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

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Meiji Shrine: Serenity Amid The Urban Sprawl

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

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

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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...

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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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...

All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro

Laid back, tattooed staff, grungy design, avocado on toast and cold drip coffee....

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...

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

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A Charming Expedition to Tokyo’s Ancient Egyptian Museum

The Ancient Egyptian Museum is a small corner space on the eighth floor...

Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons

There are plenty of places to see cherry...

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

On any given day, you can count on the main tourist areas of...

All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

When visitors think of old school Japan, they no doubt picture kimono-clad geisha...

An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho

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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...

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

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

Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...

Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

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Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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Where to Take the Best Photos of the Shibuya Crossing

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Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk

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Umi No Hi Festival A Different Way to Experience Tokyo in the Summer

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An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

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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.
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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...

International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta

Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....

Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

Tokyo Mario Kart Tours!? These Nintendo-esque go-kart street tours have to be one...

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

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Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland

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Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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

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Da Yo Ne is A Great Little Tea Rice Bar in Roppongi

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

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A Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores

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

From the jam-packed transit system to the teeming walkways around hubs like Shibuya...
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TeamLab Planets Digital Art Phenomenon Tokyo

Digital art installations and infinity rooms are all the rage in contemporary art....

Exploring the Tarō Okamoto Memorial Museum

If you’re a fan of avant-garde artwork, you’ve probably heard of Tarō Okamoto....

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers

One look at the Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea map will show just how...

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

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Sightseeing in Shibuya – Walking the Big Two Part 1

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

If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...

Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

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Soothing Summer Wind Chimes from Shinohara Furin

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Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

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

Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

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The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

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

Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show

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The Best Narita Airport Sushi Bar: Standing Sushi Bar in Terminal 3

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What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

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Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park

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Ariso Sushi: A Great Pre-Flight Meal at Haneda Airport

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Superb Slurps at street pasta company

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

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

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California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating* “Tonight there’s gonna...
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Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour

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Kurogi’s Killer Kinako Kakigori – A Shaved Ice Dessert to Die For

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Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

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Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando

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Where to Buy English Books in Tokyo

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A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku

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Tsukiji Market Trek – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 2

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

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Starting Up and Breaking Down: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1

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Backpacking Through Japan – An Overview

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JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

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Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

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Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo

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Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’

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

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Moominvalley Saitama: It’s Moominsummer Madness!

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Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms

Known as the 'king of cherry trees', the Somei Yoshino variety have delighted...
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Stupendous Wood-Fired Pizza at da ISA in Nakameguro

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

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Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan

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Tokyo Zoos: A Guide to Tokyo’s Wild Side

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

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Higanbana Flower Viewing at Kinchakuda in Saitama

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

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Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

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Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...

Where To Get Japanese Breakfast in Tokyo Without Breaking The Bank

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Harajuku Art Scene: Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art

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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...
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Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

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

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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A Magical Guide to Tokyo DisneySea

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

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

Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540

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Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

From the outside, the Unko Museum Tokyo looks like a colourful knick-knack shop...

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...

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....

Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo

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Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

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

Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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

Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

Besides seafood, Hokkaido’s best export must be soup curry. This is exactly as...

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