Tokyo is a city you could explore for a lifetime and still find something new. Ancient temples sit next to glass towers, quiet gardens hide behind busy shopping streets, and every neighborhood has its own personality. If it is your first visit, these are the best things to do in Tokyo, from famous sights to local favorites.
The 20 Best Things to Do in Tokyo
1. Visit Senso-ji in Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple is reached through the Kaminarimon gate, with its giant red lantern, and the Nakamise shopping street. Go early in the morning or after dark, when it is lit up and much quieter.
2. Walk through Meiji Jingu
This Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, sits in a forest of around 100,000 trees right next to Harajuku. Walk under the huge wooden torii gates and see the wall of sake barrels donated to the shrine.
3. Cross Shibuya Crossing
Join the scramble at the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, then watch it from above at the Shibuya Sky observation deck. Say hello to the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog, while you are there.
4. Eat at the Tsukiji Outer Market
The wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu, but the Tsukiji Outer Market is still full of stalls selling fresh sushi, tamagoyaki (sweet omelet), grilled seafood, and kitchen tools. Go in the morning, as many stalls close by early afternoon.
5. Explore Harajuku and Omotesando
Takeshita Street is the center of youth fashion and crêpe stands, while nearby Omotesando is a tree-lined avenue of designer stores and striking architecture.
6. Get lost in Akihabara
Tokyo's "electric town" is packed with anime and manga shops, retro video games, electronics, and themed cafés.
7. See the view from Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Skytree, at 634 meters, is the tallest tower in Japan, with two observation decks. Tokyo Tower is older and smaller, but beautifully lit at night and closer to the center. On clear days, both have views of Mount Fuji.
8. Visit the Imperial Palace
The emperor's residence is surrounded by moats and stone walls. The East Gardens are open to the public for free on most days, and the area around Chidorigafuchi is lovely in cherry blossom season.
9. Relax in Shinjuku Gyoen
One of Tokyo's most beautiful parks mixes Japanese, English, and French garden styles. It is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
10. Drink in Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
In Shinjuku, Omoide Yokocho ("Memory Lane") is an alley of tiny yakitori stalls, and Golden Gai has around 200 miniature bars, many seating only a handful of people. Some charge a cover fee, so check before you sit down.
11. Spend a day in Ueno Park
Ueno Park is home to the Tokyo National Museum, several other museums, Ueno Zoo, and a pond full of lotus flowers. Nearby Ameyoko is a lively market street.
12. Visit the Ghibli Museum
Fans of Studio Ghibli films shouldn't miss this whimsical museum in Mitaka, designed by Hayao Miyazaki. Tickets are released monthly and sell out, so book as soon as you know your dates.
13. See digital art at teamLab
teamLab Planets in Toyosu and teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills are immersive digital art museums that are fun for all ages. Book ahead.
14. Go shopping in Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo's upscale shopping district, with flagship stores, department stores, and some of the world's best sushi restaurants. On weekend afternoons, the main street becomes pedestrian-only.
15. Explore Odaiba
This artificial island in Tokyo Bay has a beach, shopping malls, a life-size Gundam statue, and great views of Rainbow Bridge, especially at night.
16. Spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea is unique to Japan and often called the best Disney park in the world. Both parks are hugely popular, so buy tickets in advance.
17. Enjoy the nightlife in Roppongi
Roppongi has international bars and clubs, plus Roppongi Hills, where the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View observatory stay open late.
18. Visit Yanaka
One of the few neighborhoods that survived the war and earthquakes, Yanaka has old wooden houses, small temples, a peaceful cemetery, and a traditional shopping street.
19. See a sumo tournament or practice
Tokyo hosts three grand sumo tournaments a year (January, May, and September) at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Outside those months, some stables allow visitors to watch morning practice through a tour.
20. Take a day trip
Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone, and Mount Fuji are all easy day trips. See our guide to the best day trips from Tokyo.
Tips for Visiting Tokyo
- Get an IC card such as Suica or PASMO, or add it to your phone's wallet, for trains, buses, and convenience stores.
- Avoid rush hour on the trains, from around 7:30 to 9:30 AM.
- Stay central. Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Ueno are all convenient bases.
- Book popular attractions early, including the Ghibli Museum, teamLab, and Shibuya Sky at sunset.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Japan eSIM gives you data for maps and train routes from the moment you land. See the best Japan travel apps and compare plans in our Japan eSIM guide.
For photo ideas, see the best photo spots in Tokyo, and plan your wider trip with our Japan travel guide.
FAQs: Things to Do in Tokyo
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Three to four days covers the main sights. Add extra days for day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, or Hakone.
What is the best area to stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku and Shibuya are lively and well-connected, Ginza and Tokyo Station are convenient for the shinkansen, and Asakusa and Ueno are more traditional and often cheaper.
What can I do for free in Tokyo?
Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya Crossing, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and the observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are all free.
Is Tokyo expensive?
Hotels can be pricey, but food and transport are good value. See our tips for Japan on a budget.