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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An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho

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Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show

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Where To Get Japanese Breakfast in Tokyo Without Breaking The Bank

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Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

Omotesando on the weekend is a bustling place. The wide streets and footpaths...
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The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku

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

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

Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...
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Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi

It’s an open secret for Tokyo diners—you’ll find all the great restaurants where...
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Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...

Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

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Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

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

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A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa, known as Shimokita by locals, is one of the primary centers of...

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating* “Tonight there’s gonna...

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

Looking for some family-friendly activities in Tokyo? Add Inokashira Park (Inokashira-koen) to your...
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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...

Rockabillies, Dogs in Turtlenecks and Soothing Nature at Yoyogi Park

Whenever someone visits Tokyo, I’m quick to recommend slotting Yoyogi Park into their...

Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms

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

Nagi Shokudo is Where to Go for Affordable, Delicious Vegan Food in Shibuya

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Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

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

Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.

When people ask me what to eat in Tokyo, a hundred places immediately...
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Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland

Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip while you’re in Tokyo or...

Kabuki Single Act Tickets at Kabukiza Theatre, Tokyo

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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?...
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Where to Buy English Books in Tokyo

You’re in Tokyo and fancy a read but you don’t know where to...
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...

Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

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

Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku

Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.
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Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

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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...

Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

Tokyo Mario Kart Tours!? These Nintendo-esque go-kart street tours have to be one...
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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

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A Taste of Home: Tokyo’s International Grocery Stores

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

Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

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

Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza

After an early morning photo shoot at Nezu...
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Stupendous Wood-Fired Pizza at da ISA in Nakameguro

Japanese pizza is notoriously ‘weird’—as many disgruntled expats might like to complain. Putting...
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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...

Exploring the Tarō Okamoto Memorial Museum

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Superb Slurps at street pasta company

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

If you only have a limited time in Tokyo, you’ll no doubt be...
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Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond

Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...

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

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

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Pizza Toast and Kombucha at Café Benisica

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

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Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

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Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

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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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Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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

Tokyo Tower and a Tour through Surrounding Areas

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Vegan Food with a Side o’ Wonder at Saido Vegan Restaurant Jiyugaoka

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Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour

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Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

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Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons

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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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

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!
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Tokyo Tower vs. Tokyo Skytree: Why Age Reigns Supreme

Tokyo’s skyline is locked in an epic battle between two towers. The reigning...

Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun

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Zōjōji Temple, underneath Tokyo Tower, is full of great local history!

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

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Exploring The Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”

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Stroll through Architectural History at Tokyo’s Open-Air Folk House Museum

In its sunken hearth, the fire crackles enticingly. Its guardian, an elderly woman...

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Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

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Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

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

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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

Lights, camera, monsters? Delve into the belly of the beast (a cute beast...

Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park

For fans of Hello Kitty and her menagerie of mates, or even those...

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

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

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

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

Ferries and Cruises: A Tour of Tokyo Waterways – Part 2

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

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Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

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Higashibaba: An Exceptional Guest House on Mt. Mitake

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Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting

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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...

Tokyo’s Fabled 100 Yen Stores: Our Top Picks

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Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan

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Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita

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An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

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Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

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

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 1 – An Akihabara Trek

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Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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Why Yanaka ‘Cat Town’ Is THE Place For Cat Lovers in Tokyo

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

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

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Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai

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Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

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Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan

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Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin

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World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

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Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo

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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

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