Whether you’re a culture vulture, a gamer, a foodie, or big city lover, Japan’s sprawling capital Tokyo offers visitors endless things to do, see, and eat.

If you’re planning on visiting Japan then chances are you will be spending some time in Tokyo – and lucky you! It’s an absolutely amazing city. From world‑class museums and quirky neighbourhoods to neon‑lit entertainment districts, serene parks, atmospheric temples, and a huge variety of incredible restaurants, Tokyo truly has it all. It even offers nearby beaches for a quick escape, making it one of the most versatile holiday destinations you could imagine. 

To help you narrow down what to do while here, I’m going to share twenty of my favourite things to do in Tokyo, which I hope will give you plenty of ideas for your next trip – ranging from the weird and whacky to the slightly more grown up and cultural.

Updated: October 2026

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Have a “Sushi Experience“

You haven’t experienced real sushi until you’ve eaten it in Japan. Whether it’s nigiri, maki, or temaki, the quality here is ridiculously high, and Tokyo is one of the best places to enjoy it.

There are numerous ways to enjoy sushi in the capital, from old school standing-sushi bars to conveyor-belt restaurants like Sushiro and Genki Sushi.

For something special though, book yourself in for an omakase experience. Literally meaning “I’ll leave it up to you”, you are invited to sit at the counter and leave the menu up to the chef, who prepares every course based on the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available that day. These are then served directly to you one-by-one. 

Omakase experiences can be pretty expensive, but are an unforgettable experience. Just be aware that reservations can be hard (or impossible) for some of the ultra high-end places – especially for foreigners. An excellent spot that does online reservations is Manten Sushi. Just make sure to book in advance though.

Marvel at Tokyo from above

Tokyo’s legendary, Bladerunner-like skyline, is one of the most iconic in the world, and the best way to fully appreciate the sheer scale of the city is from above.

There are dozens of observation decks around the city, but a couple of the most popular include the Tokyo Skytree, which at 634 meters (2,080 feet) tall is the tallest structure in Tokyo, and Shibuya Sky, which gives visitors birdseye views of the famous Shibuya Crossing from its 47th floor lookout. I’ve personally never understood the fascination with a zebra crossing though, but it seems to be a popular attraction.

• Admission: Tokyo Skytree: from JPY 3,000, Shibuya Sky: from JPY 2,700.

While these are of course excellent options, I highly recommend heading to the completely free – that’s right, free! – observation deck in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1. 

Located 243 metres (797 ft) up, it offers fantastic views across the city and even Mount Fuji on a clear day! Whether during the day or at night, a trip up to an observation deck is a must-do in Tokyo.

Dive into Tokyo’s museums

Tokyo is home to hundreds of fantastic museums, ranging from history and art museums to those dedicated to technology and anime, such as the Studio Ghibli Museum.

There are far too many to name here, but a couple I recommend are the Tokyo National Museum, a vast complex dedicated to Japanese art and culture whose collections include samurai swords and armour, sculptures, and ceramics, as well as Japanese artworks like Ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese woodblock prints).

• Admission: JPY 1,000

The next is the Edo-Tokyo Museum, where you go on a fascinating journey through some 400 years of history, from Tokyo’s Edo-period (17th to 19th Century), where you’ll learn all about daily life during this period, the samurai, the Shogunate, and the Imperial castle, to Tokyo’s more modern history and present day through historical artifacts, reconstructed models, dioramas, and interactive exhibits.

It’s a great place to learn about this fantastic city and its incredible transformation over the centuries.

• Admission: JPY 800

Rub shoulders with the locals at an izakaya

Izakayas are a classic part of Japanese culture. Part pub, part restaurant, these casual and lively spots are where locals head after work for a few (or more) pints of ice cold beer and glasses of sake, and tasty sharing dishes like yakitori, edamame, sashimi, and gyozas. They can be pretty noisy places at times, but that’s all part of the fun.

Izakayas can be found everywhere, but one of the most famous destinations is Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), a narrow alley in Shinjuku filled with tiny, atmospheric pubs. There’s also the area around Ameyoko Market in Ueno, and Ebisu Yokocho. This covered indoor alleyway full of small izakayas is where my friend from Tokyo took us on a past trip and it was great fun. I think we were the only tourists there too!

Izakayas in Tokyo have a mandatory cover charge or seating fee called “otoshi” that ranges from around JPY 200-400. If you don’t want to be hit with a higher than expected charge then simply ask about it before ordering.

Wander through peaceful parks

Tokyo may seem like one big, giant, concrete jungle, but there are actually some gorgeous green spaces here that are ideal for a relaxing stroll. 

I really love Japanese parks. They’re all usually very clean, well maintained, and typically feature scenic ponds and streams, shrines, and temples. I won’t name them all, but a few I can recommend include:

Hama-rikyu Gardens

This vast and picturesque landscaped garden has served several purposes over the centuries. Originally a shogun’s seaside retreat and duck hunting ground, it later became a detached palace of the Imperial Family before being donated to the public in 1945. Today it acts as a peaceful oasis where you’ll find scenic ponds, cherry blossoms, plum groves, flower fields, and a small tea house.

It’s a really lovely spot and well worth the entry fee.

• Admission: JPY 300

Ueno Park

This large and spacious park is a pleasant place to wander around, with wide paths, cafes, fountains, shrines, and a large pond which is covered in lotus plants on one half, and has paddle boats to rent on the other. 

Ueno Park is also the location of several major museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, as well as a zoo.

Inokashira Park

A beautiful and peaceful forested park with a picturesque pond with swan paddle boats, a small temple, a zoo, scenic pathways running through it, and plenty of benches to relax on. Inokashira Park is where the Studio Ghibli Museum is located too.

Tokyo’s parks are beautiful at any time of the year, but Autumn and Spring are the most striking, when the maple leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Get your matcha fix

Matcha is pretty much ubiquitous across Tokyo, turning up in cakes, lattes, ice cream and just about every sweet treat you can imagine. The flavour is also a world away from much of the matcha I’ve tried in Europe: earthier, richer and considerably more intense. It’s definitely not for everyone. I’ve heard matcha described as having a “sad grass” flavour, which, to be fair, I can understand! But Japan is the perfect place to give it a proper try.

For something a little more special, head to Hama-rikyu Gardens and the traditional teahouse sitting on the lake. For ¥600, you can enjoy a cup of fresh, authentic matcha served cold. If you’re flexible enough, grab a spot on the padded floor mats and sip your matcha while looking out across the lake towards Tokyo’s skyline.

Explore local neighbourhoods

When first time visitors come to Tokyo they usually stick to a few specific neighbourhoods, like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, etc. But for a more, dare I say, “authentic” experience I recommend getting on the subway and heading a little further out. Even just 30 minutes away you’ll end up in local areas where you’ll spot maybe a handful of other tourists.

One of my favourites is Kōenji, a slightly indie/punk neighbourhood known for its great value thrift shops along Koenji Pal Shopping Street, live music venues, and cozy cafes.

Then just a little further along the same subway line is Kichijōji, where you’ll find small art galleries, craft shops, and temples. It’s also right by Inokashira Park.

Discover the magic of Japanese convenience stores

Tokyo is filled with amazing places to eat, but if you’re on a bit of a budget then you’ll want to pop into a convenience store. 

Unlike convenience stores back home (at least my home), the food at Japanese convenience stores like 7/11, Lawson, and Family Mart is actually surprisingly tasty. You’ll be able to pick up sushi boxes, onigiri, deep fried goodies, grilled skewers, steamed buns, cakes and pastries, and some rather tasty sandwiches, including some with fruit in! My favourite though (and a lot of other people’s I’m sure) is the legendary egg salad sandwich (Tamago sando) which is creamy, buttery, and delicious.

Stock up on quirky souvenirs

Before heading to Tokyo you should judge how much space you have in your luggage, as you will definitely want to fill it with goodies while here. Japan is well known for its strange and quirky toys and souvenirs, and Tokyo is full of shops selling cute plushies of famous characters, funny little toys, anime figurines, cats made to look like sushi, the list is really endless. One of the most convenient places to stock up these gifts is Don Quiijote, a massive discount store chain.

You’ll also want to try a gacha machine. These little coin-operated vending machines stock a wide range of fun little toys and collectibles that come out in plastic capsules. Simply insert your coins (usually JPY 100-500), turn the handle, and see what comes out.

Wander through sacred sites

Tokyo is full of beautiful Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to pop by for a quiet escape from city life. These range from small shrines tucked away down tight alleys, to grand complexes with landscaped gardens.

Some of the most well known in Tokyo include the Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa. Tokyo’s oldest-established temple, it’s famous for its iconic five-story pagoda and the Nakamise Shopping Street that leads up to it. For cool views of the complex head up to the roof of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center.

Then there’s the Meiji Jingu. Located in a peaceful man-made evergreen forest next to Yoyogi Park, this massive Shinto Shrine is one of the largest in the capital. It features gardens, giant torii gates, shrine buildings, and displays of consecrated Sake Barrels.

You can mark your visit to the shrine by writing a wish on a wooden plaque (ema) for around JPY 500. You then hang your completed message on the racks in the shrine’s dedication area and hope that your wishes come true!

Don’t know the difference between a shrine and a temple? For me, the quickest way to distinguish the two is that shrines feature the simple torii gates (two vertical wooden or stone pillars topped by two horizontal crossbeams), whereas temple gates (sanmon) are more architectural and ornate structures with doors and walls.

Get your fill of ramen 

Japan has an infinite number of delicious delicacies to enjoy, but one of my favourites is Ramen. 

But it’s not just the taste I love, I also adore the atmosphere of the ramen shops. Walking down a neon-lit alley lined with small eateries, going inside and using the meal ticket vending machines (shokkenki) to order your food, grabbing a stool at the counter, and then being given a steaming bowl of delicious noodle soup is such a pleasing experience.

There are countless places to enjoy ramen in Tokyo, but a few I can highly recommend include;

• Ramen Kamo to Negi – This ramen chain is known for its wonderfully clear and delicate broth made from just three ingredients: duck, leeks, and water.
• Mensho Tokyo – This shop serves lamb-based ramen, which is quite unique but incredibly delicious. Try their
• Tsukemen (cold ramen noodles with an amazingly rich and deeply flavourful lamb dipping sauce that reminded me of a lamb roast dinner gravy!)
• Toribayashi – This great spot near the Edo-Tokyo Museum specialises in rich and creamy chicken paitan ramen, made by boiling chicken bones for a velvety, milky-white broth.
• Nakiryu Ramen – This excellent restaurant was the second ramen restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star and is famous for its spicy, creamy, and delicious Tantanmen (dan dan noodles).

Hit up the amusement arcades

Tokyo is well known for its noisy and hectic video arcades, so you should definitely stop by one during your travels. 

There are hundreds to choose from, particularly around Akihabara, but some of the best known are Taito Game Station, GIGO, and Mikado Game Centre. Here you can play the likes of Street Fighter, House of the Dead, Mario Kart, and Dance Dance Revolution.

The floors in these massive entertainment centres are usually split by genre, with shooting games on one floor, fighting on another, and racing and rhythm-based games on others. 

Even if you’re not great at gaming, it’s fun watching the locals who’ve dedicated hours of their time into perfecting their scores!

It’s not just video games though as there are also claw machines (UFO Catchers) where you can win prizes like anime figures, plushies, mascots, as well as random things like pot noodles and green tea sachets. 

Be careful with these though, as you’ll lose track of how much money you’ve put in trying to win that adorable sushi cat soft toy!

Geek out at the Nintendo Store

If you’re a Nintendo fan, or a gaming enthusiast in general, then you’ll definitely want to visit the Nintendo Store. Located on the 6th floor of the Shibuya PARCO mall, this fun, but slightly manic shop has all the merchandise you could possibly want, from limited edition goods, collectibles, and plushies to costumes, and even Nintendo themed homeware and clothing! 

So, whether you’re a fan of Animal Crossing, Mario, Kirby, or Zelda, you will be well catered for here. The store is also right next to the Pokémon Centre, so you can fully geek out while here!

Do a sake tasting experience

Doing a sake tasting is a great way to enjoy Japan’s national drink. 

In fact, I wasn’t a huge fan of this rice-based alcoholic beverage before visiting Japan, but after doing a few tastings it definitely grew on me.

There are a fair few styles to try, from dry and bold to more floral and delicate varieties, which can be enjoyed either cold or gently warmed, depending on the type.

Numerous bars around the city offer sake flights where you can try 3 or 4 small pours from a range of labels. You can also book yourself onto a proper sake tasting experience where an expert will teach you all about the making process, the different styles, and how to fully appreciate the flavours.

Doing a tasting will also give you some ideas on which type you like best, so you can look out for a bottle at duty-free!

Be dazzled by neon-lit districts

Many people associate Tokyo with massive displays of neon signs. But while this isn’t really what the majority of the city is like, especially as many shops transition to LED displays, there are still a few great places to experience this dazzling, retro-futuristic aesthetic.

A popular spot is Tokyo’s legendary gaming hub Akihabara Electric Town, but the highest concentration of neon-lights are in Kabukicho in Shinjuku. Known as the “Sleepless Town”, this famous entertainment district is full of narrow alleyways illuminated with traditional glowing gas-tube neon signs, making it a pretty spectacular and atmospheric sight at night.

Sing your heart out at a karaoke bar

Singing at a Karaoke bar is an absolute must-do while in Japan, and there are plenty of venues in Tokyo to experience this quintessential part of Japanese culture. You are typically put into private rooms or “karaoke boxes” (no public humiliation necessary), and can then choose from an enormous library of songs; literally everything I could think of, including my beloved one-hit-wonders from the 90s. 

All songs have English and Japanese translations and there’s a phone in each room to order food and beers from reception.

Be strangely tantalised by plastic food samples

Walking around Tokyo you will instantly notice that the restaurants often show what dishes they have on offer through plastic models, displayed at the entrance of the restaurant. These aren’t just convenient for those of us who can’t read Japanese menus, they are also uncannily realistic and even look appetizing! Mmm, plastic Tonkatsu…

What’s also great is that there are replica food shops! My husband and I spent way too long admiring the craftsmanship of these models and deciding what to buy (we opted for a nigiri magnet). They of course make novelty models too, like these saucy carrots!

Some of these shops also offer short little workshops where you can make your own food replica souvenirs.

Take a day trip to Kamakura

You’ll never run out of things to do in Tokyo, but if you want a little break from the big city then a day trip to Kamakura might be just what you need.

Just one hour away by train, this charming and historic coastal city is the birthplace of Japan’s first Shogunate (samurai-led military government), and served as the political capital of the country from 1185 to 1333.

Today, visitors flock here to see impressive historical landmarks, like the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kencho-Ji buddhist temple, and the 13th-century bronze Great Buddha at Kotoku-in.

There’s also Komachi Street, a long stretch filled with street food stalls and cute little shops. There’s a beach to enjoy here too. It’s not exactly Thailand, but it still looked quite nice.

You can also make the most of your day by joining an organised tour that combines Kamakura with nearby Enoshima. This charming island is home to atmospheric caves, historic shrines, and the Enoshima Sea Candle observation deck.

Attend a sumo wrestling tournament

Japan’s iconic national sport sumo dates back more than 1,500 years and remains a significant part of Japanese culture. And a great way to experience it is to attend a sumo tournament. 

The Official Grand Sumo tournaments are held just three times a year in January, May, and September at the Ryogoku Kokugikan national sumo stadium, with each event held over 15 days. However, tickets can be very hard to come by due to limited availability.

If you can’t manage to snag tickets for these events, don’t despair. There are also several smaller regional tours (Jungyo) throughout the year, morning-practice tours, and even live sumo shows where you can not only watch these huge athletes up close, but even challenge them!

Go real-life Mario Karting

If you’re a fan of Mario Kart (and who isn’t?) you’ll definitely want to do a Go-Kart Experience while in Tokyo. Although you won’t get to throw banana skins and tortoise missiles at people, you’ll still get to put on a costume of your favourite character, like Mario or Yoshi, hop into your kart, and be guided around the dazzling streets of Tokyo!

There are several experiences to choose from, including this go-karting experience in Shibuya. Tours typically last around one hour, and require an internationally recognized driving license.

I hope this post gives you some good ideas for whenever you visit Tokyo. If you’ve got any more suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

Planning a trip to Japan? Don’t miss my other Japan travel guides including Osaka, Kyoto, and a two-week Japan itinerary full of ideas and inspration.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow