Best Things to Do in Tokyo 2025: A Curated Guide for Every Traveller

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Tokyo Must-Dos for First-Timers

Start with these iconic experiences that encapsulate Tokyo’s essence:

1. Shibuya Crossing (Best for Iconic Urban Experience)
   Witness the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble — a symbol of Tokyo’s vibrant energy. Nearby: Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Sky Observatory.
2. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa (Best for Cultural Heritage)
   Tokyo’s oldest temple offers a glimpse into the city’s spiritual roots. Explore Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
3. Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower (Best for City Views)
   Choose between the ultra-modern Skytree (Japan’s tallest) or the retro charm of Tokyo Tower. Both offer panoramic views and shopping/dining below.
4. Meiji Shrine in Harajuku (Best for Tranquil Retreat)
   A serene forested area honoring Emperor Meiji. Combine with a stroll through Takeshita Street for eclectic fashion and treats.
5. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Best for Seasonal Beauty)
   A blend of Japanese and Western garden landscapes, perfect for cherry blossom or autumn leaf viewing.

Explore Tokyo by Neighborhood

Organize your itinerary geographically to maximize your time:

Shibuya

Tokyo’s trendsetting district and epicenter of youth culture.
Shibuya is known as Tokyo’s most fashionable and energetic area, beloved for its mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife. From major department stores to quirky boutiques, discount shops to designer brands, and from trendy cafes to vibrant bars and clubs, Shibuya pulses with style and excitement day and night.

• Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky — Futuristic vibes and sweeping views.
• Shibuya 109 — Fashion hub for youth culture, particularly Japanese gyaru subculture
• Hachiko Statue — Tokyo’s most famous dog, just outside Shibuya Station.

In-depth guide for Shibuya ▶ Best Things to Do in Shibuya 

️Shinjuku

A buzzing hub of nightlife, shopping, and city energy.
Shinjuku is Tokyo’s ultimate entertainment and transportation hub, known for its vibrant nightlife and neon-lit streets. Explore atmospheric alleys or capture the glow of Tokyo’s largest red-light district. With countless shops, hotels, restaurants, and major landmarks like the 3D cat billboard, Godzilla head, and Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku offers something for every traveller, all accessible from the world’s busiest train station.

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building —  Free observation decks with city views.
• Kabukicho —  Tokyo’s entertainment and red-light district.
• Omoide Yokocho & Golden Gai —  Narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and eateries.
• Samurai Restaurant (replacing the Robot Restaurant) — futuristic dining experience.

In-depth guide for Shinjuku ▶Best things to Do in Shinjuku

Harajuku & Omotesando

From kawaii culture to upscale elegance.
Harajuku is the heart of Japanese youth fashion and all things “kawaii”. Takeshita Street bursts with colorful shops, quirky trends, and playful street food perfect for photos. Just steps away, Omotesando offers a sophisticated contrast with luxury boutiques, modern architecture, and stylish cafe, making this area a fascinating blend of pop culture and high fashion.

• Takeshita Street — Youth fashion and quirky snacks for kawaii fashion lovers and pop culture fans.
• Meiji Shrine — Calm oasis behind the station.
• Omotesando — Often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, lined with designer boutiques and high-concept architecture.

In-depth guide for Harajuku ▶ Best Things to Do in Harajuku

Akihabara

A wonderland for anime, gaming, and tech lovers.
Akihabara is known as the global mecca of otaku culture, where fans of anime, manga, video games, and underground idols gather. Explore multi-story shops packed with collectibles, retro games, trading cards, and cosplay gear. Don’t miss the themed cafes and immersive “only in Tokyo” experiences that make this district truly unique.

• Electric Town — Mecca for electronics, anime, and manga enthusiasts.
• Super Potato — A retro game heaven, selling vintage consoles, games, and collectibles from the 80s and 90s.
• Maid Cafes — Unique themed dining experiences.

In-depth guide for Akihabara ▶ Best Things to Do in Akihabara

Ginza & Tsukiji Market

Upscale shopping, fine dining, and elegant charm.
Ginza is Tokyo’s most refined and stylish district, known for its flagship department stores, international luxury boutiques, art galleries, and cutting-edge architecture. The area is also a gourmet destination, home to some of Tokyo’s best sushi counters and Michelin-starred restaurants. Just a short walk away, explore Tsukiji’s lively outer market.

• Luxury Shopping — Flagship stores from global luxury brands and high-end department stores centered with the Chuo Dori Shopping Street that turns a pedestrian paradise on weekends
• Kabuki-za Theatre — Traditional Kabuki performances as well as the rooftop garden and the Kobikicho Plaza for traditional souvenirs.
• Tsukiji Outer Market—A bustling maze of fresh seafood, grilled snacks, and sushi stalls.

In-depth guide for Ginza area ▶ Best Things to Do in Ginza

Asakusa

Step back in time to old Edo with temples, markets, and river views.
Asakusa preserves the spirit of old Tokyo, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Tokyo’s oldest and most visited temple features the famous Kaminarimon Gate, a five-story pagoda, and the bustling shopping street. Visitors can enjoy unique cultural experiences like kimono rentals and rickshaw rides, all while strolling through historic streets just minutes from the city’s modern skyline.

• Sensoji Temple — Tokyo’s spiritual heart.
• Nakamise Street — Traditional market street selling snacks and souvenirs.
• Sumida River Walk — Scenic path with views of Tokyo Skytree.

In-depth guide for Asakusa ▶ Best Things to Do in Asakusa

Ueno & Yanaka

Museums, cherry blossoms, and Tokyo’s cultural crossroads
Ueno is a haven for culture lovers and slow-paced explorers. Anchored by a spacious green oasis known for its cherry blossoms and family-friendly zoo, the area is also home to Tokyo’s top museums. Just outside the park, Ameyoko bustles with local street food and market energy. For a step further back in time, head to nearby Yanaka that preserve the nostalgic charm of Tokyo’s old downtown (shitamachi).

• Ueno Park —  Museums, zoo, and seasonal cherry blossoms.
• Ameya-Yokocho Market (Ameyoko) —  Street food and bargain shopping.
• Yanaka Ginza —  Old-fashioned shopping district with a downtown atmosphere

In-depth guide for Ueno ▶ Best Things to Do in Ueno

Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

Panoramic views, high-tech attractions, and waterfront leisure.
Built on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is a favorite for families and fun-seekers. The district blends scenic beauty with modern entertainment from romantic night views of the Tokyo Bay and the city’s skyline to interactive museums. Accessible via the scenic Yurikamome monorail, Odaiba is ideal for a full day of play, shopping, and relaxation by the water.

• TeamLab Planets— Body immersive digital art museum.
• DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: Shopping and entertainment complex with a giant Gundam statue.
• Odaiba Seaside Park — Relax with views of Rainbow Bridge.

In-depth guide for Odaiba area ▶ Best Things to Do in Odaiba

Discover Tokyo by Interest

Tailor your experience based on personal passions:

Culture & History

• Edo-Tokyo Museum —  Explore Tokyo’s transformation from a fishing village to a metropolis.
• Imperial Palace —  The residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

For more cultural and historic spots, check the link ▶ Best Historical Sites in Tokyo

Culinary Delights

• Tsukiji Outer Market —  Fresh seafood and traditional Japanese food stalls.
• Sushi Experiences — Reserve a seat at a top counter like Sushi Saito or Kyubey, or opt for affordable kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) at Sushiro or Genki Sushi.
• Ramen Tour — Tokyo boasts every regional style: try rich tonkotsu at Ichiran, shoyu at Afuri, or tsukemen (dipping noodles) at Rokurinsha. Shinjuku is particularly famous for the most competitive ramen district in Tokyo, having over 300 ramen restaurants.

For popular restaurants in Tokyo such as wagyu beef and Michelin-starred establishments, check the link ▶ Best Restaurants in Tokyo

Anime & Pop Culture

• Akihabara — The go-to place for anime fans, gamers, and tech lovers. From camera megastores to themed cafes and collectible figures.
• Nakano Broadway — A lesser-known treasure trove of vintage anime, toys, and collector’s items.
• Shibuya Parco — Cyberspace Shibuya on the 6th floor featuring flagship stores like Nintendo Tokyo, Pokemon Center, Capcom Store and Jump Shop

For more anime spots in Tokyo, check the link ▶ Best Spots in Tokyo for Anime and Manga Lovers

Fashion & Shopping

• UNIQLO Ginza —The largest UNIQLO in the world with 12 floors of affordable Japanese fashion, limited-edition items, and seasonal collections.
• Shibuya Hands & Loft — Both offer multilevel wonderlands of stationery, beauty items, travel goods, and creative gadgets, great for finding functional souvenirs and quirky home items.
• Don Quijote — Iconic discount store selling everything from matcha Kit Kats to cosplay outfits. Some branches including Shibuya and Shinjuku are open late and tax-free eligible.
• MUJI — Stylish and minimalistic design products
• GU—UNIQLO’s sister brand, offering trendy fashion at low prices.
• Drugstore — Hunt for renowned Japanese beauty products for your cosmetics bag
• Department Store Food Halls (Depachika) — Basement floors of places like Isetan, Mitsukoshi, and Takashimaya are full of gourmet bentos, sweets, and local treats.

Art & Museums

• teamLab Planets & teamLab Borderless —The award-winning teamLab museums in Tokyo, both offering a unique interactive art experience with the latest digital technology.
• Ghibli Museum — Dedicated to the work of Studio Ghibli, an animation studio by Hayao Miyazaki. (Tickets required in advance)
• Mori Art Museum — Contemporary art with city views.

For more museums in Tokyo, check the link ▶ Must-Visit Museums in Tokyo

Nature & Parks

• Yoyogi Park — Popular for picnics and people-watching, adjacent to Meiji Shrine
• Hamarikyu Gardens — Edo-period landscape garden with a teahouse near Ginza
• Inokashira Park — Located in Mitaka and Musashino in western Tokyo, known for cherry blossoms and Ghibli Museum
• Showa Memorial Park —The largest park in Tokyo, famous for seasonal flower displays

For more nature spots in Tokyo, check the link ▶ Best Nature Spots in Tokyo

Family Fun

• Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea —  World-renowned theme parks with a range of attractions, shows and parades featuring characters and films from the Disney franchise. Seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas also attract audience. (Tickets required in advance)
• Ueno Zoo —  Japan’s oldest zoo with diverse animal exhibits. Located within Ueno Park
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter — The indoor Harry Potter attraction with the large scale, immersive facility recreating the Wizarding World of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films
• Themed Cafes — Visit animal cafes (owl, cat, hedgehog) or character cafes (Pokemon, Hello Kitty)

For more family-friendly spots in Tokyo, check the link ▶ Best Places to Visit in Tokyo with Kids 

Unique Tokyo Experiences

Tokyo offers fun, surprising and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Step off the beaten path with these distinctive activities.

• Sumo Morning Practice Tour & Watch Sumo Grand Tournaments — Observe sumo wrestlers’ training sessions at a stable with a Sumo Morning Practice Tour. Sumo grand tournaments are held three times a year in Tokyo (January, May and September)
• Go-Karting in Costume — Drive through Tokyo streets dressed as your favorite character, just like in the video game Mario Kart.
• Karaoke Boxes — Sing your heart out in private rooms.
• Bar Hopping in Shibuya or Shinjuku — Join a guided local tour for hidden izakayas. Perfect for an authentic night out.
• Traditional Tea Ceremony — Experience quiet elegance and ritual.
• Japanese Cooking Class — Hands-on way to understand culture through food.

Planning Your Visit

How Many Days in Tokyo?

Tokyo has endless attractions, so planning ahead is key, especially if it’s your first visit. Check out the itinerary ideas below on where to go and how to get around efficiently.

• 3 Days — Focus on major districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa.
• 5–7 Days —  Add themed districts, more museums, and day/night contrasts.
• 10 Days —  Include day trips to places like Nikko or Hakone.

Check our Tokyo Itineraries for detailed plans ▶3 days/ 7 days/10 days 

Find more itinerary ideas ▶ Travel Itineraries in Japan

Seasonal Highlights

In addition to year-round attractions, Tokyo shines with seasonal events and limited-time experiences from traditional festivals and nature’s beauty to seasonal foods and cultural celebrations. Here are some of the top highlights to enjoy each season.

• Spring— Cherry blossoms, sakura-inspired sweets and many flower festivals around Tokyo.
• Summer — Fireworks festivals, matsuri and rooftop beer gardens.
• Autumn— Colourful leaves in parks and gardens.
• Winter — Illuminations, Christmas markets and New Year celebrations.

Spring and autumn (particularly in late March–April and late October–November) are the most popular times to visit Tokyo, offering mild weather, cherry blossoms in spring, and vibrant autumn foliage.

For more highlights on each month and season in Japan, please read our When is the Best Time to Visit Japan

Practical Information for Visiting Tokyo

Getting Around

• Tokyo has fast, frequent, and reliable transportation systems, including train, subway (Tokyo Metro), bus, taxi and water taxi.
• Use a Suica or Pasmo IC card for seamless transit.
• Consider JR Yamanote Line for major sights.

Check how to get around Tokyo ▶ Transportation Guide in Tokyo

Access from Airports

• From Narita Airport:
  Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station: ~1 hour, ~¥3,000.
  Keisei Skyliner to Ueno: ~40 min, ~¥2,500.
• From Haneda Airport:
  Tokyo Monorail + JR: ~30 min to Tokyo Station, ~¥500.
  Limousine Bus to major hotels: ~40–60 min.

Money & Payments

• Cash is still widely used, but credit cards and IC cards (Suica, PASMO) are accepted at major stores, stations, and restaurants.
• Use 7-Eleven, Japan Post, or FamilyMart ATMs for international cards.

Accommodation Tips

• Book early, especially during cherry blossom and holiday seasons.
• Convenient areas for tourists: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ginza, Asakusa.
• Budget options: Capsule hotels, business hotels, guesthouses.

Language & Connectivity

• Many signs are bilingual, but English is limited in smaller shops or local eateries.
• Use Google Translate or camera translation features.
• Rent pocket Wi-Fi or buy a SIM card at the airport for internet access.

Safety & Etiquette

• Tokyo is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Standard precautions are recommended.
• Don’t talk loudly on trains.
• Take shoes off in homes and traditional restaurants.
• Queue politely and wait your turn.
• Tipping is not customary in Japan, even in luxury shops or restaurants.

Accessibility & Family Travel

• Most major stations and attractions are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
• Department stores and public facilities usually have multi-language signage, baby changing stations, and elevators.

Final Tips in Tokyo

• Bookmark our What to Eat in Tokyo, Shopping Guide, and Best Time to Visit for deeper planning.
• Most attractions are best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Check event information ahead, including festivals, exhibitions and seasonal attractions
• Check if bookings or reservations are needed for special experiences.

Tokyo’s vast offerings cater to every traveller. By organizing your trip based on interests and geography, you can make the most of your visit. Remember to check for seasonal attractions to enrich your experience.

Article by a Japanese-born traveller with global perspective, updated regularly to reflect seasonal events, new attractions, and local insights.

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