Tokyo isn’t just a city—it’s a world of its own. From secret bars tucked beneath train tracks to avant-garde art in unexpected places, the best things to do in Tokyo go far beyond the guidebooks. Ready to experience it like a local?
Tokyo is a city that reinvents itself at every corner. One moment, you’re stepping into the tranquility of a centuries-old shrine, and the next, you’re caught in the neon frenzy of a late-night arcade. The best things to do in Tokyo aren’t just about ticking off famous landmarks—it’s about feeling the pulse of the city, from hidden ramen shops that only locals know to avant-garde galleries tucked away in quiet alleys. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the contrasts—old and new, quiet and chaotic, all blending seamlessly in this unforgettable metropolis.
Let’s dive into the hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that make this city unlike any other.
Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
1. Visit Sensōji temple in Asakusa
Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s largest ancient Buddhist temple, and its Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is the city’s symbol.
Sensoji is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and has a story as fascinating as the temple itself. In 628, legend says that two brothers fishing in the Sumida River found a statue of Kannon in their net. No matter how many times they returned it to the water, the statue always came back. Eventually, the temple was built nearby to honor the goddess, and by 645, it was complete—making it the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Leading up to the temple is a 250m shopping street where you can buy anything from snacks to Hello Kitty dolls. Close to the Main Hall you’ll also find the Asakusa Shrine and a lovely pagoda.
To get to Sensoji by subway, take the Ginza Line to Asakusa Station.
2. Visit Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The entrance to the shrine grounds is marked by a huge torii gate, and once you pass through it, you’ll notice how the sounds of the busy city are replaced by the rustling of the forest. One interesting thing you’ll notice at Meiji Jingu Shrine is the massive collection of sake barrels – they are called “kazaridaru”, and are a decorative display donated by sake brewers from around Japan.
To get there by subway, you can take the Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Line to Meiji Jingu Mae Station.
3. Enjoy some people-watching in Shibuya
Shibuya is a popular entertainment section of Tokyo and a hot spot for the under-30 crowd. As one of the hippest places in the city, the area is packed with clothing boutiques, record shops, and monstrous five-story TV screens. This district is also famous for its street crossing in front of Shibuya Station. When the lights turn red, traffic comes to a halt on all 10 lanes, and the huge mass of people – an estimated 2500 at any given time and 2 million per day – surge forward in every direction in the most polite and orderly ‘scramble’ you can imagine.
To reach Shibuya by subway, take the Hanzomon, Fukutoshin, or Ginza Line to Shibuya station.
4. Take a ride up Tokyo Tower
The Tokyo Tower stands at 333 meters, making it 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is the world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower and was completed in 1958 as a symbol of Japan’s resurgence as a major economic power. The tower serves as a television and radio broadcast antenna. Visitors can go up to the main observatory at 150 meters and the special observatory at 250 meters to enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo.
To get there by subway, take the Toei Subway, Oedo Line to Akabanebashi Station, or take the Tokyo Metro, Hibiya Line to Kamiyacho Station.
5. Check out the best Tokyo skyline views
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building rises 243 meters above the ground. Designed by Kenzo Tange, the building consists of twin towers covering 48 floors. The public observation decks are located on the 45th floor and can be reached by elevator in just 60 seconds. However, be prepared for crowds as it’s a popular tourist spot. Once you’re on the observation deck, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city. Another popular observation deck is situated 152 meters above ground in the World Trade Center Building in front of Hamamatsucho Station, offering a beautiful angle to view the Tokyo Tower.
6. Visit the Imperial Palace
The Tokyo Imperial Palace serves as the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. The palace buildings and inner gardens are generally not open to the public, except on January 2nd and December 23rd (Emperor’s Birthday). On these specific dates, visitors are allowed to enter the inner palace grounds and catch a glimpse of the members of the Imperial Family, who often make public appearances on a balcony. However, the Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public at other times.
To get there by subway, you can take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Tokyo Station or the Toei Subway Mita Line to Ōtemachi Station.
7. Visit the Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo, as the capital of Japan, boasts several museums with extensive collections of national treasures. Notable ones include the Japan National Archives and the National Museum of Modern Art. However, the largest museum in Tokyo and Japan is the Tokyo National Museum, which focuses on traditional Japanese art. It is ranked 37th in the world in terms of visitor traffic, attracting 1.4 million visitors annually. The museum’s collection consists of over 100,000 items, including 87 National Treasure holdings.
To get there by subway, you can take the Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line to Ueno Station.
8. Discover Otaku Culture in Akihabara
Akihabara, one of Tokyo’s famous districts, was once known as “Electric Town.” After World War II, it became a major shopping center for electronics and household appliances. In the 1980s, the focus of business in the area shifted to computers. The primary customers of the various electronics shops, comic shops, and maid cafes here are computer nerds, anime, and manga fans. Cosplayers and conventions are not unusual sights on the streets, and many anime mascots are visible in window displays.
To get there by subway, you can take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Akihabara Station.
9. Join a hanami party
In late March or early April, Tokyo experiences a beautiful phenomenon known as cherry blossom season. During this time, people in Tokyo celebrate “hanami,” which is the traditional Japanese custom of appreciating the beauty of cherry blossoms. Some of the best spots to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo include the moat around the Imperial Palace, Ueno Park, Aoyama Cemetery, Shinjuku Gyoen, Sumida Park along the riverside, and the area along the Meguro River west of Meguro station. These locations are popular for hosting blossom viewing parties.
10. Check out Tokyo’s beautiful gardens and parks
Local favorites include the Higashi Gyoen Garden, which is part of the Imperial Palace, the Nezu-jinja Shrine Garden, famous for its blooming azaleas in May, and the Shin Edogawa Garden, a classical Japanese garden. You’ll find endless subjects to photograph, from bonsai trees and stone lanterns to colorful koi fish. The best part is that most of these gardens are free to enter!
11. Go shopping in Ginza
Who wants to go shopping? Ginza is one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world and is considered the high-fashion center of the city, hosting many upscale shops and restaurants. It’s also one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.
Getting there by Subway: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Ginza, and Hibiya Line – Ginza Station.
12. Eat the best sushi of your life at Tsukiji Market
Don’t miss out on a sushi breakfast when visiting Tokyo, and Tsukiji Market is the perfect place for it. This busy fish market is the largest in the world and a popular spot for tourists looking to make the most of their early morning hours. The main attraction is the live tuna auctions, which start at 5 a.m. To get there by subway, take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station.
13. Bar hop in Shinjuku
Are you ready for a change of scenery? If you’ve had your fill of famous artworks and gardens and are looking for some lively nighttime entertainment, head over to Shinjuku. Kabukicho in Shinjuku is known for its nightlife and is a great place to hang out, whether you’re alone or with a group. It’s one of Tokyo’s famous entertainment districts where people come to have fun, unwind, and enjoy the nightlife. Join in the excitement and make your way there!
You can take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line or the Toei Oedo Line to get to Shinjuku Station.
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