13 Things To Do In Tokyo, Japan, During The Weekend - Updated 2024

Sameeksha
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 6 min read
things to do in tokyo this weekend

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the most populous metropolis on earth. If you ever wish to understand the depth of Japanese culture and traditions, Tokyo is the best city to visit. Tokyo offers innumerable options in terms of shopping, entertainment, culture, and cuisine. You will be both amazed and thrilled at the same time with the immense variety, beauty, and class of alternatives in this part of Japan. The city has a number of historic temples, marvelous museums, and gardens which tend to enhance the beauty of the city at every step. You will also come across a number of eye-pleasing green spaces within short distances as Tokyo lays special importance on the environment. Since the holiday season is just around the corner, one should definitely take a break and travel to some exciting places such as Tokyo. Read on to find our list of the top things to do in Tokyo, Japan, during the weekend.

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1. A quick look at the Ghibli Museum

Located in Mitaka, the central Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum is a must-visit for movie lovers. Ghibli Museum is the animation and art museum of Miyazaki Hayao’s Studio Ghibli, one of Japan’s most famous animation studios. The museum has two floors and it is designed in a mischievously amazing manner along with a life-sized robot from the famous movie “Castle in the Sky”.

Read more about our detailed guide to Ghibli Museum here >>
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2. How about enjoying all-night karaoke

Karaoke at Shibuya
Source: Photo by user DocChewbacca used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Do you know Karaoke originated from Japan? Karaoke is a well-liked pastime enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan, and also makes an interesting activity for tourists to Japan, especially those looking for some night entertainment. You can find a number of Karaoke establishments open from around 11:00 am to 3:00 am the following morning. Karaoke is an important part of nightlife in Tokyo as it is both relaxing as well as affordable. One of the best karaoke boxes in Tokyo is Karaoke No Tetsujin. This is one of the best and the easiest thing to do in Tokyo on weekends.

Karaoke No Tetsujin

Address: 1-3-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo

3. Enjoy a personalized ramen tour with an expert

Alright, ramen lovers, get ready for a two-hour culinary escapade through Tokyo, guided by Hiroshi, the local ramen guru. You’re about to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of ramen, with Hiroshi unraveling the history, various styles, and secrets behind this iconic Japanese dish. During this personalized ramen tour, you won’t just eat ramen - you’ll experience it in all its glory.

You will get to savor two different styles of ramen at two fantastic ramen joints and slurp your way through bowls of steaming, soul-satisfying goodness. The beauty of this tour? It’s all about you. Customize your ramen experience to suit your taste, and Hiroshi will be right there to make it happen.

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4. Go on a private ramen tour with a local noodle expert

Prepare for a truly immersive ramen experience with this private tour led by Frank, a seasoned noodle expert. Frank will take you to the world of ramen, offering you insights into various aspects of this famed dish - from understanding what to order and how to savor it to mastering the art of ramen etiquette.

The journey begins with a relaxing coffee or tea session where you’ll get to listen to fascinating ramen anecdotes and learn about the nuances of this beloved dish. But here’s the twist - you’re the one in charge! You and your fellow ramen enthusiasts will decide which ramen shop to visit, together. Whether you prefer the historic charm of Asakusa, the glitz of Ginza, the vibrancy of Shibuya, or any other Tokyo neighborhood, Frank’s got you covered.

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Tokyo Tour Guide

Ayano

Ayano

Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I wi... Read more

Tours by Ayano

5. Visit Ueno Zoo

Ueno-zoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Los688 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Established in 1882 as a part of Japan’s modernization during Meiji Period, Ueno Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Japan. It is a world class zoo with animals all around the globe. Some of the biggest attractions of this zoo, which make visiting one of the best things to do in Tokyo this weekend, are elephants, gorillas, polar bears, giraffes, etc.

Ueno Zoo

Address: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan

Website: Ueno Zoo

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6. Take a look at Godzilla Head

Statue of Godzilla (Gojira) in Tokyo, Japan
Source: Photo by Flickr user Paul Mannix used under CC BY 2.0

Known for all the weird developments, Godzilla Head is located on the 8th floor of the Gracery Hotel. It is a giant head of the scaly menace, that’s seen towering over the Toho Building in the Shinjuku Ward. You might not find it appealing at first sight, but after a few minutes, this gorilla will definitely be appealing. Among other sightseeing options, this is one of the weirdest things to do in Tokyo on weekends.

Godzilla Head

Address: 1-19-1 Kabukicho | Shinjuku Toho Bldg, Shinjuku 160-0021, Tokyo Prefecture

Website: Godzilla Head

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7. Visit Nezu Museum

Posted by Nezu Museum on Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Located in the Minato district of Tokyo, Nezu Museum formerly known as the Nezu Institute of Fine Arts is another famous art museum in Tokyo. The museum is home to the personal collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art of Nezu Kaichirō. The museum also contains historical remains of Tokyo in the form of a pair of Edo period folding screens, Irises, by Ogata Kōrin as well as Chinese bronzes of the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

Nezu Museum

Address: 6 Chome-5-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan

Website: Nezu Museum

Contact No.: +81 3-3400-2536

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8. Worship in the Buddhist Temple- Sensō-ji

Hozomon and pagoda, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daderot used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Located in Asakusa, Sensōji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Tokyo. This is one of the most colourful and popular temples found in Tokyo. As per the legend, the temple is built to provide a permanent place to a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, found in the Sumida River by two brothers while fishing. Visiting Sensōji is one of the best things to do in Tokyo as this temple is famous for adopting advanced technologies to maintain the traditional architectures.

Sensōji

Address: 2-3-1, Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo Prefecture

Website: Sensōji

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9. Explore Harajuku

Harajuku - Takeshita Street 10 (15741470792)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Mabel used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the best ways to Explore Harajuku is to take the Harajuku Kawaii Tour. Harajuku is the area between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. The place is the hub of teenage cultures and fashion styles. Along with fashion styles, you can also get your hands on exotic Japanese cuisines, you can visit the largest Daiso in Tokyo and find many sources of entertainment. If you ever wish to explore Tokyo completely with the help of locals speaking good English, then visiting Harajuku is the best thing to do in Toyko this weekend.

Harajuku Kawaii Tour

Address: 1-18 Jingumae | Meeting Place: Harajuku station, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo Prefecture

Website: Harajuku Kawaii Tour

Traveler's tips

Cat Street The Matcha Tokyo

Between Harajuku and Shibuya lies Cat Street, which was a great find while I was on a search for vintage stores around Tokyo. This street is lined with secondhand stores selling items from international brands. In the area, you'll also find The Match Tokyo, a popular café with delicious matcha-flavored drinks and ice cream. I highly recommend the frozen matcha latte!

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10. Walk over the bridge to Odaiba

Rainbow bridge japan 2011
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ignat Gorazd used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Rainbow Bridge is only a 798-metre (8589.6-square-foot) long bridge acting as a conduit inside as well as outside of the city, designed especially for people heading to the island of Odaiba. Built towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868), Odaiba is a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. This is another good thing to do in Tokyo this weekend as this walk from the rainbow bridge to Odaiba is an interesting and accessible wander for tourists who are trying to experience life in Tokyo.

Rainbow bridge

Address: Minato, Tokyo 105-0000, Japan

Website: Rainbow bridge

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11. Observe and learn Washi making

If you are bored with sightseeing, you can quickly try your hands on this age-old art and craft of Japan called Japanese Washi Paper-Making. You can make traditional Japanese washi paper out of the local fibre. This is not a very easy task. You will need your utmost focus at this Ozu Washi workshop, as even the slightest mistake may prevent you from making a perfect sheet in a humbling yet rewarding experience. This is one of the most fascinating things to do in Tokyo.

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12. Experience Shibuya Scramble Crossing

1 shibuya crossing 2012
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user chensiyuan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Shibuya Scramble Crossing also called as “Cross-All-You-Can” is a famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. It is one of the busiest intersections in the world as it merges six streets, and the pedestrian stoplights in every direction turn red and green at the same time. It is an amazing thing to do in Tokyo this weekend as you can experience and watch everything happen from the sidelines. It is an extremely astonishing sight.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Address: Udagawacho, Shibuya 150-0042, Tokyo Prefecture (Shibuya, Harajuku, Ebisu)

byFood experience

1) Tasting six mini ramen bowls at award-winning shops

Gear up for a mouthwatering three-hour-long ramen-tasting tour that will take you on a savory journey through Shibuya and Ebisu. You will visit three award-winning ramen shops and get to savor six mini bowls of authentic ramen noodles - some of the finest in all of Tokyo. But it doesn’t stop there, this tour is all about customization and exploration.

You’ll have a blast selecting your ramen and personalizing it to suit your taste buds. Experiment with different toppings and noodle styles, and learn how each element transforms the ramen experience. All the while, you’ll be in the company of a ramen expert who will share insider tips and tricks.

Traveler's tips

Shibuya Scramble Crossing Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Get a different view of Shibuya Scramble Crossing from Magnet by Shibuya 109. There's a set fee, which includes a drink, to enter the rooftop area overlooking the crossing. Seeing hordes of people cross the busy intersection is definitely a different experience from above. While this place isn't set as high above street level as other options, it's less crowded, so you'll have a better shot at gaining entrance.

The other side of the rooftop is an event place with live music, so you might want to check that out too!

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13. Take the All Star Tokyo Food Tour

Set out on the All-Star Tokyo Food Tour, a fantastic adventure tailor-made for your Saturdays and Sundays! Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shinbashi on this three-hour culinary journey. Immerse yourself in these iconic districts, savoring the unique flavors that make this tour a must-try.

Participants will get to explore captivating culinary traditions, including the vibrant izakaya (pub) culture of Japan. Indulge in sampling a diverse array of local dishes at the various food stops along the way. And there’s more in store – you’ll also have the opportunity to pay your respects at a community shrine, adding an extra layer of meaning to your weekend adventure.

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Tokyo, a perfect weekend getaway

Now you know that there are a lot of things to do in Tokyo on a weekend. So, quickly sneak out from your monotonous life and take a quick tour of Tokyo. And since we all live our lives on a packed schedule, Tokyo can be the best weekend escape as the place promises 100% contentment for its visitors.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sameeksha Jain is a passionate travel writer. Known to weave captivating tales for over six years, each of her sentences is a ticket to destinations painted in prose. Her love affair with travel...Read more

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