A Guide to Tokyo’s Most Popular Attractions

By Deepak Richmond – Evolve Tours Guide
March 20, 2025

Tokyo is one of those places that never stops surprising me. Every time I land here, it feels like stepping into two worlds at once — one ancient, one ultra-modern — both humming in perfect harmony. From centuries-old temples filled with incense to skyline views lit by a thousand neon signs, this city tells the story of Japan’s past and its unstoppable future.

Here are a few of my favorite stops when guiding students and travelers through Tokyo — places where you can truly feel the balance between tradition and innovation.

Historic Tokyo: Stepping Back in Time

Senso-Ji Temple – Asakusa
Whenever I bring a group to Senso-Ji, I love watching their faces light up as the temple gate comes into view — massive, crimson, and alive with energy. It’s Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and legend has it that two fishermen discovered a golden statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, in the Sumida River. They tried returning it to the water, but it kept coming back — a sign of divine purpose. Standing in front of the main hall, surrounded by the scent of burning incense and the hum of prayer, it’s impossible not to feel that same sense of wonder.

Imperial Palace & Gardens
Right in the center of Tokyo sits the home of Japan’s Imperial Family. The gardens are one of my favorite spots to slow down and breathe between the rush of city life. The grounds were once Edo Castle — where shoguns ruled for centuries — and even today, the stone walls and moats whisper that samurai-era history. It’s peaceful, powerful, and uniquely Tokyo.

Yanaka District
Most people think of Tokyo as glass and steel, but in Yanaka, time moves differently. Narrow streets, wooden houses, cats sunning on rooftops — this district survived the bombings of WWII and still feels like stepping into the Edo period. I always make sure to wander down Yanaka Ginza with my groups — it’s full of local artisans, snack stalls, and small shops selling everything from handmade ceramics to nostalgic sweets.

Ryokans & Tea Houses
If you really want to feel Japanese hospitality — omotenashi — stay in a ryokan. I’ve spent nights sleeping on tatami mats, soaking in onsen baths, and eating breakfasts so beautifully arranged they felt like art. And then there’s the tea ceremony — an experience that’s not just about sipping matcha, but about slowing down, breathing, and appreciating harmony in every small movement. My go-to spots: Hamarikyu Gardens, Muan Tea House, and Shinjuku Gyoen Rakku-tei.

Futuristic Tokyo: A Glimpse of Tomorrow

Shibuya Sky & Scramble Crossing
When you stand at the top of Shibuya Sky, you realize just how alive Tokyo really is — a glowing sea of motion and light stretching to the horizon. Then you head down to the famous Shibuya Scramble, and you’re in it — thousands of people crossing from every direction, perfectly choreographed chaos. I tell my travelers: take a moment in the middle of the crossing, look up, and feel the pulse of the city.

TeamLab Planets Tokyo
I’ve visited a lot of museums, but none like this. TeamLab Planets is pure sensory magic — rooms of light, mirrors, water, and sound that shift and react as you move through them. You’re not just observing art here — you’re part of it. Every visit feels different, and I love watching how students interpret it in their own ways.

Odaiba & Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)
Odaiba feels like the Tokyo of the future — an island filled with innovation and imagination. At Miraikan, you can interact with humanoid robots, explore space exhibits, and even design your own future city. It’s one of those places where curiosity takes over completely — especially for anyone interested in science, sustainability, or what’s next for our planet.

Akihabara Electric Town
For pure energy, Akihabara never disappoints. This is the heart of Japan’s pop culture — glowing signs, endless arcades, anime cafes, and every kind of gadget imaginable. I’ve spent hours exploring the backstreets here with students — geeking out over collectibles, sampling street food, and soaking up the creative chaos that makes this district so uniquely Tokyo.

Deepak’s Travel Tips for Tokyo

• Timing: Spring (March–April) brings cherry blossoms, while Fall (September–November) paints the city in gold. Both are spectacular.
  
• Getting Around: Tokyo’s metro system is a masterpiece. Get yourself a Suica or Pasmo card — it works on trains, buses, vending machines, and even convenience stores.
  
• Where to Stay: Base yourself somewhere central like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza — close to the action, food, and culture.

Every corner of Tokyo has a story — from the hush of temple courtyards to the electric glow of Shibuya nights. As a guide, it’s one of my favorite cities to explore with students because it reminds us how beautifully the old and new can coexist.

Come experience Tokyo the Evolve way — with curiosity, respect, and a little sense of wonder.

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