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

Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

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

Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour

The area of Ebisu, close to the din of Shibuya, is the perfect...

Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views

I love Tokyo Station. This is the epicenter of transportation for not just...

The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

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

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

Biting into my classic steak pie, I relished a flavour profile I hadn’t...

Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

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

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...

Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun

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

Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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

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

If you like soup and if you love...

Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life

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

Soothing Summer Wind Chimes from Shinohara Furin

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

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...

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...

Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

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

Enter a Magical Wonderland at the Shibuya Disney Store

For Disney fans, a visit to Japan is a no brainer. There’s Tokyo...

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

Do one thing, and do it well. Many restaurants in Japan subscribe to...
Concrete steps at 21_21 Design Sight

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.
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...

Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

Tokyo rightly deserves its reputation as a world-class shopping destination, especially when it...
okonomiyaki

Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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

Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths

If you’re looking for a fun activity that doubles as a memorable keepsake...
The New National Stadium Tokyo

Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...

Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo

Sake can be easily found in every restaurant and convenience store in Japan,...

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

When the excitement of Tokyo has gotten to be too much, head to...

A Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores

It happens to the best of us. You’ve planned your trip, you’re all...

Experience Summer Fireflies in Tokyo at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

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

Sightseeing in Shibuya – Walking the Big Two Part 1

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

Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza

After an early morning photo shoot at Nezu...

Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

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

Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...

Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class

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

Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka

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

Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats

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

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

Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms

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

Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

Vegan-friendly meals used to be difficult to find...

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.

Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

The Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU runs every...
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...
Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour

The artificial island of Odaiba is one of the primary leisure centers in...
A22 - Header

Digging Through Don Don Down on Wednesday

Shopping for second-hand clothing in Tokyo isn’t quite the cost-saving measure it is...
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...

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

Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...

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...

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...
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...
Asakusa Temple

Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

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

Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

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

Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

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

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...

Exploring Cosplay Shops in Tokyo. Destination: Akihabara.

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

Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

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

Tokyo Tower and a Tour through Surrounding Areas

Jutting out of the city center, you’d be mistaken for thinking that the...

Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons

There are plenty of places to see cherry...

Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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

Serenity and Samurai at the Bamboo Temple: Hokokuji

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

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?...
Ueno Park

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...

Moominvalley Saitama: It’s Moominsummer Madness!

Hidden in the hills of Hanno and only 40 minutes from Tokyo, Moominvalley awaits. It's time for Moominsummer madness!
tokyo french restaurant nakameguro higashiyama la gueule de bois fusion cuisine

Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro

Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois We visit...

Top 3 Torii Gate Tunnel Photo Spots in…Tokyo!

Loving those red torii gate tunnel images from Kyoto, but just can’t get...

Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

Halloween is one of the spookiest events on the calendar; a time for...
Dining Sushi in Japan

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...

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!

Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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

A Tokyo Ryokan Where You Can Bathe Under City Lights: Cyashitsu Ryokan

Tokyo's duality is one of its many charms; that intersection of ancient history,...

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

There's no shortage of beautiful parks and green spaces in Tokyo. So, to...

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...

Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise

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

Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo

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

A Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano

Tuna lovers visiting Tokyo should consider a meal at Maguro Mart. As the...

JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

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

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

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

Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

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

Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin

These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...

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...

Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan

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

The Artizon Museum: Experiencing Creativity in Tokyo

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

Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting

With its bustling Ginza shopping street, veteran shopkeepers,...
best tantanmen tokyo

The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku

Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...

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....

Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show

Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...
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...

A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten

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

Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR AREAS IN TOKYO

AKIHABARA

ASAKUSA