Things to do in Higashikurume

Marvel at Shibuya Crossing’s flashing neon lights, gigantic video screens and up to 2,500 pedestrians surging into the street simultaneously. The experience is chaotic and compelling. This intersection encapsulates the city’s energy and is a popular setting for Tokyo street scenes in photos and motion pictures, including Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation.

Built as a broadcast tower and opened to the public in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has quickly become a popular spot in Tokyo. At 2,080 feet (634 meters), it’s the world’s largest self-supporting tower. Observation decks give you 360-degree views of Tokyo, its skyscrapers, river and harbor, and surroundings stretching southwest 60 miles (100 kilometers) to Mount Fuji.

The orange and white steel beams of Tokyo Tower rise 1,092 feet (333 meters) above the city. See this landmark from many points across Tokyo then change perspectives and view the city from the tower’s observation decks.

Tokyo Imperial Palace remains the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Much like residences for heads of state around the world, the palace buildings and inner gardens are not open to the public. However, twice a year (December 23 and January 2), you can enter the inner palace gardens to see the Imperial Family waving from a balcony.

The five-story pagoda of Sensoji Temple nestled amid high-rises shows the peaceful coexistence of old and new, spiritual and practical.

Tokyo Big Sight is an exhibition center that lives up to its name. Its enormous space-age Conference Tower can be seen from around Kōtō. One of the largest convention centers in Japan, this vast complex offers stunning vistas of the Tokyo Bay waterfront and has become an iconic part of the Tokyo skyline. Appreciate the modern and sleek interior décor of this impressive structure as well.

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.