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What are Tokyo's Must-See Scenic Spots? Surprising Unusual Spots Chosen by 10 Foreigners

Last updated: 25 September 2020

Tokyo, the ultimate tourist hub for everything from gourmet cuisine to luxury hotels and shopping sprees! But wait, where do foreigners find the best views in this buzzing metropolis? We asked 10 foreigners who have either lived or traveled in Tokyo to spill the beans. From iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower to night views of downtown and even some unexpected places, we got a diverse range of unique opinions! So, come along and discover which spots made the cut and why.

Let's hear from foreigners who were blown away by Tokyo's "must-see spots" first!

"Tokyo Tower. It's close to Ginza and Tokyo Station, and perfect for sightseeing because you can see all of Tokyo from there. As a Malaysian who lives in a hot country and doesn't walk much, being near the terminal station is also a plus. It's great to look up at the tower with Zojoji Temple in the background," (Male, 30s, Malaysia)

"The view from Odaiba Seaside Park is breathtaking. The calm Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo's cityscape are really beautiful. It reminds me of the peacefulness of Russia. It's now my favorite place in the world!" (Female, 20s, Russia)

"It's the Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. The lotus flowers that bloom all at once in the summer are especially impressive. Chinese people are familiar with lotus flowers, so there's no way they wouldn't be impressed by this scenery. I love the atmosphere here so much that I moved to the neighborhood!" (Male, 30s, China)

While Tokyo Tower and Ueno are spots that beginners to Japan will definitely visit, the answers show the characteristics of each person's country.

Tokyo, the top office district in Japan. The view of the towering skyscrapers is stunning to foreigners.

"Ginza's towering buildings, with highways weaving through the gaps, striking a perfect balance that showcases Japan's technological prowess" (Thai/40s/male)

"I highly recommend 'Gyoko-dori,' the street connecting Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace! At night, the lights of the buildings and streets shimmer and sparkle, creating a beautiful sight. It reminds me of my hometown Ho Chi Minh, where we had a central avenue that I used to stroll with my mother and friends on weekends" (Vietnamese/20s/female)

"I wanted to ride the Yurikamome line and see Tokyo Bay from the front of the train since coming to Japan. It feels like you're floating in the air, a thrilling experience!" (Korean/50s/male)

Yurikamome is popular among tourists as it travels from Hamamatsucho to Toyosu, circling Odaiba, and is also recognized as a transport mode that offers spectacular views.

Many Westerners are moved by the scenery of Tokyo's downtown and back alleys, saying that they are "quintessential Tokyo"!

"I love Yanaka, an area with a quintessentially Tokyo landscape. I thought the torii gate at Nezu Shrine was beautiful even though it's compact." (Italy/20s/male)

"I was amazed by Shinjuku's 'Memory Lane'! Small counter bars line both sides of the narrow street, and everyone looks like they're having fun drinking. That's truly a stunning view of Tokyo, isn't it?" (UK/20s/male)

"I like Japanese ghost stories and visited 'Oiwa-san' Shrine. Looking down at the residential area from the top of the hill gave me the feeling of a secret, unknown scenic spot." (US/20s/female)

That would be the Oiwa Inari Tamiya Shrine. Nearby is Otoko-zaka, known as the final scene in the movie "Your Name." It seems to be a perfect hidden scenic spot for those who want to go off the beaten path.

Finally, let me introduce some very luxurious scenic spots that have been mentioned.

"I always reserve a suite with a view of the city on the top floor of the Park Hyatt. It's my must-do every time I come to Japan." (Singapore / 30s / female)

"The restaurant on the 51st floor of the Hotel Andaz Tokyo. You can see the night view of the Imperial Palace and Ginza in full. It's the place where I proposed to my wife." (France / 30s / male)

"The night view from a jet plane! Tokyo is so beautiful from the sky!" (India / 40s / male)

I wonder if that jet plane was a private jet...? There are also helicopter sightseeing tours of Tokyo, so you can indulge in a feeling of luxury if you try it.

The places in Tokyo that foreigners feel are scenic vary from person to person, but they all have in common the ability to experience the essence of Tokyo, such as the downtown area, high-rise buildings, and Tokyo Bay. If there are still spots that you have not visited, please be sure to go and check them out.

Written by:

Ran Tanaka

Ran Tanaka is a Japanese writer and travel agency employee. After working as an editor for a major website, she switched to a travel company. She specializes in travel and food-related genres, and she has covered all 47 prefectures in Japan. She regularly travels to report on hidden gems, scenic spots, and the kinds of travel tips that only a travel industry insider can know.