Are these tourist attractions actually worth it? Our two cents and see what others think.
There's nothing else like it on earth. Do it once.
Go regardless if...
You go at rush hour (8-9am or 6-7pm) for the full effect
Essential if you're into anime, gaming, or electronics. Completely missable if not.
Go regardless if...
You have genuine interest in the culture, not just curiosity
One of the genuinely great temples in Asia — but only before 8am
Go regardless if...
You can get there at dawn before the tour groups arrive or you’re not going to Kyoto
The Great Buddha plus a genuinely beautiful coastal town. Best day trip from Tokyo.
Go regardless if...
You go on a weekday and hike the Daibutsu trail
Some of the most ornate temples in Japan, 2 hours from Tokyo
Go regardless if...
You leave early and have a full day — half a day isn't enough
The most beautiful park in Tokyo. Genuinely underrated.
Go regardless if...
You need a quiet afternoon away from the city's chaos
The best breakfast in Tokyo if you know where to go
Go regardless if...
You arrive by 7am and eat your way through — not just browse
Smaller than Borderless but more intimate and just as impressive
Go regardless if...
You can't get Borderless tickets — this is an excellent alternative
Peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly un-touristy inside the forest walk
Go regardless if...
You walk the full forest path not just the main gate
A loud, expensive Vegas-style show with no real connection to Japanese culture
Go regardless if...
You want a deliberately kitsch, ironic night out
Safe and interesting to walk through — but there's not much to actually do
Go regardless if...
You want to understand the full spectrum of Shinjuku at night
The tuna auction is extraordinary but requires booking months ahead. Without it, it's just a fish market.
Go regardless if...
You've secured an auction viewing reservation
Peaceful and free — most tourists walk right past it on the way to the Palace Plaza
Go regardless if...
You're already in the area and want a quiet 45 minutes
Genuinely unlike anything else. The hype is real.
Go regardless if...
You book a weekday morning slot well in advance
A long trip to a manufactured island of shopping malls.
Go regardless if...
You're a fan of teamLab Planets specifically — that's the exception
Unique bar street — overrated but worth it if you're in Shinjuku
Go regardless if...
You want the classic 4-seat intimate bar Tokyo experience
The best rooftop view in Tokyo. The open-air deck at sunset is hard to beat.
Go regardless if...
You book a sunset slot — timing makes all the difference
The view is fine but Tokyo Skytree is taller, newer, and more interesting
Go regardless if...
You're doing it for nostalgia or the Zojo-ji temple next to it
Crowded, commercialized, and aimed at teenagers. The real Harajuku is the streets behind it.
Go regardless if...
You're shopping for the aesthetic and know what you're looking for
A traditional garden in the shadow of skyscrapers. Surprisingly moving.
Go regardless if...
You pair it with a tea ceremony in the garden teahouse