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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Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

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

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Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

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Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai

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

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.
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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...

Higanbana Flower Viewing at Kinchakuda in Saitama

While most people associate spring with flowers, there are plenty of lovely blossoms...

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

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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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Digging Through Don Don Down on Wednesday

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Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza

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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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Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...

Meiji Shrine: Serenity Amid The Urban Sprawl

Meiji Jingu, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, can be found deep...

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...

Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...

Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park

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

Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

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

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...

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

Tiny and sweet, cherry blossoms are a sure-fire symbol of spring, and in...

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

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Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

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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...
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What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

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Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya

Note: the Shibuya location moved to Gotanda to...

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

Do one thing, and do it well. Many restaurants in Japan subscribe to...

Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2

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

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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

Kyu Asakura House: Wood in a Concrete Jungle

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Rockabillies, Dogs in Turtlenecks and Soothing Nature at Yoyogi Park

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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...
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Art Deco in Tokyo’s Ex-Imperial Forest: The Teien Art Museum and Institute for Nature Study

Fan of Art Deco? Nature lover? Want to tread in the footsteps of...
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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...

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...

JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

Living in Japan, I can’t help but look around at all the cute...

Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

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

Kabuki Single Act Tickets at Kabukiza Theatre, Tokyo

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

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

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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...

Harajuku LUSH: Eye Candy and Exclusive Products

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

Serenity A Stone’s Throw Away At Tokyo’s Kiyosumi Gardens

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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview

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21_21 Design Sight: Tokyo’s Modernist Masterpiece

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

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

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

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A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia

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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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

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

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Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo

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The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku

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Soothing Summer Wind Chimes from Shinohara Furin

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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!
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...

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

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Exploring Cosplay Shops in Tokyo. Destination: Akihabara.

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Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

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Kooriya Peace in Kichijoji Serves Gorgeous Shaved Ice Creations Almost Too Beautiful to Eat

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Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

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River Walks: A Tour of Tokyo’s Waterways – Part 1

From the jam-packed transit system to the teeming walkways around hubs like Shibuya...

The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

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Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths

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Superb Slurps at street pasta company

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Tokyo Zoos: A Guide to Tokyo’s Wild Side

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

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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...

Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

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Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’

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Ferries and Cruises: A Tour of Tokyo Waterways – Part 2

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A Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores

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Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

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Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa

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Three Instagrammable Tokyo Photo Spots You Can’t Miss

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Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

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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...

Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540

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Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

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Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond

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Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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TeamLab Planets Digital Art Phenomenon Tokyo

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Late Night Fortune Telling At Sensoji Temple

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Kichijoji Tour: Hammocks, Shopping and Parks

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All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

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Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo

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Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

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

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The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama

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Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats

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Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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

Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

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An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho

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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...

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