30 Unique Things to Do in Tokyo: Culture, Crafts, and Food

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by | Jul 17, 2025 | Tokyo Experience Guides

Looking for unique things to do in Tokyo? Look no further! We’re a Japanese boutique travel agency who are all about bringing people bespoke experiences that you just can’t find anywhere else.

One of the many things that makes Tokyo so special is that no two days ever look the same. The diversity of architecture, food, and fun is simply exceptional, and while finding unique things to do in Tokyo might sound challenging, you’ll quickly realise it’s easier to list the things that aren’t unique about this amazing city.

Keep reading to get our travel agency recommendations on the best unique things to do in Tokyo, from food and drink experiences to free things to do in the city, and child-friendly activities.

Table of Contents

Planning Your Trip to Tokyo

Flip Japan guests Asakusa

Here’s a quick checklist of things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Tokyo:

Need an extra hand planning your trip? Check out our travel planning services for help putting together your dream Tokyo trip itinerary.

Unique Food and Drink Experiences in Tokyo

Flip Japan photo of a woman eating sushi, a unique things to do in Tokyo food and drink

1. Taste Sake on a Brewery Tour

Go beyond just drinking sake on a tour of one of the multiple sake breweries in and around Tokyo. You’ll discover the traditional brewing techniques, learn to taste the unique notes and flavours of each batch, and even have the chance to take a bottle (or bottles) home.

2. Learn from a Sushi Master in a Sushi-Making Class

Every trip to Tokyo includes eating sushi, but you can make your trip unique by learning how to make it. Get tips from an expert, use seasonal ingredients, and enjoy your very own handmade nigiri.

3. Get Energised at a Coffee Omakase

A dream experience for coffee lovers in Japan, enjoy a coffee omakase at legendary coffee houses like Koffee Mameya Kakeru, Cokuun, or Lonich. Be served some of the best coffee in the world in ways you’ve never imagined before.

4. Build Your Own Instant Noodles at the Ramen Museum (Near Tokyo)

The Ramen Museum is technically in Yokohama, not Tokyo, but if you’re looking for unique things to do in Tokyo (or nearby), then the one-hour trip is more than worth it! At Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum you can take a tour of instant ramen’s history and formulate your own perfect recipe. You even get to design your own instant ramen pot to take it home in.

Opening Hours: Weekdays, 11 am-9 pm, Weekends 10:30 am-9:30 pm

Fees: ¥450 entrance fee plus ¥4,700 for the ramen-making experience

5. Dine Matsuri-Style with Festival Street Food

Japanese street food might be harder to find than in other countries, but a trip to any matsuri (festival) will quickly hit the spot. Choose from street vendors selling takoyaki (octopus pancake balls), yakisoba, ayu no shioyaki (a whole salt-grilled fish on a stick), and so many other delicious festival treats.

Interested in Tokyo’s summer festivals?

Unique Cultural Things to Do in Tokyo

Flip Japan photo of a woman dressed in a kimono in Asakusa

6. Lean Into Your Nerdy Side with an Otaku Tour

Be guided through retro arcades, browse multi-story manga stores, and visit the real-life locations from your favourite anime on a tour of Akihabara.

Check out our other Tokyo tours:

7. Explore the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum

Walk through relocated traditional buildings, shops, and homes from the Edo to Showa eras (1603 to 1926), in this immersive outdoor museum. On top of the permanent showings are an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions on things like traditional folklore, crafts, and food.

Opening Hours:

  • April to September:9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • October to March:9:30 am-4:30 pm

Fees: ¥400 for adults, ¥200 for high school students, free for children under 15

8. Disconnect with a Temple Zazen Meditation

Zazen meditation is a type of seated meditation practice used in Zen Buddhism with a focus on mindfulness and non-reactivity. You can experience a monk-led practice at Sengaku-ji or Tokyo Zen Centre, with occasional sessions fully in English.

9. Dress to Impress with a Kimono Experience and Photoshoot

Selecting a kimono, carefully dressing, and delicately arranging your hair and makeup for the first time is a truly special experience. You can take it to the next level in Tokyo with a photoshoot to memorialise your trip in iconic locations like Senso-ji in Asakusa.

Learn the best kimono spots in Japan

10. Walk the Streets of Yanaka for a Taste of Old Tokyo

Wander the quiet streets of Yanaka in Taito Ward and step back in time. This preserved neighbourhood survived WWII bombings and still feels like the Showa era, with crafts, old homes, and a nostalgic vibe.

Free and Unique Things to Do in Tokyo

Flip Japan photo of a woman looking out from Tocho observatory, a unique thing to do in Tokyo

11. See the Sights From Tocho Observatory

Head to West Shinjuku for a view that is not only spectacular day or night, but also completely free. The North Observation Deck is on the 45th floor of the Metropolitan Building with incredible views from the heart of Tokyo.

Opening Hours: 9:30 am-10 pm

12. Satisfy Your Manga Love at the Tokiwaso Manga Museum

The Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum is a meticulously recreated version of the legendary Tokiwa‑sō apartment, which was once home to manga greats like Osamu Tezuka, Fujiko F. Fujio, and Shotaro Ishinomori. General access is completely free, with the occasional paid special exhibition.

Opening Hours: 10 am-6 pm

13. Get Folding at Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan

A charming and immersive museum, Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan is dedicated to the beautiful art of Japanese paper folding and is a completely unique thing to do in Tokyo. You can explore the types of special paper and have a go at your own origami crafts.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am-4:30 pm

14. Breathe Deep on a Walk Through Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is so much more than just the breathtaking Shinto shrine. It sits on approximately 70 hectares of land (about 170 acres), making it one of the largest green spaces in central Tokyo, and a walk through the grounds is pure peace amongst the busy city.

15. Discover a New Hobby at the Eido Taito Traditional Crafts Centre

This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing traditional crafts of the Edo–Tokyo area, with zero admission fees. On a visit here, you can discover 45+ traditional craft categories, such as wood joinery, lacquerware, and paper lanterns.

Opening Hours: 10 am-6 pm

Discover more 100% free things to do in Tokyo

Unique Crafts to Try in Tokyo

Venese in Kanetaka Japanese Knife Workshop Experience (Photo property of Flip Japan)

16. Turn Cracks into Gold at a Kintsugi Class

Learn more about the ancient art of kintsugi during a hands-on workshop. You can choose your own broken piece of pottery, then follow an expert’s guidance in reconstructing it using golden resin.

17. Get Hands-On at an Indigo Dyeing Workshop

Japan is famous for its denim industry, and in an indigo dyeing workshop, you’ll learn how to use the traditional methods to create your very own one-of-a-kind textile to take home.

18. Turn Up the Heat Making a Japanese Knife

Many people visit Japan with the hope of buying a Japanese knife, but what about making your own? Choose a knife-making cultural experience and sculpt the very metal that will become your personalised Japanese utensil.

19. Try Your Hand at Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy)

Join a class where you’ll step into the meditative world of Shodo, the Zen-inspired art of Japanese calligraphy. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll learn how to hold a traditional fude (brush), grind or pour sumi (ink), and carefully form the elegant strokes that make up kanji

20. Discover Your Artistic Side through Ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock painting)

When it comes to craft, Ukiyo-e is one of the most unique things to do in Japan. Led by expert artisans, you’ll carve, ink, and press your own intricate designs using special wooden blocks to make beautiful prints to take home as a memento.

Unique Entertainment Experiences in Tokyo

Best Japanese festivals & matsuri Shimodate Gion Festival

21. Step into the Ring at a Sumo Demonstration

Take part in a demonstration and workshop led by former professional wrestlers to learn about sumo. You can watch real matches up close, step into the ring for a friendly bout, and capture the moment with a souvenir photo, making this one of the most unique things to do in Tokyo

22. Join the Chanting at a Giant’s Game

Even if baseball isn’t usually you’re thing, you simply cannot miss the chance to see a game at Tokyo Dome. Friendly tickets can be as low as ¥3,000, where you’ll watch not just the amazing athletes, but the just as impressive fan dedication through chants, dances, and songs.

23. See a Kabuki Show at Kabukiza Theatre

Watch Kabuki, a classical Japanese theatre form that dates back to the early 17th century. It’s renowned for the highly stylised drama, elaborate costumes, vibrant makeup, and exaggerated gestures, with the Kabukiza Theatre offering English headsets for non-Japanese speakers.

24. Let Sparks Fly at a Fireworks Display

One thing you should know is that Japan takes fireworks seriously, with some of the most extensive and impressive displays in the world. These fireworks festivals, often held during summer masturi, combine artistry and celebration, creating a festive atmosphere filled with music, food stalls, and joyful crowds.

Don’t miss the best summer fireworks festivals

25. Join the Fun at a Bon Odori Summer Festival

Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance performed during the Obon festival in summer to welcome and honour the spirits of ancestors. Participants gather around a central yagura tower, dancing in rhythm to the taiko drums.

Unique Things to Do in Tokyo With Kids

Flip Japan photo of a pile of Daruma, a unique thing to do in Japan

26. Test Your Discipline in a Samurai and Ninja Experience

Taking kids to a Samurai Swordsmanship class offers a fun and engaging way for them to learn about the rich history and discipline of the samurai. Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll practice basic sword techniques and learn the samurai code of Bushido.

27. Win Prizes at a Kaitenzushi (train sushi) Restaurant

Turn your meal into a fun and interactive game where the more you eat, the more chances you have to win. As you enjoy a variety of sushi plates sliding by on the conveyor belt, you collect empty plates, which can be stacked and exchanged for prizes.

28. Find Your Rhythm at a Taiko Drum Workshop

Taiko drumming is a traditional group drumming performance that uses powerful rhythms and group coordination. It’s also popular with children, with many classes performing Taiko drumming at celebrations. Why not join a workshop on your next Japan family holiday?

29. Be Inspired at Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science)

Miraikan is always a hit with kids thanks to the huge array of interactive exhibits that explore science, technology, space, robotics, and the future of our planet. Most exhibitions include English translations with multilingual touchscreens and lots of English-speaking staff.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10 am-5 pm

Fees: ¥630 for adults, ¥210 for students

30. Get Creative with a Daruma Painting Session

Daruma dolls are traditional Japanese talismans that represent perseverance, good luck, and goal-setting. They are typically sold with blank eyes so you can fill in one eye when setting a goal, and the other once it’s achieved, and in a painting session, you get to design the entire Daruma yourself.

FAQs

What to do in Tokyo in 1 day?

There are so many options for a 1-day Japan itinerary, but if you want to spend the day finding the most unique things to do in Tokyo, we recommend taking a hidden gems tour designed for something you love, like food, anime, or photography.

What to do in Tokyo with kids?

Some of our favourite kid-friendly unique things to do in Tokyo are doing a samurai experience, eating at a kaitenzushi restaurant, visiting Miraikan, and taking a traditional craft workshop.

What to do at night in Tokyo?

Tokyo has an amazing nightlife, with so many cool districts that come alive after sunset. We recommend starting with a bar-hopping tour or letting a local lead you through the best hidden food and drink neighbourhoods.

How many days should I spend in Tokyo?

It’s all about budget and schedule. Even just 1 day in Tokyo will prove an amazing experience, but we suggest spending at least 5 days in the city to really make the most of it.

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