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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Ueno Park

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

Come springtime in Japan, there’s one thing on everybody’s mind: cherry blossoms. People...

Studio Ghibli, Live Music, and Cursed Swan Boats: A Day at Inokashira Park

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Don’t Miss Tokyo’s Dreamiest Cherry Blossom Spot: Meguro River

Tiny and sweet, cherry blossoms are a sure-fire symbol of spring, and in...

Yes, Cold Noodles Are Cool: Sanpotei Tokyo Lab’s Hiyashi Tantanmen

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Yes, Book and Beer Cafes Exist: Here are Two of Tokyo’s Best

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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...

Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo

Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...

Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show

Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

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A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten

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Where to Catch Tokyo’s Food Trucks: Lunch at the International Forum

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Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka

With literally thousands of ramen restaurants in Central Tokyo and across the Greater...

Top Tokyo Instagram Spots: Mukojima-Hyakkaen Garden’s Japanese Clover Tunnel

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Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats

A short walk from the temples and tourist attractions of Asakusa, sits a...

Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

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

Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun

If you’re looking for a cheap souvenir that comes with a bit of...

Late Night Fortune Telling At Sensoji Temple

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

International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta

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Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...

Exploring The Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”

If you’re a fan of all things public works, the Tokyo Sewerage Museum...

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...

Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...

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

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

Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...
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Superb Slurps at street pasta company

There’s no shortage of great noodle places in...
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Digging Through Don Don Down on Wednesday

Shopping for second-hand clothing in Tokyo isn’t quite the cost-saving measure it is...

Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

By day, the neighbourhood of Ebisu hums with shoppers, museum-goers and the lunchtime...

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

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

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Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

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Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.

When people ask me what to eat in Tokyo, a hundred places immediately...
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The Best Narita Airport Sushi Bar: Standing Sushi Bar in Terminal 3

Narita International Airport is one of Japan’s major air gateways, serving millions of travellers each...
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Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...

Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo

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The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater

Most theater fans both in Japan and abroad have heard of kabuki. The...

Moominvalley Saitama: It’s Moominsummer Madness!

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Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
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Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar

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Kyu Asakura House: Wood in a Concrete Jungle

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The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama

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Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

At the western edge of Tokyo prefecture, around 2 hours from the city...

Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

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Lose yourself in the Digital Landscapes of TeamLab Borderless

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What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

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A Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano

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This tranquil waterwheel is in Hidaka's Kinchaku field. The red spider lily festival is held in the area.

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Art Deco in Tokyo’s Ex-Imperial Forest: The Teien Art Museum and Institute for Nature Study

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21_21 Design Sight: Tokyo’s Modernist Masterpiece

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World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.
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Indie Cinema in Tokyo: Human Trust, Shibuya

Tokyo Cinema Scene For...

How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan

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Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2

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JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

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Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

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

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Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

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Starting Up and Breaking Down: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1

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Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan

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Tokyo’s Plum Blossom Season: Where and why you should go

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The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

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Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class

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Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo

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Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

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Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life

Full of bustling shoppers and businesspeople by day and partygoers by night, Roppongi...

Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori

Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...
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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...

Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

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Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

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A Charming Expedition to Tokyo’s Ancient Egyptian Museum

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All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

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An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

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Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

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Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

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Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise

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Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

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Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk

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Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour

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Rockabillies, Dogs in Turtlenecks and Soothing Nature at Yoyogi Park

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Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai

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Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540

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A Perfect Layover Lunch near Narita Airport: Grilled Unagi Rice Bowls at Kawatoyo

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

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Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

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Junteuchi Daruma's shoyu ramen is beautiful to behold.

For Fabulous Shoyu Ramen, Head to Junteuchi Daruma

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

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Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

From the outside, the Unko Museum Tokyo looks like a colourful knick-knack shop...

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

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Hot Pies, Cold Drinks: A Taste of Australia at Punk Doily

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Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin

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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview

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Harajuku Art Scene: Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art

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The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

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Views and Booze at The Peak Lounge and Bar at Park Hyatt

If you only have a limited time in Tokyo, you’ll no doubt be...

A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia

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Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku

Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.

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