15 Best Things to Do in Tokyo: Top Attractions & Tips (2025)

15 Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

Figuring out what to see and do in a city as big and fascinating as Tokyo can feel a bit overwhelming. With its mix of ancient shrines, modern architecture, world-class museums and high-tech everything, the options are pretty much endless.

1. Explore Meiji Shrine’s serene nature

Meiji Jingu, which translates to “Meiji Shrine”, is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines. It attracts millions of visitors each year. 

The shrine honours Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played a crucial role in modernising Japan during the Meiji Restoration era (1868-1912).

Despite being situated in the bustling Shibuya district, the shrine is surrounded by a vast forest with over 120,000 trees of 365 species.

One of our favourite features of Meiji Jingu is the huge wall of sake barrels (Japanese rice wine) lining the pathway. Sake brewers from all over Japan offer these barrels annually as a token of respect and gratitude to Emperor Meiji.

Our Top Tips for Visiting Meiji Shrine

• The shrine hosts various ritual ceremonies and events throughout the year, so check the shrine’s events calendar to plan your visit accordingly.
• If possible, avoid visiting on weekends and holidays, as it can be very busy.
• The shrine grounds are especially stunning during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.

Admission and opening hours: Entry to Meiji Jingu and its grounds is free. The shrine opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, so the opening hours vary. The specific opening hours for each month can be found on the shrine’s official website.

2. Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo’s cityscape

When visiting a new city, one of the best ways to get a sense of its scale and layout is to head to a high observation deck. This is especially true for a sprawling metropolis like Tokyo.

Tokyo boasts four famous observation decks, each offering unique perspectives:

• Tokyo Skytree: This is the tallest structure in Japan. It offers breathtaking views from its two observation decks, one at 350 metres (1,148 feet) and another at 450 metres (1,476 feet). While slightly further out from central Tokyo in the Asakusa district, the panoramic views are unparalleled. It’s fully enclosed, making it weather-independent but also typically quite crowded.
• Tokyo Tower: While no longer the tallest, Tokyo Tower remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Its observation deck is at 150 metres (490 feet). Its resemblance to the Eiffel Tower in Paris adds to its charm, though the surrounding area is not as interesting as the areas of the other observation decks.
• Shibuya Sky: The newest and most Instagram-famous of the four, Shibuya Sky opened in 2019. Located at 229 metres (751 feet), it sits right in the heart of our favourite district in Tokyo: Shibuya. This open-air deck offers stunning views of the famous Shibuya Crossing and the city skyline. It has ample space and a trendy atmosphere.
• TMG Observatory: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (TMG) has two free observation decks at 202 metres (663 feet) above ground. Located in Shinjuku, they boast breathtaking views, though they are enjoyed from an enclosed space.

3. Explore the grounds of the Imperial Palace

Just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station is Tokyo Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. The site has been home to various imperial structures since the 15th century, though the current palace was constructed mainly in the late 19th century.

The complex encompasses a whopping 1,150 acres, including gardens, moats, and forested areas.

While most of the inner palace grounds are off-limits to the public, the East Gardens and the Kitanomaru Park are open to the public (and they are particularly stunning during cherry blossom season!).

Although our photos don’t do it justice, we’re sure the Imperial Palace will leave a lasting impression on you.

4. Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing, also known as Shibuya Scramble Crossing, is an iconic symbol of Tokyo and a great place to experience the energy and excitement of the city.

Unlike most crossings, Shibuya has a “scramble” phase where traffic stops in all directions, allowing pedestrians to flood the entire intersection. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world we’ve visited!

Located in the trendy Shibuya district (our favourite Tokyo area!), this massive pedestrian crossing has been the backdrop for countless TV shows and movies, such as “Lost in Translation”, “Kill Bill”, and “Memories of Matsuko”.

The crossing’s enormous advertising screens and heavy foot traffic mean it’s often compared to the Times Square intersection in New York City and Piccadilly Circus in London.

5. Relax on the beautiful rooftop of Miyashita Park

Miyashita Park, named after the public park it replaced, is a unique shopping centre located a short walk away from Shibuya Crossing.

Opened in July 2020, Miyashita Park includes more than 90 shops and restaurants, a hotel, and a spacious rooftop park. 

The park’s ground floor is home to Shibuya Yokocho, a lively food street stretching over 100 metres (328 feet). Here, you can hop from one small food stall to the next and savour specialities from all over Japan. 

However, the highlight of Miyashita Park is undoubtedly its expansive rooftop park. It boasts sports facilities such as a skate park, a small bouldering wall, and a sand field perfect for beach volleyball enthusiasts.

If you prefer a more laid-back experience, you can unwind on the open lawn area. From there, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape.

6. Discover trends in Japanese fashion and design at Shibuya Loft

Shibuya Loft isn’t a major tourist attraction like some other landmarks in Tokyo. It’s a huge store that belongs to the Japanese Loft chain, known for its focus on design, fashion, and lifestyle products.

Established in 1979, Shibuya Loft has become synonymous with innovation and creativity. Their Shibuya store offers a wide variety of trendy and often niche products, with a strong focus on aesthetics.

Our friends from South Korea introduced us to Shibuya Loft when we visited Tokyo for the first time in 2017. Since then, it has become one of our favourite stores worldwide. Each time we’re in Tokyo, we visit Shibuya Loft and are amazed by the incredible variety of products they offer (that span far beyond the collectable dolls pictured below). 

7. Immerse yourself in digital art at teamLab Planets

teamLab Planets Tokyo is an interactive digital art museum with four large-scale artwork spaces and two gardens. It’s undoubtedly one of the coolest and most Instagrammable things to do in Tokyo in 2025 (and even worth visiting if you’re not planning to take a single photo!).

Opened to the public in 2018, the museum is the brainchild of the renowned art collective, teamLab.

Take a sneak peek into the museum with this two-minute video from teamLab:

Our Top Tips for Visiting teamLab Planets

• Plan your visit during less crowded times, which are before 11am or after 7pm. We made the mistake of visiting during peak hours, and the crowds diminished our experience.
• Tickets are allocated for specific time slots, so booking well in advance is strongly advised! We secured our tickets over 4 weeks ahead, yet our preferred time slot had already sold out. You can purchase tickets directly through the official website or booking platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide.
• It’s a barefoot experience with knee-deep water in one of the spaces, so wear shorts or trousers that you can roll up.
• Some floors are mirrored, so you might want to avoid wearing skirts when visiting.
• Lockers are available to store your shoes during the visit.

8. Step back in time at Nihon Minka-En Open Air Museum

Just a quick 20-minute train ride from central Tokyo lies the Nihon Minka-en Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum. It’s one of Japan’s oldest open-air folk house museums, established in 1967.

Here, you can wander through 25 well-preserved buildings from the Edo Period (1603-1868), from thatched-roof farmhouses to elegant merchant houses with exquisite gardens.

The structures were relocated from various regions of Japan to the museum and offer a fascinating glimpse into Japanese culture and history.

We’re both fascinated by architecture and culture and love to visit open-air museums around the world, such as the Korean Folk Village in South Korea and Árbær Open Air Museum in Iceland. That’s why we were naturally drawn to Nihon Minka-En during one of our visits to Tokyo – and it didn’t disappoint! 

We were particularly captivated by the samurai houses and the kabuki stage (a traditional Japanese form of theatre). There’s even a soba restaurant in one of the farmhouses, allowing you to experience the flavours of traditional Japanese cuisine in a historical setting.

You can view a map of the open-air museum on the official website in the English leaflet here.

9. Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji

One of the best places to visit in Tokyo if you’re interested in Japanese history and culture is Senso-ji. Also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, it’s a renowned Buddhist temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district.

Its origins date back to 628, when two brothers discovered a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, in the Sumida River. Sensoji was built nearby to enshrine this sacred statue.

The temple complex features several impressive structures, including:

• Kaminari-mon Gate (Thunder Gate): The iconic red gate with a giant lantern is a popular photo spot.
• Five-Story Pagoda: A stunning pagoda that is the second tallest pagoda in Japan.
• Main Hall: The main building housing the statue of Kannon.

Senso-ji is surrounded by Nakamise-dori (Nakamise Shopping Street), a 200-metre-long (656-feet-long) street lined with shops selling traditional souvenirs and snacks.

10. Wander the luxurious Ginza district

Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upscale shopping and entertainment district, known for its luxurious atmosphere and high-end offerings. According to the country’s tax agency, Ginza holds Japan’s most expensive real estate. 

The district is home to many iconic department stores, shopping malls, high-end boutiques, flagship stores of global brands, and Michelin-star restaurants.

Following the devastating 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake that destroyed about 70% of Ginza, the area evolved into an exclusive shopping district. 

11. Dive into Shinjuku Golden Gai’s bars

Golden Gai is a nightlife district covering six narrow alleys with around 280 distinct little bars. Many bars can only accommodate a handful of customers at a time. 

Each bar boasts its own personality, ranging from themed decor (think rock music, jazz, or even movie references) to quirky interiors.

Bars for Golden Gai Newbies

If you’re unsure which bar to choose, here are some recommended (foreigner-friendly) options:

• Albatross: Has a speakeasy vibe with unique cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The Open Book: A literary-themed bar offers a cosy space and staff comfortable with English conversations.
• Champion Bar: Features karaoke and a friendly atmosphere, making it easier to connect with others.

Top Tips for Visiting Shinjuku Golden Gai

• Look for bars with English signage outside, which indicates their openness to foreigners.
• Bring cash, as most bars operate on a cash-only basis.
• Since each bar has its own character, finding the one you love might take a few rounds.
• To fully immerse yourself in the Golden Gai experience, consider joining a Shinjuku bar-hopping tour. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the district and discover the perfect bar that suits your taste.

Admission and opening hours: Most bars in Golden Gai have a table charge of JPY 500-1500 (≈ £3-8 or 3-9€ or US$3-10) per person; look for signs outside indicating the amount. Bars typically open around 5:30pm-6pm and stay open until 4-5am.

12. Explore Akihabara’s fusion of electronics and pop culture

One of Tokyo’s must-see spots is the Akihabara district, often called Akiba. It’s known for electronics and pop culture.

Historically, Akihabara was a hub for electronics and appliances, earning the nickname “Electric Town”. Today, you’ll find numerous electronics stores here, packed with the latest gadgets and appliances.

Over time, Akihabara has also become synonymous with Japanese otaku culture, which refers to diehard fans of anime, manga, and gaming. There are countless shops in Akihabara selling figurines, trading cards, and collectables.

Akihabara also offers unique experiences like cat cafes and maid cafes, where waitresses dressed as maids serve tea and create a unique themed experience. Moreover, there are themed restaurants around popular characters like Gundam and Evangelion or video game series like Final Fantasy.

Top Tips for Visiting Akihabara

• Start your exploration from the top floors when entering a building; the most unique finds are often located higher up!
• If possible, avoid visiting on weekends when streets are extremely crowded.
• Before making purchases, compare prices across multiple stores. You often find the same item at a better deal elsewhere.

13. Embrace Harajuku’s youthful energy

Another must-visit destination in Tokyo is the Harajuku neighbourhood. It’s a centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion.

Harajuku is synonymous with Japan’s most extreme teenage culture and avant-garde fashion styles.

Takeshita Street is at the heart of it, a bustling pedestrian-only shopping street with trendy shops, fashion boutiques, and quirky cafes. It’s the perfect place to people-watch and immerse yourself in Japanese subcultures, like Lolita fashion inspired by Victorian and Rococo clothing.

For a different fashion vibe, venture into the stylish and sophisticated Omotesando, often dubbed Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. Here, you’ll find famous brand-name shops, high-end boutiques, and elegant cafes catering to a more adult clientele. 

Don’t miss Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, a multilevel shopping centre with a unique mirrored facade (it’s a great photo spot!).

In addition, check out Cat Street, one of the charming side streets with a more relaxed atmosphere, independent boutiques and international brands. 

14. Savour street food at Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho is a small network of alleyways along the tracks of Shinjuku Station. Also known as “Piss Alley”, they’re home to numerous izakayas, traditional Japanese pubs known for serving drinks and small dishes.

Originally, Omoide Yokocho was a black market after World War II, where people traded goods and supplies during the post-war reconstruction period. The network of alleyways earned the nickname “Piss Alley” due to its lack of public restrooms in the early days. Over time, it became a distinctive dining destination. 

Today, it remains an excellent place for locals and tourists to enjoy simple, traditional Japanese dishes and drinks. 

15. See the iconic Godzilla statue

In Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, there’s a road named after one of Japan’s most famous fictional monsters: Godzilla.

Godzilla Road (or Godzilla Street) gets its name from the massive Godzilla head on the 8th floor of the Shinjuku Toho Building. It pays homage to the famous movie studio behind the Godzilla films (Toho). 

Godzilla Road’s history dates back to 2015 when Toho celebrated Godzilla’s 60th anniversary with this grand installation. 

The roaring and smoke-emitting Godzilla statue is quite entertaining. You can see a short light and sound show every hour, which is a lot more fun after dark.

Interactive Map: Must-See Spots And Top Activities in Tokyo

More Things to Do in Tokyo

For our city guides, we always carefully select the activities we think are the very best things to do. However, if you have a bit more time in Tokyo, consider these additional attractions:

Yoyogi Park – Visit Tokyo’s large, public city park with lakes, fountains, and forested areas, just a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station.

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street – Recommended by a friend of ours living in Japan, this nostalgic street offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. 

Toyosu Fish Market – While the original (inner) fish market has moved, the outer market remains bustling with stalls offering fresh produce, seafood, and various goods. Just be warned that this famous fish market is a major tourist spot that gets very crowded.

Tokyo National Museum (TNM) – Tokyo is home to many excellent museums, and the TNM is Japan’s oldest and largest national museum. Located in Ueno Park (a cultural hub in Tokyo known for its museums and Ueno Zoo), you should add it to your bucket list if you’re interested in Japanese art, history, and culture!

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – A gorgeous, expansive park that features a blend of traditional Japanese, English, and French garden landscapes. It’s one of the best spots to view cherry blossoms during spring!

Visit an Onsen (Hot Springs) – Natural hot springs are very popular throughout Japan, and bathing in onsen is considered a rejuvenating and communal activity. If you have enough time in Tokyo, you should definitely give it a try!

Tokyo Dome – Baseball is the national sport of Japan, and experiencing a game at the iconic Tokyo Dome (home of the Yomiuri Giants) is a great cultural activity. If you’re in the city during professional Baseball season (late March to October), make sure to enjoy the unique experience of Japanese baseball!

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea – Make a day trip to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea. Tokyo’s Disneyland is the second-most visited theme park in the Asia-Pacific region, appealing primarily to families and kids. Meanwhile, Tokyo DisneySea, the third-most visited place, is more popular among couples and young adults. We highly recommend booking your Tokyo Disneyland tickets or DisneySea tickets well in advance!

Best Time to Visit

With around five hours of sunshine and low rainfall, November provides an ideal balance for exploring the city’s attractions. The weather tends to be relatively mild. What makes this month special are the lower-than-average crowds and the autumn foliage, especially in the early part of the month.

Other excellent months to visit Tokyo are April and May, with lower-than-average rainfall and pleasant weather. Additionally, March, October, and December are good times to visit.

If you can, avoid June and July, as it’s typically the rainy season in Tokyo.

How Long to Stay

Even after several visits to Tokyo, we continue to discover new and exciting attractions. For a more comprehensive exploration of Japan, check out our guide on how to spend 2 weeks in Japan.

Where to Stay

Best Neighbourhoods in Tokyo

Tokyo is a huge city, and while it’s quite walkable, it’s too big to explore on foot alone. To make getting around convenient, it’s important that you choose a hotel in an area that’s well-connected and close to a subway station.

Recommended Hotels in Tokyo

We’ve been back to Tokyo more than once – it’s one of those cities that keeps pulling you in. With so much to see and do, it never gets old. While a few places we stayed didn’t make the cut, these are the hotels we’d happily book again:

Tokyo Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

Planning your first trip to Tokyo? Here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

• Don’t worry about your safety in Tokyo. Japan’s capital consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world, so you can freely explore the city without major concerns – even if you’re travelling solo. We’ve personally never felt scared, even when walking around late at night.

• Download Tokyo on Google Maps to your phone. Having the map of Tokyo saved to your phone and available for offline use will be a lifesaver when the internet is slow or unavailable. You can follow Google’s instructions on how to download an offline map here.

• Get a Japanese mobile data plan via eSIM. If your phone is eSIM compatible (most modern smartphones are), consider getting an eSIM solution like Ubigi for convenient data access during your trip. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card and allows you to stay connected without high roaming charges. Read our Ubigi eSIM review to learn more.

• Get an IC card for travel on public transportation. As soon as you arrive at Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, get an IC card. These rechargeable prepaid cards can be used on almost all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo. There are ten major IC card providers, the most popular ones being Suica (which we bought) and Pasmo.

• Respect cultural norms. Japan has a unique and polite culture. Be mindful of bowing, taking off shoes indoors, and maintaining overall quietness in public spaces.

• Tipping is generally not expected or necessary in Japan. Service staff are paid a fair wage, and tipping can sometimes be seen as offensive. However, a small tip might be appreciated in rare cases like exceptionally personalised service (private guides).

FAQ: Visiting Tokyo

Final Thoughts