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.
POPULAR POSTS
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...
Exploring Shinjuku – Walking the Big Two Part 3
If Shibuya is the current center of development, commerce, and shopping, Shinjuku is...
Lose yourself in the Digital Landscapes of TeamLab Borderless
Not sure if you’ve heard, but the whole Tokyo city lights and neon...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo
OK, so you’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or shopping all day....
Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo you take some things for granted. Two of these things...
A Mystical Sea of Clouds in Tokyo’s Historic Chinzanso Garden
If you venture out of the cities, you’ll find that Japan is a...
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...
Magurodake Bono Shirakawa’s Tuna Donburi Keeps Lunch Sweet and Simple
Roppongi isn’t all swanky clubs and expensive restaurants. As with most areas in...
Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa
Besides seafood, Hokkaido’s best export must be soup curry. This is exactly as...
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...
Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar
We head to the birthplace of the Lemon Sour, ‘Motsuyaki Ban’
The Lemon Sour, a staple...
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...
Electronic Stores in Tokyo: Bic Camera and Beyond
The neon-lit corridors of Tokyo’s electronic stores can be just as daunting as...
A Tokyo Ryokan Where You Can Bathe Under City Lights: Cyashitsu Ryokan
Tokyo's duality is one of its many charms; that intersection of ancient history,...
Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley
Todoroki Valley is one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. Had your fill of busy...
Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views
I love Tokyo Station. This is the epicenter of transportation for not just...
Interview With Architect Kengo Kuma on the New National Stadium’s Design
Architect Kengo Kuma Weaves Nature Into New National...
Mt. Mitake: A One-Day Itinerary for Nature and Serenity
When the excitement of Tokyo has gotten to be too much, head to...
Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando
Omotesando on the weekend is a bustling place. The wide streets and footpaths...
Digging Through Don Don Down on Wednesday
Shopping for second-hand clothing in Tokyo isn’t quite the cost-saving measure it is...
Where To Get Japanese Breakfast in Tokyo Without Breaking The Bank
Are you a budget conscious traveller? If so, you’re probably not staying in...
Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons
There are plenty of places to see cherry...
Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
The Oldest Things to See in Tokyo: Ultimate Guide
While the historic aspects of Tokyo aren’t as immediately obvious as in some...
Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market
Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
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...
Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise
If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...
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.
What’s Up with These Japanese Fish Flags? Koinobori and Children’s Day
Once spring hits, they’re nearly everywhere. Visitors to Japan will find long strands...
Tokyo Zoos: A Guide to Tokyo’s Wild Side
Amidst the towering skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo and the low grey concrete of...
Exploring the Tarō Okamoto Memorial Museum
If you’re a fan of avant-garde artwork, you’ve probably heard of Tarō Okamoto....
Tips for Catching the Train or Bus in Tokyo
Using public transport in Tokyo can feel overwhelming, it’s the largest city in...
Top Tokyo Instagram Spots: Mukojima-Hyakkaen Garden’s Japanese Clover Tunnel
It’s like stepping into a fairy tale. In fact, passing into Mukojima-Hyakkaen’s Japanese...
Yes, Book and Beer Cafes Exist: Here are Two of Tokyo’s Best
After a long, hard week, who doesn’t love to kick back and relax?...
Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi
It’s an open secret for Tokyo diners—you’ll find all the great restaurants where...
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...
International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta
Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....
Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?
There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...
Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo
Springtime in Japan means one thing, and one thing only: cherry blossoms. The...
Harajuku Art Scene: Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art
Looking for a dash of culture at a Tokyo museum? Skip the Harajuku...
Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show
Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...
Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide
Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
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...
Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class
Food is an important part of travel for me. When I’m exploring a...
A Day Trip To Shibamata: Tokyo’s Magical Retro Hood
Spend a few days exploring Tokyo and you’ll start to get a sense...
What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori
Japan is a nation steeped in tradition. There is a profound reverence for...
Mizumoto Park: Tokyo’s Biggest and Best Place to See Irises
The northeastern reaches of Tokyo are home to the oft-overlooked Katsushika Ward, bordered...
Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita
Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...
An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho
Get ready to explore Shinjuku's neon heart with our ultimate guide to Kabukicho....
Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...
Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk
“Ohayōgozaimasu!” says the man stretching beside his portable radio. Its tinny sound reminds...
Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...
The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama
As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers
One look at the Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea map will show just how...
JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo
Living in Japan, I can’t help but look around at all the cute...
A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa, known as Shimokita by locals, is one of the primary centers of...
Where to Catch Tokyo’s Food Trucks: Lunch at the International Forum
I'd committed the cardinal sin of time-strapped travellers everywhere: I'd slept in. And...
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...
Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo
Sake can be easily found in every restaurant and convenience store in Japan,...
The Artizon Museum: Experiencing Creativity in Tokyo
If you find yourself near Tokyo Station with time to spare, consider checking...
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!
Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser
If taxidermy, skeletons, minerals, and turn-of-the-century gadgets float your boat, Intermediatheque is for...
Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540
Are you on the hunt for Japanese souvenirs that are high quality and...
TeamLab Planets Digital Art Phenomenon Tokyo
Digital art installations and infinity rooms are all the rage in contemporary art....
Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa
Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...
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...
World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro
Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...
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...
Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree
Since its opening in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has become a beloved fixture on...
Sightseeing in Shibuya – Walking the Big Two Part 1
Shibuya and Shinjuku are the two biggest urban centers in Tokyo and two...
River Walks: A Tour of Tokyo’s Waterways – Part 1
From the jam-packed transit system to the teeming walkways around hubs like Shibuya...
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...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats
A short walk from the temples and tourist attractions of Asakusa, sits a...
Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves
At the western edge of Tokyo prefecture, around 2 hours from the city...
Exploring The Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”
If you’re a fan of all things public works, the Tokyo Sewerage Museum...
Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU
The Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU runs every...
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 Secret “Power Spot”: Meiji Jingu Inner Garden
I look on as a group of five groundskeepers silently go about their...
Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
Tokyo’s Fabled 100 Yen Stores: Our Top Picks
For cash-strapped travellers, Tokyo’s 100 yen stores are a godsend. One hundred yen...
Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals
Tokyo rightly deserves its reputation as a world-class shopping destination, especially when it...
Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1
Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....
Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo
While shopping in Japan, there is a huge range of souvenirs to choose...
Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond
Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...
Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths
If you’re looking for a fun activity that doubles as a memorable keepsake...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando
So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...
Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan
While Korean cosmetics have taken the spotlight in recent years, many Japanese makeup...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...
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.
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...
Starting Up and Breaking Down: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1
Follow our road trip from Tokyo to Okinawa; fourteen days, multiple forms of...
Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour
Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park
For fans of Hello Kitty and her menagerie of mates, or even those...
Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza
After an early morning photo shoot at Nezu...
Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan
Riding the bullet train (also known as Shinkansen) is easily the most convenient...
Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro
Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...
Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi
Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia
In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when...