Where to Find the Best Views in Tokyo
Although it’s one of the largest cities in the world, the Japanese capital isn’t all concrete and skyscrapers. Here are a few places to go for a variety of fantastic, quintessentially Tokyo views.
Giant Sky Wheel at Odaiba
Wheel-y great views.
The Odaiba entertainment hub was built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. For a fun way to see the bay and the many artificial islands within it, take a ride on the Giant Sky Wheel. At 377 feet (115 meters) tall, it revolves at a leisurely pace, so you can snap lots of photos from the enclosed cabins.
Cherry blossoms and fall leaves
Seasonal sights worth waiting for.
The Japanese love the seasonal pastimes of cherry blossom viewing in the spring and foliage viewing in the fall. Join the locals at almost any park or garden in the city, or go straight to the most popular places: Chidori-ga-fuchi Park (near the Imperial Palace and the Yasukuni Shrine) for cherry blossoms, and Rikugien Garden and Shinjuku Gyoen for fall foliage.
Tokyo Tower
A Tokyo classic.
Tokyo has many tall buildings with viewing platforms, and Tokyo Tower is one of the most distinctive. Painted white and red and resembling Paris’ Eiffel Tower, the landmark has a main deck at 492 feet (150 meters) and a top deck at 820 feet (250 meters). Head up to either platform for sweeping views of the city.
Mt. Fuji
Sky-high panoramas.
Mt. Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic views. Around 93 miles (150 kilometers) from Tokyo, the almost perfectly conical volcanic peak is a pretty sight at any time of year—especially in winter, when it’s covered in snow. Take a day trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo, or spot the mountain from a viewing platform if the weather is clear.
Shinjuku
After-hours views.
Central city neighborhoods such as Shinjuku are quite the visual feast after dark, when the colorful neon signs light up the streets. Join a nighttime walking or photography tour to get the most out of your visit.
Shibuya crosswalk
Hectic but iconic scenes.
The busy crosswalk at Shibuya is one of urban Tokyo’s most famous scenes. When the traffic lights turn red, thousands of pedestrians cross the road in all directions. You can’t take in this scene while in the thick of it, so grab a seat in a nearby café to watch.
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Elen is a writer and editor based in the small city of Nelson, on New Zealand's South Island. Her work focuses on travel, arts, culture, and the humanities. When not working, she likes to explore one of the three national parks on her doorstep.