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Tokyo is a city like no other. Sure, you can visit museums and temples and eat at one of the thousands of delicious restaurants, but you can also do things you can’t do anywhere else.
We’ve had some of our craziest experiences in this giant metropolis and spend our time feeling bewildered, enchanted, and 100% safe.
Here are our favourite unique, weird, and just downright cool things to do in Tokyo, one of the best places to visit in Japan.
At the end of the post, you’ll find a map of all these fun Tokyo activities plus tips for exploring the city.
Contents
- Video: What to Do in Tokyo
- Fun Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
- Traditional Things to Do in Tokyo
- Foodie Things to Do in Tokyo
- Things to Do in Tokyo at Night
- Our Tokyo Bucket List for Next Time
- Tokyo Activities Map
- Tokyo Tips
- More Japan Posts
- Summary
Video: What to Do in Tokyo
Discover the best things to do in Tokyo in this short video.
Fun Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
1) Cosplay Go-Karting
Dressing up as your favourite character and driving a go-kart around the Tokyo streets has to be the coolest thing you can do in Tokyo.
Yes, you drive a tiny go-kart on the real streets of Tokyo amongst cars, buses, and trucks!
Go-karting was a dream come true for Simon, but as I hadn’t driven in years, I spent the first hour of the two-hour tour terrified and the second hour having so much fun!
It’s a surreal experience as you drive past skyscrapers and tiny shrines, busy crossings and quiet residential neighbourhoods, all while people stare, wave, and take your photo.
The go-karts are easy to operate, but you need an international driving permit, so make sure you get one before leaving your home country. This is essential and many people miss out by not bringing one.
Note: This used to be called Maricar and you could dress up as Mario characters, but Nintendo shut that down. It’s now a similar experience called Monkey Kart where you can choose from a range of costumes.
Details: This one-hour Go-Kart Tour with Monkey Kart costs $135 including costume rental and photos. It takes you to iconic Tokyo places like the Skytree and the geeky neighbourhood Akihabara. Check availability here.
Alternatively, there’s a 1.5 hour Go-Kart Tour to Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku and Tokyo Tower.
2) Tokyo DisneySea
It might seem a waste to spend a day of your Tokyo trip at Disney, but DisneySea is unlike any of the other Disney parks in the world (and is possibly the best).
The nautical theme park features seven ports inspired by real places and ocean legends including American Waterfront, Mediterranean Harbor (which looks just like Italy), Arabian Coast, and the unique Mysterious Island complete with erupting volcano.
Attractions are more adult-orientated than at neighbouring park Tokyo Disneyland and you can even see a Broadway show and have a cocktail in a 1920s lounge aboard a cruise liner.
It’s such a fun day out! Read about our favourite DisneySea rides including a recommended itinerary for adults and tips for avoiding the crowds.
Tokyo Disneyland is the more classic Disney park with the fairytale castle and much-loved rides like Space and Splash Mountains. If you have the time, spend a day at each.
If you are a theme park fan, we also recommend Universal Studios Japan in Osaka which is home to thrill-seeking rides, the new Nintendo World, and the magical Harry Potter World—one of the top Japan tourist attractions.
Details: Tokyo DisneySea ticket prices vary depending on the date. One-day tickets cost from 8400 yen ($62). It’s best to book online to avoid queues on the day. You just show a QR code to enter. Buy your Tokyo Disney e-ticket on Klook here.
3) Robot Restaurant (Closed)
Update: Robot Restaurant is currently closed. It was due to reopen in May 2023 but it was delayed with no new opening date announced. I’ll keep this post updated.
The Robot Restaurant is not a restaurant and there aren’t many robots, but this show is one of the weirdest things to do in Tokyo.
The energetic, wild performance features robots, dragons, ninjas, blue-haired dancers, creepy clowns, guitarists on swings, drums, a whole lot of neon lights, and really loud music.
Is it for you? Read Simon’s entertaining Robot Restaurant review to find out.
4) TeamLab Planets Digital Art Show
The digital art show TeamLab Planets is one of the most Instagrammable things to do in Tokyo. But this unusual interactive museum is well worth visiting even if you aren’t planning to take the perfect photo.
TeamLab exhibitions are unlike anything we’ve experienced before. Their immersive displays use lights, projections, and sounds in creative ways and dissolve the boundaries between the viewer and the art.
It’s colourful, surreal, and surprising.
We visited TeamLab Borderless, which closed in 2022 but is set to reopen in a new location (the Toranomon-Azabudai Project) in late 2023.
In the meantime, you can visit TeamLab Planets instead, which looks just as incredible.
TeamLab Planets features four huge exhibition spaces and two gardens. You walk through water and become one with flowers.
Be prepared to walk around barefoot and wear shorts or trousers you can roll up as the water is knee-deep in parts. Some floors are mirrored, so skirts aren’t ideal. You can borrow shorts if necessary. Lockers are available for your shoes.
There’s also a vegan ramen shop onsite where you can dine surrounded by digital art.
Details: Entrance is 3200 yen ($24) and it’s important to book in advance (ideally 1-2 months) as it often sells out. Buy TeamLab Planet tickets here.
TeamLab Planets is open from 9 am – 9 pm most days (with occasional closing days). It gets very busy so avoid weekends and public holidays and arrive early.
Uzu vegan ramen opens from 11am – 7pm.
TeamLab Planet is located a one-minute walk from Shin-Toyosu Station or a 10-minute walk from Toyosu Station. From Shinkuku Station take the Shinjuku Line to Ichigaya Station then switch to the Yurakucho Line to Toyosu. Allow about 45 minutes for the trip.
5) Ghibli Museum
If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, don’t miss the whimsical Ghibli Museum.
Most of the exhibits and short animations are in Japanese, but it’s still cool to see props and drawings from classic films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.
When we visited there was a special exhibition on the food that the characters in the films eat. The attention to detail in every second of the films is astounding.
Excitingly, the new Ghibli Park opened in Nagoya in November 2022. You can immerse yourself in the worlds of the Studio Ghibli films. The journey by train will take about three hours from Tokyo (using the fastest shinkansen).
Details: It’s essential to book tickets in advance—you can find the details on the Ghibli Museum website. Tickets cost 1000 yen ($7).
We booked ours online through Lawson—tickets go on sale at 10am JST on the 10th of each month for the following month and sell out quickly. So, if you are visiting Tokyo in November, you must book on 10 October.
The museum is a 15-minute walk from Mitaka Station and a little longer from Kitoji Station through a pleasant park. Don’t forget your passport and printed tickets.
6) Wander Harajuku
Harajuku is Tokyo’s youth neighbourhood with Takeshita Street at its heart. It’s one of the most vibrant and fun places in Tokyo.
It gets super crowded on weekends, but it’s worth wandering around to see the cosplay kids, browse the quirky fashion stores, and eat from one of the popular crepe stands—crepe stuffed with a slice of cheesecake, anyone?
Nearby you can also visit the elegant shopping street Omotesando, the Meiji shrine within Yoyogi Park, and the Ota Museum (see below).
Details: Take the train to Harajuku Station and follow the crowds. Or to explore with a local guide, take this Shibuya and Harajuku Hidden Gems private tour.
Traditional Things to Do in Tokyo
7) Sensoji Temple
Sensoji is a Buddhist temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most traditional neighbourhoods where you can still find old wooden shops amongst the concrete. It’s one of the most beautiful things to see in Tokyo.
The vibrant red temple gets crowded, but you can escape by wandering off through the gardens to one of the quieter shrines.
In the main area, make sure to get your fortune told and cover yourself in incense for good luck.
Nearby head up to the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre opposite Asakusa Station for free views of the Tokyo Skytree (the world’s tallest tower) and the Nakamise shopping street leading to Sensoji.
Details: Take the Ginza subway line to Asakusa. Entrance is free and the temple grounds are always open.
8) Ota Memorial Museum of Art
The Ota Memorial Museum in Harajuku is a small gallery with changing exhibits of beautiful ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints.
We were lucky enough to see the 36 Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai including the famous Great Wave off Kanagawa.
Details: 800 – 1200 yen ($6-8) entrance fee depending on the current exhibition. It’s open from 10.30am – 5.30pm. Closed on Mondays and for certain holidays (check the calendar on their website). Take the train to Harajuku Station.
9) Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
This beautiful park is at its best when the cherry blossoms are blooming or the autumn leaves have turned red, but even in late summer, we enjoy strolling past the ponds, pagodas, and teahouse.
There are Japanese, French, and English gardens.
It’s a wonderful oasis from the busy city and having a picnic on the large lawns here is one of our favourite things to do in Shinjuku, especially under the cherry blossoms. They have late blooming blossoms if you miss the main early April season.
Shinjuku Gyoen is also one of the best places in the area for a morning run (worth the entrance fee).
Details: 500 yen ($3.70) entrance fee. Open 9 am – 4.30 pm (until 7pm in summer). Closed on Mondays. The Shinjuku Gate entrance is a 10-minute walk from the New South Exit of Shinjuku Station.
10) Watch Sumo
Japan’s national sport is steeped in tradition and matches still include rituals that date back to its origins as part of the Shinto religion.
Sumo wrestling tournaments take place in Tokyo in January, May and September, each lasting for 15 days. If you are visiting at this time, try to get a ticket.
During the rest of the year you can attend a practice session at a sumo stable, which we want to do on our next visit.
At sumo training sessions you are even closer to the action, but you must stay absolutely quiet while sitting on the floor as you watch (for 1-2 hours).
I recommend the novel The Street of a Thousand Blossoms for a fascinating insight into sumo culture.
Foodie Things to Do in Tokyo
Tokyo is foodie heaven with some of the best eating in the world from cheap eats to fine dining.
Even vegetarians are well-catered for, as long as you know where to look—see our picks for the best vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo.
11) Splurge on a Kaiseki Meal
Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course tasting meal using seasonal, beautifully presented ingredients.
Enjoying one of these exquisite meals in a private tatami mat room is a memorable experience.
They are expensive so it’s best to go for lunch which is much cheaper than dinner. Savor Japan has a list of kaiseki restaurants to try.
Vegetarians don’t have to miss out—shojin ryori or fucha ryori is the Zen Buddhist vegan equivalent of kaiseki.
We had a wonderful 12-course meal at Bon, a beautiful and tranquil space with miniature gardens, fountains, and private tatami mat rooms with sliding paper doors.
12) Order Ramen from a Vending Machine
Don’t worry, you won’t be eating instant ramen! At many ramen restaurants in Tokyo you order your meal and pay at the vending machine by the entrance, then take a seat at the counter and hand your ticket over to the chef.
There are thousands of ramen joints in Tokyo. As vegetarians we love T’s Tantan, an entirely vegan ramen restaurant in Tokyo Station (sadly no vending machine). The Afuri chain has vegan ramen and you order from a vending machine.
13) Eat at a Department Store Food Basement
For an intriguing introduction to Japanese food, head downstairs in one of the city’s massive department stores like Takashimaya or Isetan.
The food basements are full of culinary delights from sake to sushi including pickled vegetables, odd-flavoured kit kats, dozens of varieties of rice crackers, beautiful bento boxes, and hundred-dollar melons.
Most of the time we had no idea what we were looking at, but if you’re not vegetarian, these are great places to pick up a picnic lunch.
Things to Do in Tokyo at Night
14) Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
There are a number of spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy views of the city skyline, but the best place for a free view is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.
From the North Tower, you can see the skyscrapers and highways lit up in the darkness. On a clear morning, you might be able to see Mt Fuji from the South Tower.
See my guide to the best things to do in Shinjuku for more ideas in this area.
Details: Free entry. Open 9.30 am to 10 pm. South Observatory closed first and third Tuesday of the month. 10-minute walk from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station. The North Observatory is currently closed.
15) Memory Lane
Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) is also known as Piss Alley from its post-WW2 roots when toilet facilities were non-existent.
Public toilets are now available, but you’ll still feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the narrow alleyways full of tiny yakitori restaurants seating just a handful of people at the counter.
Another nickname for the street is Izakaya Alley because it’s known for these small bars serving drinks and snacks.
With its red lanterns and smoke from the grills, it’s an atmospheric place to wander.
Most of the menus are in Japanese, but you can always point to the skewers you want.
Or join this Shinjuku bar hopping tour to explore the area with a local. It includes drinks and food and also visits the Golden Gai.
We plan to take this tour on our next trip as the bars are rather intimidating for non-Japanese speakers. A guide can also help you cater for dietary requirements.
As we don’t eat meat, we ate at the less atmospheric but tasty CoCo’s Ichibanya Curry House instead, which has a vegetarian menu.
I love Memory Lane so much that it’s one of the reasons why I think Shinjuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo.
Details: From 5 pm to midnight. Located on the western side of Shinjuku Station (look for Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho on Google Maps).
16) Golden Gai
Golden Gai is another network of narrow lanes in Shinjuku, this time with tiny bars rather than restaurants.
Many have cover charges and don’t allow foreigners, but you’ll see signs in English for the more welcoming ones.
As it can be a little intimidating, you might prefer to explore with a local guide on this Shinjuku bar hopping tour or Golden Gai food tour.
Details: From 7 or 8 pm until early morning (at 8 pm on a Friday it was pretty quiet). 10-minute walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station.
17) Shibuya Crossing
One of Tokyo’s most iconic sights is the busy pedestrian crossing outside Shibuya Station known as Shibuya Scramble Crossing or Shibuya Crossing.
You can delve into the crowd yourself or get a view from above at the busy Starbucks or the quieter (but more distant) 11th floor of the Hikari Building.
While you can also visit during the day, the crossing is most dramatic at night when it’s neon-lit from the signs above.
Details: Find it just outside Shibuya Station.
18) Shibuya Sky Observatory
The newest observatory in Tokyo is Shibuya Sky. At 228 metres it’s the tallest skyscraper in Shibuya and towers above Shibuya Scramble Square.
There are open-air 360º views of the city including the Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium, and even Mt Fuji if it’s clear.
While you can also enjoy the view during the day, I love Tokyo’s skyline at night. Sunset is the perfect time for both day and night views, but you’ll need to book weeks in advance (tickets are available four weeks before) to secure the coveted time-slot and expect crowds.
Details: Shibuya Sky entrance is 2500 yen ($19) for adults or 2200 yen ($16) if you book in advance—buy your ticket on Klook here. Open 10am – 10.30pm.
19) Rent a Private Karaoke Booth
One of the most iconic experiences in Japan is singing karaoke. There’s no need to embarrass yourself in front of a crowd as it’s very common in Japan to rent a private karaoke booth.
Booths come in all sizes, so this is an option whether you are with a partner or a group of friends.
Just choose your favourite songs from the tablet and sing along with the cheesy videos.
Details: There are karaoke places all over the city. We went to the Shinjuku Station branch of the affordable karaoke chain, Karaoke no Tetsujin. Even on a Saturday night it only cost us 400 yen ($3) per person for 30 minutes including an alcoholic drink. It’s cheaper during the week.
20) Walk Over Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge is a massive suspension bridge that connects Tokyo to Odaiba, an entertainment island in Tokyo Bay.
You can walk across it for fantastic views of the Tokyo skyline—I recommend going at sunset to see it by day and night.
Details: Read this post on crossing the Rainbow Bridge on foot for instructions.
21) Sunshine 60 Observatory
Sunshine 60 is an observation deck in Ikebukuro with views of the city in a park-like environment featuring turf hills, a cafe, swing, and fire pit.
You can visit at any time of day but we timed it for sunset so we could see the views by day and night.
When we visited there were also VR games to enjoy, but it has since been revamped. I would probably only recommend it now if you are in the area.
Details: Sunshine 60 entrance is 700 yen ($5) on weekdays and 900 yen ($7) on weekends and holidays. You can buy tickets on their website or on the 60th floor.
Open every day from 11 am – 9 pm. It’s located a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station which is only a few stops from Shinjuku Station.
22) Watch a Kabuki Theatre Performance
On our must do in Tokyo list for next time is to see a performance of Kabuki, a Japanese dance and drama with elaborate makeup and costumes.
The best place to see it is Kabuki-za Theatre in Ginza. Check their website for the upcoming schedule.
Performances take place during the day and evening and can last hours. As that’s too much for most foreigners, you can buy a cheaper single-act ticket.
You used to have to queue at the venue for these, but they are now only available online from 12pm the day before the performance.
23) Eat at the Ninja Restaurant
Update: The Ninja Restaurant will close in October 2023 and reopen in a new location near Tokyo Station in December 2023 at the earliest.
Another place we really want to try is the Ninja Restaurant. This is a Ninja-themed experience rather than just a restaurant and features a unique setting, magic tricks, and fun surprises.
Advance reservations are essential. They are open for lunch and dinner but the magic only takes place at dinner. They can cater to vegetarians.
Our Tokyo Bucket List for Next Time
Although we’ve spent many weeks in Tokyo over four trips, we still haven’t had time for all of the unique things to do in Tokyo. On our wish list for our next visit are:
- Explore the bohemian neighbourhoods of Koenji, Shimokitazawa, and Nakameguro.
- Visit the Mori Art Museum and see the view from the Observation Deck at night.
- Take a day trip to the temples and beaches of Kamakura.
- Take a Taiko drumming class.
New Tokyo Attractions in 2023
We’re very excited about these new things to see in Tokyo!
- Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour – New in June 2023, this is a larger version of the studio tour in London with exclusive sets from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies that you can only see here. Tickets must be booked in advance (book 1-3 months in advance to get the best times)—buy on Klook here.
- TeamLab Borderless is due to reopen in a new location later in 2023.
- Fantasy Springs at DisneySea – A huge expansion including Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan areas is due to open in spring 2024.
Tokyo Activities Map
Our map shows all the best things to do in Tokyo mentioned in this post.
Tokyo Tips
- I think Shinjuku is the best place to stay in Tokyo for its excellent access to transport, good food, and many of the attractions above.
- Buy a Airalo digital eSIM before you arrive for affordable data. Having access to Google Maps makes it so much easier to get around, although there’s free WiFi in many stations.
- The Narita Express train is the easiest way to get from Narita airport to Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo stations.
- Get a Suica card from machines at train stations to use as a ticket on all trains and metro lines in Tokyo. You can also use it for lockers, vending machines, and even in many shops. Or even easier is a digital card that you can add to Apple Wallet on your phone or watch (currently only Mastercard and American Express work as payment methods for it in Wallet though).
- Use Navitime to check train times.
- Don’t forget travel insurance as Japanese health care is expensive—we have used and recommend SafetyWing (affordable, worldwide), Heymondo (more comprehensive, worldwide), and True Traveller (UK and EU residents).
- Pack light as hotel rooms are tiny in Tokyo. We travelled to Japan with just one carry-on backpack each—see our packing list here.
More Japan Posts
Our Tokyo Travel Guides
- 14 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Why Shinjuku is the Best Area to Stay in Tokyo
- 12 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Tokyo
- Robot Restaurant: The Most Insane Show in Tokyo
- 14 Best Tokyo DisneySea Rides for Adults
- 14 Best Tokyo Disneyland Rides for Adults
Other Japan Posts
- Planning a Trip to Japan: Dos and Don’ts
- 54 Best Things to Do in Japan for an Unforgettable Trip
- Two Weeks in Japan: A Detailed Itinerary
- Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth it?
Summary
On our first trip to Japan, Tokyo just didn’t compare to the beauty and tradition of Kyoto, but on more recent visits we’ve come to appreciate it for all the fun things to do, diverse neighbourhoods, and fantastic food. We’ll definitely be back!
I hope this post has helped you decide what to do in Tokyo for a fun trip. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.
What are your favourite things to do in Tokyo?
If you enjoyed this post, pin it!
Amazing list, thank you for taking the time!
This is a question not a comment, are they pictures of your crew or are they off the Internet?
They are pictures of us!
This was so help full I had a grate time in Tokyo thank you.
This is great information and the photos are a plus. Thank you for sharing this, I def am adding this to my travel notes for Tokyo.
Thanks and enjoy Tokyo!
datePublished”:”2019-11-21T00:00:29+00:00″,”dateModified”:”2020-01-19T07:19:03+00:00″
I don’t think this article was published in November 2017.. Your page source says otherwise.
It was originally written in 2017 and then updated and republished in 2019 (after another Japan trip), hence the new published date. We try to keep our posts as up to date as possible.
Hi
I’m in Uk and want to go but I’m worried that I don’t speak the language. Is it possible to navigate without learning any?
Also, I’d like a package holiday so we have rep/ guide And transfers too. Which travel company would you recommend?
You can get by without any Japanese but Google Translate comes in handy! We don’t have any experience with tour companies but our friends went with G Adventures.
Hi guys,
I’m so excited I found your website! I’m looking to travel for my first time ever and I’m heading over to Tokyo from Canada!
As I’m going through your website, I clicked an affiliate link to Japan Railway Pass – I just wanted to mention that it stayed on the same window to direct me. It might be easier of a UX experience to have any affiliate link open up in a separate window so that we don’t lose track of where we are :)
I’m so excited to go through all of your Japan content and be extra prepared for this trip – I appreciate all the help, thank you~
Thanks Katie and I hope you have an amazing time in Japan!
There are mixed feelings on the best user experience with links. We decided not to have them open in new tabs as people can decide that for themselves by right clicking on the link and “opening in a new tab”.
Some great ideas presented in the Top 17 Things to do. Have a great time!
Thank you for this list, it’s super useful for planning my first trip to Tokyo. BTW, I’ve heard that on the Memory Lane there are a lot of small restaurants serving only regular customers and they don’t allow tourists to come in, just like on the Golden Gai. Have you experienced that? It is worth to try the tourist-friendly ones? Aren’t they just overpriced? Thanks, Zooey
I don’t remember Memory Lane having many places like that. We didn’t eat inside though as we’re vegetarian (it’s a lot of grilled meat). I recommend going for a wander anyway, as it’s a fascinating street, and if anywhere catches you eye, stop for a bite. If not, there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
Maricar is currently being sued by Nintendo for copyright infringement…
To website administrator: You probably should delete it.
I will be updating the post. They still run the go kart tours but you just have to dress up as non-Mario characters now.
Interesting tips! Leaving in March for a three week trip. I can’t get an international driving license sadly because I reside in Zurich. We would have loved to have done the Karts in Tokyo! Thanks for the good read.
Useful info! We’re heading there in a few days and are eager and anxious.
Enjoy!
I really need to go to Tokyo some time! Looks amazing!
It really is an amazing city and unlike anywhere else! I hope you make it there one day!