Travel Through Photography Tokyo -

Tokyo – the largest city in the world by population – is an unforgettable travel destination in Japan. Rich historic culture clashes with quirky modern characteristics. Lets Travel Through Photography: Tokyo. Zoom around the busy streets of Tokyo on go-karts and take in the illuminated and chaotic skyline at night.

While daytime brings cherry blossoms and historical buildings and culture to explore and learn from. It doesn’t matter what kind of traveler you are – travel through Tokyo with me and you’ll find something that will make you want to visit Tokyo right away!

Read on to visit Tokyo through photo’s and add some great sights to your Japan travel itinerary.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo Metropolitan Building night time view, Japan — Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building at night, Tokyo, Japan

If you’re looking for the best view of Tokyo at night or day, the Metropolitan Government Building is where you should head to. Known as Tochō for short, this giant building is split into two towers (north and south) and governs the metropolis of Tokyo.

At 243m high, Tokyo’s metropolitan government building is the 9th tallest building in Tokyo. While there are eight buildings taller, I believe the best views of Tokyo are from the observation deck 202 meters above the ground.

You can visit the observation deck for free, and is open from 930 am to 11 pm so you can get that Tokyo night skyping photo!

MariCar in Tokyo

MariCar is a great way to see a unique side of Tokyo — Riding go-karts- through the streets of Tokyo, Japan

Want an unforgettable experience while traveling through Tokyo? If you’re up for a little excitement as well, there’s a way you can have both. MariCar.

You get to choose your favorite character from Mario Cart onesie (or many other cartoon characters). Once you strap into your cart, you follow your leader throughout the streets of Tokyo on these little go-karts. Don’t be fooled, they are deceivingly fast!

There are many different courses throughout the streets of Tokyo. Both day and night, but the lights of Tokyo make it all the more special.

Note: it is still illegal to operate a phone or anything similar while driving. You can hire recording devices and mounts to be able to capture this memorable experience.

You can book your Mario Kart experience in Tokyo online to make sure you get a kart!

Tokyo Tower

This icon of Tokyo was completed in 1958 and stands 332 meters high. It’s almost impossible for this orange steel beacon to be seen no matter where you are looking from on the busy Tokyo skyline.

Tokyo Tower is the 2nd tallest building in all the city, and its primary use is a communications observation tower. It’s now a tourist hotspot at any time of the day or night.

Just by looking at Tokyo Tower, it’s pretty obvious it draws some inspiration from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Except that it is bright orange! Instead of sparkling with white flashes, Tokyo Tower glows an almost fluorescent orange during the dark hours of the night.

You can take an elevator to higher floors inside the tower itself, but just watching the glow from a distance, or up close is a great and free activity in Tokyo.

Book your Tokyo Tower experience online and skip the lines.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The quiet moat around Tokyo's Imperial Palace — Tokyo Imperial Palace, Japan

Located in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward is the primary residence of Japan’s Emperor. Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is surrounded by a park and a moat. It’s a quiet walk and a beautiful sight looking across the water.

Historically, it served as Edo Castle for the Tokugawa Shogun 1603 to 1867. Protecting the former castle is a large stone wall which only adds the unique view of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.

Formerly, Nijubashi, or double bridge was made from wood. The inner grounds only open 2 days per year to the public. On December 23rd (the Emperors birthday) and January 2nd (new years greeting). However, there are guided tours throughout the year.

Tokyo samurai museum

A set of armor at Tokyo's Samurai Museum — Tokyo’s Samurai Museum, Japan

Japan’s history has been greatly affected by the samurai. In reality, the samurai held more power than the Emperor for centuries and these warriors shaped the course of the country in many ways.

Death before dishonor was the code many samurais lived by and would rather take their own life than lose a battle and bring disgrace to their family. Modern Japanese culture is also heavily influenced by Samurai.

The best place in Tokyo to learn about the ways of the Samurai is a museum in Shinjuku. Looking at old armor and weapons (including guns), along with English text to explain them, is a fantastic way to experience the way of the Samurai.

Included in the ticket price of 1500 Yen ($19.50 AUD) is a walking tour lasting around 1 hour, a performance by an actor showing different poses of the Samurai and you can try on replica armor to feel like an ancient warrior. It’s a great education and fun experience for the whole family.

Pre-book your Tokyo Samurai Museum Ticket here.

Gate of Daitokuin Mausoleum

Built by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd Shogun of the Tokugawa Dynasty, in 1632. This gate survived the bombings throughout World War II and its intricate details are well worth a walkthrough

There is no entrance fee of any kind, as it is only a gate. As night begins to fall over Tokyo, Daitokuin Mausoleum lights up beautifully in contrast with the modern glass buildings behind. Not too far in the distance, Tokyo Tower can be seen. Especially when illuminated at night.

Shibuya Intersection

Said to be the busiest intersection in the world — Shibuya Intersection, Tokyo, Japan

Shibuya Intersection is the busiest intersection in the biggest city in the world. When the traffic lights turn red in every direction, hundreds of pedestrians pour across the crossing. With so many bobbing heads it’s easy to get disorientated.

One of the best places to watch the bustling intersection is from the Tsutaya Building. There’s a Starbucks on the second level with giant windows facing Shibuya Intersection. It’s almost as if people watching at Japan’s busiest crossing (possibly the entire world) is a very popular activity.

The busy streets of Tokyo have a short of chaotic charm as you wander and almost inevitably get lost. The traffic and people can get overwhelming but the world’s largest city has much on offer for those travelling to the metropolis.

Looking past the colourful lights and bustling streets, there’s plenty to see ranging from the crowds themselves to historical and cultural sights completely unique to Japan and the vibrant city of Tokyo.

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

During early April one of Japan’s most famous transformations happen in Tokyo. Cherry blossoms begin to flower. These bright pinks and reds don’t last too long and is a popular attraction during the early days of spring.

Many of the most popular cherry blossom tree viewpoints become busy and it’s easy to see why these colourful trees are loved by tourists and locals alike. One of the best cheery blossom views is in Kitanomaru Park, which surrounds Edo Castle. The former moats of this historical castle are covered in these beautiful trees.

Tokyo Train Station

The back of Tokyo train staion — Tokyo Train Station, Japan

This busy building serves as the main intercity rail station in Tokyo, as well as housing Shinkansen (bullet train) services. While the front of the modern station is glass and metal, the rear is quite different.

Bonsai tree gardens and Japanese flags grace the original brick Tokyo Station that opened in 1914. Also known as the Marunouchi Building, this station has survived World War II bombings and saw the assassination of Prime Minister Hara Takashi in 1921.

There isn’t really much to do unless you’re catching a train from Tokyo Station. But just walking past and admiring the historical red brick building is a great free activity within the city of Tokyo.

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