Tokyo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With so many things to see and changes over the recent years, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate bucket list of 50 things to do in Tokyo in 2024! From visiting world-famous landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and Sensoji Temple to sampling delicious local cuisine and exploring historic neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone in Japan’s capital city.
Top Tokyo Attractions
With so many Tokyo attractions to choose from, fitting everything into your schedule might feel like a Herculean task. This list narrows it down to the most iconic spots.
#1 Get a bird’s eye view of Shibuya Crossing from Shibuya Sky]
Discover Tokyo from above at Shibuya Sky, the city’s tallest landmark. Its observation deck presents unparalleled views of the vibrant Shibuya district, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Book: Shibuya Sky Tickets
#2 Snap eye-catching photos at the Art Aquarium Museum
One of the most unique Tokyo attractions is the Art Aquarium Museum in Ueno Park. This art exhibition features different varieties of colorful goldfish and illuminated tanks set to light displays. The whole setup is reminiscent of a neon-soaked carnival, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tokyo.
Book: Art Aquarium Tickets
#3 Experience the digital art exhibits of teamLab
TeamLab is an art collective made up of artists, programmers, engineers, and architects who create interactive digital art installations. These immersive exhibits are unlike any other, and they’re perfect for visitors of all ages. The teamLab Planets exhibit is the most popular, but there are a number of other smaller exhibits scattered around Tokyo.
Book: teamLab tickets
#4 Taste local delicacies along Nakamise Dori
Nakamise Dori is a pedestrian shopping street leading up to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. The street is lined with traditional shops selling everything from snacks and souvenirs, to kimono and yukata. Be sure to try some of the delicious local treats, like senbei rice crackers and dango dumplings.
Read: Asakusa Travel Guide
Book: Asakusa: 1400-year history exploration
Book: Asakusa Historical and Cultural Food Tour with Friendly Guide
#5 See seasonal blooms at Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the best places in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms in spring, and autumn leaves in fall. This sprawling park is also home to a variety of other plants and flowers, as well as a tea house where you can relax with a cup of matcha.
#6 Marvel at the Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. While the inner grounds are not open to the public, the massive palace gardens are. One of the most popular attractions on the palace grounds is the Nijubashi Bridge, which offers stunning views of the moat and castle. The walkway along the palace’s moat known as Chidorigafuchi is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
#7 Let the magical worlds of Ghibli sweep you away at the Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum is a must-visit for any fan of the studio’s animated films. Located in Tokyo’s Mitaka neighborhood, the museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the studio’s works, as well as a chance to see some of the original illustrations and animations. The museum is also home to a cafe and a shop selling Ghibli-themed merchandise.
#8 Dive into Red Tokyo Tower’s Digital Wonderland
Discover Red Tokyo Tower, Japan’s largest VR/AR/esports park in Tokyo Tower. Enjoy classic arcade games, over 20 VR/AR games, and e-motor simulations across multiple floors, ideal for families and friends seeking cutting-edge entertainment.
Book: Red Tokyo Tower Tickets
Cultural Experiences
Experiencing the intricacies of a culture different from your own can be an enriching experience. Here are some of the cultural activities you need to try while in Tokyo.
#9 Ride a yakatabune
A yakatabune is a traditional Japanese houseboat that lets you cruise Tokyo’s waterways while enjoying a feast. These boats are often beautifully decorated and come complete with tatami mat seating. While on board, you’ll be served mouthwatering Japanese dishes, often with an endless supply of tempura and all-you-can-drink alcohol. You can find yakatabune cruises departing from Asakusa and Odaiba.
Book: Yakatabune (House boat) Night Tour in Tokyo Bay with Dinner & Show
#10 Celebrate imperfections with the art of kintsugi
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or platinum. This centuries-old practice not only results in beautiful and unique pieces of art but also celebrates the idea that imperfections can be turned into something beautiful. You can try your hand at kintsugi at a number of workshops around Tokyo.
Read: Taking an Introductory Kintsugi Workshop in Tokyo with Kuge Crafts
Book: Tokyo Kintsugi Workshop: Simple Gold Repair Class near Shin Koenji
Book: Japanese Traditional Kintsugi Experience in Tokyo
#11 Don a kimono
Dressing up in a kimono is a must-do for any visitor to Japan. Not only is it a fun experience, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to get some beautiful photos. There are a number of companies that offer kimono rental and photoshoot packages in Tokyo, making it easy to capture precious moments.
Book: Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa Station Branch
#12 Ride a rickshaw through the streets of Asakusa
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most historic neighborhoods, and it’s the perfect place to take a rickshaw ride. These traditional three-wheeled carts are pedaled by friendly guides who will show you all the best sights in Asakusa.
Book: Tokyo Asakusa Rickshaw Tour
#13 Bathe in an onsen hot spring
Japan is home to a large number of onsen or hot springs, and several are located in Tokyo. These natural hot springs are the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. You’ll love how your skin feels after a good long soak.
Book: Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita
Book: Tattoo-friendly open-air Onsen & drink
#14 Dine at an izakaya
You’ll understand Japan’s food culture better when you dine at a Japanese pub or an izakaya. These establishments offer a wide variety of food and drink options, as well as a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying some quality time with friends. Be sure to try some of the popular izakaya dishes like yakitori and karaage chicken.
Book: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Book: Local Bar Hopping in Tokyo
#15 Watch a sumo match
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport that dates back centuries, and it’s still hugely popular today. In Tokyo, sumo matches take place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, and they typically run from January to September. You can also watch practice matches at sumo stables in Ryogoku.
Book: Sumo Watching Experience
Book: Sumo Experience & Chanko Hot Pot Dinner in Tokyo
#16 Taste-test different types of sake at a brewery
Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine, and it’s one of the most popular drinks in the country. Tokyo is home to a number of sake breweries, and many of them offer tours and tastings. This is the perfect opportunity to try different types of sake and learn about this important part of Japanese culture.
#17 Experience a Japanese tea ceremony
This ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea is an important part of Japanese culture. There are a number of tea houses around the city where you can participate in a traditional tea ceremony, where an expert prepares tea for you. In some tea ceremonies, you get to whisk your own green tea, too.
Book: Tokyo Asakusa Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience
Book: 90-min Ceremony Workshop in an Authentic Tea Room
#18 Play the taiko drums
The taiko is a traditional Japanese drum, often played at festivals. You can find one-day experiences or beginner taiko drumming classes at a number of cultural centers around Tokyo. There’s also a taiko museum in Asakusa.
#19 Stay at a ryokan
Traditional Japanese inns or ryokan are unique accommodations that offer a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture, from the tatami mat rooms to the communal baths. Staying in one usually includes an elaborate dinner that consists of traditional Japanese dishes as well as a light breakfast. People often say that you can experience true “omotenashi” or Japanese hospitality when you stay at a ryokan.
Subculture
For many people outside Japan, their introduction to the country comes in the form of anime, manga, or video games. Japanese subcultures are rich and diverse, and there’s no better way to experience them than in Tokyo. Here are some ideas:
#20 Visit the anime districts of Akihabara and Ikebukuro
Tokyo is a mecca for anime and manga fans, and the city’s Akihabara and Ikebukuro districts are the perfect places to indulge in your love of all things anime. From huge electronics stores to cosplay cafes, these districts have everything you could ever want.
Read: Ikebukuro Travel Guide
Book: Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Walking Tour in Tokyo
#21 See up-and-coming bands and musical acts at a live house
A live house is a music venue where you can see live performances by Japanese artists. These venues typically have a small stage and an intimate setting, making them the perfect place to catch a rising star. There are many live houses in Tokyo and entering one may require courage. If you have an indie band or artist you follow, check their schedule for live house performances.
#22 Experience kawaii culture in Harajuku
Harajuku is the epicenter of kawaii culture and is known for its colorful fashion and Instagram-worthy sweets. Check out the latest trends, shop for unique merch, and have your fill of eye-catching desserts.
Read: Harajuku Travel Guide
Book: Harajuku Half-Day Walking Tour in Tokyo
#23 Visit animal cafes
From cats to capybaras, Tokyo has several animal cafes you can visit to relax and spend some time with furry friends. When you enter one, you are usually briefed about what you can and can’t do to ensure the safety and comfort of both you and the animals on site.
Book: Kotsumate Zoo Experience in Tokyo
Book: Micro Pig Cafe Experience in Harajuku
#24 Sing your heart out at karaoke
If you love J-pop, then karaoke is a must! You can sing your favorite songs and order food for the whole gang if you go to any of the big karaoke chain shops in Tokyo like Big Echo or Karaoke-kan. Karaoke is often the nijikai or the after-party of social gatherings in Japan, so if a local hits you up and invites you to drink with friends, expect karaoke afterward.
Retro Showa
The Taisho and Showa eras of Japan are known for their unique style and retro feel. Tokyo has several of these vintage jaunts and retro districts, so if you’re looking to get a taste of old-school Tokyo, check out these places.
#25 Drink coffee at a kissaten
A kissaten is a retro Japanese-style cafe with a Showa-era feel. Think Cafe Leblanc of Persona 5. These intimate coffee shops are all over Tokyo, serving nostalgic treats like coffee jelly, napolitan (ketchup spaghetti), and cream soda.
#26 Explore old-town neighborhoods with Tokyo Trams
The Tokyo Sakura and Setagaya Line trams are two unique railways that take you through Tokyo’s retro suburbs. They offer a unique way to explore the city, and they’re a great option for visitors who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Read: Tokyo Sakura Tram Guide
Read: Setagaya Tram Guide
#27 Tabearuki – eat your way through retro shopping arcades
Shopping arcades in Japan are commonly referred to as shotengai. Here you can find a variety of shops and stalls, often selling goods at cheap prices. These are also places where you can eat while you walk, or tabearuki in Japanese. Some great places to check out are Yanaka Ginza and Higashi Jujo.
#28 See fascinating structures at Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum is a playground for both history fanatics and architecture lovers. Here, you can check out preserved and reconstructed buildings from different periods in Japanese history. The life-sized bath house is also said to be among the inspirations for the bath house in the Ghibli animated feature Spirited Away.
#29 Get a feel of old Tokyo at Shitamachi Museum
A cozy, two-story museum in Ueno, the Shitamachi Museum showcases the everyday life of Tokyoites during the Edo and Meiji periods. The word “shitamachi” refers to old Tokyo’s flatlands where the working class lived. Today, it refers to areas that retain a nostalgic charm, among which are the districts of Asakusa, Yanaka, and Shibamata.
Read: Shitamachi Museum: A Look into the Lives of Old Tokyo’s Working Class
Shrines & Temples
You don’t have to be Shinto or Buddhist to appreciate the beauty of Tokyo’s shrines and temples. These religious sites are some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, and they offer a great way to experience Japanese culture.
#30 Have a relaxing stroll at Meiji Shrine
An oasis in an urban jungle, Meiji Jingu and the 36,000 trees within its premises provide respite for the weary traveler. The massive shrine grounds include a garden and a museum.
#31 Pray for love at Tokyo Daijingu
Tokyo Daijingu is among Tokyo’s most prominent enmusubi or matchmaking shrines. You can pray for luck in love and get one of their elegantly-designed protective charms. They also provide fortune slips in English.
#32 Beckon love with the lucky cats of Imado Shrine
Similar to Tokyo Daijingu, Imado Shrine is known for granting success in love. It’s also one of the shrines that are said to be the birthplace of the maneki neko, or the lucky cat. While other places of worship also claim the title, Imado Shrine is where Imado ware thrived, the ceramic style that produced many lucky cats during the Edo period.
Read: Imado Shrine: Love & Lucky Cats in Asakusa
Read: What do People Pray for in Japan’s Love Shrines?
#33 Beckon luck and prosperity with the lucky cats of Gotokuji
Located in the quiet suburbs of Setagaya, Gotokuji is a beautiful Buddhist temple that also claims to be the birthplace of the maneki neko, or the lucky cat. Here, you can purchase your own lucky cat statue and bring it home. You can also place it on the temple grounds as an offering.
#34 Get your fortune slip at Sensoji
Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple. It’s known for holding the Sanja Matsuri, a boisterous festival held in May. Many people also come to Sensoji during the New Year to pray for blessings. While omikuji or fortune slips are available at most shrines and temples in Japan, the sheer volume you find at Sensoji makes it hard to resist getting one. Who knows? You might just get a piece of timely advice from the divine for ¥100.
Food
A visit to Tokyo would not be complete without indulging in Japanese cuisine. From sushi and ramen to tempura and yakitori, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some Japanese dishes you need to try in Tokyo.
#35 Slurp some good ramen
Here’s a local resident’s tip: you don’t need to go to ramen shops with big names to find delicious ramen in Tokyo. In fact, I’d recommend just finding one close to where you’re staying. With so many ramen spots around the city, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. Who knows, you might just discover the next ramen rising star. If you happen to be looking for Tokyo’s most unique ramen, check out this video.
#36 Get your fill of sushi
What’s a visit to Japan without sushi? If you’re unsure of where to go, sushi-go-round chain stores like Kura Sushi and Genki Sushi are foreigner-friendly. English menus are available on touch-screen tablets. There’s also some meat available if there’s a member in your group that’s not too keen on eating fresh fish.
#37 Have some yakitori
If you’re looking for something smoky, yakitori or grilled chicken skewers are a must-try. Not only are they tasty, but they’re budget-friendly, too. For restaurant recommendations, Torikizoku has many branches in the city. Iseya in Kichijoji is also a beloved favorite among locals.
#38 Treat Yourself to Kawaii Sweets
Japan’s kawaii aesthetic extends to food and you’ll find plenty of sweets that resemble favorite animated characters or are just plain cute. For recommendations on kawaii sweets in Tokyo, check out the links below.
Read: I Ate Totoro: Totoro Cream Puffs at Shirohige Cream Puff Factory
Watch: Must-Try COLORFUL Food in Tokyo
Outdoor Activities
Tokyo may seem like only a concrete jungle at first glance, but if you’re looking for nature activities, you don’t have to travel too far. At the fringes of Tokyo lie mountainous areas where you can enjoy good hikes and other outdoor activities.
#39 Hike Mt. Takao
The most popular mountain in Tokyo is an easy 1-hour ride from Shinjuku. The mountain is more or less an easy climb; you have the option to ride a cable car or lift up to the halfway point. It can get a little crowded during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.
#40 Hike Mt. Mitake
Mt. Mitake is another easy climb with optional challenges you can take on. It’s popular during the summer for its moss garden and in autumn for its beautiful fall foliage.
#41 Go rafting/kayaking in Okutama
Kayaking is an easy outdoor activity to get into, and with its calm waters, the Tama River makes a great spot. If you’re up for more thrills, rafting in Okutama is also a good choice, usually available from March to October.
#42 Explore the Nippara Limestone Cave
The largest cave in Kanto, Nippara is a joy to explore. Since ancient times, the cave has been used by monks for Buddhist worship, and you’ll see statues and altars made for that purpose. Some parts are lit up with colorful lights, adding to the cave’s mystical appeal.
#43 Cycling
Tokyo has several cycling paths that weave through cherry blossom trees, go through tunnels, or run along rivers. You’ll find relaxing cycling courses in vast parks like Koganei and Showa Kinen. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try the Edogawa Cycling Road or the Tamako Bike Path.
#44 Forest Therapy (Shinrin Yoku)
The term shinrin yoku literally means “forest bathing” and it refers to the practice of surrounding yourself with trees for both physical and mental healing. With its lush nature and easy access to central Tokyo, Okutama is ideal for forest therapy. Okutama Therapy Base operates guided tours with five different courses to choose from.
As you may have noticed, many of Tokyo’s outdoor activities can be done in Okutama, a town on the western end of Tokyo. If you want to see more of what you can do in this area, check out the Okutama Travel Guide.
Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo is a great base for exploring the rest of the Kanto region and there are a variety of day trips that you can take. From historic temples and castles to rustic hot spring towns, there’s no shortage of things to see and do outside of Tokyo.
#45 Mt. Fuji
Japan’s iconic cone-shaped mountain may look beautiful in photos, but it’s even more stunning up close. There are many spots to view the majestic mountain, but I personally like how it looks from Lake Kawaguchiko, especially during fall. You can also ride a bus or train up to the mountain’s halfway point, also known as the 5th Station. The official climbing season is usually from July to September.
#46 Tokyo Disneyland & Disney Sea
These two Disney theme parks may have Tokyo in their names, but they’re actually in Chiba, one of Tokyo’s neighboring prefectures. Whether you’re going out on a date, with family, or with friends, the “happiest place on Earth” rarely disappoints. Don’t miss out on Duffy goods, the original character made for Tokyo Disney theme parks.
#47 Nikko
Nikko’s temples and shrines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pulling in visitors from all corners of the country. Nikko is also known for its captivating fall foliage views, with Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji among its prized attractions. If you end up staying for more than a day, try hitting up the hot springs, too.
Book: Nikko Pass & Tours
#48 Kamakura & Enoshima
The coastal towns of Kamakura & Enoshima are known for their beautiful temples, cozy cafes, and seaside views. Exploring these two towns can be done in a day and is especially convenient when you ride the Enoden train.
Read: Kamakura & Enoshima 1-Day Guide
Book: Kamakura & Enoshima Day Tours from Tokyo
#49 Hakone
Hot springs, spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, and a ropeway flying across an active volcanic crater—these are just some of the things Hakone is known for. With the Odakyu Romancecar, Hakone is less than 2 hours away from Tokyo, making it a convenient day trip. You can also avail of the Hakone Freepass to cover your transportation expenses within the area.
Book: Hakone Tours
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#50 Hitachi Seaside Park
This vast park is located in Ibaraki Prefecture and is around 2.5 hours from central Tokyo. In spring, people visit to see baby blue eyes or nemophila, while in early autumn, the park is known for its fiery red kochia. Hitachi Seaside Park is accessible by a combination train and bus rides. You can also join tours for more convenient access, although the time you spend in the park may be a bit more limited.
There are More than 50 Things to Do in Tokyo
Tokyo is always changing, and there’s always something new to explore and rediscover. The items on this list are just the tip of the iceberg, and you’ll find more and more exciting things as you travel around Tokyo.
Want to read the latest Tokyo-related articles on Tokyo Past 3? Check this page. Looking for more unusual destinations? Check here for the most peculiar places in Tokyo.
