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THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Ojima Komatsugawa Park

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27 Best Things to Do in Tokyo

By Melinda Joe and Anna Chittenden

Deciding the best things to do in Tokyo depends on how much time you have—and for your sake, we hope you have a month. The city’s streets can feel like a game of soccer played at hyper speed, while calmer attractions range from temples, museums , gardens, origami classes, and bohemian sojourns. This city has more than enough going on to put you in a tizzy, so a words of advice: Arrive with a game plan and prepare to get lost along the way, in a good way. Here, the very best things to do in Tokyo.

Read our complete Tokyo travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Senso-ji Arrow

Tokyo may not have as many temples as Kyoto, but Senso-ji isn’t the capital city’s most popular just by default. The atmosphere alone here is one for the bucket list. Senso-ji, the temple itself, is at the end of the shopping street, while a recently renovated five-story pagoda stands to the left (ranking in as the second tallest pagoda in Japan). Japanese visitors flutter around a large cauldron in front of the temple where incense burned inside is said to benefit good health. Travelers keen to avoid crowds should arrive early, but even tourists that are remotely interested in Japanese culture will find something to appreciate here.

Harmonica Yokocho Arrow

This clutch of narrow alleys, a short walk from the north exit of JR Kichijoji station, is stuffed to the gills with hole-in-the wall eateries. A yellow sign marks the entrance to Harmonica Yokocho, which takes its name from the layout of the vendors, slotted cheek-to-jowl along the passageways like the reeds in a harmonica. The atmospheric network of lanes started out as a post-war flea market in the 1940s, but the area underwent a transformation in the 90s when bustling bars and restaurants made their entrance onto the scene. It has a laid-back and hyper-local feel, especially during the daytime, when you’ll find fishmongers and traditional sweets makers plying their trades.

Tokyo Skytree Arrow

Topping off at 2,080 feet, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower (that's tower, not building) in the world. From the broadcast tower’s 360-degree observation decks, the whole city—its striking skyscrapers and neon intersections—looks like a magical circuit board. It’s a major tourist attraction and a ticket isn’t cheap (up to ¥3,400, or $25, for combo tickets), but even if you don’t pay to go inside, there’s no denying that the Tokyo Skytree brought the skyline to a whole new level. Depending on where you’re staying, it can be an out-of-the-way trip to eastern Tokyo (luckily, a train station gets you right near the entrance). Families with children will enjoy the experience—especially the speedy elevator rides—as will anyone that loves a jaw-dropping view.

Koganeyu Arrow

Sleek design, a DJ booth, and craft beer on tap: The newly refurbished Koganeyu functions as a lively standing bar and community events space, but the main reason to visit this 89-year-old establishment is to immerse yourself in Tokyo’s sento (public sauna) culture. A crowdfunded renovation has transformed the space into a contemporary sento with four pools, a sauna, and an outdoor bath. Bathing areas for men and women are separated by a 2.2-meter partial wall, while a mural depicting Mount Fuji stretches across both areas like a scroll. You can purchase tickets from the vending machine at the entrance; a 90-minute bathing session costs about $3.50 for adults, $2.70 for students, and $1.30 for children. After emerging from the baths, relax with a glass of craft beer brewed especially for Koganeyu, or try a homemade ginger highball.

Jessica Puckett

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Sakurai Tea Experience Arrow

Copper and wood greet you inside this minimalist sanctuary dedicated to sado, the Japanese “way of tea.” A small retail space filled with glass jars containing 30 varieties of green tea conceals an intimate eight-seat cafe. Founder Shinya Sakurai studied for 14 years to become a master, and his modern take on tea ceremony is meditative and illuminating. As Sakurai prepares the infusions behind an L-shaped wooden counter, a continuous stream of water flows from a copper tap—a symbol of purification. Gyokuro, a luxurious variety of green tea grown in the shade, is the specialty here. Sakurai travels the country to select the leaves, which he roasts daily in-house. The tasting flight for ¥4,800 (about $35) is the best introduction to the range of teas on offer.

Shibuya Crossing Arrow

Anyone remotely impressed that Tokyo is the most populated city in the world should visit the world’s busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing. Massive video screens flashing advertisements tower above every corner as black-suited salarymen, wide-eyed tourists, and bag-toting shoppers wait and cross in concert. The feeling is oddly soothing, a reminder that whatever our disparate paths in life, they all have a tendency to cross at one time or another. The best time to go is at dusk, one of the scramble’s peak times and in its most flattering light. The Shibuya Scramble Square tower above Shibuya station offers a birds’ eye view of the famous crossing, along with panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, perched 230 meters above street level.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Arrow

Fancy a stroll in a Japanese garden? Get that and more at Shinjuku Gyoen. In addition to native, traditional gardens, the 144-acre park pockets French Formal and English Landscape gardens, all of which are worth the modest entrance fee. Landmarks are stunning and impossible to forget, like a Taiwan Pavilion perched along a serene pond. Formerly an imperial garden, it became a national garden after World War II—so you can trust that this precious plot is always beautifully maintained. Don’t miss cherry blossom season.

Kappabashi Street Arrow

Kappabashi Street, a district in between Ueno and Asakusa, isn’t so much a food destination as it is a food adjacent destination: While it’s devoted to the restaurant industry, fresh food isn’t why folks come. Instead, the street is a chef’s dream of restaurant supply stores that are known best for sampuru , replicas of food dishes that are part of a century-old craft—and are up for grabs. And, because it’s more trade-focused than tourist-focused, the prices can be somewhat economical. Have any curious cooks in the family? This district is their souvenir heaven.

Azuki to Kouri Arrow

The clean-lined, slate-grey interior of this kakigori ice specialist sets off the ebullient shaved ice creations of pâtissier Miho Horio. Formerly of two-Michelin-starred restaurant Florilege, Horio is one of the young chefs elevating the sweet treat to new heights of refinement. She carefully adjusts the blade of her ice machine to shave blocks of ice—made with spring water from Nikko, north of Tokyo—into fluffy, feathery flakes. Shaping the shavings into a delicate mound, she adds fresh fruit and toppings such as homemade syrups, compotes, and foams. Her signature parfait showcases sweet azuki red beans—the classic kakigori topping for which the café is named—paired with cream and flecks of meringue. Seasonal offerings include salted cherry blossoms with fresh strawberries in spring, and blood orange dusted with grated Amazonian cacao in early summer.

Yoyogi Park Arrow

Yoyogi Park is one of the most amusing parks in Tokyo. Its 134 acres sprawl right in Shibuya, a short skip from Harajuku , and bustle with picnics and performers. The northern side is lush, with clean walkways along expansive, grassy lawns where locals and tourists spread under the shade of Japanese Zelkova trees, and gather around a large pond. Spot impromptu badminton team swinging racquets, a drum circle tapping away at the bongo, or amateur dancers following along to the beat.

Yayoi Kusama Museum Arrow

In a suburban part of Shinjuku, a smooth white building rises five stories high—a museum completely devoted to the works of Yayoi Kusama . The building looks slim, but it houses a bulk of the larger-than-life and avant-garde artist’s pieces, including an installation of her “infinity room” series (an Instagram sensation which, in the past, drew hundreds of thousands of visitors in stateside exhibitions) to polka-dotted paintings and sculptures. The museum changes its exhibition two times a year, and as it’s still relatively new, it’s only cracked the surface of the prolific artist’s work.

Kuge Crafts Arrow

The traditional technique of mending pottery with lacquer sprinkled with gold dust, kintsugi is an art form unto itself. The practice, which dates back to the 15th century, is alive and well at Kuge Crafts, a ceramics studio in the quiet Shin-Koenji neighborhood of western Tokyo. Run by a family of artisans—Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko Kuge, together with their son, Shu—the atelier transforms broken cups and dishes into singular works of art and offers two-hour kintsugi lessons (¥8,000, or about $59) for learners of all levels. The workshop will provide all the materials; you can bring your own damaged vessel for repair or ask them to prepare a piece for you to work on.

Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan Arrow

Only three of six official grand sumo tournaments happen in Tokyo, all at Ryogoku Kokugikan. The stadium houses over 11,000 eager fans under its green, pavilion-style roof. Official tournaments last just over two weeks each, which means Ryogoku Kokugikan sometimes hosts other events (boxing, for example). But sumo is the arena’s feature attraction, and if you’re hoping to see sumo in Tokyo, this is where to find it. Tamari seats, which are those immediately surrounding the ring, are the most coveted—and virtually impossible to score. But the next series of rows, box seats, are as close as you can get. Box seats are top-dollar, but little more than rows of tatami mats lined with red square cushions (with no backs) sold in groups of four—so cozy up, and pay up (¥380,00, or about $279, for a box). There are proper stadium seats along the second-floor mezzanine, but the thrill of witnessing this traditional Japanese sport up close is all about getting comfortable with the floor.

The Bellwood Arrow

Modeled after an early 20th-century Japanese coffee house, this swanky watering hole is fitted with modern-retro touches like a stained glass panel bearing the bar’s name, bookended by images of Mount Fuji and a martini under the moon. The main space is great for after-work drinks or late-night tipples, but the bar recently opened a glass-encased private room to host a series of food-and-cocktail pairing experiments. Witty twists on classic cocktails are prepared with flair. Start light with the Kome Tonic, made with rice-based shochu, then explore the seasonal menu: Tango Mule made with gin and Fernet Branca laced with roasted mate, or the Okushibu Fashioned with bourbon, kinako soy powder and a hint of bitter mugmort.

Nihon Minka-en Japan Open-air Folk House Museum Arrow

Though only 20 minutes by train from central Tokyo, the Nihon Minka-En Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, located in a suburb of neighboring Kawasaki City, feels a world—and several centuries—away. The sprawling grounds are home to 25 marvelously preserved Edo-era homes relocated from all over the Japanese countryside, spanning an array of styles from farmhouses to samurai houses and includes a shrine, water mill and kabuki stage. Don’t miss the traditional indigo dyeing workshop in the middle of the park houses a small shop where you can find indigo-dyed everything, from socks and sweaters to handkerchiefs and masks.

Koffee Mameya Kakeru Arrow

Don't expect your average cup of joe at Koffee Mameya Kakeru, housed in a renovated warehouse in the Shirakawa coffee district in eastern Tokyo. Beyond the sleek glass facade, the interior designed by art director Tomohiro Kato and architect Yosuke Hayashi features a massive oak structure built around the artfully arranged coffee shelves. A rectangular wooden frame encases a three-sided stone counter built around three black tables where the baristas display their skills. Coffee maestro and founder Eiichi Kumimoto launched Koffee Mameya Kakeru to go deep into the world of the brew and push the boundaries of the drink's potential. The menu showcases seasonal varieties, but the omakase-style coffee tasting courses (including a range of cold and milk brews, mocktails, and lattes) take center stage, offering a fascinating journey through the diverse flavors and artistry of coffee. Coffee cocktail champion Akira Zushi dazzles with flair bartending skills and innovative cocktails like the milk brew blended with hop-accented jasmine tea and lemon, finished with a spritz of prickly ash water.

Oedo Antique Market Arrow

Oedo Antique Market is a marvelous outdoor fair held near Tokyo Station twice a month, with stalls selling wonderful antique and vintage wares. Hundreds of independent stallholders set up shop to sell their one-of-a-kind objects. There isn’t a huge number of antique or vintage homeware shops in Tokyo—so if you’re looking for old, interesting, and unique Japanese items for your home, this is the place to come. The items on sale at Oedo are completely one-off and unique. You’d be hard pressed to find a permanent shop in Tokyo that has the choice and style that you’ll find here. For first dibs, come earlier in the day.

Kyu Asakura House Arrow

Built in 1919, the former residence of government official Torajiro Asakura is a marvelously preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture tucked into Tokyo’s bustling Daikanyama district. For ¥100 (about 73 cents), you can wander through the building’s stately wooden corridors, tatami-floored rooms, and beautifully manicured grounds. The suginoma (cedar rooms) on the west side of the structure offer postcard-perfect views of the Japanese garden—particularly in the autumn, when the maple trees blaze with color. One of the city’s best-kept secrets, the property is an oasis of calm. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds for an hour or two and contemplate the passing of time.

Nakameguro Arrow

It’s okay to visit the artsy neighborhood, Nakameguro, just to see its seasonal appeal as one of the most picture-perfect spots for cherry blossoms in spring. However, stick around these charming streets and you’ll find a hip collection of independent cafes and boutiques that offer a laid-back alternative to the city’s buzzing hubs. Sakura trees hug the Meguro River in Nakameguro’s center, blossoming as they lean over the sloped, canal-like walls surrounding the water. Once you’ve taken a moment to smell the blossoms (and fill your phone with pictures), you’ll find an array of independent boutiques and cafes branching off along narrow streets in either direction. Head to the corner-side Onibus Coffee, which serves single-origin espresso, and stop at SML, a boutique stocking delightful crafts (especially ceramics) made by Japanese artists. 

Nakano Broadway Arrow

A Tokyo mecca for anime- and manga-loving otaku subculture fans, the Nakano Broadway is a multi-story shopping arcade that has become a hub for niche collectors of all stripes. When it first opened in 1966, the complex epitomized the spirit of future-perfect economic optimism sparked by the Tokyo Olympics. Competition from newer shopping malls emptied its corridors of fancy boutiques in the 80s, before the Broadway reinvented itself as a center for used manga and anime models in the 90s. More than 300 tiny outlets are crammed into the aging edifice’s bottom five floors, offering everything from vintage Godzilla and Astroboy figurines to designer watches and creepy dolls galore.

Isetan Arrow

Isetan is Tokyo’s best—and most famous—department store; its history dates back to 1886, when it started as a kimono shop. The sprawling flagship in Shinjuku is spread out over nine floors, each offering something special. There’s a big fashion focus, with local Japanese brands sitting beside international names. Don’t miss a visit to the wonderful food hall on B1, which sells a variety of Japanese snacks and goodies, including beautifully prepared bento boxes for lunch.

Tsukiji Market Arrow

In October 2018, the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji, shut down after 83 years and re-opened in two distinct parts. At the original location, it’s pretty much business as usual, with street-food stalls serving up everything from seared tuna to uni sandwiches in squid-ink sticky buns. Just down the road at Toyosu Market , meanwhile, you can taste fresh raw fish in a series of sushi bars and peek in on the auctions (formerly held at Tsukiji) and live fish sales from a second-story viewing station. You can also tour a large green space on the rooftop, which affords views of the Tokyo skyline.

Heiwa Doburoku Brewery Kabutocho Arrow

This simple but stylish Wakayama-based sake brewpub in Tokyo makes clever use of a corner space in Kabutocho, the recently hip neighborhood near the Tokyo Stock Exchange building. As the name suggests, the bar specializes in doburoku, a rustic style of unfiltered and lightly fermented sake characterized by its thick texture. Previously outlawed for taxation reasons, the traditional brew is making a comeback, appearing on menus at Tokyo's trendiest restaurants and bars. Large windows, pale wood fixtures, and a curved counter surrounding a small open kitchen give the bar an open and airy feel. The menu lists dry-hopped and aged doburoku, varieties made with ground adzuki red beans or black beans, and a few seasonal styles flavored with fruits or herbs. But the best place to start is with the original, plain doburoku, a thick and yogurty brew with a touch of fruity fizz. Brewer Heiwa Shuzo's excellent craft beers are served on tap (we love the golden ale infused with fragrant sansho prickly ash peppercorns), and the bar offers a nice selection of the brewery's clear, award-winning sake.

Nezu Museum Arrow

This serene museum in the Aoyama district, redesigned by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, is a contemporary temple for traditional art. A long, covered outdoor path alongside bamboo-clad walls serves as a minimalist entrance, but once inside, double-height interiors and glass walls stretch over 40,000 square feet while keeping the experience intimate. And while the museum mixes contemporary design and traditional art on the inside—over 7,400 pieces—the outside counts, too: The property is home to a stunning private garden that’s worth the visit all on its own. The bulk of the museum’s art was once the private collection of Nezu Kaichirō, the president of Japan’s Tobu Railway. Since the midcentury, the collection grew and now comprises over 7,400 pieces.

Bohemian Tokyo in Shimokitazawa Arrow

Only one express stop away from the brighter-than-bright energy of Shibuya, Shimokita (what locals call Shimokitazawa) is like turning down the volume and switching to an acoustic track. It might embrace its bohemian style—with vintage stores on seemingly every block—but it doesn’t lose that unmistakable, sophisticated Japanese style in the process. Sift through secondhand shops, sip coffee, and repeat.

Monzen-Nakacho Arrow

The old-school neighborhood of Monzen-Nakacho—known as “Mon-Naka” among locals—has retained its colorful, salt-of-the-earth shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere since the Edo era (1603-1868). Two main draws are the stately Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and the Fukagawa Fududo temple, where you can hear the sounds of drumming and chanting from the temple’s fire ceremony, held five times a day. These days, hipster coffee shops and natural wine boîtes nestle against traditional shops selling pickles, Japanese confections, and old-timey delicacies like tsukudani—bits of seafood long-simmered in soy sauce and sugar. It’s a terrific place to spend a lazy afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and alleyways en route to the Museum of Contemporary Art in neighboring Kiba. But at night, the neighborhood comes alive with an array of reasonably priced eating and drinking spots.

teamLab Borderless Arrow

With the first iteration of Borderless in Odaiba, the art collective Teamlab created an endlessly Instagrammable, sumptuous and surreal museum dedicated to multi-sensory digital art. Opened in 2018, the facility, which set the world record for the most visited museum dedicated to a single artist, closed its doors in 2022. However, Borderless 2.0 is set to relocate to a permanent location in the soon-to-open Azabudai Hills mixed-use complex in central Tokyo in early 2024. Boderless consists of installations that feature constantly morphing patterns and designs that seem to flow seamlessly from room to room in a maze-like space. Updated versions of some of the museum’s previous works will be on display, as well as several new installations: a room filled with hundreds of multicolored lights that run along tracks continuously and a series of interactive “light sculptures,” to name a few.

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Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

• Published on : 08/02/2022
• by : Japan Experience
• Add to favorites

See a listing of Tokyo's best cherry blossom viewing spots including Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and the moats of Edo Castle.

• Cherry Blossom Map

Chidorigafuchi

Sumida park, asukayama park, aoyama cemetery, inokashira park, yoyogi park, shinjuku gyoen, meguro river, koishikawa korakuen, harimazaka slope, koishikawa botanical garden, yanaka cemetery, ojima komatsugawa park, kasai rinkai park, sotobori park, hama-rikyu garden, kyu-shiba-rikyu garden, tokyo metropolitan jindai botanical gardens.

• Other Tokyo Parks

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo 東京の花見

Cherry blossom in Tokyo

Tokyo , as befits a city of its size, has many places to enjoy cherry blossom viewing ( hanami ) in the capital city's parks and gardens, along its rivers and canals and in its temples and shrines.

Hanami season is from late March to the middle of April and is for many Japanese the best time of year. This is when the cherry blossom trees all over Japan come to bloom and people hold outdoor parties to view them. The blossom remains at its peak for between seven and 10 days. The name says it all - hana means "flower" and mi is "to look".

Cherry blossom viewing was an aristocratic pastime up until the Edo era of Japanese history , and became a universal obsession in Japan about three centuries ago.

The most common kind of blossom is that of the Yoshino cherry , or somei yoshino in Japanese. The Yoshino cherry is a variety developed in Tokyo towards the end of the Edo era, in Tokyo. Those Tokyo roots are reflected in the tree's botanical name, Prunus yedoensis , the "yedo" referring to Tokyo's old name: Edo.

Tokyo Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

This map shows the location of each cherry blossom spot in Tokyo mentioned in this article.

Below is a list of some of the places to see the cherry blossoms in the Japanese capital, Tokyo.

Cherry blossoms on the Meguro River

Cherry blossom and Roppongi Hills, Tokyo

There are more than one thousand cherry trees in Ueno Park along the street that leads from the Saigo Takamori statue towards the National Museum and around Shinobazu Pond. Ueno Park is located a few steps from Ueno Station (Shinobazu Exit (不忍口) - better for cherry blossom viewing purposes than the Ueno Park Exit). See Tokyo hanami map for Ueno Park .

This area of Tokyo which includes Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery , Chidorigafuchi Green Way, Chidorigafuchi Park , the Hanzo Moat of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle), Kitanomaru Koen and Yasukuni Shrine has many, many cherry trees spectacular in full bloom. Boats can be hired to admire the blossom while floating in the Hanzo moat. Just a little south of the Chidorigafuchi district is the Supreme Court of Japan with its own spectacular row of sakura trees. Start here, then past the National Theater of Japan next door with its gorgeous spring garden, and then a 20 - 25 minute stroll through Chidorigafuchi Park (across from the British Embassy) and up to Yasukuni Shrine for one of Tokyo's most magnificent cherry blossom spectacles. See Tokyo hanami map for the Chidorigafuchi area .

Cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi Park over the Hanzo moat of the Imperial Palace

Sumida Park, on the east bank of the Sumida River , has almost 650 cherry trees, and is well known throughout Japan as a prime hanami spot. Also, parkland lines both sides of the Sumida River, on the western Taito-ward bank and the eastern Sumida-ward bank, extending over a kilometer from Azuma-bashi Bridge near Asakusa up to Sakura-bashi Bridge, with scores of cherry trees along the way.

Two festivals take here at this time. The Bokutei Cherry Blossom Festival takes place around Sakurabashi Bridge, from the last Saturday in March to the first Sunday in April, and the Sumida Park Sakura Festival also takes place, from about March 20 to April 10. Nighttime affords the beautiful spectacle of lit-up blossom trees.

Boats serving meals ferry cherry blossom aficianados up and down the river. The whole scene is enhanced by the sight of the Tokyo Skytree towering in the background, less than 1 km away.

A Sumida River pleasure boat cruise is highly recommended for this time of the year - but book early!

Access to Sumida Park

Exit 4 of Asakusa Subway Station on the Ginza Line is right next to Azumabashi Bridge. Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line is about 3 minutes walk from Azumabashi Bridge. Exit A3 of Asakusa Subway Station on the Asakusa Line is about 5 minutes from Azumabashi Bridge (right turn out of the exit.) See Tokyo hanami map for Sumida Park

Asukayama Park is in Tokyo's Kita ward, right next to Oji Station. Asukayama Park was opened in the early eighteenth century by the Shogun of the time for the specific purpose of providing a place for the common people to enjoy the sight of spring cherry blossom, and three centuries later, it retains this role. As well as the sight of blossoming cherry trees, visitors can also enjoy the three museums in the park: the Kita City Asukayama Museum, the Paper Museum, and the Shibusawa Memorial Museum. During the cherry blossom season, the trees are lit up at night.

Asukayama Park Access

Take the South Exit of Oji Station on the Keihin Tohoku Line. Get off at Oji Station on the Namboku Subway Line Get of at Oji-eki-mae Station or Asukayama Station on the Toden Arakawa Streetcar Line See Tokyo hanami map for Asukayama Park .

The huge, 26 hectare (65 acre) grounds of Aoyama Cemetery in Aoyama have many hundreds of cherry trees. Aoyama Cemetery is a peaceful place to stroll all year round, and with historical interest thanks to the many famous people, both Japanese and foreign, who are buried here. However, Aoyama Cemetery is at its most poignant and beautiful during the cherry blossom season.

Access to Aoyama Cemetery

From Exit 1B of Gaien-mae Station on the Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line, turn immediately right down the road that goes off Aoyama-dori Avenue and walk about 3 minutes. From Exit 5 of Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Line, turn right and you will see the trees of the cemetery diagonally across the road from you. See Tokyo hanami map for Aoyama Cemetery

Mt. Takao (Takaosan) is a popular hiking area west of Tokyo. Being at an elevation, and therefore somewhat cooler than Tokyo, the cherry blossom here peaks about 10 - 14 days later than in Tokyo. The Itchodaira (一丁平) area, about half an hour's walk on from the summit of Mt. Takao in the direction of neighboring Mt. Shiro and, further on, Mt. Jinba and Lake Sagami, is where the trail is lined with what is called "The Thousand Cherry Trees of Mt. Takao" ( Takaosan Senbon Zakura comprising several different varieties. See Tokyo hanami map for Mt. Takao .

Cherry blossom, Tokyo

Cherry blossom in full bloom, Tokyo

Inokashira Park in Kichijoji draws large crowds in hanami season. It's fun to hire a pleasure boat to view the blossoms that grow around the pond. Inokashira Park is a gathering place for casual musicians, artists, and street performers, sharing their creativity with other visitors. See Tokyo hanami map for Inokashira Park

Yoyogi Park has over 600 cherry trees and is particularly popular with weekend picnickers. The wide margin surrounding Central Plaza has a variety of features such as a rose garden (with over 30 varieties), groves of various featured trees, including a sakura (cherry blossom) grove, and a food and drink store. The cherry grove, while small, is beautiful in spring. See Tokyo hanami map for Yoyogi Park

Shinjuku Gyoen has over 1,000 cherry trees of various types and is one of Tokyo's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots. Shinjuku Gyoen includes a French formal garden, an English landscape garden, a Japanese traditional garden, a "Mother and Child Forest", a maple hill, an azalea hill, several ponds, and a Taiwan Pavilion. See Tokyo hanami map for Shinjuku Gyoen Park

Cherry blossom on Nakanoike Pond, Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo

The Meguro River stretches over 8 km from Setagaya ward, through Meguro ward then Shingawa ward into Tokyo Bay. Almost 4 km of that stretch, from Ikejiri-ohashi Bridge to Kamenokoh-bashi Bridge in Shinagawa is lined with over 800 cherry trees. Walking the banks of the river makes for exquisite peak springtime enjoyment by both day and at night when the trees are lit up.

Access to the cherry blossom section of the Meguro River

Access this section of the Meguro River from Naka-meguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. See Tokyo hanami map for the Meguro River

Yozakura ("night blossom") in Kioicho, Chiyoda ward, Tokyo

The grounds of Koishikawa Korakuen are beautiful in all seasons and the spring hanami season is no exception. The Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens were begun in 1629 by Yorifusa Mito, the first feudal lord of the Mito Tokugawa family and eleventh son of patriarch Ieyasu Tokugawa . See Tokyo hanami map for Koishikawa Korakuen

Harima-zaka Slope in Tokyo's Bunkyo ward, with lots of universities, is a relative newcomer as a Tokyo cherry blossom spot. The spectacular vista of cherry blossom that happens here every spring dates from 1960, when over 150 sakura trees were planted here, and have been carefully tended by locals ever since. Harimazaka is a real "cherry blossom comes to the big city" scene. The sight of these twin rows of big, dark, muscular trees shrouded in and forming almost a tunnel of ephemeral pink and white delicacy is one to remember. Just a little on from Harimazaka is Koishikawa Botanical Garden , another famous hanami spot.

Access to Harima-zaka Slope

Take Exit 1 from Myogadani Station on the Marunouchi Subway Line and immediately take the pedestrian crossing to the other side Route 254. Go right and walk as far as Koishikawa 5-chome intersection, then turn left. A 5-minute walk. See Tokyo hanami map for Harima-zaka Slope

Koishikawa Botanical Garden , just a little further on from Harimazaka Slope , are the oldest botanical gardens in Japan, dating from 1684, when the Shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa (1646-1709) ordered the planting of the Medicinal Herb Garden - still part of today's gardens. Koishikawa Botanical Garden has a number of different varieties of cherry trees. See Tokyo hanami map for Koishikawa Botanical Garden

Like Aoyama Cemetery, Yanaka Cemetery in the Yanaka district is another large Tokyo cemetery with many cherry trees within the spacious grounds. As with Aoyama Cemetery, being a place of repose, Yanaka Cemetery is an atmospheric and historical place to stroll around rather than picnic in. See Tokyo hanami map for Yanaka Cemetery

Spacious Ojima Komatsugawa Park, near the west bank of the Arakawa River, in Tokyo's Edogawa ward, is a spacious, verdant park with over 1,000 cherry trees of different varieties. Ojima Komatsugawa Park, surrounded by public housing, is not worth going to just for the hanami, but is a nice place to stroll under cherry blossoms if you happen to be in the area anyway.

Access to Ojima Komatsugawa Park

Take the Ojima Exit of Higashi-Ojima Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line and the park is right across the road. See Tokyo hanami map for Ojima Komatsugawa Park

Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Kasai Rinkai Park in the very south of Edogawa ward faces Tokyo Bay, and is the biggest park in Tokyo's 23 wards. As well as being very popular in spring for its more than 600 sakura trees of numerous varieties, the park also has a large seabird sanctuary, as well as an aquarium. Kasai Rinkai Park is close to Tokyo Disneyland .

Access to Kasai Rinkai Park

Kasai Rinkai Park is accessible from Kasai Rinkai Koen Station on the JR Keisei Line. See Tokyo hanami map for Kasai Rinkai Park

Sotobori Park is alongside the Sotobori River, which for about the 2 km from Iidabashi Station to Yotsuya Station is a riot of cherry blossom in spring, lined by more than 700 cherry trees in an enchanting atmosphere.

Access to Sotobori Park

Take the West Exit of Iidabashi Station on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line and go right. See Tokyo hanami map for Sotobori Park

Shiba Koen close to Tokyo Tower is a big, regal park in a sedate part of Tokyo, and is one of the more relaxed places to enjoy the transient delights of hanami . See Tokyo hanami map for Shiba Park

Hama-rikyu Garden is another Edo Period strolling garden which is beautiful year round but is especially popular in early spring for the cherry blossom. Nearby is the arguably even more beautiful Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden See Tokyo hanami map for Hama-rikyu Garden

Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden is one of Tokyo's oldest gardens created by a feudal daimyo lord, and is also one of the capital's most exquisite. This intricately designed garden with a magically natural feel about it is as pretty as an ukiyoe picture when the cherry blossoms bloom. Go here for a quintessentially elegant Japanese hanami experience. Nearby is the almost equally beautiful Hama-rikyu Garden . See Tokyo hanami map for Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden .

Tokyo Metropolitan Jindai Botanical Gardens is an almost 43 hectare (106 acre) park in Chofu City, quite a way west of Tokyo. This spacious park has an area planted with cherry trees of different types. Nearby is Jindaiji Temple and its Pet Cemetery  and the many  soba  (buckwheat noodle) restaurants of the Chofu/Mitaka region of western Tokyo. 500 yen for adults. Hours: 9:30 am - 5 pm, last entry 4 pm. Closed Monday, except when Monday is a national holiday when it is open on Monday but closed the following day.

Access to Jindai Botanical Gardens

The park is accessible only by bus from Chōfu Station on the Keiō Line . Take an Odakyū bus no. 14 bound for Mitaka or Kichijōji from bus stop 14 at the station's North Exit, and alight at Jindaiji Shokubutsu Kōen Mae. (about a 10 minute ride). See Tokyo hanami map for Jindai Botanical Garden

Omiya Park is a large, almost 70 hectare (172 acre), park in Omiya , Saitama, just over 30 minutes by train from Ueno Station in Tokyo. Omiya Park is the most visited park in Saitama prefecture, especially at the peak of the cherry blossom season when it is a profusion of pretty pink flowers. Also, Omiya Second Park, nearby, also has a large grove of apricot trees which blossom mid-February to March. The Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore (9 am - 4:30 pm, last entry 4 pm, but open until 5 pm, with last entry at 4:30 pm in July and August; 300 yen for adults) is also on the grounds of the park.

Access to Omiya Park

Exit Omiya-Koen Station on the Tobu Noda Line and walk about three minutes. See Tokyo hanami map for Omiya Park

Any Public Park in Tokyo!

No matter where you are in Tokyo, you would be hard pressed to find a park that wasn't planted with at least one row of cherry trees for the hanami season.

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Tokyo Bucket List: 50+ Top Things To Do in Japan’s Coolest City

Tokyo can never get boring—it has a plethora of bucket list worthy things to do and fun attractions to visit. While I was in Japan’s top city, I ate beef that was creatively shaped like a brain, served to me inside of my private jail cell by women dressed in pink nurses’ outfits. I drank my coffee next to a dozen felines at a quirky cat café, confirming my preference for dogs. And I found out exactly what all the buttons on the Japanese toilet do (enjoying some outcomes much more than others).

There are not many places that would provide such peculiar and cool forms of entertainment, but Tokyo is a city of many colorful facets; a mix of avant-garde and traditional. It is a town where the illuminated skyscrapers cohabitate with historic temples, unusual anime shops and cherry blossom lined streets. It is a cool destination where your itinerary can include attending a lively tuna auction hours before daybreak, nightlife that can include eating skewers of yakitori in the seedy Piss Alley or scrambling across one of the biggest intersections in the world with hundreds of others.

In other words the city is freaking fabulous and here are the best things to do in Tokyo:

Best Things To Do, Places to Visit and Attractions in Tokyo, Japan

1. buy some vinyl at hmv records.

Tokyo is a paradise for Vinyl Lovers! They have more record shops than any other city in the world with new collections brought in every month. HMV Records is a huge store filled with Vinyl Records. We recommend you bring along plenty of cash because you will surely get lost amidst aisles of wonder records making you nostalgic and rekindling your passion for music. This vast second-hand record shop has plenty of items and genres for music lovers. They also have a handful of cassettes with a special corner for them along with CDs.

2. Experience TeamLab Borderless

It’s hard to explain TeamLab Borderless , you really have to experience it. The digital art museum is an immersive world where the artwork has no boundaries. There is no map or ‘right way to go’, you move freely from room to room of three-dimensional 10,000 square meter building exploring and discovering. You will find things like the Athletic Forest that helps you think of the world three-dimensionally and, the most instagrammed room, the forest of lamps where hundreds hang from the ceilings.

3. Watch Wrestling Practice at a Sumo Stable

You can’t fully understand the intensity of the sumo wrestling sport unless you are up close and personal at an intense morning practice session to witness the panting, grunting and dripping sweat. The practices at the sumo wrestling stable are not attractions created for tourists—the athletes are not putting on a show for you—they are in serious training and need to be shown respect while you are there.

Though there are over 40 training stables, most in the Ryogoku district, only a few accept visitors. The most common are Kasugano Beya , Takasago Beya and Musashigawa Beya . Make sure to call ahead to confirm that they will be having practice on the day you arrive! Or for an even easier option just book a Morning Sumo Training tour, or take a peek at this list of sumo related experience that you can quickly book online.

If you don’t speak Japanese seeing a practice on your own may be a little tricky (I went to Hakkaku Sumo Stable and needed a translator). But, it was worth the effort because seeing this Japanese tradition was definitely one of the Top 10 things I did in Tokyo!

4. See a Professional Sumo Match

Sumo is the world famous Japanese style wrestling match which began in ancient times as a ritual to entertain the Shinto deities. And after you’ve seen them practice at the sumo stable, witness the traditional sport live and in all its glory!  During the tournament months (January, May and September) you can get tickets for each day of the 15-day tournaments, or just one. I highly recommend the ringside seats which is the closest seating available to the wrestling ring with cushions on the floor.

It’s possible to find a few seats available on tournament day, but it’s best to get them in advance. You can see upcoming tournaments and book tickets here.

5. Make a Stop at Meiji Shrine

The historical significance of the Meiji Shrine cannot be overstated. The shrine was made for the first emperor of modern Japan – Emperor Meiji. You enter this austere and mystical place through a 40-foot high tori gate and find yourself surrounded by a 200-acre park with a 100,000 trees. Wow!

The cleansing station has a communal water tank for purification of the hand and mouth before offering prayers. You can also write your wishes and tie them up to the prayer wall. The Meiji Jingu Treasure House is at the northern end of the shrine where you will find several personal belongings of the Emperor, as well as a beautiful Inner Garden with blooming flowers and a rustic well.

For a more thorough experience take the Meiji Shrine Walking Tour with a local guide.

6. Attend a Baseball Game

The game of baseball isn’t just one of America’s favorite pastime, the Japanese are passionate about it too. Things are just done a bit differently when you attend a baseball game in Japan , like waving umbrellas for home runs, snacking on edamame and having cheerleaders. Though the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome draw larger crowds, you can also see the Tokyo Swallows play at the outdoor Jingu Stadium .

It may be possible to snag some tickets on the day of the game, but not guaranteed! So, if seeing a Japanese baseball game is high on your things to do list then buy tickets to a game online .

7. Go to Dinner at a Ninja Restaurant

At Ninja Shinjuku a small robot in the corner starts to speak to you as a sliding door opens and leads you down a narrow hallway. Shoji doors open and lead you to a small room where dinner is served. This is not the kitschy place where spry ninjas pop down from the ceiling and serve mediocre food, it’s more of a molecular gastronomy experience where smoke billows out of a box to uncover a beautifully executed salad and Kobe beef is served with a trio of unique dipping sauces.

Dessert was served inside a basement room, along with a “ninja show” which really was more like a magic show—impressive none the less. But what was even more impressive was the bonsai tree dessert whose branches needed to be trimmed with scissors in order to eaten and the base was a sweet crumb that looked just like dirt. Genius.

8. Go to the Intermediatheque Museum

The Intermediatheque (IMT) Museum is a psychedelic world of its own. Located in the Kitte Marunouchi building near the Tokyo Station, you’ll find yourself lost amidst the ancient wonders and treasures left behind for us by extinct civilizations. From early steam engines to Egyptian mummies, this kaleidoscopic wonderland has everything preserved and on display. Get inspired by the tribal art or see your kids’ faces light up by the wildlife specimens and the 19 th century raconteurs of flora and fauna.

Allow yourself at least half a day to absorb the richness and literary brilliance of this place!

9. Play a Game of Pachinko

Pachinko is a Japanese arcade game where the object is to fire balls that will then fall through a maze of metal pins. Try to capture as many balls as possible into the center hole. If you walk through the Shinjuku district, you won’t be able to miss the Pachinko Parlors with their flashing neon and clinking of the balls. It can be an addictive, yet fun thing to do in Tokyo!

Understanding the game of Pachinko can be tricky without lessons or guidance from someone who knows the in-and-outs. You can book the Original Japanese Entertainment tour and you’ll get a half hour lesson along with playing time.

10. Spend the Night in the Hello Kitty Room

You don’t need to be a diehard Hello Kitty fan to enjoy this must see (and sleep in) room. Slink over to Shinjuku and spend the night in the fun Hello Kitty Room at Keio Plaza Hotel. The room is decked out in the cats signature decor and you can even get yourself breakfast with kitty shaped/stamped food.

11. Walk Across Shibuya Crossing

The iconic Shibuya Crossing is on most visitors “things to do in Tokyo” attraction itinerary because it is dubbed as the busiest intersection in the world, which means it won’t be difficult to find yourself there when it’s insanely packed. While crowds may not be something you wish for your everyday life, trust me, you’ll want participate in the organized chaos that ensues when hundreds of people walk across the intersection at once.

For a different perspective, watch the crossing from the 2nd-story window of the Starbucks on the North side or from the 47th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square building. For an even more unique bucket list experience, walk Shibuya crossing in a kimono . Don’t forget to check out the famous Hachiko Statue right between the intersection and Shibuya Station before you set on your way! And perhaps commit yourself to some window shopping at Shibuya’s massive record stores after?

If you want to experience more in the area the Shibuya & Harajuku Hidden Gems tour would be a good choice!

12. Try Batto, the ‘Art of Swordsmanship’

Batto, the art of swordsmanship, is a discipline that very few have mastered, but at HiSUi Tokyo you will be one step closer as you take their comprehensive course with a real katana (a long, single-edged sword used by samurai). These techniques and swords were vital in order for the samurai to protect the community and reigning lords.

13. Get the View at Shibuya Sky

Make your way to the tall Shibuya Scramble Square building and climb to the 47th floor, to the Shibuya Sky . This rooftop observatory will get you a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the city. You can even see the chaos of the famous Shibuya Crossing from way up there.

14. Unleash Your Inner Anime Fan!

Japan is the birthplace of anime, the Japanese term for animation, so while you’re there make the most of it! If you’re an anime fan then there are so many shops that sell anime products, like Mandarake in Shibuya, as well as themed cafes ( here are 8 good ones! ) for you to explore. Even if you’re not a fan then it is still amazing to go and immerse yourself in the culture.

For the ultimate experience, book the Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour , that will take you to a retro video game store, to a maid cafe and shopping at an anime store!

15. Stroll Through Yoyogi Park

Taking a walk through Yoyogi Park is a grand experience all on its own. You’ll be setting foot on the ground which represents the ancient facets of Japan, as it was once a site of military barracks, and even served as an Olympics Gymnasium in 1964. The park is divided in two parts by a wide road, one side of which is a dense forest area where people usually take their strolls and enjoy the natural beauty of the place, have picnics and barbecues. The latter has a stadium and an outdoor stage that hold exclusive events and food festivals.

If you are a garden lover then don’t miss the 6-hour private Japanese Garden Tour that will take you on your choice of gardens!

16. Attend a Kabuki Theater Show

Kabuki is a unique form of Japanese theater where they combine song, mime, dance, costume design and elaborate makeup that is typically performed solely by men. At Kabuki-za you can buy Single Act tickets just to get an introduction to the style of theater, or opt for the whole show. It’s easy to get your tickets online here .

Hint: before going to the Kabuki show learn more about the tradition with a guided tour of Kabuki-za Gallery .

17. Get a Photo of the Giant Godzilla Head

Godzilla is thankfully not wreaking havoc on the streets of Tokyo anymore, but you can still see him peeking through the 8 th floor of Hotel Gracery in the Toho Building. The Godzilla Head is a popular attraction in Shinjuku with its giant 39-foot reptilian head, piercing eyes and sharp pointy teeth! You can see him from the busy street 130-feet below, or take the elevator up to get a closer peek. Keep your eyes open for the new Godzilla Viewing Room coming soon.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the area surrounding the Godzilla Head, then consider taking a private tour of Shinjuku’s Top Sites .

18. Learn About the History at Edo-Tokyo Museum

Edo is Tokyo’s old name, and the Edo-Tokyo Museum conserves the historical culture and traditions of the city. It almost felt as if I was approaching a UFO when walking towards the building, but then I learnt that the architecture was inspired by the old Tokyo warehouse raised on stilts—it has an ultramodern feel to it with a lot of character.

During my 2-hour tour, I marveled at the handcrafted figurines with unique clothing and expressions, the massive cavern room, the replica of Nihonbashi Bridge, recreations of houses and transports of the ancient people, market areas and stage settings of theatrical performances. The place will be your guide to understanding how Tokyo evolved to be one of the most influential cities of the world.

The Sumida Walking Tour will take to on a guided tour of the Edo Museum, as well as the museum of the famous artist Katsushika Hokusa.

19. Sing Karaoke

What to do in Tokyo for nightlife? Karaoke, of course. It is a big part of their culture and a huge attraction tourists as well as locals. Tokyo has plenty of fun (& sometimes weird) Karaoke bars where you can belt out a few tunes. One of the more well-known is Karaoke Kan , which was the location for Bill Murray’s singing session in the movie Lost in Translation. But, there are other clubs as well, and you can find some top ones here: 10 of the Best Bars in Tokyo for Karaoke and Other Weird Stuff .

20. See the Tokyo Tower at Night

The Tokyo Tower is the second tallest architectural wonder of Japan. Standing at a height of 1092 feet, the tower glimmers with lights and serves as one of the symbolic features of the city. It is a true marvel to see at the night time, especially because the  illumination themes change according to seasons and occasions. You can see it from afar ( here are the best place to do it ) or you can also go up to the special observation deck and get a night time view of the city ( book your ticket here ). It is a sight you’ll never forget!

21. Get an Umbrella at Cool Magic SHU’s Umbrella Shop

A store solely dedicated to umbrellas? Yep, that’s exactly what Cool Magic Shu’s is. It may take you hours of perusing the aisles to find your perfectly designed rain protection, but it will be fun doing it!

22. Use all the Buttons on a Japanese Toilet

I’m sure your asking yourself, “can a toilet really be worthy of a spot on your Tokyo Things to Do in Tokyo Bucket List “? Yes, in this case it can. A Japanese commode isn’t any ordinary potty, it’s like a spa for your private parts.

Not only will your butt be warm with their seated heats, but they can also clean your derrière with a hot stream of water. Plus, many public restroom stalls will play the sounds of chirping birds to mask any other noises that may be happening! Luckily, you can experience these toilets at many restaurants, hotels and public attractions.

23. Visit the Red & White Cats at Gotokuji Temple

The Gotokuji Temple is a place that comes with a highly engaging, legendary tale of the maneki neko–the beckoning cats. They are believed to bring good luck and are a symbolic figure of the temple. The visitors make offerings and prayers in front of thousands of red and white cat statues. The kitties are all wearing a red collar with a hanging golden bell and a paw raised in the air to bring you good fortune! You’ll also find cat art in the neighborhood leading up to the temple—a treat for all the cat lovers out there.

24. Do a Kimono Fitting

Wearing a kimono is a large part of the Japanese culture . A kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that is typically worn by women on special occasions. There are few places to be fitted for a kimono while traveling to Tokyo, but you can find a couple. My personal tour guide, Tomomi, offers private fittings in her home (this is my story about it: Do a Kimono Fitting in Tokyo, Japan ), whereas you can book one of these top tours:

• Kimono Makeover with Photoshoot Tour
• Wear a Kimono on the Streets of Asakusa
• Wear a Kimono at a traditional house in the Bonsai Museum

25. Visit the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is the place of residence of Japan’s Imperial family. It has a beautiful park area surrounded by grand stone walls and moats in the center of Tokyo. The main Palace area is open only on the New Year’s Greeting Event on January 2nd and the Emperor’s Birthday on the 23rd of December, but the palace exterior grounds are open for public throughout the year.

There are two bridges that can be viewed right from the Kokyo Gaien plaza that’s right out from the the palace and the Imperial Palace East Gardens are amongst the best places for a stroll.

The Imperial Palace Walking Tour will give you a deeper look into palace with a licensed guide.

26. Buy a Japanese Knife

Japanese knives are known to be some of the best in the world due to there keen edges, quality of steel and made-by-hand techniques. Being a restaurateur, I could not leave Tokyo without bringing one home with me!

Though I bought mine at Masahisa , there are plenty of other reputable knife shops around town. You can try walking down Kappabashi Street , the kitchen district. Not only will you find plenty of knife shops, but you will also find every kitchen product imaginable, including plastic food samples used as window displays by many restaurants.

27. Walk Across the Rainbow Bridge

The iconic Rainbow Bridge of Japan got its name because in the month December it’s lit up like a rainbow. The suspension bridge has a pedestrian pathway on both its north and south ends. It is free to take a walk across and takes about 25 minutes on foot, but you can also go on a bicycle.

The north route has breathtaking views of the Tokyo Tower along with stunning skyscrapers around Roppongi and Toranomon, Toyosu and the Shiodome area. The south route offers views of Odaiba as well as the neighboring islands and the Shinagawa area.

28. Relax at an Onsen

Relaxing in a hot springs bath, an onsen, is a top Japanese tradition that you don’t want to miss. There are plenty of them in Tokyo (you can see some of the best ones here ), but Ooedo Onsen Monogatari is a popular one because it’s an onsen theme park where you can soak in one of their baths, get your fortune told and/or have a foot massage. There’s plenty of entertainment on the premises to keep you occupied for at least an afternoon.

29. Go to Tokyo Disneyland

Welcome to the happiest place in the world— Disneyland Tokyo edition! It is highly recommended that you spend at least 2 days here to enjoy all the wonderful attractions and food. There are several fun attractions unique to Tokyo Disneyland, like Dream Lights with a magical nighttime light parade (Minnie oh! Minnie!), the interactive Monster’s Inc. Ride & Go Seek and Western River Railroad to name a few.

You can book admission tickets and transfers here . Also consider splurging a little by staying at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel which is at a short walk from the theme park and comes with many perks.

30. Visit 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

If you are a fan of unique design then stopping at the 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT  is a must! This contemporary design exhibition hall is the brain child of fashion designer Issey Miyake and architect Tadao Ando. It’s located in Tokyo’s midtown, an upscale section in the Roppongi area of the city.

The beauty of this places starts with the exterior architecture and moves about through the different gallery spaces. The artwork changes with some of the themes being things like “Secret Source of Inspiration: Designers’ Hidden Sketches and Mockups” and “Chocolate” that focused on the unique social attributes related to chocolate.

During my visit they had a beautiful chair exhibit, each designed by current and former members of the Japan Design Committee. The best part was that you were encouraged to sit in them all!

31. Visit the Meguro Parasitological Museum

The Meguro Parasitological Museum is one of a kind, and the only one in existence that displays the weirdly fascinating collection from the world of parasites! It is a unique experience that you’ll carry with you all your life, although if parasites make you feel squeamish, you may need to cover your eyes because the skin crawling museum has parasites from all facets of life on display in hundreds of jars. Even though it sounds gross, you’re bound to be intrigued by its bizarreness, and it may even end up being top of your favorite thing to do in Tokyo!

32. Go to a Maid Cafe

Maid cafés are all the buzz in Japan! They are fun cosplay restaurants where waitresses are dressed up as working maids to serve the customers as a master in a private home rather than as a café patron. The key word is “iyashi” that translates into “to be soothed”.

Your quintessential Victorian maid fantasy will come to life with spa like services, scrumptious food along with relaxing classical music while you are enveloped by verdurous greenery! There are numerous maid cafés in Tokyo (you can see some of the top ones here ), each offering a unique service with the cutest undertones like chanting “moe moe kyun” to make your drinks taste better or writing over your food with ketchup! It is definitely something to look out for.

If you don’t want to navigate a maid cafe on your own, you can book one of these tours:

• Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour
• Akihabara Tour with Your Own Personal Maid!

33. Go to a Cat Cafe

Tokyo is filled with weird things to do and going to a cat cafe ranks really high on that list. Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku is an attraction that gives you the opportunity to play with unique feline breeds while drinking a cup of coffee. So odd that it’s definitely worth a spot on your things to do in Tokyo bucket list itinerary. If you prefer, you can also play with cute hedgehogs in Roppongi !

34. Dine in a Jail Cell

Most people would avoid (at all costs) dining in a jail cell, but Alcatraz ER will give you an offbeat dining experience of a lifetime. This restaurant is designed as a jail and each cell or prison represents a dining area for a group. Staff that are well dressed in nurse uniforms tend to the call of the bang of a metal rod against the cells bars.

Brave diners (like myself!) will nosh on things like blue curry served in a urine tin or drink cocktails out of dummy’s head. Can you ever imagine eating sausage in the shape of bowel movement; well this place has more quirkiness to offer than you can imagine. A must have nightlife experience for your Tokyo itinerary even you prefer not to visit again.

35. Go to Yasukuni Shrine

The Yasukuni Shrine is the most interesting and possibly the most controversial place in Japan. Founded in 1869, this place is said to hold 2.5 million shrines! It was made in honor of the men who lost their lives in the Boshin War and has expanded to include war martyrs since then.

The entrance of the shrine is made from a massive gray metal Daicihi Torii standing at a height of 72 feet and giving it an eerie feel. The arch then gets smaller with a Daini Torii which is the second shrine gate, and the Shinmon gate which leads into the area of shrine. The Chumon Torrii then leads into the main hall. Photography isn’t allowed but there is a lot to take in with rich cultural significance and a war museum.

36. See a Show at the Robot Restaurant

From the moment you enter The Robot Restaurant lounge to the time you depart, you will feel like you are diving into the colors of neon that bounce off the mirrors. There are dramatic fights between bikini clad girls riding atop robots, the sound of the cast playing the charismatic drums and visitors are given a glow-stick to cheer during all the action.

This place is more dedicated to a flashy show than on food, but you can order a sushi bento box or caramel popcorn to dine on while you are entertained. Plus, flowing beer and a few drinks are available, but the core attraction is the captivating chaos of the show.

Though you can buy tickets at the door, you can get them at a discount by booking in advanced at Voyagin .

37. Indulge in a Massive Matcha Dessert

Offbeat food in Tokyo is not limited to main meals, but extends to sweet desserts too, and some of the most popular is made from matcha, a green tea. Desserts like ice-cream, mousse, cream, jelly and many more variations are available. But, I say if you are going to do it go big! I ordered this this quadruple layered matcha gateaux chocolate parfait that was topped with an entire piece of cake! Yes, I ate the whole thing! No shame.

The most popular hot spots serving these delectable and divine tasting desserts are Kinozen , Marunouchi Café, Nana’s Green Tea (that’s where I ate) and many more.

38. Attend a Tuna Auction

You will need to wake up really early for a chance to go to the famous tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market (folks start lining up before 4am). But, it will be worth getting an insiders view of the buyers checking the fish quality and bidding for their prize one. After, explore Tsukiji’s inner and outer market where you can watch them expertly cut the large tunas they just purchased.

You can go on your own or book a tour:

• Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Market and Tuna Auction Tour
• Tsu kiji Tuna Auction Tour With a Guide During the Night
• Explore Tsukiji Fish Market and Make Sushi and Sashimi

39. Participate in a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Happo-en Japanese Garden sits in Shirokanedai district of Tokyo and is an exquisite example of natural beauty with its ancient bonsai, koi pond and blanket of cherry blossoms in the Springtime. Not only is it a beautiful representation of a Japanese garden, but you can schedule to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony where you will be drinking Matcha in their wooden Muan tea house.

If you want to combine a tea ceremony with street food with a typical “Teishoku” lunch then the Old Town Tokyo Food Tour would be a perfect fit.

40. Bar Hop in Golden Gai

What’s a trip to Tokyo without a little nightlife? Golden Gai is a neighborhood in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo that squeezes in over 200 miniature bars into a network of six narrow alleys, made only for pedestrians. Enjoy the unique Japanese nightlife by bar hopping in the section of town where most of the drinking holes only seat 8-12 people total. Ready to go? Get the location here or just book one of these top rated tours:

• Shinjuku: Golden Gai Food Tour
• Kabukicho and Shinjuku Golden Gai Night Tour

Want to read more about bar hopping in Golden Gai? See this article— Shinjuku Nightlife: A Guide to Tokyo’s Best Golden Gai Bars .

41. Learn to Make Classic Japanese Ramen at Chagohan

You can eat ramen all over the city, but how about learning to make it? At Chagohan you can learn this skill (and dine on it afterwards!). FYI: This isn’t the only ramen cooking class, there are re plenty of others and you can see a list at Cookly .

If just sampling ramen is more your thing, then book the Ramen Tasting Tour with Local Ramen Guru that will have you eating 6 mini bowls at 3 shops in 3 districts!

42. Eat at the Kill Bill Inspiration Restaurant

Gonpachi restaurant, in the Roppongi district of Tokyo, is known as being the inspiration for the fight scene from the Kill Bil l movie and it’s easy to spot the similarities. Not only can you enjoy the interior design, but you can also indulge in a bowl of Soba.

43. Make Your Own Matcha at the Urasando Garden Mini-Mall

The Urasando Garden is a collection of shops within a traditional Japanese–style house giving you the ultimate kick of nostalgia as soon as you enter. It gets its name from its unique location at the back street of Omotesando, hence the name Urasando meaning “ura” – back and “omote” – front.

There are many fun things to do and shops to explore, but what makes the best visit is being able to make your own matcha. You can choose your own cup and blend your own matcha alongside houjicha-flavored chocolate and cream filled breads!

44. Eat Chankonabe (Sumo Wrestlers Stew)

Chankonabe is the nutritious stew that sumo wrestlers eat daily as part of their bulking up diet. It is a hearty dish that is relatively healthy, low in fat, high in protein and filled with tons of veggies. There are many Chankonabe restaurants in Tokyo, conveniently located close to the sumo stables where the wrestlers practice and live. But, Yoshiba is the most unique because it is located in an old sumo stable with a sumo dohyo (ring) right in the center of the dining room (this is where I had my chankonabe experience in Tokyo ).

If you’re interested in booking a tour instead of navigate somewhere to each chankonabe here are a couple highly rate ones:

• Chanko-nabe with Robot Restaurant
• Duel with Sumo Wrestlers and Eat Chankonabe in Asakusa

45. Drink a Cat Coffee at Oshiage Nyanko

Are you a cat person who loves coffee? This quaint little café boasts stuff dreams are made of! Tucked away in a tiny pocket-sized treasure cove, this hidden gem is located near the Tokyo Sky Tree. You will be amazed at the wonderful 3D latte art of “ Oshiage Nyanko ”. Although the café isn’t that prominent, it is so famous that you can easily find it.

46. Take a Sushi Making Class

If you are a sushi lover, what better thing to do in Tokyo than learn how to make it? I got a personal sushi lesson with Tokyo Tours with Tomomi , where we first paid a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market to pick up some fresh tuna for our meal and went to her private home to assemble. Get Your Guide also offers a fabulous Sushi Making Class . The best part is when you are rewarded by getting to eat your efforts. Afterwards you can wash it all down with sake by booking a sake tasting .

You can find many more sushi making options at Cookly .

47. Go to a Ping-Pong Restaurant

Tokyo is filled with quirky dining options and The Rally Table is one of them. It’s ‘Game On’   at this restaurant where table tennis is the centerpiece of the room. So pop on in, order yourself a plate of the ping pong curry and play a game or two. FYI: It gets pretty lively at night, but during lunch it’s mostly business men so you’ll have a better chance at playing a game.

48. Eat at a Yakiniku Restaurant

This bucket list activity is for all the carnivores out there. At a Yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant in Tokyo you will be barbecuing your choice of raw grub on your own table top grill. If you choose to have your dining experience at the highly rated Yakiniku Jumbo Shirogane , you will be indulging in A5 Kuroge Wagyu, the highest rank of Japanese beef. Or you can try some of  Tokyo’s other tasty yakiniku restaurants Or take the Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku that includes a Yakiniku restaurant.

49. Explore the Ghibli Museum

If you have seen Spirited Away, and loved it, then the Ghibli Museum absolutely needs to be visited by you! The creator of the movies, Hayao Miyazaki, also had a hand in creating the visuals of this museum, helping make it one of the most visually stunning museums in the world. Even if it’s just for a moment, you’ll have landed right in the middle of one of his movies!

50. Eat Grilled Salamander (and other delicious stuff) in Piss Alley

Piss Alley, also known as Omoide Yokocho (or Memory Lane), is best described as the restaurant version of Golden Gai , a section that squeezes in over 200 miniature bars into a network of six narrow alleys. Piss Alley is a small area filled with quaint yakitori restaurants, and a few drinking holes, most with just a handful of seats.

If you are an adventurous eater head over to Asadachi, a name that translates to Morning Wood, where you will get the privilege of tasting Grilled Salamander. Yes! Salamander! Maybe not the best food in the world, but visitors who love to challenge their eating habits visit this restaurant for the most bizarre meal. Here you can also try pig testicles, frog shasimi, raw pig testicles and snake liquor. Yum!

51. Stay in a Capsule Hotel

These pint-sized pods have become popular for those that want something trendy, easy and economical. There are several all around Tokyo, but one of the top ones is Capsule Net Omotenashi .

52. Get Your Meal From a Vending Machine

You heard right — eat a meal from a vending machine! One of Japan’s greatest inventions, definitely not only limited to being found in Tokyo, are the vending machines at just about every corner. You can barely walk a block in Tokyo without passing by a half dozen vending machines. Though most are filled with an array of beverages, many will have food products that can easily make a meal. The list includes special items like flying fish soup, eggs, hot dogs, hamburgers, sushi, ramen and so on. My afternoon lunch of warm corn soup was surprisingly tasty!

53. Go to an Owl Café

Oh, what a hoot! Ever thought of having an eye staring contest with an owl? Here in Tokyo, everything is possible! One minute you are strolling through parks the next you have an owl named Peanut perched on your arm! These quirky cafés ( here are 7 to choose from ) are almost always packed with customers, and you need to be very careful around the majestic owls. No flash photography or sudden movements allowed!

 You can meet real owls at an owl café in Akihabara by booking here .

54. Sleep in a Ryokan

For a unique cultural experience stay at a ryokan, an old-school Japanese inn typically with tatami-matted rooms, low tables, and communal baths. Ryokan Sawanoya will give you this traditional feeling or opt for the updated Andon Ryokan .

55. Discover Sensoji Temple

Another historically significant spot in the middle of Tokyo, Sensoji Temple is the oldest religious site in all of Tokyo. Not only that, but is one of the more gorgeous temples to visit, based on its exterior. Right after visiting the temple, check out the shops by Nakamise Dori, on your way back to the station.

Truth be told, there is far more to see and do in Tokyo that could ever be written down in a post, unless you want to read pages and pages worth of bullet point suggestions. But these are some amazing activities to get started from, especially if you’ve only got a few days to yourself to explore the city. And after you’ve gone once, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back, again and again, and there will always be more to see. That’s really half the fun of it! So, what are you still waiting for? Time to book your plane tickets and go!

More Tokyo Articles

• Japanese Food Bucket List: 70 Foods to Eat from Japan
• 4 of the Best Day Trips from Tokyo
• Japanese Culture, Traditions and Customs: 15 Lifestyle Facts to Know
• Tokyo Food: 13 Themed (& Slightly Weird) Cafe & Restaurant Experiences
• Japan’s Hottest Show: Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku
• Watch Wrestling Practice at a Sumo Stable in Japan
• Shinjuku Nightlife: A Guide to Tokyo’s Best Golden Gai Bars
• Best Quirky Café in Japan? Tokyo’s Calico Cat Café in Shinjuku
• Eat at a Themed Restaurant in Tokyo
• About Japanese Mochi Snacks
• How to See a Japanese Baseball Game in Tokyo

84 thoughts on “Tokyo Bucket List: 50+ Top Things To Do in Japan’s Coolest City”

awesome bucket list! book marking this one

Wow! It’s completely a different world! It’s so different to connect with some of the cultural settings you’ve been through. Some were quite odd to me and some very interesting. It seems that eating is important and collective actions are spectacular scenes there.

Honestly, the Japanese toilets were very unique to me. Piss Alley wasn’t so appealing. Relaxing at an Onsen was something that I would have liked to do too!

Hi. I found your blog through Instagram and I just looove your pictures there. You really have a great blog. And your list of Bucket Things to do in Tokyo is definitely something I will remember when I get the chance to go :-) Keep up your good writing!

Happy to have you as a new reader :) Tokyo is an incredible (& quirky) city, I hope you make it there someday.

Hi like to get more information

What would you like information on?

…and now I want to return to Japan.

There’s so much about the country that we didn’t get to see during our month there at the start of our travels. It would be fantastic to return there in 2015 to see things with a new more experienced traveller perspective, plus through the eyes of a vegan – a challenge that I’d gladly accept.

It would be really interesting to get a vegan Tokyo perspective! I would also love to go back to explore more of the Country, since I loved Tokyo so much.

The sumo wrestler’s stew looks good.

Amazing descriptions of one of the most exciting cities of the world. Thanks for sharing.

This was a very informative post, thank you Anette!

Where is the Hakkaku sumo place? I’m in Tokyo for one more day and would love to check it out! I cant seem to find it online anywhere. Thanks!

It is near Ryogoku Kokugikan at 1-16-1 Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan 130-0014. This map may help: MAP

omg u so cool (^o^)

Going to Tokyo next month, this has been helping with my final itinerary.Thank you and this is a great travel blog overall!

Have a great time!! It still remains one of my favorite cities for the quirky culture and delicious food!

Thanks for these great tips! I am planning to visit Japan in 2016, so really helpful post and a lot of fun to read:-)

I hope you love Japan as much as I did!

Me too:-) Congrats on your book deal btw, awesome!

Wow ok, well… Need to try all of them cause I’m flying to Japan at the end of March. This seems to be lots of fun and apparently there’s SO much to do and see.. Hope that two weeks will be somewhat “enough” to experience at least some traditions. Love , Anna & Vanessa

You’ll be able to do and see A LOT in two weeks. Have a great time!

I’m trying to plan a trip to Tokyo this spring. I’ll definitely keep these in mind! Thanks for sharing. :)

Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world! I love it quirkiness and bustling streets. Hope you love it as much as me :)

Hi! Anything special you recommend to do / see with kids? Boys age 1.5 and 3.5. Tia!

Thankyou for the awesome ideas. My wife and I are currently in Japan visiting her family. I am looking forward to trying as much as possible from your list. Also do you know of any shops that sell Higonokami folding knife in Tokyo?

I’m not exactly sure which shops will sell one, but there are several knife shops around the Tsukiji fish market and on Kappabashi street. I’d check these two places first!

Thank you for all the great ideas…I will be visiting my sister in August she lives in Sendai but we are planning on visiting Tokyo one weekend and I hope I get to experience some of your places of interest. This will be my first time in Japan so I want to make all my experiences/excursions count!

How exciting that it will be your first time in Japan! Tokyo is incredible, even if you can only have time for a couple of the experiences listed. There is just a cool and quirky vibe wherever you go in the city, so just aimlessly walking will be entertaining!

It looks like the Tuna auction is closed to outsiders, Tourists are not allowed in until 9:00 AM.

That is a bummer for those visitors who could have woken up early enough to catch the auction!

Tsukiji is open for the tuna auction, but the 120 tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and the first group are admitted between 5:25-5:50 and the second group from 5:50-6:15am. The rest of the fish market though is only open from 9am. Still worth visiting.

pleasant site, the name is very good, keep it up !

I love this website so much! Me and my family are currently going to Japan this website is such a help. Once again thank you so much!!?

I hope you and your family have as much fun as I did in Japan!!

Tokyo is my spirit animal! ;) I didn’t have time to do everything on my bucket list there, although I drank all the vending machine tea I could get my hands on.

I’m not sure there could ever be an end to exploring Tokyo! But, at least you got your fill of vending machines :)

Hello it’s my first time in Tokyo .And we would like to visit most of the interesting show or restaurant and electronics stuff . Please recommend if any Cheers

I recommend the Robot Show, it’s pretty wild! You can read about my experience here: https://bucketlistjourney.net/captivating-chaos-tokyos-robot-restaurant-show/

Love this list! It’s unique and adds several different highlights to a never ending list of amazing things to do and see in Tokyo!

Wow ! Thank you for all these informations! Now I have a great list about things to do in Tokyo! ;)

What an awesome city to be in. I have had Japanese food before, but that’s got to be done in Japan I know. Nice pictures, nice colors, nice city.

It is an incredible city and the food is enhanced by the vibrant ambiance!

I love Japan only some places dont speck english but most do. These people are very kind and very nice. If anyone would want to go on a trip i recimend them to vist the flower park in Japan. Its so pretty and so worth going.

I definitely agree that there can be a bit of a language barrier in Japan, but the people are so kind. I’ve never been to the flower park, but it sounds like a place I need to go!

but dont disrespect them they get really upset i have seen it go down. They all are very nice but dont like when other people talk bad about Japan or the people there abd tbh i dont blame them because i would be the same way. I go to Japan every year and not once have they disrespeded my Countery or my people and the deffently deserve the same respect.

I will be in Tokyo at 18 October for ten days. Glad to hear your advices.

Have a great time! There is so much to see and do that you will go home with many interesting stories to tell!

I am going to Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto) for the first time for a week on October 12. Questions: Do they accept credit cards everywhere? Is public transportation available to get to the hotel from NRT airport? What do you recommend to bring as gifts for a baby? Adults? Thank you

Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so make sure to bring some cash with you. From NRT you can take the JR Narita Express (N’EX; http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex ) into the city center, which takes about an hour and costs roughly $27 USD. Depending on where your hotel is, you may need to take the subway or a taxi from the drop off location. From what I understand, good gifts are high-end foods that they can’t get in their area. Most Japanese homes are small, so it’ll be more difficult to store a trinket. Useable or edible gifts are best (chocolate, candies, socks, etc.)

Great post, I agree on almost everything. I would just add that even better than sumo practice is the sumo tournament which really is a fun experience! As for the tuna auction… it’s becoming crazy lately. It has to do with the increasing number of tourists and the planned moving of Tsukiji at Toyosu: at the moment people start lining before 2 am! I am not sure it’s worth more than 3 hours of wait in an empty room

I agree with you about the sumo tournament, I bet that is a cool experience! As far as the auction goes, I’m sure people will have to determine how much they like their sleep :)

Wonderful list, for budget traveler like me you might want to check list of free things to do in Tokyo here http://blog.halal-navi.com/en/free-things-to-do-in-tokyo/

Thank you for sharing these awesome bucketlist items for Tokyo. We went two years ago and only did a fraction of these. Our favourite being the sumo match. But we definitely want to go to a Kabuki Theatre this time around

The Sumo Stable was one of my favorites too!! I hope you get to go back and experience the rest of Tokyo.

Such awesome ideas for my next trip into Tokyo! Thank you so much for sharing! If anyone wants to learn some Japanese before their trip to Japan, please get in touch with me and I will be more than happy to help you! Shota

Thank you for the post, we are going with our children to spend christmas and new years, any ideas?

I still have a couple of things pending, I will addthem to my ‘to do’ list. Thanks!

I wish I have seen this Bucket list before my trip to Japan 5 years ago. there is so many interesting things to do in this list.

Thank you to tell us so much useful information. I’m glad to read it.

Of course I would love to do all of these things, but the big thing I’ve always wanted to do was check out the arcades in Tokyo. I know that Japan has some of the best in the world (whereas arcades in the US are going extinct), and finally being able to see one myself would be a dream come true.

Yes! The arcades are insanely cool!

Japan is just the right blend of culture and leisure. If you are looking for some good travel possibility then do consider to visit Japan.

Wow! It’s absolutely a special world! Very exciting. It seems that consuming is essential and collective movements are remarkable scenes there.

Going to Japan for the first time next month. Will travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima in 7 days. Would it be worth while to get a JR Pass for the week we’re there? Any reccomendations on family (with toddler) accommodations that is reasonably priced?

I definitely think it’s worth it if you plan on making many stops along the way!

Hi Annette – only reading this now – we are planning about 10 days in Japan in early June. Can you recommend a good tour guide that’s not too expensive to help us get around Tokyo so we can get to most of your ideas! Please reply via email if you can. Thanks, Lila

I’m leaving for Japan on Thursday, April 26! I’m super excited. My son is stationed at Camp Zama. He and his wife had their first baby (a boy) 3 months ago. We will definitely be spending some time in Tokyo.

I bet you are excited! You get to spend time with a new grandson and see Tokyo. Have a wonderful trip.

Hi Annette,

You have some cool pictures of yourself here – did you travel by yourself? If yes, how did you take them? I will be going to Japan in September on my own, and at the moment I am bumped about the idea of only taking selfies or “unnatural” tourist poses

I travel solo A LOT and always carry two camera equipment pieces that allow me to take selfies when there’s no one around. 1. A tripod selfie stick for my Iphone. I use this one: https://amzn.to/2Kyo7Fm 2. A Joby GorillaPod for my DSLR camera: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003II3FD0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I mostly use the Iphone selfie stick, because it’s quick and easy. Hope that helps and have fun!!

A really well written and presented guide. Good work. I am going to try some of these ideas!

Thanks for the article I would definitely do it when I visit Tokyo.

Only just now saw this article. Really informative and I wish I was able to see more on my recent trip to Japan. I was only in Tokyo for two days but I saw as much as I could! My favorite areas were Asakusa (I was staying in Ueno nearby), Akihabara, and Shibuya. I tried to get into a sumo match but, unfortunately, all of the tickets were sold out so maybe next time. I hope to go when baseball season is in as well so I can see a Giants game. Those of you who see this and are looking for a neat place to stay in Tokyo check out the Edo Sakura in Ueno, a quaint little ryoken (traditional style) hotel!

Waoo I can’t believe you have so many things to do in tokyo. Can you also make a blog about restaurants to visit in Tokyo

I’ll work on that one!

I am so thrilled to find this article, I am visiting Tokyo next week and I will definitely try to tick as many possible in this bucket list.

This blog is a wealth of information! So happy to stumble upon it. Just a quick question-when you stayed in the Hakone Guesthouse with the onsen were you able to book a room with a private onsen? Or do each of the rooms have access to a private onsen? Trying to book a room there, and it is unclear! Thanks!

I also enjoyed these fabulous things in my these tours and always spent lovely time with my buddies.

Japan is weird and awesome period

So many interesting things to do and try. I am now puttting the kimono fitting on my list of to do things in tokyo and hope we will find time for this fun experience when in Japan!

Wow!! Interesting article I found this article from twitter and it was worth coming here to read this blog. It shows the true culture of Japan in a single blog post.

wow!!! you have shown use some detail what can i say!! it is is such a remarkable place to be calm and relaxed and the right place to be, you’v shown us a lot thank you very mush i will need to book a ticket and what type of things could you do in Tokyo!?

I love that you mention Japanese toilets. They are absolutely amazing and I wish all bathrooms were like the ones in Japan.

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10 Best Things To Do Near Tokyo Station

Miho Shimizu is a Japanese freelance writer settled in Shizuoka with her husband and two rabbits. Fascinated with traveling at the age of 18, she has spent most of her long holidays exploring incredible spots around Japan. She also loves to listen to music, draw, and read novels over a cup of green tea.

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Tokyo Station is a large red brick building at the heart of the city and the city’s primary gateway to the best tourist attractions in Tokyo . The architectural masterpiece and transportation hub is where many international tourists start their journey in Japan and where thousands of people commute to work or school every day. It is also the very center of major public transport lines such as JR trains, buses and subways that takes us everywhere in Tokyo as well as all over Japan . Not just a train station, Tokyo station itself can be an attractive tourist destination with a number of interesting spots around. Spending hours, or even a whole day near Tokyo Station will enable you to get to know the transportation hub as well as the surrounding area –  a beautiful area of Tokyo with its vast green surroundings that are especially lovely in the spring and autumn. Here is our list of 10 best things to do near Tokyo station!           

▼Book our Private Tour in Tokyo! 

1. Tokyo Station Gallery

3. yaesu shopping mall, 4. tokyo ramen street, 5. imperial palace, 6. mitsubishi ichigokan museum, 7. marunouchi brick square, 8. wadakura fountain park, 9. national museum of modern art, 10. nihonbashi area, japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might enjoy.

Tokyo Station Gallery is a small, cozy art museum that offers a great opportunity for everyone to appreciate impressive artworks and paintings in Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building, just outside of the North Exit. The gallery has a range of intriguing temporary exhibitions that regularly change, often focused on modern art. As you walk down the spiral stairs, you can take a close look at the old bricks used for the walls of the original Tokyo Station. At the museum shop, you can find a wide range of items and merchandise such as lovely mugs with the original logo on them.

Tokyo Station Gallery 10am – 6pm (※Closed on Monday) Admission varies depending on the exhibition 

KITTE is a giant shopping complex near Tokyo station located on the former site of the Tokyo Central Post Office. It is conveniently connected to Tokyo Station, Marunouchi line. It is also about a 1min walk from the Marunouchi South Gate of Tokyo Station, making it a perfect shopping spot even on rainy days . It comprises 7 floors filled with dining spots, fashion boutiques, souvenir shops and much more. Some shops specialize in dealing with local specialties and great products carefully selected from around Japan. Visiting these shops will enable you to discover incredible local specialties without traveling to the actual place. In the first basement, you can find Tokyo City i , a helpful information center offering a range of information for international tourists in multiple languages!    

If you want an exciting shopping experience around Tokyo Station, head to Yaesu shopping mall which is also directly connected to the station! This underground shopping hub is home to approximately 160 shops, including 60 restaurants and cafes, clothing stores, stylish boutiques, and much more. A range of helpful services such as foreign currency exchange and coin lockers are also available, which makes it attractive for (international) tourists to shop around the massive shopping mall.

Tokyo Station is home to a number of great dining spots, including fancy restaurants and casual cafes. Tokyo Ramen Street is literally a heaven for ramen lovers. Here you can find 8 renowned ramen shops that all offer incredible ramen experiences for everyone. Try Shoyu Chuka Soba at Chiyogami for a more a traditional ramen taste created by soy-based brown broth along with flavorful toppings. Oreshiki Jun is a perfect choice for those who want a thick pork-bone ramen. Soranoiro Nippon serves a healthy veggie ramen featuring a variety of seasonal vegetables for the noodles, broth and the toppings. Vegan and gluten-free menu is also available.   

If you want to visit somewhere not only historic but refreshing, head to Tokyo Imperial Palace ! The beautiful palace is a popular tourist attraction which has been formally used as an official residence of Japan’s imperial family since the late 19 th century. Although the inner grounds of the palace are not open to the public, you can enjoy taking a refreshing stroll in the outer gardens, including the East Garden. Nijubashi Bridge is an iconic stone bridge serving as an entrance to the inner palace. You can also join the free Imperial Palace tour held daily, to enter and explore the inner grounds with professional guides.

Guided Tours Imperial Palace Daily tours at 10am and 1.30pm (in English & Japanese) Free of charge, but registration is required from here

If you are an art lover and interested in Japanese art, Mitsubishi Ichibankan Museum is definitely a must-visit! From JR Tokyo Station it is about a 5min walk to reach the stunning museum which has attracted numerous visitors since its opening in 2010. The red brick building is a reconstruction of the first western-style structure in the Marunouchi area originally founded and owned by Mitsubishi in 1894, when is housed a bank. The museum collection mainly includes Western artworks from the late 19th century and it holds special exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also features a nice English-style garden, where you can enjoy some refreshments. The Café 1894 is a popular place for lunch and dinner among the Japanese.

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum 10am – 6pm (※closed on Mondays) Admission varies depending on the exhibition 

Marunouchi Brick Square is a popular shopping complex which opened in 2009. It can be found right next to the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, and offers an exciting shopping experience with about 40 luxury shops including famous fashion brands, great restaurants and cozy cafes. It also boasts a peaceful courtyard featuring a range of seasonal colorful flowers, a lovely fountain and benches, making it an oasis full of lush greenery in the heart of the metropolitan city. A visit to Marunouchi Brick Square can be easily combined with a visit to Tokyo Imperial Palace which is located within walking distance. The area here is a great spot to visit with a cup of coffee for a walk after enjoying lunch at the incredible restaurants!     

Marunouchi Brick Square Shops Weekdays & Saturdays 11am – 9pm Sundays & holidays 11am – 8pm

Restaurants Weekdays & Saturdays 11am – 11pm Sundays & holidays 11am – 10pm

Wadakura Fountain Park is a peaceful and lovely park north of the East Park of Tokyo Imperial Palace. It was originally built in 1961 to celebrate the royal wedding of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. In spite of the relatively small size, it is a pleasant oasis to get away from the busy city for a moment. The park is easily accessible from Tokyo Station and you will pass it on your way to Tokyo Imperial Palace. One of the highlights of the park is the various fountains exhibiting a range of water patterns that change continuously and offer an attractive view along with beautiful flowers all year round. The park is accessible 24 hrs and offers wonderful photo ops for photographers at night. The city’s flickering lights and the peaceful park are extra scenic and romantic at night.

Wadakura Fountain Park Open 24 hours

National Museum of Modern Art is one of the most famous art museums in Tokyo , also known by the English acronym MOMAT. The museum opened in 1952 as Japan’s first national art museum. It is located in Kitanomaru Garden , the northern part of the outer gardens of Tokyo Imperial Palace. The museum has a great collection of impressive art works and masterpieces by both modern Japanese and overseas artists from the early 20th century to the present day. Even if you are not an art-lover, this museum is still worth visiting. At the ‘room with a view’ you can enjoy some beautiful views of the Imperial Palace Gardens or enjoy a coffee at one of the restaurants/cafes. While the museum is actually closer to Takebashi Station, a walk from Tokyo Station will take you through several (historic) sights on your way like the Wadakura Fountain Park. The area is also known as one of the best places to watch the beautiful cherry blossom in spring . The nearby Chidorigafuchi Moat, where you can rent the iconic swan boats, is one of the best places to watch sakura in Tokyo .

National Museum of Modern Art  10am – 5pm (until 8pm on Friday and Saturday) (※closed on Mondays) Admission fee ¥500 (adult), free admission for those under age 18 

Our final destination is Nihonbashi , a popular tourist attraction full of exciting experiences for everyone. While it is often described as an urbanized business and shopping center in guidebooks, this is actually where traditional and modern Japan co-exist in harmony. Next to the modern highrise, you can find traditional Japanese shops selling goods like knives and traditional sweets for hundreds of years! Nihonbashi Bridge is a symbolic structure that was completed in the Edo Period (1603- 1868) as the starting point of Japan’s five major roads that connected the entire country. Board a cruise tour from Nihonbashi Pier, or try a great number of dining options, including traditional Japanese restaurants serving sushi or fresh eel dishes. Head to Coredo Muromachi, a shopping and entertainment hub where you can enjoy tax-free shopping and get traditional Japanese experiences such as kimono wearing class!

Most of the tourist attractions above can be found within walking distance, or even directly connected to Tokyo Station. Each of them are great places to spend an enjoyable time while you are waiting for trains, or wandering around the station. Can you easily spend a couple of hours in the area around Tokyo Station, there are many things to see and do and the contrasting scenery formed by modern highrise and the old buildings is a fascinating sight. The green scenery is also a good place to watch cherry blossom in spring or the autumn foliage in autumn. We hope you will enjoy these must visit places at the heart of Tokyo!

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

▶ Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.

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Top 32 Things to Do in Tokyo: Recommended Bucket List Experiences & More

No trip to Japan would be complete without enjoying some of these fun things to do in Tokyo! More than just a political and financial hub, Tokyo is home to various aspects of culture, and its attraction lies in the mountain of choices available. From ancient structures with long and illustrious histories, to modern art and pop culture right under your fingertips, there’s too many to count. Also, Tokyo is where various foods from all throughout the country are gathered. As such, be it sushi or ramen , you can taste the best cuisine that Japan has to offer the world in one place. In this article, we’ve selected 32 of the best things to do in Tokyo that you absolutely have to experience at least once when you’re in town.

1. Experience the culture of an old izakaya restaurant

One of the best things to do in Tokyo when you visit: try experiencing an izakaya , a traditional Japanese restaurant, at least once. For example, some of the izakaya alleys that bring you into a timeslip into 1960s Japan can be found in Shinjuku and Shibuya . A three-minute walk away from Shinjuku Station is “ Shinjuku Nishiguchi Omoide Yokochō,” an alley that sprang up after the second world war, and shadows of that time period continue to linger there to this day. Moving on, “Nonbei Yokochō” in Shibuya is also about three minutes from Shibuya station by foot. It is a unique spot for the retro izakaya restaurants squeezed together side-by-side.

• Address Corporate house time shop 202, 7-13-12, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023 View Map
• Nearest Station Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station （Toei Oedo Line）
• Phone Number 03-3364-3235

• Address 1-25-9, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0002 View Map
• Nearest Station Shibuya Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Tokyu Toyoko Line / Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line / Keio Inokashira Line） 1 minute on foot

2. Watch the national sport of Japan, Sumo wrestling

Sumo wrestling is one of Japan’s traditional sports with over 1500 years of history. Seeing a match is one of the best things to do in Tokyo. Of the six main sumo wrestling tournaments held throughout Japan every year, the tournaments held in January, May, and September are held in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan. Considered the holy ground of sumo, countless numbers of major matches are held here. You can get up close with the culture and techniques of sumo that have been handed down since ancient times. It’s recommended to watch your first match while seated in “Masuseki” seats, where you can enjoy food while watching. If you intend to watch a match, it’s best to check the details beforehand.

• Address 1-3-28, Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 130-0015 View Map
• Nearest Station Ryogoku Station （Toei Oedo Line / JR Sobu Line） 2 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3623-5111

3. Get up close and personal with teamLab Planets TOKYO

Tokyo is also where the latest in art gathers. Among these are the digital art museums breaking boundaries, created by the art group teamLab, which have been incredibly popular since opening. teamLab Planets TOKYO, a digital art exhibition in Toyosu is a space where the line between the art piece and the real world is blurred for an immersive art experience.

• Address teamLab Planets TOKYO, 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo-to

Business hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays Irregular holidays *Last entry 30 minutes before closing. *Operating hours may differ according to the seasons. Please check the homepage for more details.

4. Feel the history of Japan at a temple

Buddhism in Japan has a long history, and there are numerous temples as a result. Many of them are structures with hundreds of years of history. One temple you have to visit while in Tokyo is Sensoji Temple , in the historic neighborhood of Asakusa . Built in 628, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo, and it's a great spot to enjoy the culture of Edo in the surrounding area. From the symbol of Asakusa , the Kaminarimon gate, the path, or "Sando," which leads to the temple , has numerous food and souvenir shops lined up, and it's an enjoyable place where you can see many things while walking.

• Address 2-3-1, Asakusa, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032 View Map
• Nearest Station Asakusa Station （Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line / Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line) / Tsukuba Express） 5 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3842-0181

5. Feel the mystical atmosphere when you go to a shrine

Similar to the Buddhist temples , there are also numerous Shinto shrines with hundreds of years of history. One of these is one of the most important even amongst the famous shrines of Tokyo, Meiji Jingū, which is right next to Harajuku . A shrine where the deified Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined, the grounds stretch over 700,000 square meters and has a lush forest with over 100,000 trees offered from all over the country, where you can enjoy all four seasons surrounded by nature . During Hatsumōde , the first shrine visit of the year from January 1st to 3rd, the shrine typically welcomes the largest number of people every year in Japan, with over 3 million worshippers coming to visit .

• Address 1-1, Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8557 View Map
• Nearest Station Sangubashi Station （Odakyu Odawara Line）
• Phone Number 03-3379-5511

6. Challenge yourself to a training experience at a temple stay

Shukubō is the practice for worshippers of shrines or monks visiting temples to stay within the grounds, and now, an increasing number of regular holiday-goers, including foreign visitors, are allowed to stay as well. One draw of Shukubō is the chance to experience the duties and training of the worshippers and monks, and to try Zazen, a type of meditation. In Tokyo, Musashi Mitake Shrine on Mt. Mitake in Ōme-shi has a temple village with about 20 temples offering stay experiences. Amongst these, the stay at "Komadori Sanso" offers a waterfall training experience too, and the splendid views are a great draw as well.

• Address 155 Mitakesan, Omi-shi, Tokyo, 198-0175 View Map
• Nearest Station Mitakesan Station （Mitake-Tozan Cable Line）

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7. Peer down at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Right in front of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing is the shopping mall , Magnet by Shibuya109. At Mag’s Park , on the roof of the building, is the observatory “Crossing View,” a hole-in-the-wall spot where you can get a dynamic view of the scramble crossing. A photography service, “Crossing Photo,” where you can get photos taken from a high angle with the scramble crossing as your backdrop is available too, and we recommend making great memories using this service.

• Address 1-23-10, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station Access: 1 minute-minute walk from Shibuya station on the Tokyu-Toyoko line, Toen-Toshi line, Tokyo Metro Ginza, Hanzomon, and Fukutoshin lines, and Keio Inokashira line
• Phone Number 03-3477-5111

Business hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed on January 1st

8. Go shopping in Harajuku, birthplace of the latest trends

Be it fashion or gourmet food, Harajuku , at the forefront of trends, is a place where shops in trend and fashionable people gather in droves. Shopping malls are dotted throughout the street, drawing your eyes everywhere. Amongst these is the well-known beauty and cosmetics website in Japan, “@cosme,” with its physical shop, “@cosme Tokyo,” which has over 200 brands and 20,000 products available and is an enjoyable place just to take a look around too.

• Address 1 Chome-14-27 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
• Nearest Station Access: 1-minute walk from Meiji Jingū-mae (Harajuku) station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line and Fukutoshin line, or 1-minute walk from Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote line

Business hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Irregular holidays

9. Enjoy fresh seafood while watching Toyosu Market auctions play out

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy fresh seafood in Tokyo, Toyosu and Tsukiji are the places to go. In 2018, the wholesale market was moved from Tsukiji to Toyosu. Now, auctions for tuna and wholesale of fish are conducted in Toyosu. In addition to this, the restaurants and shops within Tsukiji 's market area were also moved to Toyosu. Right now, the area outside the market area of Tsukiji continues to operate the same way to this day, with numerous restaurants continuing to serve up fresh seafood . Be it enjoying the atmosphere of times foregone or watching the auctions at Toyosu; you can pick the location that aligns with your goals.

• Address 7 block management facility building, 6-6-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0061 View Map
• Nearest Station Shijo-Mae Station （Yurikamome）
• Phone Number 03-3520-8205

Recommended restaurants in Tsukiji that accept online reservations

• Address Nakatomi second Building,4-10-9, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 View Map
• Nearest Station Tsukijishijo Station （Toei Oedo Line）
• Phone Number 03-6226-6788

• Address Amount of 1,000 ridge 1F, 4-16-2, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 View Map
• Nearest Station Tsukijishijo Station （Toei Oedo Line） 1 minute on foot
• Phone Number 03-3541-9444

10. Satisfy yourself with all-you-can-eat grilled wagyu beef

For those who wish to enjoy Japan’s famed wagyu beef to their heart’s content, all-you-can-eat grilled wagyu is the answer. At Wagyu Tabehodai Nikuen Ueno , you can enjoy over 85 dishes for 3,980 yen (without tax), including wagyu beef, choosing only the foods that you like. From premium short rib to wagyu loin and premium beef tongue, you can enjoy premium wagyu beef at reasonable prices, and it’s a shop that has become the talk of town.

• Address 2-3-10, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station Access: 4-minute walk from Ueno station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line and Hibiya line
• Phone Number 050-5456-1143

Business hours: 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Until 12:00 a.m. on Sundays） Open daily

11. Enjoy authentic sushi at reasonable prices

Sushi , which was first created during the Edo period, has become one of Japan’s most famous dishes loved worldwide. In Tokyo, there are old shops that offer only counter seats and belt sushi , as well as all-you-can-eat restaurants, amongst a wide variety of shops available, and it can be a pain trying to decide which shop to try out. For example, “ Sushi Sakaba Fujiyama ” in Akihabara has a popular all-you-can-eat extra-large sushi buffet with impressive sushi topped with 20-centimeter-long slices of fish. Including bluefin tuna and salmon, over 50 types of fish are available for the 2,999 yen (without tax) buffet , and its reasonable price makes it extremely popular.

• Address 1-20 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station Access: 1-minute walk from JR Akihabara station
• Phone Number 03-4446-9886

Business hours: 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Open daily

12. Admire the night view of Tokyo from Tokyo Tower

Be it international or Japanese visitors, Tokyo Tower is frequented by numerous sightseers, and it’s not just the view from Tokyo from up in the sky, but the illuminations inside that change with the seasons which make visiting the observatory deck especially enjoyable. In September 2019, renovations on the 150-meter-tall main deck were completed. The window glass and sashes, along with the observation floor, were completely renewed. From buying original goods at the souvenir shops , to enjoying live music at “CLUB333” on the first floor of the main deck, there are now more ways to have fun there.

• Address 4-2-8, Shibakouen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0011 View Map
• Nearest Station Akabanebashi Station （Toei Oedo Line） 5 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3433-5111

13. See over the whole city from Tokyo Skytree®

The newest landmark in Tokyo is the Tokyo Skytree® . Standing at 634 meters tall, as of March 2016, it was the tallest free-standing radio tower in the world and has everything from observation decks that allow you to gaze over Tokyo to restaurants and souvenir shops . On clear days, you can see up to 75 kilometers away, allowing you to see Mount Fuji as well. On top of this, the view of the streets of Tokyo is painted red at sunset, and the night views are highly recommended.

• Address Oshiage 1-1-2, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 131-0045 View Map
• Nearest Station Tokyo Skytree Station （Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line)）
• Phone Number 0570-55-0634

14. Experience a maid café in Akihabara

Popular even worldwide is one of the tenets of Japanese pop culture , the maid café. From greetings of “Welcome home, master, lady,” to the cute outfits and performances by the staff full of smiles, the food menu has a wide variety of dishes too! Amongst all these maid cafés, “@Home Café Akihabara ” is recommended for first-timers who want to try it out. The staff have all received training in English, making it great for foreign visitors.

• Address Mitsuwa Bldg. 3F to 7F, 1-11-4, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station 3-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station
• Phone Number 03-5207-9779

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Open from 10:00a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Open daily

15. Eat ramen exclusive to Tokyo

At the crossroads of Japan is Tokyo station , and connected to the Yaesu underground central exit is “Tokyo Ramen Street,” a gourmet spot where numerous ramen shops are gathered. The area became popular as it allows you to enjoy ramen from popular ramen shops while in transit. This gourmet street has everything from fish and pork-based broth to ramen and tsukemen, or dipping noodles, with different noodles, soups, and toppings, to ramen that exclusively uses vegetables. The wide lineup available is staggering. As there are exclusive dishes that you can only enjoy here, it’s a great place to have your first bowl of ramen in Tokyo.

• Address The Tokyo Station first Avenue the first floor of the basement south street, 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005 View Map
• Nearest Station Tokyo Station （Tokaido Shinkansen Line / Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Yokosuka Line / JR Sobu Main Line / JR Sobu Main Line (Rapid) / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Keiyo Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line） 1 minute on foot
• Phone Number 03-3210-0077

16. Stay in a hotel where you can see a beautiful night view of the capital

To enjoy your holiday in Tokyo, you’ll want to choose the best hotels too. It goes without saying that you’ll want a place near the station, with beautiful night views of the city. Right next to Tokyo Station is Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo, located on the top eleven floors of the 37-story-tall skyscraper, Marunouchi Trust Tower Honkan. Because of its height, you can see the gorgeous scenery. The guestrooms have large windows, allowing you to enjoy a dynamic view.

• Address Chiyoda-ku, Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 1-8-3 Marunouchi,, Tokyo, 100-8283 View Map
• Nearest Station Tokyo Station （Tokaido Shinkansen Line / Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Yokosuka Line / JR Sobu Main Line / JR Sobu Main Line (Rapid) / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Keiyo Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line） 5 minutes on foot
• from 106,260JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

17. Challenge yourself to trying matcha sweets, since you’re in Japan

Matcha is a traditional flavor that the Japanese have always loved. In recent years, its popularity has spread to other countries as well. In particular, the light bitterness and sweetness make for a perfect match in matcha sweets . People who have tried it find themselves captivated by the flavor of the matcha. For example, “Suzukien Asakusa Main Shop” has its signature ice cream, the “matcha gelato,” where you can choose the matcha flavor's thickness from seven levels. Claimed to be the thickest matcha ice cream in the world is No. 7, and reviewers have described it as having an unforgettable taste.

• Address 3-4-3, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station 7-minute walk from Asakusa station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line, Toei Asakusa line, Tobu Isezaki line (Tokyo Skytree line), and Tsukuba Express
• Phone Number 03-3871-0311

Business hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except for over New Year) Closed on the third Wednesday of every month

18. Buy anime goods in the otaku paradise of Ikebukuro

When speaking of the two main spots for otaku in Tokyo, there is Akihabara in the east, and Ikebukuro in the west. Near the landmark building of Sunshine City in Ikebukuro , the surrounding area is full of shops with anime , cosplay , and doujinshi targeted at those of the female persuasion, earning it the nickname “Otome Road,” which translates to “Princess Road.” Among these shops is “Surugaya Ikebukuro Otome-kan Supported by Meikido,” where around 130,000 new and used goods and doujinshi are sold. Rare and limited items often make an appearance there too, and it’s recommended to make a stop there along the way.

• Address 1-30-12, Higashi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station 6-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station
• Phone Number 03-5956-0551

Business hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Open daily

19. Enjoy strolling around the streets and shopping at Ginza

In the Ginza area, popular even amongst foreign visitors, are not just high-end shops, but reasonably-priced brands such as Uniqlo and GU, and it’s a street with plenty of shopping available. From 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. from October to March) on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the central street is closed to traffic, turning it into a “pedestrian’s paradise.” While enjoying this unique aspect of Japanese culture, you can buy popular souvenirs at “ Ginza Six,” and enjoy bargain shopping at “Lotte Duty Free Ginza Store” at the entrance to “Tokyu Plaza Ginza .”

• Address GINZA SIX, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061 View Map
• Nearest Station Ginza Station （Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line） 2 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-6891-3390

• Address Tokyu plaza 8, Ginza, the ninth floor, 5-2-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061 View Map
• Nearest Station Ginza Station （Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line） 1 minute on foot
• Phone Number 03-6264-6200

20. Odaiba Seaside Park

The Odaiba Seaside Park is a beautiful sandy bay with lots of recreational activities, such as windsurfing and canoeing.

The park has great views of boats passing under the Rainbow Bridge, and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.

Nearby is the Daisan Daiba, a historic site with cannons and a gunpowder storehouse. There are also a number of restaurants along the waterfront for you to enjoy.

• Address 1-4, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 135-0091 View Map
• Nearest Station Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station （Yurikamome） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-5531-0852

21. Ueno Ameyoko Shotengai

Ameyoko is one of the liveliest areas in Tokyo, a bustling street market full of vendors calling out loudly to passersby.

Locals flock here to buy fresh seafood , while tourists come to buy souvenirs and other Japanese goods.

It's easy to lose yourself in the alleys around Ameyoko, which at night are packed with tiny izakaya where after a hard day's work, people pull up any available stool and enjoy a cold drink. Be prepared to share your table!

• Address 4, Ueno, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-0005 View Map
• Nearest Station Ueno Station （Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line） 1 minute on foot
• Phone Number 03-3832-5053

22. Takeshita-dori Street

For everything 'kawaii' (super cute), there is no better place than Takeshita Dori in Harajuku , the mecca of youth culture in Tokyo.

The street is constantly packed with people seeking out unique fashion trends and cool items, and the huge 100 yen shop is particularly popular with tourists. Be sure to try the crêpes from one of the many cafes that line the street.

23. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

One of the most popular 'free things to do in Tokyo' is to visit the observatory area of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

From 202 metres above ground, you can take in stunning views of the city, and on a good day you can see Mount Fuji .

Because the building is open until 11pm, at night you can see the glittering city lights, stretching as far as the eye can see.

• Address 2-8-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-8001 View Map
• Nearest Station Tochomae Station （Toei Oedo Line）
• Phone Number 03-3277-2815

24. Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum

When you enter the Edo-Tokyo Museum , you take a step back 400 years in time to see what life used to be like when Tokyo was known as 'Edo'.

With life-sized models of the Nihombashi Bridge, a playhouse from the Edo period, and small scale models from the Meiji period, you can see what life was like back then, how Japanese culture grew and flourished, and how Edo grew to become the city we know today.

• Address 1-4-1, Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 130-0015 View Map
• Nearest Station Ryogoku Station （Toei Oedo Line / JR Sobu Line） 1 minute on foot
• Phone Number 03-3626-9974

25. Ueno Park

This massive park is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, but is beautiful regardless of the season .

Many people visit here simply to enjoy some greenery, but there is a lot more to do.

Inside the park grounds are the Kaneiji Temple and mausoleum, the Toshogu Shrine , museums , art galleries, and a zoo .This is also one of Japan's first designated parks , and has fantastic flower gardens , ponds, and fountains.

• Address Uenokouen, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007 View Map
• Phone Number 03-3828-5644

26. Samurai Museum

Anyone obsessed with samurai stories must visit the Samurai Museum in Shinjuku .

It covers seven centuries of samurai history, with impressive displays of kabuto helmets, yoroi armor and, of course, swords and other weapons.

Don't miss the opportunity to dress up in samurai gear for a photo shoot. With information in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean it is tourist-friendly, and in addition to giving tours, staff also stage sword battles and give lessons in how to use katana. Come and feel the samurai spirit!

• Address 2-25-6, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021 View Map
• Nearest Station Shinjuku Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Shinjuku Line / Toei Oedo Line / Keio Line / Keio New Line / Odakyu Odawara Line） 8 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-6457-6411

27. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen is a national garden in the heart of the city, and one of Tokyo's best cherry blossom viewing areas.

The gardens have three dictinct styles - Traditional Japanese, French Formal Garden , and English Landscape .

In autumn the red leaves are on display, and in winter the Japanese gardens are particularly scenic covered with snow.This park is enjoyable year-round and immaculately maintained.

• Address 11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0014 View Map
• Nearest Station Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station （Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line） 5 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3350-0151

28. Shibuya

Shibuya is famous for its insanely crowded pedestrian crossing and trendy department stores , which draws locals and tourists alike.

Everyone wants to meet at the statue of Hachiko outside Shibuya Station. Long a hub for youth culture, Shibuya has many bars , restaurants and live music venues. It is also close to Yoyogi Park , which on the weekends attracts interesting characters, such as kids in elaborate ' cosplay ' (costumes) and leather-clad rockabillies. Never a dull moment in Shibuya !

29. Akihabara Electric Town

The neon streets of Akihabara are called Electric Town for good reason – whether you need computer parts, game software, cameras, TVs or phones, you can get it all here.

Other than electronic goods, in recent years it has become a hub for anime and manga fans, attracting fans from all over the world.

30. Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Since 1733, people have gathered at the Sumida River to watch fireworks in the summer time.

Now one of Tokyo's biggest annual fireworks festivals, every year in July it has traditional fireworks displays, as well as a contest for new creative fireworks.

It can get crowded, so the best place to view the show is from one of the boats that cruise the Sumida River as the fireworks light up the sky.

31. Chow down on some Monja-Yaki

Grab your metal spatula and get cooking! Monjayaki is a flour-based batter topped with shredded cabbage and other ingredients that you cook yourself on a hot metal griddle and eat right off the pan.

There's no better place to eat Monja than Tsukishima Monja Street, where more than 60 shops serve different varieties of the dish, from the traditional ingredients of cabbage and seafood to new fusion-style monja .

32. Enjoy a day at Tokyo Disney Resort

Come visit Tokyo Disney Resort® and experience two theme parks : Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea®. Attractions and shows , meeting your favorite Disney Characters. Seven fun-filled themed lands offer more than can be enjoyed in just one day! Explore seven themed ports of call filled with breathtaking shows , unique attractions, fun shopping, and fine dining — all with the Disney touch!

• Address 1-1, Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba, 279-0031 View Map
• Nearest Station Maihama Station （JR Keiyo Line） 4 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0570-00-8632

• Nearest Station Maihama Station （JR Keiyo Line） 13 minutes on foot

*This article is a re-compilation of past articles. *Due to Covid-19, operating hours and services available may be affected. For the latest information, please check the official websites.

• Area Tokyo Station
• Category Outdoor Activities Other Activities Culture Experience

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Home » Asia » Japan » Tokyo

26 BEST Places to Visit in Tokyo (2024)

Tokyo is simply out of this world, with its amazing food and endless entertainment options. It’s the go-to place if you want to dive into a culture completely different from your own. This city is a rollercoaster of excitement, sometimes a bit quirky, but definitely a must-visit at least once in your lifetime. Whether you’re into shopping, trying new cuisines, or just soaking in different lifestyles, Tokyo has it all.

However, the catch is, it can be a bit heavy on the wallet. Tokyo stands out as one of the pricier cities in Asia for both travel and living expenses, which might be a hurdle if you’re on a tight budget. But fear not! You don’t need to empty your pockets to have a blast in Tokyo. With a bit of caution and some smart choices in activities and places to visit, you can have an incredible time without burning a hole in your wallet.

To steer you toward budget-friendly activities, affordable hotels, and places that won’t make you regret checking your bank account, here’s your guide to making the most of this fantastic city without breaking the bank.

Let’s go!

Need a Place Quick? Here’s the Best Neighborhood in Tokyo:

These are the best places to visit in tokyo, faq on the best places to visit in tokyo.

While Tokyo can be very expensive , there are still great accommodation options available. From a cool Tokyo hostel to a comfy hotel, here are three great places to stay in Tokyo :

If you like to be near to the Tokyo places to visit, Shinjuku is often said to be the city’s tourism heart and soul. Skyscrapers make for a dazzling skyline and bright neon lights cannot help but grab your attention.

• Shop till you drop at places like Odakyu, Lumine, Beams Japan, and Takashimaya Times Square.
• Stroll around the old-world area of Golden Gai.
• Go bar hopping in Kabukicho.

When you’re backpacking around Japan your first stop has gotta be the crazy capital of Tokyo!

There’s a lot to do here so you’re going to need to plan your trip and pick the Tokyo tourist attractions you really want to prioritise.

PS: Tokyo is a great place to visit in August , unlike many other places around the world!

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#1 – Meji Shrine – One of the Most Religious Places to See in Tokyo

• A working Shinto Shrine where you can take part in traditional rituals.
• You can’t photograph the inside of the shrine, but you’ll get some good shots out of the outside.

Why it’s so awesome : Japan’s religions are quite different from Western beliefs. One of the oldest religious systems in the country is called Shinto, and it’s this religion that allowed Japan to accept and incorporate western influences into its culture while still holding on to its own uniqueness. The Meji Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in the city and is surrounded by a huge park that’s a striking reminder of how well the city incorporates ultra-modern architecture with the natural world.

What to do there: The Meji shrine is still a functioning shrine so make sure you take part in a ritual while you’re there. This is a serene, peaceful area, so refrain from eating or smoking except in marked areas and keep your voice down in respect to the other visitors. Outside of the shrine is a large archway called a Torii. It’s traditional to bow at these gates when you enter and when you leave.

There is also a drinking fountain inside and it supplies water to purify visitors. You can wash your hands, but don’t drink the water or allow the wooden dippers to touch your lips. When you approach the shrine itself, it’s traditional to bow twice, clap your hands twice, make a wish, and bow again. You obviously don’t have to take part in any of these rituals, but it’s a nice way to be a part of this Tokyo landmark rather than just staring at it.

#2 – Tokyo National Museum

• A chance for you to explore the history of this fascinating country!
• The national museum is one of the biggest museums in the country.
• You’ll see everything from samurai swords to Buddhist scrolls at the national museum.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve ever been fascinated by the stories of the samurai, kimonos, or unique pottery items, then you’ll find them all at the national museum. It’s one of the biggest museums in the country, with over 116,000 pieces of art, so you’re bound to find something amazing to learn about.

What to do there : While you’re in the museum, make sure you explore the displays that will help you learn about the parts of Japanese culture that are most interesting to you. For most people, this would be the samurai sword display and armor or the kimonos. But take the chance to explore other facets of Japan’s history as well at the national museum. It’s so different from western history and most of the art created throughout Japan’s history is staggeringly beautiful, so don’t miss it.

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#3 – Sensoji Temple & Asakusa District – One of the most incredible places to go to in Tokyo

• Located in busy, local-focused Asakusa, so you can shop and eat while you’re there.
• You’ll get some amazing photos in this area of not only the temple but the incredible gardens as well.
• A popular tourist site that’s still a working temple, so you’ll see people burning incense and praying while you’re there.

Why it’s so awesome : Sensoji Temple looms out of the center of the otherwise modern neighborhood where it lives as if it’s been transported from another time. This is the oldest temple to see while traveling in Tokyo and it’s also the most popular among tourists and locals. Dating back to 628, the temple looks old but was actually reconstructed after its destruction during the Second World War. But you wouldn’t know from being there, as it looks and smells like it’s been soaking up incense for longer than you can imagine.

What to do there: This is actually a functioning temple so be respectful of the locals you see praying and burning incense inside. This temple is a big part of the locals’ most deeply held beliefs and they often come to ask for healing or help. It’s a really crowded landmark, so plan to visit either early in the morning or late at night if you want to avoid the crowds. But apart from that, just wander the site and take pictures from every angle. And when you’re done, take a walk and find somewhere to eat, there are plenty of places nearby to choose from!

#4 – Tokyo Imperial Palace

• The Palace has stunning grounds and you’ll get some amazing pictures.
• It’s still used as one of the homes of the Japanese imperial family.
• There’s a limit to how many people can enter the grounds, so make sure you apply for a ticket rather than just showing up.

Why it’s so awesome : Japanese architecture and their sense of aesthetics are different from anywhere else in the world and they’re both absolutely stunning. The Imperial Palace is a good example of this sense of grace and beauty. And the grounds are no different. Japanese gardens are probably the most stunning in the world, and the Imperial Palace is surrounded by some of the best examples of these gardens that you’ll ever see. You won’t regret adding them to your Tokyo itinerary !

What to do there : This is an important historical site and it’s also the home of the imperial family today, so you’ll need to apply several weeks in advance to get admittance to the site. And you probably won’t be able to go inside the building at all, as these passes are even rarer. But the grounds here are stunning, particularly the East Garden, which is a lush, natural space that’s designed in the traditional Japanese style.

#5 – Odaiba – Cool place to see in Tokyo with friends!

• The entertainment centre of the city.
• Includes enough museums and beaches and other attractions to keep you busy for days, if not weeks!

Why it’s so awesome: Odaiba is a neighborhood set on a mini island in the middle of Tokyo Bay and it’s the center of entertainment, eating, and cool architecture in the city. Whatever type of attractions you enjoy you’ll find here, from museums to beaches, a Statue of Liberty, and amusement parks. Whether you’re traveling with kids, family, or friends, everyone will definitely find something to do here.

What to do there : What do you want to do? If you enjoy trying all the food that Tokyo has to offer, then you’ll find eateries here to satiate every taste. If you enjoy museums, then you should go to the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. There are amusement parks where you can ride go-karts and Ferris wheels and you can even go to the Legoland Discovery Center!

Whatever you want to do, you’ll find something here that will suit your taste. And if you have the time, make sure you visit the Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari, which is a hot springs theme park where you can wear a traditional yukata and relax in a variety of different natural baths. It’s a perfect place to relax after the stress of the city!

#6 – The Ginza – A great place in Tokyo if you love to shop!

• One of the best shopping areas in the city.
• Take advantage of high-end shopping as well as small, quirky shops that sell things you’ll only find in Japan!

Why it’s so awesome : Most cities have one shopping area that dominates over all the others and for Japan, it’s the Ginza. You’ll find big-name shops like H&M, design houses like Armani and Cartier as well as traditional stores that sell all the souvenirs you could ever want to take home. There are also some quirkier choices, such as stores dedicated to buttons and charcoal beauty products, so make sure you check everything out.

What to do there : If you enjoy shopping, you don’t need to be told what to do in this area. Shop until you drop. Make sure you look for souvenirs like kimonos and incense as well if you have people back home you need to buy gifts for. And even if you’re not a big shopper, there’s still a lot to do in this area. There are more than 200 art galleries in the area, some of the best eateries and restaurants, and theatres where you can catch one of Japan’s famous kabuki performances!

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#7 – National Museum of Emerging Science and Technology – Awesome Place to Visit in Tokyo With Kids!

• A place that will prove to you just how innovative and technology-focused Japan is.
• Contains more interactive displays then you could imagine.
• No matter what part of science you’re interested in, you’ll find something fascinating to do here.

Why it’s so awesome : This museum is one of the best in the world and it was born from and highlights Japan’s obsession with technology and innovation. It’s a fun and fascinating place to spend some time in regardless of whether you’re a child or just a big kid, and you could spend hours here exploring every facet of Japan’s interest in technology!

What to do there : if you’re interested in space, try the Explore the Frontiers display, where you can walk into a model of the International Space Station, complete with autographs from history’s most famous astronauts. You can learn about robots in the Create Your Future exhibit, explore an LED Earth sculpture in the Discover Your Earth exhibit or enjoy an educational movie at the Gaia 3D home theater. Basically, this museum will make you feel like a big kid, rushing around too excited to choose just one thing to look at. And recapturing that feeling is amazing on its own!

#8 – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Tokyo

• A beautiful, natural place in the middle of the city.
• Japan has a talent for including huge swaths of nature in the middle of cities and this park is one of the best examples of that.
• Take photos or just relax and enjoy the scenery!

Why it’s so awesome : Japan is a city that loves technology, skyscrapers, and modern everything and yet the designers of it recognized that nature was vital as well and incorporated lots of amazing parks in the city. The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one example of that foresight and it makes up for the best day trip in Tokyo . The gardens within are landscaped in 3 different styles, Japanese traditional, French Formal, and English Garden, and exploring these natural surroundings could probably take you a whole afternoon!

What to do there : There is a small entrance fee to this park, but once you’re in you’ll probably want to spend all day there. Make sure you check out the different landscaping styles, and if you’re there in spring, definitely take a picnic and sit out under the cherry trees. This is a traditional spring activity in Japan for a good reason! Mostly, this is a place to sit and relax from the busyness of the city. Take a walk, have a picnic, or find one of the park’s teahouses or eateries and have a snack surrounded by nature.

#9 – Tokyo SkyTree

• You can get a bird’s eye view of the whole city from the top of the Tokyo Skytree
• Getting up to the observation deck requires a ticket to get up the tallest building in Japan
• Walk over the class floor for views the whole way to the ground 1,150-foot (350-m) below!
• See Mount Fuji on a clear day from the Tokyo Skytree

Why it’s so awesome : The Tokyo SkyTree has two observatories that are the highest in the city, so basically, you’ll get the best view of Tokyo when you spend some time in this building. It’s really easy and well organized to get to the top observation deck and despite the 1,150-foot (350-m) height, you’re transported to the top in the super quick lift in no time! On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji from the Tokyo Skytree.

It’s possibly the most popular tourist attraction in the city with many tourists visiting each day, so be sure to buy tickets before to make sure you don’t miss out on this epic Tokyo sightseeing experience.

What to do there: One of the biggest draws of the Tokyo Skytree building is the fact that there isn’t a limit on how long you spend at the observation deck. So you can take as many photos as you want and then just relax and take in the views of Mount Fuji with no one hurrying you along. When you’re done with the view, there are some great restaurants on the same floor, so stop in for a meal. For an extra bonus, time your visit to coincide with the sunset for some truly spectacular views and photographs.

#10 – Ghibli Museum

• If you know anything about Japanese animation, this is its home.
• A chance to experience the magic and the mystery of Japan’s unique creative spirit and its most famous dreamer.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve ever watched Japanese cinema then you’ve probably seen a movie by Studio Ghibli. They make some of Japan’s most popular and magical animated films including Spirited Away, which won an Oscar for the best-animated movie in 2003. This studio is headed by Hayao Miyazaki and the museum is just as quirky as the films.

What to do there : It’s notoriously difficult to get tickets to see the Ghibli Museum , but if you’re a fan of the movies then it’s worth making the effort because you’ll have a magical visit. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy this informal, unusual museum. There’s a play area for kids that includes a cat bus from one of the movies and a rooftop garden with sculptures of popular characters from the movies.

You should also make sure you see the short film they have featured because it changes every month and you won’t see it anywhere else. Just be aware that this museum doesn’t cater to tourists, so most of the signs are in Japanese, and you might find it a little difficult to find your way around.

#11 – Akihabara – An awesome place to visit in Tokyo for half a day!

• The centre of Tokyo’s tech frenzy!
• A great place to visit if you’re a gamer or interested in getting your hands on the latest technological marvel.
• This area also caters to anime lovers, so if you enjoy this genre then you should definitely explore it.

Why it’s so awesome : This suburb is where you can buy almost any piece of technology or game that’s on the market at the moment. It’s basically street after street that’s dedicated to computers and gadgets. You’ll find gaming arcades, shops that sell anime and cosplay goods, and more neon signs than you could ever read. Also, you can feel like you are in a video game by dressing up and riding the streets in go-karts!

What to do there: If you’re headed to Akihabara to buy something specific, make sure you do your research beforehand. The shops and streets full of tech shops are vast and it’s easy to get lost and walk away empty-handed. Also, be a little careful about bringing young children to the area. Anime culture isn’t all clouds and pretty graphics and it’s quite different to how people in the west think of cartoons. Because this area is dedicated to anime lovers, you may see some of these elements in the streets. And not all of them will be appropriate for very young children to experience.

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#12 – Tokyo Tower

• A great place for a photo op.
• Relaxed, varied dining area on the lower floors where you can pick up snacks from all over the world.

Why it’s so awesome : This building is a landmark. Standing 1,092 feet above the city it actually has a very practical purpose and transmits television and radio over the city. The building was modelled on the Eiffel Tower and it does bear more than a passing resemblance to this famous structure. But the tower isn’t just practical. It has observation decks where you can get a great view of the city and a shopping and restaurant area in the lower sections where you can pick up souvenirs or have a great meal.

What to do there : The Tokyo Tower has two observation decks at different heights, so make sure you go up during the day or night to take photos of the city. They also have guides on these decks who can point out important buildings on the Tokyo skyline. If you want to take in the view and have a coffee at the same time, you can visit the café there or go downstairs to the lower floors. The restaurants in Tokyo Tower are great and there’s also a floor dedicated to stalls selling a wide variety of different snacks and foods from other countries. So if you go there for a meal, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice. And it’s all amazing.

#13 – Tsukiji Fish Market – A Must-See For Foodies!

• If you like seafood, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this market.
• World’s largest fish market
• A perfect place for people watching.

Why it’s so awesome : The fish markets in Japan are famous and this is one of the oldest. It shut down in 2018 and then reopened as 2 separate parts. At the original location, you’ll find food stalls that sell a range of seafood dishes and snacks and down the road, you’ll find the other half of the market, known as Toyosu Market, which has some of the best sushi bars in the city.

What to do there : Eat seafood! You’ll find the freshest seafood you’ve ever eaten in this market and also some of the most inventive dishes. Try the seared tuna, sushi or squid ink sticky buns if you’re feeling adventurous. And other than that, make sure you wander around. The fish market draws locals from all walks of life, and it’s fascinating to watch an event that’s so integral to everyday life in Japan.

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#14 – Shibuya Crossing

• One of the most iconic and photographed sites in Tokyo.
• If you’re looking for that defining photograph of Tokyo, you’ll be able to take it here.

Why it’s so awesome : Tokyo is one of the most crowded cities in the world ( yet still so safe! ) and that makes the Shibuya Crossing one of the busiest crosswalks in the world too. It’s actually really fascinating to watch. The lights change and suddenly people are walking from every direction, a crowd of crisscrossing shoppers, students, and men in business suits. Go at dusk to get the best light for pictures.

What to do there : The Shibuya Crossing is located in the centre of a busy city street and it’s surrounded by flashing neon lights and shops of every description. It’s the perfect place to people watch, so pull up a café chair, or just sit on one of the benches around the area and watch the controlled madness. Step out of Shibuya station for instant organised chaos!

There are also a lot of good restaurants and eateries in the area, so when you’re done make sure you stop for a snack.

#15 – Nezu Museum

• A temple of traditional Japanese Art.
• The artworks inside the building are stunning, but the building itself and it’s garden are just as amazing.

Why it’s so awesome : Spread over 40,000 feet, the museum contains more than 7,400 pieces of traditional and contemporary Japanese art. But it isn’t just the artwork inside that’s incredible. The building itself was redesigned by acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma and it manages to convey age, grace, elegance and welcome all at once, which makes it really worth the experience.

What to do there : This museum is a study in contrasts. It covers more than 40,000 feet and yet by some wonder of architecture, it still feels welcoming and intimate. You won’t find the cold, almost anesthetic feel of some museums in this building. Instead, it welcomes you to stay and enjoy the traditional art, so follow your impulses and take your time. And make sure you check out the outer areas too. The museum has a private garden that’s just spectacular.

#16 – Ryoguku Kokugikan

• You’ve got to experience sumo wrestling in Japan!
• There are 3 sumo tournaments a year at this site, drawing more than 11,000 fans.

Why it’s awesome : Sumo is a big draw in Tokyo, and you might be surprised by how popular it is among the locals. There are 6 official sumo tournaments in Japan every year, three of which are held at this location, and the tournaments themselves last for weeks. Obviously, this means that there can’t be tournaments all year round, which is why this venue holds other sporting competitions like kickboxing too. But if you’re in Tokyo when there’s a sumo tournament on, it’s really worth seeing.

What to do there : Sumo is an iconic and much-loved sport in Japan. So, if you get the chance, buy a ticket and attend one of the matches. Not only is it a uniquely interesting sport to watch, if slightly unusual to western minds, but it’s also exciting to be among the crowd as the locals cheer on their favorites and get swept up in the challenge and competition.

#17 – Yoyogi Park – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Tokyo

• A park for the active traveller, where you can take part in any sport under the sun.
• Walking distance from Harajuku Station
• The perfect place to hang out in nature and get away from the city.

Why it’s so awesome : Japan has some amazing parks and Yoyogi Park is one of the best. It’s 134 acres just a short distance from Shibuya and is always full of picnickers and performers. There is always something going on in this park. It’s probably the only place in the city where you can see people playing badminton, the banjo, and amateur dancers all in one area.

What to do there : This is a park where you can relax, sit back, and enjoy yourself. Take a picnic or grab some snacks from a nearby stall and watch the performances. In the northern areas, long walkways stretch across lush lawns, so get some exercise and breath in the sweet-smelling air. Or just wander and explore whatever takes your fancy, it’s all up to you. It’s easy to reach being within walking distance of Harajuku Station.

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#18 – Ueno Park

• A huge and stunning natural area with lots to do.
• Close to Ueno station.
• You’ll find everything from museums to grave sites and statues in this area.

Why it’s so awesome: Tokyo has a lot of amazing parks and Ueno Park is one of the most popular among the locals. No matter what time of day you go there you’ll find school kids in large groups chattering their way along the path, older locals playing games, and workers eating their lunch. This is where a lot of the locals in Tokyo go to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the quiet. And if you need this during your holiday, then Ueno Park is the perfect place to get it.

What to do there: Ueno Park is the perfect place to relax, take in the scenery, and pretend you’re not in a big city at all. You can wander from museum to museum, explore the shady, dappled walkways, take photos next to the grave sites of samurai’s from another time, or just sit on a bench and relax near a water feature. Basically, if you need restoration and quiet, this is the place to get it.

#19 – Origami Kaikam

• A chance to see one of the most familiar Japanese art forms in the world.
• You really won’t believe  what people can make  with a simple piece of paper!

Why it’s so awesome : This is a shop and an art gallery in one. There are several floors in this building, with a shop on the ground floor, an art gallery on the second, and a workshop at the top that all explore the art of origami. You’ll not only see the familiar crane shape, but you’ll also see some creations that might seem impossible! The art rotates seasonally, so if you visit more than once, you’ll experience something new every time.

What to do there : When you visit this site, you don’t just have to look at the paper creations, you can also learn to make them as well. There are classes on-site as well as specially dyed paper, so get involved and make your experience that much richer.

#20 – Tokyo Station

• Tokyo station is a historic building.
• Great shopping area, particularly if you’re looking for souvenirs.
• Some of the best fast food options in the city are in this building, and they’re  far healthier  than western fast food options too!

Why it’s so awesome : It might sound strange to say that a trip through a train station can be an awesome experience but this is Japan, where nothing is as you might expect. Tokyo Station is a historic icon that’s a symbol of Japan’s rush to modernize. It’s over a hundred years old and is home to a huge variety of shops and restaurants. That’s what makes it the perfect place to spend some time before and after your trips out of the city.

What to do there: You can take a tour through the station if you like but you can also explore it on your own. There are a huge variety of shops within the building as well as some food stalls that serve famous Japanese snacks. Visit the Tokyo Ramen Street inside the station to try a wide variety of ramen types all in one handy location.

#21 – Kabuki-za Theatre – A Great Place to Visit in Tokyo at Night

• This theatre has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times, but it’s still a historic landmark and home to great kabuki shows !
• There’s also a gallery on the fifth floor with costumes and other related exhibits.

Why it’s so awesome: This theatre was first built in the late 1800s, but war and fire, and other disasters have destroyed it repeatedly throughout time. The most recent incarnation was built in 2013, which proves just how important this art form is to Japanese culture. Kabuki is a form of Japanese theatre that uses song and dance as well as highly dramatized language and actions to convey stories. The plays can be historical dramas, more contemporary stories, or dance pieces.

What to do there : This theatre has shows running constantly so make sure you get a ticket while you’re in the city. You don’t even have to sit through a whole play if you aren’t sure if you’ll like it because there are single-act tickets that you can buy at the door. Make sure you have a look at the souvenir shop afterward for some awesome gifts or trinkets that are sure to raise eyebrows back home.

#22 – Ueno Sakuragi Atari

• A historic and fascinating look at old Japan.
• If you’re interested in history, you’ll get some great shots in this area, which looks like it belongs to a previous age.

Why it’s so awesome : This area contains 3 traditional houses that were renovated into one complex. They now contain stores, houses, and workshops, all of them eclectic and cunningly fit into such as small area. You can have a craft beer in a bar that looks like it came straight off the set of a Japanese film and eat bread in an eclectic bakery. Basically, this area is like a small town all in 3 buildings, and you’ll get some amazing travel photos while you’re there.

What to do there : Just explore. The design of this building is eclectic and it has a lot of nooks and crannies where there are shops and stalls that you wouldn’t expect. And they have great seasonal events too, including beer festivals and tea ceremonies, so check their website before you go to see what’s on.

#23 – Rainbow Bridge

• The city’s most famous bridge.
• It looks amazing in the day, but it’s even better at night when it lights up.
• Make sure you get lots of photographs!

Why it’s so awesome : The Rainbow Bridge crosses Tokyo Bay and looks like its name. It manages to carry cars, people, and the Metro across the river and look spectacular at the same time, which you can really say about too many bridges. It’s particularly awesome at night, when it lights up with the spectrum of the rainbow, making it look exactly like its name promises.

What to do there : The bridge carries cars, the Metro and people across the water, so if you want to get the full experience then walk over the bridge to Odaiba. The views of the bay and the different parts of the city are amazing in the daytime. But make sure that you find a good spot to see it at night as well because the lights are truly spectacular.

#24 – Ninja Akasaka

• Perfect for a fun night out with friends.
• Great food, served in surroundings that are reminiscent of an ancient Japanese castle.

Why it’s so awesome : Everyone likes ninjas but nobody really thinks of them in connection with food and yet that’s exactly what you’ll get in this restaurant. This is a fun, quirky place to have dinner while ninjas jump around and bring you dishes in a building that’s designed to look like the interior of a Japanese castle. It’s a great place for a fun night out, as only Japan can do it.

What to do there : This restaurant serves Japanese food with western tweaks, but the real draw is the ninjas who serve the food, bring the menu, and jump out unexpectedly at you. Make sure you check on the showtimes for the magician as well, as this will add another layer of fun to an already interesting night.

#25 – teamLab Planets – One of the most amazing places in Tokyo!

• Tokyo’s hottest art show.
• Technology and art combine here for an experience you’ll never forget.

Why it’s so awesome : This show opened in 2018 in Odaiba and is a digital art museum created by a technology group called teamLab. There are more than 60 artworks on display and they’re all interactive so you can touch and disrupt. Actually, you’re encouraged to do so, because your participation is part of the art!

What to do there : There are five sections in this art display so make sure you spend time with each one. And don’t just look either, touch and explore and see what happens! You’ll be surprised by the reaction. Also, make sure you check out the Sketch Aquarium, where you can draw your own image and watch as it starts moving across the walls!

#26 – Nonbei Yokocho

• Japan’s bar alley where you can get a drink in atmospheric surroundings.
• The perfect place for a night out.

Why it’s so awesome : This is a tiny and untidy alley filled with tiny bars, many of which only fit four or five people at once. The area dates back to the 1950s and since then the alley has been filled with eateries and yakitori shops, all of them close to the Shibuya station .

What to do there : Spend time exploring the alleys and try the eateries. The eatery known as Okasan is particularly popular. It’s a no-frills place that serves traditional meals and has been popular in Japan for generations. Also, if you can fit into any of the bars, make sure you grab a drink too and really get the most from the experience. This is a great area to indulge in some proper Japanese food.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Tokyo

What should you not miss in Tokyo?

Shinjuku is the bustling heart and soul of Tokyo and it’s exactly what you came to see! Where the old and the new collide in a complete sensory overload!

What is the coolest place in Tokyo?

It’s got to be Akihabara , the tech center of Tokyo and the Japan of your dreams!! Endless fun awaits in Electric Town!

What are the best places to visit in Tokyo at night?

Head up to the iconic Tokyo Tower and take in the bright lights of the city at night from above!

What are the best places to visit in Tokyo during winter?

Head inside the Ryoguku Kokugikan for some sumo action, it’s sure to heat up during these intense battles!

Japan can be an expensive place, but don’t let that stop you from spending some time in this city, because it’s absolutely worth the money. It’s one of the most interesting cities in the world and offers all the best parts of Japanese culture as well as the most incredible food you’ll ever eat.

Visit the amazing places in Tokyo we’ve discussed have the trip of your dreams. But don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path, too. This city is like another world–get to know it while you’re here!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Japan Life Things To Do in Tokyo

Exploring Tokyo’s Hidden Mosques

Check out these tucked-away sanctuaries for Muslims seeking refuge, community and a sense of belonging in a city that never sleeps.

April 23, 2024

Despite their modest numbers, mosques in Tokyo are vital for Muslims seeking worship, gatherings and cultural exchange. Japan’s biggest mosque, Tokyo Camii in Shibuya, stuns those who come across it with its gorgeous Ottoman-style architecture as a striking testament to cultural diversity amid the city’s modern skyline. However, unlike some cities where these mosques dot the landscape, in Tokyo there aren’t so many and they are often inconspicuously nestled within the urban fabric. Here are some of the more quaint spots to engage with the Islamic faith in Japan’s capital.

List of Contents: 1. Masjid Nusantara, Akihabara 2. Masjid Shin-Okubo, Shin-Okubo 3. Jame Masjid, Kinshicho 4. Dar Al Taqwa Nihon Islamic Bunka Center, Ojima 5. Masjid Al Ikhlas, Kabukicho Related Posts

1. Masjid Nusantara, Akihabara

A short walk from the area’s neon lights, maids and game centers will bring you to this unassuming building where an Indonesian-run mosque can be found on the fifth floor. We put down our manga and picked up the Quran from one of the decorated prayer rooms where Arabic calligraphy can be found, as well as helpful signs in both Japanese and Indonesian. The mosque has regular events with the well-known Japanese Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Maeno. There is even a halal restaurant across the street with halal versions of ramen, gyoza and Japanese curry. 

2. Masjid Shin-Okubo, Shin-Okubo

Nestled down an alley in the middle of Tokyo’s famous Koreatown, the harmonies of BTS pause momentarily as the azan, or adhan (Muslim call to prayer) echoes through the streets, calling the many foreign residents and business owners in the area in for their daily prayers. This single-room mosque can be found in what is known as Islam Yokocho, a street dedicated to halal restaurants and supermarkets. Despite only being one room in a building, the mosque provides a place to perform wudu (the ritual of washing before prayer), a shelf overflowing with Islamic books and a decent-sized prayer space.

3. Jame Masjid, Kinshicho

After appreciating the spectacular view of Tokyo Skytree, head towards this conveniently located prayer space.  A stone’s throw away from JR Kinshicho Station’s south exit, Jame Masjid is open 24 hours a day, every day. Before Friday’s prayers, a friendly Japanese doorman will usually greet you. There might also be some biryani served here on the odd occasion. There are sometimes talks on Islam held here for newly-reverted Japanese Muslims and they even provide iftar (a fast-breaking meal) during the holy month of Ramadan. 

4. Dar Al Taqwa Nihon Islamic Bunka Center, Ojima

The hardest-to-find mosque on this list, Dar Al Taqwa provides a decent prayer space for people living around Koto ward in Tokyo. There is a convenient basin outside the mosque for visitors to perform wudu and a shelf to store shoes. That is pretty much it. This no-frills establishment sees many migrant workers and businesspeople in the area come to pray Isha , the fifth and final daily prayer for Muslims. Located in a small alley within a residential area of Ojima, Google Maps is truly your best friend.

5. Masjid Al Ikhlas, Kabukicho

It is hard to imagine that Tokyo’s famous red-light district has a place of worship right in the middle of it, but Al Ikhlas is actually a regular place of worship for many people working in the area. Seek forgiveness in this small but clean mosque which holds Jummah (Friday communal prayer) to the best of its capacity with people even praying in the hallways. The location is quite odd, but staff members have commented that there is no better place for a holy establishment than the area of Tokyo which is most famous for its debauchery.

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Tokyo   Travel Guide

19 Essential Things to Do in Tokyo + Neighborhoods to Visit

With more than 13 million residents to entertain, Tokyo has a lot going on. Start your morning off with breakfast sushi at the world-famous Tsukiji Outer Market , then let yourself get lost in Japan's vast and interesting history at the Tokyo

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Just to the west of downtown Tokyo lies a gorgeous urban oasis. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden comprises 144 acres of green space and is unique in that it incorporates three landscaping styles – Japanese traditional, French formal and English garden. During the spring, the park gets an extra boost in visitors for its vibrant display of cherry blossoms. If you plan on visiting during this beautiful time, make like a local and come to the park equipped with picnic supplies. Autumn is another popular time to visit thanks to the bright fall foliage, which usually peaks between mid-November and mid-December.

Travelers say the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Even if you don't have a couple hours to spare for a picnic, visitors say a short stroll is enough to take up the park's peaceful atmosphere. Travelers also report that there are plenty of amenities within the park, including restrooms, places to eat, as well as a greenhouse and teahouse.

Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa free

The oldest religious site in Tokyo is also its most visited. The Senso-ji Temple sees about 30 million annual visitors and its inception dates all the way back to year 628. Despite its claim to antiquity, however, the structures that currently stand are relatively new reconstructions of previous edifices (during World War II, nearly the entire temple was razed). The Senso-ji Temple is dedicated to Asakusa Kannon, the Buddhist god of mercy and happiness. According to legend, two fishermen struck gold and found a statue of the god while fishing on the Sumida River. The Senso-ji shrine is dedicated to this lucky catch and features a small homage to the fisherman who caught the statue. Unfortunately, while here, you won't be able to see the actual statue. It is there, but it isn't on public display (it never has been). Either way, Buddhists and interested tourists alike flock to this attraction with the hopes that being in the presence of Kannon's healing powers will rub off on them. After you've properly toured Senso-ji, take some time to check out the shops that line Nakamise Dori, which you'll find on the way to the temple. 

The majority of travelers enjoyed their experience at the Senso-ji Temple, with some saying a visit to Tokyo isn’t complete until make a stop here. Visitors found the temple to be beautiful and enjoyed admiring its grand stature and intricate architectural details. The only complaint among travelers was with the attraction and all the activity surrounding it; Senso-ji can get so crowded that it can be difficult to be able to simply admire the attraction. If you don't want to share space with throngs of tourists, visitors suggest coming early morning or late at night. 

Meiji Shrine Meiji Shrine free

The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto (Japan's original religion) shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Japanese history credits Meiji for modernizing Japan by incorporating Western principles into Japanese society, including adopting a cabinet system into government. After the emperor's death in 1912 and that of his consort in 1914, the Japanese commemorated their contributions with the Meiji Shrine. While the buildings are certainly worth visiting, the surrounding forest (considered part of the vast Yoyogi Park) is a sight to see as well. That's because 100,000 of the trees standing were all donated by Japanese people from around the country as a thank you to the emperor.

While at such a sacred site, take time to partake in traditional rituals. When entering the shrine, you'll first see the Torii , or the shrine's large archway. It's traditional to bow once entering, then again when you leave. To foreigners, the Temizusha may appear to be a drinking fountain, but it's actually a cleansing station where visitors have the opportunity to purify themselves with holy water. It's common to wash your hands and rinse your mouth out, but don't drink the water. When approaching the main shrine, it's customary to pay your respects by bowing twice, then clapping your hands twice and bow once again. Carrying out such respects are optional, the rules of the shrine are not. Don't photograph the interior of the buildings; don't eat, drink or smoke unless you're in designated areas.

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Ueno Park Ueno Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Take a 20-minute walk northwest of Ueno Park to the more than 100,000-square-foot Yanaka Cemetery, the first public burial ground in Tokyo and an oasis of foliage and historical importance. It’s particularly beautiful to visit during cherry blossom season. – Kristin Braswell

Considered the first public park in Tokyo, Ueno is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll in the city. Formerly part of Kaneiji Temple, Ueno Park is now home to the Ueno Zoo (considered Japan's oldest zoo), six museums, a number of shrines and temples, and more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees. During late March and early April, the park’s canopy of cherry blossoms attract visitors from all over the world for hanami parties – which is when people gather under the trees for picnics and socializing. Museums on the grounds include the Tokyo National Museum , the National Museum for Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Science Museum. 

Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower

The Japanese iteration of the Eiffel Tower serves a predominately practical purpose. The orange and white tower, which stands 1,092 feet tall, is a radio and television broadcasting structure supporting 62 miles of frequencies. The tower also caters to tourists, offering two observation decks, one at 490 feet (the main observatory) and one at 820 feet (the special observatory). The observation decks offer 360-degree views of Tokyo's sprawling cityscape and come equipped with placards that point out notable buildings in the skyline. And if you visit on a really clear day, you'll be able to spot Mount Fuji in the distance. The Tokyo Tower also has its own cafe, where patrons can sip tea while admiring the views, as well as Club 333, a music venue that hosts performances daily. And if you're on the hunt for souvenirs, travelers say this is a surprisingly great place to peruse thanks to all the on-site shops.

The best time to visit the Tokyo Tower is at night, according to reviewers. That's because the tower lights up beautifully, and often in multiple colors depending on when you visit. You'll also encounter stunning vistas from atop Tokyo SkyTree, a much taller tower located about 8 miles northwest, but you'll have to combat hordes of fellow tourists. Recent visitors said of the two towers, this one is less crowded.   

Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Crossing free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After the rush of Shibuya Crossing, walk 15 minutes to Cat Street, a pedestrianized stretch with fewer crowds and chic shopping. Pop into TRUNK hotel for a coffee or a cocktail in its popular lobby, which is open to the public. – Kristin Braswell

Behold: a whirlwind of bodies moving somehow in seamlessly concerted motion at Shibuya Crossing – a must-see in Tokyo. The popular pedestrian scramble located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachiko exit is considered the busiest intersection in the world, welcoming upward of 3,000 people every two minutes across its five major crosswalks. The hypnotic waltz under Shibuya’s towering neon buildings is quintessential Tokyo: busy, yet somehow still orderly and seamless. A major transportation hub, Shibuya Station connects the city’s major neighborhoods, including Harajuku and Roppongi. 

Ginza Ginza free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Tucked on an alleyway, Kagari Ramen offers a not-to-miss truffle chicken ramen that people begin to line up for in the early afternoon. Get there early and grab a ticket for entrance.  – Kristin Braswell

New York has Fifth Avenue, London has Bond Street, Paris has the Champs-Élysées and Tokyo has Ginza. The neighborhood is a shopper's paradise, housing all types of storefronts from affordable, big-name retailers, such as H&M and Zara, to upscale design houses, such as Dior, Armani and Cartier. You can also find specialty stores selling traditional items, such as kimonos, incense and chopsticks. There's also a plethora of Hello Kitty products at the Sanrio flagship store located here, as well as all the toys your kid's heart desires at the massive Hakuhinkan Toy Park. 

Tokyo Station Tokyo Station free

An underground maze and city unto itself in Marunouchi business district, Tokyo Station is a major gateway for travelers arriving and departing the city. More than 3,000 trains come through the station each day, making it the busiest transportation hub in Japan. Some of the most popular trains that make a stop at Tokyo station include the JR Yamanote line, which circles through some of the city’s most famous commercial neighborhoods, as well as various bullet trains (called Shinkansen) that transport travelers throughout Japan – from Kyoto to as far south as Kyushu. A terminal on the Yaesu side exit is the stopping point for a number of buses that connect to the rest of the country, as well as Tokyo’s two airports, Haneda and Narita.

If you get overwhelmed in the station, you wouldn’t be the first. Fortunately, there are a number of English-speaking tourist stands that can help you navigate the best way to your destination. These include the JR EAST Travel Service center outside of the Marunouchi North Exit ticket gate, which offers support for international tourists, including directions to exchanging money; it's open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It’s also a popular location to pick up the Japan Rail Pass, a transportation option sold exclusively to tourists who enter Japan on a temporary visitor visa that provides discounted unlimited rides around the country for a set amount of time. You can learn more about how to purchase the pass and the specific routes and costs here . Other central information centers in Tokyo Station include the Central Corridor and Marunouchi Central information counters, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 

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Akihabara Akihabara free

Akihabara is nirvana for techies. Tokyo's premier electronics district, which is also referred to as "Akiba," has gadgets of all kinds found in booths on side streets and main street mega department stores. You'll spot the latest technology on the shelves, which will probably put your equipment to shame. And if you're in the market for hard-to-find bibs or bobs, you're likely to find that here, too. If you're unsure where to start, stop at the larger-than-life Yodobashi Camera store (often billed as the largest electronics store in the world) or stroll along the neighborhood's main street, Chuo Dori, which becomes car-free on Sundays for select hours. In addition to being an electronics hub, Akihabara also caters to serious gamers, anime and manga lovers. Here, you'll find loads of gaming arcades as well as shops and street stalls selling comics and character figurines. You'll also probably spot a few cosplayers casually walking down the street. 

While Akihabara is no doubt unique, recent travelers had mixed reviews about the district. Those who expressed interest in anime loved their visit, saying you can't leave Tokyo without experiencing the world Akihabara has to offer for fans. Those without a greater interest in the subject matter enjoyed the buzzing activity and plethora of neon signage that permeated the area, but ended up growing bored after a period of time. Some were offended by the inappropriate nature of some of the anime culture (think: maid cafes), so this area may not be suitable for all travelers. Visitors solely interested in shopping for electronics felt overwhelmed by the options and recommended researching in advance to maximize your time in the neighborhood. 

Tokyo National Museum Tokyo National Museum

If you're looking to learn a little (or a lot) about Japan's history, the Tokyo National Museum is the place to go. This museum is one of the country's most expansive, housing about 120,000 pieces of art and artifacts that cover the longest recorded history of Japan. Strolling through the halls of its numerous buildings, you'll spot relics such as samurai armor and swords (a traveler favorite), delicate pottery, kimonos, calligraphy, paintings, and much more, some of which are designated as national treasures and “important cultural properties” by the Japanese government. In addition to artifacts from Japan's history, you'll also find pieces from all across the Asian continent, including Buddhist scrolls that date all the way back to the 7th century.

Travelers were impressed with all that the Tokyo National Museum has to offer. Even some who admitted they aren't "museum people" enjoyed the variety of unique artifacts on display. Travelers appreciated that the museum featured English translations, something that some visitors noticed other Tokyo top attractions lacked (like the Ghibli Museum ). Museum goers also say that there is so much to see in the Tokyo National Museum that you probably need an entire day if you want to get through everything. If you don't have enough time to do this (or just don't want to) the best thing to do is get a map of the museum beforehand and pick what you want to do before you venture in. 

Odaiba Odaiba free

Envision a mini Atlantis rising out of the water, conveniently right next to downtown Tokyo. That's Odaiba. This neighborhood and human-made island situated on the Tokyo Bay is a hub of entertainment, eateries and eye-catching architecture, including the futuristic-looking Fuji Television building and the life-size Unicorn Gundam Statue. Some of the area's top attractions include the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and the relaxing Odaiba Seaside Park, which comes equipped with an artificial beach and Tokyo's own Statue of Liberty (scaled down). 

Along with the Legoland Discovery Center, there’s also the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and Decks Tokyo Beach facility, which offers lots in the way of dining and shopping in addition to entertainment options. 

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building free

There are plenty of skyscrapers that provide a bird's-eye lookout in Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. So what makes the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tower special? It's free! The nearly 800-foot-tall building houses two observatories (North and South observatory) that are the highest vantage points (at around 660 feet) that you can reach in the city without having to hand over some yen. 

Travelers loved their experience at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building because it was so fuss-free. Free admission, few lines, speedy elevators, helpful customer service and no time restrictions at the top was ideal for travelers who were looking to take their time with the incredible views. The observatories offer 360-degree views of the city and visitors say on a clear day, Mount Fuji is visible in the distance. If you can, travelers suggest visiting at sunset; the transition from day to night, when some say truly Tokyo comes to life, is magical.

Daikanyama Daikanyama free

If you’re looking to recharge in Tokyo, consider Daikanyama, a tree-lined neighborhood with a trendy, quiet side that’s often referred to as Tokyo’s own Brooklyn. Just south of Shibuya, the district is a peaceful retreat from the towering buildings of its neighbors. The pedestrian-only streets are filled with boutique shops, restaurants, small parks, cafes, and the city’s biggest bookstore: Daikanyama T-Site. Plan to spend several hours roaming T-site’s three buildings, which are filled with a collection of books, magazines and music. Then, have a coffee or cocktail at its on-site cafe, Anjin Library & Lounge, which is filled with plush brown leather couches and a number of tables. Log Road is another must-see in the neighborhood. Built on the train tracks of the old Tokyu train line, this outdoor shopping complex features a brewery and a bakery that are housed in wood cottage buildings surrounded by greenery and a number of places to sit and picnic. Daikanyama is also popular for brunch spots like Garden House Crafts and Ivy Place. 

Visitors call T-Site one of the best bookstores they’ve ever visited, reminiscent of a beautifully designed college campus. They call Daikanyama a mix of modern and traditional Japan and recommend visiting Saigoyama Park for a stroll and sunset watching. 

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National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, commonly referred to as the Miraikan, attests to Tokyo's entrepreneurial spirit and penchant for science and technological innovation. This high-tech museum features a plethora of exciting interactive displays spread across three themed permanent exhibits. In "Explore The Frontiers," visitors can learn about space exploration by stepping into a model of the International Space Station. There's also "Discover Your Earth," where you'll find a large LED-paneled Earth sculpture, as well as the robotics-heavy "Create Your Future" exhibit. Make sure you get an eyeful of Honda's impressive ASIMO robot while here. ASIMO has opposable thumbs, can run, and even kick a soccer ball (as it did with President Obama in his 2014 visit to the museum). Kids will particularly enjoy the displays as they can touch, climb on and play with many of them. The museum also features science workshops for kids, talks from researchers and the Dome Theater GAIA. 

Despite its draw, many travelers offered mixed reviews of the museum. Some reported feeling like kids, amazed at the vast amount of things to learn and do, while other adults said the museum is best suited for children. Some visitors also found the exhibits to be lacking, saying the information provided was very basic. Those who did bring their kids in tow said they had a ball.

Imperial Palace Imperial Palace free

You'd think the Imperial Palace would be mobbed with tourists, but it's not. You can credit the lack of crowds to an application policy, which limits the number of visitors. That's because the Imperial Palace is home to the Emperor of Japan and his immediate family. And before that, it was the residence for some of Japan's most important figures, including Emperor Meiji (credited for modernizing Japan) and rulers during the Edo Period (the time period before Japan was modernized by Meiji). Because of its significant importance in Japanese society, admittance to the site is hard to get (you have to put in your application several weeks in advance) and access inside the actual palace is even more restricted.

As such, most travelers suggest skipping the application entirely (those who went on the tour were disappointed with how little of the palace is open to visitors) and admiring the compound from afar. Visitors also say the East Gardens, which are part of the Imperial Palace complex, are much more of a sight to see. This flourishing green space has plenty of shady spots and open fields, perfect for relaxing. And during cherry blossom season, these gardens are a choice spot for locals looking to enjoy the seasonal foliage. 

Shimokitazawa Shimokitazawa free

A hub for vintage shops, cafes and restaurants, Shimokitazawa continues to gain popularity among Tokyo’s young crowds and students who are drawn to its bohemian energy. Commonly known as "Shimokita," the largely residential district in west Tokyo’s Setagaya neighborhood was once a haven for hippies who migrated to the neighborhood in the 1970s. Today, a network of streets are home to busy cafes, indie cinemas, music venues and tons of thrift shopping. A philosophy called “Shimokita style” embraces reusing clothing and antiques, but also a slower pace to enjoy life. 

Small, independently owned stores are the neighborhood’s pride, with Ocean Blvd. store – just a few steps from Shimokitazawa Station, being a great starting point for thrift shopping. Other popular thrift stores include Chicago, Flamingo and New York Joe Exchange. 

Ghibli Museum Ghibli Museum

Both avid and amateur anime fans love the Ghibli Museum. The museum showcases the work of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli – the famous Japanese animation company that produced films like "Spirited Away" and "Ponyo." Don't expect formal, indoor exhibits. The facility's quirky interior design mimics the animation studio. There's also a play area for kids (which comes equipped with a life-size, fuzzy Cat Bus), a reading room full of books recommended by the museum and a rooftop garden that features character sculptures, including the silent robots from "Castle In The Sky." You can even watch a short film that plays exclusively at the museum and rotates each month. 

Considering how difficult it is to secure tickets and the museum's removed location, travelers say visiting this attraction is only worth the extra effort if you're a Miyazaki fan. Devotees loved having the opportunity to get lost in the director's magical world, which many say the museum executed just about perfectly. The only complaint? The expensive gift shop. Even avid fans were disappointed with some of the shop's high prices. English-speaking travelers also warned that English signs and placards are few and far between here. 

Shinjuku Golden Gai Shinjuku Golden Gai

Explore some 200 bars in this narrow maze of alleyways. A remnant of post-war 1950s Tokyo, this district was once a black market that evolved into a number of small, makeshift bars. Today, stretched across six dimly lit streets (called yokocho) in Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood, Golden Gai (which means "golden block") is jampacked – literally – with bars that are ideal for any night owl. Most bars open around 8 p.m., though many don’t get lively until nearly midnight. Be aware that most bars charge an entrance fee for a seat, which is typically around 1,000 yen (about $7). As you roam Golden Gai, your biggest question will be which bar to choose. Start with any themes that may catch your eye, like Albatross, a two-floor Gothic-inspired den that has enough room for small groups, or Happy, a tiny bar that features vintage rock and soul albums. There are a few food options in Golden Gai as well, like a noodle shop called Ramen Nagi, located on the second floor of a wooden house. 

You should be prepared to rub shoulders with strangers, as many of Golden Gai’s bars are only a few feet wide and seat a handful of people. Because bars have limited seating, some may display signs that say “regulars only” or “no tourists,” and it's important to respect that. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of tourist-friendly and English-speaking options to choose from. 

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Tsukiji Outer Market Tsukiji Outer Market free

You don’t have to be a sushi connoisseur to enjoy the Tsukiji Outer Market, which offers an unforgettable experience. Even before Tokyo’s international wholesale fish market – the largest in the world – moved to the Toyosu district in 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market was a popular place to buy a variety of food and kitchenware. Today, hundreds of different types of seafood are sold here, ranging from basics (like tuna) to the exotic. If all the excitement and bartering starts to make you a little hungry, don't hesitate to grab a bite here. There are numerous sushi stalls and tiny restaurants in the market (Sushi Sei Honten and Sushizanmai are popular spots) that serve fish at their freshest. But if you aren't much of a seafood fan, no matter. There's still something for you here. The market features a few ready-made meal stalls that aren't all seafood-based, including Mosuke Dango, where you'll find sweet dumplings. What’s more, retail stalls selling kitchenware items like knives and tableware also set up shop.

Recent visitors offered mixed reviews for the Tsukiji Outer Market, noting that prices were higher than the original market that moved to Toyosu. If you're not a fan of seafood, or you don't enjoy overstimulating and/or crowded places, visitors say this is not the attraction for you. Travelers say this market is huge and very busy, especially on Saturdays. Those who do enjoy seafood will no doubt be in awe of the vast array of fresh and delectable seafood options available, so much so that reviewers strongly suggest coming hungry as you'll probably end up eating more than you planned. Travelers were also delighted in the market's lack of a pungent, fishy smell. 

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17 Unmissable Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Discover the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, the capital city of Japan — home to weird and wonderful sights, neon flashing lights, expansive gardens, tavern-filled alleys, and sensory food markets. This exciting city is hard to beat, offering a myriad of unforgettable adventures: peer through glass floors at the top of the city’s tallest skyscraper, wade through water in abstract art museums, devour rainbow-spun candy as you peruse cosplay shops, or enjoy moments of peace at sacred shrines. Experience it all with the top things to do in Tokyo!

Best Things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo is an enormous city, and there’s so much to see that you’ll definitely want to return again. Although busy, it doesn’t have the hectic feel of other Asian capital cities like Bangkok or Beijing.

This is mainly because of the unique Japanese culture, which centers around respect and good manners. In fact, it’s one of the safest cities in the world, meaning you can explore at any hour — although after dark is when the city really comes to life, with thousands of neon flashing lights leading the way to music-pumping restaurants and high-rise bars. 

Tip: Tokyo offers a good mix of city and nature activities, particularly as it has so many amazing green spaces. The city is also a great jumping-off point for day trips into nature, where you can really see the ‘authentic Japan’.

1. Tokyo Skytree

Discover the tallest tower in the world! Yes, the Tokyo Skytree is not only the tallest structure in Japan but also the tallest tower globally, standing at a mammoth height of 634 meters. You can ascend the building to see breathtaking panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance!

Begin your trip to the pinnacle via the four different elevators (rocketing to the top at a speed of 50 seconds per section!). The Tembo deck is the first viewpoint you’ll reach at 350 meters with a knee-shaking glass floor, giving you fantastic views of Tokyo from a different perspective. ( Get your tickets here )

At 450 meters, you’ll reach the Tembo Gallery, the Skytree’s highest viewpoint. Here, you’ll find 360-degree panoramic views — an unmissable thing to do in Tokyo!

We recommend visiting just before sunset so you can see the city transition from day to night. After dark is special when bright neon lights illuminate the sidewalks and buildings.

Hotels in Tokyo 😴

Opening Times and Tickets for Tokyo Skytree

It’s best to book your tickets in advance so that you can get them at a slightly cheaper price.

• Advance tickets for both decks (Tembo Deck and Tembo Gallery) cost 2,700 yen (19 USD)
• Tembo Deck (the lower viewpoint) costs 1,800 yen (12 USD).
• Don’t worry if you forget to book tickets in advance; you can buy tickets at a slightly higher price on the same day.
• Please also keep an eye on the weather, as high winds can lead to closure.
• Decks are open from 10 AM to 9 PM (last entry 8.20 PM)

Book your tickets for Tokyo Skytree in advance

Budget tip : On a budget? Head for the free observation deck in the metropolitan building at Shinjuku. 

2. Shinjuku Gyoen

Welcome to Shinjuku Gyoen – a tranquil oasis at the heart of bustling Tokyo, once only reserved for royalty. Escape the bright lights and crowds and enter a natural garden of 144 acres full of trees, traditional Japanese gardens, flowers, and unique plants.

Situated right in the middle of the city, Shinjuku Gyoen is often compared to New York’s Central Park, providing an escape for Tokyo residents throughout different seasons of the year. See 900+ trees burst into color during the cherry blossom season and majestic oranges, yellows, and reds in the fall. 

Here are all your hotel options in Tokyo.

Don’t miss the incredible greenhouse, which feels like an indoor jungle, like a small Cloud Forest in Singapore . It’s home to many tropical plants, some of which are rare and close to extinction. 

There are plenty of cafes and tea rooms throughout the park for refreshments. However, Starbucks deserves a special mention as it’s entirely made of windows and has a fantastic view of the park. 

Opening Times and Entry Fee: 500 yen (4 USD). Opening times are 9 AM – 5.30 PM (earlier in the winter season) and closed on Mondays. You can buy tickets on the day at the entrance or buy in advance here .

3. Teamlab Planets

One of the best things to do in Tokyo is to experience the magic of Teamlab Planets : a sensory museum experience with large-scale art spaces. Move through a series of rooms, each home to a unique experience, from giant glowing orbs and lights to water spaces filled with flowers and mirrors. ( reserve your tickets in advance here )

As you move through the abstract art experience, you’ll be accompanied by classical music. This, combined with the 3D visuals, makes for an awe-inspiring yet tranquil experience. 

What to Wear to Teamlab Planets

Each room in Teamlab Planets offers a different sensory experience. The most important things to note are:

• You walk through the rooms barefoot. In two rooms, you’ll walk through water, one up to your ankles and the other up to your knees. For this reason, we recommend wearing loose trousers that you can roll up above your knees.
• You can also rent shorts at the start if you prefer. 

• We don’t recommend wearing a skirt to Teamlab Planets due to the many floor mirrors (for obvious reasons!). 
• The rooms can get warm, so leave your sweater in the lockers at the beginning.
• You can take your phone or camera with you. However, because of the water, do so at your own risk.

Tickets for Teamlab Planets, Tokyo

This is one of the most popular experiences in Tokyo, and tickets get booked quickly, so we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment. Additionally, tickets are only released a couple of months in advance. Best is to choose one of the earliest time slots.

The ticket price is 3,800 yen (27 USD), and you can reserve your tickets in advance online .

4. Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji is one of the most sacred sites in the world and the most visited temple in Japan! The traditional red temple, home to a stunning 5-story pagoda, is particularly important to the Japanese and Tokyo residents. It is also the location of many important festivals throughout the year. 

Legend has it that two brothers found a Kannon statue in the river, and when they let it go, it kept returning to them. The area’s chief at the time recognized this phenomenon and wanted to house the statue in his home. He even remodelled it to become a place of worship — which is now Sensō-ji. 

Visiting Sensō-ji

As you enter the main gates, you’re greeted by gigantic red pillars and Japanese lanterns, making for a great photo. There are also many food and souvenir stalls if you want to take something away to commemorate your visit.

Once inside, you’ll see the main temple, which you can enter. However, if you’re not religious, the interior itself is not as attractive as the external grounds, although it is special to see people praying.

Please note that the pagoda interior is fenced off, and you cannot take photos.

Entry and Opening Times: Admission is free. The main hall is open from 6.30 AM to 5 PM every day from October to March. In the summer, opening hours are extended to 5.30 PM. 

Tip: The temple is lit up at night from sunset until 11 PM, and the temple grounds are always open, making it a lovely spot to hang out in the evening. Alternatively, the Tokyo Skytree overlooks the site, offering a great view of the illuminated temple.

5. Kōkyo Castle / Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace of Tokyo is an icon of the city — a fortified castle that sits high up on a stone embankment surrounded by a moat. The imperial family live here, giving it extraordinary importance in Japan. 

Although the palace itself is not open to the public in general, it’s surrounded by a vast park, so there’s plenty to explore. There is the option to apply to join a free guided tour of the palace grounds to learn more about its interesting history (10 AM and 1.30 PM daily). Otherwise, simply wander among the beautiful Japanese gardens, cross the pretty stone bridges, or relax in the grassy park. 

Note: The palace is not open to the public as it’s still the official residence of the imperial family. However, on important days of the year, the public can enter the external sections to wave at important family members who greet visitors from the balcony.

Chidorigafuchi Park

On the other side of the moat, on the west side, you will find another small park called Chidorigafuchi Park. This relatively undiscovered spot is home to some of the best cherry blossom viewpoints in the city.

Rent a rowboat (open from March to November) and explore the waters surrounding the palace. This is particularly impressive in Spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

6. Shibuya Crossing

Think of Tokyo, and the incredible setting of Shibuya Crossing immediately jumps to mind. This is the busiest crossing in Japan, if not in the world, where surrounding skyscrapers, huge glowing advertisements, and flashing traffic lights bathe pedestrians in a neon glow as they cross the intersection.

Prepare for all your senses to be sparked as you move among the many people, with music coming from all directions (shopping malls, advertisements, and music).

Although this area is one of the busiest in the city, in true Japanese fashion, it’s still exceptionally organized and respectful, with traffic lights and the politeness of Japanese people (you won’t experience any beeping here!). 

Tip: Want to see Shibuya crossing from above? Head for Shibuya Sky (reserve far in advance), an observation deck that costs 2,200 yen (15 USD) to enter. Another option is MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 , a good viewpoint on the top of a shopping mall. Tickets cost 1,500 yen (10 USD), including a drink.

7. Shinjuku

Exploring the liveliest neighborhood in the city is one of the top things to do in Tokyo! Shinjuku offers the real Tokyo experience: streets full of neon flashing lights, shiny 3D advertising, such as the iconic 3D cat, and small alleyways filled with tiny bars. 

Also read: Best Things To Do in Osaka, Japan .

Head for Kabukicho, the famous entertainment district that never sleeps, where you’ll find the brightest lights in the city and Japan’s renowned karaoke bars. For this reason, we recommend visiting Shinjuku at night, when you’ll be able to make the most of the themed restaurants (like Alice in Wonderland), nightclubs, and quaint drinking holes. 

Tip: If you’re looking for something more upmarket, Shinjuku also has plenty of luxury bars, including the Park Hyatt Hotel . This hotel is famous for its incredible city view, especially at sunset. It was also the setting for some of the scenes in the Hollywood movie ‘Lost in Translation’ with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johanson. 

The Godzilla Head

Fans of Godzilla, or just those who want to see something truly out of the ordinary, should look out for the Godzilla head. This life-size scale model of the fictional character looks like he’s attacking a colossal building — just like in the movies!  Here is the exact location .

Tip: Want an incredible view of Shinjuku for free? Take the elevator to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where the viewing deck is free to visitors. It’s a budget alternative to the Sky Tree, and you can still see Mount Fuji on a clear day!

The unique area of Golden Gai in Shinjuku is an absolute must-see in Tokyo! This authentic area comprises narrow streets and many cozy taverns, some hidden away, making exploring fascinating. It’s entertaining to visit at night when it comes to life with locals and tourists. Grab the location from our Japan map or see the location . 

Tip: Golden Gai is the best place to make friends since all the bars are so tiny. Most only fit 10-15 people, so you’ll have to sit very close to each other. Order a soju and simply drink in the typically Japanese atmosphere.

Omoide Yokocho

Explore another vibrant and traditional area in Shinjuku: Omoide Yokocho! The small timeworn buildings are home to various BBQ joints — billowing out smoke — that starkly contrast with the towering nearby skyscrapers.

Did you know? Omoide Yokocho translates as ‘memory lane’ because it gives everyone who visits a nostalgic feeling.

8. Shimokitazawa

What better way to spend an afternoon than vintage shopping in the trendiest district of Tokyo: Shimokitazawa! This spiderweb of streets is made up of thrift stores, record shops, street art, and plenty of aesthetic cafes — frequented by all the most stylish people of the city, each hunting through the shops to find their vintage treasures. 

In true Japanese style, vintage shopping in Tokyo is exceptionally well organized, with various styles and sizes. However, as thrift shopping has become a ‘culture’ of its own in Japan, its popularity is reflected in the prices. Because of this, it’s not easy to source ‘cheap finds,’ but all the pieces are so beautiful it’s worth the price tag! 

Some of our favorite shops:

• Little Trip to Heaven
• New York Joe

9. Trip to Fuji

No trip to Tokyo would be complete without a visit to Mount Fuji , and the good news is that it’s easily accessible on a day trip! The incredible area around Mount Fuji is home to five beautiful lakes, which you can visit for stunning views of the active volcano.

See our travel guide to Best Things to do at Mount Fuji .

The natural beauty here is exceptional, and in each season, you’ll find something different to look at, whether it’s the reds of the fall forests, the cherry blossom hues in Spring, or the snow-capped peak of the volcano in winter. Mount Fuji is truly our favorite part of Japan! 

See tickets and availability for a tour to Fuji from Tokyo

Tip: Mount Fuji is doable on a day trip from Tokyo (a 2.5-hour drive). However, if you have more time, we recommend doing a multi-day trip to enjoy all the fantastic things to do in the Fuji region. There are stunning waterfalls to explore and multiple beautiful shrines that bask in the shadow of the volcano.

We recommend to rent a car in Japan through Rentalcars.com with many rental locations and flexible cancellation. Book your rental car here .

10. See the Snow Monkeys

Seeing snow monkeys in their natural habitat is a bucket list experience and, without a doubt, one of the best things to do on your trip to Tokyo! Just a 3-hour drive away is the city of Nagano, which is a jumping-off point to see these remarkable animals.

More about: Snow Monkeys Park and its Hot Springs

Frolicking in the woodland, discover the cheeky red-faced creatures who come into their element in the winter when the snowy conditions motivate them to kick back and relax in the nearby hot springs.

Tickets for the natural park are 800 yen (6 USD) which you can purchase at the entrance. See opening times and ticket prices here .

There are other onsens (springs) in Yudanaka town that are accessible to humans. You’ll find plenty of them on your trip to this area, so do as the locals do and wear the traditional Yukata robe and Geta sandals as you make your way to the bathhouses. 

Please note that you are prohibited from entering Onsens if you have tattoos, this is due to the long-running stigma of tattoos in Japan.

Tip: Visiting in winter? The area where the snow monkeys live (Jigokudani Valley) is in the mountains, where you’ll find fantastic snow conditions and some of Japan’s best ski resorts.

Join this day tour to see the snow monkeys, which leaves from Tokyo and includes entrance and return transportation.

11. Trip to Kamakura

A world away from the bright neon lights of Tokyo, but just 1.5 hours by car, is the charming fishing village of Kamakura. Quite unexpectedly, this Japanese seaside town is a favorite for surfers and city slickers who come here for their beach holidays. 

Enjoy some downtime here — explore the hiking trails, take in the views of the sea (with Mount Fuji visible inland), and swim during the summer months. The town is also home to some fantastic ancient architecture and beautiful temples and shrines, making it exceptionally peaceful. 

Tip: Started your trip from Tokyo early? Get your breakfast + coffee at the Delifrance bakery at the train station in Kamakura. From here, you can take the bus or the train to other spots in the city.

Get a Japan Rail Pass to use throughout your trip!

12. See a Sumo Game

Seeing Japan’s national sport take place in real-time is one of the top things to do in Tokyo! The country is famous worldwide for the unusual and ancient sport of Sumo wrestling (Basho), which has been practiced in Japan for thousands of years. During the game, each athlete attempts to push the other out of the circular ring while wearing the traditional loincloth called a mawashi. 

Buy your tickets for a Sumo wrestling tournament here

Buy tickets for one of the arenas in Tokyo and watch this epic game unfold! We recommend joining a tour that includes tickets, reserved seating, and a guide who can explain more about the game’s history and how it works.

For something a little different, join a tour to see the morning practice. Watch the wrestlers’ rigorous training routine and snap a photo or two with your favorites!

Join this popular tour to see the Sumo morning practice

13. Go Kart through Tokyo

Experience one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo: an exhilarating Go Kart ride through the city ! Ditch the typical tour bus and get behind the wheel of this adrenaline-pumping car, making your way down the fast-paced roads of Tokyo. A guide will lead you and tell you all about the most iconic sights as you go.

To make this experience even more memorable, you can pick from various fun costumes to brighten the day — and create incredible photos for your trip. 

See availability for a Go Kart tour through Tokyo!

14. Koishikawa Korakuen

Located in the district of Koishikawa, discover the botanical gardens of Koishikawa Korakuen, which is also thought to be the oldest Japanese garden in Tokyo! Traditional Japanese gardens throughout the country are designed with ponds, stones, and bridges to mimic the natural beauty of the landscapes, and Koishikawa Korakuen is no different. 

Opening Times and Entrance Fee: 9 AM – 5 PM. Entrance 300 yen (2 USD)

The maple and cherry trees in this botanical garden burst into different colors according to the season. We visited in the fall when we had a vibrant mixture of reds, oranges, and yellows. The trees also attract some incredible bird species, making the botanical gardens popular for bird watchers. You might even have the chance to spot the graceful Kingfisher.

15. Takeshita Street in Harajuku

At the heart of the Harajuku district, you’ll find the most colorful and busy street in Tokyo! Takeshita Street is weird and wonderful, with various stores selling bright, eccentric clothing — everything from anime costumes to platform heels and velvet bows. It’s overwhelming but brilliant all at the same time, with loud music, strange candy vendors, crepes, and fluorescently colored shopfronts. 

Although Takeshita Street is the most famous in the area, we recommend crossing the street and wandering around the rest of Harajuku. It’s much more chilled, home to contemporary art galleries, vintage stores, collectible sneakers, and luxury brands — a complete mix!

16. Meiji Shrine

After the hustle and bustle of Harajuku, visit the neighboring peaceful oasis of Meiji. This stunning Shinto shrine is set in the middle of Tokyo in a tranquil forest of over 100,000 trees. 

The park’s entrance is close to Harajuku station. First, pass through the Torii Gate (traditional gates that mark where the ordinary world ends and the sacred world starts) and then enjoy a relaxing 15-minute stroll through the parkland to reach the Meiji Shrine.

Once there, you’ll see people cleaning, performing religious tasks, and praying to the gods. You can also write out your wishes for the gods on the wooden tablets (Ema) placed near the shrine — a beautiful and spiritual moment during your time in Tokyo. 

Note: Because the shrine is sacred, photos are prohibited at the main Meiji Jingu.

If you want some refreshments, we recommend visiting a small garden inside the park, where you’ll find an old tea house that you can enter for the price of 500 yen (3.50 USD)

Opening Times and Entrance Fee : The shrine is open from sunrise to sunset with no entrance fee. If you wish to visit the museum, tickets cost 1000 yen (7 USD).

One of the best things to do in Tokyo, the Hie shrine is definitely worth a stop on your city trip. If you’ve already visited Kyoto , you’ll notice it looks similar to the famous red shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha. 

Also read: Things to do in Kyoto, Japan

This sacred spot sits on a hilltop in the city, with a gigantic cherry tree at the entrance, which makes the shrine look extra special in spring. Although the shrine is lovely, the most beautiful element of the whole site is at the back entrance. Here, you’ll find 90 exquisite red torii gates, each painted with Japanese characters, that form a long tunnel.

Opening times: 6 AM to 5 PM. Free entrance.

17. Tsukiji Outer Market

Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Tsukiji Outer Market – Tokyo’s famous fish market! Sprawling over a few blocks, the fish market is enormous, filled with hundreds of stalls, all selling different kinds of seafood, complete with bright signs and price markers. It’s a great spot to see what local life is like as you watch restaurants and locals buying their fish for dinner.

Tip: The busiest streets are Tsukiji Nishi-dōri and Tsukiji Naka-dōri, so head there for the liveliest experience.

We recommend trying some of Japan’s delicacies: fresh, thinly sliced sashimi, oysters, sushi rolls, or BBQ-ed fish. The best way to do so is to join a food tour, as the tour guide will recommend the best stalls to visit and also give you some fun facts about the market.

See availability for a tour of Tsukiji Outer Market

Top Tips for Visiting Tsukiji Outer Market 

• Opening times 9 AM – 2 PM (closed on Sundays and Wednesdays)
• Arrive before 10 AM (afterwards, it gets crowded)
• Prepare yourself for the strong fish smell – it’s not for the faint of heart! 
• Wear closed-toes shoes as the floor is wet. Avoid wearing sandals or high heels.
• Some stalls don’t accept credit cards, so take cash just in case.

Best Restaurants & Cafes in Tokyo

Tokyo has to be one of the best places to eat in the world! You can look forward to dining on all the Japanese favorites like Sushi, Ramen, and Soba noodles, whether you purchase from market vendors or dine at high-end fusion restaurants.

In reality, every kind of food you can imagine is sourceable in Tokyo; you’ll also find plenty of Italian and French restaurants and plentiful bakeries serving freshly baked pastries – most delicious when eaten warm first thing in the morning. Some of our favorites are:

• Bricolage Bread & Co
• Sushi Ishii
• Citron Aoyama
• Fuglen Asakusa
• Palermo Akasaka
• Falafel Brothers
• & sandwich.
• Afuri Ramen

Top Tip: It’s no secret that Tokyo is expensive, so if you’d like to have a quick snack or an affordable takeaway lunch, we recommend going to the supermarkets 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson. You can find delicious Onigiri (a rice ball with fish inside and packed in crunchy seaweed) or even mix a cup of frozen fruits into a smoothie.

Make sure to bring your reusable water bottle with you; you can drink water from the taps in most places in Japan! This is a good way to save money and travel plastic-free .

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo is a massive city with neighborhoods to suit every kind of traveler. Even if you choose to stay further out, the fantastic metro system makes it easy to travel between districts. 

We stayed in the neighborhood of Akasaka , which is close to many of the top things to do in Tokyo and has great restaurants and cafes. It also has excellent train connections, yet it is still away from the main crowds.

Hotels near Shinjuku station are also a good option (particularly good for nightlife and restaurants). The same is true for the area surrounding Tokyo Station , which provides the most connections to the rest of the city.

• Hotels near Shinjuku Station
• Hotels at Tokyo Station
• Hotels at Akasaka

How Many Days in Tokyo?

There are so many incredible things to do in Tokyo that we recommend spending at least two days exploring. Three to four days would be perfect (this excludes day trips), allowing you to visit all the main sites and leave plenty of time for dining, nightlife, and museums. 

Tokyo is an excellent jumping-off point for day trips in Japan, primarily because of the superfast bullet trains that can take you out of the city in a matter of minutes. 

How to Visit Tokyo

Tokyo has two international airports that serve the city, Haneda and Narita. Narita is further away (60 KM east of the city), so we recommend flying into Haneda for ease.

From here, it’s just a 30-minute train into the city center, or you can arrange a private transfer if you have a lot of luggage.

Book your airport transfer in advance

There is a lack of elevators and escalators in Tokyo’s metro stations, making it more challenging to maneuver your suitcase when traveling into the city. Because of this, luggage transfer services are very common. For example, Yamato Transport can arrange to bring your luggage from the airport to your hotel and vice versa.

Tip: It’s best to get an eSim in advance so you’re directly connected when you land in Japan. Buy your sim online here .

Getting Around

Getting around Tokyo is super easy; the organized Japanese public transport system makes traveling a dream! Metros and trains reach every corner of the city, and best of all, they’re super affordable. 

Note: Because the travel network in Tokyo is so organized, you’ll never experience delays; trains and metros depart precisely at the minute specified.

Walking around the city is highly recommended. It’s the best way to take in the vibe of Tokyo, and there’s something out of the ordinary to see on every street corner. When you get tired, you can download a taxi app (Uber and GoTaxi are the best, with GoTaxi being the cheaper option).

Is the JR Pass worth it? ( Calculate it here ) The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all public transport throughout Japan, so it’s a great option if you plan on taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) several times. It’s also multi-use for other trains, ferries, and buses throughout the country. 

Buy your Japan Rail Pass in advance

How Much Does Tokyo Cost?

Like most of Japan, Tokyo upholds its reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, we were pleasantly surprised that entrance tickets, food and public transport cost much less than anticipated. The higher costs were for accommodation, which is more expensive than anywhere else in the country. Because of this, we recommend booking well in advance to try and score the cheapest deal. 

Tip: Capsule hotels are very popular in Tokyo, offering a budget alternative to the traditional hotel experience. 

Costs of Traveling in Tokyo

Travel on a budget in Tokyo, from $480 − $950 USD weekly per person, mid-range $2100 − $4230 USD, and high-end from $3880 − $6030 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $150 − $500 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $85 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $50 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $35 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $30 − $150 USD
• Activities: $10 − $50 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $5 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Tokyo

With so many things to do in Tokyo, you can visit at any time of the year and be spoilt for choice. However, the most beautiful season is Spring when the cherry blossoms are out, covering the city in pink flowers. Bear in mind that this is also the most popular time to visit, raising prices and demand for accommodation. 

Note: Although many sights in Tokyo can get busy, it’s rarely hectic as a result of the fantastic organization and good manners of the Japanese people.

Fall is an excellent alternative. It’s still busy, but it’s a little less expensive than Spring. You’ll still get to see the maple trees burst into the typical fall colors, which creates a fiery backdrop to Tokyo’s towering skyscrapers and neon lights.

Tip: In both seasons, fall and spring, you’ll need to book ahead for tours, tickets, and accommodations to avoid disappointment.

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14 Unmissable Things to do in Kyoto, Japan

15 memorable things to do in osaka, japan, snow monkey park: japan’s hot spring oasis.

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The 7 best beaches near Tokyo: sand, surf and summer fireworks just two hours from the capital

Apr 19, 2022 • 5 min read

Explore the vibrant beach and surf scenes just outside Tokyo © Toshirou Mishina / Getty Images

Tokyo is famous for many things, but beaches are not one of them. Outside of the city limits, however, the prefectures of Kanagawa, Chiba, and Shizuoka have thriving beach scenes. It’d be overselling to call these spots world-class – head to Okinawa  for that – but if you’re in and around the capital during the summer and crave a little surf, there are many great options. 

There are quiet, local beaches and heaving popular ones; gentle coves for families and reef breaks for surfers. Peak summer is July and August, when many beaches have temporary huts, festivals, and firework displays. Note that the Japanese sun is strong! Many locals wear hats or hide under beach umbrellas.

Here are the seven best beaches within a two-hour radius of Tokyo.

Enjoy the surf in sight of Mt Fuji at Zaimokuza Beach, Kanagawa

Though Kamakura is only a one-hour train ride from Tokyo, this seaside town, complete with a laid-back California surfer vibe, feels a world away. Of Kamakura's five beaches, Yuigahama is the most popular, and the first one you reach if you're walking from the train station; it can also get incredibly crowded, especially on weekends. For more space, keep walking instead to Zaimokuza, a broad stretch of sand fronted by waters that are generally gentle. On clear days, look east for stunning views of Mt Fuji .

The easiest beach to reach from Tokyo is Katase Higashihama Beach, Kanagawa

If you're short on time, head to Katase Higashihama, right by Enoshima Island . Just a short walk from the station, the spot has a more relaxed attitude to tattoos, alcohol and pets, and boasts a huge range of amenities including toilets, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, parking, shops and restaurants. It's not the prettiest because the dark sand looks a bit like cigarette ash, but you can hardly see it for all the beach umbrellas. Katase Higashihama is particularly popular with Tokyo teens and students.

Isshiki Beach, Kanagawa, is a lovely place to relax

Just a 15-minute bus ride away from busy Zushi lies pretty Isshiki Beach. It’s distinctly quieter than its surrounding neighborhoods, largely thanks to the rock formations and greenery that create a coastal enclave. The fact that there is no direct train access gives Isshiki Beach more of a local feel. Visitors come to relax by the water, laying out towels to sunbathe or read in peace. Temporary facilities are set up each summer to cater to their needs.

The best beach for surfers is Onjuku Beach, Chiba

Head southeast for Chiba’s Onjuku Beach and hit a surfer’s paradise. The crescent-shaped beach holds yearly national surf carnivals and competitions, thanks to swells that nearly always break. Beach huts and rental shops provide all the gear you need, including surfboards, bodyboards, paddleboards and wetsuits. As a bonus, the beach itself is lovely, with powdery sand and bright blue waters.

Zushi Beach, Kanagawa, has great cafe culture and the best windsurfing

Zushi Beach is extremely popular for all beach activities, and for those who need to stop to refuel on caffeine (or simply want to play spectator), the good news is that the coastline is dotted with coffee shops, bars and restaurants right by the action. Look out for Beach Muffin – a vegan cafe specializing in delicious handmade baked goods. The far end of the beach, by the marina, meanwhile, is one of the best spots for windsurfing near Tokyo.

Atami Sun Beach, Shizuoka, is the best beach in the evenings

For those seeking to extend beach hours, the fun doesn’t end at dusk over at Atami Sun Beach. This sandy beach lined with palm trees lights up blue each sunset till 10pm, and in the summer, there are regular fireworks displays to add to the color spectacle. Events draw in large crowds, creating a festival atmosphere without the fumes – smoking is forbidden here.

Stroll the lovely coastline at Southern Beach, Kanagawa

In terms of walks, Southern Beach in Chigasaki is a feast on the eyes at any given time of year. The beach’s “Southern C” monument is a famous marriage and photo spot, and wandering onward leads strollers to plenty of restaurants and small businesses along the coastline. From the beach, you can see Enoshima Island in the east, Mt Fuji in the west, and large rock formations including Eboshi Iwa, a hat-shaped rock, ahead. The beach is packed in summer for fireworks and events, making it a superb spot for a bit of people-watching.

Be sure to adhere to Japanese beach etiquette

Beaches in Japan have an official season , which usually coincides with the summer school holiday, from mid-July through August. During this time, popular beaches like Katase Higashihama will have umi-no-ie – “beach huts” that rent umbrellas and chaises and sell drinks and not very good food. This is also when lifeguards are present. However, a visit outside of the season is still possible, and this is when the beaches are at their most pleasantly uncrowded.

Most beaches are equipped with public toilets and showers that are open year-round. In the absence of huts, there is usually a convenience store nearby to pick up supplies. Japanese beaches tend to be clean, despite a lack of garbage cans – beachgoers pack up their trash and take it home with them, and visitors should do the same.

Keep a lookout at entrances for individual beach rules, such as swimming, noise or alcohol restrictions. Nudity is widely prohibited. Kamakura and Zushi beaches have a no visible tattoo policy.

You might also like:  21 of the best free things to do in Tokyo: from shrines to sumo    The best times to visit Tokyo: from spring cherry blossoms to winter lights    The 5 best day trips from Tokyo: hot springs, mountain views, and Big Buddha   

This article was first published April 2021 and updated April 2022

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Mega Guide: 24 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

It’s sakura season, so pack a picnic and park yourself under the falling petals. Read on for a list of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

We’ve divided our picks into the most popular parks and gardens, and some quieter alternatives to admire the flowers. You’ll find a total of 24 different locations in Tokyo, plus a couple of ideas for day trips out of the city.

Pro tip: If you’d prefer to skip the research and just have an expert take you around the best spots, try a cherry blossom private tour guide .

Cherry blossom season in Tokyo

Cherry blossom season in Tokyo usually starts in mid- to late March, and lasts for around two weeks. During this time, the city comes alive with soft, fluffy flowers and the crowds who go out to see them.

Sakura forecast 2024

According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC)’s most recent forecast , cherry blossom season in Tokyo will see first bloom on March 22 , with peak viewing around March 29 .

Keep in mind that the forecasts are typically for the most common/popular variety of sakura, the Somei-yoshino. There are many different kinds of cherry blossoms , including some that bloom earlier or later than the common varieties . So if you won’t be in Tokyo at peak time, don’t worry — we’ve still got you covered.

Some sakura names to look out for when checking specific locations for cherry blossoms in Japan:

• Early-blooming sakura : Kanzakura, Kawazu-zakura, Kanhizakura
• Late-blooming sakura : Ichiyo, Ukon, Kanzan, Shogetsu, Jugatsu-zakura, Kikuzakura, Fugenzo

You might also see the term yaezakura , which refers to cherry blossom varieties with dense petals. These bloom later than the “standard” Tokyo sakura that have five petals per flower.

9 most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo

While they’ll be busy and filled with blue tarps as far as the eye can see, these places are popular for a reason. Whether they have the best trees, the nicest rivers, or the most picturesque boating lakes and cherry blossom tunnels, people flock to them — and there’s no shame in joining.

The bonus of going to some of the busier cherry blossom locations in Tokyo is the lively atmosphere. You’ll see students throwing hanami parties, families having a day out, and people of all ages just enjoying the spring weather.

Pro tip: See Mt. Fuji on a special cherry blossom bus tour from Tokyo , priced from ¥ 11,500 .

1. Ueno Park: One of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo

Free About a 5-minute walk from Ueno Station

One of the most popular (and crowded) places to do hanami in Tokyo, Ueno Park is where the sakura famously bloom a bit earlier. An estimated 800 cherry trees line the park’s central path, and people typically picnic on both sides, using blankets or tarps to claim whatever space they can.

If you time it right, you might be able to rent a boat and scoot around the pond, too. Whatever you decide to do, our advice is to get there early, especially for picnics! Lanterns are strung up, so you can party on into the evening. See what else there is to do in Ueno .

2. Shinjuku Gyoen: A quieter place to see sakura

¥ 500 A 1- or 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station or Sendagaya Station

If you’re keen on somewhere a little more peaceful, this is it. Shinjuku Gyoen is a spacious garden with rolling lawns, plenty of walking paths and around 1,300 cherry trees, which bloom at different times. This means that even if it’s crowded, you can still enjoy a calm stroll under the sakura. The atmosphere here is much less rowdy compared to most other parks in Tokyo. Read up on what else there is to do in Shinjuku .

Important: You will need to pre-register to enter the park on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays during March and April 2024. Also, no alcohol is allowed to be brought into the park. book in English here . -->

3. Imperial Palace East Gardens: Great for a leisurely stroll

Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Ōtemachi Station, Takebashi Station, or Nijūbashimae Station

The Imperial Palace’s East Gardens are open to the public, and entry is free. While some people do have picnics here, it’s more of a place to go for a walk. The sakura are a welcome touch of old Tokyo in contrast to all the concrete and glass of nearby modern Marunouchi , Tokyo’s central business district. Check out other things to do at the Imperial Palace .

4. Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Park: Most scenic spot to see sakura in Tokyo

Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station

Chidorigafuchi is one of Tokyo’s most picturesque sakura spots. It’s also a place where you can hop in a boat and row your date (or lazy friends) around an Edo-era moat (which is now part of the Imperial Palace grounds). If you’re wobbly on the water, you can mosey along the 700m-long footpath instead, ooh-ing and ah-ing your way through the tunnel of cherry blossoms.

Next door is Kitanomaru Park , which, like the Imperial Palace’s East Gardens, is a place for quieter sakura viewing. The controversial Yasukuni Shrine , which also has loads of cherry blossoms, is nearby; despite its politically loaded status, it draws a lot of tourists during cherry blossom season in Tokyo.

5. Sumida Park: A hanami spot by the river

Free A 1- or 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station

The area stretching from Azumabashi Bridge to Sakurabashi Bridge on the Sumida River is a super-famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and has been for centuries. More than 1,000 cherry trees line the river, making for great photo ops and picnics. You can also see Tokyo Skytree from here. However, the area can get very crowded, so arrive early if you want to snag some space for a picnic.

You could also take a cruise on one of the yakatabune (traditional pleasure boats) that travel along the Sumida River.

6. Inokashira Park: Swan boats and sakura

Free Less than a 10-minute walk from Kichijōji Station

This park in Kichijōji , a suburban Tokyo neighborhood west of Shinjuku, is renowned for its beauty in spring. Approximately 500 cherry trees surround a central pond, and when the blossoms start falling, the petals carpet the water in pink.

You can go boating while appreciating the scenery. The swan-shaped boats are a favorite among couples, but be warned: superstition says that lovers who go boating in the park are doomed to break up. Apparently this is because Benzaiten, the goddess of love, has a jealous streak. Inokashira Park is dedicated to her, and she isn’t keen on lovey-dovey vibes on the lake. If boating and/or breaking up is not your thing, you can have a cherry blossom picnic, or see the blossoms from the park’s bridges.

7. Meguro River: The best place for seeing sakura lit up at night

Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station, Meguro Station, or Naka-Meguro Station (each station is near a different part of the river)

Several kilometers of the Meguro River are lined with more than 800 cherry trees, which make for a unique sight. (In Tokyo, at least — go to Kyoto if you want to see countless canals surrounded by cherry blossoms). This area is even more beautiful at night when the trees are lit up, during the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival . It’s a favorite date spot.

Pro tip: For a unique experience, consider booking a [affiliate id="wamazing-activity" text="river cruise" link="https://www.wamazing.com/activity/detail/1253"] along part of the Meguro River. It costs [price amount=4500] per person and can be booked online.-->

Get other ideas for where to see yozakura in Tokyo .

8. Yoyogi Park: For when it’s more about the party than the flowers

Free A 1- or 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station or Meiji-jingūmae Station

The urban Yoyogi Park is known more for general gatherings and bazaars than its flora. That said, it has about 600 cherry trees, including an early-blooming variety that’s a darker shade of pink than the pale Somei-yoshino (the most common kind of cherry blossom you see in Japan).

Check out our mega guide to Yoyogi Park to help plan your outing.

9. Koishikawa Kōrakuen: Best place in Tokyo to see weeping cherry blossoms

¥ 300 Less than a 5-minute walk from Kōrakuen Station or Iidabashi Station

One of Tokyo’s oldest, this well-preserved garden is famous for weeping cherry trees, a special varietal. Koishikawa Kōrakuen is suited for scenic appreciation, not picnics (which aren’t allowed), but they do have a teahouse where you can enjoy some matcha .

15 other places to see Tokyo sakura

These locations are not as well known, at least for international tourists. So if you want a (somewhat) less-crowded cherry blossom experience, consider adding a couple to your itinerary.

1. Shōwa Memorial Park

¥ 450 About a 10-minute walk from Tachikawa Station

If you’re keen on getting out of Tokyo central, or miss the main sakura season by a few days, you can always check out Shōwa Kinen Park in Tachikawa, about 40 minutes by train from Shinjuku. It’s huge, and has 1,500 cherry blossom trees — you might see some daffodils and tulips, too.

A great way to explore the park is by renting a bicycle when you arrive. This costs adult/child ¥ 530 / ¥ 320 for a full day, or adult/child ¥ 420 / ¥ 260 for a half-day. Read more about biking and other things to do at Shōwa Kinen Park .

2. Asukayama Park

Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Ōji Station and Asukayama Station

This hidden park’s hanami history goes back a long way — it’s been a favorite local spot since the Edo period. It has 600 trees, and a convenient little cable car that goes from the entrance to the hilltop.

3. Yanaka Cemetery

Free About a 10-minute walk from Nippori Station

Flower viewing in a cemetery? That’s possible in Yanaka Cemetery, near Ueno. It’s been relatively popular among locals for quite some time now. In fact, the main path leading to the cemetery is lined with cherry trees, and aptly named Cherry Blossom Avenue.

If you think about the symbolism behind the cherry blossom, it doesn’t seem too unusual — the short-lived sakura is a reminder of the transience of life, after all. Just be as respectful as possible, if you decide to drop by this place.

Make a day of it and explore more of Yanaka .

4. Kasai Rinkai Park

Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Kasai-Rinkai-kōen Station

Kasai Rinkai Park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks, and just one stop away from Tokyo Disneyland . Its vast space and full slate of attractions (a Ferris wheel, aquarium, observatory, bird sanctuary, and more) make it an ideal location for family outings.

5. Mt. Takao 

Free About a 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station

Why not take a day trip to the closest mountain to Tokyo ? Less than an hour away from Shinjuku , Mt. Takao provides great views of the Kantō region and Mt. Fuji . In spring, those views can get even more lovely, with cherry blossoms framing the sights.

For more details about Takao-san and other pretty-in-pink mountains, check out our cherry blossom hikes guide .

6. Sotobori Park

Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Yotsuya Station

Between Ichigaya and Yotsuya stations, this thin stretch of park runs along the Kanda-gawa riverside. In spring, it becomes a cherry blossom haven. The park is just over 2km long, making it perfect for a stroll, and it features Edo Castle ruins, as well as around 700 Somei-yoshino cherry trees.

Sotobori Park gets busy, as lots of students from nearby Hōsei University have hanami parties here, but you might find the northside river path a little quieter.

7. Ōjima Komatsugawa Park

Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Higashi-Ōjima Station

Mainly known for its recreation fields and castle-like structures, Ōjima Komatsugawa Park straddles the Kyūnaka River. As you may have learned by now, a river is a good sign for cherry blossoms in Japan.

Once a marshland, Ōjima Komatsugawa Park is now home to around 1,000 cherry trees, nicknamed the Senbonzakura (and planted as a sign of regeneration). While this park may not be as popular as the more famous Tokyo sakura sites, you’ll still need to claim your pitch early if you’re planning a proper cherry blossom viewing party.

8. Hibiya Park

Free A 1- or 2-minute walk from Hibiya Station or Kasumigaseki Station

Near the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park is 16 hectares of beauty — and as it’s not a major hanami spot, it’s great for the less gregarious cheapo. The park precincts include the Shinkei and Kumogata ponds, a playground, and a number of Somei-yoshino cherry trees.

9. Komazawa Olympic Park 

Free Less than a 10-minute walk from Komazawa-Daigaku Station

Before being opened to the public, this park was used as the second main venue of the 1964 Olympics. There are about 200 mature trees in the park, many of which line a cycling route. That means you can combine your blossom viewing with a relaxing cycle, or run through tunnels of pink.

10. Kinuta Park

Free About a 15-minute walk from Yōga Station

Kinuta Park has over 900 sakura trees, including Somei-yoshino, yamazakura, and yaezakura varietals. When you’ve had your fill of the food stands, bird sanctuary, and playgrounds, you can amuse yourself by looking for signs of the park’s past life — it was once a golf course.

11. Hamarikyū Gardens

¥ 300 About a 10-minute walk from Shiodome Station

Hamarikyu is flanked by the gleaming spires of the Shiodome business district on one side, and Tokyo Bay on the other. It’s also just a short walk from Tsukiji Outer Market .

This is actually one of Tokyo’s most famous gardens, so the few dozen sakura trees here are just one of the highlights. You’ll also find several seawater ponds, a teahouse, and a spectacular 300-year-old pine tree. If you’re in the area between February and the start of cherry season, go see the nanohana (rapeseed), one of Japan’s lesser-known spring blooms.

12. Rikugien Garden

¥ 300 About a 5-minute walk from Komagome Station

Rikugien Garden is almost four centuries old, and home to a vast and beautiful weeping cherry tree that is illuminated at night during the sakura season. While the tree is lit up, the park is open until 9 p.m. If you are there during the day, you can check out the garden’s teahouse.

13. Koganei Park

Free About a 20-minute walk from Musashi-Koganei Station or Higashi-Koganei Station

This 200-acre park is the second largest in Tokyo, and its spacious lawns are a favorite spot for blossom-viewing picnics. There are upwards of 1,700 cherry trees, with over 50 varieties, including Yoshino, Sato, and wild cherry trees. If you get tired of looking at sakura or need a break from the crowds, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum is nearby.

14. Roppongi Sakurazaka

Running parallel to busy Keyakizaka, Sakurazaka is a walking path with around 75 cherry trees. Thanks to its more residential surroundings, it’s nothing like the busy cosmopolitan streets you might associate with Roppongi . It’s a tiny cherry blossom pocket that’s perfect if you find yourself in the area.

The trees are illuminated in the evenings, so if you’re out and about in Roppongi , a stroll here might be the perfect end to your day.

15. Kitazawa-gawa Green Road

Running along a small culverted river that’s a tributary to the more famous Meguro River, this path offers a quiet and pleasant walk. You’ll pass under some cherry blossom trees as you meander along. It’s not worth going out of your way to get to the Kitazawa-gawa Green Road, but if you happen to be nearby, consider checking it out.

Cherry blossom day trips near Tokyo

If you’re happy to head a little further afield, these day trips make for awesome springtime adventures.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, Kamakura

Free About a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station

Not only is this the most important Shintō shrine in Kamakura , it is one of the most beautiful in spring, as it has a 500m approach lined with cherry trees. Stroll through the grounds to find more trees near the garden ponds. These are older and include very early- and late-blooming sakura varieties — great if you’re not visiting at peak season.

The shrine is one of the top sights in Kamakura at any time of year, so you can enjoy it with an added bonus of blossoms.

Ōmiya Park, Saitama

Free Short walk from Kita-Ōmiya Station

One of the top 100 spots for cherry blossoms in the whole of Japan, this park is far enough out of Tokyo that it misses some of the crowds. There are over 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees, which are illuminated in the evenings. There is also a boating lake.

On the weekends, people hold hanami parties. Ōmiya Park doesn’t close, so you don’t have to worry about being booted out just as you’re getting settled. Ōmiya is a major hub in Saitama Prefecture.

Read about other spring day trips from Tokyo .

How to enjoy cherry blossom season in Tokyo

While it’s easy enough to stroll into a park, admire a cherry tree, and then go on your merry way, there are plenty of other ways to get into the spirit of spring. Perhaps the most traditional way is having a hanami (flower-viewing) party.

What is hanami?

Hanami literally means “flower viewing”, and it’s one of our favorite Japanese traditions. You haven’t truly experienced Japan until you’ve had a picnic party under the sakura. Hanami parties typically involve heading down to a park with a blue tarp, snacks, and lots of drinks.

Before setting out, you need to make sure hanami is allowed at your chosen spot — parks are usually fine, but most gardens ban hanami. See our guide to hanami in Tokyo for more information.

Other ways to enjoy sakura in Tokyo

• Cherry blossom festivals: These offer food stalls, pretty lanterns, and sometimes even entertainment. Held around peak blossom season, a sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festival) is always good fun.
• Yozakura:  This refers to seeing the cherry blossoms illuminated at night — a different take on the Tokyo cherry blossom-viewing experience. You can book a guided tour to see the famous cherry blossom illuminations along the Meguro River. It includes dinner, and is recommended for visitors with limited time.
• Hikes: Your best chance of seeing some quiet cherry blossoms in their natural habitat is to head out into the mountains for a spring walk . Pack a picnic and you’ve got yourself the perfect day out.

Frequently asked questions

We answer some of the most common questions travelers have about cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

What months can you see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

The best months to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo are March and April.

Where can I see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

You can see sakura almost everywhere in Tokyo. Most parks and gardens will have at least a few cherry trees, and you can often see trees lining streets and rivers too.

What is the best time of year to see cherry blossoms in Japan?

This depends on where you are going, but March and April are usually the best months to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Check out the 2024 Japan sakura forecast for the most up-to-date information.

Is sakura season busy in Tokyo?

Yes, cherry blossom season in Tokyo is the busiest season for domestic and international travelers. Expect high prices for plane tickets and hotel rooms, and big crowds at the most popular spots.

Before you go — Check out our suggestions for less-conventional ways to enjoy Tokyo sakura season .

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was originally published in March 2015. Last updated in March, 2024 by Maria Danuco and Carey Finn.

• Ojima Komatsugawa Park
• Sotobori Park
• Shōwa Memorial Park
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Imperial Palace
• Kitanomaru Park
• Inokashira Park
• Koishikawa Korakuen
• Yanaka Cemetery
• Kasai Rinkai Park
• Mount Takao
• Yoyogi Park
• Asukayama Park
• Sumida Park
• Chidorigafuchi Park
• Komazawa Olympic Park
• Hibiya Park
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine
• Cherry blossoms
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Koto City, located in eastern Tokyo, is a nearly island-esque ward surrounded by the Sumida River to the west, Arakawa River to the east, and Tokyo Bay to the south. Thanks to this abundance of water, the area is rich in waterside views and lush greenery, which complement its Edo Period charm. On the other hand, Koto is also known for its high-tech and entertainment driven areas, which are characterized by futuristic vibes and activities. Thanks to its breadth of offerings, Koto is truly a destination for everyone.

For a lively, ocean-inspired experience, visit Koto’s Toyosu area. This man-made island is home to the famous Toyosu Market , which is the location of the rebranded and relocated Tsukiji Fish Market (inner market). Watch lively tuna, seafood, and produce auctions from observation windows, shop for non-perishable goods at Uogashi Yokocho Market, and dine on some exquisite sushi. Aside from the market, Toyosu is also home to Lalaport Toyosu, which is one of the largest shopping malls in central Tokyo and filled with international and national brands, restaurants, and a cinema! A noteworthy spot in the mall is Kidzania, which is an amusement park where children can act out different professions.

After Toyosu, hop over to the nearby Odaiba area, which is another man-made island and a hub of high-tech entertainment! Admire the iconic Rainbow Bridge , shop at premium spots, relax on seaside parks and beaches, and marvel at the futuristic cityscape. Be sure to check out Tokyo Big Sight too, which is the largest convention center in Japan! The center hosts numerous conferences, exhibitions and events throughout the year, and the building itself is a modern work of art, characterized by four large inverted pyramids.

Interested in a one-of-a-kind experience? Toyosu and Odaiba are home to the extremely popular teamLab exhibits. teamLab Borderless (Odaiba) and teamLab Planets (Toyosu) feature surreal exhibits that push beyond conventional art and immerse visitors in 3D worlds that play with colors, lights, mirrors, and more. Awaken your senses at these renowned spots.

End an exciting day with an equally exciting night at Ageha , one of Tokyo’s biggest nightclubs! Party through the early hours of the morning with foreigners and Tokyoites alike.

For a more relaxed Koto trip, unwind in its numerous parks. Visit Yumenoshima Park for its scenic walking paths and Tropical Greenhouse Dome that boasts a variety of tropical plants or Wakasu Park for its campgrounds and golf courses. While you are by the water, go canoeing, sailing, or, for a memorable cultural experience, cruise through Koto’s canals on a traditional Edo Period boat and admire the seasonal nature.

On land, continue your historical journey with visits to Tomioka-hachimangu and Kameido-tenjinsha Shrines . Tomioka-hachimangu in particular is famous for its Fukagawa Hachiman Festival , which is one of the three largest Edo festivals in Tokyo. During this annual August festival, participants throw water on portable shrines (mikoshi) that are carried

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