11 Of The Best Things To Do In Tokyo | easyGuide

From majestic temples to vibrant nightlife, Hello Kitty to samurai experiences, here’s 11 of the best unmissable things to do in Tokyo.

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Tokyo, the city that feels like a kaleidoscope came to life.

Whether you’re stepping out into the dizzying funfair of neon lights for the very first time, or you’re a veteran district hopper in search of a fresh thrill, this is the place that just keeps giving and giving.

Given the sheer amount that the city has to offer, planning a trip to Tokyo can be a little overwhelming. Want to get the most out of your visit? Then you’d better get prepping!

If scheduling makes you feel a little woozy, you can thank me later. I’ve put together a list of 11 of the best unmissable things to do in Tokyo, so now everything you need is all in one place.

Let’s dive in to what the city has to offer…

1. See the best sights in Tokyo

You must’ve known this one was coming! Can you even say you went abroad if you didn’t get a picture of yourself awkwardly pinching the top of some ginormous landmark?

Well, lucky for you, Tokyo has its own answer to the Eiffel Tower — and it’s 9 metres taller! It’s big, it’s red, and it’s called the Tokyo Tower.

As the second tallest structure in Japan, a climb to the top of Tokyo Tower will reward you with inimitable vistas across the Tokyo skyline. On a clear day you can see right over Tokyo Bay and catch a view of Mount Fuji in the distance. I would recommend booking ahead to skip the queue.

Amongst other famous sights not to miss is the instantly recognizable Shibuya Crossing. Said to be the busiest crossing in the world, you can find a prime viewing spot in the upstairs of a nearby Starbucks, which overlooks the intersection. Those window seats are hotly contested though, so grab your matcha latte and get in line!

2. Take a class about Japanese culture

Classes are a fantastic way to immerse yourself Tokyo’s rich culture, and a really great option for anyone travelling in a group or as a family. Equally, if you’re a solo traveler, classes are a great way to find other travelers with similar interests.

Of course there are many sushi making classes available, but maybe you’re considering something a little bit more out of the box.

Unleash the warrior within with activities like Samurai training and the Ninja experience. These ones are a fabulous option for keeping the kids entertained. That’s not to say the big kid inside all of us wouldn’t be jumping for joy, though. I know mine would be!

If something crafty is more your thing, you could plump for a Kintsugi class. Kintsugi is the art of mending broken pottery with a (typically) golden lacquer. The philosophy of this practice sees the breakage and repair as part of the object’s history; something to be treasured rather than hidden. You go in with a broken bowl and come away with a stunning new artefact and a beautiful new memory.

3. Book a top daytime activity in Tokyo

Tokyo has a reputation for being a city full of life and colour — and not just when the sun goes down. There’s a whole host of daytime activities in in Tokyo, whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, a young adult or have a family to entertain, the city is an unending playground of things to do.

You could check in to Tokyo Madame Tussauds and snap a selfie with your favourite wax idol, or take a stroll through the beautiful Tokyo Skytree Town and end up in the thoroughly modern Sumida Aquarium

For me, though, I wouldn’t miss the chance to visit some of Tokyo’s more emblematic attractions. Being the birthplace of anime, the cartoony illustration style is subsequently a signature of Japan culture. Activities like the Tokyo One Piece Tower and the Sanrio Puroland Hello Kitty theme park are the type of activity I would do my best to visit. Get involved! Nowhere else in the world do animated pages come to life quite like in Japan.

4. Take a tour around Tokyo

You’ve heard the expression ‘before you judge a person, walk a mile in their shoes’. Well, the same goes for a city.

There are plenty of local tour guides and services ready to show you around Tokyo. If you can think of a part of the city or culture which interest you, there’s probably a tour for it.

A walking tour of the Tsukiji fish markets to pick up ingredients, followed by a sushi making class is always a popular option. I mean, there’s no better place to learn sushi rolling than in Japan, right?

Maybe Japanese fashion gets you going. If so, you’ll probably have heard of Harajuku, a small district in Shibuya known for its quirky fashions and colourful street art. Well, now you can visit the Harajuku district with a famous Japanese fashion Instagrammer. Get all their tips and tricks for scoring a deal, as well as a guide to all the best spots to snap a pic and get your social profiles popping.

Don’t fancy wearing out your feet? Take advantage of one of the many cycling tours available. These tours are also always a great option for the time pressed. If cycling is not your thing, there’s jogging tours too! Whatever your preferred mode or speed, there’s a tour in Tokyo for you.

5. Experience a day trip from Tokyo

Tokyo’s frenetic energy can be a little draining from time to time. Maybe you need to escape the hustle and bustle for a short while, or maybe you just want to experience something a bit different.

Well, you’re in luck. Plenty of day trips run from Tokyo, one of the most popular of those being the Nikko Pass.

Nikko is a region about 2 hours north of Tokyo famed for its breathtaking natural beauty and intricately detailed temples. Take your time exploring the many stunning waterfalls and lakes before pouring yourself into Kinugawa Hot Spring. Bathe in the naturally healing waters and let the world’s aches and pains drift away…

Aside from its undeniable beauty, one of my favourite parts of Nikko is the Kammangafuchi Gorge. Leave the shrines for a pleasant 20 minute walk along the river and you’ll discover rows on rows of Jizo statues, most adorned in knitted red hats and scarves. Traditional Buddhism teaches the belief that Jizo statues protect children and unborn babies. Parents and parents-to-be dress these statues in warm clothes in the hopes that Jizo will do the same for their child.

Opting for the Nikko Pass means you’ll get a hassle-free round trip from Tokyo to Nikko, unlimited rides in the region, and even get discounts at certain stores and facilities. You can get a huge 20% discount on the Nikko Pass right here.

6. Visit Tokyo’s best museums

Japan is world renowned for its incredibly vibrant and distinctive culture and history. There’s really no better way to get a crash course on a country’s history than visiting their museums.

From grand impositions like the Tokyo National Museum, to niche specialty spots like the Samurai Museum, there are 173 museums in Tokyo alone. You’re bound to come across one that takes your fancy, even if you’re not looking!

For example, you’ll probably soon find yourself strolling through Ueno Park. From there the Tokyo National Museum is impossible to miss. With over 100,000 historical artefacts and a constant cycle of exhibitions, this is a great place to start getting your nerd on. Plus, once you’re done you can hop over into the National Museum of Western Art, which is in the same park.

7. See Tokyo’s top art museums

Tokyo’s National Museum of Western Art sits right next to the Tokyo National Museum. This is a fantastic exhibition space, however I wouldn’t suggest stopping there.

Japan is a hotspot for distinctive and influential artists who produce work nothing like the art in the west. Take Hokusai’s ‘ The Great Wave off Kanagawa ‘. If you don’t know the name, you’ll definitely know the picture.

More contemporarily, Yayoi Kusama has enraptured the world with her mesmerizing style and signature spots. In 2017 Kusama actually opened her own museum in Tokyo, the aptly named Yayoi Kusama Museum. If you’re a fan I’d highly recommend chuck that one on the to-do list.

Personally, I’d recommend a visit to The National Art Centre. They are unusual in that they hold no permanent collections, only special, temporary exhibitions. This means no two visits are ever likely to be the same, however it also means you’ll always have to buy a ticket to get past the atrium, and you should definitely check what exhibition is running before you go!

8. Go temple hopping

One of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Japan is its temples and shrines. Having withstood wars, earthquakes and fires, these impressive monuments still stand in full splendor, their beauty an ode to the rich history they represent.

In the historic neighborhood of Asakusa you will find the oldest and most visited temple in Tokyo, Sensō-ji. This is a space connected to compassion and relief from suffering. Popular with locals and tourists alike, its adjacent five-story pagoda, the Asakusa Shinto Shrine, means it is very easily spotted.

If you needed any more convincing, the temple’s grounds also house the Tanuki Temple, Chingo-dō. Tradition sees Tanukis, or Japanese Racoon Dogs, as an omen of protection and good luck.

Tokyo’s oldest temple, a five-story pagoda and a temple dedicated to good-luck-racoon-dogs all in one destination. Talk about bang for your buck, this one is a must do!

Once you’re done indulging in the delights of Sensō-ji, there’s a plethora of other amazing temples and shrines to discover throughout the city.

9. Discover the best food in Tokyo

When you think of Japanese cuisine, your mind probably goes straight to sushi. And rightly so!

Sushi has captivated the attention, imagination and stomachs of people all over the globe. It would almost be insulting to visit Japan and not eat at a sushi bar. More often than not it is customary for venues to provide free, bottomless green tea too. Maybe it’s the matcha freak inside me doing jumping jacks, but I think that’s an awesome bonus.

One of the most recognisable styles, ‘nigiri-sushi’, is characterised by its construction: a mound of rice topped with a slice of fish. This style was invented and popularised in Tokyo, or, as it was called then, Edo. The existence of nigiri-sushi was dependent on its predecessor, Edomae Sushi. Eating sushi in Tokyo is like ingesting a little bit of its history. Scrumptious.

Other delicious dishes I would recommend include Monjayaki, which is a sort of stir fry / pancake hybrid, and Mochi, a sweet chewy powdered ball made from glutinous rice. The latter is traditionally made in ceremony called mochitsuki, which involves the mochi makers pounding a bowl of what looks like goo (actually steamed rice) with huge wooden hammers. It’s both amusing and impressive at the same time! Here’s a video of it.

The street food in Tokyo also deserves a massive shout out. It won’t take you long to scope out stands selling Ikayaki (grilled squid), Taiyaki (stuffed fish shaped cakes), Takoyaki (octopus stuffed spherical cakes) or something equally as enticing! Let the aromas fill the air and just follow your nose.

10. Relax at an onsen

Onsens and sentos are staples of Japanese culture. While both are communal hot water baths, sentos are filled by warmed tap water, whereas onsens are filled by natural volcanic spring water.

The volcanic spring water is rich in minerals known for their restorative properties, making onsens the number one pick.

A quick internet search will reveal the closest onsen to you. A few words of warning though, onsens are places very respective of etiquette.

First of all, yes, you do have to get naked. Wearing a towel from the changing rooms to the baths is fine. Once you’re in the water, though, you have to whip that bad boy off. ‘Hadaka no tsukiai’ (naked communication) is a part of onsen culture which suggests that a certain level of communication can only be reached once you’ve got your kit off.

Oh, and there’s no need to be shy about your birthday suit; baths are separated by sex.

Traditionally onsen goers place their towel on top of their head while they’re in the bath. You’ll see a few locals doing this, but it’s absolutely fine to leave your towel in a locker. Alternatively, when in Rome…

Don’t just run straight from the lockers to the baths. Wash off in the showers before getting in the water to show cleanliness and respect.

Lastly, tattoos are an almost definite no-no. Despite changing attitudes in younger generations, the public still widely regards tattoos as a sign of the yakuza (Japanese gangsters). If you’ve got a small tat you can probably get away with covering it in a waterproof bandage. For those with tattoos too large to cover it’s very unlikely they’ll let you in past reception. In this case, look for some sentos which may be less strict. Alternatively, there are options to rent out your own onsen for an hour or two.

11. Explore Tokyo at night

Like moths to a flame, the neon lights of Tokyo draw in party goers and late-night revellers from all over the globe.

Though bars, clubs and restaurants can be found throughout the city, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Roppongi are the four most notable neighbourhoods for nightlife. Heading out into any one of these areas after dark guarantees a good time. Just be wary that the trains/ subways only run till about midnight!

As one of the most densely populated areas of Tokyo, Shibuya is an area popular with travellers, non-native locals and Japanese youth alike. Amongst the offerings of larger clubs and establishments, you can also find Nonbei Yokocho. This is an older area which crams the streets with tiny, loveably unusual places to eat, drink and laugh your night away in.

Hop on the subway and just a few stops away you will find Shinjuku, an area famed for its red light district. If you’re not quite ready to push those boundaries you can still find delight rummaging through quirky bars and venues along the tightly packed network of Golden Gai, whose architecture (six narrow alleys with even narrower gates) feels as if it is tumbling in on itself.

Originally published at https://easyguide.biz on March 2, 2021.