Between the temples and the neon, Tokyo holds surprising amounts of green space and open water. This guide covers three spots that offer a change of pace from the city’s busiest districts: a historic park beloved for cherry blossoms, the tallest structure in Japan, and a futuristic waterfront district built on reclaimed land.
1. Ueno Park
One of Tokyo’s oldest public parks, Ueno Park is home to over a thousand cherry trees, making it one of the city’s most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots each spring. Beyond the seasonal blooms, the park houses Shinobazu Pond, a lotus-filled lake with a small shrine on an island in its center, as well as several of Tokyo’s top museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo. The park is large enough to fill a half-day of unhurried walking, especially if you plan to visit a museum or the zoo as part of your trip.
2. Tokyo Skytree
Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and one of the tallest towers in the world. Two observation decks — at 350 meters and 450 meters — offer sweeping views over the city, and on clear days, visibility extends as far as Mount Fuji. The tower sits within the Tokyo Solamachi complex, a shopping and dining destination with over 300 stores, making it easy to combine a visit with a meal or some souvenir shopping. Sunset and evening visits are especially popular, as the surrounding cityscape lights up after dark.
3. Odaiba Waterfront
Built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is a futuristic district known for its wide promenades, shopping malls, and a small artificial beach with views of the Rainbow Bridge. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset over the bay, and on clear evenings, the city skyline reflects beautifully off the water. Families often visit for teamLab Borderless (a rotating digital art experience), the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue, or the Miraikan science museum. The area is connected to central Tokyo by the driverless Yurikamome train line, which itself offers scenic elevated views of the bay during the ride over.
Where to Stay for Tokyo’s Green Spaces & Views
Where to stay: Ueno, Asakusa & OdaibaHotel links in this section go to Booking.com. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Staying near Ueno gives easy access to the park and museums, while a night in Odaiba offers a quieter, resort-like base with bay views.
Luxury
The Hilton Tokyo Odaiba and Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba both offer waterfront rooms with skyline and bay views, a short walk from Odaiba’s attractions.
Bay-view rooms looking out to Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline.
Connected to Daiba Station, with bay views from many rooms.
Mid-Range
Hotels such as the Hotel Ryumeikan offer comfortable rooms within a short train ride away of Ueno Park’s museums and gardens.
A few minutes’ walk from Tokyo Station, with quick train links to Ueno.
Budget-Friendly
Business hotels near Ueno and Asakusa, such as Super Hotel Asakusa, offer clean, affordable rooms with quick train access to both Skytree and Ueno Park.
Good-value rooms with free breakfast near Asakusa.
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Hotels in Ueno on Booking.com
Ueno has the Keisei Skyliner straight to Narita Airport and sits close to Asakusa and Skytree — a practical, good-value base.
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Quick Tips for Visiting
- Cherry blossom season in Ueno Park typically runs late March through early April, and the park gets very crowded — visit on a weekday morning if possible.
- Tokyo Skytree tickets can be purchased online in advance to skip the ticket counter line.
- Odaiba is best visited in the late afternoon to catch both daylight views and the evening skyline lighting up.
- The Yurikamome train to Odaiba is covered by most Tokyo transit passes and offers great views in its own right.
Getting there by train: Read our guide to riding trains in Japan, learn how to ride the Shinkansen, and check whether the JR Pass is worth it for your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ueno Park free to visit?
Yes, the park itself is free. Individual museums and the zoo inside the park charge separate admission.
Which Tokyo Skytree observation deck is worth the upgrade?
The 350-meter deck is sufficient for most visitors; the 450-meter deck offers a slightly higher vantage point for an additional fee, best for those who want the highest possible view.
How do I get to Odaiba from central Tokyo?
The Yurikamome automated train line connects Shimbashi Station to Odaiba in about 15-20 minutes and is covered by most Tokyo rail passes.
