Have fun at Tokyo Disneyland, Watch the Tokyo tower at night, Visit SensoJi Temple, Sumo wrestling Ryogoku Kokugikan, Shopping at Ginza and many more.
With modern architecture and historical importance, things to do in Tokyo can be a beautiful amalgamation of all things chaotic and calm. There are not many cities like Tokyo where just moving around can prove to be an interesting experience. For one can find it all on the streets here - from the display of traditional art forms that have been practiced for generations to modern Japanese pop cultural performances by local artists, all at a distance of a few blocks from each other.
While visiting historical palaces and temples around the city, tasting fresh seafood, visiting digital art museums and high-tech restaurants are few of the top things to do in Tokyo, activities like sword fight and ninja training can be picked by tourists interested in grabbing their dose of unusual things to do in Tokyo. Tourists who don’t mind a little bit of chaos can indulge in activities such as go-karting, visiting the busy crossings and fashion streets in the day time.
And extend their day to bar hopping and local alcoholic beverage tasting in the evenings and nights. Tourists who love adventures must take up hiking, cycling tours that make for best outdoor time. The wide range of things makes it possible for tourists of all age groups to enjoy the best of Tokyo!
Ginza is one of the poshest, most upmarket places to visit in Tokyo, with an abundance of shops, restaurants, boutiques, lifestyle experiences and much more. You can also explore galleries, nightclubs and cafes for a wholesome experience that will make your visit to Tokyo memorable. All luxury and boutique brands have a store in Ginza, which is considered a shopper’s paradise. The Ginza Wako building is symbolic of the entire district, and the good news is, window shopping here is absolutely free!
Location: South of Yaesu, Tokyo
The Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo is an iconic symbol of the city, connecting the bustling district of Shibaura with the man-made island of Odaiba. Spanning Tokyo Bay, this suspension bridge stretches for 798 meters and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Kabuki-za is a renowned Japanese theater located in Tokyo's Ginza district, celebrated for its rich history and traditional Kabuki performances. Established in 1889, it has endured fires and wartime destruction, undergoing several rebuilds to maintain its cultural significance. Kabuki-za is an iconic symbol of Japanese performing arts, characterized by elaborate costumes, stylized makeup, and exaggerated gestures.
For a comprehensive insight into the life and culture of the people of Japan and especially Tokyo there are no better places to visit in Japan than the Edo Tokyo Museum. The Museum, through interactive installations, displays, artefacts from history and colourful artwork, effectively showcases how Tokyo, formerly known as Edo (till 1869) has developed, grown and thrived. Volunteer guides who speak English and other languages roam the museum for you to have the most authentic and rewarding experience here.
Location: 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
Entry fees: 600 yen
Sensoji is the oldest temple in all of Tokyo, and is one of the most revered Tokyo famous places, especially for Buddhists. The temple was built way back in 628 AD by two brothers in honour of the Kannon – the Goddess of Mercy. Today, this colourful temple is frequented by people from all over the world because of its religious significance, as well as its colourful architecture.
Location: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Nakamise is a bustling shopping street that was established in the 17th century. It is one of the most recommended Tokyo famous places that are worth visiting because it gives you a direct insight into the shopping habits and local culture of the people of Tokyo. You can buy an innumerable amount of things in Nakamise, including delicious local snacks, souvenirs, jewellery, handicraft items, textiles, books, street food from shops that have been run by the same family for generations, ice cream and much more
Location: 1 Chome-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Timings: Monday to Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Included in every list of quintessential Tokyo places to visit is Akihabara, a bustling district in central Tokyo that is known for the hundreds of electric shops that can be found there. All tech, business and electric related things can be found here, including shops that specialize in Artificial Intelligence, manga, anime, video games, technology, toys, souvenirs and much more. It is a well-developed district that is rapidly expanding into becoming a hotspot for trade and consumerism in the country.
Located in the Minato district of Tokyo in Japan, Roppongi is perceived as the entertainment capital of the country. People from all over the world flock to this area to check out the nightclubs, discos, restaurants, bars and clubs that line the street and remain open throughout the night. You can also climb the Roppongi Hills skyscraper, which has an observation deck that can give you a nighttime panoramic view of the gorgeous city.
The Meiji Shrine or the Meiji Jingu is amongst some of the most sought-after Tokyo famous places, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll, admire the natural surroundings and scrutinize the intricate architecture of the shrine. There is also a shop where you can buy amulets and charms that are said to contain magical and mystical properties. During the New Year, millions of people visit the shrine to witness the first prayer, which is supposed to be the holiest of all offerings.
Location: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono Cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Timings: Monday to Sunday (5:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo is a tranquil oasis nestled between the city's skyscrapers and Tokyo Bay. This traditional Japanese garden features picturesque ponds, tea houses, and seasonal flowers, offering a serene escape from urban bustle. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll, tea ceremonies, and stunning views of the surrounding modern skyline.
1. Have fun at Tokyo Disneyland: The Disney-based theme park: Disneyland was opened way back in 1983. This was the first Disneyland to start outside the United States. This theme park is one of the most attractive places in Tokyo.
The park consists of various rides that are based on Disney shows or Disney cartoon characters. Not only do the young children enjoy this theme park but it is also enjoyed by the adults as it brings nostalgia to them. Due to the good connectivity of the public transport, it is easily accessible to the tourists.
Price: Depends on duration - For 1 day adults are charged 8200 yens, juniors are charged 690 yens, while children are charged 4900 yens. Tourists can avail tickets in different packages of 2-days, 3-days, 4-days, 5-days, 6-days, and starlight passes.
Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM (entries stop at 9 PM)
2. Watch the Tokyo tower at night: Tokyo tower which was inspired by the Eiffel tower in Paris is 333 meters high, making itself the biggest self-supported steel tower in the world. This tower signifies the rebirth of the country. At night, when the lights fall on the tower, the sight is stunning for one to enjoy.
Tourists can go inside the tower and watch the whole city light up from above. Even when standing below the tower, the view of the tower glazing in light is just spectacular to witness. Moreover, as the tower is in the city center, this is also a great point for one to see the whole city from the top. Its prime location also makes reaching here very easy.
Price: 1200 yen (Main deck only) 3000 yen (both decks 2800 if booked in advance)
Timings: 9.00 AM to 11.00 PM local (entry until 10.30 PM)
3. Visit SensoJi Temple: Senso Ji temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Tokyo built for the goddess of mercy Kannon. When the visitors enter the temple, they go through the Kaminarimon gate which translates to Thunder gate.
Between the first gate to the second gate there is a shopping street of around 200 meters called Nakamise. Then beyond the Hozomon gate the second gate there is the main hall of the temple.
Price: Free
Timings: Main hall: 6.00 AM to 5.00 PM (from 6.30 from October to March) Temple grounds are always open.
4. Sumo wrestling Ryogoku Kokugikan: The stadium Ryogoku Kokugikan is the place where there are sumo tournaments. This stadium is next to Ryogoku which is obsessed with sumo wrestling.
This stadium was built in 1985 and can consist of 10,000 visitors at once. As sumo wrestling is the national sport the hype for the game is real. In January, May, and September tournaments are held and wrestlers from all over the country visit the place to participate in the tournaments.
5. Shopping at Ginza: Ginza developed into a commercial district of Tokyo when many international departmental stores started in this district. Along with international brands, the local shops and industries also gained recognition.
Every weekend from 12 PM to 5 PM, this place becomes available for only pedestrians making it the best time to visit. Being an international tourist is of a little benefit here as most of the stores offer tax benefits to international tourists.
Timings: Nothing specific
Price: No entry fee
6. Have a look at the Tokyo national museum: The Tokyo national museum consists of many other museums such as Kyoto national museum, The Nara national museum, and the Kyushu national museum. The Tokyo national museum is the oldest in Japan and has few of the best art and archeological artifacts from all across the country.
The museum is spread over 6 different buildings and includes as many as 1,10,000 artifacts out of which many are considered as a national treasure. This museum also includes good English information and audio guides which helps the tourists to understand the true value of the artifact.
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5.00 PM on all days except Friday and Saturday. Open till 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The museum is closed on Monday
Price: 1000 yen for normal entry and up to 1500 yen for special exhibitions.
7. Have a look at the Tokyo Sky Tree: The Tokyo sky tree is considered as the landmark of Tokyo and is a television broadcasting tower. The tower has 2 observation decks that are located at heights of 350m and 450m. With this structure being the highest in Japan, the view from the deck is just amazing.
The first deck also includes a restaurant cum café, souvenir shops with an amazing 360-degree view. The second deck which is 450m high has a spiraling corridor. The entry to the tower is on the 4th floor of the Tokyo sky tree town.
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM (entry till 8 PM)
Price: First observatory - 3200 yen. Both observatories cost 4200 yen.
8. Cycling in Yoyogi Park: Yoyogi park is one of the largest parks in the city that includes wide ponds and trees. It is considered to be a great place to jog, picnic, and cycle. This park also has cherry blossoms which makes it a beautiful place in springs.
The calmness here makes it a great place to cycle peacefully. Many cycling rentals are available around the park for tourists.
Price: Free except for the cycle renting price.
9. Walk around the Imperial Palace: The imperial palace is located on the site of Edo Castle which is surrounded by huge large walls. Edo castle was a seat for the Tokugawa shogun who ruled the country from 1603 to 1857.
When the palace was destroyed it was rebuilt in the same style. The tour takes about 75 minutes and the sessions are held in both English and Japanese.
Timings: 10.00 AM to 1.30 PM
Price: Free but charges for guides might differ.
10. Enjoy the Yakatabune Boat Ride: Yakatabune is a unique wooden boat ride on which you can have a party while sailing in the river. Modern Yakatabune tour boats are made from light and durable fiber-reinforced plastic.
However, they are continued to mark with traditional details such as Miyoshi. A traditional boat ride like this helps tourists get a glimpse into the local lifestyle of Tokyo.
Timings: 11:30 AM to 7 PM
Price: 5000 yens per head plus tax with lunch
Must Checkout: Japan Trips
Most of the major cities have direct flights to Tokyo therefore you can always board a direct flight from any main cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, etc.
The best time to visit Tokyo is from March to April and September to November. As the spring and the autumn seasons bloom during that time of the year.
Tokyo is famous for finding the right balance between history and the future. Some of the world’s most famous seafood are found here; for which tourists from all over the world come.
This is one of the best things to do in Tokyo. Training as a real ninja is also considered to be one of the most adventurous things to do in Tokyo.
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8 to 10 days should be enough for covering the whole city; which includes both the historical side as well as the modern busy side of the city. Within this timeframe, one can easily finish indulging in the top things to do in Tokyo, including ticking off activities on adventurous things to do in Tokyo.
Tokyo is believed to be one of the safest cities in the world. Public transport is very easy to understand and it is said that even a kid or a teenager can travel safely in this city.
Yes, Tokyo is considered to be one of the most expensive cities to be in. It also depends on the exchange rates of currencies.
If you are looking for affordable stays you can stay in the exteriors of the city but if you want everything at an arm's distance the city center is the place for you. Some of the best areas to stay include Shinjuku, the Tokyo Station Area, Ginza/Hibiya, Shibuya or Roppongi.
1. The Yakatabune Boat Ride: This activity is sure to be on your list of top things to do in Tokyo. Many locals and other tourists will accompany you on this boat, creating a fun, positive vibe.
2. The Go-Kart Ride: Imagine riding around the city on a go-kart bike. This sure is another one of its kind experience and can be included on your adventurous things to do in Tokyo list. This activity is exclusively found only in Tokyo. People dress up as Mario and a whole Mario-themed race is conducted.
3. Bar Hopping: If you are a drinker, local bar-hopping with the locals is of great fun as well. Bar hopping is a common activity but making friends with the locals along the way sure makes this experience one of the unusual things to do in Tokyo.
1. Visit the Fly Station: Visiting the fly station can be one of the unusual things to do in Tokyo. It is a great place for people who are looking for adrenaline high as this is a place where you get the experience of free fall without actually falling.
2. Take Ninja Training: There are various places in and around Tokyo that allow you to dress up as a real ninja and train like one too. This activity also helps in getting the blood pumped.
3. Tokyo Mystery Circus: This is a 5-storey circus that has various escape rooms and activities similar to escaping the prison - all fun tasks. It is indeed one of the unusual things to do in Tokyo.