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.

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.

teamLab is an acclaimed digital art collective that has created several immersive and interactive exhibitions in Tokyo. Their two main exhibits are teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets.

teamLab Borderless is a permanent museum featuring mesmerizing projections of light and color that transform the space into a boundless, ever-changing world of art. Visitors can freely explore different rooms filled with dazzling digital installations that react to their presence.

On the other hand, teamLab Planets is a temporary exhibition that offers a unique experience by incorporating shallow pools of water into some of the rooms. Visitors can walk through these water-filled spaces with projected artworks on the surface, creating a surreal and captivating environment.

Both exhibits are highly popular and provide an unforgettable artistic journey that blurs the boundaries between the physical and digital realms.

Buddhism in Japan has a long history, and as a result, there are numerous temples. 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.

Below are some of Tokyo's most famous shrines and temples.

Similar to Buddhist temples, there are also numerous Shinto shrines with hundreds of years of history. One of the most important, even amongst the famous shrines of Tokyo, Meiji Jingū, is right next to Harajuku.

A shrine where the deified Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined, Meiji Jingū has grounds that stretch over 700,000 square meters, with a lush forest of over 100,000 trees offered from all over the country. It's a place where you can enjoy each of the 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.

Below are some additional shrines worth visiting while in Tokyo.

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.

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.

Be it fashion or food, Harajuku, at the forefront of Japanese pop culture, is a place filled with trendy shops and where fashionable people gather in droves.

Shopping malls are dotted throughout the street, drawing your eyes everywhere. Among 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.

If you're looking to enjoy fresh seafood in Tokyo, Toyosu and Tsukiji are the places to visit. In 2018, the wholesale market moved from Tsukiji to Toyosu.

Currently, auctions for tuna and wholesale of fish are conducted in Toyosu. Additionally, the restaurants and shops from Tsukiji's market area have also relocated to Toyosu.

Outside the market area (the "Outer Market") of Tsukiji, many restaurants continue to serve fresh seafood, maintaining the traditional atmosphere. Whether you want to experience the ambiance of the old times or witness the auctions at Toyosu, you can choose the location that best fits your preferences.

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.

For example, at Wagyu Tabehodai Nikuen Ueno, you can enjoy over 85 dishes for under $40, 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.

Below is a sample of other popular yakiniku restaurants with wagyu menus.

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 at the buffet for under $30, and its reasonable price makes it extremely popular.

Below are some additional highly recommended sushi options in Tokyo.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. No. 7 is claimed to be the thickest matcha ice cream in the world, and reviewers have described it as having an unforgettable taste.

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.

In the Ginza area, popular even among foreign visitors, are not just high-end shops but reasonably priced brands such as Uniqlo and GU. There is plenty of shopping available. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the central street is closed to traffic from noon to 6 PM (5 PM from October to March), 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.”

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.

Ueno Ameyoko Shotengai is a lively and atmospheric market street located between Okachimachi and Ueno stations in Tokyo. This approximately 500-meter-long shopping street is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Tokyo. It retains the charming vibe of a historic downtown Tokyo market, with its cramped and bustling alleyways lined with shops selling everything from fresh produce and street food to clothes and miscellaneous goods. The vibrant atmosphere transports visitors back in time.

Ameyoko offers an incredible variety of shops and stalls selling all kinds of products, from traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs to imported goods and bargains. It's a great place to find unique items and souvenirs at reasonable prices. The street is famous for its numerous food stalls and vendors selling delicious Japanese street food like yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and other local specialties. It's a fantastic opportunity to sample authentic Japanese snacks and dishes.

With its roots dating back to the post-WWII black market, Ameyoko provides a glimpse into Tokyo's history and local culture. Exploring this lively market is an immersive cultural experience for visitors. Ameyoko is conveniently located near the popular Ueno Park, making it easy to combine a visit to the market with exploring the park's museums, shrines, and other attractions.

One of the most popular 'free things to do in Tokyo' is visiting the observatory area of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Located 202 meters above the ground, this observatory offers breathtaking views of the city. On a clear day, you can even see the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. It's a fantastic spot for first-time visitors to get a panoramic view of Tokyo's sprawling urban landscape. Best of all, it's completely free to enter, making it a must-visit during your trip.

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

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Tokyo. This interactive museum takes you on an immersive journey through the city's fascinating history, from the Edo Period to modern times. Marvel at life-sized replicas of iconic structures like the Nihonbashi Bridge and the Nakamura Theater, and explore meticulously crafted models of Edo-era towns and homes. Hands-on exhibits and volunteer guides bring the past to life, offering a unique and engaging way to learn about Tokyo's rich cultural heritage. With its impressive displays and informative yet entertaining approach, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is a highlight that should not be missed.

As you enter the Edo-Tokyo Museum, you step back 400 years in time to experience life when Tokyo was known as 'Edo.' Life-sized models of the Nihonbashi Bridge and an Edo-period playhouse, along with small-scale models from the Meiji period, illustrate how Japanese culture grew and flourished. Discover how Edo transformed into the vibrant city we know today, and gain a deeper appreciation for Tokyo's rich history through the museum's fun and educational exhibits.

Ueno Park is great for walking and relaxing, with its lush greenery and numerous attractions. The park is home to several world-class museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Visitors can also explore the Ueno Zoo, which is home to a diverse range of animals, making it a delightful experience for families and animal lovers.

During the spring season, usually late March to early April, Ueno Park transforms into a breathtaking sight with over 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom. Visitors can participate in the traditional hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties, a quintessential Japanese experience. The park also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, which features food vendors, live performances, and beautiful lanterns.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ueno Park is steeped in history and culture. The park houses several important landmarks, including the Ueno Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the statue of Saigo Takamori, a prominent figure in the Meiji Restoration. The park also features a large pond, Shinobazu Pond, which offers a serene atmosphere and picturesque views.

The Samurai Museum in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is a must-visit for anyone obsessed with samurai stories. Located in the lively Kabukicho district, the museum covers seven centuries of samurai history, featuring impressive displays of kabuto helmets, yoroi armor, and, of course, swords and other weapons. You can even find exhibits showcasing original armor, weapons, art, and firearms used by later samurai.

This engaging and interactive museum offers visitors the chance to dress up in samurai gear for a memorable photo shoot. It is tourist-friendly, with information available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. Guided tours are available and highly recommended to gain deeper insights into the exhibits. In addition to tours, the staff stage sword battles and offer lessons on how to use a katana.

With demonstrations, workshops, and photo opportunities, the Samurai Museum provides a fun and educational activity for tourists interested in Japanese history and culture. Come and feel the samurai spirit!

The beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen is a national garden located in the heart of the city and is one of Tokyo's prime spots for cherry blossom viewing.

The gardens feature three distinct styles: Traditional Japanese, French Formal Garden, and English Landscape.

In autumn, the garden displays beautiful red leaves, and in winter, the Japanese gardens look particularly scenic when covered with snow. The park is well-maintained and enjoyable throughout the year.

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!

A Sumida River cruise or yakatabune dinner cruise is a must-do experience for first-time visitors to Tokyo. Cruises offer a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to admire iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Tower while cruising along the river.

The traditional yakatabune pleasure boats are adorned with festive red lanterns and feature tatami mats, low tables, and entertainment, providing an authentic taste of Japanese culture. Onboard, you can savor delicious traditional Japanese cuisine, such as sushi, tempura, and seasonal dishes, accompanied by free-flowing drinks.

As the boat gently cruises along the river, you can enjoy the cool breeze and stunning city lights, creating an unforgettable and luxurious moment.

Whether you choose a daytime cruise to view the cherry blossoms or an evening dinner cruise, a Sumida River or yakatabune experience is a unique and memorable way to explore Tokyo from a different perspective.

Experience the enchantment of Tokyo's vibrant festivals and fireworks displays throughout the year. These events, rich in tradition and creativity, offer a dazzling spectacle that illuminates the night sky and captivates audiences of all ages. From the stunning summer fireworks of the Sumida River Festival to the mesmerizing winter illuminations, Tokyo's festivals celebrate the changing seasons with an array of colors and lights.

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.

Discover the magic of Tokyo Disney Resort® with two spectacular theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea®.

Meet beloved Disney Characters, enjoy captivating attractions and shows, and immerse yourself in seven vibrant themed lands that offer more excitement than you can experience in a single day!

Embark on an adventure through seven themed ports of call, each brimming with stunning shows, unique attractions, delightful shopping, and exquisite dining — all infused with the enchanting Disney touch!

Looking for a unique art experience in the middle of Tokyo? The Art Aquarium Museum Ginza will not disappoint. Designed to be a living art exhibition that changes with each season, there are over 5000 goldfish, across a hundred different varieties, swimming gracefully in exhibits throughout the museum. It’s a beautiful, wondrous space that aims to bring the best of Japanese aesthetics and culture to their visitors, while showcasing the goldfish in tanks that act as the canvas for these living art pieces.

SMALL WORLDS Miniature Museum, located on Tokyo's eastern side near Toyosu, is a fantastical realm of miniature marvels that reopened its doors in March 2023. This enchanting museum is a labor of love, bringing together the charm of miniatures, the allure of lights, and the magic of music to create an experience that's sure to awaken your inner child and ignite your sense of discovery.

Experience a traditional performance of Kabuki, Noh, or other classic Japanese arts to get a taste of Japan's rich cultural heritage. Marvel at the vibrant costumes, intricate masks, and captivating storytelling that bring centuries-old tales to life.

For the musicians in your family, there are also fun activities where you can watch or even learn how to play traditional Japanese instruments.