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Things to Do in Tokyo

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!

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Tokyo Tower
One of the most striking places to visit in Tokyo is the Tokyo Tower, perhaps the most recognizable structure in all of Japan. Although it is primarily a communications tower, visitors can climb to the summit to observe a panoramic view of Tokyo. The tower is also heavily inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris in its structure and architecture. The tower is a symbol of Japanese recovery after the Second World War and the fact that the country has now become a major economic superpower.

Location: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

Timing: Monday to Sunday (10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Entry fee: 1,200 yen for adults
Tokyo Skytree

Another very recognizable landmark in Tokyo is the Tokyo Skytree. One of the most recommended places to visit in Tokyo is a towering structure that is the tallest building in Japan. In fact, when the Skytree was built, it was the second tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 634 metres.

Tokyo Disneyland

This massive, 115-acre large theme park is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo, whether you are travelling alone or with kids or with your partner. It is the very first Disneyland to have been built outside of the United States and is to date, one of the main attractions in Japan. Apart from mind-boggling rides and incredible food, you can also explore Tokyo DisneySea, which is an adjoining waterpark that is just as lavish.

Ginza

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.

Shinjuku Gyoen

This stunning garden located in the city is one of the most interesting places to visit in Tokyo, because of its natural beauty and rich history. The garden was built in 1906 as part of the property belonging to a feudal lord from the Edo era. After many years, it was turned into a national garden, open to the public and boasting of three distinct styles in its construction – the Japanese Traditional Garden, the formal garden and the landscape garden.

Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo, Japan, is an iconic architectural marvel that connects the Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront development. This suspension bridge was built in the year 1993, and since then, it has stood in complete luxury! 

Kabuki-za

Kabuki-za is the principal theatre in Tokyo known for its kabuki performances. The theatre hall has a history which dates back to the 19th century and boasts of a baroque Japanese revivalist style of architecture. 

 Edo Tokyo Museum

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

Odaiba

Odaiba is a beautiful, artificial island located on Tokyo Bay, frequented by people who are looking for a good time by the sea. The island is known for parties, cruises, fine dining and shopping. It is a small ecosystem on its own, where people travel to from the city in order to enjoy their time. There is a relaxed holiday vibe on Odaiba, and if you want places to visit in Japan where you can simply relax and unwind, have good food and get massages, this island is the place for you.

Location: Tokyo Bay, Japan 


Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Opened in 1926, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is one of the high-profile exhibitions of modern art. It is known for the retrospective artworks of artists like Edvard Munch, Isamu Noguchi, and Tsuguharu Foujita. 

Tokyo National Museum

When visiting places in Tokyo, one can’t do without skipping a visit to the Tokyo National Museum – the oldest and biggest of all of Japan’s top-level museums throughout the country. The museum houses over 110,000 pieces of historical artefacts, and over 100 national treasures. Apart from the 4,000 things that are always on display at the museum at any given time, you can also enjoy seasonal exhibitions and shows focusing on various aspects of Japan’s rich history.

Ghibli Museum

Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous artistic products to have come out of Japan and many people visit the country simply to learn more about the animation studio of Miyazaki Hayao, who has produced some of the most emotional and well-made films in the world. If you too are interested in learning more about these famous films and animation, one of the best places in Tokyo is the Ghibli Museum in Inokashira Park in Mitaka. You can check out life-size figurines, robots, drawings, original drafts and much more at the museum.

Location: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Entry fees: 1000 yen

Meiji Jingu

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.)

Japan National Stadium

The Japan National Stadium is the official National Stadium of Japan and is located in Kasumigaoka, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The multipurpose stadium has a seating capacity of 68,000 spectators. It has also served as the main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1964 Summer Olympics, the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Summer Paralympics. 

Imperial Palace

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is the prime residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a world-famous cultural and historical landmark which displays a mesmerising blend of traditional Japanese architecture with breathtaking gardens. Surrounding the palace are various large stone walls and moats that offer a majestic appearance. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are open to the public and offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Visitors can explore the manicured gardens, historical ruins, and seasonal flora. 

Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens, located in the heart of Tokyo, is a picture-perfect and historic public park that blends traditional Japanese garden aesthetics and urban modernity. The garden was originally a feudal lord's residence and duck hunting grounds; however, it was opened to the public in 1946. This tranquil oasis is spread over approximately 62 acres of land between the city's skyscrapers and Tokyo Bay. 

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoological Gardens is the first modern zoo in Japan and is one of the most visited zoos in the country. Founded in 1882, the zoo currently stretches over 14.4 ha (35.6 acres) and houses around 300 different species and around 3000 animals. In addition to the animals of Japanese origin, the zoo also houses some rare animals such as giant pandas and forest giraffes. A visit to this zoo is a must on any Japan trip.

Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena

Ryōgoku Kokugikan is a sporting venue located in Tokyo, Japan with a seating capacity of up to 10,000 spectators. This is a venue that hosts sumo wrestling tournaments three times a year and was built in 1985. Apart from sumo wrestling tournaments, the venue is the go to place for boxing and concerts too. This hall is open throughout the year even when there are no sporting events happening in the place. 

Inokashira Park
Another natural haven in the middle of the city of Tokyo is the Inokashira Park – a natural oasis that is loved by tourists and locals alike. Here, you can access features such as manicured gardens, recreational facilities, a bucolic pond, a shrine and a lawn fringed with cherry blossom trees. The fact that the park is also home to a museum and an aquarium, along with a Studio Ghibli Museum makes it one of the most peaceful and fascinating places in Tokyo.

Location: 1 Chome-18-31 Gotenyama, Kichijoji Minamicho, Tokyo 180-0005, Japan

Entry fees:  400 yen

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Tokyo Things To Do FAQs

What are the best things to do in Tokyo?

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

How to reach Tokyo from India?

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.

What is the best time to visit Tokyo?

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.

What is Tokyo famous for?

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.

Book Now: Honeymoon Trip To Japan

How many days should I spend in Tokyo?

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.

Also Checkout: 4 Day Japan Tour

Is Tokyo safe at night?

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.

Is Tokyo expensive to visit?

Yes, Tokyo is considered to be one of the most expensive cities to be in. It also depends on the exchange rates of currencies.

What is the best location to stay in Tokyo?

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.

What are the best things to do in Tokyo at night?

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.

What are the best adventures 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.

Tokyo Things To Do Reviews

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Victoria Fougedoire
Reviewed: 20 Apr 2024
5.0/5
Good service, good merch, good everything 👍🏻
Victoria Fougedoire
Victoria Fougedoire
Victoria Fougedoire
Victoria Fougedoire
Victoria Fougedoire
Victoria Fougedoire
(2+)View All
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Tamara Ugrinic
Reviewed: 08 Oct 2023
5.0/5
I had doubts about paying for tickets on website thats not official (there were no available tickets on official site) for teamLab Tokyo but everything was great, I got an email with the tickets an hour later at the exact time and day that we wanted. The ticket looked different than others but the Q... Read More
Tamara Ugrinic
Tamara Ugrinic
Tamara Ugrinic
Tamara Ugrinic
Tamara Ugrinic
Tamara Ugrinic
review-img
Gabriel Oprovici
Reviewed: 22 May 2024
5.0/5
No wait for entry! 
Gabriel Oprovici
Gabriel Oprovici
Gabriel Oprovici
Gabriel Oprovici
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Ananth Kashikar
Reviewed: 14 May 2024
5.0/5
One of the coolest experiences. 2hours well spent. Recommend for everyone
Ananth Kashikar
Ananth Kashikar
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PARK MAJIA
Reviewed: 31 May 2023
5.0/5
Wonderful experience.
PARK MAJIA
PARK MAJIA
PARK MAJIA
PARK MAJIA
review-img
IOANNA SIACHOU
Reviewed: 29 Sep 2023
5.0/5
Amazing experience!!
IOANNA SIACHOU
IOANNA SIACHOU
IOANNA SIACHOU

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