Tokyo is a city with so much culture which makes it impossible to fully take in within a short amount of time. The vastness of the activities to enjoy is endless due to the size of the city. Popular neighborhoods include Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Akihabara, Roppongi and Ginza for some of the best places to eat, shop, sightsee, or visit historical sites. In this article we will show some of the most popular attractions in Tokyo that can’t be missed.
Read on to find out about the top things to do in Tokyo.
1. Catch a Kabuki performance at the Kabukiza theater
For those interested in the culture behind Japanese traditional arts, the Kabukiza theater offers extraordinary Kabuki performances. These authentic shows are popular for visitors who don’t speak Japanese. If one wants to follow the performances in English there is the opportunity to purchase translation. Full performances can take several hours but you have the option to watch one act at a time.
Kabukiza Theater
Address: 〒104-0061 Tokyo, 中央区Ginza, 四丁目１２−１５
Price: from 14 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: Hibiya Line or Asakusa Line, “Higashi Ginza” Station. Exit 3- direct access to the theatre from the subway station.
Contact: +03-3545-6800
Near by Food: Paris Wine Cafeteria
Website: Kabukiza Theater
2. Take a magical trip to Tokyo Disney Sea
This theme park is part of Tokyo Disney Resort and is inspired by Disney stories centered around the ocean. What makes this particular Disney park unique is the incredible rides. Each ride incorporates spectacular visual effects, great storytelling, and big themes completely unique to Tokyo with it being the only Disney Sea in the world.
Tokyo Disney Sea
Address: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture 279-0031
Price: from 66 USD
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 10pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: Direct access from Tokyo Disney Sea Station.
Contact: +0570-008-632
Near by Food: Amazing food inside park.
Website: Tokyo Disney Sea
3. Visit the famous Meiji Shrine
Experience Japan’s ancient original religion at the Shinto shrine of Meiji. Visitors should keep an eye out for special occasions and events happening at the shrine during your trip. To enhance the visit more, tourists can research on the special etiquette used when entering the shrine such as when to bow and pay respects. There is also a Shiseikan Budojo, which is a training hall that offers classes for Japanese Budo and Kyudo (archery).
Meiji Shrine
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557
Price: free
Opening Hours: Usually from 5am - 6pm. Hours change every month.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 1 minute walk from Meiji Jingu Mae ’Harajuku’ Station.
Contact: +03-3379-5511
Near by Food: Afuri Ramen Restaurant outside the shrine.
Website: Meiji Shrine
4. Relax at Ooedo Onsen Monogatari
This relaxing spa theme park has the feel of a festival and is one of the largest Onsens in Japan. Attendees can enjoy Himalayan Salt Saunas, Massages, Silk Baths, Carnival Games, Fortune Tellers, and natural open-air baths. There is also a choice of different traditional Japanese food to devour. Stay for the night or just stop by for the day.
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari
Address: 〒135-0064 Tokyo, 江東区Aomi, 2 Chome−6番3
Price: from 25 USD
Opening Hours: 11am - 9am.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 2 min walk from Toyosu Station.
Contact: +03-5500-1126
Near by Food: Ramen, Udon, and Sushi all inside.
Website: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari
5. Take in the view at Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is a 634 meter (2080 feet) high tower that is the tallest broadcasting structure in the world. Come here to oversee all of Tokyo for the best pictures. Each night the tower is lit up with different colors according to the theme of that day. Also, inside the tower is a restaurant to view and dine at the same time.
Tokyo Skytree
Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045
Price: from 27 USD
Opening Hours: 8am - 10pm.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 3 min walk from Tokyo Skytree Station.
Near by Food: Restaurant inside the tower.
Website: Tokyo Skytree
6. See the history of Japan's greatest movie studio
The Studio Ghibli Musuem is a magical place to explore the beginning and journey of Studio Ghibli films. Relax and enjoy the inspiring artwork while letting your imagination take flight. To guarantee a visit buy your tickets at least two months in advance online or at a local Lawsons store in Tokyo if you have a translator.
Studio Ghibli Musuem
Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013
Price: from 9 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: From the Mitaka South Exit, a 15 min walk along the Tamagawa Josui “Waterworks” to the museum.
Contact: +0570-055-777
Near by Food: Café inside museum.
Website: Ghibli Museum
7. Take a stroll through Happo-en Garden
This breathtaking garden is a postcard setting for several marriages and banquets in Tokyo. The carefully preserved garden is a nice walk with bonsai trees, cherry blossoms and tea houses. Come here for a romantic date or a quiet evening to read.
Happo-en Garden
Address: 〒108-0071 Tokyo, Minato, Shirokanedai, 1 Chome−1−13, 76 グランドヒルズ白金台
Price: free
Opening Hours: 10am - 8:30pm.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 1 minute by foot from the Exit No. 2 of Shirokanedai Station.
Contact: +03-3443-3111
Near by Food: Food spots and cafes surrounding the garden.
Website: Happo-en Garden
8. Eat some of the best Sushi
Eat some of the freshest fish at Tsukiji Fish Market. Known for some of the best places to eat sushi… it is filled with different choices of restaurants with delicious seafood. Come early in the morning to see massive Tunas being auctioned and the day to day hustle of a fish market. Due to high volumes of tourists wanting to watch the auction, visitors must register with Osakana Fukyu Center beforehand at 5 am.
Tsukiji Fish Market
Address: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 5 min walk from Tsukiji Station.
Contact: +03-3542-1111
Near by Food: Several stalls and restaurants.
Website: Tsukiji Fish Market
9. Edo-Tokyo Musuem
For those history buffs this is good learning place about the Edo time period. With replicas and artifacts the museum takes you on a journey through a 400 year era and the basic foundation of how Japan is the way it is today.
Edo-Tokyo Musuem
Address: 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida, Tokyo 130-0015
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm. Closed on public holidays and Mondays.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 5 min walk from Ryogoku Station.
Contact: +03-3626-9974
Near by Food: Ramen Marutama Ryogoku Honten.
Website: Edo-Tokyo Musuem
10. See what is in Japan's future
See into the future at the Miraikan National Museum of emerging Technology and Innovation. See robots, incoming creations, and speculations of what is to come. Japan is seen as the country of the future so getting to see what Japanese inventors are planning will be well worthwhile.
Miraikan Museum
Address: 2 Chome-3-6 Aomi, 江東区 Tokyo 135-0064
Price: from 6 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 5 minute walk from “Fune-no Kagakukan station” /4 minute walk from “Telecom Center station”.
Contact: +03-3570-9151
Near by Food: Food inside museum.
Website: Miraikan Museum
11. Celebrate your favorite anime
Immerse yourself in Japan’s anime culture with Naruto, Hunter X Hunter, Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, and many more at this indoor attraction. Play games, go on small rides, and enjoy your favorite TV themed meal at J-world. With many picture opportunities and missions to go on, this makes a great day for anime lovers. See what Japan’s popular shows are all about.
J-World
Price: from 7 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access:The JR and Tokyo Metro.8-mins from Ikebukuro Station by foot.
Contact: +03-5950-2181
Near by Food: J-World Cafeteria has fun anime themed food.
Website: J-World
12. Tokyo Central Railway Station
See the historic heart of rail transport in Japan. Admire the architectural design of an over 100 year old station. This historic site is great for pictures and to watch one of the busiest stations in Tokyo at play.
Tokyo Railway Station
Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0005
Price: free
Opening Hours: 5am - 1am.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: Tokyo Railway Station
Contact: +050-2016-1600
Near by Food: Several restaurants inside.
Website: Tokyo Railway Station
13. People watch at Shibuya crossing
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a Matcha frappuccino at the Starbucks above Shibuya Crossing. If you can get a seat! Here you can people watch and view the chaos of the busiest street in Japan. Watch the world pass by while you sit still.
Shibuya Crossing
Address: 〒150-0042 Tokyo, 渋谷区Udagawacho, 21−6, ＱＦＲＯＮＴ QFRONT
Price: free
Opening Hours: 24 hours. Busiest times during day.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: Direct access from Shibuya Station.
Contact: + 03-3770-2301
Near by Food: Gontran Cherrier Tokyo.
Website: Shibuya Crossing Starbucks
14. Rent a Kimono/dress like a Samurai
Tour around Tokyo dressed in a Kimono! Dress yourself in the Japanese culture and have a photo shoot while you are at it. Kimono rentals are 4 hours at the Kimono Kawaii Company in Shibuya. Feel what it is like to get all dressed up in this unique experience.
Kimono Rental
Address: 道玄坂1-22-11, 星野ビル 3F, 渋谷区, Tokyo 150-0043
Price: from 47 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm. Closed on Fridays.
Duration: around 4 hours required.
Access: 4 min walk from Shinsen station.
Contact: +03-5784-0520
Near by Food: Nagi Shokudo
Website: Kimono Rental
15. Go to an animal café
Bunnies, Hedgehogs, Reptiles, Chinchillas, Cats, Dogs, Owls…you name it and a café in Tokyo probably has it. Japan is obsessed with whatever is Kawaii, meaning great opportunities to cuddle with cute animals. Go melt your heart for a few hours with some of the cutest in Tokyo. You can visit with or potentially buy some of the animals. Just be careful not to go to a café that mistreats their animals as tourist traps.
Ms. Bunny Animal Cafés
Address: 〒106-0032 Tokyo, 港区Roppongi, 6−7−2 岩堀ビル
Price: from 9 USD per 30 minutes.
Opening Hours: 12pm - 9pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 2 min walk from Roppongi Station.
Contact: +03-3404-1182
Near by Food: Snacks served inside.
Website: Ms Bunny Rabbit Cafe
16. Beat an Escape Room
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are into puzzles, riddles, searching for clues, and time crunches this is the place for you. At Tokyo Escape Hunt you can choose from three different themed escape rooms. Try to save the Shogun as a Samurai, find a missing bride, or become a Zen master before 60 minutes is up. These escape rooms are perfect for English travellers and are just the right amount of challenging to be fun.
Tokyo Escape Hunt
Address: 〒111-0032 東京都Taitō-ku 浅草１丁目１０-５ KN浅草ビル６F
Price: from 67 USD for two people.
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 7pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 4 min walk from Asakusa Station.
Contact: +03-6231-6621
Near by Food: Shitamachi Tendon Akimitsu
Website: Tokyo Escape Hunt
17. Day trip to Yokohama
Take the 45 minute train ride to Yokohama for a beautiful city along the coast. Read about the history of Yokohama during World War II, go on carnival rides at colorful Cosmo World, learn how to make instant Ramen at the Ramen museums or take a stroll along the harbor. Whatever you choose to do, it will be nice to experience the quiet breathtaking city of Yokohama.
Yokohama City
Address: 〒231-0001 神奈川県横浜市中区 新港２丁目8番1号
Price: free
Opening Hours: 24 hours.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: Take JR Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Yokohama.
Near by Food: Cup Noodle Museum. Make your own instant Ramen.
Website: Yokohama
18. Attend a traditional tea ceremony
Learn the ritual that is a tea ceremony in Japan tradition. Dive into the origins, the different kind of teas, how to pour the teas, and all the proper etiquette. At Tranquility not only do you get to partake in a tea ceremony, but you also get to wear a Kimono and do an incense ceremony. Pass on what you learned to others.
Tranquility Tea Ceremony
Address: Jimbocho station Exit A2, the street level, Chiyoda 101-0051, Tokyo Prefecture
Opening Hours: 2pm - 3:30pm. Select dates.
Duration: around 1.5 hours required.
Access: Meet at Jimbocho station.
Website: Tranquility Toyko
19. Eat at Kawaii Monster Café
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Kawaii Monster Cafe is a fun getaway into a bubbly, colorful and magical place. The decorations inside make you feel like you are in a real life Candyland with delicious desserts and terrifying monster food. Come here for good music and great Instagram worthy meals.
Kawaii Monster Café
Address: 〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区 神宮前４丁目３１−１０ YM スクエア 4F
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: 11:30am - 10pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 2 min walk from Meijijingu-Mae Station.
Contact: +03-5413-6142
Near by Food: Food served inside.
Website: Kawaii Monster Cafe
20. See the world from Tokyo Tower
Visit the second largest structure in Tokyo. Go during the night to see amazing projection mapping on the tower that illuminates the city. The building is 332 meters tall and another must see stop in our list of places. Some say it is the Eiffel Tower of Tokyo.
Tokyo Tower
Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011
Price: from 9 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 11pm.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 10 min walk from Kamiyacho Station.
Contact: +03-3433-5111
Near by Food: Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai
Website: Tokyo Tower
Lose yourself in Japanese culture
Tokyo may be overwhelming with the amount of options to choose from, but its culture is so strong that even a small dose of it leaves you with a great impact. The best way to find the most unique places is to go down the wrong streets and get lost in the big city, because you might stumble across what is perfect for you.
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