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Tourist and Cultural Attractions in Japan

Cultural Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

Japan has an incredible variety of museums, galleries, shrines and temples to keep you preoccupied for many days. In the city of Tokyo there is a wide spectrum of places to visit,, from the very distinguished Imperial Palace, home of the Emperor and past shogunates, to the legendary Tokyo Tower, an urban landmark in many Godzilla movies :-)

Theatres

Kabukiza Theatre - website
From old stories to new stories, various types of Kabuki plays are performed. A headset/earphone set is available to rent for English translations.
National Theatre of Japan - website
A theatre used for traditional Japanese theatrical performances, such as Kabuki, Noh, Kyogen and Bunraku.

Museums

Edo Tokyo Museum - website
The Edo-Tokyo Museum has many amazing exhibitions showcasing the changes of the life style of residents and the appearance of towns from the Edo period (former name of Tokyo, for over 400 years) to present day Tokyo.
Tokyo National Museum - website
The Tokyo National Museum exhibits historical collections from various countries in Asia, as well as in Japan. Located in Ueno Park.

Temples and Shrines

Sensoji Temple - website
The oldest temple in Tokyo with the Kaminarimon as the symbolic gateway of the temple. Traditional events are held seasonally at the temple.
Kanda Myojin Shrine - website
A historical place known as a shrine of happiness for family affairs, match-making for couples and success in business. This shrine is also famous for Kanda Matsuri, one of the 3 largest Shrine festivals in Japan.
Meiji Jingu Shrine - website
A shirine established in the 9th Taisho Period (1920). It enshrines the Meiji Emperor and the Shoken Empress Dowager. A very popular shrine during the New Years celebrations of Hatsumoude (the first shrine visit for praying for happiness at the beginning of a new year), having the largest number of visitors.
Yasukuni Jinja Shrine - website
This shrine was built for the memorial and reverence of people who died by war.

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