38 Fun & Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

There’s no destination quite like Japan. With unique culture, amazing scenery, cosmopolitan cities, and welcoming people, this island nation often finds itself on the bucket list of travelers. Most of them will certainly visit Tokyo, the busy city between Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji that has been central to Japan for centuries.

If you weren’t sure about Tokyo, it is definitely worth visiting on a Japan trip. One of its several international airports is likely where you will fly into anyway, and if not, bullet trains from across the archipelago will have you at the main station in a few hours at the most.

Tokyo is a center not only for business and transportation in Japan but also for Japanese culture and history. Some of the country’s oldest Buddhist temples are located among the city lights, as is the palace of the ruling Emperor. Plus, it would be a sin to not mention the incredible Tokyo food that you’ll find hard to depart from.

Many travelers wondering what to do in Tokyo in their limited time get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of places to go and things to see. I know the feeling – my first trip to Tokyo was a whopping 24 hours (out of a total of 48 in Japan).

We’ve put together the below guide of the most popular attractions in Tokyo and what you need to know about them. Whether it’s Japanese history, scenery, nightlife, or sushi you’re after, you will find it in Tokyo – read on to see where and how.

TLDR

• Most significant landmark – Mount Fuji
• Best park – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Best free activity – Imperial Palace Easy Gardens
• Best activity for kids – Tokyo Disneyland
• Best activity for adults – Ginza Shopping Street
• Best food – Ramen Street at Tokyo Station
• Best nightlife – Shibuya
• Best all-around accommodation – Hyatt Regency Tokyo

Best & Fun Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Before we get started, there’s one disclaimer: leave plenty of room in your suitcase to bring home copious amounts of Japanese snacks. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at what to see in Tokyo and the tours and experiences available for them.

1. Tokyo Skytree

Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan

Let’s start with one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city: the Tokyo Skytree. It’s the world’s tallest freestanding broadcast tower and offers amazing views of the Tokyo skyline from its…