meiji Palace was completed.
Meiji Palace was destroyed in the Tokyo air raids in 1945. After the war, reconstruction progressed, and the current palace was completed in 1968. The current Imperial Palace is loved not only for its historical value but also as a valuable natural environment in the heart of the city..
● Access to the Imperial Palace
- Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 10 minutes walk from Tokyo Station
- Official website:Imperial Palace official website
- Google Maps:location of the imperial palace
● The charm of Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple, located in Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo, is the oldest temple in Tokyo and is one of Japan’s leading tourist attractions, visited by approximately 30 million worshipers each year. It attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad as a place with a multifaceted charm, including historical buildings, traditional culture, and a lively shopping street.
Kaminarimon, the symbol of Sensoji Temple, is characterized by its giant red lanterns, and is a popular spot for many tourists to take commemorative photos. Once you pass through Kaminarimon, you will find Nakamise Dori, which is said to be Japan’s oldest shopping street and is lined with about 90 stores. As you pass through Nakamise Street, you will see historical buildings such as the main hall and five-storied pagoda.
Various events are held at Sensoji Temple throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Sanja Festival in May, which is crowded with many people. Furthermore, there are many spots nearby where you can enjoy food and culture, such as Kappabashi Dougu Street and Hoppy Street, making it an attractive tourist destination.
● History of Sensoji Temple
Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, dating back to 628. On March 18th of that year, the brothers Hinoki Hamanari and Takenari were fishing in the Sumida River when they pulled up a Kannon statue with a net. When the brothers showed this statue to Haji Chuchi, the head of the area, it was discovered that it was a statue of Sho Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Nakachi converted his house into a temple and enshrined a statue of Kannon, which is said to be the beginning of Sensoji Temple.
Since then, Sensoji Temple has developed through many historical events. In 1180, Minamoto no Yoritomo visited the shrine to pray for victory when hunting down the Taira clan. In 1590 (Tensho 18), Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Sensoji as a place of prayer and donated 500 koku of temple land.
During the Edo period, Sensoji flourished as a center of worship for the common people, and the area was lined with many shops and theaters, making it a center of culture. However, in the Tokyo air raids of 1945, many buildings, including the main hall, were destroyed by fire. After the war, the main hall was rebuilt in 1958, giving it its current appearance.
● Access to Sensoji Temple
- Address: 2-chome Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, 8 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
- Official website:Sensoji Temple official website
- Google Maps:Location of Sensoji Temple
>>Click here for details about Sensoji Temple
3. Meiji Shrine | A quiet and sacred space in the middle of the city
● The charm of Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and was built in 1920. Approximately 100,000 trees are planted on the vast premises, and the tranquil space where beautiful nature spreads throughout the four seasons is attractive. This forest is also called the “Eternal Forest,” and although it is located in the heart of the city, it provides visitors with a peaceful moment.
The precincts are dotted with historical buildings, including Japan’s largest wooden torii gate and the majestic main shrine. In addition, the Meiji Shrine Treasure Hall exhibits items and historical materials related to Emperor Meiji, allowing you to experience Japan’s modern history. Furthermore, Meiji Shrine is also known as a power spot, and Kiyomasa Well, in particular, is popular as a place where clear spring water gushes out, and is visited by many worshipers.
Easy access is also one of the charms of Meiji Shrine. It’s a few minutes walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Meiji Jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro, so you can easily stop by.
● History of Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine was built in Yoyogi, Tokyo on November 1, 1920 as a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. After Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Dowager Shoken passed away in 1914, there was a growing desire from all over the country to enshrine the spirits of the two men and honor their achievements forever. In response to the enthusiasm of the people, the government decided to build a shrine, and the site of Yoyogi, which has a deep connection to the shrine, was chosen.
Approximately 100,000 donated trees were collected from all over the country, and a total of 110,000 young people contributed to the construction work. As a result, the current vast and rich forest was formed.
On April 14, 1945, during World War II, the main buildings of Meiji Shrine were destroyed in an air raid, but were rebuilt in 1958 and still stand today.
● Access to Meiji Shrine
- Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamiencho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3 minutes walk from the Omotesando exit of JR Harajuku Station, 3 minutes walk from Meiji Jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line/Fukutoshin Line, 5 minutes walk from Sangubashi Station on the Odakyu Line
- Official website:Meiji Shrine official website
- Google Maps:Meiji Shrine location
>>Click here for details on Meiji Shrine
Latest Information for 2026
Here is the latest information for each spot to help you plan your 2026 Tokyo visit.
■ Imperial Palace: General visits are available year-round (outdoor route, approx. 2.2 km, about 1 hour). The spring Inui-dori public opening is expected in late March to early April as usual. A special event, “Imperial Palace Mystery Tour with QuizKnock,” is running until March 31, 2027.
■ Senso-ji Temple: Major annual events include Jigen-e and the Golden Dragon Dance (around March 18), Sanja Festival (May), and Shiman-rokusen-nichi with Hozuki Market (July 9-10). Check the official website (senso-ji.jp) for details.
■ Meiji Jingu Shrine: Opening hours vary by month (February: 6:20-16:50, March: 5:40-17:20). There are three entrances—Harajuku Gate, Yoyogi Gate, and Sangubashi Gate—with Sangubashi Gate being the least crowded.
*Opening hours and event details are subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information before visiting.
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