The 20 BEST Things to do in Tokyo

Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by Audrey

Looking for the can’t-miss things to do in Tokyo?

I've visited Tokyo three times, and every time is just as good as the last. I can never run out of things to see and do! The city is endlessly entertaining, with beautiful shrines, the most amazing boutiques and stores, and countless attractions.

I've compiled the 20 best things to do in Tokyo that I think you must-do during your trip to Japan's capital. Tokyo is the gateway to falling in love with Japan, and I guarantee you're going to love it. So let's break down what makes Tokyo so incredible.

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The Top 20 Things to do in Tokyo

The Eats

1. Grab Street Food at Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji Fish Market is famous for its fresh seafood, incredible Japanese food, and mouthwatering snacks. I've stayed in the Tsukiji area before, and I looooooove this place! It's lively, fun, and the food is amazing.

Tsukiji has gotten really popular in the last few years, so it can get super crowded, and the prices are not as cheap as they used to be. But I think Tsukiji Fish Market is still quite affordable, plus people there can speak pretty good English, and it's an exciting place to explore.

If you’re wondering what there is to eat in Tsukiji Outer Market, click here. 

2. Eat Yakitori in Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley)

Omoide Yokocho, also known as "Piss Alley" by tourists, is an atmospheric alley famous for its old-world charm and cozy vibe.

The alley is lined with small restaurants and bars serving yakitori and izakaya small plates. With each restaurant only seating 6-8 people, it's an intimate experience with smoking meat, buzzing chatter, and ambient lanterns under the night sky.

While it’s a popular spot and honestly is really touristy, it still offers a genuine taste of Tokyo's nightlife.

3. Grab a Drink in Golden Gai

This narrow alley near Shinjuku is packed with tiny bars that capture the nostalgic vibe of the Showa Era. It's a great way to experience the city's nightlife and meet new people.

Bar hopping is a must here, so you can explore the area and see where the night takes you.

The most memorable bar I visited here was definitely Deathmatch in Hell, a unique horror-themed bay that plays horror movies all night. The owner is super nice and speaks good English!

4. Omakase Dining in Akasaka

Not to be confused with Asakusa that has Sensoji Temple, Akasaka is a great foodie spot, and is also home to the Suntory Museum of Art, a museum in the Roppongi Art Triangle.

I recommend trying omakase in Akasaka if you like seafood and want to experience a high end omakase dinner.

This Japanese dining experience is full of artistic creativity, using fine and seasonal ingredients to elevate traditional sushi. The menu creation is left entirely up to the chef, so let them know if you have any allergies.

Sightseeing

5. Visit teamLab Planets or Borderless

TeamLab Museum is a digital art exhibit that combines visual and textual art to create a beautiful interactive space.

There are two exhibits in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless and teamlab Planets. Borderless is the original and uses more visual components, while Planets is more hands-on and involves a water component.

I personally prefer teamLab Planets, but both are great exhibits. You can click here to see which one you should go check out. 

Keep in mind that if you go to teamLab Planets you’ll be knee-deep in water at times, so you should wear something comfortable. 

6. Cross the Shibuya Scramble 

You know your first trip to Tokyo would be lacking if you didn’t cross the famous Shibuya Scramble just once! It’s an amazing and crazy experience once the crosswalk light flashes and everyone starts moving… in all directions!

It’s right outside Shibuya Station, so I’m sure you’ll run into it while visiting Shibuya. Nearby is also the famous Hachiko statue and tons of stores and restaurants. After you experience the crossing first hand, I recommend heading up to Shibuya Sky to see the scramble from afar!

7. See the Sunset at Shibuya sky

Located just a few minutes walk from Shibuya Scramble, Shibuya Sky is an open-air observation deck located 229 meters high on the 47th floor.

It’s one of the observation decks around the city, with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Tokyo and an excellent vantage point of the Shibuya Crossing. 

On a clear day you can even spot Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium, and possibly even Mount Fuji.

Tickets go on sale approximately 2 weeks before, and a limited number are released every day, so you’ll have to plan ahead to grab that special golden hour slot (typically around 5:30 PM).

Once you're inside, there's no time limit! There’s also a gift shop, cafe and bar on the 46th floor of the building with more beautiful views of the city.

You can click here to book your Shibuya Sky ticket!

8. Spot the Godzilla head in shinjuku

The Godzilla head in Shinjuku is a funny landmark to see while you're bumbling around the city.

It's accessible from Hotel Gracery Shinjuku's Godzilla Terrace, and guests who stay there get to sleep in Godzilla-themed rooms with special 3D effects!

The head is supposed to shoot fire out of its mouth every hour, but when I was watching I either didn’t see it or the fire was so teeny weeny it wasn’t worth writing home about. Godzilla himself looks pretty cool though!

9. See Tokyo Tower at night

There are several observation decks around Tokyo. Tokyo Skytree is the tallest and sparkles beautifully, but I personally think Tokyo Tower is more alluring. Maybe because of its bright red color, but I think Tokyo Tower looks absolutely stunning at night! 

If you wander around Roppongi, you can see Tokyo Tower up close and personal. When I stayed in Roppongi for a few nights I loved walking around and seeing it in the distance.

There are a couple of bars and hotels that have a stunning view of Tokyo Tower up close, like Sky Lounge Stellar Garden in the Prince Park Tower. The wait is insane though, so arrive early (like 5 pm) to guarantee entry.

Shopping & Entertainment

10. Explore Anime and Electronics in Akihabara

Akihabara is known to be popular for anime-centric items and tech. I used to write off Akihabara as being kind of boring, but after staying in the area recently, I've come to see the light. 

There's tons of electronics and anime stuff here, like the huge Yodabashi Camera and Radio Kaikan Station. So whether you want to oogle some anime figurines or you’re shopping for a new camera, you should spend some time browsing here!

There's also maid cafes (I won’t judge you), and even go-carting around the streets of Japan.

11. Browse all 12 levels of the Uniqlo Ginza Flagship Store

Ginza is the perfect place to buy preloved and new luxury brands, and is also home to the flagship Uniqlo and Muji stores.

I spent a couple of hours alone just exploring Uniqlo. The Flagship store is HUGE, and the prices are cheaper than America! You can easily spend two hours just shopping in this one store.

There's a cafe on the 12th floor too. But honestly, I didn't have time to see it. I was too busy trying on tons of clothes..

12. Shop for Vintage and Streetwear in Harajuku

Harajuku is an area in Shibuya known for streetwear and "kawaii" culture! This area is possibly my favorite place to shop in Tokyo! I love to peruse, and there are so many fun and unique boutiques here.

Nearby there’s also Omotesando, another major luxury shopping neighborhood with lots of designer brands. Definitely dedicate a good 3-4 hours here if you like to browse. 

13. Play Late Night Arcade Games

Every time I come to Japan, there’s at least one or two nights where we stay out until the wee hours of the morning playing claw machines and DDR. This is the one place in the world you can stay up until 5 AM playing gachapons, so you should experience it just once!

You could go to Round 1, or wander into the Taito Station in Akihabara. My only recommendation is to think twice before winning that large stuffed animal that’s going to take up ⅓ of your luggage space…

Temples & Shrines

14. Pray at Sensoji Temple

Asakusa is a district in north Tokyo, most well known for being home to Sensoji temple, the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. However, temple aside, there's food, arcades, and shops to explore!

At the temple, take your time to wander around Sensoji's main hall and get a view of the impressive five-story pagoda. Around the temple you'll find a tranquil garden pleasant to stroll around.

While you're here, you can pray for good luck, and pick up some good luck charms to support the temple.

15. Stroll to Meiji shrine 

Meiji Jingu is another very popular shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan, and his wife Empress Shoken. It’s well known for its daily ceremonies, stunning architecture, and serene surroundings. 

I especially love this Shinto shrine because it’s nestled within a lush forest, right next to Harajuku Station!

Visiting Meiji Shrine is like taking a breath of fresh air and getting a break from the craziness of Tokyo. It’s huge so it doesn’t feel crowded, and the trees surrounding the shrine make it feel so peaceful.

If you arrive early in the morning, you also might have the chance to witness wedding processions or traditional Shinto rituals. 

16. Walk the imperial palace gardens

While the palace itself is closed to the public since its home to the Imperial family, the beautifully maintained palace gardens are open and free to explore at your leisure.

The Palace offers guided tours of the inner palace gardens twice a day, or you can tour the East Gardens with a guide. You’ll get to cross the iconic Nijubashi Bridge (the most famous bridge in Japan!), take in the serene lotus moat, and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Unusual things to do in Tokyo

17. Gotokuji Temple: The Lucky Cat Temple

Gotokuji Temple is an extremely unique temple that is the birthplace of the Maneki-Neko, the waving cat figurine that is said to bring good fortune! 

Many people think that the cat originates from China, but not so. There’s a story that an abbot’s cat saved a daimyo during a lightning storm one night, and in its honor Gotokuji Temple built the shofuku-den (1000 cat shrine) in the 1680s to enshrine the cat, also known as the "manekineko". Ever since then, visitors come to the temple to pray for family health, business, luck, and happiness.

The highlight of this landmark is the shofuku, a small area just loaded with maneki-neko statues. While it’s a small part of the shrine, it’s captivating!

18. Get a Totoro Cream Puff at Shiro-Hige’s Factory

Just a short walk from Gotokuji, you’ll find Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory, a charming little bakery famous for its Totoro-shaped cream puffs. 

It’s a must-visit hidden gem for Studio Ghibli fans, and even more special because the owner is Hayao Miyazaki’s sister-in-law. In fact, the cafe is officially recognized by Studio Ghibli itself!

19. Tsutaya T-Site in Daikanyama

If you love reading, come visit Tokyo’s most beautiful bookstore. Daikanyama T-Site is a book emporium, a huge space of multiple bookstores with huge comfortable sofas and a Starbucks. 

The highlight is how stunning the architecture is, with a beautifully lit bookshelf with a mirrored ceiling on top creating a visual illusion. 

The bookstore has an extensive English collection, so international travelers like us have plenty of selection to choose from. You can spend the whole day here exploring their collection while sipping a latte. 

20. Explore the Roppongi Art Triangle

Roppongi is a high-end luxury district known for its artistic culture, beautiful hills, and exciting nightlife.

In this neighborhood lies the Roppongi Art Triangle, three incredible museums called the National Art Center, Tokyo, the Mori Art Museum, and the Suntory Museum of Art.

The National Art Center is the largest, with lots of variety, and the Mori Art Museum is located in the same building as the Roppongi Hills Observation Deck that has the best view of Tokyo Tower.

Where to Stay in Tokyo 

You’ll be fine staying around the city center in Tokyo. The most popular neighborhoods are: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa. If you want to stay in these areas, it will be a bit more expensive, but you’ll be in close proximity to the city’s landmarks. 

I’ve also stayed in Nihonbashi and Roppongi and enjoyed it too. Ideally as long as you stay somewhere that is within 5 minutes walking distance to the train station, you’re golden. 

For more details on exactly where you should stay based on your traveler type and preferences, click here. Here are my top hotel recommendations by neighborhood.

Shinjuku

Mid-Range: Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.4/10 (10,800 reviews)

Located in central Shinjuku, Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is just a 4-minute walk from two Shinjuku stations. It's one of the closest hotels I could find around the station, making transportation around Tokyo and Japan effortless.

The hotel is located on a calm and peaceful street, which is surprising given that this is Tokyo’s busiest neighborhood. However, you'll have no problem getting to the busy areas of the city as Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Kabukicho, Yoyogi Park, and the Isetan Department Store are less than a 15 minute walk away.

The hotel offers services such as currency exchange, dry cleaning, and an airport shuttle! In addition, the Narita Airport Bus stops at this hotel!

For a prime location in Shinjuku it’s priced pretty affordably at around $160/night, or $80 split between two people.

Shibuya

Luxury: Shibuya Stream Hotel ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.8/10 (2,000 reviews)

Shibuya Stream Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel located inside Shibuya Stream and right above the train Station! It's one of the best hotels to stay in Shibuya.

Perfect for first-time visitors, you’ll have endless restaurants at your doorstep plus modern, spacious rooms with city or Tokyo Tower views. The location is unbeatable with the train station and famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing a few minutes away.

You can also enjoy an on-site restaurant and lounge with live music and free happy hour drinks, a gym, laundry facilities, a shared kitchen, and private parking.

Ginza

Luxury: Muji Hotel Ginza ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.1/10 (3,300 reviews)

If you’re a MUJI fan, this hotel will feel like MUJI heaven! 

This 4-star hotel emphasizes comfort with a minimalist, homey design. Think neutral, calming rooms that are soundproofed with automatic blinds, large showers, and plenty of MUJI home amenities. 

There are many multilingual staff, as well as amazing amenities like an on-site restaurant, coffee bar, bakery, and library. Plus, you’ll be right above the MUJI Flagship Store in central Ginza, so you can effortlessly grab anything you may need or want to bring home!

It is a bit pricey, but would be perfect for those who love minimalist luxury and want to be in a high end shopping neighborhood. If you're celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon to Japan, MUJI Hotel is perfect!

Nihonbashi

Budget: DDD Hotel ($)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.4/10 (3,800 reviews)

I’ve personally stayed in DDD Hotel and enjoyed it! You’re in Akihabara and within a 3 minute walk to the closest train station, so it’s conveniently located. It’s not too far from Tokyo Station either, so it’s relatively easy to move around the city.

I won't lie, the rooms are on the smaller end. We opted for the minimal double room and didn’t really have anywhere to lay out our suitcases, but the beds are comfortable and the amenities feel modern and high quality. There’s also a café and small art exhibit located in the building.

At $70/night it’s a great value for the price, but one caveat is that for the cheapest price you have to choose the non-refundable option. 

Things to Do in Tokyo FAQs

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

While traveling in a foreign country, it’s a good idea to get full coverage trip insurance just in case an emergency happens. I recommend VisitorsCoverage for affordable prices and great insurance benefits.

Or, if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card, you get automatic car and trip insurance!

Conclusion: Top Things to Do in Tokyo

There you go, your top 20 things to do in Tokyo! Let’s face it, the city is amazing. I could probably make 30 more things to do here, but let’s not get carried away. Let me know what your favorite thing to do was!

If you’ll also be visiting Kyoto or Osaka and need ideas on how to structure your Japan trip, click here for my 10 day Japan itinerary that takes you down the Golden Route.

I also have itineraries for when you’re in Tokyo depending on the length of your stay. Here’s a 1 day, 2 day, and 6 day itinerary. For your first time I would recommend around 4 days, and maybe you can take a day trip too! 

If you need help structuring your trip, feel free to drop a comment or send me an email at audrey@getlostinjapan.com. I create customized itineraries as well! Anyway, happy traveling!

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