Things to do in Tokyo

Oh, this city. There is just so much to do in Tokyo that it can be overwhelming – especially if you’re short on time. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top things to do in Tokyo:

See the sights from Tokyo Tower

The first thing you should do upon arriving in Tokyo is get a bird’s eye view of the city from Tokyo Tower. This iconic structure offers stunning 360-degree views of the cityscape, and on a clear day you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Stroll through Meiji Shrine

After taking in the views from Tokyo Tower, head over to Meiji Shrine – one of the most popular shrines in the city. This peaceful oasis is surrounded by a lush forest, and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shop ‘til you drop in Ginza

No trip to Tokyo is complete without some shopping, and Ginza is the perfect place to do it. This high-end shopping district is home to designer brands, luxury department stores, and endless shops and boutiques.

Sample the street food in Asakusa

For a taste of traditional Japan, head to Asakusa – one of Tokyo’s oldest neighborhoods. This charming area is known for its delicious street food, and you’ll find everything from grilled skewers to bowls of ramen.

 Take in the views from Skytree

For even more amazing views of Tokyo, make your way to Skytree – the tallest structure in Japan. This towering TV and radio tower offers observation decks with breathtaking views of the cityscape, and is a must-visit for any first-time visitor.

Discover the hidden gems of Shimokitazawa

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, head to Shimokitazawa – a hip and trendy neighborhood that’s often overlooked by tourists. This cool area is home to vintage stores, independent boutiques, and cozy cafes, and is the perfect place to explore Tokyo’s more alternative side.

Watch the sunset from Odaiba

For a truly unique experience, watch the sunset from Odaiba – a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. This popular spot is known for its impressive views of the city skyline, and is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

Experience the nightlife in Roppongi

When the sun goes down, the party starts in Roppongi – Tokyo’s most popular nightlife district. This vibrant area is home to countless bars, clubs, and restaurants, and is the perfect place to experience Tokyo’s dynamic nightlife scene.

Get lost in a maze of markets

From the sprawling Tsukiji fish market to the lively Ameya-Yokocho market, Tokyo is home to a maze of markets and shopping streets. These vibrant places are great for finding souvenirs, sampling local foods, and just soaking up the atmosphere.

Take a day trip to Mt. Fuji

No visit to Tokyo is complete without a day trip to Mt. Fuji – one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. This stunning mountain is just a short train ride from the city, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Visit a Buddhist temple

Tokyo is home to countless temples and shrines, but one of the most popular is Senso-ji – a Buddhist temple in the Asakusa district. This beautiful temple is surrounded by a lively market, and is the perfect place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Learn about the city’s history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum

For a glimpse into Tokyo’s past, head to the Edo-Tokyo Museum – one of the most popular museums in the city. This fascinating museum chronicles the history of Tokyo from the Edo period to the present day, and is a must-visit for any history buff.

Go on a food tour

One of the best ways to experience Tokyo is through its food, and a food tour is the perfect way to do it. From sushi and ramen to yakitori and tempura, you’ll get to try all of the city’s signature dishes – and learn about the history and culture behind them.

See a traditional Kabuki performance

For a truly unique cultural experience, see a Kabuki performance – a traditional form of Japanese theater. These highly stylized shows are known for their colorful costumes and dramatic storylines, and are a must-see for any first-time visitor.

Watch the sumo wrestlers train

Sumo wrestling is one of Japan’s most popular sports, and watching the wrestlers train is a great way to experience it. These massive athletes can be seen working out at the sumo stable, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about this fascinating sport. Where? At one of the many sumo stables in Tokyo, like the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Visit a cat cafe

For a truly unique experience, visit a cat cafe – one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions. These cafes are home to dozens of adoptable cats, and offer a relaxed and unique way to experience the city.

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

For sweeping views of Tokyo, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – a skyscraper in the city’s Shinjuku district. This towering building has two observation decks that are open to the public, and offer stunning views of the cityscape.

Take a cruise on the Sumida River

For a different perspective of the city, take a cruise on the Sumida River – a popular tourist attraction. These boats offer views of Tokyo’s skyline, and are a great way to relax and see the city from a different perspective.

 Experience a traditional tea ceremony

For a taste of traditional Japanese culture, experience a tea ceremony – a ritual that has been practiced for centuries. These ceremonies are a great way to learn about the history and culture of Japan, and are a must-do for any first-time visitor.

Ride the bullet train

One of the best ways to see Japan is by bullet train, and Tokyo is the perfect place to start. These high-speed trains offer scenic views of the countryside, and are a great way to get around the country. Where? The bullet train station is located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district.

Trust us, there are just so many things to do in Tokyo that you might not be able to do it all in just one trip! But we hope this list has given you a good idea of some of the best things to see and do in this amazing city. So, get ready to explore Tokyo – and have the time of your life!