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

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...

Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park

For fans of Hello Kitty and her menagerie of mates, or even those...

Experience Summer Fireflies in Tokyo at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

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

Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

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

International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta

Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....
Close-up of da ISA pizza

Stupendous Wood-Fired Pizza at da ISA in Nakameguro

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

Sightseeing in Shibuya – Walking the Big Two Part 1

Shibuya and Shinjuku are the two biggest urban centers in Tokyo and two...

Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

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

Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

Located 50-odd floors above the streets of Roppongi, the Mori Art Museum offers...

How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan

Riding the bullet train (also known as Shinkansen) is easily the most convenient...
Road Trip from Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1

Starting Up and Breaking Down: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1

Follow our road trip from Tokyo to Okinawa; fourteen days, multiple forms of...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

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

Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

Tokyo Mario Kart Tours!? These Nintendo-esque go-kart street tours have to be one...

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

Offering scenic hiking trails, a popular monkey park, and ancient shrines, it's no...

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...
Ikebukuro Parco

Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond

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

Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating* “Tonight there’s gonna...
tokyo disneyland theme park guide

Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland

Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip while you’re in Tokyo or...

A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku

One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...

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...

Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo

One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...
A20 - Header

Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview

In the spring of 2019, my fiancée and I spent three weeks backpacking...

Serenity and Samurai at the Bamboo Temple: Hokokuji

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

Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

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

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...
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...
american-sandwich-tokyo-ginza

Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?

Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...

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

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

Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley

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

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

Spend a few days exploring Tokyo and you’ll start to get a sense...

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

If you like soup and if you love...

Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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

Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

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

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

Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...
This tranquil waterwheel is in Hidaka's Kinchaku field. The red spider lily festival is held in the area.

Visiting Hidaka (Japan’s Secret Korea) and Hiking the Mt. Hiwada, Mt. Takasashi, and Mt. Monomi Trail

It was time to get my hike on. A whirlwind of days in...

Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2

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

Rockabillies, Dogs in Turtlenecks and Soothing Nature at Yoyogi Park

Whenever someone visits Tokyo, I’m quick to recommend slotting Yoyogi Park into their...
Inokashira Park in Kichijoji

Kichijoji Tour: Hammocks, Shopping and Parks

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

Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo

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

Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

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

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

I look on as a group of five groundskeepers silently go about their...
tokyo-cinema-movie-theater-shibuya-indie-independant-human-trust-header

Indie Cinema in Tokyo: Human Trust, Shibuya

Tokyo Cinema Scene For...

The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater

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

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers

One look at the Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea map will show just how...

Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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

Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...

Vegan Food with a Side o’ Wonder at Saido Vegan Restaurant Jiyugaoka

Historically, vegetarians and vegans have had a tricky time dining out in Japan....

The Artizon Museum: Experiencing Creativity in Tokyo

If you find yourself near Tokyo Station with time to spare, consider checking...

Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

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

Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo

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

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...
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...

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...

Tips for Catching the Train or Bus in Tokyo

Using public transport in Tokyo can feel overwhelming, it’s the largest city in...

Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

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

Akihabara to Ueno Part 1 – An Akihabara Trek

The districts of Akihabara and Ueno sit next to one another and offer...
gotokuji-lucky-cat-shrine-setagaya-1

Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

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

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...

The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

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

An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

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

Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

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

Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...

Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan

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

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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

Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

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

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

If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
motsuyaki ban yutenji lemon sour bar

Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar

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

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...

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

Whenever I have visitors in town, I love taking them to a stand-up...

Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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

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

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

Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo

We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...

Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms

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

Exploring Shinjuku – Walking the Big Two Part 3

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

Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour

The area of Ebisu, close to the din of Shibuya, is the perfect...
tokyo tram line arakawa

Trams Through the Blossoms: Discovering Tokyo on the Arakawa Line

Roses line this Tokyo tram line At its peak,...

Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

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

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.

Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life

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

All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

When visitors think of old school Japan, they no doubt picture kimono-clad geisha...

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.

Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths

If you’re looking for a fun activity that doubles as a memorable keepsake...
ranshu-best-dumplings-tokyo

Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

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

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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

Exploring Cosplay Shops in Tokyo. Destination: Akihabara.

Many a Tokyo guidebook will suggest a visit to the neighbourhood of Akihabara....

The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

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

Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka

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

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...

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...

Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

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

Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise

Tokyo food trucks at Commune 2nd, Omotesando. Commune 2nd...
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...

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR AREAS IN TOKYO

AKIHABARA

ASAKUSA