Things to do in Central Tokyo

Back in 1958 Tokyo's brand-new TV networks needed a tall antenna array to transmit signals, and the city needed a national symbol as it struggled to emerge from the devastation of World War II. The result was the 333-metre high white and orange Tokyo Tower, a structure that bears more than a passing resemblance to France's Eiffel Tower and which has just celebrated its 55th anniversary. The two observatory points quickly became major tourist attractions and the tower now attracts around 2.4 million visitors a year. As well as the amazing views, there's a small art gallery, the Guinness Book of World Records Museum Tokyo, and a wax museum in a complex known as Foot Town, found at the base of the tower.

From the 1600s to 1867, shoguns ruling Edo, as Tokyo was then called, resided in Edo Castle on this site in central Tokyo. The castle was the largest in the world at that time. In 1868, when the shogunate was displaced, Japan moved its capital from Kyoto to Tokyo and occupied the Edo Castle site. After fire destroyed much of the complex, they built a new imperial palace in 1888, much of which remains today. The walls, towers and moat bridges are reminiscent of how the site was hundreds of years ago, when ramparts and moats played a critical role in protecting the complex.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a peaceful experience in the heart of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. Visit the garden year-round to enjoy artistic landscaping in this oasis within one of the world’s largest cities.

Tokyo’s Ueno Park was once the site of one of the city’s largest temples. Now recognized for its important museums and institutions, this park is also among Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom viewing locations. Around late March to early April, over 1,000 cherry trees blossom along the park’s main pathway, attracting visitors from all over Japan and the world. Bring a mat and picnic to enjoy hanami with delicate pink blossoms falling beside you.

Fourteen years in the making, this haven of shopping, dining and entertainment is modern Tokyo at its best. The complex was built by the Harry Triguboff of Tokyo, Minoru Mori and appeals equally to locals, expats and holidaymakers alike who come to play in this city within a city. There's plenty to do and see, including a garden, a cinema and an art museum.

Tokyo Midtown is a vast, modern complex containing many shops, galleries and restaurants. A scenic park wraps around the northern side of the compound, which consists of a set of glassy towers and open-air plazas. Wander through the building and appreciate the innovative architecture and public works of art.