10+ Best Things to do Near the Tokyo Tower

Last Updated on 26th April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

One of the most emblematic elements of the Tokyo skyline is the Tokyo Tower, which was constructed in 1958 as a symbol of Japan’s ‘rebirth’ post World War II and as a sign of its recovery as one of the world’s leading economic powers. Standing at an impressive 333 meters tall, it was at one time the tallest tower in the world, even surpassing it’s inspiration, the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Today, the Tokyo Tower is a popular attraction for visitors to both snap the perfect picture of, and enjoy it’s sweeping views over Tokyo city! There’s also an abundance of temples, parks and vibrant neighbourhoods nearby which are absolutely worth exploring.

Here’s your ultimate guide on the best things to do near the Tokyo Tower.

Where is the Tokyo Tower?

The famous red and white steel structure is located within the Shiba-koen district of Minato. This area of Tokyo is best-known for its abundance of public parks, temples and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Visible from all over the city, the Tokyo Tower stands as the second-tallest tower in Japan after the Tokyo Skytree (standing at 634 meters high). Despite it being nearly half the height, the red and white iconic landmark is still very much considered the capital’s signature tower.

Best things to do near the Tokyo Tower

Azabudai Hills (麻布台ヒルズ, Azabudai Hiruzu)

The concept behind this 30-year long project was to design a ‘modern urban village brimming with nature’ that would bring people together everyday alongside nature in the heart of Tokyo.

Local Tokyoites will be familiar with Motoazabu Hills (built in 2002) which were the first to be built of the famed urban developer Mori’s ‘forest city’ concept, with the intention to harmonise the city with the natural world.

Construction for the Azabudai Hills started in 2019 and was completed in 2023, a fresh complex of three skyscrapers in the city, which have been dubbed as the “Hills of the Future“. These three impressive skyscrapers are also accompanied by a series of low-rise buildings to create a landscape pergola effect.

Exactly what you might expect from a ‘city within a city’ idea, the Azabudai Hills really have it all! From fashion boutiques, beauty stores, offices, world-class restaurants, museums and art galleries, marketplace, a cinema…the list is quite literally endless. There’s even healthcare and a new primary school campus on site!

Here’s just a few top suggestions of what to see when visiting Azabudai Hills:

• teamLab Borderless – Known to be everyone’s favourite immersive museum,this futuristic digital art installation is a group of artworks that form one continuous, borderless world… truly a unique experience!
• Sky Lobby – Home to one of the best (and free!) observation decks in Tokyo, views from the 33rd floor where you can take in stunning views of the city and the iconic Tokyo Tower! It’s open till 9pm so you can also see the twinkle of the city lights at night time too.
• The Manga Gallery – A small and ultra museum showcasing Japanese Manga.
• High-end shopping – In general this is the best place to find a high concentration of luxury brands in Tokyo, whether its window shopping or splashing the cash, this is the place to do so!
• 8ablish Café – Considered ‘pioneers’ of vegan food, this is the place to dine! Even if you aren’t vegan I highly recommend it, just to get a taste of how good plant based food can be.
• Azabudai Hills Market – An underground market bringing together over 30 different stores that sell local produce, from fish and meats to fruit, vegetables and plenty of other delights. The perfect spot to explore a wide range of Japanese delicacies.
• Christmas Market – Of course, this is just a December thing, but if you happen to be in Japan at this time then you’ll want to visit the Christmas market as it’s truly a spectacle to see.

Of course, this is just a small list of highlights, trust us when we say… you could probably spend the most part of a day exploring this huge complex! Overwhelming, but absolutely worth visiting.

Tokyo Tower (日本電波塔, Japan Radio Tower)

Of course, one of the best things to do in the vicinity of the Tokyo Tower is to visit the tower itself! And as Japan’s second tallest tower, you can probably imagine that the views from above are pretty spectacular.

Stretching 333 meters into the sky, in the heart of Tokyo, it stands just 3 meters taller than its model and inspiration, the Eiffel Tower. In fact, it was Japan’s tallest structure until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree (which stands almost double the height at 634 meters tall).

When visiting you can go to two different viewpoints, the main deck and top deck, both of which offer breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo city. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, Tokyo Tower also serves as a broadcast antenna.

Main Deck

At 150 meters into the sky, you can reach the Main Deck vieiwng point either via elevator or by going up a 600-step staircase. This is the glass observatory room, and thanks to its moderate height you can get a unique views of the city, there are also several look down windows for a different perspective.

This floor is also where you can grab a bite to eat at the cafe or purchase a souvenir to remember your trip from the shop.

Top Deck

At 250 meters into the sky, this is the third highest observation deck in all of Tokyo and on a clear day you can see captivating views of the Tokyo Skytree, as well as Mount Fuji in the distance!

You will reach the top deck by a second set of elevators to take you to the very top.

Views aren’t the only draw to this red and white steel landmark, visitors can enjoy the array of shops and restaurants, as well as an entertainment complex for games. This is all situated at the base of the tower, known as the Foot Town.

When’s the best time to go up the tower? To be honest, it’s completely personal preference. Personally, I would go when the city is illuminated by the warm glow of lights. Also worth noting, similar to the sparkles of the Eiffel Tower, every hour on the hour after sunset the “Diamond Tiara” (top deck) and the “Diamond Choker” (main deck) light up in pure white.

The tower is open every day from 9am-10:30pm (last entry is at 10pm) But, be sure to book online in advance before your visit as this will save time and ensure you can go up to the top deck. Check admission prices and book your tickets for Tokyo Tower here.

Shiba Park (芝公園, Shiba kōen)

Known as one of Japan’s oldest parks, Shiba Park was established in 1873 and is centrally located next to Tokyo Tower. The park was built as such that it surrounds the Zojoji Temple. Divided into several parts, and home to a wide variety of tree species, there’s a lot to see in this beautiful green space!

Shiba Park boasts of picture perfect views of the Tokyo Tower, one in particular being on the north side of the park near Onarimon Station, where you can see a straight view of the tree lined walkway with the tower in central position at the end of it.

The best way to experience the park is to simply stroll through and soak up its beauty, home to treasures such as an artificial ravine, Momiji-dani (Autumn Leaf Valley) and Maruyama Kofun, which is the largest burial mound in all of Tokyo! You’ll also see shrines

Whether it’s taking a quick walk through as you visit the tower nearby, or stopping for a picnic with a spectacular view of Tokyo Tower, it’s definitely worth seeing Shiba Park.

Beautiful all year round, Shiba Park is particularly special during the cherry blossom season (late March- early April) and in Autumn when the golden glow of red and yellow leaves dance in the sky and fall onto the winding paths below.

Daitokuin Reibyo Somon Gate

One of the most beautiful things to see in Shiba Park is Daitoku-in, also known as Taitoku-in ans is said to be the grave of Tokugawa Hidetada, the second shōgun (a military ruler) of the Tokugawa dynasty, who ruled from 1605 until his abdication in 1623. 

For context: The Tokugawa period, also known as the Edo period (1603–1867) is historically considered the most stable and peaceful period in traditional Japan.

While visiting Shiba Park it’s absolutely worth stopping by to admire this beautiful shrine. Especially beautiful at night, the lights below illuminate the structure make it appear as a glowing gateway through the park.

Hoshuin Temple (宝珠院)

Located on the fringes of the park, on the side closest to the Tokyo Tower is the serene Buddhist temple, Hoshuin Temple. Founded in 1685, it consists of a main hall which you can pop into and learn more in depth about the local history, as well as wander around the peaceful pond and admire the statues dotted around.

Zōjō-ji Temple (増上寺, Zōjōji) 

Originally built in 1392, the temple was moved to its present location in 1598 by Tokugawa who selected it as his family temple. Today, sitting next to the Tokyo Tower, this impressive Buddhist temple houses the tombs of the six Tokugawa shoguns. It’s also the main temple of the Jōdo-shū (Pure Lande) Chinzei sect of Buddhism.

Rich with history and heritage this temple holds a lot of cultural significance, and one of the most unique parts of the temple has to be that of the decorated Jizō  statues.

The Jizo Statues of Zojoji Temple, Jizo (地蔵/womb of the earth)

Jizō is a beloved figure of Japan, often depicted in statues as a monk, a bodhisattva dedicated to easing the sufferings of all beings, particularly associated with protecting children.

Although Zojoji does not have a specific name for this part of the temple, it is often referred to as, The Garden of Unborn Children. A sombre space filled with rows upon rows of Jizo statues, many of which are decorated with knitwear, flowers and pinwheels (which are believed to represent the constant cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) to commemorate as well as pray for the deceased souls of unborn children.

A short and simple, yet powerful memorial service, Mizuko Kuyo is carried out by the temple once a month. Open to anyone who’s had a pregnancy loss, stillborn or perinatal loss, participants make small red cloth pouches to their chosen Jizo figure and pray that Jizo helps guide the souls of the deceased.

Zōjō-ji Daimon (増上寺, Zōjō-ji)

Now located on a busy main road, this gorgeous “great gate” is approximately 200 meters away from Zojoji Temple. The original structure was made from wood and sadly burnt down during WW2, today you can see the present gate which a concrete reconstruction.

Shiba Toshogu (芝東照宮)

Another of Shiba Park’s beautiful shrines is the Shiba Toshogu, notable for its centuries-old ginko tree, known to be the biggest in all of Tokyo!

This small intricately decorated shrine actually enshrines the first Shōgun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Saiwai Inari Shrine (幸稲荷神社)

Located just a five minute walk from Tokyo Tower is the Saiwai Inari Shrine, built in 1394 to protect the nearby Zojoji Temple, it is considered to be Tokyo’s oldest shrine.

Originally called “Kishino Inari” the name was changed because of the seemingly good fortune of the Ujiko (a patron of a shrine living within traditional parish boundaries) and believers, therefore it was officially renamed in 1624 as “Saiwai Inari”, because Saiwai means happiness.

Shrines are scattered all over Tokyo, they are related to Shinto, which is Japan’s indigenous religion, and are essentially the sacred places that house any number of gods, known as kami.

The Giant Ghibli Clock

Officially called ‘Ni-Tele Really Big Clock’, this huge Vaudeville-cuckoo clock is situated on the side of the NTV tower, in Shiodome. And, as the name suggests, this giant clock was designed by the beloved Ghibli creator, Hayao Miyazaki.

Constructed from over 20 tonnes of copper and steel, it stands three stories high and 60 feet wide. A fantastical display of over 30 mechanical vignettes that spin, dance and whir as if part of some kind of mechanic ballet.

Truly a work of art! Giving similar vibes to that of Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film, Howl’s Moving Castle, this impressive clock springs to life four times a day, on the hours of 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, and 8pm, with an extra show on weekends at 10am.

NHK Museum of Broadcasting (日本放送協会)

NHK stands for, Nippon Hoso Kyokai, and it is a Japanese public broadcaster that was founded in 1995. Built upon the original site of JOAK which was the first radio station in Japan, today visitors can explore this fascinating museum and trace the evolution of Japanese broadcasting.

With a collection of over 30,000 items of broadcasting equipment, materials and related literature, all of which highlight the advancement of radio and television to how we know it to be now in modern days. It’s a fun way to spend an hour or two while in the area, and there are also interactive parts like testing out broadcasting for yourself, or getting in front of the camera!

Admission to this museum is completely free! It’s open daily from 10am-4:30pm and closed on Mondays.

Toufuya Ukai

If you’re a tofu lover then you should be sure to add this to your list of places to eat! Nestled at the base of Tokyo Tower is a restaurant that specialises in tofu. Set within a traditional house, with a garden and koi fish pond this is considered quite a luxury spot!

Serving kaiseki cuisine (a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) they pride themselves on the quality of their homemade tofu. The two speciality dishes you can get here are:

• Tosui-tofu – tofu in a dashi and soymilk soup
• Age-dengaku – sliced tofu fried and cooked with wood charcoal

Side note: being a vegetarian in Japan can be quite challenging, although there are plenty of options in supermarkets and some restaurants, but it was quite a surprise that most dishes, ramen dishes, soups and meals do contain some kind of meat.

Hama-Rikyu Gardens (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū)

Opened to the public in 1946, this urban oasis is situated alongside Tokyo Bay and as such features several seawater ponds which change level with the flow of the tide.

Originally built as a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence as well as duck hunting grounds, today the large landscape garden is very much a strolling grounds where visitors can marvel at the abundance of maple, ginkgo and other trees and take respite at the teahouse on its own island, a serene spot to sit!

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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!