What to Do in Tokyo?

Do you want to discover Tokyo, the city of a thousand faces? Welcome to the captivating world of one of the largest megacities in the world, which combines ancient tradition and modernity. Tokyo is a city that offers a wide variety of experiences that you can discover at every street corner. Whether you're a history, culture, food, or modernity enthusiast, this city has everything to enchant you If you're not sure what to do in Tokyo, explore through this article the must-visit places and experiences! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun, where every day is a discovery.

Tokyo, the dynamic capital of Japan, is a city where each neighborhood has its own charm and unique specialties! To learn more, I invite you to read further in this article, which will give you all the specifics of each place

Shibuya is the iconic neighborhood of Tokyo, known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy shops, and the famous Shibuya Crossing. This area is also known for housing the fashion district of Harajuku, where you will find quirky boutiques.

Dive into Tokyo's fascinating history by visiting the historic district of Asakusa, home to Sensō-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. Built in the 7th century, it offers a unique spiritual experience surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Passing through the majestic Kaminarimon gate, you'll see the iconic red lantern, the largest lantern in the country, and be transported to another time!

You can also taste Japanese specialties at the stalls on Nakamise-dori, such as dorayaki (pancakes filled with red bean paste) and tempura skewers. Take the opportunity to explore Japanese art and craftsmanship while wandering its picturesque alleys.

Shinjuku is the neighborhood of skyscrapers and bustling urban life. Stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen Park to escape the hustle and admire the various trees and flowers. Shinjuku is also famous for its bars and restaurants, as well as its well-known nightlife district of Kabukicho. Don't miss the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observatory, which is free

If you're looking for a fun and unique way to explore the neighborhoods of Tokyo, I invite you to book a karting outing in the Shinjuku and Shibuya areas Starting at around $114 per person, you can drive your own go-kart through the streets of Tokyo!

The Roppongi district is also famous for its international restaurants, luxury boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. After a day of cultural exploration, Roppongi offers a multitude of options to savor international cuisine, from traditional Japanese to fusion dishes.

If you want to discover many things in Tokyo without too much fatigue, you can also opt for the hop-on hop-off bus, which allows you to tour while enjoying a nice view from the bus roof. With your ticket, available from about $24, you can choose between 3 routes: the Tokyo Skytree route, the Tokyo Tower route, Tsukiji Ginza, and the Shinjuku Shibuya route.

Ueno is a neighborhood that combines culture and nature. Visit Ueno Park, which is home to Buddhist temples and many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. After admiring the cultural treasures, enjoy your walk while contemplating the cherry blossom trees in the park.

To fully absorb the atmosphere and immerse yourself in local customs like a true Tokyoite, go to Ameya-Yokocho street, a bustling market where you can taste a variety of Japanese dishes. The street food stands offer takoyakis that will delight your taste buds

Go to the top of the world, literally, at Tokyo Skytree, the tallest observation tower in Japan and the second highest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai!

At 634 meters, it offers a panoramic view of the city, with the majestic Mount Fuji in the background on clear days For photography enthusiasts, this is the perfect place to capture spectacular views of Tokyo in all its facets.

Be aware that the spot is very popular among tourists. I recommend you buy your tickets for Tokyo Skytree in advance to avoid waiting in line on the day of your visit.

At the base of the tower, you'll discover Tokyo Solamachi, ideal for shopping and dining lovers. This ultra-modern shopping complex spans multiple floors and offers an impressive variety of shops, restaurants, and activities for all tastes.

Tokyo Tower, another iconic symbol of the city, is an imposing metal structure reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Go up to its summit for a panoramic view, especially of the sparkling Tokyo Bay at night

The tower stands nearly 333 meters tall, making it a prominent structure in Tokyo's urban landscape. It features 2 large observation decks: one at 149m and another at 250m high. To ascend to the first, I advise you to book a ticket for Tokyo Tower in advance to avoid waiting

Additionally, try to visit at dusk when the tower is illuminated with spectacular light displays, creating an ambiance that attracts both locals and visitors.

If you're visiting Tokyo, it's good to know that the Tokyo Tower also has a base composed of four levels, featuring an aquarium, restaurants, and an amusement park themed around One Piece. The observation deck offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city, allowing you to admire the vastness of Tokyo up to the horizon!

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is a symbol of Japan's imperial history. The interior of the Imperial Palace is not open to the public, but the inner parks are only accessible through guided tours, adding a special dimension to your exploration.

Tours take place from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 1:30 PM. Before venturing into this place full of history and tradition, it is highly recommended to buy a ticket in advance to avoid potential waiting lines.

The guided tour of this park will immerse you in the fascinating stories of emperors and shoguns, helping you understand the importance of this institution in Japanese society

They are organized by staff from the Imperial Family Agency and are conducted in Japanese with an audio guide available in several languages. The outer gardens, on the other hand, are accessible year-round.

A part of the inner palace grounds is open to the public only 2 days a year, on the emperor's birthday (currently February 23) and during New Year festivities (January 2). During these two days, the emperor and his family appear behind the reinforced glass of the Chowaden Hall's reception area, greeting the crowd that gathers in the square.

If you're unsure what to do in Tokyo and want to learn more about this historical site, I invite you to join a private guided tour that will allow you to discover the Imperial Palace, along with other important places like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tsukiji Fish Market, or Meiji Shrine. Starting from around $133 per person, this comprehensive excursion will give you a deeper understanding of the different facets of Tokyo.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum, located in the heart of Tokyo, is a captivating place that immerses visitors in the city's history from the Edo period to Tokyo's modern era. This museum offers an immersive exploration of Tokyo's evolution, with interactive exhibits, historical reconstructions, and a vast collection of objects, photographs, and archival documents.

If you're not particularly fond of historical museums and are looking for an immersive and unique experience, I highly recommend getting a ticket to TeamLab Planets TOKYO, a cutting-edge and multisensory museum

The 7 artistic installations are spread over more than 10,000 square meters and explore all facets of digital art, stimulating your 5 senses. This guarantees an extraordinary experience! Be aware that the museum visit is done barefoot! Yes, you read that correctly; you'll be walking barefoot through the various rooms, and sometimes you'll have water up to your knees. Dress accordingly.

At Roppongi Hills, dive into the world of art and culture at the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. The Mori Art Museum, located at the top of Mori Tower, is a top destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. The museum regularly features fascinating exhibitions that showcase both Japanese and international creativity. In the evening, head to the Roppongi Hills observatory, an equally impressive platform as the Skytree, but with a different view of illuminated Tokyo

Attending a sumo tournament or training session is a unique cultural experience that will immerse you in the fascinating world of this traditional Japanese sport! Sumo is much more than just a sport; it's a way of life, steeped in rituals and traditions.

Sumo tournaments are held in January, May, September, and November at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's iconic sumo hall. Attending a tournament allows you to experience this unique atmosphere, with its colossal wrestlers, traditional opening ceremonies, and enthusiastic fans Tournaments last 15 days, with each day offering thrilling matches between sumos from different divisions.

If you can't attend a tournament, you can also observe a morning training session. For certain sumo >>, meaning a sumo wrestler organization, training begins at 6 AM and lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours. If you're interested, you can attend a morning Sumo training in Sumida City. This experience will allow you to see sumos training up close and learn more about their way of life and traditions. Be aware that it's very important to respect the rules and customs when attending a training session!

If you're unsure what to do in Tokyo, you can attend a performance of traditional arts such as kabuki or bunraku These centuries-old forms of Japanese art will immerse you in a world of sumptuous costumes, enchanting music, and captivating stories.

Attending a tea ceremony in Tokyo is an experience filled with grace and tradition. It is a true dive into Japanese culture. During this ceremony, you'll be welcomed in a calm setting, usually in a traditional tea pavilion, where you can closely observe the process of preparing matcha tea by an experienced tea master.

For an escape from the city, don't miss the opportunity to explore Mount Fuji, the iconic mountain of Japan, located in Fujinomiya. Mount Fuji, or > in Japanese, is a sacred mountain that rises to 3,776 meters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most revered symbols of Japan.

Book a tour that will take you to the fifth station of the mountain, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Fuji crater and the surrounding landscapes. Climbing Mount Fuji is a unique adventure that immerses you in the majestic nature of Japan The hiking trails are well maintained, but the ascent is demanding, so it's recommended to prepare accordingly.

Otherwise, you will also have the option of different types of excursions, including a visit to Lake Kawaguchi, a cruise in Hakone, or even access to the cable car; there is something for everyone In any case, I highly recommend booking your Mount Fuji excursion in advance, as it is a very touristy place!

For a total immersion in nature, head to Shinjuku Gyoen Imperial Garden. This vast landscaped park of 143 acres is a peaceful haven that changes its appearance with each season. The garden was originally a property of the imperial family until it was opened to the public in 1949.

If you have the opportunity to travel to Japan in spring, you will notice that the cherry blossoms create a true sea of pink petals, while in autumn, the leaves turn red, creating a unique landscape!

The garden also houses an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants in greenhouses, offering a fascinating botanical experience Also, don't miss the chance to visit the tea house, where you can enjoy authentic Japanese tea while overlooking the garden!

To explore the city from a different angle, I highly recommend embarking on a cruise in Tokyo Bay You'll pass under the imposing Rainbow Bridge spanning the bay and have breathtaking views of the city's skyscrapers from the water. Bay cruises are available day and night, each period offering a unique perspective of the metropolis.

The bay is a lively place, with many floating restaurants where you can savor Japanese specialties while enjoying splendid views. These restaurants often offer freshly caught seafood dishes. Additionally, in the evening, when the city lights sparkle on the water, the bay becomes even more beautiful!

If you prefer to enjoy a longer cruise, I recommend the night cruise with dinner, during which you will sail for 3 hours and enjoy a delicious traditional Japanese meal consisting of 10 different dishes, ranging from chirashi to sashimi boats and delicious fresh noodles. Expect around $90 per person.

In Tokyo, one of the must-do experiences is to taste the local culinary specialties that delight visitors' taste buds worldwide The city is filled with street food restaurants, small ramen stalls, sushi stands, and Michelin-starred restaurants, offering an impressive variety of authentic dishes.

Don't miss the chance to savor a hot bowl of ramen in a traditional izakaya (the equivalent of a French bistro) or explore the street food delights at Ameya-Yokocho.

Now, let's dive into the culinary universe at the Toyosu Fish Market, formerly known as Tsujiki. This fish market, one of the largest in the world, is not limited to just selling seafood. It's a true spectacle, a hive of activity where you can observe fishermen unloading their catch and buyers searching for the freshest fish

If you want to soak up the atmosphere and explore all corners of the market, don't hesitate to join a guided walking tour of the Tsukiji outer market, accessible from $83 per person. You will be accompanied by a guide and stroll through the market aisles while tasting a variety of traditional Japanese foods.

And if you don't mind waking up early, I recommend attending a tuna auction for a unique experience! This traditional fish auction is a spectacle in itself, where bidders compete for the best fish, and giant tunas are sold at exorbitant prices! To attend, you must be among the first 120 visitors.

Finally, to explore Japanese cuisine more closely, why not take a local cooking class? You can learn to prepare traditional dishes such as ramen, vegetable or shrimp tempura, or even sushi, under the supervision of experienced chefs.

Attending a cooking class will allow you to discover the secrets of authentic Japanese flavors and acquire valuable culinary skills!

Cooking classes are often organized in specialized workshops or by local chefs who open their homes to share their passion for Japanese cuisine. It's a unique opportunity to learn Japanese cooking techniques For example, you can participate in a class where you will learn to cook 8 Japanese dishes, including one made with wagyu beef, and you'll be accompanied by very friendly instructors! Expect to pay $53 for the experience

If you didn't know what to do in Tokyo, I hope you now have some great ideas for activities to do in this authentic and surprising city! And if you want to plan your stay in advance but haven't thought about where to stay in Tokyo, feel free to check out my article on the subject