18 EPIC Things To Do In Tokyo (for First-Timers!)
So, you’re planning your Japan trip and wondering what to do in Tokyo? With so many options, what things are *actually* worth your time? Don’t worry, I’ve got you!
When we started planning our Japan adventure, I was completely overwhelmed by just how much there is to do in Tokyo. It’s massive, chaotic, vibrant, and full of everything. We only had two full days to explore, so the pressure was on to hit the highlights without burning out.
One of the biggest lessons we learned? You really can’t go wrong.
No matter how much you plan, you’re always going to miss something. But that’s part of the magic – every corner of Tokyo has something amazing waiting for you.
That being said, you do need a strategy. Tokyo is huge, and you’ll lose half your day zigzagging across the city if you don’t plan your areas wisely. Thankfully, Tokyo’s public transport is next-level: fast, clean, and ridiculously punctual (we’re talking to-the-second punctual).
With that in mind, here are the best things to do in Tokyo! p.s I’ve saved my two favourites for last 😜
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Best time to visit
- Peak Tourist Season (Spring – March to May) 🌸
- Best Time to Travel ( Autumn September to November) 🍁
Where to stay Tokyo
- ($) 9H Akasaka Sleep Lab
- ($$) Royal Park Canvas Ginza
- ($$$) The Okura Tokyo
TOP ATTRACTIONS
*prices shown are accurate at the time of writing and, unless otherwise stated are in USD.
📍 Senso-Ji Temple 
📍 Meiji Jungu Sake Barrels
Tokyo Travel Basics
Okay, before we get into the good stuff, let’s quickly go over some Tokyo Travel Basics!
How Many Days Do You Need in Tokyo?
Ideally, 4-5 days, did we mention how huge Tokyo is yet? 😂
You could easily spend a week here and still leave with things on your list, but 4-5 days gives you time to hit the major areas without feeling rushed.
If you only have 2-3 days, it’s still doable! We only had two full days and saw all the top things on our list – you just need to plan by area and, unfortunately, skip a few attractions.
How to Get to Tokyo
You’ll likely fly into either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport.
- From Narita: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) or Keisei Skyliner to central Tokyo
- From Haneda: The Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line will get you in fast.
If you’re already in Japan, the Shinkansen (bullet train) connects Tokyo with Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
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How to Get Around Tokyo
Obviously, Tokyo’s public transport system is one of the best in the world, simply grab a Suica card, and you’re golden.
To get a Suica Card on iPhone →
- Open Wallet
- Click the + symbol
- Select Add Transit Card
- Scroll until you find Suica and tap
- Click continue and follow the instructions to complete the setup.
Tips for navigating Tokyo like a pro:
- Use Google Maps or Navitime for live train updates
- Most signage is in English, but have Translate downloaded for offline use just in case
- Trains are on time to the second, so don’t be late!
How Much Does Tokyo Cost?
Of course, Tokyo is one of those places that you can really splurge and have an epic time. But, I’m not going to lie, for the budget travellers among us, Tokyo does cost a pretty penny. Even on the budget side, you are looking at $70 USD+ per day. However, in my *expert* opinion, it is worth every dollar!
Here’s a super rough daily budget per person:
- Budget travel: $70-$100 per day
- Mid-range: $100–250 per day
- Splurge: $300+ per day
🤑 Looking to stick to a budget? Skip the expensive tours and Disneyland, head to 7-Eleven for your meals and book ahead to get good deals on hotels!
📍 Tokyo, Japan 
📍 Asakusa, Tokyo 
📍 Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
I truly don’t think there would be a ‘bad’ time to visit Japan! We went in early December and LOVED it, we had amazing (but brisk) temperatures, fewer crowds and blue skies!
- Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms and perfect weather
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Fall foliage and fewer tourists
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid but packed with festivals
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but clear skies and great Mt. Fuji visibility
The BEST Things To Do in Tokyo
Finally – let’s get to the good stuff. Now you know when you are going and how to get around, it’s time to figure out what you are going to do while you’re there!
I’ve saved my two favourite things we did in Tokyo Japan for last! 😜
Tokyo Map
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📍 Tokyo Skytree 
📍 Tokyo Skytree
🗼 Tokyo Skytree
Price Same Day: ¥2,400 (Tembo Deck/350m) or ¥3,500 (Combo Ticket/450m)
Price Advance: ¥2,100 (Tembo Deck/350m) or ¥3,100 (Combo Ticket/450m)
Opening times: 10 am – 10 pm (last admission 9pm)
Location: Sumida City
Buy tickets: Check availability here!
When it comes to Tokyo viewpoints, there are a lot of options. We went with Skytree and had zero regrets. p.s we did lower deck only!
At 634 metres tall, it’s the tallest structure in Japan and the second-tallest in the world. The view is next-level – you can see the entire city, and on a clear day, even Mt. Fuji. There’s also a glass floor section that’s mildly terrifying (and slightly exhilarating).
If you’re short on time and only want to do one viewpoint, this is a solid bet.
💡 Top Tip: Google to find out when sunset is and try to book your tickets for that time for one of the best sunsets of your life!
Other Tokyo Viewpoint Options:
- Tokyo Tower: The OG red-and-white Eiffel-style tower. Smaller than Skytree but super photogenic.
Price: from ¥1,500 | Opening times: 9 am – 11 pm (last entry 9:15pm) | Buy tickets here - Shibuya Sky: Sleek, modern rooftop with mind-blowing views of the Shibuya Scramble and skyline at sunset.
Price: from ¥2,700 | Opening times: 10 am – 10:30 pm (last entry 9.20pm) | Buy tickets here
📍 Tokyo Skytree 
📍 Tokyo Skytree 
📍 Tokyo Skytree
🍭 Takeshita Street, Harajuku
Price: Free to visit (but budget for snacks & shopping)
Opening Times: Shops usually open around 11am till 8pm
Location: Right outside Harajuku Station
Recommended experience: Harajuku Tradition & Pop culture Tour
This is Tokyo’s center of youth culture, fashion, and all things adorable. Takeshita Street is a short, crowded pedestrian strip packed with rainbow cotton candy, bubble tea, crepe stands, and fashion that ranges from kawaii to wild.
It’s pure Japan chaos in the best way possible. If you’re into people-watching, this is the spot. You’ll see everything from tourists in animal onesies to locals in full-on cosplay or vintage streetwear.
The shops are a mix of souvenir stands, quirky boutiques, and trend-driven fashion stores that rotate inventory faster than you can blink. And don’t miss the beauty shops – Japanese skincare and makeup are top-tier.
Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends!
🚦 Shibuya Crossing
Price: Free
Opening Times: 24/7
Location: In front of Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit
Recommended experience: Shibuya Sky
Known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, Shibuya Crossing is an experience you feel as much as you see. When the lights turn red, hundreds of people flood the intersection from every angle in organised chaos!
The best way to experience it? Do it twice. Firstly, walk across with the crowd. Then head to Shibuya Sky or starbucks for a bird’s-eye view. We found a metro station across the road that had pretty epic views!
It’s also worth finding Hachiko, the famous statue of the loyal dog who waited outside the station for his owner every day. It’s small but iconic. 🥹🐶
📍Shibuya Scramble Crossing 
📍Shibuya Scramble Crossing 
📍Shibuya Scramble Crossing
🍶 Bar Hop Through Golden Gai
Price: Drinks from ¥700; some bars have ¥500–¥1,000 cover charge
Opening Times: 6pm – late (some open earlier/later)
Location: Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Recommended experience: Go Bar Hopping in Golden Gai
Golden Gai is what happens when Tokyo refuses to modernise one small corner of its nightlife. It’s a maze of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars, some seat six people max, and each one has its own personality.
Jazz, horror, punk, travel-themed, movie-themed – you name it, there’s a bar for it. Some are open to tourists, others only welcome regulars, but most display friendly signs at the entrance to help you choose.
Bring cash, be respectful, and if a bar says “members only,” don’t take it personally – just try the next one.
📍 Tokyo, Japan 
📍 Grandfathers Bar
🕍 Meiji Jingu Shrine
Price: Free (donations optional)
Opening Times: Sunrise to sunset (varies by season)
Location: Adjacent to Harajuku Station
Recommended tour: Meiji Shrine Tour
Tucked inside a massive forest right in the middle of the city, Meiji Jingu is peaceful, powerful, and the perfect balance to Harajuku’s chaos just next door.
After passing through the towering torii gate, you’ll walk along gravel paths surrounded by tall trees and a surprising amount of birdsong for a city of 37 million people. It’s incredibly calming.
You can also buy ema (wooden wishing plaques) or write your prayers on paper to be blessed by the priests.
📍 Meiji Jingu Shrine 
📍 Meiji Jingu Shrine
🌸 Ueno Park
Price: Free (museums and zoo have individual ticket prices)
Opening Times: Park open 5am – 11pm (museums/zoo have varied hours, internal temples usually close around 5pm)
Location: Ueno, Taito City
Recommended experience: Ueno Park Walking Tour
Ueno Park is Tokyo’s answer to Central Park – but with cherry blossoms, shrines, and a zoo. It’s especially famous in spring, when thousands of sakura trees bloom and locals camp out under them for all-day hanami picnics.
There’s a peaceful pond with paddle boats, wide open walkways, and plenty of street food stalls nearby if you’re craving yakitori or taiyaki.
It’s also home to several top-tier museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. If you’re visiting with kids, or if the weather turns, this is a great spot to slow things down and explore indoors.
It’s often overlooked for trendier spots, but Ueno’s got soul – and a little something for everyone.
♨️ Visit an Onsen or Public Bath
Price: Around ¥1,000–¥2,000 depending on location
Opening Times: Typically 11am – midnight (varies)
Location: Throughout Tokyo; try Thermae Yu (Shinjuku) or Oedo Onsen Monogatari (Odaiba, now closed but reopening elsewhere soon)
Recommended experience: Relax at a Modern Onsen Spa
It’s no secret that soaking in a hot spring bath is a right of passage in Japan, and after a long day of walking Tokyo’s streets, it hits just right. If you can’t make it to a mountain ryokan, there are fantastic urban options.
Thermae Yu in Shinjuku is modern, tattoo-friendly, and open until the early hours of the morning. Here, you’ll find outdoor baths, sauna rooms, rest lounges, and even a full restaurant inside. Perfect for relaxing without leaving the city.
Expect to get totally nude! 😲 there are no swimsuits or modesty towels in a traditional onsen. But once you get past that, it’s such a peaceful, rejuvenating experience.
Make sure to rinse off thoroughly before entering the bath, and keep your hair out of the water. Follow the etiquette and you’ll feel like a local in no time.
This is another one the list that we didn’t personally par-take in, so I have no photos. Instead, please enjoy the only photos of an Onsen we got – the Snow Monkeys of Nagano! 🤣
📍 Jigokudani Yaen-Koen 
📍 Nagano Snow Monkeys
🥤 Hunt Down Tokyo’s Weirdest Vending Machines
Price: ¥100–¥1,500 depending on item
Opening Times: 24/7
Location: Scattered throughout Tokyo – try Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Nakano
Tokyo doesn’t just do vending machines – it owns them. You’ll find over 5 million vending machines across Japan, selling everything from green tea to hot corn soup, but some go way beyond.
In Akihabara, you’ll stumble across entire vending machine alleys with mystery boxes, tinned oden, and gachapon capsules (think adult-level Kinder Surprises). Look for the infamous “Junk Vending Machine” corner for surprise trinkets and, occasionally, unsettling snacks.
Other highlights?
- Wagyu beef vending machines (Nakano)
- Bananas in Shibuya Station – Exit 3 of the Hanzomon Line in front of Village Vanguard
- Fortune-telling vending machines (Asakusa)
- Bug Snacks – Takadanobaba
The fun part is not knowing what you’ll get. It’s cheap, weird, and such a great way to discover Tokyo’s sense of humour.
📍 Tokyo, Japan 
📍 Tokyo, Japan
🏯 Senso-ji Temple
Price: Free
Opening Times: Temple open 6am – 5pm (grounds open 24/7)
Location: Asakusa, Tokyo
Recommended tour: Asakusa Walking Tour with Cultural Experience
This is Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of the most iconic sights in Japan. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you walk under the massive red lantern hanging from the Kaminarimon Gate.
The path to the temple (Nakamise Street) is lined with snack stalls and souvenir shops – perfect for grabbing matcha soft serve or little lucky charms. Once inside, the main temple building is beautiful and often bustling with worshippers.
Don’t miss the omikuji (Japanese fortune slips) – but beware, they can be brutally honest! If you get a bad one, tie it up on the wire rack to leave the bad luck behind.
💡 Top Tip: Come early in the morning for a more peaceful vibe, or visit in the evening when it’s lit up and feels extra magical!
📍 Senso-Ji Temple 
📍 Senso-Ji Temple 
📍 Senso-Ji Temple
🌊 TeamLab Planets
Price: from ¥3,800 (varies by entry time)
Opening Times: 9am – 10pm (entry closes 1 hour before closing)
Location: Koto City, Tokyo
Buy tickets here: Check Availability Here
Okay, this one we didn’t get to go to ourselves 😭!! So learn from our mistake – TICKETS SELL OUT QUICK! As soon as you know the dates you’ll be in Tokyo, book your TeamLabs tickets!
Technically this is an art museum – but it’s more like a full-on sensory experience. You take off your shoes at the entrance and wade through water, walk barefoot over mirrored surfaces, and become part of the exhibits in the most literal way.
Basically, the exhibits use light, sound, water, mirrors, and movement to completely disorient and awe you in the best way possible. It has quickly become one of the very top things you should do when you are in Tokyo!
It books out quickly, especially in peak seasons – so grab your tickets early! 🔥
💤 Stay in a Capsule Hotel
Price: ¥3,000+ per night
Opening Times: Check-in usually from 3pm
Location: Across Tokyo
Recommended experience: 9h Nine House Asakusa Sleep Lab | Book & Bed
Tiny sleeping pods might sound like a nightmare, but capsule hotels in Tokyo are surprisingly cozy, clean, and full of futuristic flair.
Nine Hours is one of the most popular! Each pod is private, well-ventilated, and equipped with soft lighting and charging ports. You get a locker, comfy sleepwear, and access to sleek, shared bathrooms.
These places are perfect for solo travellers or couples who don’t mind a bit of space sacrifice.
Check out Book and Bed for a true “only in Japan” experience.
Just keep in mind: they’re not designed for hanging out. Check in, chill, and crash.
🐾 Visit a Cat, Owl, or Hedgehog Café
Price: ¥1,000+ for entry + drink
Opening Times: Typically 10am – 8pm
Location: All Over!
In Tokyo, it’s totally normal to sip coffee while a hedgehog climbs across your hand. Animal cafés are everywhere and cover almost every species – from cats and dogs to owls, otters, and capybaras.
Popular picks include:
- Mocha Cat Café (Shibuya) – bright, chic, and Instagram-friendly
- Harry Hedgehog Café (Harajuku) – hedgehogs + chinchillas
- Fukuro no Mise (Tsukishima) – owl café where you can gently hold the birds
We have been to a few cat/dog cafes at this point and the Capybara cafe in Tokyo was high on my list, but it ended up being one of the things we skipped this trip to Tokyo! If you are thinking of going just be mindful of animal welfare – stick to cafés with high ratings and visible care standards. The staff usually walk you through how to hold or interact with the animals safely.
📍Streets of Tokyo 
📍Tokyo, Japan
🏔️ Day Trip to Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko)
Price: Bus/train from Tokyo: from ¥2,000 one-way | Tours: ¥6,000+
Opening Times: Open year-round (ropeway seasonal)
Location: Lake Kawaguchiko area
Recommended tour: Mount Fuji Day Tour with Lake Kawaguchiko
While you can see Fuji from certain viewpoints in Tokyo, nothing compares to seeing it up close. A day trip to Kawaguchiko offers the classic snow-capped Fuji view reflected in a still lake – postcard perfect.
So, it’s about 2 hours by highway bus or train, and once there, you can ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, rent bikes, visit local museums, or just take a relaxing stroll along the lakefront.
On a clear day, it’s breathtaking. On a cloudy one? Still worth it for the peaceful small-town vibe and break from the city.
👀 Read More: If you have time, we opted for a 5 day road trip through Fuji Kawaguchiko and out to Nagano – it was one of the best things we did in Japan. Read more about it here!
🏎️ Go Mario Karting Through Tokyo
Price: ¥10,000–¥15,000 per person (depending on duration)
Opening Times: Typically 10am – 8pm (varies by location)
Location: Akihabara, Shibuya, Shinagawa
Recommended experience: Tokyo Street Kart Tour with Costume
Yes, it’s real. Yes, you wear a costume. And yes, you drive a go-kart on actual Tokyo streets.
Simply put – this has to be one of the most ridiculous and unforgettable things you can do in Tokyo!
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid driver’s license to participate, but once you’re in, you’re zooming past skyscrapers dressed as Mario, Luigi, or Pikachu while tourists wave and take photos of you like you’re a celebrity.
Don’t forget to bring gloves if it’s cold and a phone mount if you want POV video (which you do).
Our final thing we had to skip this time around! We were SO SO keen to do this but didn’t realise you needed a physical IDP to take part – Jordan has one, I do not! So, in solidarity, we both kept this on our ‘to-do in Tokyo’ list!
🏯 Tokyo Imperial Palace
Price: Free (guided tours are free but must be booked in advance)
Opening Times: Gardens: 9am – 5pm (closed Mondays/Fridays, can vary with holidays)
Location: Chiyoda City, near Tokyo Station
Recommended experience: Imperial Palace Tour
Welcome to where Tokyo’s royalty resides! While you can’t go inside the palace itself, the East Gardens and surrounding moats offer a peaceful, scenic glimpse of old Edo.
The site once held Edo Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, the remaining walls, gates, and foundations sit in a manicured park setting.
It’s quiet, surprisingly uncrowded, and ideal for a relaxing stroll, especially during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season.
The best part? It’s just a few minutes from Tokyo Station, making it an easy stop after a Shinkansen ride or on your way to Ginza.
🐉 Godzilla Head, Shinjuku
Price: Free
Opening Times: Visible 24/7 | Roars: Every house from 12pm – 8pm
Location: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Kabukicho
Recommended experience: Godzilla Room Stay (For Real)
If you’ve ever wanted to stand eye-to-eye with Godzilla, now’s your chance. This massive sculpture sticks out of the 8th floor of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, looming over Kabukicho like a kaiju about to attack.
Every hour from 12pm to 8pm, Godzilla’s head lights up and roars – it’s a mini show that stops passersby in their tracks.
It’s quirky, unexpected, and a great photo op if you’re bar-hopping in Shinjuku.
You can even stay in the actual Godzilla Room inside the hotel, complete with themed decor and a huge claw coming through the wall.
Check it out here for a totally unique Tokyo Stay!
📍 Shinjuku Japan 
📍 Godzilla Head
🍸 Grandfather’s Bar
Price: No cover charge (just order a drink!)
Opening times: 5 pm till late Tuesday-Sunday
Location: Shinjuku
Okay, this one is seriously off the beaten path. I first saw this place on Zoe Foster-Blake’s Instagram years ago when she and Hamish (Australian royalty couple, in my books) visited Tokyo. She described this moody little bar in Shinjuku, and I immediately bookmarked it – “one day, when I finally go to Japan, I will go there.”
And I did! 😌
Grandfather’s is a tiny hole-in-the-wall bar, it’s dimly lit, has retro vibes and serves very good cocktails. But that’s not why people come.
They come for Grandfather.
A chain-smoking legend (somewhere between 70 and immortal), he’s got a vinyl collection that would make any music nerd weep. All night long, he shuffles between two record players behind the bar, picking out the perfect track, pulling the vinyl from his shelf, and placing the cover on a custom-built little ledge so everyone can see what’s playing.
It’s not just music – it’s performance. He never misses a beat, and every record goes straight back into its exact spot with ritual-like precision. It’s pure, analog magic in a city bursting with tech.
📍 Grandfathers Bar 
📍 Grandfathers Bar
🤼♂️ Asakusa Sumo Experience
Price: ¥15,000 (includes show, unlimited hotpot & 1 drink!)
Opening Times: 12pm, 3pm, 6pm or 8:30pm shows
Location: Asakusa Area
Recommended tour: Check Availability Here
If you’re not lucky enough to catch a grand tournament (they only happen a few times a year), some (me!!) may say the next best thing is watching morning sumo practice, I say book the Asakusa Sumo Show!
To be honest, I loved this experience so much that I would say come here as well as going to a tournament!
While the grand tournament or morning training is a serious business, the Asakusa Sumo Show is an amazing blend of, skit comedy, WWE, educational info, and informative experience!
As if that isn’t enough, you even get an included drink and unlimited hot pot dinner!
If you can’t tell, this is one of my favourite things we did in Tokyo! So you should do it too!
🔥 Secure Your Spot: Tickets sell quick!
✅ Top Tips for Travelling Tokyo
- Download Suica to your phone (or buy a physical card): works on trains and in convenience stores
- Convenience stores are elite: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are legit meal spots
- Don’t eat while walking: find a bench or step aside to snack
- Always bring cash: credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere
- Use Google Translate’s photo scan feature: for menus and signs
- Trash bins are rare: carry your rubbish until you find one
- Be polite, quiet, and queue patiently: it’s the Tokyo way
FAQ – Tokyo Travel Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to do Mario Karting?
Yes! Actually you won’t be allowed to join without it. Get one before arriving in Japan.
Is Tokyo good for families?
In truth, Tokyo would be one of my top recommendations for families! You’ve got Disneyland, fun experiences (check our KidZania!), animal cafes PLUS clean and safe streets, what more could you ask for?
What’s the best way to get from Narita or Haneda into the city?
Take the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner from Narita; Monorail or Keikyu Line from Haneda.
Should I buy a Japan Rail Pass?
Not for Tokyo alone, but if you plan to visit Kyoto, Osaka, etc., the JR Pass can save money.
Use this website to calculate if it will be worth it!
Can I survive with no Japanese?
So, I always recommend having Google Translate downloaded for offline use. But, in Japan you can totally get by, most signs are in English, and many locals speak basic English. Just be polite.
Final Thoughts
To be completely honest, when we planned our trip to Japan, my expectations were through the roof. Everyone I knew who had been raved about how incredible it was – and anytime my expectations get that high, a little alarm bell goes off in my head.
But from the very first night in Tokyo, I completely fell in love.
Honestly, this list of things to do in Tokyo barely scratches the surface. I fear, no matter how much time you have here, Tokyo will always leave you wanting more.
So get ready, plan a little (but leave room to wander), and trust that whatever you do, you’re going to have an unforgettable adventure.
Want even more Japan tips?
Grab my FREE Japan Mini Guide PDF – packed with must-visit spots, travel tips, and everything I wish I’d known before our trip!
