Tokyo, a city that blends modern vitality with tradition, has countless exciting activities and attractions worth experiencing. Every tourist visiting Tokyo is always looking for something, from neon-flashing nightlife and trendy shopping experiences to mouth-watering food and sacred shrines.
What things to do in Tokyo do you expect most? This guide picks out 10 one-of-a-kind Tokyo travel experiences and popular places to visit in Tokyo so that you can plan your Tokyo tour.
1. Explore Mount Fuji and Hakone
A Mt Fuji tour is one of the things to do in Tokyo you shouldn't miss. You can spend a whole day enjoying the view of Mount Fuji and then transfer to Hakone for the night and for exploration the next day. If your travel time is limited, we can arrange a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo.
Around Mt Fuji, you can visit several popular spots, where you can appreciate Mt Fuji with different views. Lake Kawaguchi is the most famous among the Fuji Five Lakes, with reflections of Mount Fuji in the lake. Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park offers a stunning view with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Hakone is famous for its hot springs resorts and the view of Mt Fuji. In Hakone, you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashinoko with a giant pirate ship and ride the Hakone Ropeway for a view of the distant Mount Fuji.
2. Visit Sensoji Temple – Tokyo's Oldest Temple
Why not enjoy a Tokyo tour of Asakusa Sensoji Temple? Senso-ji Temple is the oldest and most popular temple in Tokyo. If you want to avoid crowds while visiting Senso-ji Temple, you'd better visit in the early morning.
Sensoji Temple boasts the iconic large red lanterns and a famous five-story pagoda. If you manage your time properly, you may have the opportunity to participate in the cultural events held at Sensoji Temple, like Sanja Matsuri. Visitors can experience traditional incense ceremonies around the large incense burner.
Buy snacks and souvenirs at the stalls lined along Nakamise Shopping Street between Kaminarimon Gate and Hozomon Gate. In the evening, the illuminated temple creates a charming view until 23:00. Evening is also a great time to capture the view of Sensoji Temple.
Outside the Sensoji Temple, you can explore the surrounding Sumida River and the Tokyo Skytree.
3. Get up to Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is one of the best Tokyo attractions, where you can overlook downtown Tokyo. With a height of 634 meters (2,080 feet), Tokyo Skytree is the one of the tallest towers in Japan.
There are two observation decks located at 350 meters and 450 meters respectively. From the observation decks, you can enjoy incredible vistas of the Sumida River and Tokyo City. On clear days, the view can sprawl all the way to Mount Fuji. If you're tired from strolling, you can take a break and enjoy a leisurely time at a coffee shop. There is also an aquarium and many other stores.
During the Tokyo cherry blossom season, Tokyo Skytree offers a unique chance to admire cherry blossoms in the sky. Cherry blossoms with the background of Tokyo Skytree form a distinctive photographic composition.
4. Visit Meiji Shrine & Meiji Jingu Gaien
Welcome to Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is a serene place with 70 hectares of forest and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Although Meiji Jingu is close to buzzing Harajuku, it offers a tranquil oasis.
After you get tired of the bustling modern city and crowds, how about relaxing in greenery and feeling Shinto at Meiji Jingu Shrine? You can experience the shrine's traditions and culture by witnessing a Shinto wedding or rituals, making offerings, and buying an amulet.
Its Outer Garden - Meiji Jingu Gaien - boasts a 300m-long Ginkgo Avenue, also known as Icho Namiki Avenue. If you visit Tokyo in late November and December, don't miss the brilliant yellow ginkgo trees.
5. Experience Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky
One of the most iconic Tokyo attractions is Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It is said to be the busiest intersection in the world, at least in Japan. Thousands of people walk across at its busiest times.
You can dodge others and weave through Shibuya Crossing as one of the members of the crowd. On the nights of Friday or Saturday, pick up your camera to capture busy scenes with flickering neon signs. Enjoy the best views of Shibuya Crossing from slightly higher positions, such as Mag's Park Rooftop and QFRONT building's Starbucks.
Shibuya Sky has an open-air observation deck at a height of 229 meters, offering a 360-degree panorama of Tokyo with Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
6. Discover Akihabara's Anime and Manga
Akihabara Electric Town is a place surrounded by Japanese pop culture. If you're an anime and manga fan, having fun at Akihabara is one of the top things to do in Tokyo. Akihabara is renowned in Japan for its electronic products and otaku culture. Many small stalls and large department stores sell comics, anime, smartphones, cameras, and computer parts.
One of the highlights of Akihabara is the variety of themed cafes, such as maid cafes, manga cafes, gaming cafes, and animal cafes. You can experience cosplay as your favorite anime or game character. There are studios and shops for cosplay outfits rental and purchase.
7. Have Fun in the Expansive Ueno Park
Cherry blossom viewing is one of the unique things to do in Tokyo. Ueno Park must be a recommendable spot to appreciate lovely white and pink flowers. During cherry blossom season, a large number of local people gather in Ueno Park for hanami parties (cherry blossom viewing).
There are a variety of museums, temples, and shrines catering to various interests in Ueno Park, such as Kaneiji Temple, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Tokyo National Museum, National Museum for Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, etc. You should set aside some time to visit the Ueno Zoo and meet giant pandas and other animals.
8. Dive into Tokyo Disney Resort
If you visit Tokyo with kids, you may want to find some fun things to do in Tokyo. It is your perfect choice to plan a Disney family vacation. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are family-friendly Tokyo attractions. Both adults and children can find their fairy tale moments. You can find rides suitable for children of all ages.
Like other Disneyland parks, Tokyo Disneyland offers scores of classic rides for everyone. Tokyo DisneySea is the only ocean-themed Disney park in the world. Tokyo DisneySea is themed around thrilling sea exploration and adventure. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea both offer various restaurants and food options.
9. Tsukiji Outer Market Culinary Adventure
Is there anything more interesting than exploring local cuisine? Tokyo must be one of the best dining places in Japan! A gourmet would consider visiting local markets as one of the best things to do in Tokyo.
Tsukiji Market (Tsukiji Fish Market) is the largest fish market in Japan and a great spot to dive into lively local life. The famous morning tuna auctions have moved to Toyosu Market, but you can still find plenty of things to do.
We recommend embarking on a Tokyo food tour to discover the best street food stalls and restaurants and savor Japan's delicacies. Arriving early allows you to enjoy Uni (sea urchin) bowls or a fresh sushi breakfast, and there will also be fewer people. It's a time to learn about some fun facts and history about the Tsukiji Outer Market.
10. Shop in the Ginza District
Ginza is a high-end shopping district in Japan, consisting of eight blocks. You can find famous brands from all over the world, exquisite Japanese cuisine, and entertainment venues here.
The Kabukiza Theatre is a gem of the Ginza for traditional Japanese art. Kabuki is a form of Japanese drama. You can appreciate performances of Kabuki and deeply experience the essence of Japanese traditional culture.
The scene of Ginza at night in Tokyo has a special charm. The colorful street lights, traffic, and crowds have added a lot of vitality to Ginza.
FAQs about Visiting Tokyo
1. Is Tokyo expensive?
It depends. Tokyo offers luxurious hotels and shopping malls. You can also find budget accommodation, cheap delicious food, and free temples and parks.
2. Is 3 days in Tokyo too much?
No. If you travel to Tokyo for 3 days, you can only explore some key spots and the essence of the city.
3. What is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Tokyo. These times bring fine weather with beautiful scenery.
Plan Your Tokyo Tour with Hi Five Trip
Japan always amazes people with its unique culture and traditions. If you plan to visit Tokyo, you can check out our popular Tokyo tour package or contact our travel experts to tailor Tokyo tours.
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