Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
Free
1–2 hoursGoogle Maps
Tokyo's oldest temple. Arrive before 9 am for near-empty photos of the Kaminarimon gate, then snack your way down Nakamise shopping street.
Tokyo's best sights split neatly in two: shrines, crossings, and markets that cost nothing, and observation decks that charge for the skyline. Pick one tower and spend the rest on food.
Bring $40–80
This assumes one or two paid decks plus the free classics ~ add ¥2,000–4,000 if you graze through Tsukiji properly.
Tokyo Skytree
¥2,100–3,400 (deck / combo, advance)
≈ $14–23 USD
1.5–2 hoursGoogle Maps
At 634 m it's the world's tallest tower. Advance online tickets are ~¥300 cheaper, and on clear winter mornings you can spot Mt. Fuji.
Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky
Crossing free · Shibuya Sky ¥2,200–2,700
Free–$18 USD
1–2 hoursGoogle Maps
The crossing itself costs nothing ~ watch a few cycles from the Starbucks window. Shibuya Sky's open-air rooftop sells out; book the sunset slot a week ahead.
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)
Free (Inner Garden ¥500)
1–1.5 hoursGoogle Maps
A genuine forest in the middle of the city, two minutes from Harajuku station. On weekend mornings you'll often catch a traditional wedding procession.
Tokyo Tower
¥1,500 main deck · ¥3,300 top deck tour
≈ $10–22 USD
1–1.5 hoursGoogle Maps
The retro red icon. Cheaper than Skytree and ~ bonus ~ your skyline photos include Skytree. Beautifully lit after dark.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Free entry · ¥2,000–4,000 to eat well
Free entry · ≈ $13–27 food USD
2–3 hoursGoogle Maps
The inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market still has the tamagoyaki, tuna bowls, and knife shops. Go hungry, before 10 am.
Prices are approximate (as of 2026), based on our visits and official rates, and can change with seasons and exchange rates. Always double-check official websites before you go.
Photos are free-license images from Wikimedia Commons ~ tap the credit on any photo for its author and license.