TOKYO

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa

TOKYO

Japan’s bustling capital is home to over 9 million people and is a veritable hub of culture, dining, shopping and entertainment. As such, there are an endless array of things to do in Tokyo. History and culture buffs will love wandering the many temples, shrines, museums and traditional districts. Foodies will have access to some of the best restaurants in the world. Outdoorsy types may be surprised to learn that Tokyo is in fact a great walking and biking city; many suburbs are connected by landscaped greenways and spectacular parks and gardens abound. And you can take it all in from one of the great city views around town—you might even glimpse Mount Fuji.  

Whether it’s the neon lights of Shinjuku, the traditional backstreets of Asakusa or the ultra-hip Shimokitazawa, Tokyo has a vibe for everyone. Simply wander off the beaten track to discover what else this amazing city has to offer. In the meantime, here are a few of our favourite things to do in Tokyo.

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Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540

Are you on the hunt for Japanese souvenirs that are high quality and...
This tranquil waterwheel is in Hidaka's Kinchaku field. The red spider lily festival is held in the area.

Visiting Hidaka (Japan’s Secret Korea) and Hiking the Mt. Hiwada, Mt. Takasashi, and Mt. Monomi Trail

It was time to get my hike on. A whirlwind of days in...

Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths

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Tsukiji Market Trek – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 2

After leaving Ginza on your way south, the luxury of early 20th century...

Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park

Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...

Kyu Asakura House: Wood in a Concrete Jungle

Kyu Asakura House is an unlikely residential building with a beautiful strolling garden, nestled in the concrete heart of Shibuya.

Serenity and Samurai at the Bamboo Temple: Hokokuji

A tranquil haven linked to an ancient, ruling samurai clan, Hokokuji Temple is...

A Charming Expedition to Tokyo’s Ancient Egyptian Museum

The Ancient Egyptian Museum is a small corner space on the eighth floor...
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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.

Mizumoto Park: Tokyo’s Biggest and Best Place to See Irises

The northeastern reaches of Tokyo are home to the oft-overlooked Katsushika Ward, bordered...

Explore Tokyo’s Underground Temple in the Ryu-Q Kan Sewer Tour

For most, the words “Tokyo sewer tour” don’t inspire much excitement. It’s an...
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Superb Slurps at street pasta company

There’s no shortage of great noodle places in...
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The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku

Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...

Skating the Art Rink at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: Fun Winter Activities in Tokyo

Toddlers giggle, adults fall flat on their back, and a select few swoop...

Da Yo Ne is A Great Little Tea Rice Bar in Roppongi

Few dishes are more comforting on a cold, rainy day than the humble...
Junteuchi Daruma's shoyu ramen is beautiful to behold.

For Fabulous Shoyu Ramen, Head to Junteuchi Daruma

Whether it’s tonkotsu, salt, or miso, you’ll find all kinds of ramen in...

Sightseeing in Shibuya – Walking the Big Two Part 1

Shibuya and Shinjuku are the two biggest urban centers in Tokyo and two...

Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo

Springtime in Japan means one thing, and one thing only: cherry blossoms. The...

Japan Folk Crafts Museum in Tokyo: The Home of Japan’s Handmade Heritage

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum, hidden away in Tokyo's leafy Komaba district, is a must-visit for craft enthusiasts.

Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park

For fans of Hello Kitty and her menagerie of mates, or even those...

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers

One look at the Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea map will show just how...

Chill Out in Tokyo’s Hammock Cafes: Mahika Mano & Cafe Stay Happy

In all my years on this earth, I’ve never met a single person...

Natural History Comes To Life at Tokyo’s National Museum of Nature and Science

Natural history and science come to life at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo's Ueno Park!
Inokashira Park in Kichijoji

Kichijoji Tour: Hammocks, Shopping and Parks

Kichijoji is a favorite destination for both tourists and Tokyo residents. With a...
Dining Sushi in Japan

Ariso Sushi: A Great Pre-Flight Meal at Haneda Airport

Airport food doesn’t have a good reputation. Thankfully, Haneda Airport’s culinary offerings defy...
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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview

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Stroll through Architectural History at Tokyo’s Open-Air Folk House Museum

In its sunken hearth, the fire crackles enticingly. Its guardian, an elderly woman...

Enter a Magical Wonderland at the Shibuya Disney Store

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Umi No Hi Festival A Different Way to Experience Tokyo in the Summer

The Umi No Hi festival is celebrated by decorating the beach of Odaiba...

A Day Trip To Shibamata: Tokyo’s Magical Retro Hood

Spend a few days exploring Tokyo and you’ll start to get a sense...

Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....
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Indie Cinema in Tokyo: Human Trust, Shibuya

Tokyo Cinema Scene For...

River Walks: A Tour of Tokyo’s Waterways – Part 1

From the jam-packed transit system to the teeming walkways around hubs like Shibuya...
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Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

You may not known their name, but no doubt you’ve seen those white...

A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten

Shibuya can feel more like a nightlife and shopping area than a culinary...

Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...

An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

“The Japanese people just do everything so authentically. They copy every last detail...

Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

Since its opening in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has become a beloved fixture on...

Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
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Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?

Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...

Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo

Sake can be easily found in every restaurant and convenience store in Japan,...

Japanese Craft Beer By The River: Hitachino Brewing Lab, Akihabara

Akihabara can be a frenetic place; whirring arcades, hordes of tax free shoppers,...
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A Perfect Layover Lunch near Narita Airport: Grilled Unagi Rice Bowls at Kawatoyo

Have a layover at Narita Airport with several hours to spare? A day...

Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It

If you like soup and if you love...

Zōjōji Temple, underneath Tokyo Tower, is full of great local history!

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5-star Luxury in a Historic Oasis: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

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Tokyo Tower and a Tour through Surrounding Areas

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Why Yanaka ‘Cat Town’ Is THE Place For Cat Lovers in Tokyo

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Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

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Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan

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Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

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Onden’s Japanese Curry Rice—a Taste of Home in the Heart of Harajuku

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Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro

Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois We visit...
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Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita

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World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

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Tokyo’s Fabled 100 Yen Stores: Our Top Picks

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Nagi Shokudo is Where to Go for Affordable, Delicious Vegan Food in Shibuya

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Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi

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Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

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Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo

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Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting

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Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk

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Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun

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Ueno Park: One of the Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

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Tokyo’s Favourite Day Hike: Mount Takao (Takaosan)

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Meiji Shrine: Serenity Amid The Urban Sprawl

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Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants

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Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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Tokyo, Books, and You: Curl up in these Three Green Study Spaces

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Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

Follow the Keio line to Chofu in West Tokyo where you'll find a...

Experience Summer Fireflies in Tokyo at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

At night, the winding paths of Tokyo’s Chinzanso Garden are bathed in a...

Tips for Catching the Train or Bus in Tokyo

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Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta

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Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?

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Vegan Food with a Side o’ Wonder at Saido Vegan Restaurant Jiyugaoka

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Higanbana Flower Viewing at Kinchakuda in Saitama

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Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland

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Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

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Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

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Tokyo Station Bars: Top-shelf Drinking In The Urban Hub

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The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

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Enter the Belly of the Kawaii (Cute) Beast: Harajuku’s Kawaii Monster Café

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Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

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Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

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Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

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How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan

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Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2

Between Shibuya and Shinjuku is the sprawling greenery of Yoyogi Park that dominates...

A Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores

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The Best Narita Airport Sushi Bar: Standing Sushi Bar in Terminal 3

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Hanami in Inokashira Park: A How To Guide

It would be a shame to be in Japan during cherry blossom season...
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Art Deco in Tokyo’s Ex-Imperial Forest: The Teien Art Museum and Institute for Nature Study

Fan of Art Deco? Nature lover? Want to tread in the footsteps of...
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Tokyo Tower vs. Tokyo Skytree: Why Age Reigns Supreme

Tokyo’s skyline is locked in an epic battle between two towers. The reigning...

The Artizon Museum: Experiencing Creativity in Tokyo

If you find yourself near Tokyo Station with time to spare, consider checking...

Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

Amezaiku is an ancient art requiring intense concentration and skill. Specifically, amezaiku is...

Late Night Fortune Telling At Sensoji Temple

Founded in 645, Senso-ji is the oldest temple...

A Mystical Sea of Clouds in Tokyo’s Historic Chinzanso Garden

If you venture out of the cities, you’ll find that Japan is a...

POPULAR AREAS IN TOKYO

AKIHABARA

ASAKUSA