Explore the vibrant spirit of Japan’s capital through iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, and unforgettable experiences. From historic shrines to buzzing street culture, Tokyo has something magical for every traveller.
Tokyo, the colourful capital of Japan, is one such place where modern innovation gracefully coexists in harmony with rich traditions. In fact, it never fails to entertain tourists with its wide variety of activities and sights that cater to all kinds of guests. From the electric buzz of Shibuya Crossing to the serene beauty of the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo promises to captivate every visitor. Main tourist attractions include the historic ambience of the Tokyo Imperial Palace and the breathtaking views from the towering Tokyo Skytree. Every site has its own story to tell, making them all must-visit destinations on your Japan travel itinerary.
Top Things to Do in Tokyo
- Shibuya Crossing
- Meiji Shrine
- Shinjuku Streets & Garden
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Tokyo Skytree
- TeamLab Borderless
- Harajuku Culture
- Asakusa & Sensō ji
- Ueno Park Cherry Blossoms
- Sumo Wrestling at Ryogoku Kokugika
Shibuya Crossing
“Dance with 3,000 strangers at once!”
No trip to Tokyo is complete without experiencing this iconic scramble vehicle stop in every direction while thousands of pedestrians flood the intersection simultaneously. It is (literally) organised chaos at its finest. Watch the crossing from an upper-floor café for a moving view of Tokyo’s buzz. The nearby Hachikō statue also injects emotion and nostalgia, and works well for a meeting rendezvous. A feast for the senses, this dazzling show is among the top things to do in Tokyo and should be on any list of Tokyo tourist places.
- Best time to visit: Evening, between 5 PM and 9 PM
- Tickets: Not Required
Meiji Shrine
“Find peace under 120,000 trees.”
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city at Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto sanctuary surrounded by a dense forest of more than 100,000 donated trees. Walk under grand torii gates and breathe deeply among sacred grounds. If you are lucky, you can catch traditional Shinto weddings, where you can witness authentic local culture. One of the best spiritual places to visit in Tokyo, where living tradition and green calm rub shoulders with fashionable Harajuku.
- Best time to visit: Morning before 11 am or late afternoon
- Tickets: Free entry (some museums/shows may have fees)
Shinjuku Streets & Garden
“Tokyo's neon jungle calls!”
During the day, explore the department stores or relax in Shinjuku Gyoen, a 58-hectare garden that beautifully combines Japanese, French and English landscapes (it is particularly magical in cherry blossom season). At night, explore the neon labyrinth of Golden Gai bars or Omoide Yokocho alleyways. This juxtaposition captures dynamic places to go in Tokyo, from tranquil green spaces to high-octane nightlife.
- Best time to visit: Gardens- Spring (March- April), Streets- Evening
- Tickets: Shinjuku Gyoen, 240-yen entry
Tsukiji Outer Market
“Sushi at dawn? Yes, please!”
Rise early and dive into the alley labyrinth of the Tsukiji outer market, where sushi bars serve the freshest tuna, grilled scallops, and tamagoyaki straight off the grill. This kaleidoscope of cosy sushi shops invites every traveller or tourist for a hearty sushi breakfast. Not to mention, the flavour of grilled scallops, whose natural sweetness is intensified through charring, or the delectable taste of tamagoyaki, sweet Japanese omelettes, piping hot and fresh off the grill. But the market is more than just fish; traverse its bustling stalls, and you'll find an impressive inventory of kitchen utensils for the culinary enthusiast, a range of seriously savoury Japanese snacks to tantalise your taste buds, and a sense that in this busy enclave, a lively culinary culture is very much at work. It's prime among Tokyo places to visit and food lovers' best things to do in Tokyo.
- Best time to Visit: 8 AM to 11 AM (Avoid Sundays)
- Tickets: Free entry, food prices may vary
Tokyo Skytree
“Tokyo at your fingertips at 634 m.”
Lifts take you to the panoramic decks of Tokyo Skytree where tourists can enjoy sweeping city views that stretch to Mount Fuji on clear days. Explore the kitschy stores and quirky restaurants in the adjacent Solamachi complex, and visit the all-ages appealing aquarium. This spectacular experience is hands down one of the most thrilling and spectacular things to do in Tokyo, and will give you an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime memory of one of the tallest and most famous sights in Tokyo.
- Best time to visit: Just before sunset around 5PM
- Tickets: Observation Deck, from 1000 to 2000 yen depending on level
TeamLab Borderless
“Get lost in art that moves you.”
This ground‑breaking museum invites you into light‑filled, interactive installations that dissolve boundaries between the art and the ones viewing it. Wander barefoot through fluid projections, glowing orbs, and sensory cascades. It's definitely a unique destination in Tokyo for someone looking for an exhilarating and visually captivating attraction: the perfect exposure to the digital world of creativity, and a new twist with a refreshing approach to the constantly changing wonders of digital art.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays before noon
- Tickets: Approximately 2500 yen (book online in advance)
Harajuku Culture
“Fashion, flair, and fun on every street.”
Dive into Harajuku’s bold and creative street culture, on Takeshita Street, with its tantalising variety of enchanting cosplay, playfully themed cafes, sweet pastel treats and downright daring fashion that dares the world to label it anything but original. This ever-changing district is a colourful representation of the young and rebellious Tokyo, full of loud and creative expression. One of the greatest, most fabulous, and eccentric places in all of Tokyo, Harajuku weaves eccentric attire with a deep history of culture, creating a must-see destination for those who want to experience the heart of modern urban life at its wildest and colourful.
- Best time to Visit: Weekends for full energy, weekdays if you prefer fewer crowds
- Tickets: Not Required
Asakusa & Sensō‑ji
“Step back into old Tokyo’s charm.”
Amidst the concrete jungle of Tokyo lies the oldest and most well-known temple, Sensō‑ji, which leads through the imposing Kaminarimon Gate and into an enchanting wonderland of old-world Japanese architecture. Navigating along its vibrant Nakamise-dōri promenade, a pedestrian-only shopping street lined with an interesting variety of souvenir shops and stalls, the pedestrian only street is flanked by a variety of outlets that also have tempting street food. Every morsel turns out to be a sneak peek into the majestic world of local delicacies. Even better, spend a few moments taking in the peaceful beauty of the pagoda and its quiet interior garden, where the natural and the spiritual beauty mix together to create a meditative oasis apart from the city’s chaos. It’s a historic must visit in Tokyo that reveals local craftsmanship and spiritual heritage.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or after 6 PM
- Tickets: Free entry (optional extras like rickshaw rides available)
Ueno Park Cherry Blossoms
“Spring turns Tokyo pink.”
As the magical season of spring comes into bloom, Ueno Park transforms into a picturesque wonderland of soft pinks, as a dizzying landscape of cherry trees suddenly comes into full blossom, presenting a mesmerising display for an audience of eyes and minds. Foreign travellers visiting Tokyo can relax and rejuvenate at Shinobazu Pond, at the calm and placid water’s edge, or enjoy many other cultural amenities in the vicinity, including the popular and highly regarded Tokyo National Museum. One can also stroll leisurely on the quiet premises of different shrines where you can experience peace and serenity. The beautiful area is among the best places in Tokyo to visit to experience the beloved tradition of hanami, a pastime that entails soaking up all of the cultural and natural beauty that spring has to offer in Tokyo at this time of year.
- Best time to visit: Late March to Early April (Known as cherry blossom season)
- Tickets: Park- Free; Museums inside- approx. 500-1000 Yen
Sumo Wrestling at Ryogoku Kokugikan
“Witness thunderous stomps and grand tradition!”
Watch disciplined rikishi compete in Japan’s national sport at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Adorned with tradition and cultural significance, this iconic stage provides a spectacular platform for these world-class athletes to demonstrate their phenomenal power and ability. Without a tournament in session, visitors will also be able to enjoy rare experiences like guided tours and excursions to sumo stables, where they can get an up-close look at the complex training rituals and rich history of the ancient sport. A powerful, traditional Tokyo tourist place that connects ancient sport and culture.
- Best time to visit: January, May and September for the official tournament
- Tickets: From 1500 Yen upwards (book early during tournaments)
Whether you are a foodie, history buff, nature-lover, or fashionista, Tokyo is sure to enthral you with its eclectic range of experiences and lively ambience. Dive into the city's unique blend of past and future with a well-curated Tokyo tour package and enjoy everything from serene shrines to the neon-lit buzz of nightlife. Your dream Tokyo trip starts here!
FAQs
Q1: Tokyo is huge. Where do I start if I want to really experience the city?
Start small. Pick a neighbourhood like Shimokitazawa for indie culture, Yanaka for old Tokyo charm, or Nakameguro for riverside cafés and quiet vibes. Tokyo isn’t just about checking off districts, but also about observing vending machine rituals, hearing salarymen laugh over sake, and other local ongoings. Let the city unfold street by street, not skyline by skyline.
Q2: What are some cultural experiences in Tokyo that feel genuinely immersive?
Spend a few quiet hours at a neighbourhood sentō (public bath) where locals unwind in silence. It’s a window into Tokyo’s unspoken etiquette. Join a tea ceremony at a traditional teahouse in Hamarikyu Gardens or a ryokan-style hotel. Or attend a sumo practice in Ryogoku at dawn. It is a raw, rhythmic tradition where strength meets silence.
Q3: How do I eat like a local in Tokyo?
Ditch the tourist-packed sushi joints in favour of standing izakayas under train tracks in Yurakucho or Omoide Yokocho’s tiny grill bars. Grab onigiri from a konbini at midnight. Visit Tsukiji’s outer market for steaming tamagoyaki, or hunt down a neighbourhood soba shop where salarymen eat in silence. Tokyo food culture isn’t always fancy; it’s quick, quality-driven, and often deeply personal.
Q4: Can I experience nature or quiet spaces inside Tokyo’s urban sprawl?
Definitely. Head to Todoroki Valley in Setagaya. It’s a real forest trail tucked inside a residential neighbourhood. Stroll around Meiji Shrine’s grounds early in the morning, when it’s just you and the crows. Or visit Kiyosumi Garden, one of Tokyo’s most serene landscaped gardens with koi ponds and stone paths. Tokyo constantly balances chaos with calm; you just have to follow the locals to find it.
Q5: What are some offbeat souvenirs or experiences to bring home?
Instead of standard souvenirs, look for handmade items from craft shops in Yanaka Ginza or vintage kimonos from flea markets. Consider taking a washi paper or calligraphy workshop in Asakusa. Even better, bring home a story: a quiet conversation with a tea master, a forgotten bookstore discovery in Jimbocho, or a tiny charm from a neighbourhood shrine.
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