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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An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

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

Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

Beer lovers have plenty to be happy about in Japan. From cheap cans...

Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

The Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU runs every...

A Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores

It happens to the best of us. You’ve planned your trip, you’re all...

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

Looking for some family-friendly activities in Tokyo? Add Inokashira Park (Inokashira-koen) to your...

Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting

With its bustling Ginza shopping street, veteran shopkeepers,...

Meeting the King Kaiju: A Closer Look at Shinjuku’s Godzilla Head

It's difficult to miss the screeching, smoke-spewing, 40-foot Godzilla head in Shinjuku. In...
okonomiyaki

Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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

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.

Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

The idea of healthy fast food may seem...
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Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...

Top 3 Torii Gate Tunnel Photo Spots in…Tokyo!

Loving those red torii gate tunnel images from Kyoto, but just can’t get...

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...

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

When it comes to accommodation in Tokyo, it’s important to find a place...

Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

The Japanese aesthetic is the sum of many parts, each wonderful in their...

Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

If you’re looking for a mountain getaway not far from Tokyo, the venerable...
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

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...
Asakusa Temple

Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...

The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

Asakusa found prosperity in the Edo era. A veritable playground for rice dealers,...

Marquis Maeda’s Tokyo Legacy: A Tale of Two Homes

In Tokyo's peaceful Komaba district, the Japanese and European former homes of Marquis Maeda quietly await visitors.

Spicy, Soupy, Sublime: That’s Soup Curry at Yellow Company

Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...

Ferries and Cruises: A Tour of Tokyo Waterways – Part 2

Walking isn’t the only way to tour Tokyo’s extensive system of waterways. While...

Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...

Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo

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

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...

A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia

In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when...

A Solid Hour Of Fireworks At The Tamagawa Fireworks Festival

Yes, you read that correctly—one whole hour. To be honest, I didn’t quite...

Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

Yearning to see a more “local” side of Tokyo, but still want the...
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Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond

Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers

One look at the Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea map will show just how...
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Exploring Shinjuku – Walking the Big Two Part 3

If Shibuya is the current center of development, commerce, and shopping, Shinjuku is...

Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

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

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

If you have a sweet tooth and you’re visiting Japan, green tea-flavoured desserts...
TeamLab Planets Tokyo

TeamLab Planets Digital Art Phenomenon Tokyo

Digital art installations and infinity rooms are all the rage in contemporary art....
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Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo

Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...
Rikugien Garden is a Cultural Heritage Park in Tokyo.

A Cultural Heritage Park in Tokyo – Rikugien Garden of Waka poetry

Beautiful Parks in Tokyo Many...

Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza

After an early morning photo shoot at Nezu...

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

Summer in Tokyo is deadly. We’re not even joking: hundreds of people in...

Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka

Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...

Kooriya Peace in Kichijoji Serves Gorgeous Shaved Ice Creations Almost Too Beautiful to Eat

Tokyo has no shortage of great shaved ice (kakigori), but even with all...

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

Looking for a dash of culture at a Tokyo museum? Skip the Harajuku...

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

Do one thing, and do it well. Many restaurants in Japan subscribe to...
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Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar

We head to the birthplace of the Lemon Sour, ‘Motsuyaki Ban’  The Lemon Sour, a staple...

Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku

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

Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...

Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo

While shopping in Japan, there is a huge range of souvenirs to choose...

Exploring the Tarō Okamoto Memorial Museum

If you’re a fan of avant-garde artwork, you’ve probably heard of Tarō Okamoto....

Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...

Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons

There are plenty of places to see cherry...

Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo

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

First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets

Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...

An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho

Get ready to explore Shinjuku's neon heart with our ultimate guide to Kabukicho....

Gearing Up at the Final Fantasy XIV-Themed Eorzea Cafe in Akihabara

Calling all adventurers! The realm of Eorzea is in dire need of your...

Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour

The area of Ebisu, close to the din of Shibuya, is the perfect...

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...

Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo

One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...

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!

Tokyo’s Secret “Power Spot”: Meiji Jingu Inner Garden

I look on as a group of five groundskeepers silently go about their...

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

To the average Tokyoite, Harajuku evokes youth culture and fashion. It’s where you...

Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

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

Tokyo Zoos: A Guide to Tokyo’s Wild Side

Amidst the towering skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo and the low grey concrete of...

Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

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

All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro

Laid back, tattooed staff, grungy design, avocado on toast and cold drip coffee....

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

OK, so you’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or shopping all day....

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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

Serenity and Samurai at the Bamboo Temple: Hokokuji

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

Retro cocktails, hip coffee, and Michelin Italian food: An evening in Yoyogi Uehara

On the outskirts of Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi Uehara has a reputation for being a...

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...

Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

Halloween is one of the spookiest events on the calendar; a time for...

Experience Summer Fireflies in Tokyo at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

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

A Visit To The Oldest Eel Restaurant in Tokyo: Izuei Honten

Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...

Electronic Stores in Tokyo: Bic Camera and Beyond

The neon-lit corridors of Tokyo’s electronic stores can be just as daunting as...
Half and half ochazuke

Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita

Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...

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...

Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

Yakitori has to be one of my favourite meals in Japan. It’s an...

Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms

Known as the 'king of cherry trees', the Somei Yoshino variety have delighted...
Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour

The artificial island of Odaiba is one of the primary leisure centers in...

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

On any given day, you can count on the main tourist areas of...
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Stupendous Wood-Fired Pizza at da ISA in Nakameguro

Japanese pizza is notoriously ‘weird’—as many disgruntled expats might like to complain. Putting...

Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai

We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...

How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan

Riding the bullet train (also known as Shinkansen) is easily the most convenient...

Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....

Pizza Toast and Kombucha at Café Benisica

Yurakucho's long standing Café Benisica launched the Japanese pizza toast craze Many wouldn’t immediately associate Japan...

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating* “Tonight there’s gonna...

Tips for Catching the Train or Bus in Tokyo

Using public transport in Tokyo can feel overwhelming, it’s the largest city in...
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What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

Japan is a nation steeped in tradition. There is a profound reverence for...

Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...

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

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

The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater

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

Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

Omotesando on the weekend is a bustling place. The wide streets and footpaths...

Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
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Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan

If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to...
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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.

Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

Located 50-odd floors above the streets of Roppongi, the Mori Art Museum offers...
The New National Stadium Tokyo

Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...

Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

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

Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...

Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

Besides seafood, Hokkaido’s best export must be soup curry. This is exactly as...

Three Instagrammable Tokyo Photo Spots You Can’t Miss

Photography is a hobby of mine, a long running interest that I’ve had...

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