Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Looking for the best things to do or places to visit in Tokyo right now?

Tokyo is one of the most attractive cities in the world, offering a tons of sightseeing spots and attractions including historic sites, unique museums, cool skyscrapers, trendy shopping spots, cultural experiences and seasonal attractions.

If you are travelling in Tokyo for the first time, it may be hard for you to decide what to do in Tokyo with a limited time. So it’s very important to plan your trip in advance and choose carefully where to go/what to do in Tokyo, so you can maximize your trip.

In case you need a little help to get some ideas about the best places to visit and things to do in Tokyo, you can check out my Tokyo Bucket List, introducing must-visit spots in the city and special activities! The list includes the most visited tourist attractions, historic monuments, unique cultural experiences and the latest trendy spots so you can experience both traditional and modern cultures of Japan. Let’s check them out!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

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20 Best Things to Do in Tokyo Right Now

1. Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing (or Shibuya Scramble Crossing) is the world’s busiest crossing, passed by about a half million people daily. The crossing has become the most iconic landmark in Tokyo as well as a popular photo spot after being featured on various medias a number of times. You can check great spots to photograph Shibuya Crossing from the following link ▶ Best Shibuya Crossing Photo Spots

Check more information about Shibuya Crossing ▶ Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya is known as Tokyo’s most trendy district and it’s home to Japanese youth culture. It’s a great area for shopping, dining and night-out as it’s home to large department stores, small boutiques, discount stores, drugstores, trendy bars, vibrant night clubs, stylish cafes and restaurants in different genres. Besides Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya’s notable tourist attractions includes the statue the famously loyal dog Hachiko, an open-air observatory at 229m above the ground Shibuya Sky, and the center of Japanese gyaru culture Shibuya 109, the reborn source of pop culture Shibuya Parco.

For more information about Shibuya, check the following link ▶ Best Things to Do in Shibuya

2. Shinjuku Nightlife: Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai

Shinjuku is a center of entertainments, shopping, dining and business, and particularly known for the vibrant nightlife scene. The neighbourhood offers various night time activities such as taking photos of neon-lit streets of Tokyo’s largest red light district Kabukicho and explore small bars and izakayas at atmospheric Izakaya alleys such as Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. It’s also recommended visit an admission-free observatory of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building skyscraper to capture the night city view.

More info ▶ Best Things to Do in Shinjuku at Night

3. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a vast public garden that serves as an oasis in the Shinjuku area. The garden consists of three types of gardens in the vast space of 58.3ha and offers soothing views that reflect Japan’s four seasons, making it a particularly popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the autumn.

More info ▶ Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku is home to a large number of hotels, shops, restaurants, entertainment facilities as well as the world’s busiest station used by an average of 3.6 million people per day, and served by multiple train and subway lines, making it the most essential transportation hub in Tokyo. Other must-see attractions of Shinjuku include the giant 3D cat billboard at the east exit of Shinjuku Station, the life-sized Godzilla head, a new symbolic skyscraper Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, and unique Japanese entertainment shows at Samurai Restaurant.

For more information about Shinjuku, check the following link ▶ Best Things to Do in Shinjuku

4. Akihabara: Japan’s Otaku Culture Paradise

Renowned as the global mecca of Otaku culture (underground idols, gaming, anime, manga, computers, etc), Akihabara is a must-visit destination in Tokyo for unique and weird “Only in Tokyo Experiences”. You can find all sort of Otaku-related products here, including retro video games, premium figurines and trading cards, body pillows, cosplay costumes, etc. Whether you are into Japanese anime, manga and game or not, Akihabara definitely offers a fun experience for everyone, such as taking photos of the buzzing streets, trying your luck on a gachapon machine, playing arcade games and being served by a charming maid at a maid cafe.

The district is also known as a buzzing hub for electronics retailers as it’s packed with hundreds of small and large shops, selling tiny parts to the latest tech gadgets. One of the most important shrines in Tokyo, Kanda Myojin Shrine is situated within a walking distance from the bustling area of Akihabara.

For more information about Akihabara, check the following link ▶ Best Things to Do in Akihabara

5. Ginza: Tokyo’s Top Shopping District

Ginza is the most upmarket and sophisticated shopping district of Tokyo with long-established department stores, international luxury brand boutiques, galleries and showrooms, centered with the Chuo Dori Shopping Street that turns a pedestrian paradise on weekends. An outstanding number of fine dining restaurants gather in this area, including top-rated sushi establishments and Michelin starred restaurants.

Tsukiji, the famous marketplace where visitors can experience authentic Japanese food culture, and Hamarikyu Garden, a large public landscape garden built in Edo period style, are located within a walking distance from Ginza area. Tokyo’s premier commercial districts such as Yurakucho, Marunouchi and Nihonbashi where numbers of shops, restaurants and hotels gather, are also a short subway ride or walk away.

For more information about Ginza, check the following link ▶ Best Things to Do in Ginza

6. Asakusa Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple (also called Asakusa Kannon) is Tokyo’s largest and oldest Buddhist temple, which is located at the historic center of the city, Asakusa area. The temple complex includes the main hall, the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise shopping street and a 5-story pagoda. Around the temple, there are various traditional experiences available such as kimono rental and rickshaw riding. Asakusa is a great area to experience the traditional Japanese culture and historic townscape while being in this modern Metropolis.

From Asakusa, you can easily extend your way to many other tourist attractions such as the world’s tallest tower Tokyo Skytree, the city’s icon Sumida River, the historic center of sumo Ryogoku, and a shopping paradise for cooking enthusiasts Kappabashi Street.

For more information about Asakusa, check the following link ▶ Best Things to Do in Asakusa

7. Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a specious public park located in Ueno area, best known for Ueno Zoo and Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the spring. It’s also a must-visit place for art goers who wish to explore Tokyo’s art scene as it’s home to several museums, including Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and National Museum of Western Art. When you visit Ueno Park, it is also recommended to stop by Ameya Yokocho (a.k.a. Ameyoko), a vibrant open-air market street near Ueno Station.

For more information about Ueno Park, check the following link ▶ Best Things to Do in Ueno Park

Although Tokyo is known for its urban landscapes, it also has lush parks and gardens with tranquil spaces and beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, making them ideal oases for people to relax and enjoy nature. For more information about parks and gardens in Tokyo, please check following links.

▶ Best Parks in Tokyo

▶ Best Gardens in Tokyo

8. Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

A short walk from Ueno Park is Yanesen, a district made up of three neighbourhoods in Bunkyo ward: Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi. The area is known for its quintessential “shitamachi” (downtown) vibe, with traditional streetscapes, historic shrines and temples, and local shopping streets, and maintains a nostalgic atmosphere that is now quite rare in contrast to Tokyo’s urban landscape. Yanaka Ginza, a shopping street in Yanaka, is lined with many small stalls and stores where locals go to shop, eat, and hang out, and is a must-see spot where you can observe the real daily life of local people. The Yuyake Dandan staircase is a popular photo spot where you can capture the great view of the shopping street and the sunset.

More info ▶  Things to Do in Yanaka

9. Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower in Tokyo’s Sumida ward. The world’s tallest tower rises 634 m above the city ground and has been serving as a new landmark of the city since opening in 2012. The tower features a modern and futuristic design with observatories offering a breathtaking 360° views of Tokyo and surrounding cities. It’s built on top of Tokyo Solamachi, a shopping and entertainment complex building consisting of shops, cafes, restaurants, aquarium and planetarium. The surrounding area is known as the old downtown of Tokyo with nostalgic streetscape and some historic sites, such as Asakusa, Ryogoku and Sumida River.

More info ▶ Tokyo Skytree

10. Harajuku Takeshita Street

Harajuku is known as the kingdom of Japanese Kawaii culture and the birthplace of various styles of Japanese street fashion. It’s home to Japan’s leading street fashion brands’ stores, large shopping malls, trendy cafes and restaurants. For cute experiences, visit Takeshita Street, the center of teenage culture and trend overload with fancy and colourful shops and photo-worthy street foods.

For more information about Harajuku, check the following link ▶ Best Things to Do in Harajuku

11. Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine (also called Meiji Jingu) is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya ward, which is dedicated to the deity of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine is located on the west of Harajuku Station (opposite side of the shopping area) and it’s adjacent to Yoyogi Park. The shrine has a massive wooden myojin style torii gate, standing 12 m tall and 17.1 wide, which is the largest in Japan.

More info ▶ Meiji Shrine

One of the most fascinating things about Tokyo is the co-existence of the historical and modern culture. Accordingly, there are over 4,000 temples and shrines existing in Tokyo, and many has remarkable features, interesting history or divine favour, which are very much worth discovering. For more information about temples and shrines in Tokyo, please check the following link ▶ Best Temples and Shrines to Visit in Tokyo

12. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower has been serving as Tokyo’s famous symbol and top attraction for many decades. The 332.9m tall tower fascinates locals and tourists by its beautiful appearance and the stunning panoramic modern city view from the observatories. Tokyo Tower is located in Roppongi, the bustling district known for nightlife and modern skyscraper complexes. There are several great Tokyo Tower viewing spots around this area, including Zojoji Temple located right next to the tower. The temple made an appearance in the film “The Wolverine”, and gained global fame.

More info ▶ Tokyo Tower

Visiting one of observatories in Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree is a must-do among tourists since the overlook view of the city is absolutely breathtaking especially at night. For more observatories in Tokyo, please check the following link ▶ Best Observation Decks in Tokyo

13. Nakano Broadway: Hidden Gem for Anime Fans

Nakano Broadway is a shopping mall, situated at the end of Nakano Sunmall shopping arcade near JR Nakano Station. The shopping complex is often considered as the authentic center of Japanese subculture and has 5 floors, packed with anime and manga related stores including Mandarake. Nakano Broadway is a great alternative to Akihabara for those who hunt for manga, figurines, video games and idol-related to items with less crowds.

Check more information about Nakano Braodway ▶ Nakano BroadwayNakano Broadway: Tokyo’s Hidden Treasure Trove for Anime, Manga, and Pop Culture Enthusiasts

14. Night View of Odaiba

Odaiba is a district located on a man-made island on Tokyo Bay, southern Tokyo, which can be accessed via the Rainbow Bridge or Yurikamome Line monorail train. The district is also known for the breathtaking night view where Tokyo Bay, Statue of Liberty replica, Rainbow Bridge and skyscrapers towering across the ocean are illuminated romantically.

Odaiba is one of the most entertaining districts in Tokyo with numbers of shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, museums and high-tech leisure facilities, including a life-sized statue of Gundam, an indoor amusement park Joypolis and The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) and the waterfront Odaiba Marine Park. You can easily spend a whole day on this pleasurable island.

For more information about Odaiba, check the following link ▶ Best Things to Do in Odaiba

15. Toyosu Market

Toyosu Market is Tokyo’s largest wholesale market, which was relocated from Tsukiji in 2018. The famous tuna auction can be now observed in the fish wholesale market area. The market also provides visitors an opportunity to taste authentic Japanese food at restaurants and shop fresh ingredients. With the relocation of Tokyo’s premiere market and the expansion of new attractions such as the Edo-style entertainment faciity Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai and the digital art museum teamLab Planets, the Toyosu area has become a popular spot for tourists.

More info ▶ Toyosu Market/ Best Things to Do in Toyosu

16. teamLab Museums (teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets)

The award-winning teamLab museums are now Asia’s leading tourist attractions, drawing a large number of visitors from all over the world. teamLab Borderless opened in Odaiba area, Tokyo in 2018 summer as the very first interactive digital art museum in the world (now it’s located in Azabudai Hills), followed by the body immersive teamLab Planets which opened in Toyosu area later in the same year.

Both museums offer unique interactive art experience with the latest digital technology. Multiple digital art exhibitions are displayed in a huge space and the artworks are projected across walls and floors, and immersive installations of light and sound that move and reflect by your movements and touches.

▷ Book ticket for teamLab Planets Tokyo in Toyosu

▷ Book ticket for teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM in Tokyo

If teamLab museums are your kind of thing, you may also like Art Aquarium Museum, an unique aquarium/museum that combine goldfish and the latest digital art using lights, sound and fragrance. You can check more details bout the place and ticket info here ▷ Art Aquarium Museum Ginza, Tokyo

Tokyo offers an abundance of museums and galleries, including modern art, Japanese art, history, science and anime, with exhibitions to suite all taste and interests. For more museums in Tokyo, please check the following link ▶ Best Museums in Tokyo

17. Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum: Ghibli Museum is the only museum in Tokyo that is dedicated to the work of Studio Ghibli, an animation studio by Hayao Miyazaki who has produced numbers of popular films including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Nausicaa and Ponyo on the Cliff. The museum features the art and technique of animation, and some famous film characters such as a replica of Cat Bus from My Neighbour Totoro and a robot from Castle in the Sky. There are also a cafe and gift shop inside the museum. It’s located at Inokashira Park in Mitaka City, Tokyo, and can be accessed both from Mitaka and Kichijoji stations.

Advance booking is required for Ghibli Museum (tickets are not sold at the museum) , so make sure to reserve tickets online before visiting. You can find ticket information here ▶ Best Way to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets

Another must-visit destination for Studio Ghibli fans, Ghibli Park is located in Aichi Prefecture. You can check how to travel to Ghibli Park from Tokyo from the following link ▶ How to Get to Ghibli Park from Tokyo

18. Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea)

Tokyo Disney Resort is an amusement park/resort that comprises two Disney theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea), hotels and a shopping complex. It’s a highly popular destination for families, couples, groups and of course Disney fans. Both parks offers a wide range of attractions, spectacular parades and shows featuring adorable characters and popular films from the Disney franchise. Seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas also attract audience.

For more information about Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea as well as the comparison of two parks, please check the following links.

▶ Best Things to Do in Tokyo Disneyland

▶ Best Things to Do in Tokyo DisneySea

▶ Tokyo Disneyland vs Tokyo DisneySea

19. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter

The indoor Harry Potter attraction features the large scale, immersive facility recreating the world of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films in a space of approx 30,000 square meters. It offers visitors a great opportunity to step behind-the-scenes of the films and discover secrets of the Wizarding World through the iconic film sets, a wide variety of exhibits including props, creature effects, SFX&VFX, costume and models that are actually used in the films. There are also cafes, restaurant and shops where you can enjoy the limited food menu and merchandise only available at the venue.

 More info ▶ Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo

The new Harry Potter attraction in Tokyo is extremely popular right now, so make sure to book your tickets in advance!

▷ Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter Ticket

20. Anime Events

Anime is one of the most fascinating things about Japan. If you are a fan of Japanese anime, manga and game, following destinations are highly recommended to visit for exploring the latest Japanese anime scene and unique experiences.

From large scale events such as Anime Japan and Comic Market to limited-time exhibitions of Pokemon and Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK), various anime-related events are held in cities across Japan throughout the year. Check out the hottest anime events in Japan right now as well as character themed cafes from the following links.

▶ Anime-related Events in Japan

▶ Character Collaboration Cafes in Japan

For museums in Tokyo that are related to Japanese anime and manga, please check the following link. ▶ Best Anime/Manga Museums in Tokyo

Top Tours and Experiences in Tokyo

-Sumo Morning Practice Tour

Sumo is a national sport in Japan, considerably started in ancient time, and it’s also one of most unique and interesting Japanese cultures for foreign tourists. Many of Sumo stables (training rooms) are located in Ryogoku area which is home to Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena, and some of them are open for public viewing of their morning practice. Watching Sumo wrestlers in action in such a close distance is totally breathtaking, and it’s definitely one of the most precious experiences you can have in Japan.

▷ Tour to Sumo Stable and Watch Sumo Morning Training

If you are in Japan in the right time of the year, it’s also recommended to go and watch live matches of Sumo grand tournaments which are held 6 times a year (3 times in Tokyo), and each tournament runs for 15 days. Check the available dates and ticket information from the link below.

▷ Join Tokyo Sumo Tournament Tour (Tickets Included)

-Go-Kart

For thrill seekers, Go Kart is one of top choices in Tokyo in recent years. With a valid Japanese/international driving license, you can drive Go Kart in character’s costumes through the city just like in the video game, Mario Kart!! Race with a group and drive through bustling areas of the city such as Akihabara, Shibuya and around Tokyo Tower.

▷ Book Street Go Kart Experience in Tokyo!

-Pop Culture Tour

Explore the center of Tokyo’s pop culture, Harajuku in a half day! Join the “Harajuku Fashion and Pop Culture Tour” and you can experience the best highlights of the neighbourhood including the important historical monument, the street of Kawaii culture and the colourful Instagram-Worthy cafe! See the link below and book the tour with special discount!

▷ Book Harajuku Fashion & Pop-Culture Tour!

-Gourmet Experiences

Bar Hopping: One of the best ways to explore the drinking culture in Tokyo is joining bar-hopping tours. A lot of local Izakaya (Japanese gastropub) might be hard to find or enter for first time visitors, but local tour guides can take you to hidden bars and Izakaya and show you the real drinking culture in Tokyo with authentic food and drinks!

Please check more details and find the top-rated bar hopping tours in popular areas Tokyo

Shinjuku ▶ Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Food Tour in Shinjuku

Shibuya ▶ Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo

Tsukiji Fish Market Tours: Tsukiji Market was known as the world biggest wholesale market, and has been a top tourist attraction of Tokyo for many years. The wholesale market (inner market) is now in a new site in Toyosu after the relocation in 2018, but the outer market of Tsukiji remains the same as before, and it’s absolutely worth visiting. Tsukiji Outer Market is where hundreds of long-established restaurants and shops gather including Sushi restaurants, groceries, kitchen utensils stores and Japanese knife shops with the lively and authentic market atmosphere.

▷ Book the Best Food Tour at Tsukiji Fish Market!

Cooking Classes: If you find eating at restaurants is too ordinary, you should definitely join one of cooking classes held in Tokyo. Japanese cooking class has been a popular activity among eager foodies travelling in Tokyo. A wide variety of cooking classes are available today, such as Ramen, Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings), Udon Noodle, Wagashi (Japanese confectionery) and home cooking Japanese dishes as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Have fun learning about cooking methods and Japanese food culture, and at the end you can taste the dish that you made.

▷ Book authentic cooking class in Tokyo!

Shopping in Tokyo

-What to Buy in Tokyo

One of the best parts of trip is shopping souvenirs. In Japan, you can find a wide range of products that are perfect for souvenirs such as sweets, traditional handicrafts, matcha products, clothes, sake, stationery, electronics products, beauty products and anime products. Make sure to save some space in your suitcase for shopping when you visit Japan! You can find the list of popular souvenirs in Tokyo as well as the best things to buy in Japan.

▶ What to Buy in Tokyo

▶ What to Buy in Japan

Cosmetics Products: Japanese beauty products have been a huge trend worldwide in recent years as they are renowned for being high-quality, effective and affordable. From drugstore to high-end brands, you can find a range of great beauty products in Japan, including sunscreen, face wash, sheet mask, mascara, eyeliner, etc. In addition, you can check trending Japanese beauty products on the latest rankings of @cosme Cosmetics Awards which are held twice a year.

▶ Best Japanese Beauty Products

Electronics Products: Japanese electronics products have been always popular worldwide for their reliability and innovative features, including cameras, home applicants, audio gears, game consoles and beauty gadgets. Electronic stores and department stores offering the latest products can be found in most of major districts in central Tokyo.

▶ Best Electronics Products to Buy in Japan

Japanese Sweets and Snacks: From cult-favourite snacks like Pocky and KitKat to regional specialties like Tokyo Banana, Japan offers a massive range of sweets and snacks for souvenirs sold at convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores and souvenir shops. Be sure to save some space in your suitcase for them cos you won’t probably have time to taste everything you want to try during your visit!

▶ Best Regional Souvenirs in Japan

Starbucks Tumblers: You can always find something very unique and special anytime you visit Starbucks stores across Japan, including region-only mugs and tumblers, and seasonal drinkware such as the sakura-inspired spring collection and the New Year’s collection.

▶ Best Starbucks Japan Tumblers to Buy

Anime/Character Merchandise: There are a plenty of shops to hunt for anime, manga and game products in Tokyo from vintage anime figurines to the latest game accessories. In places like Akihabara and Nakano Broadway, you can find numbers of secondhand shops selling rare items such as video games, trading cards and comics. For the latest products, head to the largest anime store in the world Animate Ikebukuro store, or CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA on the 6th floor of Shibuya Parco.

▶ Best Stores to Shop Character Merchandise in Tokyo

-Where to Shop in Tokyo

Don Quijote: Tokyo has numbers of department stores, shopping malls and large supermarkets where you can shop various items, but if you are confused about which shops to go, visit Don Quijote (a.k.a. DONKI). This store has almost everything, including snacks, sweets, cosmetics items, clothes, electronic products, household goods, traditional souvenirs, cosplay items and many more.. moreover, many products are cheaper than other shops. Don Quijote has outlets across Tokyo including Shinjuku, Ginza, Akihabara and Roppongi, and its biggest branch, MEGA DONKI is located in Shibuya with the 7 storied building open for 24 hours.

▶ Large Don Quijote Stores in Tokyo

UNIQLO: Japanese fast fashion retailer, UNIQLO offers a wide range of high-quality, affordable, and trendy clothing including smart and casual wear, functional innerwear and limited-edition graphic T-shirts. The brand has increased its popularity massively over the past decade and successfully grown its fan base worldwide. UNIQLO is one of the most popular places to shop in Japan among foreign visitors today. There are currently over 800 UNIQLO stores across Japan and around 100 of them are located in Tokyo. From global flagship store to swanky graphic T-shirts store, you can check our picks of the coolest UNIQLO stores in Tokyo from the following link.

▶ Best UNIQLO Stores to Visit in Tokyo

MUJI: Japanese retail company MUJI sells a wide range of simple and functional products, including clothes, stationery, furniture, beauty products, household items, kitchen supplies and food. MUJI earned worldwide popularity with their minimalistic design, great quality products and affordable pricing. MUJI GINZA, the world’s largest MUJI store is a 10 story building consisting of shopping area, fresh food sale, bakery, restaurants, art space and hotel.

▶ Best Things to Buy in Muji Stores

Shopping Malls: Over the past few years, new shopping malls and commercial complexes have opened one after another in Tokyo. With the latest facilities, entertainments, shops and eateries, they offer an ultimate experience that visitors can easily spend whole day. Some of the hottest shopping complexes in Tokyo right now are Roppongi Hills, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, GINZA SIX, Tokyo Solamachi, Shibuya PARCO and Azabudai Hills.

▶ Best Shopping Complexes in Tokyo

Other Shops: There are many more Japanese shops that are worth to mention here, such as LOFT, a variety store selling cool and stylish design items, Hands (formerly known as Tokyu Hands) a self-styled store for creative and functional items, GU, a sister brand of UNIQLO that targets younger generations, 3COINS where you can get most of products for 300 yen, 100 yen shops like DAISO, Seria and CANDO, drugstores like Matsumotokiyoshi and Tsuruha Drug, and electronics stores such as Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera.

What to Eat in Tokyo

-Wagyu

The premium Japanese beef wagyu is one of must-try food in Japan. Japan produces several types of branded wagyu beef such as Kobe Beef and Matsusaka Beef, and they can be enjoyed in various dishes, such as teppanyaki, steak, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki and yakiniku (BBQ). In Tokyo, there are numbers of great restaurants serving delicious wagyu dishes. It is highly recommend to have the premium wagyu dining experience during your trip in Japan. Check the best places to enjoy wagyu beef in Tokyo from the following link.

▶ Best Wagyu Restaurants in Tokyo

-Sushi

Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish and is popular worldwide. Tokyo is renowned for its Edomae sushi, and has numbers of great sushi establishments including Michelin starred restaurants and the sushi legend Sukiyabashi Jiro. Most of high-quality sushi restaurants offer omakase style meals consisting of exquisite sushi course made by skillful chefs. Sushi might be known as a luxury dish since it’s typically served with fresh, high-quality seafood, but you can also taste them with affordable prices by going for lunch options or visiting a conveyor belt style sushi restaurants. You can check the selection of best sushi in Tokyo from the following link.

▶ Best Sushi in Tokyo

-Ramen

Along with sushi and wagyu, ramen is one of most popular Japanese dishes among tourists, and it is indeed most beloved food among Japanese nations. There are thousands of ramen restaurants in Tokyo, each serving their own ramen dishes with different types of broth (shoyu, tonkotsu, shio, miso, etc). Besides the regular style served with noodles in soup, there are other types of ramen, such as tsukemen (dipping noodle) served with noodles and soup separately, and aburasoba (oil noodle) served with thick sauce instead of soup. Shinjuku area is particularly famous for having the biggest number (over 300), and it’s often called the most competitive Ramen district in the city. If you are a ramen lover and hunting for the best Ramen in Tokyo, simply visiting Shinjuku would be the best option. Check the best ramen in the whole Tokyo and Shinjuku area from the following links.

▶ Best Ramen in Tokyo

▶ Best Ramen in Shinjuku

-Izakaya

For a unique dining experience, visiting Izakaya is a wonderful option. Izakaya is Japanese style bar/gastropub serving drinks and Japanese food or snacks (at relatively cheap price usually). Izakaya bars are especially popular among workers and locals to hop in right after work for a couple of beers before heading home. There are many types of Izakaya including franchised ones and tiny ones only with a few seats. There are several atmospheric Izakaya alleys and drinking districts in Tokyo, with old-fashioned, smokey narrow streets lined with small bars such as Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai, Shibuya’s Nonbei Yokocho and Ueno’s Ameya Yokocho.

▶ Best Izakaya Alleys in Tokyo

-Fine Dining/Michelin Starred Restaurants

Tokyo boasts more Michelin starred restaurants than any other city in the world, making it a dream destination for foodies across the world. Beyond wagyu beef and sushi, the city offers a range of world-class cuisines, such as tempura, kaiseki, French and Chinese cuisine. Check the following link to find the best Michelin-rated restaurants in Tokyo for the finest culinary experience.

▶ Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Tokyo

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo has a wide variety of accommodation options in various types and price ranges, including high-end hotels, traditional Japanese inn, stylish guesthouses and budget-friendly capsule hotels.

▶ Where to Stay in Japan: Accommodation Guide

It is recommended to stay in areas with good transport links and a wide range of accommodation options, such as Shinjuku, Asakusa, Roppongi, and around Tokyo Station. There are also a plenty of accommodations around Narita and Haneda airports in case you need to stay over night before or after a flight.

Check out the links below to find hotels in Tokyo that suit your budget and preferences.

▶ Best Luxury Hotels in Tokyo

▶ Best Ryokan in Tokyo

▶ Best Capsule Hotels in Tokyo

How Many Days in Tokyo?

Tokyo offers countless tourist attractions and there is never enough time to see everything you want with a limited time of travel, therefore, it is very important to decide where to visit and what to see in Tokyo in advance. If you need a little help to create your travel itinerary in Tokyo, you can check the following links to get some ideas for where to visit and how to get around, especially for first time visitors in Tokyo!

▶ 3 days itinerary in Tokyo

▶ 1 week itinerary in Tokyo

▶ 10 days itinerary in Tokyo and the best of Eastern Japan

Find more itinerary ideas here ▶ Travel Itineraries in Japan

When is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?

-Best Time to Visit Tokyo

As there are four distinct seasons and the climate changes with the season in Japan, you can experience different charms depending on the season and month. Spring and autumn are two great seasons to travel Japan since the weather is mild and comfortable with many dry and sunny days. They are also busy time for tourism in Japan as both locals and tourists flock to cherry blossoms and autumn leaves during the seasons. Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, and you may feel uncomfortable being outside in some days. In the beginning of the summer is a rainy season in Japan, which usually last for a month with many rainy days. Winter in Japan might be cold especially in January and February. It’s the least busy time for tourism in Japan (apart from Christmas and New Year’s holiday season), so it might be a great option for those who wish to avoid crowds.

For a travel guide by month and season, please check following article ▶ Best Time to Visit Japan

Tokyo offers many attractions that you can enjoy without being affected by bad weather. Check out the best indoor attractions and things to do in Tokyo on a rainy day from the following links!

▶ Best Indoor Activities in Tokyo

▶ Best Things to Do in Tokyo on a Rainy Day

-Best Things to Do in Tokyo in Each Season

Besides the all-year-round things to do and see in Tokyo, you shouldn’t also miss out seasonal events and limited-time attractions, including traditional festivals, seasonal experiences, gourmet delights and charms of nature, which captivate people and are celebrated with joys and excitements. Here are some of Tokyo’s must-see seasonal attractions in each season.

Cherry Blossoms: Spring is the most popular seasons to visit Japan for beautiful cherry blossoms. There are dozens of places to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms that flourish around mid-late March and early April in Tokyo, including parks, gardens, temples and shrines. Popular viewing sites are crowded by people who enjoy Hanami (cherry blossom viewing party). To check the best viewing time and top viewing spots for cherry blossoms across the country, check the cherry blossom forecast below!

▶ Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast

Flowers: Besides the famous cherry blossoms, you can enjoy a wide variety of colourful flowers in spring and summer in Japan. There are several unmissable flower events around Tokyo, including Great Wisteria Festival in Ashikaga Flower Park, Nemophila Harmony in Hitachi Seaside Park, and Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Lake Motosu.

▶ Best Flower Parks around Tokyo

Summer Festivals and Fireworks Displays: Summer in Japan is all about celebrations and numbers of traditional Japanese festivals and fireworks events are held during summer in cities across Japan. It’s one of the greatest ways to experience Japanese culture and see how people celebrate in traditional ways. People attend the events wearing yukata and enjoy festival foods sold at stalls.

▶ Check out Tokyo’s top Summer Festivals and Fireworks Events

Beaches: As summer in Tokyo is extremely hot, beaches are a top destinations to escape from the heat and enjoy water activities. There are several beach areas you can access easily from Tokyo, especially in the coasts of Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures. You can also find stunning beaches in Izu Peninsula and Tokyo’s remote islands.

▶ Best Beaches near Tokyo

Autumn Leaves: As the temperature drops, the leaves on trees across the city slowly turn vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, creating one of the country’s top attractions and drawing tourists and locals alike. Check out Tokyo’s top autumn leaves viewing spots, including a ginkgo avenue and a Japanese garden with maple leaves.

▶ Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Tokyo

Halloween: Halloween is probably the biggest global event in autumn, and it’s hugely celebrated here in Japan in recent years. Halloween celebrations take place across the city around September and October, including theme parks like Tokyo Disney Resort and Sanrio Puroland, kids-friendly events and Halloween themed desserts.

▶ Best Halloween Events in Tokyo

Winter Illuminations: Tokyo transforms into a romantic winter wonderland with winter illuminations and Christmas decorations around December. Numbers of illumination events are held across the city as well as authentic European style Christmas markets where you can fully immerse into the festive winter holiday vibes. You can check the top winter illumination spots in Tokyo this winter!

▶ Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide

Hatsumode: Hatsumode is the first activity that people participate in the new year in Japan. It’s the first shrine or temple visit of the year which people use this opportunity to pray for good fortune and make a wish for the coming year. Hatsumode usually take place in the first 3 days of January, and shrines and temples in Japan get very crowded.

▶ Hatsumode: Receiving the New Year in Japan

You can check the more things to do in Tokyo in each season from the following links!

▶ Best Things to Do in Tokyo in Spring

▶ Best Things to Do in Tokyo in Summer

▶ Best Things to Do in Tokyo in Autumn

▶ Best Things to Do in Tokyo in Winter

Where to Go after Tokyo?

-Day Trips from Tokyo

Exploring outside of Tokyo is very much worth as there are so many beautiful places to see, and it’s highly recommended to spend at least a day to make a short trip from Tokyo.

One of dream destinations for all travellers to Japan, Mt.Fuji and surrounding area are possible to visit from Tokyo for a day, including Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda and Fuji Q Highland. Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture is also a top choice, which is often described as the Kyoto of East as it is home to numbers of historical temples, shrines and monuments.

Some destinations are highly popular in particular seasons, such as onsen resorts like Hakone and Kusatsu, and ski resorts like Hakuba and Naeba during winter, flower parks like Ashikaga Flower Park and Hitachi Seaside Park in spring, seaside areas like Enoshima and Izu Peninsula in summer, and national parks and mountains for autumn leaves hunting.

For more day trip destinations from Tokyo, check this one ▶︎ Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Long distance coaches to most of above destinations are available from Tokyo Station or BUSTA Shinjuku. Travelling by bus is usually a cheap option. Another option to travel around Japan is bullet trains (Shinkansen). You can take a day trip from Tokyo to other major tourist cities such as Osaka and Kyoto with a short and comfortable ride by bullet train. In high season tickets can be sold out so we recommend buying them in advance.

▷ Book now your Shinkansen tickets!

-How to Get around Tokyo

Tokyo has excellent transportation systems including train, subway, bus, taxi and water taxi and it’s very easy to travel places to places in the city. For a time and price wise, train and subway could be the best option to get around in Tokyo. One of Tokyo’s busiest line, JR Yamanote Line (often called Tokyo Loop Line) runs circle and connects most of Tokyo’s major stations. There are in total 13 subways in Tokyo, connecting many small stations.

Most of visitors to Tokyo arrive Narita or Haneda Airports and there are various ways to travel between central Tokyo and the airports including bus, trains and taxi, which can chosen according to the budget. You can find more information about transportation in Tokyo and how to travel to/from the airports from the link below.

▶ The Ultimate Guide for Transportation in Tokyo

Internet in Tokyo

Free Wi-Fi spots are widely available in Tokyo including many stations, shops and restaurants, but to secure a fast and stable internet connection throughout the trip, it’s highly recommended to hire a rental pocket Wi-Fi. There are many rental pocket Wi-Fi companies in Japan, offering competitive rate with various specs. You can see the comparison of the popular Wi-Fi rental companies here ▶ Which Pocket WiFi Rental is the Best in Japan?

Japan-Wireless provides rental pocket WiFi products with fast speed internet, unlimited data usage, great area coverage and the best price guaranteed! Place your order with the special discount by using the promo code “JPW001” exclusively available for my readers ▷ Book Now

What did you think of this list? Tokyo is a city with countless tourist attractions that you will never get bored of. If you are planning a trip to Japan, I highly recommend adding these things to your bucket list. Some of the tourist attractions listed are must-sees for everyone who visits Tokyo, while others are new, unique and lesser known. Most of the spots and activities are available all year round, so you can enjoy them no matter when you visit Tokyo.

For more information about things to do in Tokyo, please check following articles, too!

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