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
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...
Indie Cinema in Tokyo: Human Trust, Shibuya
Tokyo Cinema Scene
For...
Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho
For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...
Superb Slurps at street pasta company
There’s no shortage of great noodle places in...
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...
Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy
Beer lovers have plenty to be happy about in Japan. From cheap cans...
Where to Take the Best Photos of the Shibuya Crossing
Ah, the Shibuya Crossing. A visit to Tokyo simply wouldn’t be complete without...
Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2
Between Shibuya and Shinjuku is the sprawling greenery of Yoyogi Park that dominates...
Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo
While shopping in Japan, there is a huge range of souvenirs to choose...
All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro
Laid back, tattooed staff, grungy design, avocado on toast and cold drip coffee....
Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths
If you’re looking for a fun activity that doubles as a memorable keepsake...
Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan
While Korean cosmetics have taken the spotlight in recent years, many Japanese makeup...
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...
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...
Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know
Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...
Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview
In the spring of 2019, my fiancée and I spent three weeks backpacking...
Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3
After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...
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...
How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan
Riding the bullet train (also known as Shinkansen) is easily the most convenient...
Enter a Magical Wonderland at the Shibuya Disney Store
For Disney fans, a visit to Japan is a no brainer. There’s Tokyo...
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...
Spicy, Soupy, Sublime: That’s Soup Curry at Yellow Company
Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...
An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara
“The Japanese people just do everything so authentically. They copy every last detail...
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!
Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa
Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...
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?...
Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake
If you’re looking for a mountain getaway not far from Tokyo, the venerable...
Why Yanaka ‘Cat Town’ Is THE Place For Cat Lovers in Tokyo
If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...
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...
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour
The artificial island of Odaiba is one of the primary leisure centers in...
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.
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...
Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show
Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...
Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
Halloween is one of the spookiest events on the calendar; a time for...
The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa
Asakusa found prosperity in the Edo era. A veritable playground for rice dealers,...
Tokyo Tower vs. Tokyo Skytree: Why Age Reigns Supreme
Tokyo’s skyline is locked in an epic battle between two towers. The reigning...
Exploring Cosplay Shops in Tokyo. Destination: Akihabara.
Many a Tokyo guidebook will suggest a visit to the neighbourhood of Akihabara....
All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars
When visitors think of old school Japan, they no doubt picture kimono-clad geisha...
Views and Booze at The Peak Lounge and Bar at Park Hyatt
If you only have a limited time in Tokyo, you’ll no doubt be...
Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland
Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip while you’re in Tokyo or...
Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.
When people ask me what to eat in Tokyo, a hundred places immediately...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
A Visit To The Oldest Eel Restaurant in Tokyo: Izuei Honten
Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...
A Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano
Tuna lovers visiting Tokyo should consider a meal at Maguro Mart. As the...
Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...
Mt. Mitake: A One-Day Itinerary for Nature and Serenity
When the excitement of Tokyo has gotten to be too much, head to...
Experience Summer Fireflies in Tokyo at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
At night, the winding paths of Tokyo’s Chinzanso Garden are bathed in a...
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.
Trams Through the Blossoms: Discovering Tokyo on the Arakawa Line
Roses line this Tokyo tram line
At its peak,...
Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
The idea of healthy fast food may seem...
First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets
Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...
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...
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...
Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar
We head to the birthplace of the Lemon Sour, ‘Motsuyaki Ban’
The Lemon Sour, a staple...
Meiji Shrine: Serenity Amid The Urban Sprawl
Meiji Jingu, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, can be found deep...
Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...
Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House
Do one thing, and do it well. Many restaurants in Japan subscribe to...
Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours
Tokyo Mario Kart Tours!? These Nintendo-esque go-kart street tours have to be one...
The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater
Most theater fans both in Japan and abroad have heard of kabuki. The...
Sightseeing in Shibuya – Walking the Big Two Part 1
Shibuya and Shinjuku are the two biggest urban centers in Tokyo and two...
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...
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...
Lose yourself in the Digital Landscapes of TeamLab Borderless
Not sure if you’ve heard, but the whole Tokyo city lights and neon...
Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando
Vegan-friendly meals used to be difficult to find...
Higanbana Flower Viewing at Kinchakuda in Saitama
While most people associate spring with flowers, there are plenty of lovely blossoms...
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 Artizon Museum: Experiencing Creativity in Tokyo
If you find yourself near Tokyo Station with time to spare, consider checking...
A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia
In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when...
Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond
Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...
Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?
Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...
Where to Buy English Books in Tokyo
You’re in Tokyo and fancy a read but you don’t know where to...
Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree
Since its opening in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has become a beloved fixture on...
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...
Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It
If you like soup and if you love...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando
So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...
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...
Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita
Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...
Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class
Food is an important part of travel for me. When I’m exploring a...
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...
Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro
Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...
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...
Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse
Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse'
The...
Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk
“Ohayōgozaimasu!” says the man stretching beside his portable radio. Its tinny sound reminds...
World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro
Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...
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.
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...
Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...
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...
Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise
Tokyo food trucks at Commune 2nd, Omotesando.
Commune 2nd...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo
OK, so you’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or shopping all day....
Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun
If you’re looking for a cheap souvenir that comes with a bit of...
Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi
Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...
Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan
Traveling around Japan this finals season? Missing the echo of the siren, the...
Soothing Summer Wind Chimes from Shinohara Furin
Shopping in Tokyo? Head to Shinohara Furin Honpo for some traditional glass wind...