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Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
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Plan language: EnglishTokyo is the #2 city for food lovers in the world, based on our data across hundreds of destinations.
Most popular attractions in Tokyo, Japan
Top attractions in Tokyo, Japan feature a visit to Tokyo Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck at 150 meters high. Discover Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, along with the lively Nakamise shopping street. Relax in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a 58.3-acre retreat that combines traditional Japanese, English, and French garden styles.
1. Tokyo Tower
Classic Tokyo landmark offering panoramic city views. Take the elevator to two observation decks featuring skyline, Tokyo Bay, and Mount Fuji on clear days.
Quick facts: Glowing brilliantly against Tokyo's skyline, the tower is illuminated by over 176 lamps, providing a captivating night view that's unforgettable. Visitors can climb to two observation decks, where expansive city views stretch out, ideal for daytime sightseeing and romantic nights.
Highlights: In winter, thousands of tiny LED lights twinkle on the metal lattice, resembling the sparkle of snow under city lights, turning the tower into a luminous beacon in Tokyo's night sky. Beneath the main observation deck, a quaint aquarium houses over 50 fish species, offering a cool underwater escape amid the urban buzz.
2. Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple presents a glimpse of Edo-era culture and bustling street stalls. Pass beneath the giant red lantern, inhale incense, and explore Nakamise snacks and souvenirs.
Quick facts: The air is scented with incense as visitors pass through the large red lantern welcoming all with its vibrant glow. Crowds often gather to try their luck with omikuji, small slips predicting the future that add anticipation to the peaceful temple grounds.
Highlights: Visitors throw coins into a huge incense burner before the main hall to catch fragrant smoke believed to bring health and fortune. The smoke often rises thick and sweetly aromatic. A famous tale says the large red lantern, nearly 700 kilograms and 3.9 meters wide, has been carefully rebuilt many times since the 7th century using traditional methods preserving ancient craftsmanship.
3. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A central Tokyo retreat with iconic cherry blossoms and autumn hues. Wander broad lawns, carefully tended Japanese gardens, and a serene teahouse.
Quick facts: Entering feels like walking through three distinct garden styles: traditional Japanese, formal French, and English landscape. Vibrant cherry blossoms color the grounds in spring, attracting photographers and picnickers who enjoy the tranquil views.
Highlights: A quirky tradition involves the cherry blossom trees blooming in three waves thanks to over 1,000 varieties planted around the gardens, allowing visitors to enjoy sakura for nearly half the year. Visitors often pause near the old French Formal Garden fountain, where water sounds mix with floral scents from over 20,000 plants, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Tokyo, Japan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Meiji Shrine
A peaceful Shinto sanctuary in Tokyo's core. Walk through towering torii gates among tall cedar trees and observe traditional shrine ceremonies.
Quick facts: Stepping into the tranquil forest around the shrine feels like entering a natural sanctuary in a bustling city, where the scent of fresh pine fills the air. Visitors may see traditional Shinto weddings, giving a rare glimpse into Japan's cultural rituals and elegant ceremonies.
Highlights: Walking through a 70-year-old forest planted by 100,000 volunteers, you'll see sake barrels and giant wooden barrels of French wine, symbolizing an unusual cultural exchange honoring the imperial couple. People write wishes on small wooden plaques called ema, then hang them on racks, hoping their messages reach the deities enshrined there.
5. Tsukiji Outer Market
Sample Tokyo's seafood tradition at a lively market full of taste. Alleys lined with stalls, fresh sushi counters, and spirited auction activities await.
Quick facts: Spices, fresh seafood, and vibrant produce create an energetic atmosphere where food lovers can sample authentic Japanese flavors. The hustle and bustle of vendors calling out deals adds to the sensory overload, making every visit a unique adventure for locals and travelers alike.
Highlights: Early risers can watch live tuna auctions where massive fish up to 200 kilograms are sliced precisely before their eyes. The air is filled with salty sea breeze, sizzling grills, and vendors shouting deals on fresh wasabi and hand-cut sashimi, creating an electrifying atmosphere found nowhere else.
6. Tokyo Skytree
Stunning panoramic Tokyo views from two observation levels. Floor-to-ceiling glass, a glass-floor area, and vibrant shops and eateries below.
Quick facts: Standing tall as Japan's tallest structure, the observation decks offer breathtaking panoramic views across the Kanto region. Visitors often admire the tower's innovative seismic proofing technology that combines ancient architectural techniques with modern engineering for supreme earthquake resistance.
Highlights: At 634 meters high, the tower's design is inspired by a traditional Japanese sword called Mune-tsukuri, giving it a sleek, tapered shape glowing with 180 LED lights at night. Visitors enjoy the quirky challenge of counting the 8,000 small stars embedded in the observation deck's glass floor, creating a sparkling sensation underfoot resembling the night sky.
7. Ueno Park and Zoo
Historic park featuring a lively zoo and seasonal cherry blossoms. Explore tree-lined paths, see giant pandas, visit museums, and enjoy snack stalls near Shinobazu Pond.
Quick facts: Each spring, cherry blossoms paint the park in soft pinks and whites, creating breathtaking scenes that draw crowds for hanami celebrations. The zoo is home to Japan's only giant pandas, making it a hotspot for wildlife fans eager to see these rare, charming creatures.
Highlights: The park houses over 1,000 cherry trees that bloom in vibrant pinks each spring, creating a breathtaking canopy attracting locals for hanami picnics. The zoo features a famous giant panda pair, Shin Shin and Ri Ri, whose playful antics attract thousands daily, especially during feeding time when they munch bamboo with surprising energy and charm.
8. Imperial Palace
Centuries of Japanese history behind tall stone walls and manicured gardens. Walk the moats, cross Nijubashi Bridge, and wander peaceful East Gardens.
Quick facts: Serene moats and stone walls create a fortress feel that transports visitors back to the samurai era. Seasonal gardens burst with color, providing peaceful spots to absorb rich history and natural beauty in the heart of a bustling city.
Highlights: Imagine walking where thousands of cherry blossom petals fall softly, creating pink carpets in spring, especially near the famous Nijubashi Bridge. Twice a year the inner gardens open to the public, revealing secret trails and ancient stone walls from the Edo period, making you feel like you have stepped back in time.
9. Shibuya Crossing
Experience Tokyo's famous organized chaos at Shibuya Crossing. Watch hundreds cross from all directions, neon lights glowing, and crowds moving rhythmically.
Quick facts: Imagine a wave of people moving perfectly in sync from all directions, the energy pulsing through the intersection to form a mesmerizing human sea. Neon billboards flash vibrant colors overhead, mixing with chatter and footsteps, making it one of the busiest pedestrian crossings with thousands crossing at every signal change.
Highlights: At every light change, over 3,000 people dash diagonally in perfect chaos from five directions, creating a mesmerizing urban dance lasting less than two minutes. Around the crossing, giant digital screens display vibrant ads and quirky mascots, turning the scene into a real-life video game level filled with neon energy and the hum of countless footsteps.
10. Odaiba
Futuristic Tokyo waterfront with skyline views, shopping, and quirky attractions. Stroll the bay, ride the Ferris wheel, photograph the Gundam, and relax at seaside cafés.
Quick facts: Bright neon lights and futuristic architecture blend to create a lively atmosphere where visitors enjoy stunning waterfront views and unique shopping experiences. Fans of technology and entertainment find a playground of interactive museums, theme parks, and captivating exhibitions inspiring creativity and wonder.
Highlights: At night, a giant Gundam statue lights up with flashing lights and moving parts, creating an 18-meter tall futuristic spectacle mesmerizing viewers by the waterfront. The area features the quirky teamLab Borderless digital art museum where thousands of LED lights form immersive environments reacting to touch and movement, making you feel inside a living painting.
11. Nakamise Street
A vibrant century-old shopping street leading to Senso-ji temple, packed with traditional snacks and souvenirs. Walkable stalls, photo-ready lanterns, and local treats at every turn.
Quick facts: A lively shopping lane funnels crowds toward a towering temple gate, lined with about 90 small stalls selling snacks, crafts, and colorful souvenirs. Expect the crackle of freshly grilled senbei, powdery sweetness of ningyo-yaki, and vendors calling out offers in a steady, friendly chorus.
Highlights: A narrow corridor of red-paper lanterns frames the path. Vendors press small cake-shaped ningyo-yaki into iron molds that hiss and steam, sending warm, sweet aromas into the air. Several family-run stalls keep recipes and records passed down nine generations, often handing out hot samples for about ¥200 so you can taste the tradition at once.
12. Sumida Aquarium
Futuristic aquarium next to Tokyo Skytree offering calm, close marine encounters. Walk through glowing jellyfish domes, watch playful penguins, and peer into a huge open tank.
Quick facts: A compact, modern aquarium with exhibits stacked over multiple levels lets you watch penguins glide beneath observation decks and jellyfish drift in lit tanks. Many displays feature over 350 species in close-up windows, blending minimalist design with interactive touch tanks.
Highlights: Under soft LED light, the jellyfish gallery becomes a silent, color-changing ballet where translucent bells pulse like living lanterns and shadowed tentacles trace delicate patterns. Keepers perform calming dim-light rituals before evening viewings as the air smells faintly of sea salt while tanks glow, letting you hear gentle splashes and see penguins bob near the glass.
Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Mochi
Mochi is pounded glutinous rice made into chewy cakes for New Year celebrations, and traditional mochitsuki gatherings turn the pounding into a lively community ritual.
Dorayaki
Dorayaki sandwiches sweet red bean paste between two fluffy pancakes, and folklore says its name comes from a stray gong left by a samurai, 'dora' meaning gong.
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake modeled on the auspicious sea bream, originally filled with red bean paste and now stuffed with everything from custard to savory fillings.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Sushi
Edo-style sushi was designed to be eaten quickly by Tokyo workers, using vinegared rice and fresh, local fish to create a portable, elegant bite.
Tempura
Introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese cooks, tempura became a Tokyo specialty known for its whisper-light batter fried at high heat to lock in a delicate crisp.
Ramen
Ramen shops in Tokyo adapted Chinese noodles into many regional broths, and each shop often treats its recipe like a secret family tradition.
Traditional Beverages
Sake
Tokyo breweries helped refine sake into a drink with wine-like complexity, and tasting notes can range from floral to umami-rich depending on rice polishing and yeast.
Green Tea
Sencha is steamed right after plucking to preserve its vivid green color and grassy aroma, and Tokyo's tea culture elevated tea into a moment of calm in busy city life.
Shochu
Shochu is a distilled spirit distinct from sake, and in Tokyo you can explore varieties made from barley, sweet potato, or rice that each offer a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tokyo, Japan
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Most popular day trips
Nikko
Famous for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines and natural beauty.
Hakone
Known for hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and scenic lakes.
Kamakura
Historic city with temples, shrines, and a giant Buddha statue.
Yokohama
Modern port city with a Chinatown and beautiful waterfront.
Mount Takao
Popular hiking spot near Tokyo with great nature and views.
Getting there
Train stations
Shinkansen, JR Lines, Metro Lines
JR Lines, Metro Lines
JR Lines, Metro Lines
Use the Narita Express or Limousine Bus from Narita Airport; take Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport for easy city access.
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Useful information for Tokyo, Japan
Overview for Tokyo, Japan
Most popular itineraries for Tokyo, Japan
Browse trip plans created by other travelers
3-Day Tokyo Spring for Relaxed Culture and Budget Travelers
Enjoy a comfortable-paced spring visit to Tokyo focusing on cultural landmarks, cozy spots, and budget-friendly local experiences.
6-Day Relaxed Spring Discovery in Tokyo
A comfortable-paced 6-day spring itinerary exploring Tokyo's landmarks, scenic spots, local shops, and cozy cafes with leisure time and a free walking tour.
3-Day Tokyo Spring Leisure and Foodie Experience
A relaxed 3-day spring trip in Tokyo for a leisurely sightseeing traveler with a strong interest in food markets, local cuisine, and comfortable experiences.
5-Day Tokyo Spring Exploration for Relaxed Culture & Food Lovers
A laid-back 5-day spring itinerary through Tokyo covering key historic sites, scenic walks, cultural experiences, and food markets with leisurely pacing and local charm.
11-Day Tokyo Spring Journey for Culture and Food Enthusiasts
Explore Tokyo's rich culture, history, and culinary delights through museums, historical sites, food tours, and traditional experiences during the vibrant spring season.
4-Sommer-Tage in Tokyo: Zwischen Tempeln und Neonlichtern
Erkunde Tokyos faszinierende Mischung aus uralten Tempeln, futuristischen Wolkenkratzern und versteckten Gärten - mit einem kostenlosen Stadtführer, abendlichen Izakaya-Besuchen und einem unvergesslichen Ausflug zum TeamLab.
30-Day Tokyo for Offbeat Explorers and Budget Backpackers
Discover Tokyo's hidden gems, local favorites, and authentic experiences over 30 spring days. Skip the tourist crowds and immerse in springtime vibes with free tours, street food, secret spots, and vibrant local life.
8-Day Summer Tokyo Adventure for Tween and Teen Explorers with Art, Play and Water Fun Staying in Jingu Gaien
Enjoy a fun and family-friendly 8-day Tokyo trip based entirely in the vibrant Jingu Gaien area, combining kid-friendly attractions, hidden gems, parks, and local eateries for an authentic and relaxed urban adventure.
7-Day Tokyo Summer Explorer for Families and Budget Backpackers
Experience the authentic charms of Tokyo through offbeat neighborhoods, kid-friendly parks, street food adventures, and local cultural gems, all while staying budget-conscious and cool during summer.
Comments (7)
Never had food like Tokyo, ramen and izakaya nights were unforgettable, but expect long lines and big crowds.
Shibuya area felt overwhelmed by tourists, packed and loud. Loved other neighborhoods though, more authentic vibes elsewhere.
Early morning at Tsukiji outer market = fresh sushi and lively stalls, but go very early if you hate crowds and wait times.
City felt super safe and annoyingly efficient, trains on time, but hotels and meals are pricey. 4-6 days was a good amount.
Buy a Suica or Pasmo at the airport, top it up and tap everywhere. Saves time vs single tickets, and many shops take it.