Top Ten Tokyo Views:

There are numerous things to see while in Tokyo, and many people have their own opinions on what is a must see while in Tokyo: Well here is our own unique Top 10 Tokyo list of the views you absolutely should not miss while you visit Tokyo.

1# Helicopter Cruise over Tokyo:

One of the best ways to appreciate the sheer size of Tokyo city is from the air on a helicopter cruise. Flying 700 meters above the city’s most famous landmarks and witnessing Tokyo’s metropolis landscape from the sky especially at night is #1 on our list.

2# Cherry Blossoms:

Picture Credit: [ ajpssc ] http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajpscs/

In Tokyo there are numerous picturesque Japanese style gardens and parks that are sufficiently stunning all on their own, however when you cover these with attractive pink cherry blossoms it takes it to a whole new level. In the spring there is an explosion of color with the arrival of the cherry blossoms. The annual cherry blossom display is guaranteed to dazzle your senses. (See # 9 on our Top Ten Tokyo Views for a list of the best Tokyo Gardens & Parks)

3# Tokyo City Night Views:

If you do not want to splurge for a Helicopter cruise, the next best way to enjoy the city from above is a view from one of the many cosmopolitan towers. The romantic city night lights are a special type of magnetism. To appreciate the Tokyo night skylights the following viewpoints are recommended (Observatory viewpoints in meters)
1. Tokyo City View/Sky Deck: Roppongi Mori Tower (250/270 meters)
2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tower (202 meters)
3. Tokyo Tower. (Main 150 meters) (Special 250 meters)
4. Tokyo Sky Tree (Soon to be opened: Spring of 2012)

4# Japanese Festivals and Fireworks:

Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Festivals throughout Tokyo and Japan usually include, Parades, Stalls selling food or toys and fireworks. Japanese fireworks are without doubt an elaborate and magnificent art; enjoying a Japanese festival and an evening watching Japanese fireworks displays is a true site to be held. One of the biggest in Tokyo is the Sumida River Fireworks Festival held in July:

5# Tokyo Bay Night Views: (Odaiba/Rainbow Bridge)

The night scenery of Tokyo Bay surrounded by luxurious skyscrapers, and the beautifully illuminated Rainbow Bridge reflecting in the water is an amazing sight that shouldn’t be missed while in Tokyo. There are two recommended methods to appreciate Tokyo Bay at night; one is from Odaiba, and the second and highly recommended method is from the water from a Tokyo Bay Cruise or (Yakatabune boat) either way you will be able to admire the breathtaking skyline of central Tokyo from Tokyo Bay.

6# Mt. Takao:

Yes, it is in Tokyo, and only a 45min train ride from Shinjuku.
The Mt. Takao hiking trails were awarded three stars by Michelin and from the summit, which is only about 600 meters high, Mt. Takao provides panoramic scenery of mountains of Chichibu, Nikko and Tanzawa and on a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji.

7# The Imperial Palace:

Located in central Tokyo the Imperial palace is a huge site that offers several attractive views. A lovely moat and stonewall surrounds the palace itself and the 5.3 Km circuit around the palace is quickly becoming a popular jogging route. The Imperial Palace Tokyo East Gardens is open to the public and the beautiful double Nijubashi Bridge is one of most photographed scenes in Japan.

8# Harajuku/Omotesando:

View fashion and culture at its most extreme. From the entrance of the historic Meiji shrine thru Harajuku to the end of the stylish Omotesando Hills is a diverse combination of cultural and fashion that cannot be found elsewhere.

9# Japanese Gardens/Parks:

As recorded on #2 on our list, Japanese Gardens and Parks are exceptional even when it is not Cherry blossom season, so visiting these Japanese Gardens and parks are highly recommended.
Below is a list of some of the Best Japanese Gardens and Parks in Tokyo:
• Meiji Shrine/ Yoyogi Park
• Hama-Rikyu Garden
• Rikugien Garden
• Inokashira Park
• Chidorigafuchi Koen
• Shinjuku Gyoen
• Ueno Park
• Yasukuni Jinja Shrine
• Sumida River Park
• Koishikawa Botanical Gardens
• Happo-en Gardens

10# Shibuya:

Besides the shopping, the 109-fashion building and Hachiko the dog in Shibuya; you can observe the world’s most famous intersection. At this Scrabbled Crosswalk you will witness an amazing display of organized ciaos when anywhere from 500 to 1000 people walk in all different directions at the same time at the same intersection.