Peak season in Japan is usually during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, if you’re thinking about avoiding large crowds and spending less on airfare and accommodations, autumn season in Tokyo is a great alternative. Weather is cool (2-3 layers is enough) but not freezing. Despite occasional rains, the red/orange/yellow foliage is definitely instagram worthy.

In this post, I will showcase selected travel photos of landmarks and “must-visit” places in Tokyo plus some guides and tips on where to get the best view of the city.

All these sites are easily accessible anywhere in Tokyo thanks to the city’s impeccable public subway and railway system. If you find yourself using the Tokyo Metro Subway for the most part of your trip, it is highly recommended to buy a Suica or Pasmo reloadable card so you can just tap on the turnstile and not go through the ticket machine every time. The card is also usable in buses.

1. Asakusa Senso-ji

Most visited shrine in Tokyo

First on the list is the renowned Asakusa temple located at the heart of Tokyo. Myriads of people gather here to offer prayers for loved ones, wish for good health and good grades, and would even buy charms to help attract the perfect partner. It is also common to see locals (with group of friends or couples) dressed in their yukata and pose in front of the temple for a photo op. Don’t miss checking out this place but please be reminded that despite its touristy reputation, this temple is still a sacred site and visitors should still observe proper decorum.

2. Meiji Jingu Shrine

Shrine within a massive park

Located near Shibuya, the Meiji Jingu Shrine is found within the large Yoyogi Park, shrouded with trees. You can’t miss the several entrances to the shrine as they are marked with a giant torii or gate. The shrine hosts a lot of religious ceremonies and if you’re lucky you may get to see a traditional Japanese wedding take place, like I did.

3. Imperial Palace Gardens

Huge zen garden with picnic grounds

If you love nature like I do, take a leisurely stroll down the Imperial Gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace where you can find ponds, fruit trees, and ancient Japanese buildings and structures. Also found within the gardens is a large park where you can just pick a spot, read a book, take a nap or enjoy your bento box. Perfect place for this who just want to chill and escape the hustle of the city for a few hours.

4. Shibuya

In the midst of the world’s busiest crossing

Of course, one should not miss Shibuya. Not only does it feature the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, you can also find the bronze statue of Hachiko, an homage to the world’s most loyal dog, just a stone’s throw away from Shibuya Station.

In case you find yourself in Tokyo during Halloween, Shibuya is definitely the place to be! Bring a costume and party in the streets with cosplayers, super heroes, and anime characters!

5. Akihabara

For your inner geek

As a fan of video games, toys and anime, I made sure I included Akihabara in my itinerary. In the Mecca of Manga, you can find a variety of arcades, toy stores (both of the innocent and adult kind), manga stores, and gadget shops. If you’re looking for a gift for your kid or a kid at heart, Akihabara is surely the best place to find it. Bought a few issues of manga here unfortunately, they were all in Japanese :)).

6. Tsukiji Fish Market

Of tuna auctions and freshest seafood

When in Tokyo, Tsukiji is a definite must visit place! Not only does it have the freshest sushi, but you can also buy here all sorts of seafoods and snacks. Highly recommended place for some souvenir shopping. Also not to miss is the fish auction done in the early morning, where tuna connoisseurs bid their highest price for some of the world’s best tuna.

Please click here for more details on how to prepare for a trip to Tsukiji Market.

BONUS: Best views of Tokyo!

Two places where you can get the best view of the city.

1. Mori Museum

A spectacular place to view the city at night would definitely be the observatory deck of Mori Museum in Roppingi Hills. It remains open until late at night and there is an entrance fee of a few thousand yen. But it is really worth every penny as the view is just breathtaking. You can see here Tokyo Tower shining bright above all the other buildings. People (young and old, local and foreign, single or couples) come here to relax, snap some photos, and just take in all that magnificent cityscape.

2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Another great place to see Tokyo in all its glory is atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Entrance here is free and you can see the massive urban landscape of Tokyo. In the observatory deck there is a position where you can faintly see Mt. Fuji at a distance.

 

Out of all the countries I have visited, Japan remains to be one of those destinations you keep coming back. Safe, clean, excellent transport system, polite locals, good food, creativity, and cultural richness — all these sum up my Japanese experience. Hope you find this guide useful! Keep exploring!