50 Things to Do in Tokyo
Tokyo pulses with an unparalleled energy, a vast metropolis where gleaming skyscrapers coexist with serene temples and ancient traditions meet futuristic innovation. This dynamic city offers endless discoveries around every corner, and exploring its diverse neighborhoods or relaxing in beautiful public gardens are just some of the fantastic free things to do in Tokyo that let you soak in the atmosphere without spending a fortune. From neon-lit crossings to peaceful shrines, Tokyo promises a journey of contrasts.
This guide presents fifty distinct ways to experience the best of Tokyo, navigating its iconic landmarks, vibrant districts, cultural treasures, and unique local experiences. From world-class museums and historic sites to bustling markets and serene escapes, prepare to dive into the captivating spirit of Japan’s incredible capital. Get ready to explore the captivating heart of this global megacity.
Iconic Views & Landmarks
Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Witness the world’s busiest intersection, where hundreds cross simultaneously from multiple directions. Watch the organized chaos from the Starbucks overlook or nearby buildings for the best perspective.
Tokyo Skytree: Ascend Japan’s tallest structure for breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling Tokyo metropolis. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance (book tickets online).
Tokyo Tower: Visit the Eiffel Tower-inspired communications tower, an iconic symbol of Tokyo’s post-war rebirth. Enjoy great city views from its observation decks, offering a classic, slightly retro viewing experience.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Ride the free elevators to the observation decks for excellent panoramic views of Tokyo, including Shinjuku Gyoen and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly viewpoint.
Rainbow Bridge: Walk or take the Yurikamome Line across the bridge connecting central Tokyo to the Odaiba waterfront area. Enjoy beautiful views of the bridge itself, especially when lit up at night, and the city skyline.
Historic Temples & Shrines
Senso-ji Temple: Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, approaching through the bustling Nakamise-dori market street lined with traditional snacks and souvenirs. Experience the vibrant atmosphere leading up to the historic main hall.
Meiji Jingu Shrine: Find serenity at this peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a dense forest near Harajuku Station. It offers a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.
Zojoji Temple: Explore this large Buddhist temple located near Tokyo Tower, known for its impressive main gate (Sangedatsumon) and rows of Jizo statues. Enjoy the juxtaposition of the historic temple and the modern tower behind it.
Gotokuji Temple: Discover the unique temple famous for its thousands of beckoning cat (maneki-neko) figurines, believed to bring good luck. It’s a charming and highly photogenic spot slightly off the main tourist path.
Nezu Shrine: Wander through the beautiful grounds featuring a tunnel of red torii gates reminiscent of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, especially stunning during the azalea festival in spring. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and historic architecture.
Vibrant Neighborhood Exploration
Harajuku Takeshita Street: Immerse yourself in colorful youth fashion, quirky shops selling unique snacks (like giant rainbow cotton candy), and crepe stands along this famously crowded street. Experience the heart of kawaii culture and street style.
Shinjuku Golden Gai: Explore the network of narrow alleys packed with tiny, atmospheric bars, each with its own unique theme and character. It offers a glimpse into old Tokyo nightlife (bars are very small, often with cover charges).
Yanaka Ginza: Stroll down this charming traditional shopping street (shotengai) offering a nostalgic glimpse into old Tokyo. Sample local snacks, browse small shops, and enjoy the relaxed, local atmosphere.
Akihabara Electric Town: Dive into the epicenter of anime, manga, gaming, and electronics culture. Explore multi-story buildings filled with arcades, character goods, electronic components, and themed cafes.
Ginza Crossing: Experience Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, wandering past flagship designer stores, department stores like Wako with its iconic clock tower, and art galleries. Enjoy window shopping or indulge in luxury retail therapy.
Kagurazaka: Explore the charming neighborhood known for its French influence, sloping streets, traditional restaurants (ryotei), and hidden alleyways. It offers a quieter, more sophisticated atmosphere with a touch of European flair.
Shimokitazawa: Discover this trendy neighborhood popular with students and artists, known for its vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques, live music venues, and cozy cafes. It’s a great place to find unique fashion and enjoy a relaxed vibe.
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): Step back in time in this narrow Shinjuku alley packed with tiny yakitori stalls and eateries under glowing lanterns. Experience the smoky atmosphere and enjoy grilled skewers in a classic post-war setting.
Parks, Gardens & Urban Oases
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Relax in one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks, featuring distinct English Landscape, French Formal, and Japanese Traditional gardens. Pack a picnic or simply enjoy the diverse horticultural styles.
Ueno Park: Explore this large public park home to several major museums (including Tokyo National Museum), Ueno Zoo, Shinobazu Pond, and temples. It’s a major cultural hub with ample green space.
Yoyogi Park: Enjoy the spacious lawns popular for picnics, people-watching, and weekend gatherings (including rockabilly dancers near the entrance). Adjacent to Meiji Jingu, it offers a lively contrast to the serene shrine.
Imperial Palace East Garden (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen): Wander the former site of Edo Castle’s innermost circles, featuring massive stone walls, moats, and beautiful landscape gardens. Admission is free to explore these historic grounds.
Hamarikyu Gardens: Stroll through this beautiful landscape garden alongside Tokyo Bay, featuring seawater ponds that change level with the tides and a traditional teahouse on an island. Enjoy the contrast between the serene garden and the surrounding skyscrapers.
Rikugien Garden: Explore one of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional Japanese landscape gardens, especially stunning during autumn leaf season and spring cherry blossoms (with evening illuminations). Its central pond and teahouses offer picturesque scenes.
Inokashira Park: Relax by the large pond (rent swan boats), visit the Ghibli Museum (requires advance booking), or explore the small zoo within this popular park in Kichijoji. It’s a favorite local hangout just west of central Tokyo.
Museums & Art Experiences
Tokyo National Museum: Explore the largest museum in Japan, located in Ueno Park, housing an extensive collection of Japanese art and artifacts, plus other Asian treasures. Allow ample time to discover its vast historical holdings.
Ghibli Museum (Mitaka): Step into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli animation (requires booking tickets far in advance, often via lottery). Explore exhibits showcasing the art and craft of Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved films in a magical setting.
teamLab Borderless / Planets: Immerse yourself in stunning, interactive digital art installations at one of teamLab’s popular Tokyo museums (check locations and availability). Book tickets well in advance as these highly photogenic experiences sell out quickly.
Mori Art Museum: Discover contemporary art exhibitions from around the world located atop the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Combine your visit with city views from the Tokyo City View observation deck in the same building.
Nezu Museum: Admire a superb private collection of Japanese and East Asian pre-modern art, including famous iris screens (displayed seasonally), housed in a beautiful building with a tranquil garden. It offers an elegant art experience in Omotesando.
Edo-Tokyo Museum (Note: currently closed for major renovations until approx. 2025): When reopened, explore the history and culture of Tokyo (formerly Edo) through life-size replicas and detailed models. Keep an eye out for its future reopening.
Sumida Hokusai Museum: Discover the life and works of the famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (creator of “The Great Wave”) in the area where he spent most of his life. Explore woodblock prints and learn about his artistic legacy.
Unique Cultural Immersion
Watch Sumo Practice (Arashio-beya or other stables): Observe sumo wrestlers during their intense morning training sessions (check stable websites for viewing availability and etiquette rules). It’s a fascinating glimpse into the dedication required for this traditional sport.
Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony: Participate in a formal Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) to appreciate the artistry and mindfulness involved in preparing and serving matcha green tea. Find dedicated tea houses offering visitor experiences.
Visit a Depachika: Explore the dazzling basement food halls (depachika) found in major department stores like Takashimaya or Mitsukoshi. Discover beautifully presented gourmet foods, sweets, bentos, and samples for a feast for the eyes and palate.
Soak in an Onsen or Sento: Relax in a traditional Japanese bathhouse – either a natural hot spring (onsen, less common in central Tokyo) or a public bath (sento). Experience the communal bathing culture for ultimate relaxation.
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre / National Theatre: Catch a traditional Japanese performance like Kabuki or Noh (at the National Theatre) or enjoy classical concerts and plays at major venues. Check schedules for world-class cultural entertainment.
Shopping Havens
Shibuya 109: Explore the iconic cylindrical building, a mecca for young Japanese women’s fashion trends. Browse multiple floors of trendy clothing and accessories for a dive into current youth styles.
Omotesando: Stroll down Tokyo’s “Champs-Élysées,” lined with flagship stores of major international fashion brands, stunning architecture, and chic cafes. Enjoy upscale window shopping and admire the stylish crowds.
Nakamise-dori Market (Asakusa): Browse traditional Japanese souvenirs, snacks like senbei (rice crackers) and ningyo-yaki (small cakes), and crafts lining the pathway to Senso-ji Temple. It’s a perfect place to find classic souvenirs.
Character Street (Tokyo Station): Discover shops dedicated to popular Japanese characters like Hello Kitty, Pokemon, and Studio Ghibli located within Tokyo Station’s First Avenue complex. It’s a haven for finding cute character merchandise.
Essential Food Adventures
Tsukiji Outer Market: Explore the bustling outer market adjacent to the former wholesale fish market site, sampling incredibly fresh sushi, seafood snacks, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), and browsing kitchenware. Arrive early for the liveliest atmosphere and best selection.
Eat Ramen: Slurp down a bowl of delicious ramen, choosing from countless variations like tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce), or miso. Find famous chains or tiny neighborhood shops for this essential Japanese comfort food.
Try Fresh Sushi: Indulge in high-quality sushi and sashimi, whether at a stand-up sushi bar, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant (kaiten-zushi), or an upscale sushi counter. Enjoy the fresh flavors of expertly prepared seafood.
Visit an Izakaya: Experience a Japanese-style pub (izakaya), ordering various small dishes (like yakitori, edamame, tempura) to share alongside drinks like sake or beer. It’s a great way to enjoy a casual and social evening meal.
Explore Convenience Store Food: Discover the surprisingly high quality and variety of food available at Japanese convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson. Find delicious onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, bentos, and snacks perfect for quick, affordable meals.
Entertainment & Pop Culture
Ghibli Clock (Shiodome): See the large, whimsical steampunk-style clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki outside the Nittele Tower, which comes alive with music and movement at scheduled times. It’s a charming piece of public Ghibli art.
Arcades in Akihabara/Shinjuku: Spend hours playing classic and modern video games, crane games (UFO catchers), and rhythm games in multi-story arcades. Experience the loud, flashing energy of Japanese gaming culture.
Robot Restaurant (Note: reopened as Samurai Restaurant): Experience the new iteration of the famously over-the-top Shinjuku show featuring robots, dancers, lasers, and samurais. Expect a sensory overload of dazzling, energetic entertainment (book ahead).
Themed Cafes: Visit unique cafes centered around themes like animals (cats, owls, hedgehogs), characters, maids, or specific concepts found throughout Tokyo, especially in Akihabara and Harajuku. They offer quirky photo ops and specialty menus.
Odaiba Entertainment Island: Explore the large artificial island in Tokyo Bay featuring shopping malls like DiverCity (with its giant Gundam statue), museums (teamLab Borderless, Miraikan), Fuji TV Building, and Odaiba Marine Park. Enjoy diverse entertainment options with bay views.
