Things to Do in Tokyo: A City of Floating Lanterns and Blossoming Traditions

Have you been to a place that seems to be right out of an arthouse cinema? How could a place be running and pausing all at once? Just now, you were running to catch your next train from Shibuya, and suddenly, you are standing under a canopy of cherry blossoms, the petals drifting like soft confetti over your head. Or maybe, later that night, when you’re walking through a narrow lane lit only by red lanterns, you find nothing but just the air drenched in the scent of grilled skewers and quiet stories.  

The city of Tokyo isn’t just bright, it glows. It is a place where opposites are not only attracted but they also hold hands and go strolling. The future lives in Shibuya’s neon heartbeat, while the past lingers quietly in the incense trails of Asakusa. You’ll find no shortage of stuff to do in Tokyo, but sometimes, the best experience isn’t ticking off a list, it’s just standing still. While there are a lot of places to visit in Tokyo, you would want to just stand in the middle of the city and let the city itself open up to you, like a box full of magic.

Top Things to Do in Tokyo  

• Asakusa 
• Senso-ji Temple 
• Ueno 
• Skytree 
• Shibuya 
• Harajuku 
• Tsukiji Outer Market 
• Omoide Yokocho

Asakusa 

If there is something absolutely must-do thing in Tokyo, it is to visit Asakusa. You step off the subway, and it’s almost like entering an old dream. At the centre is Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and perhaps most revered. The path leading to it, Nakamise Street, is lined with tiny shops selling hand fans, rice crackers, yukatas, and paper lanterns. But it's not just the shopping. It is that aura of mystic energy with incensed air and mild hums of prayers that make the place feel like an Ando Hiroshige masterpiece. And when the evening comes, the lanterns flicker to life, transporting you to the spirit world from Spirited Away. 

Senso-ji Temple 

If you are unsure what to do in Tokyo that truly connects you to its soul, start here. Established in 645 AD, the Senso-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most revered landmarks in Tokyo, Japan. And what could be more interesting than a place with a legend? So, the story goes that two fishermen brothers discovered a statue of Kannon in the Sumida River. Despite returning it to the river multiple times, it kept reappearing in their nets. Recognising its significance, the village chief enshrined it, leading to the establishment of Senso-ji Temple. What could be more rewarding than visiting a place as mystical as Senso-ji?!

Ueno 

Life cannot just pass by without giving you some cherry blossoms in your life! Another absolutely must-do thing to do in Tokyo is to witness the cherry blossoms. Not far from Asakusa, Ueno unfolds like a painter’s canvas in spring. Come March or early April, Ueno Park transforms into a sakura wonderland. The cherry blossoms explode in white and pink, and Tokyoites gather beneath them with picnic mats, bento and beer. This is not the only thing to do in Tokyo’s Ueno; you will also have a zoo and museums here. So, as you unwind with a moment of pause, you may continue with an enriching vacation experience.

Skytree 

When all the fun stuff to do in Tokyo is being talked about, you just can’t skip Tokyo Skytree. Looking over Sumida City, not far from Asakusa, the Skytree is your opportunity to view everything. If you wish for an unforgettable thing to do in Tokyo City, then this is the place. You don’t have to do much here, just take the elevator up, and that’s, honestly, it. Standing atop Skytree, Tokyo, Japan, the city unfolds beneath you in a mesmerising panorama. When planning your Tokyo itinerary, do ensure to include this exclusive destination for a 360-degree experience.

Shibuya 

If you are wondering what to do in Tokyo to really feel the chaos and charm of the city, then Shibuya is it. If Asakusa is a gentle whisper, then Shibuya is Dave Grohl in your ears. Hundreds of, thousands of people crossing at once, Shibuya is pure chaos, pulsing through Tokyo’s neon-lit veins. One of the once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Tokyo city would be to step into Shibuya Scramble Square or take a detour to Hachiko’s statue, and suddenly, you're part of the rhythm and rhapsody.

Harajuku 

Harajuku feels like cotton-candy dreamland. Visiting Harajuku is amongst the top things to do in Tokyo. The moment you step onto Takeshita Street, it hits you, the colour, the crowd, the chaos. Shopfronts are crammed with frilly dresses, platform boots, oversized plushies, and accessories that look like they’ve time-travelled from a rainbow. You’ll spot people in outfits that are somewhere between cosplay and couture. Harajuku is Tokyo’s youth culture on display in full HD. If you’re looking for fun stuff to do in Tokyo that doesn’t fit into a tidy box, Harajuku is for you. When here, do not miss out on crepes filled with strawberries and whipped cream.

Tsukiji Outer Market 

Eating is probably the best thing to do in Tokyo. Trying out food in any destination is the best way to understand the culture of any place. Tucked near Ginza, Tsukiji Outer Market is where Tokyo wakes up hungry. It’s loud in the gentlest way, vendors calling out, knives tapping, steam rising. You’ll find grilled scallops, fresh tuna bowls, tamago on sticks, and miso soup that feels like a warm hug. Eat standing up, napkins in your pocket, soy sauce on your sleeve, amongst the most enriching stuff to do in Tokyo. It’s messy, it’s warm, and honestly, it’s one of the most interesting things to do in Tokyo city.

Omoide Yokocho 

If you are looking for some unreal stuff to do in Tokyo, Omoide Yokocho is the place to be. When the sun dips, head to Omoide Yokocho, also known as “Memory Lane.” This narrow alley in Shinjuku is a tightrope of smells, grilled meat, beer, and nostalgia. The lanterns don’t just light up the street, they light up memories. Yours, mine, the city’s. Each izakaya fits about six people, maybe eight if you squeeze. You sit shoulder to shoulder with strangers. Drink cold sake. Eat yakitori fresh off the grill. Maybe talk. Maybe just nod. Doesn’t matter, the moment is enough. If you're looking for stuff to do in Tokyo, Japan that feels real and unfiltered, this is it.

Right when you start to think that there is not much stuff to do in Tokyo, the city will surprise you. From enjoying a peaceful time beneath the cherry blossoms to walking through the narrow streets lined with shops, Tokyo is a kaleidoscope. When you book your tour package to Tokyo, Japan, ensure you have ample time to explore all the important places.