Tokyo visit guides
Two famous towers, more than a hundred museums, and a city that rewards planning. Start with the ten museums worth your time and the questions visitors ask most, from Skytree or Tokyo Tower to which tickets to book before you fly.
Where to start with Tokyo's museums
Tokyo has more than a hundred museums, and they split into two camps. The classical side centres on the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, the country's largest collection of Japanese art. The other camp is digital: teamLab's immersive rooms, the reason half of Tokyo's museum photos exist. Most first-time visitors want one of each.
Prices start around ¥1,500, but the gap that matters isn't cost, it's booking. The national and city museums are inexpensive and usually walk-in. The experiences people fly for, like teamLab Planets and the Skytree observation deck, sell timed slots and need booking before you arrive.
One thing to book early: teamLab Planets. Entry is timed, popular dates go weeks ahead, and the venue closes for good in 2027 — so if it's on your list, this trip may be your only chance. If you're choosing between the two teamLab sites, the Planets vs Borderless comparison settles it.
10 Best Museums in Tokyo (2026)
Ranked, with honest verdicts: Tokyo National Museum, teamLab, Mori, Ghibli. Real prices, what's open, and the two you have to book before you fly.
teamLab Planets Tokyo Tickets 2026
Timed slots that sell out weeks ahead. How to book, what to do when DMM is sold out, the quietest slots, and Planets vs Borderless.
teamLab Planets vs Borderless (2026)
Two teamLab museums, and people book the wrong one. Price, length, location, and which to pick — plus the one that closes in 2027.
Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower (2026)
Honest comparison: views, crowds, prices. One is taller, the other is better value — and the answer depends on what you're after.
Tokyo Skytree Tickets 2026
How to book, online vs same-day pricing, which deck to pick, and the clear-day and sunset timing that makes the view worth it.
Tickets at a glance
Practical Info
Tokyo museums: frequently asked questions
What are the best museums in Tokyo?
The Tokyo National Museum for Japanese art, teamLab for digital immersion, and the Mori Art Museum for contemporary work with a skyline view. Our ranked guide covers ten worth your time, with honest verdicts on which to skip.
Do I need to book Tokyo attractions in advance?
For most museums, no — you can walk in. For teamLab Planets and the Skytree deck, yes: both sell timed-entry slots, and teamLab's popular dates go weeks ahead.
Is the Skytree or Tokyo Tower better?
Tokyo Tower is cheaper (from ¥1,500) and gives more recognizable city photos. The Skytree is the taller of the two (from ¥1,800) and wins on the horizon and Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Is teamLab Planets or Borderless better?
Planets is barefoot and water-based, and it closes in 2027 — so see it this trip if you can. Borderless is a dry maze with no map. Pick Planets for the photogenic rooms, Borderless if you'd rather wander.
Last verified: June 2026
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