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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Serenity and Samurai at the Bamboo Temple: Hokokuji

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

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Tokyo’s Fabled 100 Yen Stores: Our Top Picks

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All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

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Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse

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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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

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...

Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’

The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...

Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun

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Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.

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Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond

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Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2

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Trams Through the Blossoms: Discovering Tokyo on the Arakawa Line

Roses line this Tokyo tram line At its peak,...

Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

The Japanese aesthetic is the sum of many parts, each wonderful in their...

JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

Living in Japan, I can’t help but look around at all the cute...
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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...
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Tokyo Tower vs. Tokyo Skytree: Why Age Reigns Supreme

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Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando

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Yes, Book and Beer Cafes Exist: Here are Two of Tokyo’s Best

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Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...

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

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

Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza

After an early morning photo shoot at Nezu...

Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths

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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...

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

If you like soup and if you love...

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...

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...
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Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?

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A Cultural Heritage Park in Tokyo – Rikugien Garden of Waka poetry

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Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

The Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU runs every...

Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

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

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...
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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...

Soothing Summer Wind Chimes from Shinohara Furin

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

Harajuku LUSH: Eye Candy and Exclusive Products

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Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo

While shopping in Japan, there is a huge range of souvenirs to choose...
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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...
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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...

Meeting the King Kaiju: A Closer Look at Shinjuku’s Godzilla Head

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Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

Yearning to see a more “local” side of Tokyo, but still want the...
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The Best Narita Airport Sushi Bar: Standing Sushi Bar in Terminal 3

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

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A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten

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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...

Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

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A Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano

Tuna lovers visiting Tokyo should consider a meal at Maguro Mart. As the...
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Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland

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Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

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All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

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The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

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Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

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Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

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A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia

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Standing Yakiniku Restaurant Jiromaru: a great place for A5 Wagyu Beef

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Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views

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

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Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show

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The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater

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What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

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Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

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

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Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

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Tokyo’s Plum Blossom Season: Where and why you should go

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Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

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Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

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

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Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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A Day Trip To Shibamata: Tokyo’s Magical Retro Hood

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Enter the Belly of the Kawaii (Cute) Beast: Harajuku’s Kawaii Monster Café

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Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya

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How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan

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A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa

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World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

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Tokyo’s Secret Wilderness: Exploring Todoroki Valley

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A Magical Guide to Tokyo DisneySea

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

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5-star Luxury in a Historic Oasis: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

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Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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Hanami in Inokashira Park: A How To Guide

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Retro cocktails, hip coffee, and Michelin Italian food: An evening in Yoyogi Uehara

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Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

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

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

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Studio Ghibli, Live Music, and Cursed Swan Boats: A Day at Inokashira Park

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Rockabillies, Dogs in Turtlenecks and Soothing Nature at Yoyogi Park

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The Artizon Museum: Experiencing Creativity in Tokyo

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Exploring the Tarō Okamoto Memorial Museum

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

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Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

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

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Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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Top 3 Torii Gate Tunnel Photo Spots in…Tokyo!

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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,...

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

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

Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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

Top Tokyo Instagram Spots: Mukojima-Hyakkaen Garden’s Japanese Clover Tunnel

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A Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores

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Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

If taxidermy, skeletons, minerals, and turn-of-the-century gadgets float your boat, Intermediatheque is for...
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Tsukiji Market Trek – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 2

After leaving Ginza on your way south, the luxury of early 20th century...

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