WINTER SALE: Save up to $862 on our trips! Book now and secure your adventure!

The Best Things to Do and See in Chuo, Tokyo

Ginza, Tokyo, Japan cityscape with the Kabuki Theatre at blue hour.
Ginza, Tokyo, Japan cityscape with the Kabuki Theatre at blue hour. | Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Explore Tokyo‘s Chuo Ward and discover the top attractions, from museums and historical landmarks to temples and shopping.

>> Lacking ideas? Check out some of the best tours to experience whilst in Tokyo!

Tsukiji Hongan-ji

Buddhist Temple, Shrine

Japan, Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 2 Chome−3−1, senso-ji tempel
center999 / Unsplash
The Tsukiji Hongan-ji temple was once known as the Edo-Asakusa Gobo and was located in Asakusa (1617). It was razed by fire, moved to Tsukiji, but crumbled once again under during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The current temple building is a strikingly unique piece of architecture, and was finished in the 1930s.

Amazake Yokocho

Market

sushi set
FlyD / Unsplash
Amazake Yokocho is a shopping street lined with restaurants, small boutiques, and snack stands. The name means “Sweet Sake Alley,” and it was named after the shop that marked the entrance during the Meiji Period.

Hamarikyu Gardens

Park

Hamarikyu Gardens, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan
joanbam / Unsplash
Hamarikyu Gardens are located at the mouth of the Sumida River. These traditional Japanese strolling gardens include ponds, a small shrine, and a couple of old fashioned teahouses where visitors can stop for tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets).

Tsukiji Fish Market

Market, Shop

Fish displayed at fish market
Dan Gold / Unsplash
Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest seafood market in the city. The real attraction for visitors is the Outer Market, where the fresh seafood can be purchased at a reasonable price.

Kabuki-za

Theater

Kabuki-za is the largest and most prominent kabuki theater in Tokyo. It’s located in Ginza. Performances are held regularly here, and tickets can be bought online in advance.

Ginza

Market, Park

Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan
yungchi1104 / Unsplash
Ginza is a financial and business center, rumored to be one of the most expensive real estate markets in the city. Several banks and large corporations have offices here. It’s also known for its luxury department stores and upscale boutiques on and around Chuo-dori.

Namiyoke Inari Shrine

Shrine

Namiyoke Shrine was built on reclaimed land in 1659. It is thought to be the guardian shrine of Tsukiji Fish Market and the workers who do business there. Built on the water’s edge, it is a shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, one of the major deities of the Shinto faith.

Nihonbashi/Edo Bridge

Bridge

The famous bridge Nihonbashi in Tokyo with highway above
jonasgerlach / Unsplash
Known as Nihonbashi (Japan Bridge, after which the district is named) or Edo Bridge, it was built in 1911, replacing a wooden one that dated back to the 17th century. During Japan’s economic bubble of the 1980s, a modern highway bridge was built over Edo Bridge. The old bridge is now a historical landmark of the Nihonbashi district.

Mitsui Memorial Museum

Museum

The Mitsui Memorial Museum is an art museum focusing on Eastern art and culture, located inside the Mitsui Main Building of Nihonbashi. The structure is a designated Important Cultural Property. Most of the art once belonged to the private collection of the Mitsui family.

About the author

Alicia is a freelance travel and culture writer living in Tokyo. Find her at thetokyogirl.com

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad