What are the best places for foreign tourists in Tokyo? Ten must-visit spots

With the Tokyo Olympics scheduled in 2020, the number of foreign tourists coming to Japan continues to increase. You may have an opportunity to guide foreign visitors to Tokyo.

1. guide foreigners to Sensoji Temple, a popular sightseeing spot in Asakusa, Tokyo

The first sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreigners is Sensoji Temple! The temple is only a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Line, making it a perfect place for sightseeing.

Sensoji Temple has a long history of 1,400 years (see “Sensoji Temple Official Website”). There are many sightseeing spots nearby, such as “Nakamise-dori,” a street with many stores perfect for buying souvenirs, and “Hanayashiki,” a retro amusement park.

It is also popular among foreign tourists! Kaminarimon, the symbol of Sensoji Temple in Tokyo

In Asakusa, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the downtown area. Although Tokyo has an image of high-rise buildings, Asakusa is a place where foreigners can also enjoy “wa” (harmony).

You can also experience Japanese traditions by riding a rickshaw or renting a kimono. There are also many gourmet spots, so why not enjoy eating and walking around?

2. taking foreigners to “Tokyo Sky Tree,” the symbol of Tokyo

The next sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreigners is the Tokyo Sky Tree. The 634-meter-high Sky Tree is a modern architectural structure offering a panoramic view of Tokyo. It is only a 3-minute walk from Oshiage Station on each line and a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station, making it perfect for sightseeing.

It is recommended to visit during the hours from sunset to nighttime when you can see both the evening and the night view.

If you are guiding foreigners, check the entrance fee of Tokyo Sky Tree!

Tokyo Sky Tree has two observation spaces. Please note that there are two types of tickets: one ticket allows admission to both observation decks, and the other only allows access to one of the two observation decks!

The “set ticket” for both observation decks is ¥3,100 (including tax) for adults over 18 years old on weekdays and ¥3,400 (including tax) on weekends and holidays.

3. guide foreigners to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, a popular photo spot in Tokyo

It is said that 3,000 people cross the scramble crossing in front of Hachiko in Shibuya at one green light at the most. Many people always visit cafes that have seats in buildings in front of the intersection to capture the moment when many people cross the pedestrian crossing at once on their cameras.

The population density of Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is relatively high compared to other countries in the world, and Shibuya is one of the most crowded areas in Tokyo. The scramble crossing in Shibuya is where foreign tourists must take pictures to leave!

4. the center of Tokyo! Guide foreigners to the historic sightseeing spot “Imperial Palace

The next sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreigners is the Imperial Palace. Sakashimon Gate, one of the entrances to the Imperial Palace, is a 15-minute walk from Exit 6 of Tokyo Metro Nijubashimae Station or Exit D2 of Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station or a 20-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Exit.

The “Imperial Palace” was originally Edo Castle and has long been the center of Japan! Within the grounds are various buildings, including the Imperial Palace, which is the residence of the Emperor and Empress, and palaces where multiple events are held.

If you plan to go sightseeing, we recommend a “general visit” ♡This tour is held twice a day from 10:00 to 13:30 and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can tour the entire Imperial Palace from Kikokumon Gate for the whole building. Both reservations and same-day participation are possible! You will need something to identify yourself for the tour, so don’t forget to bring it♪.

The Imperial Palace is an open space in the middle of Tokyo.

The Imperial Palace is a popular spot for running, although just strolling around the grounds is enjoyable enough! Â “I love Japanese food so much that I overeat it daily!” Please recommend the Imperial Palace Run to such foreign tourists♪

For a fee, there are running stations nearby that are equipped with lockers, shower rooms, and powder rooms. If you have plans to go sightseeing after your run, please take advantage of this ♡♡♡♡!

5. let foreigners feel Japan through festivals♪ Guide foreigners to “Yasukuni Shrine” in Tokyo♪

The next sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreigners is “Yasukuni Shrine. Located about a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Kudanshita Station, it is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist spots! It is so close that you can even walk from the “Imperial Palace” introduced earlier.♪

Emperor Meiji founded Yasukuni Shrine, and various events and festivals are held annually. Different plants blooming in the shrine’s precincts create beautiful scenery each season.

The shrine opens at 6:00 a.m., closes at 5:00 p.m. in January, February, November, and December, and 6:00 p.m. from March to October.

Let foreigners enjoy summer festivals at “Yasukuni Shrine” when you come to Tokyo♪

One of the most recommended events at Yasukuni Shrine is “Mitamatsuri,” held in late July every year. Over 30,000 lanterns are lit up, a beautiful sight to behold! Many food stalls are set up, so foreign tourists should enjoy the summer festival while eating Japanese food!

6. take foreigners to “Akihabara,” a handsome place to experience Japanese culture♪

Among foreigners who love Japan, many say that their interest in Japan was sparked by anime and manga.

The next sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreigners we will introduce is Akihabara! Akihabara is a town where the Japanese subculture is being disseminated. I am sure many foreigners would like to visit there! I’m sure some foreigners would like to experience it with you♪

Akihabara is also easy to access! Let’s let foreigners experience Japanese culture♪

And, of course, Akihabara has many stores for electrical products. Some Japanese home appliances, such as a warm toilet seat with a washlet, are rare for foreigners! Please take them to various stores ♡.

Akihabara is also very accessible: JR Chuo Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin Tohoku Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, and Tsukuba Express Line are all accessible. Please enjoy a tour of Tokyo in combination with other sightseeing spots.

7. slip back in time to the old Tokyo! Take foreigners to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

The next Tokyo sightseeing spot for foreigners is the Edo-Tokyo Museum. In this large museum, you can learn about the history of Tokyo, located about a 3-minute walk from the west exit of JR Ryogoku Station! It is open from 9:30 to 17:30 and 9:30 to 19:30 on Saturdays. It is closed on Mondays.

It is like stepping back in time! Let foreigners know the history of Tokyo♪

The museum is divided into sections that recreate Tokyo in the Edo and Meiji periods (1868-1912), giving visitors the feeling that they have stepped back in time. The museum is filled with worthwhile exhibits, including a life-size restoration of the Nihonbashi, the symbol of Tokyo!

8. take foreigners to the “Kabuki-za Theater” for a taste of Japanese culture in Ginza, Tokyo

The next sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreigners is the Kabuki-za Theater! The Kabuki-za Theater is directly connected to the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway Higashi-Ginza Stations and is about a 10-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station via an underground passageway. The Kabuki-za’s unique and majestic historic building is a sight to behold from the outside alone◎.

For foreign tourists new to Kabuki, we recommend “one-act seats! You can easily see only the act you like. The ticket booth for Makumi-kimi seating is located to the left of the main entrance on the first floor of the Kabuki-za Theater. Please note that only cash is accepted!

You don’t have to see Kabuki to enjoy it♪ Check out the souvenirs!

If you are a foreign visitor who feels that seeing Kabuki is too much of a challenge, try visiting the souvenir shop♪ You can buy souvenirs even after the show at Hanamichi, located on the second basement floor. There are many Kabuki-related goods, including food and sundries, so stop by!

9. take a foreigner to “Toyosu Market,” where you can enjoy Tokyo’s delicious gourmet food.

The next sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreigners is “Toyosu Ichiba.” It is located about a 2-minute walk from Yurikamome Ichiba-mae Station. Business hours are from 5:00 to 17:00. Restaurants and stores selling goods vary from store to store.

At the Toyosu Market, you can observe the auction that starts at 5:30 a.m. and taste delicious gourmet food at the restaurants in the market♪ Many of the restaurants feature seafood bowls and sushi restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish. A wide range of other restaurants are also open for business, from Chinese and Western cuisine to coffee shops and Indian curry restaurants!

If you want to enjoy the Toyosu Market in Tokyo, get up early and visit the auction.

If you plan to visit the Toyosu Market in Tokyo, we recommend visiting the auction! The hours are from 5:45 to 6:15, and you can take turns. There is no charge to see, but you will be chosen by lottery to be able to observe the auction. Applications can be made online or by phone and are limited to 120 people daily!

It is hard to get up early, but if you want to go sightseeing, try to apply in advance♪

10. take foreigners to “Harajuku Takeshita Street” to experience Japan’s unique youth culture ♡.

The last sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreigners is “Takeshita-dori,” a boulevard in front of the Takeshita Exit of JR Harajuku Station. Lined on both sides with various stores selling clothes, sundries, cafes, etc., the street is crowded with students and other young people.

The area is characterized by colorful sweets representing Japan’s “kawaii” style and other products perfect for viewing on Instagram! Let foreign tourists enjoy experiencing the unique youth culture originating from Tokyo!

Now you are ready for sightseeing in Tokyo when your foreign friends visit!

We have introduced some of Tokyo’s standard sightseeing spots, but they will happily take you to a pub or karaoke bar! It’s hard to notice when you’ve been in Japan for a long time, but for foreigners, everyday life is full of exciting things♪ Please show them various aspects of Cool Japan♡.