Learn about Japanese culture, Japan's state-of-the-art science and technology.
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Kokyo Gaien National Gardens
Also known as the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, this park is widely cherished for its quintessential Japanese landscapes. Spacious green lawns dotted with black pines blend harmoniously with the historical remnants of Edo Castle’s moats and gates.
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Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
This is an open-air museum where buildings of high cultural and historical value are relocated, restored, preserved, and exhibited. It features 30 structures, including farmhouses, inns, and public bathhouses that once stood in Tokyo, creating a townscape. Inside the buildings, visitors can see exhibits of household tools and goods from that period.
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The State Guest House Akasaka Palace
Built in 1909 as the Crown Prince’s Palace, this is Japan’s only Western-style palace in the Neo-Baroque style. After World War II, it became a state guest house, welcoming distinguished guests from abroad, including members of royal families and heads of state from around the globe. Visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese history and its diplomatic stage.
Official Website
The Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage
This museum tells the reality of the air raids that Tokyo endured during World War II, including the Great Tokyo Air Raid of March 10, 1945. Exhibits feature photographs and artifacts from that era, as well as models of incendiary bombs, air-raid shelters, and light control systems. The museum also showcases records and testimonies from individuals who experienced the wartime devastation. Visitors have the opportunity to listen to firsthand accounts from those who lived through the war.
Official Website
Koto City Fukagawa Edo Museum
This life-sized recreation of the streets of Edo-Fukagawa from the late Edo period (around 1840) uses sound and lighting to depict the changing scenes of a typical day. Visitors can enter traditional houses and interact with historical household tools, offering a hands-on experience of life from that time.
Official Website
Hama-rikyu Gardens
This garden, which used to belong to the Tokugawa Shogun family, the most powerful family in the Edo period, has a Shioiri Pond and abundant nature. A shioiri pond is a tidal pond that draws in sea water, creating changes in the pond associated with the tide. It is now the only tidal pond in the Edo gardens of Tokyo.
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Showa Kinen Park
With a total area of 180 ha, this national park offers a place where visitors can enjoy seasonal nature and flowers throughout the year, including tulips in spring, and yellow gingko leaves in autumn. There are lots to see in this park, including Open Field, Japanese Garden, and Hanamidori Cultural Center, making it a place where you can spend whole day and never get bored.
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Rikugien Gardens
This garden, landscaped from the late 17th century to the early 18th century, represents in miniature scenes depicted in “waka” (classical Japanese poetry) and “kanshi” (Chinese poetry). It features a variety of picturesque elements, including a central pond filled with abundant water and artificially constructed “mountains,” offering visitors a rich visual experience.
Official Website
Sensoji Temple
Worshippers and tourists flock to Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Nakamise is along the main approach to the temple, a 250-meter-long shop-filled street connecting the outer Kaminarimon gate to the second Hozomon gate.
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Meiji Jingu (Shinto Shrine)
The Meiji Jingu, built in 1920, honors the Emperor Meiji and his wife the Empress Shoken. The sacred forest surrounding of the shrine is comprised of some 100,000 trees donated from around the nation. The stately atmosphere of this place is truly an oasis-in-the-city for the visitor.
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Jindaiji Temple
This old temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism was founded in 733. On the temple grounds, you can find historic cultural assets here and there, including the Sanmon Gate with a thatched roof, the gorgeous Hondo main hall, and the statue of a seated Shaka Buddha, which is the oldest National Treasure in eastern Japan. Jindaiji Daruma Ichi Fair, which is held in March every year, is considered one of the three biggest Daruma Ichi fairs in Japan.
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Zojoji Temple
This temple has a 600-year history and houses the graves of the Tokugawa shogunate from the Edo period (1603-1868). Known as the “Temple of Victory,” it enshrines the “Kurohonzon” Buddha statue, which survived the Warring States period (15th-16th century). Behind the “Daiden” main hall, where ceremonies and memorial services are held, stands a striking scene with Tokyo Tower and skyscrapers, symbolizing both old and new Tokyo.
Official Website
Yakata-bune (excursion boats)
The yakata-bune excursion boat has been a tradition since the time of the samurai. Take a boat ride down the Sumida River, mentioned in the Manyoshu— Japan’s oldest collection of poems—and enjoy not only the night view but the most delicious tempura as well.
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Water Bus
You can get on a water bus and visit several sightseeing areas along the Sumida River, including Asakusa and Ryogoku, while enjoying a waterfront view. Some routes have a water bus with a unique near-futuristic design.
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SKY BUS TOKYO
The open-top double-decker bus “SKY BUS” allows passengers to enjoy Tokyo from the open-air seats. Guided tours are available on routes that visit famous spots such as Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, Ginza, and the Imperial Palace.
Official Website
Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya Kappabashi Store
Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya makes realistic-looking replica food items. This store sells fun and unique products created through the art of food replicas. Visitors can also try their hand at making traditional faux food out of wax.
Official Website
Some-no-sato OCHIAI (Futaba-en)
Some-no-sato OCHIAI is a dye studio that has been carrying on the tradition of the Edo katazome dyeing technique for over 100 years. The artisan skills on show here have been officially designated as a traditional craft. One-day lessons and classes are available.
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JIDAIYA
JIDAIYA offers various cultural experience programs, such as rickshaw and kimono experience, in Asakusa. In the “SDGs with Furoshiki” program, you can learn how to use furoshiki (Japan’s traditional wrapping cloth) for wrapping and other purposes, which allows you to practice the SDGs without any hassles while being exposed to traditional Japanese culture. You can also learn about the history of rickshaw, the ultimate ecological vehicle in alignment with the SDGs, and get a chance to actually drive a rickshaw as an occupational experience.
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Kiriko Cut Glass Studio Ojima
Traditional Edo kiriko cut glass is produced here at this studio. Workshops are held for the public. In particular we have the appropriate tools for elementary school and junior high school students. A pen is used to create a draft on a small transparent glass, which is then placed on a disk for etching. The finished piece is put in a box for the visitor to take home with them. This is a very safe endeavor, so it’s well worth giving it a try!
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Mt. Takao
With an altitude of 599 meters, this mountain offers various hiking routes with different distances and difficulties, as well as cable cars and lifts, using which you can get to the summit on foot in about 40 minutes. There is also Takao-san Yakuoin Temple with a history of over 1,000 years and Trick Art Museum. It is one of the most popular destinations for excursions of schools in Tokyo.
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Japan National Stadium
The stadium tour is a chance for visitors to experience the amazing legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. Check details from the Stadium tour Website.
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Japan Olympic Museum
This museum, established by the JOC, is a center of information for Japan’s Olympic movement. It houses various exhibits and visuals, showcasing the value of the Olympics.
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Ariake Urban Sports Park
A state-of-the-art sports facility built for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and inheriting the legacy of urban sports adopted for Olympic competitions. It includes exercise facilities such as a running stadium and rope athletics, as well as dining facilities like cafes and food courts.
Official Website
TOKYO FORWARD TOKYO 2020 Legacy Exhibition
An exhibition in Yurakucho featuring assets actually used in the Tokyo 2020 Games Opening Ceremonies. Experience competitions through digital technology and snap selfies at photo spots.
Official Website
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is a broadcasting tower, built in 1958. It offers spectacular views of Tokyo, in all the city’s three-dimensionality, from its two observation decks at 150 meters and 250 meters.
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TOKYO SKYTREE®
TOKYO SKYTREE® is the world’s tallest stand-alone communication tower. From the two observation decks at 350 m and 450 m, visitors can take in a spectacular view of the Tokyo night sky, and experience the illusion that they are walking through the air. The nearby Soramachi® shopping area (300 shops) and the Aquarium are popular spots.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings are one of the most prominent landmarks in Tokyo. From the observatory on the 45th floor at a height of 202 meters, you can get a panoramic view of Tokyo, including TOKYO SKYTREE, along with Mt. Fuji if it is clear enough. Tokyo Sky Guide is a special viewing guide for the observatory, offering information on a total of 32 spots you can see from the observatory in 15 languages.
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SUNSHINE60 OBSERVATORY TENBOU-PARK
Located on the 60th floor of Ikebukuro’s Sunshine 60 building, this observatory re-opened in 2023 after its major renovation. You can get a panoramic view of the city from 251 meters above sea level. It features a well-stocked space reminiscent of a park with seasonal plants and flowers on the floor covered with artificial turf. You can even get a chance to see Mt. Fuji in distance, depending on the weather.
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Suginami Animation Museum, Tokyo Polytechnic University
The Suginami Animation Museum is the first facility where visitors can enjoy, learn, experience and understand Japanese animation in a structured way. With hands-on sections to experience special effects of animation and voice recording, as well as special exhibitions that incorporate information about animation etc., there are lots of things for visitors to do that will help them to learn about animation in an enjoyable way.
Official Website
Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum
This museum recreates “Tokiwaso,” the apartment where TEZUKA Osamu, renowned for manga works such as “Astro Boy,” and many other masters of the Japanese manga world spent their younger days. It showcases recreated rooms where these artists lived, offering insights into their daily lives and the creative processes behind manga production.
Official Website
Anime Tokyo Station
Opened in 2023 as a hub for Japan’s anime industry and culture, this facility features monuments themed around classic masterpieces to the latest works. It also showcases the anime production process, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Japanese anime. The facility hosts numerous workshops and events as well.
Official Website
METoA Ginza
METoA Ginza, Mitsubishi Electric event area, showcases the latest technologies of the Mitsubishi Electric Group with a view to a more sustainable society, at a fun hands-on exhibit hall featuring visuals, AR, etc.
Official Website
RED° TOKYO TOWER
As a main platform for the "RED°" brand, a next-generation entertainment theme park, one of the largest of its kind in Japan, opened in April 2022 inside the iconic Tokyo Tower. This space offers an "entertainment experience at another dimension" packed with fun, allowing visitors to play the latest game titles and enjoy competitions and events in a stadium equipped with cutting-edge technology. From Tokyo Tower, RED° shares its unique worldview with all of Japan and the world.
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National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)
This national science museum offers visitors the opportunity to experience cutting-edge scientific technologies. In addition to permanent exhibits themed around robots, artificial intelligence, life sciences, Earth environment, and space, the museum features various special exhibitions and events that allow visitors to enjoy the scientific technologies shaping our future.
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Kawasaki Robostage
This is a showroom of the latest robots produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., where you can see how high the level of their technologies is and think about co-existence of humans with robots. Visitors can actually watch and learn about various kinds of robots, including the industrial robots and a humanoid robot.
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Orbitarium
Opened in 2023, this facility allows visitors to learn about the issues of space debris and space sustainability. Visitors can explore the relationship between the earth and space, orbits, and artificial satellites. There is also an area where visitors can observe the development process in a clean room where satellite manufacturing and parts testing are conducted.
Official Website
Chofu Aerospace Center
Engaged in advanced research and technological development in the fields of aviation and aerospace, this facility showcases experimental aircraft and experimental facilities that artificially create airflow. It provides a space where research activities in aviation and aerospace are presented in an easy-to-understand way. Visitors can also experience simulated piloting of future spacecraft.
Official Website
Tamarokuto Science Center
A hands-on museum where visitors can observe the starry sky in one of the world’s largest planetarium domes, capable of projecting 140 million stars, and enjoy experiments and crafts.
Official Website
Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park Sona Area Tokyo
Armed with tablet PCs and placed in a simulated earthquake scenario centered on Tokyo, visitors learn how to survive the first 72 hours after a major earthquake. The facility also shows animated videos and holds workshops and events focusing on disaster preparedness.
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Honjo Life Safety Learning Center, Tokyo Fire Department (Honjo Bosaikan)
At this disaster prevention facility, visitors gain knowledge and know-how in a fun way. Take unique tours of simulations including earthquakes, fires, and wind/rain, led by instructions. There are also areas where visitors can tour on their own.
Official Website
Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center, Tokyo Fire Department (Ikebukuro Bosaikan)
A tour of this facility gives visitors experience in dealing with disaster situations. Visitors go through an hour and 40 minutes of disaster preparedness training with an instructor. Every Friday evening, a special “Night Tour,” assuming a scenario with a fire at night, is held.
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Fire Museum
Learn about fire and disaster prevention through the history of firefighting at this museum. The wide range of exhibits include exquisite woodblock prints and historical documents related to the early firefighting practices, as well as firefighting tools, water pumps, protective gear and other equipment from the past centuries to the present.
Official Website
Meteorological Science Museum
This museum displays observation instruments for weather and earthquakes, systems where you can learn about the information on disaster prevention, and theaters where you learn about/feel the natural environment of Japan. Some of the exhibits and activities are available with English subtitles. There is a full-time commentator who is a certified weather forecaster, so you can ask any questions about weather and earthquakes.
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The Hydrogen Information Center “Tokyo Hydrogen Museum”
At the Tokyo Suiso-miru, visitors learn about the future of hydrogen—an invisible substance—as well as how hydrogen will be utilized in our society—by both touch and direct experience. At this unique comprehensive learning center, everyone gets the opportunity to understand hydrogen.
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Tokyo Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome
This facility comprises a movie theater, a special exhibitions gallery, an event hall, and a giant domed greenhouse containing tropical and subtropical plants (including those from the Ogasawara Islands). The adjacent Shin-koto Incineration Plant provides heat for the greenhouse.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Waste Landfill Site
This is where Tokyo’s waste is sent for final disposal. It’s an ideal place to consider the issue of waste disposal in large cities. Following a presentation that gives an overview of landfill facilities, it is possible for visitors who have their own vehicular transport to visit a landfill site, a large waste-crushing process facility, and a non-flammable waste-processing facility.
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JICA Global Plaza
The Plaza offers programs featuring interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the current living environment in developing countries, global issues, and international collaboration; as well as workshops and lectures by people who have worked on projects in developing countries.
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WATERS takeshiba
Located in the waterfront area nearby Hama-rikyu Gardens, this complex facility has various tenants, including Shiki Theatre, a special theatre for Shiki Theatre Company, a hotel, and a commercial facility, as well as a dock for the Water Bus. There is an artificial tidal flat, where efforts are currently being made for environmental regeneration of Tokyo Bay, which used to be called “Edomae,” making it a great place to learn about the environment.
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SMALL WORLDS
One of the biggest indoor miniature parks in Asia. There are various kinds of inquiry learning programs under the themes of SDGs, career education, STEAM education, international understanding, and cutting-edge technologies, offering a place for voluntary learning through experiences.
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Tama Forest Science Garden
Along with various types of samples including lumber samples and cherry trees displayed at the exhibition hall “Mori no Kagakukan,” you can learn about forests and the lumber industry. A guided tour (Tuesday to Friday at 10:00) is offered in the garden, which teaches you how to distinguish different kinds of trees and what to see during each season.
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Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”
This hands-on facility allows visitors to learn about the role of Tokyo’s sewage system and the importance of water environments. Using full-scale sewage pipes and pumps, visitors can experience the work involved in sewerage, such as cleaning and repairing equipment and operating machinery. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, guided tours are available to observe the sewage treatment process.
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Izu Oshima Volcano Museum
*Currently under renovation.
Featuring a variety of exhibits and simulation capsules pertaining to the volcanoes of the world including Mt. Mihara, this is a fun place to learn. Also on view in the Visuals Hall is a powerful series of visuals depicting the gorgeous natural environment of Oshima and the lives of the people here.
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Furusato-taiken Hall
This facility is a unique place where visitors can relax in a pastoral setting, primarily experiencing the natural environment and culture of Oshima. Specific workshops include squeezing camellia oil, vegetable dyeing, and local performing arts (groups only).
Official Website
Odoriko no Sato Museum
The Odoriko no Sato Museum has two sections: the Former Minatoya Ryokan and the Former Jinnomaru Residence, both of which were built during the Meiji Period. Go through them slowly and deliberately as you take in the atmosphere of times past.
Official Website
Oshima Native History and Traditional Crafts Museum
At this local museum, visitors learn about the formation, history, and people of Oshima. The museum houses some 600 pieces of folk materials including descriptions of the volcanoes of Oshima, “Oshima and the Sea,” “Pottery and Stone Tools of the Jomon Period,” “Women’s Customs,” and “Festivals of Oshima.”
Official Website
Palais La Mer (Oshima Seashell Museum)
This is an unusual museum in Japan. It houses not only shells from Izu and the Ogasawara Islands but also 50,000 beautiful shells in 4,000 different varieties from Japan and countries around the world, of which 10,000 shells from 2,400 species are on display. It also showcases many shell fossils, folk crafts incorporating shells, etc.
Official Website
Bank of Japan Head Office
The Bank of Japan Head Office, erected in 1896, was the first modern national government (national important cultural asset) to be built by a Japanese architect. As part of a one-hour guided tour, visitors can also view the underground vault, which was used until 2004.
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National Diet Building
The Japanese Diet is held in this building. Here, Japan’s only legislative body makes laws and determines fiscal budgets. Note how the building is symmetrical on both sides. On the left facing the front is the House of Representatives, while the right side is occupied by the House of Councilors (formerly the House of Lords).
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Tokyo Metropolitan Wholesale Market Toyosu Market
Toyosu Market comprises three blocks: block 7 with the seafood wholesaling building, block 6 with the seafood auctions building, and block 5 with the fruit and vegetable wholesaling building. The new market has been designed to ensure food safety, while implementing efficient logistics and first-rate environmental measures.
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Haneda Chronogate
Close to Haneda Airport is “Haneda Chronogate,” the Yamato Group’s largest comprehensive logistics terminal. This terminal integrates a fast transportation network by land, sea, and air with high value-added functions.
Official Website
Waseda University
Waseda University is one of the leading educational institutions in Japan, renowned for the high quality of its teaching and research. Campus tours are available in which Waseda student guides explain historical episodes and student life; tour participants also have the chance to visit sites that are usually not open to the public, such as the Okuma Auditorium clock tower, etc.
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Daiichi Sankyo Kusuri Museum
Here you can have fun learning about medicine through CG images and interactive games. As well as studying how medicines work and how they are developed, visitors discover the history of Nihombashi, an area that has been synonymous with the medicine business since the Edo period.
Official Website
Intermediatheque
Located in the “ＫＩＴＴＥ,” a commercial complex adjacent to Tokyo Station, which partially preserves and redevelops the old Tokyo Central Post Office building, this museum exhibits academic samples from the University of Tokyo. The museum exhibits samples and materials in a variety of fields, including archaeology, geology, and contemporary art. The space is characterized by its rich design, which stimulates intellectual curiosity.
Official Website
teamLab Planets TOKYO
From the art collective “teamLab” comes an immersive digital art museum developed with cutting-edge visual tech. Feel art with your whole body as you step barefoot through a wealth of wondrous works weaving water and flowers into a fantastical space renowned throughout Japan and the world.
Official Website
NHK Museum of Broadcasting
Opened in 1956 as the first broadcasting museum in the world, this museum has been serving as a place to learn about the history of broadcasting for its advances and developments over about 100 years. It features experiences as an announcer or weather forecaster in a studio as well as exhibitions under different themes, including dramas, music programs, and children’s programs.
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NTT History Center of Technologies
Owned by the NTT group, one of Japan’s biggest telecommunications company groups, this museum exhibits a huge number of historical assets of the group. With the display of rare old telephone machines and the history of portable phones across four floors, you can learn how the telecommunication technologies have advanced.
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Police Museum
This facility is a place where you can learn about the history of the Japanese police force from its beginning to today, as well as the current activities of Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Fun activities are also offered, such as anime movies, police-work simulators, and a police motorcycle riding experience. Main exhibitions are accompanied by descriptions in English.
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Printing Museum, Tokyo
This museum showcases the history of printing—from its origins through the present day—all over the world. It also illustrates its value as a communications media, the value of print media, and all of its possibilities.
Official Website
The National Museum of Western Art
This is Japan’s only national museum showcasing the art of the Western world. The Main Building, designed by architect Le Corbusier, was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2016. Visitors can enjoy the history and beauty of Western art.
Official Website
National Museum of Nature and Science
This is the nation’s only comprehensive science museum. It features two permanent exhibits: the Japan Gallery and the Global Gallery. The different floors offer different themes, including dinosaur fossils, stuffed animal specimens, scientific technology development, and more.
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Tokyo National Museum
Founded in 1872, this is the oldest museum in Japan, with six exhibition halls displaying antiques and archaeological artifacts from Japan and other Asian countries. The museum boasts an extensive collection of approximately 120,000 items, including around 90 National Treasures and 650 Important Cultural Properties. Nearly every week, one of the exhibition rooms undergoes a display change.
Official Website
The Japanese Sword Museum
This museum preserves and displays Japanese swords from various periods and schools. It includes swords designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, allowing visitors to appreciate them not only as weapons but also as works of art. The museum also has a collection of equipment and armor related to swords.
Official Website
Sumo Museum
This museum collects, preserves, and exhibits (3 times/year) materials related to sumo, from woodblock prints and banzuke sumo wrestler rankings to ceremonial aprons.
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Takao 599 Museum
This is a museum where you can learn about the animals, plants, and the history of Mt. Takao as well as manners for mountain climbing. Various special exhibitions and experience-based events are offered on an irregular basis. The huge lawn space has a place where kids can play with water, offering a place of rest and relaxation for visitors.
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