Must do things in Tokyo

As the largest metropolis in the whole world, it’s no surprise that there are so many cool activities you can do in Tokyo. There are endless possibilities and options, and lucky for you, I live here. This allows me to share the top must do things in Tokyo.

In this guide, I will cover essential attractions, including temples, museums, authentic experiences, and culinary hotspots.

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple, located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, is the oldest temple in the city, established in 628 AD. It’s dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

Grab your camera and photograph one of its most distinctive features, the Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate, featuring a giant red lantern and statues of deity protectors.

Senso-ji is an incredibly popular attraction and my advice is to visit either first thing in the morning just before the stalls on Nakamise-dori open, or in the evening. The grounds are open 24/7 and they are free of charge.

Participate in a Sakurai Tea Experience

Imagine theater, culture, and alcoholic tea cocktails, and you will get an idea of what Sakurai Tea Experience is all about. This modern establishment in Omotesando offers a contemporary approach to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Visit in the afternoon and experience a non-alcoholic mix of traditional Japanese teas served with small (and delicious) sweets. Reserve a table in the evening and order tea infused cocktails that taste as incredible as they look.

The experience includes a demonstration of tea preparation and an explanation of the different flavors of the teas served.

Sip cocktails with views of Tokyo

While there are many cocktail bars with stunning views of Tokyo, my recommended place is called the Rooftop bar, and it’s located on top of Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. The Rooftop Bar is the highest bar within the city, perched on the 52nd Floor overlooking Tokyo Bay.

Grab small bites and signature cocktails that change every season. In my humble opinion, the best two drinks on the menu are the Kiyohime Amazake and the Tokyo Mule, but you have an extensive menu to pick from. Do note that from March to December there is a seating fee for the terrace.

Sample local cuisine in a Yokocho

Visit Ebisu Yokocho, located near Ebisu Station. It’s less touristy compared to others like Memory Lane in Shinjuku, and popular with locals for after-work dining. The atmosphere here is lively, and it’s a fantastic place to try different dishes while mingling with Tokyo residents.

For something totally unique, try the Kinoko Ryori restaurant within Ebisu yokocho which specializes in all things mushrooms.

Savor tea at Tokyo Saryo

A relatively new Japanese tea experience in town, Tokyo Saryo, in the residential area of Sangenjaya, is a minimalist café with an innovative approach to serving hand-drip Japanese tea.

Reservations here are a must, and during your experience you’ll pick two different types of Japanese tea, which will then be steeped and hand-dripped at various temperatures.

Enjoy a budget-friendly Michelin experience

Who doesn’t want a Michelin listed dish for just $10? I sure love discovering new restaurants on the top Michelin lists which continue to serve budget – friendly Japanese food.

Head to Iruca Tokyo for a yuzu infused ramen, in my opinion, much better tasting than Afuri.

Osobano Kouga is a soba restaurant that specializes in seafood toppings. Katsuyoshi is an exceptionally delicious tonkatsu restaurant which serves clam miso on the side.

Explore retro Tokyo in Yanaka Ginza

Yanaka Ginza is a retro shopping street in Tokyo’s Yanaka neighborhood, known for its Showa-era (1926-1989) atmosphere.

You’ll find small, family-run shops selling traditional crafts, snacks, and pottery. Don’t miss the fried cat tail doughnuts at Yanaka Shippoya, then head to the Sunset Stairs called Yuyake Dandan in Japanese, for a beautiful and unique photo spot.

View Tokyo from above at a high vantage point

Tokyo is vast and to really appreciate just how big this city is you should head to an observational deck that provides panoramic views of the city. What’s best is that on a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Two free of charge places to see Tokyo from above are the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and my favorite, the Ebisu Garden Place with a stunning top floor lobby.

Cross the bustling Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. You cross it along hundreds of other people crossing from all directions, converging in the middle.

To top it all up, the area is surrounded by neon advertisements and screens playing loud ads or music. It’s a true assault to your senses but in the best possible way.

It’s safe and fun and mind-boggling cool. If you are really fast, you might even be able to snatch a cool photo while crossing. There are many spots to see Shibuya crossing from above including Shibuya Sky for a fee or Shibuya Hikarie for free.

Stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen

You’d never believe that Shinjuku Gyoen, such a beautiful and peaceful garden, is located right in one of Tokyo’s busiest districts: Shinjuku. It’s a great spot for a walk surrounded by nature and the garden features three distinct styles: French Formal, English Landscape, and Japanese Traditional.

Don’t miss the Taiwan pavilion, which looks especially stunning in the autumn, and the lesser known glass house within the gardens, which are free to enter and explore. Shinjuku Gyeon is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo.

Shop for ceramics on Kappabashi Street

Kappabashi Street, also known as Kitchen Town, is located between Ueno and Asakusa in Tokyo. It’s a long street lined with stores specializing in kitchenware, restaurant supplies, and, ceramics.

You will find everything from everyday bowls and cups to high-end porcelain, all at reasonable prices.

Hunt for souvenirs in Jimbocho

Jimbocho is Tokyo’s bookstore district, with hundreds of bookstores specializing in everything from secondhand books to antique and rare collections. But did you know, Jimbocho is also a great place to find vintage magazines, maps, and posters?

While exploring the bookstores, keep an eye out for stores that sell old Japanese movie posters and woodblock prints. These make for unique and culturally rich souvenirs that are often overlooked by typical souvenir shoppers.

Experience iconic Tokyo fashion in Ginza

Fashion in Tokyo is not only iconic but affordable too. Ginza is the premier shopping district, but you can easily find budget-friendly shops from Japanese labels such as Uniqlo and Muji.

Japanese clothes and accessories are of very high standard, with fantastic materials. Plus, many stores offer tax-free shopping, so you can snatch the latest garments at much cheaper prices too.

Relax at an onsen in Tokyo

Head to Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro which is 40 minutes train ride from Shinjuku Station.

The onsen operates from 9 am to midnight, with last entry at 11 pm. Adult admission starts at ¥900 for a 5-hour stay. The facility combines traditional Japanese onsen elements with modern amenities, featuring indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna, and a relaxing garden area. I suggest learning a little about onsen etiquette before visiting and if you have tattoos, you might want to reserve a private room with onsen.

Find tranquility at Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located in a lush forest in the heart of Tokyo near Harajuku Station, making it very accessible during your trip to Japan.

Meiji Shrine was established in 1920 and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Enter the grounds, then immediately stop and admire its towering torii gates before taking the serene walk towards the main halls.

Meiji Shrine is open from dawn till dusk and is free to enter.

Immerse yourself in Harajuku’s colorful culture

Crazy pancakes, rainbow cotton candy and even rainbow grilled cheese, these are just a few of the delights you will find in Harajuku.

People from all over the world come to Harajuku to experience its youthful energy and fashion-forward shops, ranging from trendy boutiques to vintage clothing stores.

While Takeshita Street is the heart of Harajuku, venture off and explore the side streets. These areas feature unique, independent shops that aren’t as crowded, and offer a chance to find one-of-a-kind items.

Watch sumo training at a stable

There are several sumo stables that allow visitors to observe the morning practice sessions known as keiko. You’ll learn more about the rituals as well as the rigorous training and discipline required in sumo wrestling.

If you plan to visit a stable, remember that you’ll need to arrive early in the morning, typically around 6-7 AM, and sit quietly throughout the session to show respect to the wrestlers and their practice environment.

Enjoy crafted cocktails in SG Club

SG Club is one of my favorite bars in Tokyo because it has two levels, both with their own menu and uniquely crafted drinks. You’ll see ‘Sip’ for a more upscale, quiet experience, and ‘Guzzle’ for a casual, lively atmosphere.

Don’t just take my word for it, though, SG Club really is one of the most popular bars in the city because it’s been consistently featured in the World’s 50 Best Bars.

Indulge in an afternoon tea experience at Palace Lounge

The Palace Lounge, located in the luxurious Palace Hotel in Tokyo, offers an exquisite afternoon tea experience that you must absolutely add to your bucket list. In fact, it’s the best high tea I’ve ever had in my life and I cannot recommend it enough.

The Palace Lounge overlooks the Imperial Palace gardens, and provides a sophisticated setting to enjoy a selection of finely crafted teas, delicate sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

The afternoon teas here are usually themed and served on high quality Japanese ceramics created specifically for this purpose by masters from all around the country.

Try sophisticated coffee blends at Ogawa Coffee Labs

It doesn’t matter if you are a coffee aficionado, or you’re in search of a delicious morning coffee, Ogawa Coffee Laboratory is your destination. The coffee as well as the interior ticks every box.

For an incredible experience, sit at the bar, your front-row seat to the theater of coffee making. You can witness the baristas in their element, operating as part-scientist, part-artist as they brew your choice of espresso, AeroPress, or pour-over coffee.

Not sure what to order? Get the Blue Mountain pour over and be prepared to be amazed.

Visit a neko (cat) temple

Gotokuji Temple is a famous beckoning cat temple, believed to be the birthplace of the manekineko, the lucky cat figurine that is often seen in shops and homes across Japan, waving for good fortune and prosperity.

This temple is as quirky as it sounds, with shelves filled to the rim with beautiful white beckoning cats.

Purchase your own neko, add a message and leave it behind at the temple, so the gods bless you with fortune too, or grab a small charm as a souvenir. Either way, Gotokuji Temple is such a beautiful and unusual attraction in Tokyo that is as photogenic as it is interesting.

Walk along the Nakameguro River

If you are lucky enough to visit Tokyo during sakura season, you must head to Nakameguro River to admire the blooming cherry trees lining the riverbanks.

Outside of spring, it remains a pleasant place for a stroll, with lots of charming cafés and boutique shops along the way. Nakameguro is a really cool place with indie shops and international eateries. Schmatz is a great German place, while Clandestino is an authentic Italian.

Discover vintage treasures in Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway is a shopping complex in Nakano and, honestly, a treasure trove for fans of vintage and collectible items. You will want to come here especially for anime, manga, and retro games.

Nakano Broadway is full of shops that sell unusual things like rare figurines, old-fashioned Japanese movies on vinyl, and old-fashioned video games.

A word of warning though, make sure to arrive in the afternoon for the best experience. This is not the place for a morning stroll, and almost all shops open after 12pm.

Explore a depachika (food hall)

A depachika, found in the basement of many Japanese department stores, is a food hall that combines gourmet foods, sweets, and delicacies. These food marketplaces are ideal for sampling everything from beautifully presented bento boxes to fresh sushi, to exquisite pastries and seasonal treats.

The depachikas I frequent the most are Isetan, Central Plaza, Shibuya Tokyu Foodshow and Takashimaya.

Experience a temple breakfast

You don’t need to leave Tokyo to have a temple breakfast, you can have it right in the heart of the city at a place called Café Tsumugi, which belongs to Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple.

Tsumugi serves an 18-dish Buddhist-inspired breakfast with an array of small dishes alongside rice porridge, miso soup, and green tea, emphasizing local ingredients and flavors.

This breakfast is served daily until 10:30 AM, with only 110 servings available, making early arrival essential.

Find fresh fish at Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji Market is still a bustling hub for fresh seafood and produce at its outer market. The market consists of narrow lanes packed with small retail shops and food stalls selling fresh fish, seafood and packed seasoning.

While the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market continues to thrive, and it’s an ideal place to visit if you’re eager to sample fresh sushi, sashimi, and other seafood dishes.

Visit the Nezu Museum

Nezu Museum is renowned for its collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art but the most stunning point of attraction here is its glorious garden.

Nezu Museum was founded by Nezu Kaichiro in 1941, and it houses an impressive collection of works including tea ceremony utensils, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures. The garden is traditional Japanese and features small tea houses as well as a beautiful café with floor to ceiling glass walls to admire the surrounding nature.

Discover art at The National Art Center Tokyo

Art lovers should add The National Art Center Tokyo to their itinerary, as it is one of the most impressive museums not just in the city but in the whole of Japan.

The National Art Center Tokyo stands out for its distinctive wave-like glass facade designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa. This museum doesn’t have a permanent collection, instead, it hosts a dynamic range of rotating exhibitions, some of which are free and some, paid for.

Experience teamLab Borderless

Newly opened at Azabudai Hills, teamLab Borderless is a groundbreaking digital art museum created by the art collective teamLab.

This interactive museum blends technology, art, and design in a series of interactive installations that encourages you to explore and interact with a fantastical animated world. Just note that it’s one of the busiest attractions in Tokyo and thus, buying an advanced ticket is a must.

Taste high-end yakitori in Ginza

Sure, you can get yakitori on Omoide Yokocho, but did you know you can have a multi-course yakitori experience in Ginza? Head to Kuuraku, a yakitori establishment that uses premium cuts of chicken and other ingredients, grilling them to perfection over binchotan charcoal, which imparts a unique, smoky flavor.

Kuuraku offers counter seating which allows you to watch the skilled chefs at work but also ensures that each skewer is served directly from the grill at the ideal moment of readiness. This way, you can enjoy the freshest, most flavorful yakitori possible.