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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The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

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Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

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Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

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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...

Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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

Tokyo Zoos: A Guide to Tokyo’s Wild Side

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

Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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

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

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

Meiji Shrine: Serenity Amid The Urban Sprawl

Meiji Jingu, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, can be found deep...

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants

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All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

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JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

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Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...

Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons

There are plenty of places to see cherry...

Higanbana Flower Viewing at Kinchakuda in Saitama

While most people associate spring with flowers, there are plenty of lovely blossoms...

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...

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

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

Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan

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

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

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Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

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Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

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Marquis Maeda’s Tokyo Legacy: A Tale of Two Homes

In Tokyo's peaceful Komaba district, the Japanese and European former homes of Marquis Maeda quietly await visitors.

Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo

We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...

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

Akihabara can be a frenetic place; whirring arcades, hordes of tax free shoppers,...

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

Architect Kengo Kuma Weaves Nature Into New National...

Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka

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

Chill Out in Tokyo’s Hammock Cafes: Mahika Mano & Cafe Stay Happy

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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

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Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo

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An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho

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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...

Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

Beer lovers have plenty to be happy about in Japan. From cheap cans...

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...

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...
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Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...
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Indie Cinema in Tokyo: Human Trust, Shibuya

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Kabuki Single Act Tickets at Kabukiza Theatre, Tokyo

Heading to Tokyo and looking for something traditional to do? The Single Act...

Yes, Cold Noodles Are Cool: Sanpotei Tokyo Lab’s Hiyashi Tantanmen

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Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

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

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
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Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats

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

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A Mystical Sea of Clouds in Tokyo’s Historic Chinzanso Garden

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Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi

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Views and Booze at The Peak Lounge and Bar at Park Hyatt

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Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 1 – An Akihabara Trek

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

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Don’t Miss Tokyo’s Dreamiest Cherry Blossom Spot: Meguro River

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All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro

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

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Harajuku LUSH: Eye Candy and Exclusive Products

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Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

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Exploring Cosplay Shops in Tokyo. Destination: Akihabara.

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All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

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The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater

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

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Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

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Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

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Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo

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A Perfect Layover Lunch near Narita Airport: Grilled Unagi Rice Bowls at Kawatoyo

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Stupendous Wood-Fired Pizza at da ISA in Nakameguro

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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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

Where to Catch Tokyo’s Food Trucks: Lunch at the International Forum

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Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths

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Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

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Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar

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

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Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views

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Japan Folk Crafts Museum in Tokyo: The Home of Japan’s Handmade Heritage

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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...

Kyu Asakura House: Wood in a Concrete Jungle

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Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

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Tokyo, Books, and You: Curl up in these Three Green Study Spaces

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Kooriya Peace in Kichijoji Serves Gorgeous Shaved Ice Creations Almost Too Beautiful to Eat

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Ueno Park: One of the Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

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Art Deco in Tokyo’s Ex-Imperial Forest: The Teien Art Museum and Institute for Nature Study

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Electronic Stores in Tokyo: Bic Camera and Beyond

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A Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores

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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...
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Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa

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Tsukiji Market Trek – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 2

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

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

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Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

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

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What’s Up with These Japanese Fish Flags? Koinobori and Children’s Day

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Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse

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

Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour

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

Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

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Gearing Up at the Final Fantasy XIV-Themed Eorzea Cafe in Akihabara

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Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

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

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Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

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

Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

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

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

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

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