Some Really Interesting Tokyo Travel Attractions To Consider
No matter if you’re a first-time visitor to Tokyo or an experienced traveler, our model itinerary has something for everyone. Find the ideal combination of Tokyo travel attractions for your next vacation!
Only minutes away from JR Harajuku Station lies Meiji Jingu shrine. Situated in a large forest, this tranquil spot provides an escape from city life’s stresses. Visiting Tokyo is easy with Cathay Pacific so why not consider this?
Ueno Zoo
If you’re looking for an up-close and personal encounter with animals during your trip to Tokyo, the Ueno Zoo should not be missed. Not only does it boast the world’s largest panda, but it also houses numerous other exotic and endangered species.
This zoo is one of Japan’s most beloved attractions and provides visitors with a close up view of its wildlife. Spread across an expansive park, you can spend your entire day or just a few hours here exploring all that this zoo has to offer – it truly deserves a visit!
The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm and admission costs 600 yen, tax included. Please note that the zoo is closed on Mondays and some public holidays.
At Ueno Zoo, there are plenty of exciting areas to discover with its own distinct charm and features. Get up close and personal with animals in Giant Panda Forest, Gorilla Woods and Tiger Forest; Elephant Forest; Bear Hill; Polar Bear and Seal Ocean – just to name a few!
For children in your party, the Petting Zoo and Kid’s Zoo will be a hit! Here they can interact with goats and other adorable creatures!
Another popular attraction is the Small Mammal House, featuring a variety of nocturnal animals in an underground exhibit that replicates their environment in the wild! Keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures!
Visit the Vivarium (Reptile and Amphibian House), where you can view amphibians and reptiles in their natural environment. Here, you’ll find crocodiles, snakes, frogs as well as many other species.
The zoo also boasts a number of other exhibits that allow visitors to witness even more amazing wildlife. For instance, the Glass Window Display showcases how polar bears swim in real world like seals and sea lions do!
Like many zoos around the world, the Ueno Zoo provides visitors with a range of activities. Aside from exploring the zoo itself, visitors can take a scenic Monorail ride through various gardens within the park. The East Garden stands out with its towering trees and large pond, while West Garden provides plenty of plants as well as stunning views of Shinobazu Pond in summer months – often covered in lotus flowers!
Ghibli Museum
For fans of Japanese animation, The Ghibli Museum is an exciting destination to visit. Designed by Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, it showcases artifacts and exhibits that bring the films to life as well as various activities for everyone in your family to enjoy.
The museum is divided into three levels and provides an interactive experience focusing on animation. Here you’ll see models, stills and storyboards that showcase the creative process behind some of your favorite films like Princess Mononoke or My Neighbor Totoro. Additionally, there are several special exhibitions which change approximately once a year.
One of the main attractions is The Room Where a Film is Born, an eccentric space filled with whimsical items, art and postcards that give off the vibe of Studio Ghibli’s movie room. This must-see experience cannot be replicated elsewhere in the world!
Another draw is a giant Ghibli Clock that looks just like Howl’s Moving Castle, an animated movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Measuring 18 meters across and 10 meters tall, this clock weighs 28 tonnes.
Any anime fan should visit this museum, and visitors should plan to spend a couple of hours inside. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to take a break or grab something to eat.
It is also worth visiting the museum for its gift shop, which sells an assortment of Ghibli merchandise and exclusive goods. Tickets are required so booking ahead is highly recommended.
When planning a visit to the museum with children, it is wise to book in advance since queues can be long. A round-trip ticket costs 320 yen for adults and 160 yen for children.
In addition to its many attractions, the Ghibli Museum also screens a short movie each day. Unfortunately, these films can only be viewed inside the museum so if you plan on seeing one, be sure to arrive early.
For further inquiries, visit the Ghibli Museum website or call their Tokyo office. As this attraction is popular, tickets often sell out months in advance for weekends and traveling seasons. To ensure you don’t miss out on anything important, be sure to consult their Museum Calendar on their website for exact opening times and dates.
Mori Garden
For art enthusiasts, the Mori Garden is an idyllic spot to spend an afternoon. Wander around this Japanese-style garden and marvel at moss-covered statues, waterfalls, ponds and majestic pine trees. Open year-round, it’s particularly stunning during autumn when all of its foliage is at its peak.
Mori Garden, situated within Roppongi Hills, provides a haven of greenery amid the hustle and bustle. It’s part of an expansive complex that opened in 2003 that includes office spaces, restaurants and shops as well as Roppongi Hills Tower and Grand Hyatt hotel accommodations.
Mori Garden is a beloved Tokyo attraction for both tourists and locals, offering visitors an authentic piece of Japan’s history. Once the residence of a feudal lord, this garden features cherry blossoms and a reflecting pond that captures the sound of flowing water.
At Mori Garden, there are plenty of activities to enjoy – from taking a leisurely walk through its grounds to shopping and dining. Plus, don’t forget to visit the museum to gain more insight into this iconic garden’s past!
While in town, don’t miss the Mori Art Museum to witness contemporary artwork from Japanese and international artists. In addition to their permanent collection, there are also seasonal temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year.
At the summit of Mori Tower is Tokyo City View observation deck, offering one of the city’s most picturesque vantage points for views. If the weather cooperates, you might even get a glimpse of Mount Fuji!
Mori Garden’s rooftop landscape garden is an idyllic retreat if you’re looking to escape Tokyo’s hectic streets. It’s also a great spot to admire cherry blossoms that are usually in bloom during spring and summer.
If you’re visiting Kyoto during the winter, be sure to take in the Mori Garden illuminations, which are a beloved event among both visitors and locals alike. These festive decorations illuminate for one month before gradually dimming back during the final weeks before Christmas.