This year, Japan has seen record-breaking tourist numbers, so it’s no surprise that the country’s top travel destinations are receiving international attention. One travel site says the numbers don’t lie: Tokyo is now the world’s top trending destination. Find out why people are coming here and how to avoid the crowds.
Why Tokyo takes the cake

The travel site TripAdvisor recently released a list of its top trending worldwide destinations – and Tokyo landed in the number one slot. The site gives the award to locations that “receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period.” It’s an award given to only 1% of all destinations.
Between enjoying cherry blossoms, late-night karaoke, attractions such as the Toyosu fish market, and its great food and Akihabara, Tokyo is drawing more rave reviews than ever. Other statistics show the city remains the top spot for Japan travelers, who are currently flocking to the country at a rate of over three million monthly visitors.
TripAdvisor cited another four top trending destinations behind Tokyo, all of them in Asia:
- Seoul. The site calls out the tea shops of Insadong and Changdeokgung Palace as some of this South Korean city’s top attractions.
- Halong Bay. Located in Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam, Halong is host to a series of limestone islands and caves, boating, and relaxation.
- Palawan Island. TripAdvisor describes this island in the Philippines as “a slice of heaven” teeming with wildlife and world heritage sites.
- Sapa. Also in Vietnam, Sapa is home to interesting events such as the Saturday night single’s “love market.” It also sports a Gothic stone church and a mix of Vietnamese and European cuisines that harken back to the days of French colonialism.
Tokyo’s typical attractions…

As the home to 23 cities or wards and over 13 million people, it’s no wonder people flock to Tokyo. There’s so much to do that you can’t reasonably see everything in a single trip. Tokyo’s more well-known spots include:
Shibuya. One of Tokyo’s main shopping centers and a buzzing transit hub for millions of people daily. Visitors flock from all over the world to experience the famous Scramble, a junction of three roads with synchronized pedestrian signals. The area is home to sprawling side streets containing numerous restaurants and bars. Fashionistas can spend their hard-earned disposable income at 109 or in the stores in one of the area’s sprawling malls, such as Mark City, Hikarie, or the newly built Scramble Square or Stream.
Shinjuku. Home to Kabukicho, Tokyo’s famous (infamous?) red light district, Shinjuku is a go-to spot for everything from concept cafes to host clubs, as well as serving as a meeting hub for the city’s LGBTQ community. You’ll also find plenty of Japan’s “love hotels” – rooms you can rent by the hour for a midday or early-evening tryst. Omoide Yokocho is a must-see for those looking for an “authentic” Tokyo eating experience.
Asakusa. Home to the famous Senso Shrine, Asakua’s rows of street vendors enable visitors to dine and enjoy numerous sweet treats while taking a stroll. Nearby Kappabashi is a must-visit for kitchen enthusiasts looking to grab some Japanese knives for their kitchen.
Ginza. Tokyo’s affluent shopping center, as well as the home of many old-style kissas and cafes dating back to Japan’s Taisho and Showa eras. (Japan’s famous “western-style” egg and rice dish, omuraisu, is said to originate from here.) On weekends and public holidays, the main street of Ginza becomes a pedestrian zone closed to traffic, which enhances the shopping experience.
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Tsukiji outer market. Tsukiji was the home of wholesale fish auctions in Tokyo before that function moved to nearby Toyosu. But the market is still a happening hub of retail shops, restaurants, and seafood and remains a major draw for tourists. Take a short walk from the market and you can also visit Tsukishima Monja Street, home to a slew of restaurants specializing in Japan’s famous monjayaki savory pancake.
Akihabara. Tokyo’s geek mecha, Akihabara is a visually overloaded site you need to see with your own eyes. Anime, manga, games, and maid cafes abound in the glitzy location. Akiba is also home to the famous Electric Town, where you can get both consumer electronics as well as parts to solder onto your next motherboard.
Harajuku. Many people lament that today’s Harajuku is a shadow of its former self. It’s less of a hang-out for Japan’s rebellious youth fashion these days; many of the most famous small-scale fashion shops have faded away in favor of big-box retail. Still, even outside of the super-busy Takeshita-doori, you can find a lot of interesting small shops in the neighborhood’s nooks and crannies (like the Tomodachi ga Yatteru Cafe).
The Tower and the Tree. Tokyo Tower and Skytree provide amazing views of the city. Skytree in particular offers a 360-degree view, along with a glass bottom section where you can see for yourself exactly how long of a fall it would be. During cherry blossom season, the subway ride to the tower itself is one of Tokyo’s most breathtaking views.
The Imperial Palace. Walk the grounds where Japan’s emperor and his family live and soak in a bit of Japanese history at the same time.
Kichijoji. Home to a number of antiques shops and used clothing stores, Kichijoji is also home to the beautiful Inokashira Park. There are also a number of great cafes where you can while away your time, or you can grab a drink and dinner at one of the many shops in Harmonica Yokocho right near the station.
The parks! Tokyo is home to many amazing public parks – Shinjuku’s Gyoen, Kichijoji’s Inokashira, Yoyogi, and Ueno, to name but a few.
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"Noah [at Unseen Japan] put together an itinerary that didn’t lock us in and we could travel at our own pace. In Tokyo, he guided us personally on a walking tour. Overall, he made our Japan trip an experience not to forget." - Kate and Simon S., Australia


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…and Tokyo’s not-so-typical locations

One problem with all these must-see locations is that everyone wants to see them. Besides being over-touristed, many were already busy serving as domestic work/play hubs.
Fortunately, Tokyo is so sprawling that you can find a little peace and quiet just a few steps off the beaten path. Here are a few of our favorite less-traveled areas.
Dougenzaka
The core of Shibuya is pretty crazy. But walk away from the madness a little, and you can find some back streets with great little restaurants and a more relaxed atmosphere. In particular, some of the back streets of Dougenzaka are chill spaces with nice little cafes and restaurants just off the beaten path.
Ikebukuro and Nakano Broadway
While Akihabara is known as Tokyo’s anime capital, Ikebukuro ranks a close second. The busy area on Tokyo’s renowned Yamanote line is known particularly as a stalking ground for fujoshi, or women into Boy’s Love manga. Retail company Animate also has a new flagship store in the area, and the surrounding streets are home to numerous concept cafes.
Japanese pop culture lovers will also enjoy exploring Nakano’s Broadway, where Mandarake and other, smaller vendors sell manga, figures, and J-pop and idol memorabilia.
Kagurazaka
This interesting locale in Shinjuku Prefecture has a rare roadway system in which traffic flows in reverse directions depending on the time of day. It’s also home to a number of small ceramics shops and lovely restaurants.
Gakugei Daigaku
This little residential area in Meguro has a great ekimae (train station area) filled with small, interesting shops and restaurants. Those interested in Japanese ceramics should also stop into Lion and SML to take a look around and maybe procure something for the trip home.
Yanaka
Described by UJ Editor-in-Chief Noah Oskow as having “pristine shitamachi [factory district] vibes,” Yanaka Ginza is a short stop away from Ueno on the Yamanote line (get off at Nippori Station). A stroll around Ueno Park Dining in Yanaka Ginza followed by dinner and drinks in Yanaka Ginza is a great way to kill an afternoon/evening in Tokyo.
Want a custom, guided tour of Tokyo? Let Unseen Japan Tours put together an itinerary and act as your interpreter! Contact us today to start planning.
Sources
Trending Destinations – World. TripAdvisor