Must-Visit Spots for Sightseeing in Tokyo (West Tokyo)｜Top Places You Shouldn’t Miss

When planning a trip to Tokyo, many people wonder "Where should I visit to truly experience what Tokyo is all about?" Tokyo, one of the world's leading metropolises, has an overwhelming number of attractions, making it challenging to tour efficiently. If you're going to visit, you'll want to make sure you cover the classic spots that even first-time visitors can enjoy.

In this article, we carefully selected some of the most popular tourist attractions in western Tokyo and introduce their unique charm in an easy-to-understand way. These are must-visit spots for anyone exploring Tokyo—find the destinations that match your travel goals and make the most of your trip!

Table of Contents

1. 10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Western Tokyo

1-1. Meiji Shrine
1-2. SHIBUYA SKY
1-3. Shibuya 109
1-4. BiKN shibuya
1-5. Nintendo TOKYO
1-6. Takeshita Street Shopping District
1-7. ZAKURO SHOW
1-8. Yoyogi Park
1-9. Shinjuku Golden Gai
1-10. Omoide Yokocho

Summary

1. 10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Western Tokyo

If you want to enjoy traveling in Tokyo, you'll first want to cover the classic tourist spots. From here, we'll introduce 10 popular tourist attractions along with basic facility information. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, use this to help plan your sightseeing itinerary.

1-1. Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a shrine located in Shibuya City, Tokyo, established in 1920. The enshrined deities are Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and the approximately 700,000 square meter forest is an artificial woodland created by planting trees donated from across the nation. It's known for receiving the largest number of New Year's visitors in Japan, and is said to provide various blessings including matchmaking, family safety, and business prosperity. The grounds include the Treasure House, which is an Important Cultural Property, and the Meiji Shrine Museum where you can learn about its history and connections.

1-2. SHIBUYA SKY

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SHIBUYA SKY is an observation facility spanning the 229-meter rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. It consists of three areas: "SKY GATE" from the 14th to 45th floors, the open-air "SKY STAGE" on the rooftop, and the indoor observation corridor "SKY GALLERY" on the 46th floor, offering panoramic views of Tokyo. Particularly popular are the "Sky Edge" overlooking Shibuya Crossing and the "Cloud Hammock" where visitors can lie down as if floating on clouds. At night, the "Crossing Light" illumination creates a magical nightscape experience.

1-3. Shibuya 109

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SHIBUYA109 has been a symbol of Shibuya since its opening in 1979, housing approximately 120 shops targeting women in their teens and twenties. As a constant hub for youth culture, it has become a globally recognized destination visited by celebrities from around the world. The building actively engages in online business, operating e-commerce sites and supporting new brand development. By incorporating street and pop culture while continuously transmitting new trends from Shibuya to the world.

1-4. BiKN shibuya

BiKN shibuya is a showcase festival held in Shibuya since 2023 under the banner "Bringing new music from Asia to the world." Notable artists from Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and other countries come together with talented Japanese performers to realize cross-border musical exchange. The festival has expanded with each iteration, featuring diverse lineups that transcend national and genre boundaries. Using venues like Spotify O-EAST and duo MUSIC EXCHANGE throughout Shibuya, the entire district becomes enveloped in excitement for this special day.

https://www.ticketsinjapan.com/en/events/bikn_shibuya_2025

1-5. Nintendo TOKYO

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Nintendo TOKYO is Nintendo's official store located on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO. In addition to selling game consoles, software, and limited original merchandise, it features play areas and hosts events, making it a long-awaited destination for fans. The exterior features popular characters like Mario, Link, and Isabelle, while the interior displays character statues, creating an exciting atmosphere just by visiting.

1-6. Takeshita Street Shopping District

The approximately 350-meter "Takeshita Street Shopping District" stretching from Harajuku Station, officially called "Harajuku Takeshita-dori Shopping Association," is an iconic spot representing Harajuku Culture. Popular with foreign tourists, it's packed with street food like crepes, pop and colorful fashion items, photo booths, and character shops—a condensed area of youth trends. Bustling on both weekdays and holidays, it's the gateway to Harajuku where you can experience "Kawaii Culture" just by visiting.

1-7. ZAKURO SHOW

ZAKURO SHOW is a traditional Japanese instrument live performance featuring first-class musicians who have gained high acclaim both domestically and internationally, performing with koto, shakuhachi, shamisen, seventeen-string koto, and taiko drums. The program ranges from classical pieces to contemporary music and Western covers, allowing audiences to experience the power and healing qualities of Japanese instruments with all five senses. Between performances, there are explanations about the instruments and pieces in both Japanese and English. The venue is "Hall60" in Omotesando. Photography and interaction are possible, making it perfect for creating special travel memories.

1-8. Yoyogi Park

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Yoyogi Park is the fifth-largest metropolitan park in the 23 wards, divided into Area A as a forest park and Area B with athletic facilities and an outdoor stage. With a history spanning from an army training ground and US military facilities to serving as the Olympic Village for the Tokyo Olympics, it now serves as a green oasis beloved by locals. The park features a 30-meter-high fountain and water corridors, and in spring, approximately 800 cherry trees create a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

1-9. Shinjuku Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai is a drinking district with over 70 years of history, originating from post-war black markets. Approximately 280 small bars line six districts, creating a unique atmosphere that preserves the strong flavor of the Showa era. With many distinctive establishments, each having its own rules and culture, part of the charm is bar-hopping to find a place that suits you. While it's a popular destination attracting visitors from around the world, it remains a special district unique to Shinjuku where the drinking culture carefully preserved by local people continues to thrive.

1-10. Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho, spreading from Shinjuku Station West Exit, is a drinking district with Showa-era nostalgia that developed from post-war black markets. In approximately 630 tsubo of land, about 60 restaurants specializing in motsu-yaki (grilled offal) and yakitori (grilled chicken), along with ticket shops and other businesses totaling 80 stores, create a unique atmosphere. The establishments that survived fires and redevelopment continue to maintain their traditional construction with single wooden board partitions, offering charm through their down-to-earth atmosphere and heartwarming human connections. Popular with both domestic and international tourists, it thrives as a spot that preserves the "Showa-era alley culture" where you can casually enjoy a drink.

Summary

The appeal of Tokyo tourism lies in its diversity, allowing visitors to simultaneously experience history, tradition, and cutting-edge culture. The distinctive feature is encountering different expressions with each step through the city, from solemn shrines and historic gardens to modern skyscrapers, shopping streets, and down-to-earth dining districts.

Additionally, each place you visit offers different learning opportunities and discoveries, providing moving experiences that are unique to Tokyo. By touring various tourist spots, you can feel both the history that Tokyo has accumulated and its identity as a city that continues to evolve.

*This article was created based on information as of October 2025.