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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Rockabillies, Dogs in Turtlenecks and Soothing Nature at Yoyogi Park

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

All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro

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

Tokyo Zoos: A Guide to Tokyo’s Wild Side

Amidst the towering skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo and the low grey concrete of...

Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

Vegan-friendly meals used to be difficult to find...
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Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond

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

Exploring the Tarō Okamoto Memorial Museum

If you’re a fan of avant-garde artwork, you’ve probably heard of Tarō Okamoto....

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

Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...
Hana wa Saku's signature dish

Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...

Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

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

Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....
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Indie Cinema in Tokyo: Human Trust, Shibuya

Tokyo Cinema Scene For...

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...

Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms

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

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!

Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

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

Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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

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...

A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia

In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when...

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 Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

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

First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets

Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...

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

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

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...
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Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

You may not known their name, but no doubt you’ve seen those white...
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Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats

A short walk from the temples and tourist attractions of Asakusa, sits a...

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

If you’re only going to visit a few religious sites in Tokyo, put...
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...
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Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan

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

Experience Summer Fireflies in Tokyo at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

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

Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo

Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
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...

Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?

If you have a sweet tooth and you’re visiting Japan, green tea-flavoured desserts...
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...
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...

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...
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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

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

Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo

Living in Tokyo you take some things for granted. Two of these things...

An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

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

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...

Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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

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

If you like soup and if you love...

Where to Take the Best Photos of the Shibuya Crossing

Ah, the Shibuya Crossing. A visit to Tokyo simply wouldn’t be complete without...

Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

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

A Charming Expedition to Tokyo’s Ancient Egyptian Museum

The Ancient Egyptian Museum is a small corner space on the eighth floor...

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...

Late Night Fortune Telling At Sensoji Temple

Founded in 645, Senso-ji is the oldest temple...
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Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

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

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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

The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

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

Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

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

Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku

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

Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun

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

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers

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

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

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

Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’

The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...

Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

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

Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

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

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...
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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...
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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...

Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
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Ariso Sushi: A Great Pre-Flight Meal at Haneda Airport

Airport food doesn’t have a good reputation. Thankfully, Haneda Airport’s culinary offerings defy...

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...

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

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

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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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview

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

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...

Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza

After an early morning photo shoot at Nezu...
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Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse

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

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

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

Harajuku LUSH: Eye Candy and Exclusive Products

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

World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...

Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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

An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho

Get ready to explore Shinjuku's neon heart with our ultimate guide to Kabukicho....

Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

From the outside, the Unko Museum Tokyo looks like a colourful knick-knack shop...

Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class

Food is an important part of travel for me. When I’m exploring a...

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

Architect Kengo Kuma Weaves Nature Into New National...

Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life

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

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...

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...

Soothing Summer Wind Chimes from Shinohara Furin

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

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

I look on as a group of five groundskeepers silently go about their...

Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

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

International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta

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

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...

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

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

Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo

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

Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

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

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

Like most Tokyo neighborhoods, the area surrounding Tokyo Station has a thriving nightlife...

Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...

The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama

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

Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan

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

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...

How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan

Riding the bullet train (also known as Shinkansen) is easily the most convenient...

A Magical Guide to Tokyo DisneySea

For Disney fans, the happiest place in Japan isn’t Tokyo Disneyland, but next...

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