Secrets of Tokyo

After spending over a year in Tokyo, I collected countless unforgettable memories from a night helicopter flight over the city to cherry blossom picnics in Ueno Park and skyline views from the TOKYO SKYTREE. The city changes with every season and is always full of energy and surprises. Discover my handpicked list of the best places and experiences, a perfect starting point for first-time visitors.

Tokyo is a vast city with endless faces and constant change, even within a single year. Whenever I visit, I turn off my phone and wander through this concrete jungle without a plan, often walking late at night through quiet temple grounds and neon-lit streets. After countless hours of exploring my favorite city on foot, I’m excited to share some of its most memorable spots and street scenes with you.

If you’re planning to spend one or two weeks in Tokyo, it’s worth exploring some of the incredible sights just outside the city. My handpicked list features places within three hours by train or car, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, lively cities, scenic landscapes, and historic castles and towns. Each destination offers a different glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and beauty.

Tokyo is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the remote Ogasawara Islands and the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park. While the islands require a long ferry journey across 1000 kilometers of ocean, the museum designed by Le Corbusier is much easier to visit. Travelers interested in World Heritage sites should also consider a trip to nearby Nikko with its stunning temples and shrines.

Tokyo has countless shrines and temples, which can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. To make it easier, I’ve selected nine of the most famous ones that can be comfortably visited over two or three days while exploring different neighborhoods. Each site offers a unique mix of history, tradition, and calm beauty amid the city’s modern skyline.

The best way to grasp the immense scale of Tokyo is from one of its spectacular observation decks. From the soaring TOKYO SKYTREE to the iconic Tokyo Tower, the city stretches endlessly to the horizon and glows like an ocean of lights at night. Discover my selection of the top four spots for unforgettable skyline views.

Cherry blossom season is the most beautiful time to visit Tokyo, when the city comes alive with Hanami celebrations under a sea of pink petals. I’ve handpicked some of the best spots to enjoy this fleeting spectacle, from peaceful parks to a historic cemetery. If you’re starting somewhere, begin with the iconic Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most beloved Sakura destinations.

Tokyo’s Yamanote Line is a circular railway connecting major city centers such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Ueno. The 34.5-kilometer loop, operated by JR East, takes about an hour to complete and is easy to spot by its green-colored trains. It’s one of the busiest lines in the world and a great way to experience the rhythm of Tokyo life.