Things to do in Tokyo

Exploring Tokyo by foot can be exhausting for people who don’t hit the treadmills since the city has various major attractions. One of the best things to do in Tokyo is grab a spot on the Tokyo Sky Hop Bus or Hato Bus and spot iconic landmarks. To add thrill to the experience, go-karting through Shibuya and Akihabara or a bicycle tour through historic neighborhoods like Yanaka and Odaiba lets you race through the city’s bustling streets in an exhilarating way. For a scenic and peaceful view, it is suggested to take a Sumida River Cruise or enjoy a Yakatabune dinner cruise with breathtaking city skyline views.

History buffs and curious minds would love to plan a visit to the Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, and Nezu Shrine. Another way to witness Japan’s history would include wandering through the Imperial Palace East Gardens and exploring Tokyo’s samurai history. One could even play a real-life tea party by renting a kimono and participating in a traditional tea ceremony in Asakusa or Nihonbashi. These are some of the unique things to do in Tokyo with its true essence.

Why go to restaurants and eat ready-made food when you can gain some basic cooking knowledge for survival by joining a sushi or ramen-making class in Tsukiji? Things to do in Tokyo city do not just include activities, but also visiting themed cafes that cannot be missed with themes on point like the Robot restaurant, quirky maid cafes, and adorable animal cafes showcasing owls, cats, and hedgehogs. Indulge in fresh seafood without having to catch it yourself at the Tsukiji Outer Market or dive into Tokyo’s nightlife with an izakaya alley food tour in Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai.

Party like there’s no tomorrow at top clubs like Womb, Ageha, and V2 Tokyo or sing your heart out at Big Echo, Karaoke Kan, or a rooftop karaoke bar in Ginza, no record deal required. Discover the tiny bars of Golden Gai, each with its unique themes and breathtaking rooftop bars like the Andaz Tokyo or the Park Hyatt’s New York Bar offering a glamorous Tokyo skyline experience. Besides all the grown-up experiences, Tokyo also includes late-night manga cafes, arcades, or bowling if you wish to lift heavy weights at midnight.

Tokyo features a wide array of options starting from luxury brands ready to be robbed at Ginza to quirky styles at Harajuku’s Takeshita Street. Anime lovers should head to Akihabara for arcades, Mandarake, Pokémon Center, and Ghibli Store since clearly, your wallet wasn’t planning to survive this trip anyway. Preloved materials can hunt for gems in Shimokitazawa’s vintage stores or Nakano Broadway’s collectibles. Omotesando is another high-end shopping enclave surrounded by designers and modern architecture.

Every kid’s dream and a nightmare for every parent’s wallet, Disneyland. Not one, but two (double trouble). Enjoy magical adventures at Tokyo Disneyland or the Disneyland Sea where stories unfold. Visit Sanrio Puroland for all the Hello Kitty fun you can handle, because nothing says peak adulthood like fangirling over a giant, bow-wearing cat in a theme park filled with pastel overload and endless merch (or you could take the little ones there). You could hop by the Ueno Zoo to befriend pandas or even experience interactive digital art at teamLab Planets which makes you question reality.

Tokyo radiates unparalleled energy at night but during the day it boasts attractions and sights worth seeing with the naked eye. Admiring Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, or getting lost in the beauty of Hakone Open-Air Museum should be on your bucket list for Tokyo. Visit Kamakura for the Great Buddha and temples if you are spiritually inclined. Nikko offers stunning shrines and waterfalls, while Yokohama lets you admire ramen in a museum in the Cup Noodles Museum, Chinatown, and Minato Mirai waterfront.

The final destination (not like the movie) is where you can relax and take a deep breath. Escape the city’s chaotic crowd at Shinjuku Gyoen or Ueno Park. If a nature retreat isn't on your mind then you could plan an ocean getaway to Seaside Park or Odaiba Beach which is a man-made island and is strategically located within the vicinity of shopping malls and dining options. During the cherry blossom season, spots like Chidorigafuchi, Meguro River, and Yoyogi Park offer beautiful views of sakura-lined paths.

Delivering a blend of their unique culture mixed with modernity is what makes Tokyo a precious urban marvel. Shopping until your wallet feels light to relaxing in the park until the end of daylight, a city of contrasts and diversity. The activities in Tokyo are limitless and always a whirlwind of chaos and excitement, keeping you on the edge of your seat.