What To Do InTokyo
Experience the world's largest metropolitan area where cutting-edge technology meets ancient traditions. From neon-lit skyscrapers to serene temples, Tokyo offers an endless array of discoveries for every traveler.
What does Tokyo Look Like?
Tokyo is considered one of the biggest cities in the world, depending on how you define a city. "Tokyo" is not only the name of the city itself but also the name of the prefecture of Japan that contains it, called "Tokyo Prefecture." Within this prefecture is the city of Tokyo, which is comprised of the "23 Special Wards" named "Shinjuku," "Shibuya," etc. You may have heard these names in the news or when looking up Japan on the internet. Finally, there is the "Tokyo Greater Metropolitan Area," which is a fancy way of saying "all the areas covered with concrete as seen from satellite imagery."
This "Greater Area" contains the 23 wards of Tokyo and the surrounding cities such as Yokohama and Tachikawa, which are both separate cities. From the sky, however, it looks like one big city because there are no rural lands or open fields that distinguish the city borders. So, when you visit Tokyo, one of the first things you will notice is how the dense concrete jungle of the city extends all the way to the horizon, even if you travel a dozen kilometers in any direction from the city center.
Major Tourist Spots to Visit
Shibuya Crossing
Street CultureThe world's busiest pedestrian crossing
Standing at the heart of Tokyo's youth culture, Shibuya Crossing is more than just an intersection—it's a mesmerizing dance of urban life. Every few minutes, up to 3,000 people surge across this iconic scramble crossing in perfect choreographed chaos. The surrounding neon billboards create a kaleidoscope of colors that reflect off the sea of umbrellas during rainy season. Visit the nearby Shibuya Sky observation deck for a bird's-eye view of this human river, or grab a coffee at the famous Starbucks overlooking the crossing. The energy here is infectious, especially during evening rush hour when salarymen in dark suits mix with colorfully dressed Harajuku fashionistas. This is Tokyo's pulse made visible—a living symbol of the city's relentless energy and the organized chaos that somehow works perfectly.
Meiji Shrine
TemplesA peaceful forested shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji near Harajuku
Step through the towering torii gates and enter a world where ancient Japan still breathes amidst Tokyo's concrete jungle. Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, sits within a 175-acre forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. The walk along the gravel paths feels like a pilgrimage, with each step taking you further from the city's noise into sacred silence. The main shrine building, reconstructed after WWII bombing, showcases traditional Shinto architecture with its sweeping rooflines and natural wood construction. If you're lucky, you might witness a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony, with the bride in pristine white kimono and the groom in formal hakama. The shrine's sake barrels, donated by breweries nationwide, create a colorful display near the entrance. Early morning visits offer the most serene experience, when mist rises from the forest floor and the only sounds are birds singing and the soft shuffle of visitors' feet on gravel.
Asakusa & Sensō-ji
TemplesTokyo's oldest temple complex with traditional shopping streets
Asakusa transports you to Tokyo's Edo period past, where the spirit of old Japan lives on in narrow streets filled with traditional crafts and street food. Sensō-ji Temple, founded in 645 AD, stands as Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple and remains one of its most visited sacred sites. The approach begins at the iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its massive red lantern, leading to Nakamise-dori shopping street where vendors have sold traditional snacks and souvenirs for centuries. The aroma of freshly baked ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes) and taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) fills the air. The temple's main hall, with its distinctive sloped roof and intricate wooden carvings, houses a golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Don't miss the ritual of washing your hands and mouth at the purification fountain, or the tradition of wafting incense smoke over yourself for good health. The nearby five-story pagoda, illuminated at night, creates one of Tokyo's most photographed scenes. Visit during festival seasons to witness traditional performances and see locals in beautiful yukata robes.
Tokyo Skytree
Nice ViewsJapan's tallest structure offering panoramic views of the metropolis
Rising 634 meters into Tokyo's skyline, Tokyo Skytree is an engineering marvel that redefines the city's horizon. This broadcasting tower, completed in 2012, combines cutting-edge technology with traditional Japanese aesthetics—its base forms an equilateral triangle that gradually becomes circular as it rises, inspired by traditional Japanese architectural principles. The two observation decks offer breathtaking 360-degree views: the Tembo Deck at 350m provides stunning vistas of Tokyo's urban sprawl, while the Tembo Galleria at 450m features a spiraling glass corridor that makes you feel like you're walking on air. On clear days, Mount Fuji appears majestically on the horizon, creating perfect photo opportunities. The tower's LED lighting system changes colors seasonally and for special events, making it a beacon visible from across the Kanto region. The surrounding Tokyo Skytree Town includes an aquarium, planetarium, and shopping complex, making it a full-day destination. Visit during sunset to watch Tokyo transform from daylight bustle to a glittering sea of lights stretching endlessly in all directions.
Tsukiji Outer Market
FoodA culinary paradise for seafood lovers and food enthusiasts
While the famous tuna auctions moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji Outer Market remains Tokyo's beating culinary heart, where the freshest ingredients meet centuries-old traditions. This maze of narrow alleys buzzes with activity from dawn until afternoon, as vendors slice impossibly fresh sashimi, grill succulent seafood, and prepare traditional Japanese breakfast dishes. The market's legendary tamago sandwich—impossibly fluffy egg between pillowy bread—draws hour-long queues, while tiny stalls serve the city's best tuna sashimi bowls topped with glistening ikura (salmon roe). Professional chefs from Tokyo's finest restaurants still source ingredients here, creating an authentic atmosphere where quality trumps presentation. Don't miss the tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelet) demonstrations, where masters create perfect golden rectangles with techniques passed down through generations. The market's coffee culture is equally impressive, with tiny stands serving perfectly brewed cups to fuel early morning shoppers. Arrive early (before 10 AM) for the best selection and authentic experience, and come hungry—this is where Tokyo's food obsession reaches its most delicious peak.
Explore Tokyo's Unique Districts
Each district has its own personality, from high-tech Akihabara to fashionable Harajuku
Akihabara
Otaku CultureElectric Town - paradise for anime, games, and electronics
Welcome to the beating heart of Japan's otaku culture, where neon signs advertising the latest anime merchandise compete for attention with towering electronics stores. Akihabara, affectionately known as 'Akiba,' transforms the simple act of shopping into a treasure hunt through multi-story wonderlands filled with rare figurines, vintage video games, and cutting-edge gadgets. The district's main street, Chuo-dori, becomes a pedestrian paradise on Sundays, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the electric atmosphere. Maid cafes line the side streets, where costumed servers treat customers like masters and mistresses in an alternate reality experience. Don't miss the massive Yodobashi Camera store for the latest electronics, or dive into the narrow alleys to discover tiny shops specializing in everything from vintage Nintendo cartridges to limited-edition anime figures. The district's transformation from a post-war electronics market to a global pop culture mecca reflects Japan's unique ability to turn subcultures into mainstream phenomena.
Harajuku
Fashion & YouthYouth fashion capital with trendy boutiques and street style
Step into Tokyo's most colorful and creative district, where fashion rules are meant to be broken and self-expression reaches artistic heights. Harajuku's famous Takeshita Street is a narrow pedestrian alley packed with quirky boutiques selling everything from gothic Lolita dresses to kawaii (cute) accessories that defy conventional fashion logic. On weekends, Harajuku becomes an open-air fashion show as young people dressed in elaborate costumes—from Victorian-inspired outfits to anime character cosplay—gather near JR Harajuku Station to pose for photos and showcase their creativity. The nearby Omotesando Hills offers a more upscale shopping experience with international luxury brands housed in Tadao Ando's architectural masterpiece. Cat Street, running parallel to Omotesando, provides a perfect middle ground with independent boutiques and vintage stores. The district's influence on global fashion trends cannot be overstated—what starts as street style in Harajuku often appears on international runways months later. Visit on Sunday afternoons to witness the full spectacle of Tokyo's youth culture in its most uninhibited form.
Ginza
Luxury & EleganceLuxury shopping district with high-end brands and fine dining
Ginza represents Tokyo's most sophisticated face, where luxury shopping reaches an art form and every storefront gleams with polished perfection. This upscale district, built on reclaimed land during the Meiji era, has evolved into Japan's answer to Fifth Avenue or the Champs-Élysées. The main thoroughfare, Ginza-dori, transforms into a pedestrian paradise on weekend afternoons, allowing visitors to window-shop at flagship stores of international luxury brands like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. The district's department stores, particularly Ginza Six and Mitsukoshi, elevate shopping to a cultural experience with their impeccable service, basement food courts (depachika) featuring the finest Japanese delicacies, and rooftop gardens offering respite from the urban intensity. Ginza's dining scene is equally impressive, home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional establishments that have perfected their craft over generations. The area's architecture seamlessly blends historic buildings with cutting-edge modern designs, creating a visual feast that reflects Japan's respect for both tradition and innovation. Evening visits reveal Ginza's sophisticated nightlife, with exclusive hostess bars and intimate cocktail lounges hidden in the upper floors of seemingly ordinary buildings.
Shinjuku
Urban EnergyNeon-lit entertainment district with skyscrapers and nightlife
Shinjuku embodies Tokyo's relentless energy in its most concentrated form, where towering skyscrapers create urban canyons filled with an endless stream of salarymen, tourists, and night owls. The district splits into distinct personalities: the west side features the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and business district with some of Japan's tallest skyscrapers, while the east side pulses with entertainment venues, department stores, and the infamous red-light district of Kabukicho. Shinjuku Station, the world's busiest railway station, serves as the district's chaotic heart, with over 3.6 million passengers passing through daily via a maze of underground passages connecting multiple train lines. The neon-soaked streets of Kabukicho come alive after dark, offering everything from karaoke boxes and izakaya (Japanese pubs) to host and hostess clubs that cater to Japan's unique nightlife culture. Golden Gai, a tiny area packed with over 200 miniature bars, each seating only a handful of customers, provides an intimate glimpse into Tokyo's drinking culture. The contrast between Shinjuku's corporate towers and its gritty entertainment quarters perfectly captures Tokyo's dual nature as both a serious business center and a playground for urban escapism.
Roppongi
Nightlife & ArtsInternational nightlife hub with art museums and upscale dining
Roppongi seamlessly blends Tokyo's international sophistication with its cutting-edge art scene, creating a district that feels both cosmopolitan and distinctly Japanese. By day, the area showcases world-class cultural institutions like the Mori Art Museum and the National Art Center, housed in architectural marvels that are artworks themselves. The Roppongi Hills complex, anchored by the 54-story Mori Tower, represents Tokyo's vision of urban living with its mix of offices, residences, shops, and cultural facilities all integrated into a single development. As night falls, Roppongi transforms into Tokyo's most international nightlife destination, where expatriates, business travelers, and locals mingle in upscale bars, nightclubs, and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. The district's reputation as a party destination is well-earned, with venues staying open until dawn and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to traditional Japanese entertainment districts. High-end dining options abound, from Michelin-starred establishments to innovative fusion restaurants that reflect the area's international character. The nearby Tokyo Midtown complex adds another layer of sophistication with its luxury shopping, premium hotels, and the beautiful Hinokicho Park, providing a green oasis in the urban landscape.
Ikebukuro
Pop CultureAnime and manga paradise with massive shopping complexes
Ikebukuro has emerged as Tokyo's second otaku capital, rivaling Akihabara with its massive concentration of anime, manga, and pop culture stores housed in towering shopping complexes. The district's crown jewel is Sunshine City, a city-within-a-city complex featuring an aquarium, planetarium, and countless floors of anime merchandise, while the nearby Animate flagship store spans multiple floors with the latest manga, light novels, and character goods. What sets Ikebukuro apart is its strong appeal to female otaku culture, with stores specializing in boys' love (BL) manga, otome games, and merchandise featuring male anime characters—a market segment less prominent in Akihabara. The district's Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, one of the largest Pokemon stores in the world, draws fans of all ages with exclusive merchandise and interactive experiences. Ikebukuro's entertainment options extend beyond shopping, with numerous themed cafes, karaoke boxes, and the famous Namjatown indoor theme park featuring quirky attractions and unique food experiences. The area's more affordable prices compared to central Tokyo districts make it popular with students and young professionals, creating a vibrant, youthful atmosphere. The massive JR Ikebukuro Station serves as a major transportation hub, making the district easily accessible and contributing to its role as a major commercial center in Tokyo's northern region.
Sacred Spaces in the Modern City
Despite its ultra-modern facade, Tokyo preserves its spiritual heritage through beautiful temples and shrines
Meiji Shrine
Est. 1920Dedicated to Emperor Meiji, surrounded by forest
Set within a 175-acre forest of over 100,000 trees, Meiji Shrine is a peaceful escape from Tokyo's bustle. Visitors pass through towering torii gates before reaching the main hall. Look for the colorful sake barrel display and, if lucky, a Shinto wedding procession in full traditional attire.
Zojo-ji Temple
Est. 1393Historic temple near Tokyo Tower with spiritual atmosphere
Once the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns, Zojo-ji combines historical gravitas with striking views of Tokyo Tower rising behind it. The temple grounds include a large main hall, a serene garden, and rows of Jizo statues dressed in red hats and bibs, offered to protect children and travelers.
Yasukuni Shrine
Est. 1869Controversial yet significant historical war memorial
Built to honor those who died in service to Japan, Yasukuni Shrine is also home to the Yushukan Museum, which chronicles Japan’s military history. The long approach lined with cherry trees is especially beautiful in spring, and seasonal festivals draw large crowds.
How to Get Around Tokyo
Tokyo's transportation system is incredibly efficient once you know these essential tips
Suica & Pasmo Cards
The easiest way to move around Tokyo is with a rechargeable IC card such as Suica or Pasmo. These cards can be purchased and recharged at any train station, and they work across almost all train lines, subways, and buses. Instead of buying a ticket every time, you simply tap in and out at the ticket gates. You can even use them at convenience stores and vending machines, making your travels seamless.
Navigating Train Lines
Tokyo’s train system looks intimidating at first, but it’s actually very logical once you get used to it. Each line has a distinct color and letter code, and major stations provide signs in both Japanese and English. Platforms are clearly marked, and transfer routes are designed to guide passengers step by step. Don’t hesitate to follow the crowd—locals move quickly but usually know the fastest transfer points.
Avoiding Rush Hour
During peak times—roughly 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM—Tokyo trains can become extremely crowded. If you can, plan your travel outside of these hours to avoid being packed shoulder to shoulder. Some lines even operate women-only cars during the morning rush to provide extra comfort. Traveling a bit earlier or later makes a big difference in how enjoyable your journey will be.
Using Navigation Apps
Apps like Google Maps, Navitime, or Japan Transit Planner are lifesavers in Tokyo. They provide detailed train schedules, transfer points, travel times, and even fare estimates. Simply type your destination, and the app will show you which train line, platform, and exit to use. This is especially useful in massive stations like Shinjuku or Tokyo Station where multiple lines intersect.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
While trains and buses are the main way to travel, taxis in Tokyo are reliable, safe, and spotless. Fares are higher than public transport, but they can be convenient late at night when trains stop running. Ride-sharing services like Uber exist, but they are less common than in other countries. Most locals use taxis instead, especially for short city hops.
Buses for Local Travel
Trains cover most of Tokyo, but buses are helpful in neighborhoods with fewer stations. Signs and announcements are often in Japanese, but routes are usually straightforward. You can use your Suica or Pasmo card to board. Buses are slower than trains but offer a chance to see the city from street level at a more relaxed pace.
Walking & Cycling
Many of Tokyo’s neighborhoods—like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa—are best explored on foot. The city is safe, clean, and walkable, with hidden alleys, shrines, and shops waiting to be discovered. Cycling is also becoming more popular thanks to bike-sharing programs and designated paths. Just remember to park bikes in official racks to avoid fines.
Night Travel
Most train and subway lines stop running around midnight. If you plan to stay out late in areas like Shinjuku, Roppongi, or Shibuya, make sure to check your last train time. Otherwise, you may need to take a taxi, wait until the first morning train (around 5 AM), or spend time in a late-night café, karaoke, or manga café that stay open until dawn.