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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Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market
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Don’t Miss Tokyo’s Dreamiest Cherry Blossom Spot: Meguro River
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5-star Luxury in a Historic Oasis: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
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Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise
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Kurogi’s Killer Kinako Kakigori – A Shaved Ice Dessert to Die For
Kinako, or roasted soybean flour, might be a difficult sell if you’ve never...
Tokyo’s Plum Blossom Season: Where and why you should go
While much ado is made about Japan's cherry blossom season, winter-weary travellers should...
Tokyo’s Secret “Power Spot”: Meiji Jingu Inner Garden
I look on as a group of five groundskeepers silently go about their...
Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know
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Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy
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Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths
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Kichijoji Tour: Hammocks, Shopping and Parks
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A Cultural Heritage Park in Tokyo – Rikugien Garden of Waka poetry
Beautiful Parks in Tokyo
Many...
World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro
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Enter a Magical Wonderland at the Shibuya Disney Store
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Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour
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Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo
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JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo
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River Walks: A Tour of Tokyo’s Waterways – Part 1
From the jam-packed transit system to the teeming walkways around hubs like Shibuya...
21_21 Design Sight: Tokyo’s Modernist Masterpiece
21_21 Design Sight is a modernist gallery in Tokyo featuring exhibitions on the themes of ecology, sustainability and design.
Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting
With its bustling Ginza shopping street, veteran shopkeepers,...
TeamLab Planets Digital Art Phenomenon Tokyo
Digital art installations and infinity rooms are all the rage in contemporary art....
Moominvalley Saitama: It’s Moominsummer Madness!
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Electronic Stores in Tokyo: Bic Camera and Beyond
The neon-lit corridors of Tokyo’s electronic stores can be just as daunting as...
Akihabara to Ueno Part 1 – An Akihabara Trek
The districts of Akihabara and Ueno sit next to one another and offer...
Art Deco in Tokyo’s Ex-Imperial Forest: The Teien Art Museum and Institute for Nature Study
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Exploring Cosplay Shops in Tokyo. Destination: Akihabara.
Many a Tokyo guidebook will suggest a visit to the neighbourhood of Akihabara....
Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park
For fans of Hello Kitty and her menagerie of mates, or even those...
All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars
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What’s Up with These Japanese Fish Flags? Koinobori and Children’s Day
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Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun
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Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views
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Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour
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Mt. Mitake: A One-Day Itinerary for Nature and Serenity
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Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem
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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki
The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.
Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo
One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...
Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser
If taxidermy, skeletons, minerals, and turn-of-the-century gadgets float your boat, Intermediatheque is for...
Tips for Catching the Train or Bus in Tokyo
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Chill Out in Tokyo’s Hammock Cafes: Mahika Mano & Cafe Stay Happy
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Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It
If you like soup and if you love...
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour
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Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons
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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview
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Digging Through Don Don Down on Wednesday
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The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu
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Explore Tokyo’s Underground Temple in the Ryu-Q Kan Sewer Tour
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Zōjōji Temple, underneath Tokyo Tower, is full of great local history!
If you’re only going to visit a few religious sites in Tokyo, put...
Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi
Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...
Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours
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Exploring Shinjuku – Walking the Big Two Part 3
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Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class
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Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
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Yes, Book and Beer Cafes Exist: Here are Two of Tokyo’s Best
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Indie Cinema in Tokyo: Human Trust, Shibuya
Tokyo Cinema Scene
For...
Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse
Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse'
The...
An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara
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Exploring the Tarō Okamoto Memorial Museum
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Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku
Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.
Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando
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Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers
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Interview With Architect Kengo Kuma on the New National Stadium’s Design
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A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa
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The Oldest Things to See in Tokyo: Ultimate Guide
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Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves
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Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
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Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk
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Lose yourself in the Digital Landscapes of TeamLab Borderless
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Higanbana Flower Viewing at Kinchakuda in Saitama
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Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
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Meiji Shrine: Serenity Amid The Urban Sprawl
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Da Yo Ne is A Great Little Tea Rice Bar in Roppongi
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California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya
*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating*
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Yes, Cold Noodles Are Cool: Sanpotei Tokyo Lab’s Hiyashi Tantanmen
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A Perfect Layover Lunch near Narita Airport: Grilled Unagi Rice Bowls at Kawatoyo
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Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.
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Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
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Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho
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A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku
One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
Starting Up and Breaking Down: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1
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Harajuku LUSH: Eye Candy and Exclusive Products
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Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo
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Ariso Sushi: A Great Pre-Flight Meal at Haneda Airport
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Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
Halloween is one of the spookiest events on the calendar; a time for...
Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon
One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...
Serenity A Stone’s Throw Away At Tokyo’s Kiyosumi Gardens
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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...
Vegan Food with a Side o’ Wonder at Saido Vegan Restaurant Jiyugaoka
Historically, vegetarians and vegans have had a tricky time dining out in Japan....
Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa
Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...
Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro
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Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi
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Enter the Belly of the Kawaii (Cute) Beast: Harajuku’s Kawaii Monster Café
Lights, camera, monsters? Delve into the belly of the beast (a cute beast...
Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho
By day, the neighbourhood of Ebisu hums with shoppers, museum-goers and the lunchtime...
Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan
While Korean cosmetics have taken the spotlight in recent years, many Japanese makeup...
Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show
Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...
Exploring The Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”
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Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1
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How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan
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Superb Slurps at street pasta company
There’s no shortage of great noodle places in...
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.