24 Must Do Things in Tokyo
(2025 Guide)
Bell 18th August
Tokyo, the capital of Japan and a must-visit destination on any trip to this beautiful country full of culture, history, beautiful nature and amazing food. If you are planning your trip to this mega city, here are all my top things to do while there.
I visited Tokyo in April this year and honestly found the planning stage leading up to my trip a bit stressful. It’s just such a huge city and there are countless areas to stay in and things to do.
So, to help you out if you are in a similar situation, I wrote this guide. We will discuss best areas to stay, getting around and of course, all the things I think you should add to your itinerary based on my experience.
Of course, you don’t have to do them all! I have added some guides and costs as well as budget-friendly alternatives for some of the more expensive options, which means you can personalise your itinerary to fit your trip.
Here are my 24 top things to do in Tokyo, including all of the famous landmarks and some more off-the-beaten-path attractions:
This blog may contain affiliate links to support the running of the blog. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
How to get to Tokyo?
Whether you are flying into Tokyo or headed there from your previous destination by train/bus, here is exactly how to get to the city center:
Flying into Tokyo
There are two airports in Tokyo – Narita and Haneda. I personally flew into Narita which I believe is where most budget international flights land. Many say that Haneda is the nicer of the two, though I had no issues at Narita.
I usually check on Kiwi.com and Skyscanner for the cheapest flights and which airport to fly to.
How to get from the airport to Tokyo City Center
This will be different for each airport, but I actually used Google Maps to find the cheapest way to get to my accommodation.
Haneda Airport:
The cheapest way from Haneda Airport to the city centre is either by Monorail (600-700 yen/$4.50) or by Keikyu Airport Line (about 500 yen/$3.40 to city centre). Both will take around 45 minutes to an hour depending on where in Tokyo you are headed.
You can also get the Limousine Bus for a more convenient journey. It costs around $10 and takes 45 minutes to most hotels.
Narita Airport:
The cheapest way to and from Narita Airport is the Asakusa/Keisei Narita Line. It will get you to central for around 1,400 yen ($9.40) and takes a bit more than an hour.
Alternatively, you could take the Narita Express Train which takes 50ish minutes and costs ~3,250 yen ($22), or the Keisei Skyliner which takes around 40 minutes and costs ~2,470yen ($16.60). Your destination within Tokyo will depend on which one is better.
There is also an Airport Limousine Bus which is really convenient if you have heavy luggage as you will not need to drag it through Tokyo’s stations. The bus takes +/- 90 minutes and costs roughly $25.
From Osaka/Kyoto to Tokyo
You have three options to get to Tokyo from Osaka and Kyoto. The quickest is flying and can sometimes even be one of the cheapest, check for flights here.
The second option is the famous Shinkansen which costs around $110 and takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. Make sure to book a seat on the Mt. Fuji side (right side when coming from Toyko and left side when starting in Kyoto/Osaka) for the best views.
The last option is an overnight bus, which saves you a night on accommodation but the standard seats are not that comfortable (speaking from experience). If you book early enough, the sleeper comfort seats can still be cheap though and are well worth it. I personally went with Willer Travel as it is the most well-known, but you can find other options here.
Related Article: My Experience Taking the Night Bus from Kyoto to Tokyo
Where to stay in Tokyo?
Tokyo has an amazing public transportation network, however, it stops between around midnight and 5am. That means if you are out enjoying the nightlife or a late dinner, you should be really careful with timing or pick a close neighbourhood.
I’d say for anyone wanting to try the nightlife, definitely stay near Shinjuku. Otherwise, good areas are Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza and Tokyo Station.
Best hostels in Tokyo for backpackers:
Unplan Shinjuku Hostel Den
LYURO Tokyo Kiyosumi
Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa
First Cabin Ichigaya
Avoid: TenTen Guesthouse Asakusa – I stayed here and felt really unsafe as a solo, female traveller.
Best hotels in Tokyo:
How to get around Tokyo using public transport?
Tokyo’s public transportation network is extensive and pretty efficient. You can either buy single trip tickets at the ticket machines each time or use an IC card. An IC card is a prepaid card that you can use for transportation or even the convenience stores, lockers and many more things around Japan.
Tokyo’s version is called Suica but you can also use Osaka’s Icoca card or any other. Prices start at ¥1000 including a 500yen deposit that is refundable at the end of your holiday. The other 500yen are loaded onto the card. You can buy the ICOCA at JR stations or Kansai airport and top it up at any train/subway station and most convenience stores. You can also add the card directly to your Apple wallet.
I used Google Maps to get around Tokyo and navigate the subway system and found it pretty easy. It will tell you where to get on and off and even which exit to best take (stations in Japan have MANY exits so getting the right one will save a lot of time). You likely will still get lost – I once spent 30 minutes running around Shinjuku station and could not find the exit. It’s part of the experience 😀
Top things to do in Tokyo
1. Explore the lively Shinjuku neighbourhood and see the Giant 3D Cat
Shinjuku is one of my favourite areas of Tokyo and a great place to start exploring this mega city. It is the liveliest, with the typical skyscrapers full of neon lights, packed arcades, any store you can think of and all in a walkable criss-cross of streets.
You will also find a lot of the must-visit shops here, such as Daiso, Don Quijote, GU (Uniqlo’s more affordable sister shop), several shopping malls such as LUMINE EST Shinjuku and my personal favourite, all the convenience stores. The first time in a Japanese 7-Eleven always feels like Christmas morning. There are so many delicious looking but still affordable things to try out!
Make sure to visit the famous 3D Cat that plays across the neon screen of Cross Shinjuku Building. The 3D effect is impressive (best at night) and the cat comes every few minutes, dotted between ads.
Another fun sight in this area is the Godzilla Head, best observed from Central Rd. It is in the Kabukichō area of Shinjuku, which is the red-light district of Tokyo, full of hostess/host bars.
2. Get free 360° views of Tokyo from the Metropolitan Building
If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative to Shibuya Sky, the Government Building is the place to go. It has a North and South Tower which both have 360° observation decks on the 45th floor. You can check the queue times for both towers here.
You will get sweeping views over Tokyo from each tower and on a clear day, you can see as far as Mt. Fuji. South tower is open from 9.30am to 5pm and North tower until 9.30pm.
There are two lifts for each tower and it does get busy, I waited about 30 minutes at 3pm. It could be longer closer to sunset, but that is also one of the best times to head up to see the city come to life at night. There’s a café at the observation deck if you want to wait around for sunset.
3. Go back in time with food and a drink at Omoide Yokocho
This alley, often referred to as Memory Lane, is nestled just around the corner of Shinjuku station. It acts as a tribute of what Tokyo looked like before the bright neon lights and skyscrapers became the norm.
Its origins date back to just after World War II, where this open air market (illegally) materialised in the burnt-down remnants of Shinjuku to sell everyday essentials. While it has since been destroyed several times by further fires and the construction of Shinjuku station, it was rebuilt again and again.
Today, you will find eateries and bars here, serving delicious meals from cramped kitchens on tiny stools at the side of the alley. Most will sell some sort of charcoal-grilled meat skewers and also stews. A ton of them are Izakaya restaurants which are bar-type places that sell share food items.
I’d recommend just wandering down this lane and seeing which menu speaks to you and has space! You won’t be the only tourist here, but will also sit amongst many locals enjoying some food after a long day at work.
4. Learn about Japan’s royal history at the Imperial Palace and Gardens
Something that wasn’t on my radar as a must-visit and I wish I had planned more time in for is the Imperial Palace and Gardens.
The Imperial Palace is the main place of residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, situated on the former site of Edo Castle. The huge palace and its gardens is surrounded by a moat and huge stone walls, which turn into one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in spring.
The palace ground are only accessible via a tour, which is held in English and Japanese, twice daily, Tuesday to Saturday. This is free but it’s advised to book in advance as spots go quickly. For this tour, you meet your guide at the Kikyomon Gate, a 10-minute walk from Nijubashimae Station or Otemachi Station.
The East Gardens of the Palace are also free and can always be visited (except Monday and Friday) but bring minimal bags as they are checked and EXTREMELY strict. The gardens are stunning, well-maintained and make for a lovely walk. You can access the gardens through Otemon Gate, Hirakawa-mon Gate, and Kitahanebashi-mon Gate.
On Sundays, you can rent bikes for free from 10am to 3pm to cycle around the palace walls.
5. Grab a drink at one of the unique bars of Golden-Gai
Entering the Golden Gai area of Shinjuku feels like entering an alternate era, with tiny alleys full of even tinier, mismatched bars and restaurants. Both foreigners and locals are plenty here, with some bars only accepting locals or “club members”.
Don’t let you put that off though. Golden Gai is one of those experiences you will remember for years to come and a must-do while in Tokyo. Each exclusive bar has a speciality or theme and sells local alcohol and sometimes snacks to the 5 or 6 seats that fit in the bar.
Some bars have cover charges (1000-2000 yen/$6-14). I found though that most with cover charges then had cheaper drinks and those without charged around 1000yen+ for drinks.
Our bar was on the top floor, totally unassuming and we chose at random. You don’t really know what to expect until you enter an establishment here.
Ours had friendly staff and delicious drinks, the menu of which was found inside old fairy-tale books. The entire evening here felt dreamy in that “expect the unexpected” way.
6. Hunt for trendy fashion in Harajuku, specifically Takeshita Street
Harajuku is THE trendy area of Tokyo and epicentre of fashion. The most well-known and busiest street here is Takeshita street. It is full of trendy stores, unique accessories and has deep links to Japanese anime culture with cosplay shops and themed cafes.
Heading here earlier in the day will make the crowds a little more manageable.
Cat Street is just around the corner and offers even more “kawaii” shops and some great food options such as the delicious Esoragoto Udon.
Make sure to check out Tokyu Plaza shopping mall with its Kaleidoscope of mirrors. The popular store “niko and…” is also in this area, with tons of cute accessories and unique clothing items.
While here, I’d also recommend heading to Latte Pocket, which have THE CUTEST latte art you will ever see. A drink with the 3D art will set you back around $10 but it is worth it if you have the time and budget for this extra cuteness. You can prepare the character you want on your phone for them to recreate.
7. Watch thousands of people cross at once at the world’s busiest pedestrian, Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is a big intersection with 5 different crossings that all go at the same time, leading to huge amounts of people to “scramble” across the road at the same time. It has gone viral on social media and while a little overhyped, is certainly worth seeing.
It is best experienced from above, with several paid but also free options for this. We went to the Starbucks that sits at one of the crossing points. You are supposed to buy a drink, but there is a cramped window by the escalators where you can get a view of the crossing for free. The Starbucks isn’t very high up and SO packed, so I don’t think its worth buying a drink for this view.
If you head to the Shibuya Mark City shopping mall and head up to its glass-window walkway on the upper floor, you will also get a great view of the crossing for free.
Another fantastic free option is at the top of Shibuya Hikarie shopping centre. Head to the 11th floor for free views of the crossing.
You could also head to the Share Lounge above Starbucks, where you can get a great view of the crossing as well as unlimited snacks and drinks for one hour for 1,650 yen ($11). I think it’s worth it if you also use it as a food stop.
8. Witness an incredible sunset at Shibuya Sky
If you want the best views over Tokyo and the famous shot of the glass escalator, you need to head to Shibuya Sky. This open-air observatory is famous for its views, including of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
The best time slot is around one hour before sunset, to make sure you are there when the sky turns all the beautiful colours and you get to see Tokyo at night.
Tickets cost ~$19 and can be booked here – they go on sale 2 weeks in advance at midnight Japanese time. If you want a sunset slot, you need to book as quickly as possible as they sell out fast.
9. Take a photo with Hachiko, the loyal dog
While in Shibuya, you cannot miss saying hi to the statue of Hachiko. It is completely free to visit, though you will likely need to wait in line to take a photo (took around 10 minutes when we went).
The statue honours the most loyal dog in Japan, Hachiko. It is said that around the 1920s, this Akita dog waited outside Shibuya station every day for his owner Professor Ueno to arrive back from work. Until one random day, his owner suffered a fatal stroke and did not return, yet the dog continued to wait at this spot for years to come.
10. Explore the neon streets of Shibuya
Shibuya at night transforms into a neon world of lights, with streets lined with restaurants, bars and shops that are open late into the night.
Center Gai is a great pedestrian zone to explore, full of music and a contagious energy.
While here, you should also check out the famous conveyor belt sushi. We went to Kura Sushi Shibuya Ekimae and found the food great as well as super budget-friendly. With drinks, we spent no more than $10 per person with each ordering one too many plates. It is too fun to see the plates race to your table after ordering.
11. Visit the grand Sensō-ji Temple
If you only visit one temple while in Tokyo, make it this one. The entire temple grounds are massive with beautiful red buildings and big lanterns hanging from the gates and halls.
I actually stayed close to this temple in the Asakusa neighbourhood for part of my time in Tokyo and loved the area.
It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, completed in 645, and said to be the temple of Kannon. Kannon is the goddess of mercy and regarded as a protective force.
There are several buildings as part of the temple, such as the 5-storied pagoda, the main hall, Nitenmon Gate and several other halls. Entry to all areas is free.
12. Shop for treats and souvenirs at Nakamise Shopping Street
Nakamise Street is the street that connects the entrance Kaminarimon Gate to Sensō-ji Temple. Kaminarimon Gate, also called Asakusa’s Thunder Gate, has a massive, gorgeous lantern hanging from the middle.
After passing through the gate, you enter Nakamise, the famous shopping street in Asakusa.
Shops here sell a variety of souvenirs as well as Japanese snacks and sweets. It is one of the oldest shopping streets and meant to replicate what an Edo-era street in Tokyo may have looked like.
The street is always really busy, but the chaos somehow adds to the special atmosphere of this area. Next to Nakamise you will find Kan’non-Dori, another street full of street food and souvenir stands that is worth also checking out.
13. Enter kitchen and ceramics heaven at Kappabashi Kitchen Town
While I stumbled across this street more or less by accident after exploring the small alleys and streets of Asakusa, you should certainly add it to your itinerary.
The entire street is lined by restaurant suppliers and kitchen-equipment dealers and a DREAM for any ceramics lover or those looking for chopsticks.
Here you will also find the famous personalised Japanese knifes, which are world-renowned for their quality and the value for quality is unbeatable.
Everything here is beautiful and really fair price-wise. I could have walked away with 50 beautiful bowls if I had space in my suitcase.
14. Discover the famous landmark of Tokyo: Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is one of the most memorable landmarks of Tokyo. At 634 meters, it sticks out vastly from the surroundings and is the tallest tower in Japan.
It has two observation decks with sweeping views over Tokyo that cost around $20 to go to both decks or from $15 for just the lower deck (get tickets here).
If you want similar views (a little lower) to the Tokyo Skytree for a fraction of the price, head to Asahi Sky Room. It’s a rooftop bar which you can visit simply by buying a drink there. Drinks start at around 800yen ($5). The best part is that you will even be able to see the Skytree from the windows here, adding to the amazing views of Tokyo’s skyline.
15. All things Anime and Video Games at Akihabara Electric Town
If you are into Anime or Video Games, or simply want to see an absolute neon light explosion, this is the area for you. The tightly packed buildings in the area are full of everything anime, manga, video games, merch, idols and maid cafés.
Basically it is the place to go for your “geeky” dreams, in the best way possible.
16. Wander the expansive grounds of Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine was surprisingly one of my favourite stops in Tokyo. It is located in the middle of a lush, green forest and the grounds are beautiful and serene. Best of all, entry is completely free.
This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, under who Japan changed into a modernised nation. While at the shrine, make sure to fill out an “Ema” plate with your wishes. Also check out the two trees coined “Marriage Trees” which have grown together and intertwined ad are now said to bring luck and love.
When exiting the area, you will also come past a wall of sake barrels, each painted by the area of Japan that donated the barrel.
17. Try everything seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market
While the market has changed location and some say it is overrated, I think it is still a staple of Tokyo. After all, what better way to get to know a city with such incredible food than by visiting a bustling open air market.
Tsukiji Outer Market is known for its seafood, though there is something for everyone here. Food is delicious and affordable and many vendors will be happy to give you a free taster.
18. Go to a Sumo Show
Tokyo has a ton of sumo performances that are well worth watching. After all, it is the country’s national sport and a fascinating one at that.
There are plenty of tours of different training facilities and performances that are an amazing introduction to the sport, but you can also still watch a practice for free at Arashio-beya (peeking through the windows is officially allowed and always attracts a crowd). They publish the training schedule on their website.
19. Bask in the serenity of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Just outside the heart of Shinjuku, you will find one of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It is home to three different types of gardens: The traditional Japanese landscape garden, the formal French garden, and an English landscape garden.
Stepping into this green space feels like a magic gate out of busy Tokyo and into another , more serene timeline. Admission is 500yen ($3.40) and the grounds are closed on Mondays.
20. See the streets of Tokyo from a new angle while Go-Karting
Driving through the streets of the biggest city in the world in little go-karts dressed in costumes is one of those bucket-list experiences. Most tours will include a guide that will show you the route and introduce some of the biggest sights throughout your ride.
A little tip: for most of these, you will need an International Driver’s Permit in order to drive the go-kart. Make sure to get this before your trip.
21. Dip into the fantastical world of Ghibli
If you love Studio Ghibli movies as much as I do, this is the museum for you. It’s a small museum, but offers some great behind the scenes of the animations as well as information on the talented Hayao Miyazaki who is the heart of Ghibli.
Entry to the Ghibli Museum is 1000yen and tickets must be pre-reserved (be quick, they sell out rapidly). Bookings for the following month open at 10 a.m. (JST) on the 10th of each month for the subsequent month.
22. Reconnect with nature at Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a huge green area with a beautiful pond and several temples and shrines. During cherry blossom season, the park turns into one of the most incredible blossom viewing spots in Tokyo.
However even outside of that season, the park is well worth a visit. It used to be part of Kaneiji Temple, one of the city’s largest and wealthiest temples during the Edo Era.
Things to check out while here are e.g. the Statue of Saigō, Shinobazu Pond, Gojoten and Hanazono Inari Shrines and Toshogu Shrine.
While in Ueno Park, a stop at Tokyo National Museum is also well worth it. It is the oldest and largest museum in Japan which offers a huge variety of exhibitions of art and archaeological artefacts.
Many say this is one of the best museums in Asia to learn about the history and culture of Japan and beyond. Entry costs 1000yen ($6.70).
23. Transcend the limits of art at teamLab
If you have done any research into Tokyo, you have probably heard of teamLab’s art exhibitions. They have gone mega viral on social media for their stunning displays and interactive features.
Tokyo actually has two of their exhibitions: Borderless and Planets. Planets is the more interactive of the two and has the floating flower garden. Borderless is less linear than planets and focuses on light and displays, including the famous Bubble Universe.
Tickets for both start around 4000 yen ($27), though you can sometimes snag discounted tickets on Klook.
24. Live out your childhood fantasies at Disneyland/DisneySea
Tokyo is home to not one but TWO incredible Disney resorts: Disneyland and DisneySea. Prices are about $60 for adults and around $37 per child, you can buy tickets here.
Which one you visit will kind of depend on your preference and time available. If you have been to other Disneylands around the world, you may want to explore DisneySea as this is unique to Tokyo. For a more traditional experience, Disneyland is the way to go.
These parks do get really busy so make sure to pre-book your tickets and show up early on the day.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
I would recommend a minimum of 4-5 days, more if you are planning day trips to Mt. Fuji and Kamakura as well as full days at e.g. Disney Resort. As shown in this guide, you can see the main attractions and start to explore some of the key areas of Tokyo, though there is so much more to this huge city.
Related article: The Ultimate 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary on a Budget
Where to eat in Tokyo?
Some of my favourite places to eat in Tokyo were:
- Ichiran Ramen – while there are many incredible Ramen places, this one is a classic and a must-visit while in Japan. Perfect for solo travellers too.
- Kura Sushi Harajuku – an affordable conveyor belt sushi restaurant that is still super delicious.
- Tokyo Udon Samurai – delicious Udon restaurant in Ginza (have the viral Parmesan Udon)
- Bistro Kirakutei – a unique take on Japanese curry, well worth a try
- Sushi Takahiro – an amazing place for Omakase
Is Tokyo expensive to visit?
Tokyo is an expensive city, though with the right planning and leaving out some of the more pricy attractions, it is more than possible to visit on a budget. If booked early enough, there are plenty of affordable hotels and hostels in Tokyo, food in local restaurants can be around $5 for a meal and many attractions are actually free.
Related article:How to Travel to Tokyo For Cheap
Hi, I'm Bell
I’m a solo traveller, writer and designer. I created my blog to share the many different ways to travel the world. Learn more about me here!
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