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
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...
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...
Tokyo’s Plum Blossom Season: Where and why you should go
While much ado is made about Japan's cherry blossom season, winter-weary travellers should...
Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa
Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...
Tokyo Zoos: A Guide to Tokyo’s Wild Side
Amidst the towering skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo and the low grey concrete of...
Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market
Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...
Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540
Are you on the hunt for Japanese souvenirs that are high quality and...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo
OK, so you’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or shopping all day....
Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo
From the outside, the Unko Museum Tokyo looks like a colourful knick-knack shop...
The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater
Most theater fans both in Japan and abroad have heard of kabuki. The...
Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro
Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois
We visit...
Starting Up and Breaking Down: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1
Follow our road trip from Tokyo to Okinawa; fourteen days, multiple forms of...
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.
Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...
Lose yourself in the Digital Landscapes of TeamLab Borderless
Not sure if you’ve heard, but the whole Tokyo city lights and neon...
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...
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...
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...
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 Buy English Books in Tokyo
You’re in Tokyo and fancy a read but you don’t know where to...
Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide
Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy
Beer lovers have plenty to be happy about in Japan. From cheap cans...
Yes, Cold Noodles Are Cool: Sanpotei Tokyo Lab’s Hiyashi Tantanmen
Summer in Tokyo is deadly. We’re not even joking: hundreds of people in...
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...
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour
The artificial island of Odaiba is one of the primary leisure centers in...
Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum
Located 50-odd floors above the streets of Roppongi, the Mori Art Museum offers...
Interview With Architect Kengo Kuma on the New National Stadium’s Design
Architect Kengo Kuma Weaves Nature Into New National...
Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho
By day, the neighbourhood of Ebisu hums with shoppers, museum-goers and the lunchtime...
Tokyo’s Fabled 100 Yen Stores: Our Top Picks
For cash-strapped travellers, Tokyo’s 100 yen stores are a godsend. One hundred yen...
Digging Through Don Don Down on Wednesday
Shopping for second-hand clothing in Tokyo isn’t quite the cost-saving measure it is...
Tokyo’s Secret “Power Spot”: Meiji Jingu Inner Garden
I look on as a group of five groundskeepers silently go about their...
Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths
If you’re looking for a fun activity that doubles as a memorable keepsake...
First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets
Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...
Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...
Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know
Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...
Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours
Tokyo Mario Kart Tours!? These Nintendo-esque go-kart street tours have to be one...
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...
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...
Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting
With its bustling Ginza shopping street, veteran shopkeepers,...
Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo
While shopping in Japan, there is a huge range of souvenirs to choose...
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...
Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro
Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...
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...
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...
Exploring Cosplay Shops in Tokyo. Destination: Akihabara.
Many a Tokyo guidebook will suggest a visit to the neighbourhood of Akihabara....
Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon
One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...
Experience Summer Fireflies in Tokyo at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
At night, the winding paths of Tokyo’s Chinzanso Garden are bathed in a...
The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama
As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...
A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten
Shibuya can feel more like a nightlife and shopping area than a culinary...
All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu
A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...
Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show
Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...
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.
World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro
Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...
Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku
Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.
Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo
One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...
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...
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.
Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo
Springtime in Japan means one thing, and one thing only: cherry blossoms. The...
Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo
Living in Japan, I can’t help but look around at all the cute...
Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri
Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...
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...
Exploring Shinjuku – Walking the Big Two Part 3
If Shibuya is the current center of development, commerce, and shopping, Shinjuku is...
Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats
A short walk from the temples and tourist attractions of Asakusa, sits a...
Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life
Full of bustling shoppers and businesspeople by day and partygoers by night, Roppongi...
Harajuku Art Scene: Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art
Looking for a dash of culture at a Tokyo museum? Skip the Harajuku...
Why Yanaka ‘Cat Town’ Is THE Place For Cat Lovers in Tokyo
If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...
Exploring The Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”
If you’re a fan of all things public works, the Tokyo Sewerage Museum...
The Oldest Things to See in Tokyo: Ultimate Guide
While the historic aspects of Tokyo aren’t as immediately obvious as in some...
A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku
One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
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...
Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo
We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...
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?...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando
So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...
Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
Halloween is one of the spookiest events on the calendar; a time for...
Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market
Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku
Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...
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...
Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
Spicy, Soupy, Sublime: That’s Soup Curry at Yellow Company
Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...
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 Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores
It happens to the best of us. You’ve planned your trip, you’re all...
Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita
Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...
Tips for Catching the Train or Bus in Tokyo
Using public transport in Tokyo can feel overwhelming, it’s the largest city in...
Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2
Between Shibuya and Shinjuku is the sprawling greenery of Yoyogi Park that dominates...
Tokyo Station Bars: Top-shelf Drinking In The Urban Hub
Like most Tokyo neighborhoods, the area surrounding Tokyo Station has a thriving nightlife...
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...
A Charming Expedition to Tokyo’s Ancient Egyptian Museum
The Ancient Egyptian Museum is a small corner space on the eighth floor...
Top 3 Torii Gate Tunnel Photo Spots in…Tokyo!
Loving those red torii gate tunnel images from Kyoto, but just can’t get...
Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.
When people ask me what to eat in Tokyo, a hundred places immediately...
Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves
At the western edge of Tokyo prefecture, around 2 hours from the city...
Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi
Yakitori has to be one of my favourite meals in Japan. It’s an...
Kabuki Single Act Tickets at Kabukiza Theatre, Tokyo
Heading to Tokyo and looking for something traditional to do? The Single Act...
Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour
Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park
Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...
Tsukiji Market Trek – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 2
After leaving Ginza on your way south, the luxury of early 20th century...
Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan
If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to...
Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park
For fans of Hello Kitty and her menagerie of mates, or even those...
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...