Tokyo is a fascinating city to visit! Discover the best things to do in Tokyo and our tips, recommendations, and top places to see for a successful trip. Let’s go!
- TOP 20 things to do in Tokyo ?
- Where to eat in Tokyo ?
- Neighborhoods and accommodations ?
- Itineraries for visiting Tokyo in 3, 4, or 5 days ?
- Tips and recommendations ?
What to do in Tokyo?
Before offering you some itinerary ideas to visit Tokyo, here are the best things to do and places to see in the incredible capital of Japan!
1. Admire the fantastic panorama from the Tokyo SkyTree
At 634 meters tall, the Tokyo SkyTree is the tallest structure in Japan. From the tower, you can realize the expanse of the city. The views are breathtaking, and the nighttime visit is just magical!
While the Tokyo SkyTree is an ideal place to experience Tokyo from above, there’s also Shibuya Sky, the Tokyo Tower, and the Mori Tower of Roppongi Hills, from which you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day. We discuss these more below in this article.
2. Visit the iconic Shibuya crossing
You certainly know the Shibuya crossing? It might be the most famous crossing in the world! It has even become a symbol of the city of Tokyo. Besides this iconic crossing, the Shibuya district is a superb place to visit in Tokyo. It is a lively and dynamic area of Tokyo.
3. Visit Tokyo’s most beautiful Shinto shrine: Meiji Jingu
The Meiji-Jingu, or Meiji Shrine, is located in the heart of Tokyo in the Shibuya district. Its architecture, the temples, the park and forest, and serenity are incredible. A true haven of peace in the urban jungle! It’s a beautiful place to visit in Tokyo. Plan at least 1h30 for this visit. Access to the shrine and parks is free. Find more information on the shrine’s website.
4. Visit the Shinjuku district
What to do in Tokyo to discover its nightlife? Come to Shinjuku! This lively district is known for its neon signs, restaurants, and bars and is a must-visit place in Tokyo.
5. Visit the Senso-ji temple and Asakusa district in Tokyo
If you want to visit Old Tokyo, discover the Asakusa district and its Senso-ji temple. You’ll be amazed at the contrast between this district and the more modern areas of Tokyo. After visiting the temple, don’t hesitate to explore the alleys of Asakusa. It’s a superb place to buy souvenirs and see another facet of the Japanese capital. Access to the Senso-ji temple is free.
6. Discover Tokyo Bay from Odaiba
Odaiba is a leisure area on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay (open on Google Maps). From Odaiba, you can visit Tokyo differently, seeing the city from a new perspective. The views are superb Both day and night, but this spot can be appreciated even more in the evening.
In addition to the views, you can see the Statue of Liberty and a Transformers statue in Odaiba or visit the Digital Art Museum or Tokyo’s Legoland. It’s a place with large spaces, and the walks are enjoyable. Like everywhere in Tokyo, it gets very crowded on the weekends, but it’s less noticeable in Odaiba.
7. Have an incredible experience at TeamLab Planets
What to do in Tokyo to make your trip memorable? Discover the artistic installation of TeamLab Planets! It is a real sensory experience: you’re going to love it! Mysterious, captivating, fascinating: this is how we could describe TeamLab Planets.
Plan at least 1h30 for this visit. Capacity is limited. You must choose a time slot. As it’s a popular place, booking tickets at least a few days in advance is essential.
8. Visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace: the Kōkyo
The Imperial Palace is among the essential places to visit in Tokyo. The Kōkyo is located right in the historical heart of Tokyo city. You cannot visit the palace inside since it is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. However, the parks are open and can be visited for free.
9. Admire Tokyo from the Shibuya Sky
The Shibuya Sky is another popular viewpoint in Tokyo. Compared to the Tokyo SkyTree, the Shibuya Sky is less elevated but has an outdoor platform. No window could get in the way of taking photos. But the views are less impressive than from the Tokyo SkyTree, and good weather is an even more critical factor. Each observation point thus has its advantages and disadvantages.
10. Walk through the Imperial Garden of Shinjuku
An immense Japanese park just a few hundred meters away from the vibrant streets of Shinjuku! Entrance to the park and access to the greenhouses are chargeable, but the visit is worth it. Inside the park, you can visit a tea house and even order a tea ceremony. The setting is ideal for resting and relaxing. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to visit this magnificent park.
11. Discovering Tokyo’s Incredible Cafes and Restaurants
Tokyo is known worldwide for its restaurants, especially its extraordinary cafes. So, take advantage of your trip to discover them! Among the most astonishing places are theme and animal cafes (for instance, cats, pigs, and owls).
If you are interested in the concept, here are a few places (click to open on Google Maps): Owl Cafe “Fukurou”, Yadorigi Cafe, mipig cafe harajuku. Find also our favorite restaurants in Tokyo further down in this article.
12. Shopping in Tokyo’s Ginza District
The Ginza district is a central and commercial area of Tokyo. It’s an ideal place for shopping. For example, it is where you can find the largest store of the Japanese brand Uniqlo. This 12-story store is huge and perfect for brand enthusiasts.
13. Visit Tokyo Tower
The Tokyo Tower is Tokyo’s “Eiffel Tower.” It looks like a copy. Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower has long been the city’s symbol. The tower is 332 meters tall. In winter, it lights up in orange, and in summer – in white.
You can climb the Tokyo Tower to admire a magnificent 360-degree city view. There are two observation decks: the higher you go, the higher the price. Compared to the Tokyo SkyTree, this visit has a more historical aspect. If the weather is clear, you can see Mount Fuji.
14. Visit Tokyo’s Akihabara District
Another must-see area of Tokyo! It’s also known as Tokyo’s electronic district. Even if you’re not a fan of manga, anime, and video games, it’s an absolute must-visit in Tokyo. The colors, neon lights, the atmosphere: everything is there to experience this mythical side of the city!
15. Partying in Tokyo’s Roppongi District
What to do in Tokyo at night? Why not spend an evening in Roppongi, the ideal district for going out in Tokyo? This area is known for its bars and nightclubs, some of which have more notorious reputations than others.
This district is also home to the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, another tower that offers panoramic views of Tokyo. This observatory is much less visited than the Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky, or Tokyo SkyTree. Nevertheless, don’t miss it in winter, as it’s an excellent time to visit the Roppongi district and see its magical decorations.
16. Go-Karting in the Streets of Tokyo
Yes, you can go-kart in the streets of Tokyo! It’s a unique activity to do in Tokyo and Japan! You can choose your costume, drive a kart, and discover Tokyo’s most beautiful districts. Find reviews, photos, and practical information here: Go-Kart Tour.
17. See Mount Fuji and the Hakone Region
Mount Fuji fascinates. It is located southwest of Tokyo and stands 3,776 meters high. More than a mountain, Mount Fuji is a sacred place for the Japanese and the Shinto religion. It is possible to climb Mount Fuji in July and August. But you can also admire it from a distance.
Sometimes, when the weather is clear, you can even see Mount Fuji from observation points in Tokyo. For instance, from Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Otherwise, you can also explore the Hakone region and see Mount Fuji with an excursion.
18. Visit the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo
A magical and poetic place in Tokyo for those who wish to dive into the universe of the animated films of Studio Ghibli. The atmosphere is fantastic! This museum is not in downtown Tokyo (see location on Google Maps), but it is easily accessible by public transportation. Find more information on the museum’s website.
19. Visit Tokyo Disney Resort
This is the first Disney theme park to open its doors outside of the United States. Here, you will enjoy the atmosphere of the Disney universe and its incredible attractions. Tokyo Disney Resort consists of two parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. There are a lot of people on peak days. The fast pass is an excellent solution to enjoy the place more. Tokyo Disney Sea is often considered the most beautiful Disney park in the world.
20. Stroll through Ueno Park in Tokyo
Ueno Park in Tokyo is an excellent place to see during the cherry blossom season! Outside this time of year, the park may seem more ordinary, even though it’s a lovely place to explore and get a glimpse of local life.
Good places to eat in Tokyo
What to eat in Japan? Among the Japanese specialties, there are, of course, sushi, ramen (noodle soup), tonkatsu (pork cutlet), soba (buckwheat noodles), shabu-shabu (Japanese hotpot), and yakitori (meat skewers). You are going to enjoy it! In Japan, sushi is considered a luxury dish.
Tipping. Tipping is not practiced in Japan at all and is even frowned upon. Do not leave a tip in Japan.
Places to remember. If you are going to visit Tokyo, here are some places not to miss:
- Hakushū Teppanyaki: a restaurant in Shibuya specialized in grilled meats, particularly Kobe beef (reservation mandatory).
- Ichiran Shibuya: a superb place to eat good ramen in Shibuya.
- Nabezo Shinjuku Meiji Dori: a good restaurant located in the Shinjuku district specializing in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.
- Sushi Ya: a superb place that offers delicious sushi in the Ginza district of Tokyo.
Izakaya. During your trip to Tokyo, do not miss out on traditional Japanese pubs: izakaya! They are perfect places to feel like a real Tokyoite.
Good to know. Many restaurants in Japan are open only until 2-3 PM, and others do not open until 5 PM. Few restaurants are open all day, except those in shopping centers. It is also not uncommon in Japan to queue for dining. You will often see many chairs in front of the restaurant so that you can sit while queuing. Popular places may have a huge queue, sometimes over 5 hours. If you have spotted a good restaurant, make a reservation in advance or be prepared to wait.
Districts and hotels where to stay to visit Tokyo
Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and Asakusa are the best districts for a stay in Tokyo. Each of these districts is impressive in its way.
- Ginza is an upscale, central shopping district with many accommodations. For example, the hotel THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA.
- Shibuya and Shinjuku are vibrant districts where you will feel the city’s pulsating atmosphere.
- Asakusa is a traditional district where you will discover Old Tokyo and enjoy more affordable rates. Here is an example: Asakusa Tobu Hotel.
To learn more about each of these districts of Tokyo, you can read our blog article: Where to stay in Tokyo.
Tips for visiting Tokyo
Before offering you itineraries to visit Tokyo in 3, 4, 5 or 6 days, here are some tips for getting around Japan’s capital.
Konbini. These convenience stores (7-Eleven, Family Mart) are found everywhere in Japan and in Asia in general. They are open 24/24. You can find pre-made meals, salads, and local specialties. If you’re short on time, it’s an easy solution for a quick lunch.
Public transportation. Two private companies mainly manage Tokyo’s subway. You can download the subway map here. The ticket price is not fixed and varies depending on the journey. Instead of paying for each trip, you might consider buying an unlimited transport card for 1, 2, 3 days, or more or a rechargeable prepaid card like Suica or Pasmo.
Taxi. The Uber app works in Tokyo. Generally, a taxi is more expensive than public transportation, but it can be worth it depending on the journey and the number of people.
How to pay in Tokyo? Cash is still widely used. For example, it is only possible to recharge transport cards with cash.
Itineraries to visit Tokyo in 3, 4, 5, or 6 days
Here is an example of itineraries to visit Tokyo depending on the length of your trip.
How many days to visit Tokyo?
The minimum duration to visit Tokyo is 3 full days. If you spend 4 or 5 days, you will be able to do more, and 6 days is the ideal length to discover different faces of the city.
Tip! You might consider booking a private guided tour to maximize your time in Tokyo. It’s a great way to visit Tokyo with limited time while discovering the most exciting aspects with a local guide. Here is an example of a private guided tour.
Itinerary for 3 Days in Tokyo
Let’s start with the first 3 days in Tokyo.
Day 1: Exploring the Iconic Spots of Tokyo
- Discover Shibuya and its famous crossing
- View Tokyo from the Shibuya Sky observation platform (book tickets in advance)
- Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine (free)
Day 2: Visit Old Tokyo
- Visit Senso-ji Temple (free)
- Get lost in the streets of the Asakusa district
- Shop for souvenirs in the shops near the temple
- Admire the city from Tokyo SkyTree Tower (buy tickets in advance to avoid queuing on-site)
Day 3: Discover a new side of Tokyo
- Visit the amazing district of Shinjuku
- Walk in the Shinjuku Imperial Garden (admission fee)
- Have an extraordinary experience at TimeLab Planets (see prices here)
- Discover the Akihabara district
Visiting Tokyo in 4 Days
If you spend 4 days in Tokyo, you can take up the itinerary of the first 3 days and then add this additional day of visits.
Day 4: Discover a new side of Tokyo
- Walk in the Tokyo Imperial Palace Park
- Discover the Ginza district for shopping
- Climb Tokyo Tower (optional; if it’s the viewpoint that interests you the most, we recommend buying tickets in advance)
- Discover Tokyo Bay from Odaiba
Visiting Tokyo in 5 Days
If you are going to visit Tokyo for 5 days, you can take more time and spend more time in certain districts or even revisit them multiple times. You can also spend an entire day at Disneyland or hiking on Mount Fuji (in the summer).
Day 5: A day outside the city / an extra day to explore Tokyo
- Visit the Tokyo Disney Resort
OR
- Go to the Hakone region and see Mount Fuji up close (for example, a day trip)
OR
- Take a food tour (example of a guided tour)
- See the Tokyo Ghibli Museum
- Discover Ueno Park (spring or autumn)
Tips for Traveling to Japan
Itinerary: What to see in Japan? Tokyo is often the first step on a trip to Japan. Generally, travelers visit Kyoto and Osaka afterward, as well as other cities such as Hiroshima.
Traveling in Japan with the JR Pass. If you visit multiple cities in Japan, the JR Pass can be a good idea (but not always). Instead of buying individual journeys, you can take this pass, including your train travels. Note that the JR Pass does not cover the entire country, and it must be purchased several weeks before your departure to Japan (it is sent by mail!).
Paying in Japan. Japan is a country where cash is still widely used. For example, in restaurants or cafes, and even to top up your transportation card. Although you can pay by card, it is still essential to have yen with you.
Tokyo is an incredible city! There is so much to do and see. If it’s your first trip to Japan, 3, 4, or 5 days may be enough to discover Tokyo before exploring other cities in Japan. And whatever itinerary you choose, you will have unforgettable memories of this trip to Tokyo and Japan, that’s for sure.
