33 best things to do in Tokyo – Should-See Sights for First Timers

Tokyo is a gigantic metropolis. I do know we had been overwhelmed when planning our journey. There are such a lot of things to do in Tokyo, it is tough to know the place to start.

What to do in Tokyo – 33 best things To not Miss

This Tokyo journey information will enable you to resolve what to see in Tokyo, the place to remain in Tokyo and the best way to profit from your go to.

To skip to any part of what to do in Tokyo, click on the hyperlinks beneath. There’s an arrow on the underside proper to convey you again to the highest!

What do you have to not miss in Tokyo?

You shouldn’t miss seeing the Shibuya Crossing to witness the world’s busiest intersection, you should go to the skyscrapers, nightlife and robotic eating places of the Shinjuku District. Tokyo Sky Tree and the Hie Shrine.

Is Tokyo Protected?

Tokyo is a really secure metropolis, however like when visiting all massive cities, correct precautions ought to be taken. Do not exit late at night time alone, keep watch over your private belongings, and do not make your self a goal by overdrinking.

What are the Things you must to in Tokyo?

Go to considered one of their distinctive cafes like a robotic restaurant or cat cafe, view the Tokyo Tower from Shiba Park, go up the Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest tower on the planet and take within the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing

What are the perfect things to do in Tokyo at Evening?

Things to Do in Tokyo

It was my second time in Tokyo and I used to be excited to see how town had modified.

With the assistance of Tobu Japan Journey, we discovered the suitable areas to remain in Tokyo and had the possibility to see sights that we would not have considered visiting.

Now it is time to share our high picks for things to do in Tokyo.

An effective way to get your bearings when visiting any metropolis is to start out with the hop on hop off tour bus Get Your Information gives advance tickets on-line.

Shibuya

1. Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is a spectacular spot to soak up the crowds of Tokyo. It’s thought-about the busiest intersection on the planet.

Surrounded by billboards and neon lights, a whole bunch of individuals make this all-way pedestrian crossing each jiffy.

Vehicles cease to let the hoards of individuals via in an orderly method.

Getting There: Metro Cease Shibuya Station

2. Magnet’s MAG7

To essentially get a way of the crowds of Shibuya Crossing, make your strategy to the highest of Magazine 7.

Take the escalators or elevators as much as the seventh flooring for the viewing platform.

You may should stroll via eating places and retailers to the rooftop lookout, however it’s free and you’ll order drinks outdoors.

The glassed-in viewing space seems proper over Shibuya Crossing and you’ll have the right view to soak up what seems like a military of ants crossing the road from all instructions.

3. Meiji Shrine

One f the most well-liked shrines to see in Tokyo is the Meiji Shrine. This shrine is devoted to Emperor Meiji and is without doubt one of the hottest things to do in Tokyo.

He was thought-about the primary fashionable emperor of Japan. Throughout his reign, Japan had opened up and modernized to hitch the world on the flip of the 20 century.

Japan modernized and westernized herself to hitch the world’s main powers by the point Emperor Meiji handed away in 1912.

An attention-grabbing attraction strolling into Meiji Shrine is the wall of barrels lining the forest path in the direction of the temple.

Our information Yoshi informed us that these are sake barrels donated to the temples and shrines.

Sake is claimed to convey individuals nearer to the Gods. Sipping sake at a shrine is a symbolic gesture to convey individuals nearer to the Gods.

Barrels are donated by brewers and blessed to convey prosperity.

Getting There: Metro Cease is Harajuku Station

4. Love Lodge Hill (Dogenzaka)

Tokyo not solely has bizarre and whacky retailers it additionally has bizarre resorts. This hill is devoted to romantic getaways.

You’ll be able to keep for a couple of hours or in a single day. Many resorts will not permit foreigners although, so be ready to go searching.

5. Hachiko Statue

This little statue is a tribute to man’s greatest buddy.

The story goes that Hachiko used to fulfill his proprietor every single day on the subway station coming dwelling from work. When his proprietor died the canine stored coming again every single day for years till its personal dying. It’s now a preferred assembly spot.

Getting To Shibuya: Take the Yamanote Line direct to Shibuya Station.The place to Keep in Shibuya: Take a look at TripAdvisor for evaluations and locations to remain close to Shibuya

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one other highly regarded vacationer space in Tokyo.

That is the place the place all of the nightlife, karaoke bars, cat cafes and different zany things to do in Tokyo happen.

It is nice to go to at night time, however it’s even taking place throughout the day.

6. Golden Gai – Izakaya Alleys

Throughout Tokyo you will discover alleyways full of pubs and bars identified at Izakaya Alleys.

They’re tiny stalls serving food and drinks and are common after-work meet up factors for locals.

It has caught on with vacationers too, and within the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas of town, you will discover these crowded alleyways full of individuals.

In Shinjuku, you’ll be able to wander via the alleys of Golden Gai looking for the right bar.

There are greater than 200 tiny bars to select from. They solely seat a couple of individuals and entry is on the proprietor’s discretion.

It may be overwhelming and intimidating selecting which bar to enter, so as an alternative e-book a Shinjuku Golden Gai meals tour with Get Your Information.

It can be tough getting a seat and there’s normally a time restrict. Get Your Information gives excursions in Tokyo’s Shinbashi space to examine them out totally and to make certain you get a seat!

7. Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing

The most effective views of Tokyo is from the Metropolitan Authorities Constructing. It is free to enter and gives a panoramic view of town.

If its a transparent day, you’ll be able to even see Mount Fuji!

There’s additionally a vacationer data centre within the constructing.

8. Robotic Restaurant

After I first visited Tokyo in 1994, it appeared a lot farther forward than the remainder of the world. And now it simply retains pulling away from the remainder of us!

The Robotic Restaurant is considered one of Tokyo’s hottest points of interest.

Positioned in Shinjuku, the Robotic Restaurant runs a excessive tech present with dancers and know-how takes place 3 times a day.

Snacks are offered, not a full meal. And it’s suggested to e-book forward.

9. Cat Cafe

Tokyo is understood for its distinctive cafes. There are fishing eating places, owl eating places, ninja cafes, and well-known cat cafes.

The Calico Cat Cafe is the largest and doubtless most well-known of the cat cafes. Positioned in Shinjuku up 5 flights of stairs, it isn’t fairly what you assume.

Once you go inside, it looks like you might be checking right into a veterinarian workplace as an alternative of a restaurant. I used to be completely satisfied to see that they’re effectively taken care of.

Being a earlier cat proprietor, I really like cats and may perceive why individuals would need to cuddle with some kitties if they cannot have one at dwelling, or if they’re touring for a very long time and miss interplay with animals.

It is dear and also you pay hourly, plus you pay for treats.

10. Godzilla Road

When pondering of Japan, who does not consider Godzilla. The individuals of Tokyo have a humorousness and within the Shinjuku district, there’s a avenue named Godzilla Road.

It is a taking place avenue full of bars and nightclubs.

The Godzilla head towers over the Toho Film Theatre (Toho is the film studio behind the Godzilla motion pictures) selling the leisure advanced.

It is a place to stroll round, individuals watch and get misplaced within the alleyways. Do not fear, Tokyo could be very secure to stroll round and get misplaced in.

Whereas there we noticed a girl that was clearly strung out on medicine from the night time earlier than, and a number of other locals approached her to assist her out. That was one thing that warmed my coronary heart.

In different cities around the globe, she’d be left alone crying on the sidewalk.

11. Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard

We weren’t in Tokyo throughout cherry blossoms season, however Tokyo’s largest park is the perfect place to see them bloom.

Positioned in Shinjuku, it’s a nice escape from the crowds.

Getting There to Shinjuku: Take the Metro to Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest railway station.The place to Keep in Shinjuku: Take a look at TripAdvisor for evaluations and locations to remain close to Shinjuku

Solamachi

12. Tokyo Skytree

The Toyo Skytree is the tallest tower on the planet and is second solely in top (in the meanwhile anyway) to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Going up the tallest constructing within the metropolis is all the time a favourite for us.

We have visited the Burj Khalifa, the CN Tower, and the Shanghai Tower, so why would Tokyo be any totally different?

Standing 634 meters (2080 toes) excessive, it’s a powerful sight. There are two enclosed remark decks and a restaurant.

Just like the CN Tower, it has a glass flooring, nevertheless it’s not fairly as dramatic as ours right here in Toronto.

However, there have been sufficient individuals with us in line that had been freaked out by the glass, so I feel it did its job okay.

You should buy combo tickets to see each flooring for 4000 Yen ($35USD)

Getting there: Instantly linked to Tokyo Skytree Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.The place to Eat: Lunch in Asakusa at Aoi Marushin (Tempura)

13. Jiggen Bridge

If you’re something like us, you go to a metropolis to seize pictures that you could be need to cling in your wall.

We now have seen many posts on the place to take photographs of the Tokyo Skytree and needed to search lengthy and arduous to search out any reference to the Jikken Bridge.

This location makes for a wonderful view of the tower with its lights reflecting within the river.

It is strolling distance from the Skytree and we advise getting there effectively earlier than sundown to save lots of your spot.

There have been a number of native photographers on the bridge as soon as the solar went down jockeying for place. So it is without doubt one of the high things to do in Tokyo.

Fortunate for us, we have now a number of persistence and arrange store early capturing sundown and one other at night time when the lights change colour.

**Observe: There’s a lighting schedule every night which you could examine to see what colours they are going to be displaying.**

Google Maps coordinates: Stroll from Skytree to right here.

14. Solamachi

Whereas visiting the Tokyo Skytree, be certain to spend time shopping the shops at Solamachi. It is a huge purchasing heart on the base of the tower.

With 300 shops, there’s purchasing for everybody.

Once you arrive, go on to customer support along with your passport to obtain a coupon e-book. It is full of financial savings and nice offers.

15. Solamachi Kunimi – Dine with a View

When visiting a metropolis, we all the time search for a restaurant with a view.

Positioned on the 31st flooring of Solamachi trying straight on the Tokyo Skytree, that is the place to eat!

If you will have one conventional meal in Japan, splurge and do it right here.

We had the Matsu Course that prices 10,800 Yen per individual however it’s completely price it. If you wish to pattern a number of the greatest meals within the metropolis, this provides you with an summary of Japanese meals at its best.

Attending to Solamachi: From Asakusa Station go one cease on the TOBU SKYTREE Line.Taxis weren’t too dear to points of interest in close by Asakusa.

Asakusa

16. Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is indisputably Tokyo’s hottest temple to go to. It’s normally on the high of peoples things to do in Tokyo checklist.

We went in the midst of the day, however if you happen to go very first thing within the morning you’ll be able to keep away from the crowds.

Coming into via the Thunder Gate takes you to a walkway lined with memento retailers.

The distributors have been on this avenue for hundreds of years, however immediately it undoubtedly looks like a vacationer attraction.

After purchasing on the many shops shopping for Japanese souvenirs, you will enter the temple advanced.

It’s Tokyo’s oldest temple courting again to 628, nevertheless it has been rebuilt. There’s one gate that also stands that our information Yoshi identified.

He mentioned it had just lately been repainted and it is a disgrace as a result of it is without doubt one of the few authentic items on the grounds.

Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple however there’s a Shinto Shrine adjoining to the advanced which you could go to as effectively.

17. Sumo Wrestling – Ryogoku Kokugikan

Need to catch a sumo wrestling match? That is the place the place the grand slam tournaments of sumo happen.

If the primary occasion is not taking place you’ll be able to enter to test it out and there’s a sumo museum to take a look at.

Guide a Sumo expertise together with Tokyo Skytree at Get Your Information.

18. Tempura at Aoi Marushin

Aoi Marushin for Tempura – For some genuine Japanese Tempura head right here. It is busy with each locals and vacationers and is situated just some minutes from the temple.

Tackle: 1-Four-Four Asakusa, Taito 111-0032 – It is kitty-corner to the Tourism Info Constructing, simply down the road.

19. Sensoji Temple View – Tourism Info Constructing

As we wish to go up for metropolis views. Proper throughout the road from the Sensoji Temple is the vacationer data centre.

Go inside for vacationer data, but in addition, catch the elevator to the highest flooring for an overhead view of Asakusa.

You may see the lengthy roof of the Sensoji temple, the Tokyo Skytree, and the Sumida River.

Sumida River

Things to do in Tokyo

The Sumida River gives a superb stroll alongside the water via town.

It’s lined with cherry timber making for one more great spot to see throughout cherry blossom season.

20. Asahi Beer Headquarters

The Asahi Beer Headquarters is situated alongside the Sumida River and is a really intriguing constructing.

It jogs my memory of King Midas or one thing. It’s imagined to signify a golden flame. I could not’ actually image it, however that yellow high made me need to go in and discover extra.

On the 21st flooring, guests are welcome on the Asahi Sky Room to take pleasure in an icy glass of Asahi.

21. Sumida Park

Sumida Park is the quintessential place to view the Tokyo Cherry Blossoms. There are an astounding 500 cherry timber within the park.

Positioned on the water, it gives nice views of town together with the Tokyo Sky Tree.

Watch our video: The Very Finest things to do in Tokyo

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Guide a personal information to take you round Tokyo

This 6-hour tour takes you to the highest highlights of town.
Together with Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Fish Market, Harajuku and Omotesando

Different things to see on Sumida River

Azumabashi Bridge – One in all Tokyo’s first bridges.River Cruise – Catch a cruise to discover the waters of Tokyo.Attending to Asakusa: Metro Cease – Asakusa. Take JR Yamanote or JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station, switch to Ginza line and take the subway to Asakusa station.

Shiba-koen – Minato

22. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo has one other tower, an older and doubtless extra well-known tower than the Tokyo Skytree. This is because of the truth that it has been standing since 1958!

Positioned within the Shiba-koen district, it stands at 332 metres (1092 toes) excessive.

It seems loads just like the Eiffel Tower (besides that it’s purple and white) and we advise visiting it at night time. Its golden glow is gorgeous.

23. Shiba Park

After exploring the Tokyo Tower, take a stroll throughout the road to discover Shiba Park.

It is a big inexperienced house and there is a temple to go to too. The Zojo-ji Temple dates again to 1622.

The temple advanced has been right here since 1393 and is the primary department of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Akasaka

24. Hie Shrine

Okay, so if you’re searching for that iconic row of purple Torii Gates in Tokyo, that is the spot!

Hie Shrine is situated proper within the coronary heart of Akasaka and it’s extremely simple to get to.

Take the escalator as much as the shrine on one facet after which stroll down the gates on the opposite.

This Shinto Shrine has a number of pictures potentialities with huge white Shinto gates, temples and pagodas, and the Torii Gate.

It additionally has the guardian statues like Nikko wearing purple to ward of spirits. Hie Shrine’s spirit (kami) is Oyamakui.

When visiting you simply would possibly come throughout a number of locals celebrating an occasion.

25. Nogi Shrine

Nogi Shrine

Nogi Shrine is a peaceable Shinto Shrine in Akasaka. It took us some time to search out it on foot. Our Google maps did not do justice to the place it’s.

However after asking a couple of ladies sweeping the sidewalks alongside the route, we lastly discovered it.

This shrine is devoted to a person that’s thought-about the Final Samurai of Japan. He and his spouse dedicated ritual suicide after Emperor Meiji died.

his was the way in which of the Samurai however wasn’t practiced anymore on the time of his dying, so it is vitally peculiar.

The shrine is open 12 months spherical, however the home is barely open two days per 12 months in September.

You’ll be able to stroll across the outer walkway to glimpse inside the place you’ll be able to see the sword he used, a bloodied shirt and pictures.

26. Imperial Palace

Simply north of the Minato/Akasaka space is the Chiyoda Ward. That is the place the Imperial Palace is situated in a park within the centre of Tokyo.

It was strolling distance for us from our lodge.

You’ll be able to view the palace from afar via the bridges, however it’s open to the general public twice a 12 months – December 23 and Jan 2.

Ginza

27. Ginza Road

Ginza was as soon as dwelling to a silver coin mint within the 1800s.

As we speak it’s Tokyo’s most stylish and upmarket avenue with high-end purchasing and eating.

28. Tokyo Fish Market

If you wish to see fish being offered, the Tsukiji Fish Market is the place to go.

It is for early risers to see the native sellers commerce their wares beginning at 5:00 am. Guests can’t go to the inside market reserved for wholesalers however can go to the outer markets.

You’ll be able to have recent sushi right here, however additionally it is a market promoting produce and different home items.

29. Tokyu Plaza

Have you ever ever seen photographs on the Web of mirrors reflecting a whole bunch of individuals? That is the spot.

There are a couple of Tokyu Plazas round Tokyo, this one is situated on Omotesando Avenue. That is one other of the most costly areas in Tokyo.

The Tokyu Plaza entrance is situated on a busy nook and a should cease when strolling this avenue. Take the escalators up, stand in the midst of the staircase and watch the hexagonal mirrors replicate the plenty of individuals strolling by.

Museums of Tokyo

In the event you like Museums, Tokyo has a lot to take a look at. Listed below are a couple of suggestions.

30. Edo Museum

The Edo Museum is a reconstruction of Tokyo’s historical past with recreations of the Edo interval of Japan.

It is without doubt one of the hottest museums in Japan with interactive reveals, miniature recreations of life within the metropolis 400 years in the past.

31. Ghibli Museum

Everyone knows how common Japanese animation is and the Ghibli Museum celebrates animation from the Ghibli Animation Studio.

32. Tokyo Nationwide Museum

Tokyo Nationwide Museum is Japan’s oldest museum courting again to 1872. Journey via historic Japan discovering Japanese antiquities, instruments, pottery, and clothes.

The museum additionally homes different Asian artifacts.

Take a look at the web site for entrance and costs.

Distinctive things to do in Tokyo

33. Geisha Transformation

One would argue that many things on this checklist of things to do in Tokyo are distinctive.

From going to a robotic restaurant to enjoyable in a cat cafe, however one of the crucial distinctive experiences was had by Nomadic Boys after they reworked right into a Geisha.

You’ll be able to learn all in regards to the expertise at Male Geisha Transformation in Tokyo.

The place to Keep in Tokyo

The place to Keep in Shinjuku – Park Hyatt

Go to the Park Hyatt Tokyo and recreate scenes from the film Misplaced in Translation.

The lodge is legendary for its superb view of town.

In the event you keep on the iconic lodge you will have entry to a wonderful indoor pool and chic rooms.

Hey if you will splurge, you would possibly as effectively do it in Tokyo.

Test it out on Journey Advisor

The place to Keep in Akasaka

We stayed on the Intercontinental Akasaka was an important central location for exploring all these districts. Positioned proper beside the subway, it was a central location with fashionable rooms and excellent views.

You’ll be able to e-book it, discover charges and browse evaluations on TripAdvisor

The place to Keep Close to Solamachi

Tobu Lodge Levant Tokyo: We stayed on the Tobu Lodge Levant and it was an excellent location for the Skytree. Glorious breakfast buffet and spacious foyer.

It appeared that a number of package deal excursions, businessmen and locals stayed right here, so it is a sensible choice.

Different lodge suggestions:

Mandarin Oriental for a luxurious expertise.Lodge Celestine Ginza for mid-rangeAPA Lodge Shintomicho-Ekikita for funds (rated the perfect deal in Tokyo)

Observe: we didn’t keep on the different three resorts, however they do come extremely really helpful.

Tokyo Quick Info

Map of Tokyo Wards

There are 23 Wards in Tokyo.

The primary Tokyo wards we advise visiting are Sumida, Asakusa, Minota/Akasaka, Chuo, Omotesando, Shibuya, Shinjuku,

1 USD = 112 Yen (topic to vary examine XE Foreign money Converter for updated charges)

Voltage – Japan has a distinct voltage than North America. Get a journey adapter earlier than flying.

Getting Round Tokyo

Tokyo has two separate subway traces. You should purchase tickets on the machine. Prices are very affordable beginning at ¥200. You should buy 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-Hour passes.

Taxis are costly and visitors might be brutal, it’s significantly better to make use of the subway.

Tokyo has two totally different airports, Narita Worldwide and Haneda Airport.

There are rail traces that may take you from the airports to downtown.

From Narita Airport, The JR Narita Categorical will take you to Tokyo Station for 3000 Yen. ($30 USD) a technique.

There are shuttle buses that may take you to Tokyo station for roughly 1000 Yen (10 USD).

Taxis might be very costly to the Airport, Narita Airport can value almost $200 USD and to Haneda, you’re looking at rather more affordable fares (since it’s nearer to town) costing round 7000 – 8000 Yen ($65 – $75 ISD)

WiFi and Knowledge

You’ll be able to lease a wi-fi wifi router from Get Your Information to assist navigate and e-book excursions in Tokyo.

We used Knowroamding for Worldwide Knowledge Roaming – Limitless information/mobile for $three.99 per day. Simple utility sticks to your current SIM Card. Save 50% utilizing promoDDSave50

And people are our ideas and solutions for all of the things you are able to do in Tokyo. Tokyo is a large metropolis full of cultural experiences, endless nightlife, eating experiences and things to see.

This Tokyo information simply scratches the floor of all of the things Tokyo has to supply, so what are you ready for?

Guide your Tokyo journey immediately!