Fast-paced, futuristic, and phenomenal, Tokyo is a thrilling, dazzling, and often confounding city. Nowhere on earth skillfully weaves technology and tradition together quite as well as the Japanese capital, which is as devoted to cutting edge fashion trends as long-established rituals. Travelers will never tire of things to do in Tokyo, whether they want to live it up on the neon-washed streets of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza; visit landmarks like the Sensoji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree; or eat their way around the city’s paper lantern-lit backstreets. Whatever you do, make time to linger in the Imperial Palace, built by Emperor Meiji during the country’s flowering Meiji Restoration period.
The Japanese capital’s summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold. Spring and fall are more comfortable as temperatures are warm but not too hot, and there’s little chance of rain. One of the best things to do in Tokyo is visit during cherry blossom season, when the city’s parks host parties. Golden Week (April 29-May 5) is especially busy due to a string of public holidays, so stay away if you don’t like crowds.
The city’s extensive network of trains, subway lines, and buses makes getting around easy. Even better, you don’t need to know Japanese to navigate it. A slight complicating factor is that Japan Rail operates many—but not all—train lines, and different companies manage the subway. Various lines and companies don’t necessarily link up, so switching train or subway lines sometimes involves leaving one Tokyo station and entering another with the same or a similar name.
Tokyo is a large city with many tall buildings and lots of concrete. But there are also many parks and gardens. The formal Japanese gardens at Shinjuku Gyoen and the tree-lined pathways leading to Meiji Jingu are great places to experience Japanese culture, while admiring cherry blossoms in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace is one of the best things to do in Tokyo. Large Ueno Park contains many attractions, including museums and a zoo.
Attractions 113 | Tours 1,749 | Reviews 72,064 |
While living in Tokyo, Claire spent her time exploring the traditional and modern streets of the city, shopping in Harajuku, and eating at izakayas (Japanese pub restaurants).
get an IC rechargeable card—it makes it easier to travel around the city’s public transport network and explore.
starts with a stroll in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, followed by a visit to the National Museum, a shabu-shabu hotpot in Shinjuku, and karaoke to end the day.
Shibuya Crossing. Wait to cross alongside thousands of pedestrians while staring wide-eyed at the flashing advert-filled screens.
wander the historic Asakusa district, take a tour of the Senso-ji Temple, and sample kibi dango (mini mochi balls) and taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes).
climb to the free observatories in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. On cloudless days you might be able to glimpse Mt. Fuji.
The language barrier is real but Tokyoites will do their best to help, so don’t hesitate to ask.
The sprawling, neon-soaked metropolis is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It’s a place where ancient traditions sit side by side with the thrillingly futuristic. While Tokyo is home to many attractions, from the Tokyo National Museum to the Tsukiji Fish Market, it’s the experience of simply being here that draws return visitors.
...MoreFrom the Skytree to Roppongi Hills’ Mori Tower, Tokyo is home to many observation decks that offer sweeping views of the city’s complex skyline. The twin towers of the Metropolitan Government Building have two observation decks, which offer some of the city’s best views, stretching as far as Mt. Fuji. And the best part is that they’re free.
...MoreFoodies can sample Japanese cuisine at the city’s world-class restaurants (or the open air Tsukiji Outer Market), and you can learn about the Tokugawa Shogunate, and life in the Edo Period, at the Edo Tokyo Museum. From beer and yakitori in a tiny alleyway to dancing the night away at a megaclub, the nightlife scene is also top-notch.
...MoreA lifetime in Tokyo wouldn’t be enough to experience everything it has to offer. But, for starters, give yourself at least a week to visit the must-see attractions and get a taste of the city’s different districts. If time is tight and the capital is just one stop in Japan, try for three days at the minimum.
...MoreTokyo is a surprisingly green city, and exploring the city’s parks, such as Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Koen, is a highlight, especially during cherry blossom season. It’s worth soaking up waterfront views along the Sumida River (or of Tokyo Bay, crossed by the Rainbow Bridge). Just outside the city, hiking the trails of Mount Takao makes for a great day trip.
...MoreYes, to an extent. While you’ll likely meet more English speakers (and bilingual signage) in Tokyo than anywhere else in Japan, the language is not overly present beyond the basics. While you can certainly get by without any Japanese, you should learn at least a few phrases.
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