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

The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama

As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...

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

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

Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

Yakitori has to be one of my favourite meals in Japan. It’s an...

Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...
kappabashi dori

Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats

A short walk from the temples and tourist attractions of Asakusa, sits a...

Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...
tokyo french restaurant nakameguro higashiyama la gueule de bois fusion cuisine

Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro

Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois We visit...

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating* “Tonight there’s gonna...
adding an egg to your pasta

Superb Slurps at street pasta company

There’s no shortage of great noodle places in...

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

If you’re only going to visit a few religious sites in Tokyo, put...

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

Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...

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...
sumo-stadium-tokyo-chicken-yakitori

What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

Japan is a nation steeped in tradition. There is a profound reverence for...

Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

By day, the neighbourhood of Ebisu hums with shoppers, museum-goers and the lunchtime...

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...

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

Vegans have a tough time of it in Tokyo—at least, that’s how it...

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

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

Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views

I love Tokyo Station. This is the epicenter of transportation for not just...

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

Offering scenic hiking trails, a popular monkey park, and ancient shrines, it's no...

Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

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

Kabuki Single Act Tickets at Kabukiza Theatre, Tokyo

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

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

When the excitement of Tokyo has gotten to be too much, head to...

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

If you like soup and if you love...
gotokuji-lucky-cat-shrine-setagaya-1

Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple

You may not known their name, but no doubt you’ve seen those white...

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

One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...

Enter a Magical Wonderland at the Shibuya Disney Store

For Disney fans, a visit to Japan is a no brainer. There’s Tokyo...

An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho

Get ready to explore Shinjuku's neon heart with our ultimate guide to Kabukicho....

A Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano

Tuna lovers visiting Tokyo should consider a meal at Maguro Mart. As the...

Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

Since its opening in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has become a beloved fixture on...

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

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

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

If you’re coming to Tokyo and worry you’ll...

Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

Amezaiku is an ancient art requiring intense concentration and skill. Specifically, amezaiku is...

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

Few dishes are more comforting on a cold, rainy day than the humble...
TeamLab Planets Tokyo

TeamLab Planets Digital Art Phenomenon Tokyo

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

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...

Exploring The Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”

If you’re a fan of all things public works, the Tokyo Sewerage Museum...
tokyo oldest things

The Oldest Things to See in Tokyo: Ultimate Guide

While the historic aspects of Tokyo aren’t as immediately obvious as in some...

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.

Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

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

Exploring the Tarō Okamoto Memorial Museum

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

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

When it comes to accommodation in Tokyo, it’s important to find a place...

Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

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

Tokyo’s Fabled 100 Yen Stores: Our Top Picks

For cash-strapped travellers, Tokyo’s 100 yen stores are a godsend. One hundred yen...
A22 - Header

Digging Through Don Don Down on Wednesday

Shopping for second-hand clothing in Tokyo isn’t quite the cost-saving measure it is...

Strolling Through Yesteryear: Exploring Yanaka Ginza

After an early morning photo shoot at Nezu...

Japanese Cosmetics: Our Favorites to Shop for in Japan

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

Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

Follow the Keio line to Chofu in West Tokyo where you'll find a...

Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

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

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 Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo

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

Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan

Traveling around Japan this finals season? Missing the echo of the siren, the...

Meiji Shrine: Serenity Amid The Urban Sprawl

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

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

Walking isn’t the only way to tour Tokyo’s extensive system of waterways. While...

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...

Rockabillies, Dogs in Turtlenecks and Soothing Nature at Yoyogi Park

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

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

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

First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets

Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...

Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...

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...
Mixed sashimi platter at Tobusakana

Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa

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

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...

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...

Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

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

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

OK, so you’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or shopping all day....

Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo’s Indoor Hello Kitty Theme Park

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

Explore Tokyo’s Underground Temple in the Ryu-Q Kan Sewer Tour

For most, the words “Tokyo sewer tour” don’t inspire much excitement. It’s an...

Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms

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

A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa

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

Electronic Stores in Tokyo: Bic Camera and Beyond

The neon-lit corridors of Tokyo’s electronic stores can be just as daunting as...

Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

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

Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo

Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...

Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
best tantanmen tokyo

The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku

Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...

Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin

These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...

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...

Halloween Hijinx at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

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

Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

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

Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond

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

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...

Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

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

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

It’s like stepping into a fairy tale. In fact, passing into Mukojima-Hyakkaen’s Japanese...
Close-up of unagi at Kawatoyo

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

Have a layover at Narita Airport with several hours to spare? A day...

Sawanoi Sake Brewery: Taste and Tour Close to Tokyo

Sake can be easily found in every restaurant and convenience store in Japan,...

Top 3 Torii Gate Tunnel Photo Spots in…Tokyo!

Loving those red torii gate tunnel images from Kyoto, but just can’t get...

The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater

Most theater fans both in Japan and abroad have heard of kabuki. The...

Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting

With its bustling Ginza shopping street, veteran shopkeepers,...

Late Night Fortune Telling At Sensoji Temple

Founded in 645, Senso-ji is the oldest temple...
Hana wa Saku's signature dish

Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...

Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

If taxidermy, skeletons, minerals, and turn-of-the-century gadgets float your boat, Intermediatheque is for...

Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

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

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers

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

Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo

One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...

Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.

When people ask me what to eat in Tokyo, a hundred places immediately...
ranshu-best-dumplings-tokyo

Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...

Tokyo Tower and a Tour through Surrounding Areas

Jutting out of the city center, you’d be mistaken for thinking that the...

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

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

Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando

So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...

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

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

Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

Vegan-friendly meals used to be difficult to find...

Tokyo Farmer’s Market at UNU

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ

POPULAR AREAS IN TOKYO

AKIHABARA

ASAKUSA