If you are visiting Japan, you will likely find yourself in Tokyo, the vibrant capital city with almost 14 million people. With so many things to do in Tokyo, it can be extremely overwhelming for a first-timer. Since I have been to Tokyo several times, I have decided to write this guide to help you plan the perfect trip.
Within this travel guide, you will find all the information you need, from a comprehensive list of the very best things to do in Tokyo for solo travelers to the best way to get there, and more. Without further ado, here are the 14 best things to do in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Best Things To Do Map
- Where to Stay in Tokyo?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Tokyo
-
14 Best Things to Do in Tokyo
- Visit Sensoji Temple
- Check out the view from Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
- Explore Akihabara, the Electric Town
- Shop Until You Drop at Ginza
- Visit Tokyo Tower
- Be Blown Away by the View of Tokyo from Shibuya Sky
- Witness the Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- Play Arcade Games at TAITO Station
- Explore the Youth and Street Culture in Harajuku
- Go for a quiet stroll around Meiji Jingu
- Explore the Crazy Nightlife of Shinjuku
- Eat Like a Local at Yūrakuchō
- Witness a Masturi
- Attend a Sumo Tournament
- What to Eat and Drink in Tokyo?
- More Tokyo Activities
- Japan Travel Video
- How to Get from Tokyo Airports to the City Center?
- How to Get Around Tokyo?
- What to Pack for Tokyo?
- Further Reading for Japan
Tokyo Best Things To Do Map
Quick Summary: Things to do in Tokyo
- Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya (Budget)
- Hotel Fukudaya (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu (High-End)
- Private Tokyo Tour with a Local Guide: Tailored to Your Interests (3 to 8 hours)
- Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Tokyo Bay Shop (2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes)
14 Best Things to Do in Tokyo
1. Visit Sensoji Temple
One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Tokyo is to check out Sensoji Temple, one of the most impressive temple complexes you will see here.
The temple is located in the lively historic neighborhood of Asakusa, and the place is best known for its iconic Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) and the lively Nakamise-dori shopping street leading to the main temple hall.
Believed to have been founded in the 7th century, Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest temple. Within the temple grounds, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most impressive Japanese traditional structures, such as the five-storied pagoda, intricately designed main hall, and beautiful temple gates with giant lanterns, flanked by two giant statues. It is quite a sight to behold.
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The place does get very crowded during the day, so if you want to avoid crowds, I highly recommend checking out the temple at night. The temple is especially beautiful when the street lights are on. It really gives you a totally different vibe that I prefer more than visiting during the day.
Sensoji Temple is open 24/7, and there is no entrance fee, so you can visit anytime you like, as long as it is not later than 9-10 PM, as they will likely turn off the lights by then.
Where to Stay in Tokyo?
2. Check out the view from Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Now, here's a little hidden gem for you. If you want to get a nice view of Sensoji Temple from above, as well as an awesome vantage point over Asakusa, be sure to visit Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center and check out the view from the observation deck on the top floor.
From the observation deck, you can see not just Sensoji Temple and Nakamise-dori shopping street in all their glory, but also the iconic Tokyo Skytree and the cityscape around Asakusa, which is quite a sight to behold.
The best part is it's free! No need to go to an expensive restaurant or bar like you usually do with other viewpoints in Tokyo. If you love viewpoints and free stuff, be sure to check out the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. The place is open from 9 AM to 8 PM every day.
3. Explore Akihabara, the Electric Town
If you are into electronics, games, anime, or manga, Akihabara is the epicenter of these Japanese fun and vibrant subcultures where you can go around and explore.
Here, you will find shops and stores selling all kinds of things, from console games like Nintendo and Playstation to elaborately designed figurines of your favorite Japanese Manga characters like One Piece or my favorite, Dragon Ball Z (I'm old school that way 😉).
You can also buy all kinds of electronics, such as cameras, lenses, computers, and more, at dedicated electronic shops like Bic Camera or Yodobashi, which have several floors worth of electronics for you to browse through.
In fact, I got myself a new camera and a new lens when I was here. Combined with the weak yen and the 10% tax-free purchase, I was able to get a much better deal here than if I were to buy them elsewhere.
Just make sure that the camera you are buying is not region-locked with only a Japanese menu. Sony cameras are notorious for this, so avoid buying them in Japan, or at least make sure that you can switch to an English menu.
If you are looking for the place where all the colorful signs of buildings that Akihabara is known for are located to take photos, it is on this street, which is only a stone's throw from Akihabara Train Station.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
4. Shop Until You Drop at Ginza
If you are more into fashion than electronics, do not worry, I've got some suggestions for you. Ginza is an upscale shopping district lined with shops from some of the most well-known brands in the world, both Western and Japanese, like Apple, Seiko, and more.
In Ginza, you can literally shop until you drop... or realistically, run out of money 😂. With the majority of shops participating in the tax-free program, you can enjoy an additional 10% discount on top of any ongoing promotional campaigns. It is a lifetime opportunity!
Here, you will also find Uniqlo flagship store, the famous minimal clothing brand, with 12 floors' worth of clothing you can browse through. There's even a cafe and a custom printing workshop inside the store!
With the weak yen when I was there and the tax-free discount, I was able to get 6 pairs of high-quality Heat-tech socks for less than 12 USD. What a deal. Let's just say, I had a hell of a time in Ginza, and I don't even like shopping! If you want to get yourself some Uniqlo clothing for cheap or other brands, be sure to check out Ginza!
5. Visit Tokyo Tower
Not too far from Ginza, you can also visit one of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo, the Tokyo Tower. Standing tall at 333 meters, the tower was inspired by Paris's Eiffel Tower and serves both as a communication and observation tower.
The tower is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated, making Tokyo's skyline even more breathtaking. It is a great place to walk around at night and enjoy the iconic landmark while visiting beautiful places like Zōjō-ji Temple, Prince Shiba Park, and more around the area.
Do not go up this tower for a view above Tokyo! Similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it is best if we go up to the other viewpoints instead, so we can see the famous landmark amidst the cityscape. The better viewpoint, where you will be able to see Tokyo Tower, is Shibuya Sky, which is next on our list.
6. Be Blown Away by the View of Tokyo from Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Sky is a newly launched 360° open-air observation deck located on the 48th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper. It is one of the best vantage points in the city, allowing you to see not only the Tokyo Tower or the Tokyo Skytree but also Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
For the price of 2200 JPY, you will get access to the spacious observation deck with plenty of seats, photo spots, and even a large hammock area where you can enjoy the sun. There are both indoor and outdoor areas, as well as a bar, spread across 2 floors, where you will be able to enjoy the view of Tokyo's cityscape in all directions.
Shibuya Sky is operated by time slots with a daily capacity limit, and slots can be booked out extremely fast. For regular time slots like mid-day, I recommend booking at least 2 days in advance. For sunset and night time slots, you can expect them to be booked out weeks, if not months, in advance. So, be sure to reserve the time slot as early as you can.
After you get the online ticket, go to the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper, get to the first floor, and you will find an elevator with long lines. That is the elevator you have to take to get to the 14th floor, where you will then switch to a special elevator to take you all the way to the 48th floor.
Once you arrive at the observation deck, you will have to deposit all your belongings in the locker, except a camera with a neck strap (very important as they won't allow you to carry a camera without one), a phone, and that is it. All the other stuff, like a tripod, goes into the locker.
Once that is done, you can then enjoy the view at your own leisure. There is also a photo service where you can have that iconic money shot taken by a professional photographer, and you can buy from them later when you leave for around 1500 JPY per set, which is great if you are traveling solo.
Shibuya Sky is hands down one of the best viewpoints you can visit in Tokyo, and it is especially beautiful at sunset and at night. So, be sure to plan ahead and book the time slot in advance. The observation deck is open from 10 AM to 9 PM every day.
7. Witness the Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Of course, when you are in Shibuya, you have to witness the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, a controlled chaos dance of people trying to cross the road, right in the heart of Tokyo.
Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, and when the lights turn green, it's a rush of people from all directions, trying to cross the road all at the same time. It happens most of the time during the day, but the volume substantially increases in the evening, which is the time I recommend you visit. It is truly quite a sight to behold.
Here's a hidden gem for you. If you are looking for a viewpoint to see the Shibuya Crossing from above, I highly recommend you go up the MAGNET by Shibuya 109 shopping mall, go up to the 6th floor, and you will find a small window right by a toy store where you can see the crossing from above for free.
There was no one there but me; it was awesome. You can also get the same view from the 2nd floor of a Starbucks cafe, but it is not free like this one, and you will likely have to wait in line before you get a table. At MAGNET mall, you can just walk up and snap photos and leave. No need to waste your time with Starbucks. I highly recommend you check it out.
8. Play Arcade Games at TAITO Station
One of my favorite things to do in Tokyo is to go on an arcade gaming spree inside TAITO Station, a vibrant arcade center often found in major districts around Tokyo. There is one in Shibuya you can check out after you are done witnessing Shibuya Crossing.
In TAITO, you will find all kinds of arcade games, from the simple claw machine that seems to be rigged against you, to popular fighting games like Tekken and the widely popular Gundam fighting game. I often see locals hounding the machine all day.
Most arcade games cost between 100 - 250 JPY, and you can easily exchange bills for coins at one of the many coin machines around the arcade center. It is a fun environment to be in, and you will get a glimpse of Japan's gaming subculture and why arcade centers are thriving in Japan.
TAITO Station in Shibuya is open from 10 AM to 12 AM every day. If you'd like to see just how seriously the Japanese take gaming, be sure to check out Taito Station when you are in Tokyo.
9. Explore the Youth and Street Culture in Harajuku
After you are done with Shibuya, another great place to hang out is Harajuku (Takeshita Street), one of Tokyo's trendy spots, known for its creative youth and street-style fashion culture.
Takeshita Street is where all the cool kids hang out in Harajuku, with quirky boutiques, trendy clothing stores, and colorful accessory shops lining both sides of the narrow street. It's a fashion paradise, showcasing everything from kawaii (cute) and street style to avant-garde and alternative fashion.
It is a great place to go for a stroll and get a glimpse of what the youth are up to in Tokyo. You can also go on a little shopping spree if you enjoy thrift shopping and discovering cool vintage-style secondhand clothing at affordable price points. Spend about an hour here before we continue on to our next destination, Meiji Jingu.
10. Go for a quiet stroll around Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine surrounded by a forest, located right at the center of a large green park next to Harajuku Train Station. It is one of my favorite parks in Tokyo, and you can go for a stroll and take a break from all the hustle and bustle of the city.
The park is huge, with many walking paths you can explore, so expect to spend at least an hour or two here. What's cool about the park is its expansive forest ground, with over 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan.
Right at the center of it all, you will find a big and beautiful temple dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is a popular venue for locals to participate in traditional rituals as well as traditional Shinto weddings. If you are lucky, you will also get to witness the wedding in person, which is pretty cool.
The park is open from 5:20 AM to 5:20 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee to enter. They close the gate of the temple and the park quite early, so be sure to plan your visit carefully.
11. Explore the Crazy Nightlife of Shinjuku
For the best nightlife in Tokyo, I highly recommend you check out Shinjuku, a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood that never sleeps. The district is best known for its neon-lit streets and diverse entertainment options, with countless restaurants, clubs, and bars where you can enjoy your night away.
There are several districts you can check out in Shinjuku. If you are looking for a place to eat, Golden Gai is a famous narrow alleyway full of roadside bars, each with its unique theme and decor that you can check out.
The red light district (Kabukicho) is also located here. It is quite a trip to walk around that area with all the neon-lit signs bombarding you in all directions.
I was in Shinjuku during the Halloween celebration, and I had a blast. The entire Central Street, where the famous Godzilla head statue is located, was full of people dressed up in some really cool costumes, hanging out, and enjoying the night away. I saw some really creative costumes here, from a group of Mario brothers to Thor, and more. If you happen to be in Tokyo during Halloween, be sure to check out Shinjuku at night.
12. Eat Like a Local at Yūrakuchō
If you want to eat like a local here in Tokyo, I highly recommend you check out Yūrakuchō, a place where you can experience "Under the Tracks Dining", located only a few minutes' walk away from Tokyo Central Station.
What's unique about the Yurakucho district is the "Gado-shita" (under the tracks) area. Restaurants and izakayas (Japanese pubs) are tucked away beneath the elevated train tracks. It is where the locals often hang out in the evening, which is always a good sign when it comes to picking restaurants in Japan.
The area is bustling with activity, especially at night, making it an excellent place to grab dinner and witness how the locals dine. I got myself a ramen from this tiny little ramen shop equipped with an old traditional ramen ticket machine, thanks to Google Translate. The whole experience was awesome, so make sure not to miss it.
13. Witness a Masturi (Festival)
Another experience you should have in Tokyo, or anywhere else in Japan for that matter, is to witness a matsuri or a festival. There are several festivals in Japan that happen all year round in different cities, and if you can align your visit to one of them in Tokyo, you are going to have a hell of a time here.
I accidentally stumbled upon Nihonbashi-Kyōbashi Festival when I was making my way to Tokyo Central Station, and I ended up spending over 3 hours watching the parades and dance performances organized by the city instead of getting to my next destination, Nikko 😂.
The festival is a celebration of Nihonbashi Highway or "mile zero", where all distances are measured from Tokyo to places around Japan. Because of its significance, the festival features several parades throughout the day.
The display features over 3,000 dancers and performers from various regions across the country, all dressed in their unique traditional attire. It was a lot of fun, and I wish I had time to stay until the end. However, I have to get to Nikko before sundown.
My point is, if you can align your visit with one of these events, you are going to have a much more memorable experience in Tokyo. You can check out Tokyo's upcoming events here and, if possible, plan your trip around the festival you want to see.
14. Attend a Sumo Tournament
Last but not least, if you can align your visit during the Sumo Grand Tournament, which is often held in January, March, May, July, September, and November throughout the year, be sure to do so. You will be able to witness one of the most unique sport competitions in the world.
You can check the tournament schedule from here. Since it is a popular event for both locals and tourists, you are going to have to book the ticket way in advance to secure your spot, so be sure to do that before your trip. You can book the Sumo Tournament ticket here.
What to Eat and Drink in Tokyo?
1. Eat Ramen at Ichiran
Ichiran is one of the most famous ramen chain restaurants in Japan, and it can be found all over Tokyo, from Asakusa to Shibuya, and more. They are delicious, cheap, and have fast service. However, due to its popularity, you might have to queue up a little. If you do not want to queue, avoid prime hours (lunch/dinner time).
The coolest thing about Ichiran is the experience of it all. As you enter the restaurant, you will have to order your menu from a ramen ticket machine. Once you have paid the machine, you will receive a ticket and a form where you can customize your ramen. The menu is very simple and easy to understand for non-Japanese speakers, so you should have no trouble ordering it yourself.
As you take your seat, you can hand over the ticket and preference form to the people there, and you will be seated in this solo compartment (or table if you choose), where your order will be served through this personal window straight from the kitchen. That's as Japanese as it gets!
If you want a proper ramen dish, make sure to check out Ichiran. The restaurants are often open 24/7 (great for late-night meals), but it is going to depend on the location, so be sure to check that out on Google Maps.
How to Get from Tokyo Airports to the City Center?
No matter where you stay in Tokyo, the best way to travel between the two Tokyo airports (Haneda and Narita) is by using Tokyo's extensive metro system that connects both airports to much of the city.
From Narita: There are 2 types of train you can take. One is the express Skyliner train, which is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the city. The train will take you about 50 minutes to reach Keisei Ueno, costing around 2570 JPY. From there, you can buy a subway ticket and take Tokyo's subway to reach your accommodation. It's pricey, but you get the benefit of reserved seats for a more comfortable ride.
Another option is the regular train, which runs the same route as Skyliner at around 1340 JPY per trip, but it takes around 30 minutes longer. If you are not in a rush, this is the cheapest way to travel between the city and Narita Airport.
You can also use the JR Pass, but I wouldn't recommend using it in Tokyo as you will get more value for your money if you activate the pass when you want to travel long distances.
For Haneda: You can easily take either the Tokyo Monorail (500 JPY) or the Keikyu Airport train line (380 JPY), which will take you to Hamamatsucho Station and Shinagawa Station respectively, in less than 20 minutes. From there, you can easily take the Tokyo Metro and get to your accommodation.
Tip: For a hassle-free travel between the airports to Tokyo downtown, you can also go with a bus limousine service, which costs the same as the train but without all the hassle of transferring and lugging around your luggage.
If you do not want to deal with your luggage as you travel to the city center, you can also use a luggage transfer service, which will transfer your luggage to your hotel straight from the airport, allowing you to hit the ground running and start exploring Tokyo right away. You can check out the available luggage service here.
How to Get Around Tokyo?
Tokyo is extremely well covered by trains and subways, and you can easily travel to all the tourist attractions I mentioned here and beyond using only metros/trains.
The most convenient way to use this train is to buy a prepaid IC card, which can be bought from JR Station (Suica card) or Non-JR Station (Pasmo Card). Both cards can be used on trains, buses, and beyond, not just in Tokyo but in other major cities around Japan as well. All you have to do is fill up the card with money and tap on the machine when you enter and exit the platform.
The IC Card doesn't save you any money per trip, but it does save you time, having to fiddle with the ticket machine every time you want to travel.
That said, if you plan to travel a lot using the metro/train system here, you can also get the Tokyo Subway Pass for unlimited access to Toei and Tokyo metro on a one-calendar day (not 24 hours). It is 900 JPY and can be bought online here or at the ticket machine at trains/subway stations.
Again, if you have the JR Pass and haven't yet activated it, I wouldn't recommend you do so in Tokyo as you will get more value for your money by using it on long-distance bullet trains.
Tips: If you are a train pass holder like JR Pass and want to only see train routes that you can use with a JR Pass, try NAVITIME app. You can filter train routes based on the train pass you hold. Highly recommended.
What to Pack for Tokyo?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Tokyo, Japan:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
That is it for the 14 Amazing Things to Do in Tokyo for Solo Travelers. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Tokyo, Japan! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Tokyo, Japan independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Japan
Looking for more information for your trip to Japan? Here are a collection of articles about Japan that you might find useful:
- For a complete Japan itinerary, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Japan Itinerary.
- Visiting Japan for the first time? Here are a few things I wish I knew before visiting Japan: 13 Important Things To Know Before Visiting Japan.
- Looking for a complete list of things you shouldn't miss when you are traveling in Japan? Check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Japan.
- For a complete itinerary of Tokyo, check out: 3 Days Backpacking Tokyo Itinerary.
- Want to climb Mount Fuji? Here is a complete guide on how to and not to climb Mount Fuji for a real-life experience.
- What is it like to climb Mount Fuji during a super typhoon? Here's A Backpacking Travel Guide to Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko.
- Another awesome place to visit in Japan for a great view of Mt. Fuji is Hakone. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Hakone.
- A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo is possible, but you need to be smart with your time. Here is a complete One Day Hakone Itinerary From Tokyo.
- Planning to visit Nikko soon? From hiking to best temples to visit, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Nikko.
- Kyoto, the old capital city of Japan, is a one-of-a-kind city that you should not miss. Here are the 16 Best Things To Do In Kyoto.
- For a complete itinerary of Kyoto and Osaka, check out: 3 Days Backpacking Kyoto-Osaka Itinerary.
- There are more to Hiroshima than the war memorial. Here are the 13 Best Things to Do in Hiroshima.
- Want to go off the beaten path in Japan? What about exploring Kyushu island? Here is a 3-day road trip itinerary for Kumamoto and Aso.
- Not convinced by my words about Japan? Watch these videos: Just Japan and Japan Day & Night travel videos.
- Wondering where to go after Japan? How about hopping over to China or visiting the islands of Taiwan or Hong Kong?
- For all articles about Japan, visit the Japan Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to East Asia? Check out all my articles about East Asia here: East Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
8 Comments
great photos! I am travelling to Tokyo solo soon! Do you speak much Japanese? how did you find the language barrier and getting around?
Thank you! No I didn't speak the language but you will be fine as long as you have internet access for Google Translate :)
Hi Pete :) Just reading all your Japan blog posts - looks amazing. How long was your trip in total?
Thank you! It was only for 15 days due to my visa requirement :/
Holy wow amazing photos! I need to get back to Asakusa at night :D
Agree! Prepare a good night camera as well :)
Awesome, I have already booked my trip with https://goo.gl/oQd9NA and going to visit Japan shortly.
Nice! Enjoy your adventure my friend! :)