Best Things to Do in Tokyo
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Overview
Tokyo rewards travelers who mix the traditional with the futuristic in a single day. You can start at a centuries-old temple, cross the world's busiest intersection by afternoon, and end the night in a lantern-lit alley of tiny bars. This guide focuses on the experiences that consistently rank highest, with notes on how to make each one smoother.
Top things to do
1. Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street
Tokyo's oldest temple, in Asakusa, is approached through a lively shopping street selling snacks and crafts. Arrive early to beat crowds and photograph the Kaminarimon gate in soft light.
2. Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko Statue
The famous scramble crossing is best viewed from the Shibuya Sky observation deck or a nearby cafe. The loyal-dog statue beside the station is a classic meeting point.
3. teamLab Planets
A walk-through digital art museum where you wade through water and mirrored rooms of light. Tickets are timed and sell out, so book online several days ahead.
4. Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
A forested Shinto shrine minutes from Harajuku offers a quiet contrast to the city. On weekends you may catch a traditional wedding procession.
5. Tsukiji Outer Market
The outer market still buzzes with stalls selling fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and tamagoyaki. Go hungry in the morning and eat your way down the lanes.
6. Tokyo Skytree
At 634 meters, the Skytree has two observation decks with sweeping views toward Mount Fuji on clear days. The base holds a large shopping and aquarium complex.
7. Akihabara
The electronics and anime district is a sensory overload of arcades, multi-floor hobby shops, and themed cafes. It is at its most vivid after dark.
8. Shinjuku nightlife: Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
Two clusters of narrow alleys packed with tiny bars and yakitori counters. Each stool seats only a handful of people, so bar-hopping is part of the fun.
Practical tips
- Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport to tap through every train and many shops.
- Carry some cash; smaller restaurants and shrines may not accept cards.
- Stand on the left of escalators in Tokyo and let people pass on the right.
- Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are peak seasons, so book stays early.
- Reserve timed-entry attractions like teamLab and Shibuya Sky before you arrive.
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Last updated: 2026-01-01