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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Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

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

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

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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...
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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...

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

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

Rockabillies, Dogs in Turtlenecks and Soothing Nature at Yoyogi Park

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

Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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

Harajuku LUSH: Eye Candy and Exclusive Products

For a nation that adores bathing and kawaii things so much, it’s no...

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

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Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

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

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...

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...

Soothing Summer Wind Chimes from Shinohara Furin

Shopping in Tokyo? Head to Shinohara Furin Honpo for some traditional glass wind...

Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting

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

Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley

Todoroki Valley is one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. Had your fill of busy...
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Where to Buy English Books in Tokyo

You’re in Tokyo and fancy a read but you don’t know where to...

Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai

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

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...

Magurodake Bono Shirakawa’s Tuna Donburi Keeps Lunch Sweet and Simple

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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...

Tips for Catching the Train or Bus in Tokyo

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

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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

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...
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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...

All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

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

Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

The Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU runs every...
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What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

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Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan

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

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...

Tokyo Tower and a Tour through Surrounding Areas

Jutting out of the city center, you’d be mistaken for thinking that the...
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Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?

Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...
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Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi

Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...
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Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse

Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse' The...

Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan

While Korean cosmetics have taken the spotlight in recent years, many Japanese makeup...

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...

Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku

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

Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

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

Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise

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

Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540

Are you on the hunt for Japanese souvenirs that are high quality and...

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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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

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

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

Akihabara can be a frenetic place; whirring arcades, hordes of tax free shoppers,...

Moominvalley Saitama: It’s Moominsummer Madness!

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Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...

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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Ueno Park: One of the Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

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Hanami in Inokashira Park: A How To Guide

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

Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’

The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

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Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers

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

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

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Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

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Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views

I love Tokyo Station. This is the epicenter of transportation for not just...
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Tsukiji Market Trek – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 2

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For Fabulous Shoyu Ramen, Head to Junteuchi Daruma

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Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa

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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

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Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita

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Ariso Sushi: A Great Pre-Flight Meal at Haneda Airport

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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.

Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.

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Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

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Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

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Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

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The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama

As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...

Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka

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

A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten

Shibuya can feel more like a nightlife and shopping area than a culinary...

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...

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

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

Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

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All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

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Kurogi’s Killer Kinako Kakigori – A Shaved Ice Dessert to Die For

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The Best Narita Airport Sushi Bar: Standing Sushi Bar in Terminal 3

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

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

Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

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Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo

Springtime in Japan means one thing, and one thing only: cherry blossoms. The...
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Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

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Mt. Mitake: A One-Day Itinerary for Nature and Serenity

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 1 – An Akihabara Trek

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Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons

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Tokyo’s Fabled 100 Yen Stores: Our Top Picks

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Electronic Stores in Tokyo: Bic Camera and Beyond

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Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza

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Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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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...

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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

Da Yo Ne is A Great Little Tea Rice Bar in Roppongi

Few dishes are more comforting on a cold, rainy day than the humble...

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...

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

We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...
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Superb Slurps at street pasta company

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Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

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

The Artizon Museum: Experiencing Creativity in Tokyo

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

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

Architect Kengo Kuma Weaves Nature Into New National...

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

If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...

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

If you like soup and if you love...

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...

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