You’re searching for what to do in Tokyo and you find a million results. Unless you have a lot of time and don’t mind sifting through all the information, it can become overwhelming very quickly when it comes to planning your activities. This is especially true when visiting a country or city you’ve never been to before.
A big city like Tokyo is constantly changing, with new things to do all the time. It can get very confusing. Well, look no further. From historical landmarks to sightseeing in Japan, we have put together a list of everything you need to know about what to do in Tokyo.
Find out more about Japan travel: shopping in Japan, the best souvenirs to buy in Japan, nature in Japan, camping in Japan, overnight & day trips from Tokyo, top museums to visit in Tokyo, local neighbourhoods in Tokyo, and beaches near Tokyo.
One of the best ways to explore Tokyo is to visit the local areas and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you want to explore local areas, we have created scavenger hunt adventures personalised to your interests, filled with fun facts, clues and puzzles. If you’re curious, you can check out the games here! Check out the Flip Japan Games here! |
What to Do in Tokyo
1. Go sightseeing.
Tokyo is where old meets new. The city boasts both historical buildings and landmarks within modern and exciting city centres. Even if you’re not interested in one aspect, you’ll find plenty of other activities to enjoy. Here are the top sightseeing areas you must visit when deciding what to do in Tokyo.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku has countless shops and restaurants, business areas, department stores and much more. Kabukicho in Shinjuku is the red light district of Tokyo. You can also find Golden Gai, with its small bars in narrow alleys, Omoideyokocho with its small food stalls, Nichome, which is the gay district, and more entertainment options here.
Shibuya
Shibuya is the go-to spot for finding the latest music, art, fashion, and entertainment. There’s a wide selection of bars, restaurants, department stores, karaoke joints, and other entertainment venues. When exploring what to do in Tokyo, check out the various department stores here for shopping, the famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue, as well as the viewpoints at Magnet and Scramble Square.
Harajuku
Harajuku is known for its interesting fashion trends, including the famous Harajuku fashion style. Takeshita Street offers unique fashion and souvenirs, along with various Japanese dessert parlours and cafes. You can also visit one of the many animal cafes in this neighbourhood.
Asakusa
Asakusa preserves authentic architecture from the past and houses some of the most famous structures in Tokyo, including Sensoji Temple and the Skytree. Visit Nakamise Shopping Street to try out various local street foods when planning what to do in Tokyo.
Akihabara
Akihabara is the hub of anime, cosplayers, and manga culture. You can find all kinds of electronics here, especially at Akihabara Radio Kaikan. Stop by one of the game centres or Gachapon shops for some entertainment unique to Japan. Also, check out the themed cafes for a distinctive experience.
Minato
The Minato area is home to Roppongi, famous among foreigners for its nightlife. There are also many museums with art and science exhibits. Tokyo Tower is located in Minato, along with embassies and other local attractions. If you’re looking for what to do in Tokyo beyond the usual tourist spots, Minato offers a variety of experiences.
Local Neighbourhoods
If you want to explore areas that are less touristy, check out these local neighbourhoods.
- Shimokitazawa: Hipster central, full of chill cafes, music bars, thrift stores, punk rock shops, novelty stores, and more.
- Nakano: Slowly gaining recognition as a mini anime and manga town, with many stores selling figurines and comic books in Nakano Broadway.
- Koenji: Known for cheap groceries, highly-discounted branded bags or clothes, and antique goods and furniture. You’ll find many of these stores along Koenji Pal Shopping Street.
You can find out more about local neighbourhoods in Tokyo here.
2. Visit historical landmarks.
Visit historical landmarks like temples, shrines, and castles to learn about the history and culture of Japan. There are many shrines and temples in Japan, and if you’re short on time or want a brief overview, head to Harajuku to visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, surrounded by nature and offering tranquillity. In Asakusa, visit Sensoji Temple and its neighbouring shopping streets.
If you’re interested in the Imperial Palace, you will find it in the city centre, and depending on the day, you can get guided tours of the private areas.
3. Go shopping.
Japan is home to many fashion districts, thrift stores, luxury brand stores, and novelty stores. If you like shopping, then here is a list of places you can check out during the time you’re in Tokyo.
Here is a quick overview of all the shops you should check out based on what you’re interested in.
- 100yen shops, Don Quijote and convenience stores are must-visit stops for everyone.
- For unique fashion styles and interesting souvenirs, head to Takeshita Street in Harajuku and its neighbouring areas.
- For high-end fashion and luxury brands, you can check out Ginza or Omotesando area.
- For Japanese traditional goods, arts and crafts, check out Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa or Ameyokocho in Ueno.
- For electronic products, you can check out Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera or Labi for just about everything you need.
- For arts and craft, you can check out Loft and Tokyo hands.
- For famous and popular Japanese brands for everyone, check out Muji, Uniqlo and GU. Find out more about the minimalistic fashion styles here.
- For anime-lovers, check out Animate and other shops in Akihabara.
- For a shopping spree at discounted stores, check out different outlet malls. The closest ones to Tokyo you can find include Makuhari outlet mall.
- For local Japanese shopping, check out Shopping streets, known as Shōtengai, where you can local stores selling clothes and food stands.
There are also department stores in the city, where you can find a combination of everything. These include Lumine department store, Odakyu department store and Parco.
4. Try the kimono experience.
Try out the traditional dress of Japan. You will see people wearing kimonos and yukatas during summer festivals. Various shops in Tokyo rent out kimonos, most commonly found in the Asakusa area.
5. Delight in the local cuisine.
Tokyo’s culinary scene is unparalleled. Every shop has its unique way of making Japanese dishes. Check out an izakaya to try a bit of everything. For street food, visit Takeshita Street for sweets, Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional Japanese snacks, and Tsukiji for fish and market fare.
Numerous food festivals throughout the year offer authentic Japanese and international cuisine. The most common festivals are held in Yoyogi Park, Ueno Park, and Tokyo Dome. Check their websites for more information on food events.
6. Enjoy seasonal activities.
Spring
Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossom viewing. Visit Yoyogi Park, Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Shioiri Park, and Showa Kinen Park for the most beautiful cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Try out the limited edition cherry blossom-flavoured or pink-themed foods for a full spring experience.
Summer
Summer in Tokyo is vibrant with festivals. Recommended ones include the Gion Festival, Awa Odori Festival, Mitama Matsuri, Sumida River Fireworks Festival, Azabujuban Noryo Matsuri, and Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri. For beach lovers, Chiba’s Kujukuri Beach is perfect for surfers, and Izu offers white sand and clear waters. Enoshima, about an hour from Tokyo, has beach houses and a festive atmosphere.
Autumn
Autumn is ideal for hiking, with cool and breezy weather and beautiful red leaves. Check out Mount Takao, Okutama, and various Tokyo parks for autumn foliage. Seasonal foods like Japanese pears and chestnuts are also a must-try.
Winter
Winter in Japan offers unique festive activities. Enjoy Christmas markets, winter sales, and stunning winter illuminations at Caretta Shiodome, Tokyo Winter Dome, and along the streets of Omotesando, Roppongi, and Marunouchi. For snow lovers, ski resorts like Grand Hirafu, Hakuba, and Rokko Snow Park are easily accessible from Tokyo.
7. Dip in the hot springs.
Hot springs are particularly enjoyable in winter. Shimizuyu is one of the few natural onsens in Tokyo. For an authentic experience, visit Hakone. Within Tokyo, sento (public baths) are more common and less expensive than hot springs.
8. Appreciate art at museums.
Tokyo offers a plethora of museums with English pamphlets and translations. Here are some top recommendations:
- Mori Art Museum is a museum with temporary exhibitions on art, fashion, architecture, design, photography.
- If you are a fan of Ghibli Studio, you will enjoy the sketches and figurines of beloved Ghibli characters at the Ghibli Museum.
- Tokyo National Museum houses ancient and medieval art from across Asia.
- Edo-Tokyo Museum is where you can observe what life was like during the Edo Period. You can enter replicated Edo-period shops, homes and schools.
- teamLab is a popular digital art museum that uses light projections, electronics and music to create exciting and innovative exhibits. Find out all about the tips and tricks to get around teamLab.
- Samurai Museum is located in Shinjuku, where you can take a look at the different types of armour ancient samurai would wear to battle, and get dressed up in one yourself!
Find out more about these different museums you should visit in Tokyo here.
9. Explore the outdoors.
If you love the outdoors, Tokyo offers many great hiking trails and nature spots. Climb Mt. Fuji in the summer, or visit Mt. Takao, Okutama Lake, and Tama Lake with Sayama Hills, also known as Totoro Forest. Within Tokyo, enjoy the scenic Sumida River.
Find out more about spectacular nature spots you can visit from Tokyo here!
10. Try out Japanese cultural experiences.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with various experiences. A Japanese tea ceremony offers a peaceful and relaxing way to learn traditional tea etiquette and customs. You can also join a samurai and ninja experience to understand the history and culture of Japanese warriors.
Experience the Best of Tokyo
Tokyo is a whirlwind of experiences waiting to be uncovered. Picture yourself navigating the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, sampling street food in Asakusa, or donning a kimono in historic districts. Each corner of this dynamic city holds a new surprise, whether it’s a hidden café, a bustling market, or a tranquil temple garden.
So, pack your curiosity and get ready to dive headfirst into the eclectic charm of Tokyo. Your adventure here will be anything but ordinary!
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