The Best Things to Do in Tokyo: The Top 10 Options
Tokyo is an unparalleled blend of rich history and cultural heritage with a high-tech character and futuristic vibes. Therefore, it is a unique destination, attracting technology enthusiasts and visitors drawn by Japanese culture and traditions. Do you plan to visit the one-of-a-kind Japanese capital? You’ll find numerous things to do in Tokyo. Thus, if you want to make the most of your stay, you should plan your itinerary wisely. Check out the best things to do in Tokyo, and based on your preferences and journey duration, explore as much of this vibrant city as possible.
1. The Tokyo Skytree
The tallest building in Japan and one of the world’s tallest self-supporting towers is located in Tokyo. Tokyo Skytree is a gigantic silver tower that offers a unique experience to its visitors. The tower houses two observation decks: the Tembo Deck located 350m (1.150ft) above the ground and the Tembo Galleria, even higher at 450m (1.475ft), featuring a spiral ramp that offers even more thrilling views. Visitors can enjoy stunning views during the daytime, even up to Mount Fuji on clear days. On the other hand, both observation decks offer breathtaking panoramas of Tokyo’s skyline during the night. The Tokyo Skytree has a gift shop on its 345th floor, while the 340th floor offers a unique experience with its glass floor. A shopping mall can also be found on the basement level. Overall, if you plan to visit the Tokyo Skytree, you should bear in mind that in-advance reservations typically come with lower prices.
2. The Top Religious Thing to Do in Tokyo: Sensō-ji Temple
If you want to explore the city’s religious traditions, you should definitely consider visiting the Sensō-ji Temple. It is the most renowned temple in Japan and the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in Tokyo. It is claimed to house a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. However, the image isn’t displayed. Still, although no one has witnessed it, the temple continues to attract believers who come to the temple to pray and experience its sacred atmosphere. You’ll be impressed by the Sensō-ji Temple from the very beginning: the Thunder Gate, the entrance to the temple, is striking, adorned with statues and a giant red lantern. Once you enter the area, you’ll have to walk to the temple. You’ll spot stalls along the way, selling souvenirs and spiritual items. Apart from the main temple’s building, you’ll see a Pagoda on one side, spreading over five levels, along with a shrine on the eastern part of the complex. Right outside the temple, cauldrons with incense are believed to have healing qualities. As a result, visitors to the temple often try to rub their bodies with the therapeutic smoke.
3. The Tokyo Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace, the former glorious Edo-jō, which was the Tokugawa shogunate’s castle, used to be one of the largest fortresses in the world during its time. Unfortunately, the castle itself hasn’t been preserved. Thus, visitors can only see its remains, as well as a miniature model representing its original structure. The majority of the Imperial Palace’s complex is used as the emperor’s home. Thus, it isn’t open to the public. That being said, a small part of the premises is accessible, along with the eastern gardens and the Kōkyo-gaien, the national garden, featuring moats and museums. Various tours are organized, with guides revealing the area’s history and allowing travelers to fully explore the gardens.
4. The Iconic Shibuya Crossing
Who could imagine that a crossing could be one of the top things to do in Tokyo? However, when it comes to one of the busiest junctions in the world, you can’t leave Tokyo without crossing it. Shibuya Crossing is one of the most iconic images of Tokyo. It is estimated that during the city’s busy hours (especially on Friday and Saturday nights) up to 3000 people cross the five crosswalks at the same time. Does it sound chaotic to you? That’s hardly the case. Everything stays in order here, perfectly synchronized with Japanese discipline and courtesy. The crowded streets, the surrounding skyscrapers, the neon-lit advertisements, and the music from the ads and the stores create a vibrant and spellbinding atmosphere. On the other hand, if you want to observe the crossing from above, you should reach the rooftop lounge of the Shibuya 109 department store (Mag 8) and enjoy the view.
5. The Extraordinary teamLab Planets Tokyo
The sensory museum opened its doors in 2018 and has spoken to all the five senses of millions of visitors since then, becoming one of the must things to do in Tokyo, regardless of your interests. The digital art facility is an unparalleled establishment, combining technology with art and nature. Here, you’ll wander around the rooms -each one being an actual work of art- barefoot under the sounds of classical music. You’ll even walk through water in two of the establishment’s rooms. Light, sound, and materials transform into masterpieces. 3D visuals, mirrors, flowers (you’ll find one room filled with 13000 orchids), orbs’ replicas, and so many other elements create works of art utilizing technology and its innovations. However, the most impressive fact of the museum is the visitors’ interaction with the artworks. Indeed, visitors don’t just observe art. They become part of it.
Our Tip: Download the relevant app, approach your smartphone close to the fire area, and take the artwork home with you.
6. A Natural Escape is One of the Best Things to Do in Tokyo: Koishikawa Kōrakuen
One of the oldest gardens in Tokyo, Koishikawa Kōrakuen, dates back to the Edo period and is regarded as a top experience for travelers visiting Tokyo. The botanical garden mixes elements of Japanese and Chinese cultures, while the surrounding Tokyo Dome’s skyline adds to the scenic scenery, only to enhance, through the contrast, its peaceful and serene character. The Chinese-influenced Full Moon Bridge from the early Edo period and the picturesque Tsuten-kyō Bridge are two of the most popular landmarks in the gardens. Enjoy the calmness and delve into the idyllic scenery, where maple and cherry trees are, undoubtedly, the highlight during blossom season.
7. The Must Thing to Do in Tokyo During Your Stay: Visit Ryogoku Kokugikan
The impressive sumo wrestling hall has a total capacity of 11.000 visitors and is conveniently located in Ryogoku district, Tokyo’s district known for its strong connection to sumo philosophy. The Sumo Museum can also be found nearby, while several surrounding restaurants serve dishes inspired by Sumo cuisine. The current stadium was built in 1984, although a sumo wrestling facility has been located on the site since 1909. Tournaments are organized three times a year, while the stadium also hosts a few other sports events. Hence, if you are in Tokyo during a sumo tournament, you should definitely consider visiting Ryogoku Kokugikan during your stay. The one-of-a-kind wrestling matches, the stadium’s traditional interior, and the loud voices of the crowd guarantee thrilling moments. You can even participate in one of the provided tours. In that way, you’ll enjoy the match while gaining useful insight into sumo philosophy and tradition.
8. Tokyo National Museum
It can be described as the most important museum in Tokyo without exaggeration. It is the largest museum in Japan, housing more than 100.000 exhibits. Therefore, there is no other place where Tokyo’s history and evolution over time are more tangible than here. Do you think the samurai tradition is thrilling? Are you an art lover eager to immerse yourself in Japanese culture? If so, you should definitely visit the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest museum facility in the city that opened its doors in 1872. There, you’ll find samurai armor and swords, woodblock prints (ukiyo-e), pottery, kimonos, sculptures, and other interesting exhibits. If you don’t have much time to spare, you should keep in mind that Honkan (Japanese Gallery) houses the “Highlights of Japanese Art”. Finally, the impressive museum’s gardens are usually inaccessible. Still, if you have the chance, you should explore them, enjoying strolls around the cherry trees and the five traditional teahouses.
9. The Top Thing to Do in Tokyo With Children (and Without): Tokyo Disney Resort
A visit to Tokyo Disney Resort will offer you not one but two themed parks. Located a 40-minute ride from downtown Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea take pleasure to unbelievable limits. In Tokyo Disneyland, you’ll observe the Disney stories come to life in front of you while strolling over the splendid seven themed zones: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country, Mickey’s Toontown, and World Bazaar, a facility found only in Tokyo Disneyland. The park also offers majestic parades, shows, various activities, and thrilling rides and features numerous gift shops and dining options. It is worth mentioning that it was the first Disney establishment to open outside the USA. On the other hand, Tokyo DisneySea opened its doors in 2001 and is a unique Disney park, unlike any other in the world. Instead of parks, it features themed ports and guarantees equally exciting experiences as Tokyo Disneyland. Moreover, a shopping mall boasting numerous shopping facilities and a cinema is also located inside the Tokyo Disney Resort complex.
10. The Most Relaxed Thing to Do in Tokyo
Do you want to see as much of Tokyo’s sights as possible while avoiding the hassle? You’ll find tour operators providing hop-on hop-off shuttle services in Tokyo. The Hop-on Hop-off Buses stop at all the popular parts of the city, providing connections to all the major sites and attractions. Thus, you can board the bus and disembark wherever you feel like it, only to catch the next route without needing to pay for an extra ticket. In fact, you can repeat that process as many times as you want as long as you don’t exceed a certain time frame. Please note that the roof of the double-decker buses is open, allowing passengers to take in Tokyo’s skyline and neighborhoods, depending on the weather conditions.
Alternatively, you can explore Tokyo from the water. You’ll find several cruises along Tokyo’s rivers and the waterfront. From water buses providing connections to the futuristic Himico Line and the unique yakatabune, you can admire the Japanese capital seated comfortably and enjoying scenic views. On the other hand, dinner cruises are another option, offering night views of the illuminated city and a mouthwatering culinary experience.