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

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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.

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

Whenever I have visitors in town, I love taking them to a stand-up...

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...

Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park

Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...

Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin

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

The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

Asakusa found prosperity in the Edo era. A veritable playground for rice dealers,...

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

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

Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin

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

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

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Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

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

Camera Shopping in Tokyo: Top Spots for Great Deals

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Akihabara to Ueno Part 1 – An Akihabara Trek

The districts of Akihabara and Ueno sit next to one another and offer...

Top 3 Torii Gate Tunnel Photo Spots in…Tokyo!

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

Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo

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Visiting The World’s Tallest Tower: Tokyo Skytree

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

An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

“The Japanese people just do everything so authentically. They copy every last detail...
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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...
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TeamLab Planets Digital Art Phenomenon Tokyo

Digital art installations and infinity rooms are all the rage in contemporary art....
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Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

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

Unleash your inner child at the Poop Museum Tokyo

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

World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...

Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting

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

All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...

Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

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

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

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Tsukiji Market Trek – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 2

After leaving Ginza on your way south, the luxury of early 20th century...

All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

When visitors think of old school Japan, they no doubt picture kimono-clad geisha...
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Indie Cinema in Tokyo: Human Trust, Shibuya

Tokyo Cinema Scene For...
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Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and Diving Into an Odaiba Tour

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Exploring Tokyo’s Biggest Cave: Nippara Limestone Caves

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

Radio Taiso At Nezu Shrine And An Early Morning Walk

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

Tokyo Station: The Best Spots For Chills and Views

I love Tokyo Station. This is the epicenter of transportation for not just...
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Starting Up and Breaking Down: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 1

Follow our road trip from Tokyo to Okinawa; fourteen days, multiple forms of...

A Charming Expedition to Tokyo’s Ancient Egyptian Museum

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

Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

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

Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

Yearning to see a more “local” side of Tokyo, but still want the...
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Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

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Experience Old-fashioned Tokyo on a Walking Tour Of Yanaka

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Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

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Skating the Art Rink at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: Fun Winter Activities in Tokyo

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Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...
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Art Deco in Tokyo’s Ex-Imperial Forest: The Teien Art Museum and Institute for Nature Study

Fan of Art Deco? Nature lover? Want to tread in the footsteps of...
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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Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

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First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets

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A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia

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Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

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Electronic Stores in Tokyo: Bic Camera and Beyond

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

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The Stages of Tokyo: A Guide to Traditional Tokyo Theater

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

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Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

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

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The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama

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Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

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Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

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Intermediatheque Museum Tokyo: Curious and Curiouser 

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

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

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Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo

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Trams Through the Blossoms: Discovering Tokyo on the Arakawa Line

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Exploring The Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”

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

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Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

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Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tips & Hacks for First Timers

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Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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

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How to Ride the Bullet Train in Japan

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Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

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Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?

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

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Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro

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Tips for Catching the Train or Bus in Tokyo

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Rikugien Garden is a Cultural Heritage Park in Tokyo.

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

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

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Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya

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Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

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Kichijoji Tour: Hammocks, Shopping and Parks

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

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JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

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Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo

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Tokyo Zoos: A Guide to Tokyo’s Wild Side

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Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class

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Mizumoto Park: Tokyo’s Biggest and Best Place to See Irises

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Sightseeing in Shibuya – Walking the Big Two Part 1

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Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar

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Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum

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

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

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Elevate Your Art-Viewing Experience At Mori Art Museum

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Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland

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Serenity A Stone’s Throw Away At Tokyo’s Kiyosumi Gardens

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Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

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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...

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