The Buddhist Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest religious site, and it dates back to the year 628! According to local folklore, this was when two brothers fishing in Tokyo’s Sumida River netted an unexpected catch, a statue of the popular Japanese deity Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Despite the brothers’ repeated attempts to return the statue to the waters, it continued to resurface. Thereafter, the village chief stepped in, took possession of the statue, and converted his home to a temple—the earliest incarnation of the Senso-ji Temple—allowing other believers to worship the statue. 

Having survived through the centuries, the Senso-ji Temple is today regarded as a symbol of peace and renewal in Japan. During your visit, look out for the temple’s flaming red entrance gates and majestic golden altar, as well as its ‘votive paintings,’ which were offered in fulfilment of a vow. And soak in the atmosphere along Nakamise-dori, the vibrant walkway leading to the temple, featuring over 100 street stalls selling traditional goods and souvenirs.

Get directions to Senso-ji Temple (22-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

The Sumida River is best known for its iconic vintage bridges—which double up as popular Tokyo photo-taking spots—and water cruises. From the Asakusa Station, you can take a short walk to the Azumabashi Bridge, a prime location for cherry blossom viewing from late March to early April. Be sure to also stop at the Komagata and Umaya bridges, which are especially popular for fireworks viewing during the Sumida Fireworks Festival in late July. 

Note: The Sumida Fireworks Festival was one of Tokyo’s biggest summer events during pre-Covid times. Due to public health reasons, the festival has gone on hiatus from 2020–2022, but we’re sure it will resume once things improve.

Get directions to Azumabashi Bridge (18-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

Get directions to Komagata Bridge (17-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

Get directions to Umaya Bridge (19-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

Looking for the best place to see traditional Japanese art in Tokyo? Head to the Tokyo National Museum, which has the largest art and artefact collection in the city—over 110,000 intriguing pieces that are rotated for your viewing pleasure!

Set in a soothing setting of courtyards and fountains, the Tokyo National Museum features four main galleries: Honkan (Japanese Gallery), Heiseikan (Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition), Toyokan (Asian Gallery), and Gallery of Horyu-ji Treasures (showcasing valuables from one of the ‘Seven Great Temples’ in Japan). 

Get directions to Tokyo National Museum (19-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

A popular sakura viewing spot during Tokyo’s cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Ueno Park is also the place for enjoying a leisurely stroll as you track down the city’s best museums—all located in the vicinity! Dedicate a half day here to spend time at the Tokyo National Museum (see above), the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Shitamachi Museum, which offers insight into the lives of Old Tokyo’s working class, including fishermen and craftsmen.

Get directions to Ueno Park (20-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

To appreciate the beauty of Shinto architecture, one must visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Built in honour of the beloved Japanese Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and his wife, Empress Shoken, the shrine is nestled in an urban man-made forest of over 100,000 trees. At the main shrine, you can take part in traditional Shinto rituals like recording your desires on a tablet, or purchasing an amulet. You can also enquire with your hotel concierge about cultural events that will be held here during your visit—these include dance and music performances, as well as calligraphy displays.

Get directions to Meiji Jingu Shrine (9-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

Originally constructed to protect Tokyo against sea attacks, Odaiba Island today is associated with nothing but pure pleasure. It’s the place to shop at megamalls (AQUA CiTY and DiverCity), let loose at an indoor entertainment Park (Tokyo Joypolis), and visit a futuristic museum (the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation). Look out for the 19.7m (65.4ft) Unicorn Gundam Robot statue, which lights up and moves at different times of the day! 

Get directions to Odaiba (14-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

Fancy a quick city escape? Retreat to Mount Takao for an easy and leisurely hike, where one can reach the peak in about 90 minutes. Alternatively, ride up via the cable car or chair lift service. If the weather is clear, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of the elusive Mount Fuji—Japan’s highest mountain—as you’re nearing the top of Mount Takao. 

To slow it down and see the sights in the area, visit Mount Takao’s official website and follow their route recommendations, which will take you through sacred temples and pristine nature experiences, such as crossing a marsh on stepping stones.

Get directions to Mount Takao (1 hr-drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel) 

Keen to visit an iconic Japanese fish market? If, like many tourists, you prefer a more modern and curated environment, visit Toyosu Market, where there are barricaded viewing platforms, visitor signages, and gift stores. 

One of the highlights at Toyosu Market is watching the early morning tuna auction, where wholesalers bid for fresh and frozen tuna. For a close-up view of the auction, do ask your hotel concierge to help you book a viewing slot.

Prefer a more local or ‘authentic’ fish market experience? Head to the maze-like Tsukiji Outer Market instead, to revel in its bustling atmosphere and patronise the market’s mouth-watering food stalls. 

For more details on the differences between both markets, read this guide.

Get directions to Toyosu Fish Market (22-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

Get directions to Tsukiji Outer Market (19-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

For a unique Japanese experience that you won’t find elsewhere, check with your hotel concierge about catching a sumo event—this is Japan-style wrestling, and it’s a national sport. Sumo tournaments in Tokyo are usually held in January, May, and September, and the Ryogoku Kokugikan is the place to watch sumo heavyweights battle it out. 

During off-season periods, you can visit the Sumo Museum here, to discover how sumo wrestling was derived from a Shinto ritual. 

Get directions to Ryogoku Kokugikan (25-minute drive from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel)

Need travel advice or accommodation assistance for your Tokyo holiday? You can refer to Japan’s Covid-19 entry measures here, or contact the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel team with your questions. Located in Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya neighbourhood, the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel offers spacious guest rooms with unobstructed views of the glittering nightscape, and Mount Fuji on clear days.