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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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.

Experience Summer Fireflies in Tokyo at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

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

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

Like most Tokyo neighborhoods, the area surrounding Tokyo Station has a thriving nightlife...

Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

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

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

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Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’

The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...

Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

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

The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

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

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...

Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...
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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...

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

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Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

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

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

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

Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms

Known as the 'king of cherry trees', the Somei Yoshino variety have delighted...

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...

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

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Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...

Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

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

Sightseeing in Shibuya – Walking the Big Two Part 1

Shibuya and Shinjuku are the two biggest urban centers in Tokyo and two...
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Where to Buy English Books in Tokyo

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Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.

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

Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...
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Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

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A Solid Hour Of Fireworks At The Tamagawa Fireworks Festival

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Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

The idea of healthy fast food may seem...

All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...

Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo

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

Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

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

Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540

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Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

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

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

Biting into my classic steak pie, I relished a flavour profile I hadn’t...

The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

Cinephiles coming to Tokyo could definitely put together a movie-based pilgrimage trip. Movie-themed...

Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

If taxidermy, skeletons, minerals, and turn-of-the-century gadgets float your boat, Intermediatheque is for...
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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview

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Kichijoji Tour: Hammocks, Shopping and Parks

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Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

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

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Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland

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

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Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

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Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

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

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Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

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Soothing Summer Wind Chimes from Shinohara Furin

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Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2

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Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar

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A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia

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

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Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

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Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 1 – An Akihabara Trek

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World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

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

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A Magical Guide to Tokyo DisneySea

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

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Enter a Magical Wonderland at the Shibuya Disney Store

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Kabuki Single Act Tickets at Kabukiza Theatre, Tokyo

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Starting Up and Breaking Down: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1

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

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Hanami in Inokashira Park: A How To Guide

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Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

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

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Superb Slurps at street pasta company

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

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Trams Through the Blossoms: Discovering Tokyo on the Arakawa Line

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

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Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

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What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

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Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin

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All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

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Interview With Architect Kengo Kuma on the New National Stadium’s Design

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Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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

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Exploring The Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”

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

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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

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POPULAR AREAS IN TOKYO

AKIHABARA

ASAKUSA