Things to do in Kokubunji

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.

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.

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.

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.