Best Things to Do Near Tokyo Tower: Top 12 Attractions

Visited by some 2.2 million people annually, Tokyo Tower’s popularity as the second-tallest structure in Japan (following behind Tokyo Skytree) is indisputable. 

With panoramic views of the city and a host of fun activities to get up to in and around the tower, Tokyo Tower makes a great centerpiece around which to plan your travels. To help with that, here’s a list of the best things to do near Tokyo Tower, ensuring that you get the most out of your time admiring one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks.

Built in 1958 by the architect Tachu Naito, Tokyo Tower was constructed entirely by hand over the course of five years, with some 220,000 people involved in the process. Surpassing its muse, the Eiffel Tower, in height, this broadcasting tower built for the NHK was a symbol of hope and triumph following World War II. 

Tokyo Tower is accessible via six different stations: Akabanebashi Station, Shibakoen Station, Kamiyacho Station, Daimon Station, Onarimon Station and Hamamatsucho Station.

Check out the official Tokyo Tower website to see which station is along your line. 

Standing at a height of 333 meters (1,093 feet for American readers out there), no doubt Tokyo Tower has some of the best views in the city. Two observation decks are located at 150 and 250 meters. 

If you’re feeling brave, you can see the city directly beneath your feet through the Skywalk Windows on the first floor of the main deck. On a clear day, you can also see Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji in the distance!

If you want to experience classic Tokyo, this Tokyo Tower tour is perfect for you. Adorn yourself in the traditional Japanese clothing of kimono — including the proper hairstyle, footwear and accessories, picked out by your personal kimono assistant.

Hit up both the historic Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower nearby, where you’ll have a professional photoshoot to capture the memories made. There’s even the option to participate in a daily Buddhist service and take part in a sutra calligraphy class.

Wrap up the day with an intricate tofu course meal at Tofuya Ukai, an Edo-style tofu restaurant that perfectly suits the elegant atmosphere of the experience. 

Ever wondered what it’s like to have a view of the Tokyo Tower from your apartment? Well, now you can experience it for yourself at a Japanese dinner party hosted by Yoichi and his wife. 

With Yoichi’s wife attending a French culinary school in Tokyo, she is happy to take over the cooking and let you watch, but if you’d like to try your hand at Japanese cooking, you’re also welcome to step into the kitchen. 

Chat with the globetrotting, English-speaking couple about traveling and culture over a home-cooked Japanese meal with stunning views of Tokyo Tower.

Learn how to make a quintessential ingredient of Japanese cuisine in this private miso-making workshop near the iconic Tokyo Tower. Located just a few minutes by foot from Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower, you can head on over before or after a day of sightseeing for a taste of Japan.  

Get insight into the history of fermented foods in Japan, do a taste test of different kinds of miso, make about 700 grams of your own — which you’ll be able to take home as a souvenir — and, finally, enjoy a bowl of miso soup when all is said and done.

Find out more: What is Miso? Ultimate Guide to Fermented Japanese Soybeans

Enjoy the best of Japanese and Western cuisine at Katsura Teppanyaki with picturesque views of Tokyo Tower as you dine. Adding to the experience is the mood lighting, which greatly compliments the luxurious cuisine and spectacular views of the tower before you. 

With the Tokyo Tower View Plan, you’ll start the evening off with a welcome drink at Stellar Garden, which offers a wide selection of wines, cocktails and traditional Japanese sake. 

After thirty minutes, the chefs at Katsura will prepare dinner before your eyes on the teppanyaki iron grill, which will include seasonal, locally grown produce and Hida wagyu beef. 

End the night with cooling sherbet, fruit and additional drinks if you’re feeling tempted by another cocktail. 

Find out more: Tokyo Restaurants Meat Lovers Will Adore (Ft. Wagyu, Kobe Beef & More)

If you’ve got any journalists in your party, it’s well worth paying a visit to the NHK Museum of Broadcasting. Conveniently close to three stations (Kamiyacho, Toranomon and Shimbashi) and with free admission to boot, this four-floor museum houses over 30,000 items from NHK’s nearly 100 years of history.

You can even get in front of the cameras yourself and see how you’d fare as a Japanese anchor! Get more information on the museum’s website. 

Dubbed the “Hills of the Future,” Azabudai Hills was built in 2019 to be a smaller, especially futuristic city within the city of Tokyo, bringing with it a sense of community and harmony with nature. 

Confined to three main buildings, they truly have everything you need: fashion boutiques, beauty stores, art galleries, museums, a movie theatre, offices, world-class restaurants and so much more. 

For this reason, spending a day shopping and exploring the massive complexes of Azabudai Hills is highly recommended, especially if you want to escape the rain, heat or cold. 

There’s a reason everyone wants to go here! teamLab Borderless is an immersive art experience that you’re unlikely to forget anytime soon. Conveniently located within Azabudai Hills, this is another thing you can get up to in the area. 

Don’t forget to get your tickets ahead of time. 

Also located within Azabudai Hills is The Manga Gallery, known more formally as the Shueisha Manga Art Heritage Tokyo Gallery, home to impressive art prints from famous Japanese comics, such as One Piece, Bleach, The Rose of Versailles and more.

This spot could make for a cultured stop between shops or cafes!

One of the oldest parks in Japan, Shiba Park — also called Shibakoen — is a photographer’s dream with its beautiful array of ginkgo, camphor and zelkova trees. If you happen to be spending fall in Tokyo, stroll along the stunning autumn leaf valley, perfectly framing Tokyo Tower in the distance. 

Be sure to stop by the Shiba Tosho-gu Shrine, too, for an interesting blend of modern and traditional architecture.

Located in Azabudai Hills, 8ablish Cafe is here to make sure the vegans and celiacs have something delicious to eat in Tokyo. Sample a variety of delicious desserts while observing Tokyo Tower. 

You can check out their online shop — especially if you’re in the market for a vegan Christmas cake! 

Find out more: Tokyo Vegan Guide: Best Vegan Restaurants in Tokyo

If you’re looking for a green space within Tokyo, Hamarikyu Gardens should be at the top of your list. Forming a natural oasis near Shiodome, these scenic gardens include a floating teahouse, a 300-year-old pine tree at the entrance and traditional duck blinds — used for hiding behind while hunting ducks — formerly used by the shogun. 

The best part? You can get to this unbelievably gorgeous spot by Water Bus, departing from a number of piers throughout Tokyo for a cruise along the city’s waterways.

Looking for more content to help plan your trip to Tokyo? Check out the best restaurants with views of Tokyo Tower, where to eat in Tokyo Skytree, Michelin Star restaurants and our three-day Tokyo itinerary.