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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Shimokitazawa

A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa, known as Shimokita by locals, is one of the primary centers of...

Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

If taxidermy, skeletons, minerals, and turn-of-the-century gadgets float your boat, Intermediatheque is for...

The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

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

World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

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

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Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

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

Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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

The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama

As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...
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...
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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

On any given day, you can count on the main tourist areas of...
Shinjuku

Exploring Shinjuku – Walking the Big Two Part 3

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

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

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

Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’

The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
Kinako kakigori at Kurogi

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 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...

Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

Yearning to see a more “local” side of Tokyo, but still want the...

Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan

Traveling around Japan this finals season? Missing the echo of the siren, the...
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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...

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

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Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

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

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

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

Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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

Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

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

Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

“Ohayōgozaimasu!” says the man stretching beside his portable radio. Its tinny sound reminds...

Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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

Hanami in Inokashira Park: A How To Guide

It would be a shame to be in Japan during cherry blossom season...

Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai

We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
Close-up of unagi at Kawatoyo

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...
okonomiyaki

Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.
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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview

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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...

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

Vegans have a tough time of it in Tokyo—at least, that’s how it...

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...
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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...

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...

Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views

I love Tokyo Station. This is the epicenter of transportation for not just...

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...

Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo

One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...
Chicken vegetable soup curry at Ganesha

Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi

It’s an open secret for Tokyo diners—you’ll find all the great restaurants where...

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower vs. Tokyo Skytree: Why Age Reigns Supreme

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

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

If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...
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The Oldest Things to See in Tokyo: Ultimate Guide

While the historic aspects of Tokyo aren’t as immediately obvious as in some...

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

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Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo

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

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

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Moominvalley Saitama: It’s Moominsummer Madness!

Hidden in the hills of Hanno and only 40 minutes from Tokyo, Moominvalley awaits. It's time for Moominsummer madness!

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

There’s something about plants that makes studying so much easier to bear. It...

Top 3 Torii Gate Tunnel Photo Spots in…Tokyo!

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

Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

Tokyo rightly deserves its reputation as a world-class shopping destination, especially when it...

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...

Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun

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

Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2

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

All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro

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

Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
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Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

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

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Standing Yakiniku Restaurant Jiromaru: a great place for A5 Wagyu Beef

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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!

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

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Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

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

Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life

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

Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley

Todoroki Valley is one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. Had your fill of busy...

Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

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

Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting

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A Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano

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Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

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

Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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

Kichijoji Tour: Hammocks, Shopping and Parks

Kichijoji is a favorite destination for both tourists and Tokyo residents. With a...

All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...
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...
far yeast brewery tokyo

Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya

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Tokyo Tower and a Tour through Surrounding Areas

Jutting out of the city center, you’d be mistaken for thinking that the...
Outside of Old Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji Market Trek – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 2

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

Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

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

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

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Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

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International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta

Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....

Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

Tokyo Mario Kart Tours!? These Nintendo-esque go-kart street tours have to be one...
5-piece tuna set at HInatomaru

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

Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...

Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

The idea of healthy fast food may seem...

Kabuki Single Act Tickets at Kabukiza Theatre, Tokyo

Heading to Tokyo and looking for something traditional to do? The Single Act...

JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

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

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Harajuku LUSH: Eye Candy and Exclusive Products

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

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

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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

Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando

So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...

Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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

Enter a Magical Wonderland at the Shibuya Disney Store

For Disney fans, a visit to Japan is a no brainer. There’s Tokyo...

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...

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating* “Tonight there’s gonna...
Rikugien Garden is a Cultural Heritage Park in Tokyo.

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

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Late Night Fortune Telling At Sensoji Temple

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

Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour

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

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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