Tokyo is a hub of different elements of Japanese culture, bringing together the timelessness of Japanese zen, meditation, and the importance given to nature, and more modern elements such as anime-themed restaurants and the most unique maid cafe concept, which can be found in many places. Japanese culture is very unique in itself. Indulge in the best sushi in the world at local street food stalls at Toyosu Fish Market and delicious Japanese food in the most luxurious fine dining restaurants, visit the Tokyo Tower which is the tallest tower in the world, and enjoy the lovely view of Tokyo bay and Mount Fuji.
Visit the renowned Tokyo Station, a train station, and the area around it, take a Japanese cooking class, and admire the multicultural influences in downtown Tokyo. With a bustling nightlife in the Roppongi Hills area and over 200 Michelin-star restaurants that make Tokyo food famous throughout the world, there’s a lot to do when you go to explore Tokyo. Here’s our list of the nine best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
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Nine Best Things To Do In Tokyo
Visit Tokyo Skytree, aka Tokyo Tower
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take Tobu Skytree Line to Tokyo Skytree Station |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | ¥500 + |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 1 hour |
This 2,080-foot tall tower is the magnificent star of the Tokyo skyline. Tokyo Skytree, also known as the Tokyo Tower, is an amazing place to visit in Tokyo and is very popular amongst tourists. Located in eastern Tokyo, this tower has some lovely restaurants and shopping options at its base and some boutiques in the tower itself. However, the place to be is its observation deck, which offers 360-degree views of Tokyo’s skyline. On days when the sky is at its clearest, you might even be able to spot Mount Fuji from here. It’s about 10 minutes by road from the Tokyo station and 20 minutes by train.
Hotels In Tokyo
Visit The Imperial Palace And Its Gardens
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take Tobu Skytree Line to Tokyo Skytree Station |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | ¥500 + |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 1 hour |
Japan has the longest-standing hereditary monarchy worldwide, and the royal family still resides at the Imperial Palace. A tour must be booked in advance to visit the palace itself. Two tours happen daily, and you can book one on their website. However, the Imperial Palace East Garden is open to the public throughout the year and is one of the best places to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms during the spring season. Chidorigafuchi is also an important landmark where you can enjoy cherry blossom season, and it’s the moat of the palace. The canal is beautifully lined with cherry blossom trees, the petals of which fall on the water, creating a picturesque scene.
Relax At Yoyogi Park
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Stations |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | No entrance fee |
Yoyogi Park is located near the Harajuku Station and is generally utilized for events and fairs, but at the same time is also one of the most popular parks in Tokyo for cherry blossom watching. The park has lovely lush trees sprawled across 134 acres of land, and also has a gorgeous large pond to relax by. Have a picnic under these gorgeous trees, take a calming stroll by the pond, or just sit on one of the park benches and admire its beauty. You are sure to feel at utmost peace and tranquility while you’re here.
Take In The View From Shibuya Scramble Square’s Tower Deck
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2-chōme−24−12 14階・45階・46階・屋上. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Shonan Shinjuku line, JR Yamanote Line, or the Narita Express to Shibuya Station |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | Adults: ¥ 2,200; Middle and high school students: ¥ 1,700; Elementary school pupils: ¥ 1,000; Children aged 3-5: ¥ 600 |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 45 to 90 minutes |
The Shibuya Crossing is known to be the world’s busiest intersection in terms of foot traffic. The Shibuya Scramble Square Tower near the Shibuya station in Tokyo city center looms over this crossing and views the crossing from the deck of the Shibuya Sky observatory, which is about 750 feet high and offers the perfect view of the bustle on the street. This is the most unique experience to see what a busy city Tokyo is. While heading here, be sure also to check out the nearby famous Hachiko statue made in honor of a dog who waited every day at Shibuya station to meet his owner even after the owner had passed away.
Experience The Cherry Blossoms During Spring At Ueno Park
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the JR Yamanote loop line to Ueno |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | No admission fee |
Ueno Park is one of the busiest spots to admire cherry blossoms since several people visit this park to attend Hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties). Located near the Ueno Station in central Tokyo, this is a large park featuring 800 to 1000 cherry blossom trees that bloom early. Most people come here for a picnic, and it’s an incredible location to observe cherry blossoms in full bloom. The beautiful huge pond in the park contributes to the park’s lovely charm.
Take A Trip Down Memory Lane, aka Piss Alley
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | 1-chōme-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the metro to JR Shinjuku station |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | No admission fee |
One of the best and most popular lanes in Tokyo for street food stalls and small bars, Memory Lane which turned into ‘Piss Alley’ over the years has some delicious food and drink options. Skewered meats called Yakitori that are paired perfectly with Japanese sake, shochu, and beer make for the best meal you can have in this lane. You’ll also find hearty beef stews here, however, the vegetarian options are very limited.
View The Tokyo Skyline From The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | 2-chōme-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Oedo Subway Line to Tocho-mae Station |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | No admission fee |
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku near the Shinjuku Station is the perfect place to admire the skyline of Tokyo from. The south observation deck here offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji also visible in the distance when the sky is clear. Entry is free and they also have a gorgeous grand piano that is free for people to play. The views in the evening from this spot are breathtaking, with an expansive city of glistening lights looking back at you.
Have A Fun Time At Tokyo Disneyland
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Tokyo Disneyland. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Keiyo Line / Musashino Line to Maihama Station |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | ¥ 7,900 + |
| 🈷️ Best Time to Visit | April |
If you’re traveling with your family, it is absolutely essential that you make a stop at Tokyo Disneyland. With two theme parks, four Disney hotels, six non-Disney hotels, and a shopping complex, this is a huge park that both kids and adults will love. Tokyo DisneySea is one of the most unique Disney parks in the world with a marine theme that takes you on a tour of the world’s seas. This park is more for adults than its neighbor Disneyland, with adults being able to enjoy the coasts of the world, a broadway show, and even a cocktail on a 1920s cruise. The nearby Tokyo Sea Life Aquarium is also worth a visit if you have the time.
Grab A Bite At A Robot Restaurant
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Yubinbango160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho, 1 Chome-7-1, Shinjuku robot building B2F. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the train to JR Shinjuku Station to Shinjuku Sanchome Station |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | ¥ 7000 per person |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 2 hours |
Tokyo has several robot dining options that stretch beyond being served by robots. They also have robot shows and performances. The most noteworthy robot restaurant in Tokyo is the Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe which has a social development aspect to it as well. The robots are controlled by people who are unable to leave their homes due to medical reasons or social obligations like childcare. This cafe helps employ disabled people who can work by operating the robots from the comfort of their homes. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible and inclusive!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some cool places near me in Tokyo for a night out?
Some cool places near you in Tokyo for a night out include Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Kabukicho, and Roppongi.
What are the top things to do in Japan for outdoor adventure?
The top things to do in Japan for outdoor adventure include ziplining, hiking/trekking, surfing, skiing/snowboarding, climbing, fishing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, diving/snorkeling, and exploring Japan’s diverse landscapes through various outdoor activities like biking, paddleboarding, and experiencing unique cultural adventures such as Keirin cycling and parasailing.
What are the top things to do in Tokyo with kids?
The top things to do in Tokyo, Japan with kids include visiting Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Asakusa, Tokyo Disney Resort, attractions in Odaiba, museums & exhibitions, theme parks, teamLab Planets Tokyo, Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Sea Life Park, Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, Tokyo Municipal Building, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Botanical Garden.
What are the top cultural things to see in Tokyo?
Some of the top cultural Tokyo attractions and things to see include Sensō-ji, Meiji Jingu, the Tokyo National Museum, a Kabuki performance, and exploring the historic Yanaka neighborhood.
What places to visit in Tokyo offer the best shopping experiences?
Some of the top places in Tokyo that offer the best shopping experiences include Ginza, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Asakusa, Tokyo Station Area, and Roppongi Hills.
