5 Must-See Places When Visiting Tokyo with Explorely

Tokyo is a city of endless discovery, where tradition collides with ultra-modern innovation in the most mesmerizing ways. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, navigating this sprawling metropolis can feel daunting. That’s where Explorely comes in—an interactive travel game app that not only guides you through Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks but also turns your daytrip into an engaging adventure with quizzes, photo quests, and surprising tidbits. Using Explorely, you’ll find more than just directions; you’ll uncover hidden stories, test your knowledge, and connect with the city in unexpected ways.

Start your day in Asakusa at the legendary Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. As soon as you step through the vibrant red Kaminarimon gate, the scent of incense and the murmur of pilgrims set the mood. Explorely immediately cues up a short quiz about the temple’s history, and suddenly, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re time-traveling. As you make your way down Nakamise Street, the app challenges you with a photo quest: capture the best shot of the iconic five-story pagoda. It’s not just about snapping a pic; it’s about slowing down to appreciate the details in this sacred, bustling hub.

Next, the app guides you to a whole different vibe: Shinjuku Golden Gai. Nestled within Shinjuku’s skyscraper jungle lies this warren of narrow alleyways packed with over 200 tiny bars, each with its own quirky personality. Explorely’s trivia questions here revolve around the area’s postwar origins and underground culture, transforming a simple bar hop into a deeper cultural dive. Even if you arrive before the bars open, the atmospheric alleys make for an evocative photo quest—can you find the bar decorated with vintage movie posters or the one that looks like a bookshelf?

From the neon of Shinjuku, it’s a short train ride to the serenity of Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s grand Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. As you walk through the towering torii gates and into the tranquil forest, the app invites you to pause with a calming nature-based challenge. How many sake barrels can you count? Which tree has the prayer plaques tied to it? Each task slows the pace, encouraging a more mindful connection to this spiritual oasis in the heart of the city.

Back in the hustle, Explorely drops a clue: “Where does fashion, food, and a famous crosswalk collide?” That’s your cue to head to Shibuya Sky, the spectacular rooftop observatory high above the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. At 230 meters up, Tokyo unfolds in a 360-degree panorama. The app challenges you to capture a sunset selfie, find Mount Fuji on the horizon, and answer a fast-paced quiz about the history of Shibuya Crossing. With every new view, you earn points—and a deeper appreciation for Tokyo’s urban complexity.

Cap off your adventure at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo’s answer to Central Park, where street performers, joggers, and families all converge. The Explorely app suggests a mini scavenger hunt: locate the statue near the fountain, find someone practicing martial arts, or snap a candid of a dog in costume. The park’s open spaces and cultural juxtapositions make for the perfect unwinding stop, but even here, the app finds a way to keep the experience interactive and meaningful.

By the end of your daytrip, you’ve explored temples, neon alleys, sacred forests, sky-high views, and peaceful parks—all without the stress of planning each step. Explorely’s playful blend of discovery, learning, and gamified exploration turns Tokyo from a city of endless options into an unforgettable, curated experience. The sights you’ve seen aren’t just checked off a list—they’re part of a story you actively participated in.