18 Best Things To Do In Tokyo – Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo is a city like no other! From towering skyscrapers and busy street markets to peaceful temples, neon-lit streets and amazing food, there’s so much to see, do and experience in Japan’s capital 🗼

In this article, you’ll find our honest opinions, photos from our trip, recommended guided tours, Google Maps locations, and much more to help you plan your visit.

Feel free to share it with anyone you’re planning to travel with, and if you enjoyed reading, follow us on Instagram for more travel guides and hidden gems: @elena.andrey.travel!

Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you decide to buy through one of them, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work that goes into creating content like this one!

Before You Go: Planning and Transport

How many days do you need in Tokyo?

For your first visit, we'd recommend spending at least 5–7 full days in Tokyo. 3-4 days will give you a taste of the city, but you'll have to move quite quickly between neighbourhoods.

Honestly, Tokyo is the kind of city where you can stay for two weeks and still find something new!

✈️ How to Get to Tokyo

Tokyo has two international airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Haneda is closer to the city centre, but both have convenient public transport connections.

From Narita Airport to Tokyo

• Narita Express (N’EX) – A direct train to major stations like Tokyo, Shibuya and Shinjuku. The journey takes around 1 hour, depending on your destination.
• Keisei Skyliner – One of the fastest options, reaching Ueno in about 41 minutes.
• Airport Limousine Bus – A convenient option if you have luggage, with stops at major hotels around Tokyo. The journey takes around 1.5 hours.
• Private airport transfer – A more expensive but comfortable door-to-door option.

From Haneda Airport to Tokyo

• Tokyo Monorail – Takes around 13 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line.
• Keikyu Airport Line – Reaches Shinagawa Station in about 11 minutes, with connections to other parts of Tokyo.
• Airport Limousine Bus – Takes around 45 minutes and stops at major hotels. It's a convenient choice if you want to avoid changing trains with luggage.

🚅 Coming from another Japanese city? If you're travelling from Osaka or Kyoto, you can take the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo.

🚆 Getting Around Tokyo

Tokyo's public transport system can look a little complicated at first because several different companies operate trains and metro lines. But don't worry — once you've used it a couple of times, it becomes much easier.

We'd recommend getting a Suica or PASMO card. You can use it on most trains and metro lines, so there's no need to buy a separate ticket for every journey.

Where to Stay: Tokyo Neighbourhood Breakdown

One important tip: plan your days by neighbourhood, not by individual attractions. Tokyo is huge, and travelling from one side of the city to another can take quite a while. It's much easier to explore one area properly before moving on to the next.

Choosing the right area can make a big difference to your trip. Here are a few neighbourhoods we'd consider for a first visit:

• Shibuya: A great choice if you want to be close to shopping, restaurants, nightlife and some of Tokyo's most famous sights.
• Shinjuku: Lively, full of restaurants and bars, and one of the city's main transport hubs.
• Asakusa: A more traditional area, close to Senso-ji Temple. It has a different atmosphere from the busy western districts and some good budget accommodation options.
• Ginza: A polished shopping and dining district, convenient for exploring central Tokyo.
• Tokyo Station: A practical base if you plan to take day trips or travel to other cities by Shinkansen.

🏨 Recommended Hotels in Tokyo

Tokyo has hotels for every kind of traveller, from simple budget stays to quirky hotels you'll remember long after the trip. Here are a few different options depending on what you're looking for:

• Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusabashi (3★, from ~$80/night) — A quirky hotel where robots greet you at check-in. It's close to Asakusabashi Station and within walking distance of Akihabara.
• Asakusa Kokono Club (4★, from ~$120/night) — A modern hotel with traditional Japanese details in the historic Asakusa area, close to Senso-ji Temple.
• Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi (4★, from ~$180/night) — A hotel with a rooftop Sky Spa, indoor and outdoor baths, and a sauna. A nice option if you want to relax after a long day of walking.
• Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo (5★, from ~$300/night) — A stylish luxury hotel inspired by New York's Upper West Side, with colourful interiors, great dining options and easy access to Shinjuku's restaurants and nightlife.
• TRUNK(HOTEL) (4★, from ~$300/night) — A stylish design hotel in Shibuya with a focus on sustainability, local design and community. It feels like part of the neighbourhood rather than just somewhere to sleep.
• Andon Ryokan (2★, from ~$80/night) — A small ryokan with traditional Japanese touches and a creative atmosphere. Worth considering if you'd like to try a more traditional style of accommodation.

18 Best Things to Do in Tokyo

1. 🚦 Shibuya Crossing: Tokyo's Most Iconic Intersection

You've probably seen Shibuya Crossing in hundreds of photos and videos, but seeing it in real life is a completely different experience.

When the traffic lights change, hundreds of people cross the intersection in every direction at once. It's chaotic, but somehow incredibly organised — and very Tokyo.

We'd recommend crossing it yourself first and then finding a viewpoint to watch the crowds from above. Here are a few options:

• Shibuya Sky (Entry tickets) — An open-air rooftop platform 229 metres above the crossing and the famous escalator city views.
• SHIBUYA CROSSING S VIEW (Google Maps) — A rooftop viewpoint overlooking the crossing.
• Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby (Google Maps) — A free viewpoint on the 11th floor.
• Starbucks at SHIBUYA TSUTAYA (Google Maps) — A famous low-level viewpoint with a window directly overlooking the crossing.

And while you're in Shibuya, look out for the fun 3D animal billboards around the station. There's a giant Akita dog appearing across several screens, as well as a 3D panda near Center Gai. They're not exactly a major attraction, but they're fun to spot while exploring the area.

2. 🌆 SHIBUYA SKY: Tokyo from Above

If you want to see Tokyo from above, SHIBUYA SKY is one of the best places to do it.

Located on top of Shibuya Scramble Square, the observation deck has an open-air rooftop with 360-degree views across the city. On a clear day, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.

We'd recommend going around sunset. You can watch the city slowly change from daylight to a sea of lights — and it's a great place to take photos.

Book your tickets to SHIBUYA SKY on Klook or take a full walking tour on GetYourGuide.

3. 🏯 Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo's Oldest Temple

Senso-ji in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple and one of the city's most famous landmarks.

Start at Kaminarimon, the famous Thunder Gate with its huge red lantern, and walk along Nakamise-dori. This shopping street is full of traditional snacks, souvenirs and small shops selling Japanese crafts.

Our tip is to arrive early in the morning if you want to enjoy the temple without the biggest crowds. And don't just visit the main hall — take some time to explore the smaller streets around Asakusa or walk towards the Sumida River.

4. 🌳 Meiji Shrine: A Forest in the City

It's hard to believe that a peaceful forest like this exists in the middle of such a busy city.

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine surrounded by a large forest between Shibuya and Shinjuku. To reach the shrine, you walk along quiet paths lined with tall trees — a completely different atmosphere from the crowded streets nearby.

It's a lovely place to slow down for a while, learn a little about Japanese traditions and enjoy some nature. You can easily combine a visit to Meiji Shrine with Harajuku, which is just a short walk away.

Book a Meiji Shrine walking tour on GetYourGuide.

5. 🎀 Harajuku: Tokyo's Kawaii Side

After the peaceful atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, head to Harajuku to see a completely different side of Tokyo.

Takeshita Street (Google Maps) is the area's most famous street, full of colourful shops, Japanese street fashion, quirky cafés, cute accessories and all things kawaii. It's busy, colourful and sometimes a little crazy — but that's part of the fun.

Don't just stick to the main street, though. The smaller side streets are worth exploring too, and you can walk towards Omotesando if you want to see a more stylish side of the neighbourhood.

There's also a Harry Potter shop in Harajuku (Google Maps). In our opinion, it's a must-see! Even if you don't plan to buy anything, it's worth going inside to look around and check out all the themed merchandise.

If you have enough time, you can also visit the Harry Potter-themed stairs in Akasaka (Google Maps). They're a fun photo spot, but we'd treat them as an optional stop rather than something to plan your whole day around.

6. 🌃 Shinjuku: Neon Lights After Dark

Shinjuku is one of the best areas to experience Tokyo after dark. Think huge illuminated screens, neon signs, busy streets, restaurants, department stores and tiny bars hidden between buildings.

It's a neighbourhood where you can easily spend an entire evening just wandering around.

One place worth checking out is Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley near Shinjuku Station filled with tiny restaurants and traditional izakayas. Many of them have just a few seats, and you can watch the chefs prepare food right in front of you.

You can also walk towards Kabukicho, Tokyo's famous entertainment district, to see its bright lights and giant screens. And don't forget to look up for the famous 3D giant cat (Google Maps)! It appears on a huge curved screen opposite the east exit of Shinjuku Station.

7. 🍶 Golden Gai: Hidden Tiny Bars

Golden Gai is one of those places that feels like you've stepped into another version of Tokyo.

It's a small area made up of narrow lanes and tiny bars, many of which have only a handful of seats. Each bar has its own atmosphere, interior and music, and some are so small that you might walk past them without even noticing.

It's a great place to experience Tokyo's nightlife in a more intimate way. Just remember that some bars have entrance fees or are intended for regular customers, so it's worth checking before you sit down.

Our advice? Don't rush. Walk around, look through the windows and choose a place that catches your attention.

8. 🎮 Akihabara: Anime, Gaming & Neon

If you're into anime, manga, gaming or Japanese pop culture, Akihabara is the place for you.

The neighbourhood is full of multi-storey shops selling everything from anime figures and manga to electronics, gaming accessories and collectibles. Even if you're not a big fan of anime, it's fun to walk around and see just how much of a world this is in Tokyo.

Don't miss the arcades either. GiGO Akihabara 3 (Google Maps) and TAITO Station (Google Maps) are fun places to explore, with several floors of claw machines, rhythm games and arcade cabinets. You can watch people competing, try a few games yourself and get a little taste of Japanese arcade culture.

9. 🗼 Tokyo Tower: A Little Piece of Paris in Japan

Tokyo Tower is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Its red-and-white design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but it has become an icon of Tokyo in its own right.

You can visit the observation decks for panoramic views of the city. If you want a more special experience, look into the Top Deck Tour, which takes you to the higher observation area.

It's especially beautiful in the evening when the tower lights up. You can also enjoy the view from the streets and parks around it without necessarily going inside.

Book the Tokyo Tower tickets on GetYourGuide

10. ✨ teamLab: Step Into Digital Art

If you're looking for something completely different, add teamLab to your Tokyo list.

teamLab creates immersive digital art experiences where light, colour, sound and movement come together. Instead of simply looking at paintings on a wall, you walk through interactive installations and spaces that change around you.

There are two popular experiences in Tokyo: teamLab Planets in Toyosu and teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills. They offer different experiences, so have a look at both before deciding which one you'd prefer.

Borderless vs. Planets: Borderless is larger and lets you explore freely, while Planets follows a set route and offers more hands-on experiences, including walking barefoot through shallow water.

Honestly, we haven't visited either of them because they weren't a priority for us during our trip. But they're very popular, and if immersive digital art sounds like your thing, they're worth considering.

It's a good idea to book your tickets in advance, especially during busy travel periods. Also, check the entry instructions before you go, as some installations have specific requirements.

Book teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless on Klook.

11. 🗼 Tokyo Skytree: The Tallest Tower

Tokyo Skytree is one of the tallest structures in the world, reaching an impressive 634 metres.

You can visit its observation decks for a different perspective of Tokyo. The Tembo Deck is 350 metres above the ground, while the Tembo Galleria takes you even higher, with a glass-covered walkway and panoramic views.

At the base of the tower, you'll also find Tokyo Solamachi, a large shopping and dining complex where you can spend some time before or after your visit.

Our tip is to check the weather before booking. A clear day makes a big difference when you're going up for the views!

Book the Tokyo Skytree tickets on Klook.

12. 🪄 Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: Step Into Harry Potter

If you're a Harry Potter fan, this is another experience worth adding to your Tokyo trip.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films. You can explore recreated sets, see costumes and props, and discover how some of the most famous scenes were brought to life.

You'll find places such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾. And, of course, you can try Butterbeer along the way!

Plan to spend at least 4 hours here because after the Tour you can try the famous Butterbeer and enjoy a Hogwarts meal! It was very tasty, by the way! Tickets are timed, so book in advance rather than hoping to get one at the entrance.

Book The Making of Harry Potter tour on GetYourGuide or on Klook.

13. ♨️ Onsen in Tokyo: A Japanese Spa Experience

One experience we think is worth trying in Japan is visiting a traditional onsen or Japanese bathhouse.

It's a very different way to relax compared with a typical spa. You bathe in hot water, usually without swimwear, and the experience is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment.

And we have a personal recommendation here: Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku (Google Maps). We visited twice because we loved it so much! It's a large spa with different baths, saunas and relaxation areas — a perfect place to recover after spending the whole day walking around Tokyo.

A few things to know before you go: you normally need to wash before entering the bath, swimwear is generally not allowed, and tattoo policies vary between facilities. Check the rules in advance if you have tattoos.

14. 🐠 Art Aquarium Museum: Art, Goldfish & Neon Lights

This one is a little unusual. Art Aquarium Museum is a modern exhibition where thousands of goldfish are displayed in beautifully designed aquariums, with colourful lighting and neon effects creating a very distinctive atmosphere.

Was it beautiful? Yes. Was it our favourite museum in Tokyo? Not really.

We have to admit that some of the aquariums seemed quite small and uncomfortable for the fish, which made the experience a little difficult to enjoy fully. But we still wanted to include it because it's such an unusual concept — definitely not your typical art museum!

Book your Art Aquarium Museum visit on GetYourGuide or on Klook.

15. 🎬 Your Name Stairs: A Spot for Anime Fans

Even if you're not a huge anime fan, we'd recommend watching Your Name before visiting Tokyo. It's a beautiful romantic anime, and you can find one of its most recognisable real-life locations in the city.

The famous staircase appears in the film's final scenes. It's a lovely little stop if you've watched the movie — and you can even take a photo together, recreating the moment with the main characters.

It's not a place where you need to spend a lot of time, but if you're already exploring the area, it's a fun addition to your Tokyo route.

Find the Your Name stairs on Google Maps.

16. 🐱 Gotokuji Temple: The Temple of Lucky Cats

If you love cats, add Gotokuji Temple to your Tokyo list!

This Buddhist temple is famous for its thousands of small maneki-neko — the traditional Japanese lucky cats with one paw raised. You'll find rows and rows of them in different sizes, left by visitors hoping to bring good luck and fortune.

It's a lovely and slightly unusual place to visit, especially if you want to see something different from Tokyo's busiest tourist attractions. The temple is a little outside the main central areas, so allow some extra travel time to get there.

Find Gotokuji Temple on Google Maps.

17. 🗻 Mount Fuji: A Full-Day Trip from Tokyo

Of course, we couldn't write a Tokyo travel guide without mentioning Mount Fuji!

Although you can sometimes see it from Tokyo on a clear day, we'd recommend setting aside a full day if you want to explore the area properly. The Fuji Five Lakes region is one of the most popular places to enjoy views of the mountain, with Lake Kawaguchi being a particularly beautiful spot.

You can visit viewpoints, walk around the lake, explore small towns and enjoy the scenery. Just keep in mind that visibility depends heavily on the weather, so there's no guarantee you'll get that perfect postcard view.

If you don't want to organise everything yourself, you can also look into this Instagram-worthy spots day trip from Tokyo on Klook.

🌊 Bonus: Kamakura — Temples, Gardens & Ocean Views

And here's another day trip we'd recommend considering: Kamakura.

We know Mount Fuji is the obvious choice, but Kamakura deserves a place on your itinerary too. It's a lovely coastal town with beautiful gardens, historic temples, the huge Amida Buddha statue and views of the ocean.

You can explore its temples and traditional streets, enjoy the greenery and finish your visit by the sea. It's a great option for a half-day trip if you want a break from Tokyo's busy streets without travelling too far.

18. 🥷 Samurai and Ninja Experience

Learn about ninja history, try throwing shuriken (ninja stars) and dress up in samurai and ninja costumes for fun photos at the real Samurai & Ninja Museum. We really enjoyed this hands-on experience, and it's suitable for all ages!

Book the Samurai and Ninja Experience on Klook

🍜 Japanese Food in Tokyo: More Than Just Sushi

This isn't exactly one attraction, but trying Japanese food is a big part of the experience — and there's so much more to discover than sushi!

Here are a few dishes we'd recommend looking out for:

• Ramen — Japanese noodle soup with different broths and toppings.
• Tempura — seafood or vegetables coated in a light batter and deep-fried.
• Yakitori — grilled chicken skewers, often served in small izakayas.
• Tonkatsu — breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet.
• Okonomiyaki — a savoury Japanese pancake with different fillings and toppings.
• Taiyaki — a fish-shaped pastry, often filled with sweet red bean paste or custard.

One of the best things about Tokyo is that you don't always need to find a famous restaurant. Some of the most memorable meals can happen in tiny local places that you simply come across while walking around.

☕ Niche & Kawaii Cafés in Tokyo

Tokyo has so many unusual cafés, from traditional Japanese tea salons to cute themed spots. If you enjoy discovering places that are a little different, here are a few worth saving for your trip.

• Ruru Shibuya (Google Maps) — A cute and unusual café with a water-like surface built into the tables. Definitely one for your Tokyo café list.
• Shorakuen Tea Salon (Google Maps) — A Japanese tea salon known for its beautiful sweets and carefully presented tea experiences.
• Kumonocha Café (Google Maps) — A lovely stop for matcha drinks and cute sweets.
• Atelier Matcha (Google Maps) — A good option if you're a matcha lover.
• Ninja Tokyo (Google Maps) — A themed dining experience with a ninja concept. A fun option if you're looking for something unusual.
• HATCOFFEE (Google Maps) — Known for its creative 3D latte art. A great stop if you enjoy cute and unusual coffee designs.

You definitely don't need to visit all of them. Save the ones that catch your eye and see which ones fit naturally into your route around Tokyo!

Plan Your Tokyo Trip Yourself!

Prefer to plan your own trip? Here are some of the services we use to compare prices and book our travels. Save this checklist for your next adventure!

1. Flights - Compare flight prices on KAYAK and Aviasales. - You can also book flights through Trip.com.
2. Hotels & Accommodation - Compare hotels and accommodation on Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia and Hotels.com.
3. Activities & Attractions - Find guided tours, attraction tickets and unique experiences on GetYourGuide and Klook.
4. Transportation- Book airport transfers with GetTransfer. - Find rental cars through GetRentacar.- You can also use Klook for selected transport tickets and services in Japan.
5. eSIM & Mobile Internet- Stay connected abroad with an eSIM from Airalo. We used it in Japan, and it worked well.
6. Train & Bus Tickets - Check Trip.com and Klook for transport tickets and connections in Japan.

🎌 Or Use Waivoo! Wait... What Is Waivoo?

Waivoo is our AI travel planner, which we developed together because we always wanted to make the process of planning trips easier for ourselves.

We wanted a tool that could bring all of this together and make the process much simpler. So we built Waivoo — and now it's open for everyone to use for a small charge!

We love travelling, but let's be honest: putting together an itinerary can take hours. You need to compare hotels, find interesting places, check distances, look for restaurants and somehow fit everything into your travel dates and budget.

You can tell it your destination, dates, budget, number of travellers and preferences, and it will help you build a personalised itinerary. Feel free to give it a try and discover it for yourself!

Final Thoughts: Ready to Explore Tokyo?

Of course, there are many more places in Tokyo that we haven't included in this guide. We could probably make this list 100 places long! The Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno Park and so many other spots are worth exploring too.

But we wanted to keep this guide focused on a selection of places and experiences to help you get started with planning your trip.

And if you'd like to build your own itinerary based on your budget, number of travellers, travel dates and personal preferences, give our AI travel concierge, Waivoo, a try. It can help you bring all your saved places together and organise them into a realistic travel plan!

We hope this list has helped and inspired you to discover Tokyo! And if you've already been, feel free to share your favourite places or ask us any questions in the comments. We'd love to hear from you! 💕🗼

Frequently Asked Questions About Tokyo

✨ Who Are We? Meet the Authors!

Hi! We're Elena and Andrey, a married couple travelling the world.

Our goal is to visit 100+ countries — and we've already crossed 32 off the list! We love road trips, hiking, adventures and exploring bucket-list places together.

We always give our opinion about hidden gems and unique destinations on our blog! Follow us on Instagram: @elena.andrey.travel