Tokyo | Japan

Tokyo

More and more of you are visiting the things to do in Tokyo every year and you are quite right. Tokyo is a multifaceted and vibrant city full of things to do in Tokyo and places to discover. But what exactly to visit and what to do in Tokyo when you only have a few days there? I give you my Top 30 visits

1.Partying in Shinjuku

It's impossible to discover things to do in Tokyo without visiting the Shinjuku district. The business district is also a major part of the party. So go get lost in the neon lights, karaoke, and bars of Kabukicho. When the parties start in Shinjuku, you never know where they end.

shinjuku, tokyo, japan

2.Visit Yanaka Ginza, old Tokyo

Nothing like a visit from Yanaka Ginza to go back in time. Welcome to the Tokyo of the 1930s where nothing really changed here. Between the small stalls, the temples, the old cemetery, and the candy vendors, you will have a great time at Yanaka Ginza.

Ginza, Chūō, Japan

3.Hunting and dining in Ameyoko

In the Ueno district, under the large main station, there is a huge semi-underground market: Ameyoko. In this lively things to do in Tokyo, you will find interesting clothes and accessories at gold prices and small restaurants on the street. Go there and taste Takoyaki. Like an air of Southeast Asia in Tokyo.

Ueno, Taito, Japan

4.Eat a pancake in Harajuku

Whoever went to Harajuku without eating a pancake denounce himself! Impossible to miss when visiting this ultra-young and ultra-glossy district. Whether you are a fan of chocolate, whipped cream, fruit, Matcha or red beans, you are bound to find things to do in Tokyo. Kawaii no!

Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan

5.Join Shibuya by Cat Street

Once you've visited the Harajuku and Omotesando districts, I advise you to reach Shibuya by Cat Street, one of my favorite streets in all of Tokyo! With trendy bars, fashion boutiques, and cafes offering super fluffy pancakes, this street has all things to do in Tokyo. The layout of the buildings and the sunset gives it a crazy charm.

Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

6.Drink a Starbucks in front of the Crossing

What more emblematic things to do in Tokyo of the Japanese capital than the famous Crossing of Shibuya? But if you know: the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world! Impressive when you go there for the first time, it is surrounded by buildings and is not far from the famous statue of Hachiko. A conveniently located Starbucks allows you to observe the Crossing while sipping a coffee. Enjoy!

Starbucks,Tokyo

7.Do an O-Hanami at Yoyogi Park

Japan in April offers many wonders. Among these: the flowering of sakura, cherry blossoms. The entire Japanese archipelago then takes on magnificent pale pink colors, and the Japanese go out to water the arrival of spring in large picnics. In Tokyo, the craziest atmosphere is at Yoyogi Park.

Yoyogi Park, 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan

8.Eat sushi at Tsukiji market

If you are going to visit things to do in Tokyo, it is essential to taste good sushi. And the best in the capital is arguably where the fish are freshest: at Tsukiji Market, the largest fish market in the world. After strolling between the stalls, queue up for one of the restaurants in the market and enjoy!

Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan

9.Visiting Meiji Jingu very early

In the midst of this immense crowd that is Tokyo, there is a haven of peace: the Meiji Jingu shrine, erected in honor of the emperor of the same name. A true jewel of the capital, its visit is one of the essentials and you think you are in the countryside as calm reigns!

Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Japan

10.Have a drink at Golden Gai

Located to the east of the Shinjuku district, the Golden Gai designates a few small, discreet and charming alleys where tiny izakayas stick together. In these bar-restaurants, we sometimes only enter 3 or 4 and this is all the charm of the place. Sometimes closed to foreigners, try to come to these izakayas with locals instead.

Tokyo, Japan

11.Breathe in Rikugien Park

Did you know that things to do in Tokyo is full of some of the most beautiful parks and gardens on the planet? Meet at the Rikugien, among things to do in Tokyo, located in the Sugamo district. This typically Japanese-style garden will delight you with its landscapes inspired by poems that you can admire while enjoying a traditional matcha tea.

Rikugien Park

12.Seeking good fortune at Senso-Ji

The most famous temple things to do in Tokyo and perhaps even in Japan: the Senso-Ji in Asakusa! A great classic of tourist circuits, today it is one of the most visited places and things to do in Tokyo. It's hard to avoid the crowds when you want to buy an Omikuji and find out about your good fortune. Go there at night, it's even more beautiful and there is no one there.

Senso-ji, Tokyo, Japan

13.Go up to the Roppongi Hills Observatory

There are several observatories that allow you to observe things to do in Tokyo from above. This is my favorite: the Roppongi Hills observatory. Located in the district of the same name, access to the top of the tower allows, for 15 euros, to obtain a breathtaking view of Tokyo as well as a visit to the current exhibition, also located at the top of the tower. . At night, it's even prettier.

Roppongi, Minato, Japan

14.Getting lost in a Don Quijote

Imagine a huge store where you can buy just about anything you can think of. Add to that a Japanese sauce and presto: welcome to Don Quijote! There are several dozen of them of things to do in Tokyo. Go for a walk, try on the wacky costumes that are there, or just stock up on Kit Kat with improbable tastes!

don quijote tokyo

15.Become a Prince in a Maid Café

If you like to inflate your Ego, have always dreamed of becoming a prince or a princess or just like original experiences: spin in a Maid Café. In these somewhat expensive cafes, pretty costumed waitresses will call you "Master" and serve you delicious food while having fun. Too cute.

maid café tokyo

16.Buy everything at Pokémon Center

Who doesn't love Pokémon? Welcome to things to do in Tokyo, a motherland of small animals that have made and still make the happiness of young and old. Head to the Ikebukuro neighborhood to check out the Pokemon Center. A huge store where you will find hundreds of stuffed animals and other Pokemon goodies.

Pokémon Center

17.Take a break in a Neko Café

Have you ever heard of Neko Cafés? Also called Cat Bars, these cafes of a different kind allow you to spend a moment around a coffee and ... a good 30 cats! The Japanese like to relax there, try them! For the more adventurous, there are also owl, rabbit, and even penguin bars!

neko café tokyo

18.Observe players at Game Centers

You have inevitably already seen them in pictures or in the video: the players of the Japanese arcades. More than play areas, it is a real atmosphere that emanates from these places adored by geeks. Go for a walk in the district of Akihabara. You will find a plethora of buildings dedicated to Game Centers and will come back with amazing eyes.

Akihabara, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan

19.Find a good neighborhood Sento

Faithful blog readers know how much I love Japanese hot baths. More than a moment of relaxation, the Sento (public baths) are a real cultural phenomenon of things to do in Japan. The Japanese like to find themselves naked in baths at 40 degrees with family, neighbors, or strangers and we understand them! To try the Santos is to adopt them.

Tokyo

20.Sleep in a Hotel Capsule

Welcome to the 5th element! Due to the obvious lack of space in large cities, the Japanese have developed unusual hotels that some compare to coffins. But not at all! We generally sleep very well in a Capsule Hotel and for a very affordable price. Give it a try! The experience is very nice.

Hotel Capsule

21.Enjoy the sunset at Shinobazu Pond

Return to Ueno district for the sunset! As you descend from the park, you will come across Shinobazu Pond which, depending on the season, has magnificent water lily flowers. The walk all around the pond and the view of a small temple promise you a moment of pure happiness things to do in Tokyo.

Shinobazu Pond, 5-20 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan

22.Climb to the top of the Hikarie tower

The Hikarie Tower overlooks Shibuya a stone's throw from the metro exit. It would be difficult and a shame to miss it. Indeed, the building is full of very nice stalls and above all: a breathtaking view of Shibuya from the top of the building! Go up there, then you'll thank me for the tip.

Hikarie tower

23.Taste a bunch of Japanese food

Okonomiyaki, sushi, tempura, shabu-shabu, mochis, curry, karaage, ramen, udon, tonkatsu, unagi ... it is difficult to name all the delicious Japanese dishes as there are so many. Only one instruction: taste as much as possible! You will not be disappointed.

Japanese food

24.Admire the Rainbow Bridge from Odaiba

Odaiba is a fully constructed artificial island south of Tokyo. There are mainly large shopping centers and some tourist spots such as the giant Gundam or the famous Rainbow Bridge. If the bridge in itself is not exceptional, it is really pleasant to admire it once the night comes facing the sea.

Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

25.Witness a Sumo match

Sumo is not the Japanese national sport, but it is undoubtedly one of the disciplines which makes the most talk about things to do in Japan across the Atlantic. Meet several times a year in the Ryogoku district very early to queue up and hope to get a seat. Few can attend this breathtaking spectacle.

Tokyo, Japan

26.Go to the Ghibli Museum

Notice to Studio Ghibli Anime fans! A Ghibli museum exists and it is located in the Mitaka district. To hope to enter, you will nevertheless have to reserve your place beforehand on the internet or in a Lawson store of things to do in Japan. The museum is very beautiful and promises you an escape to another world for half a day.

Ghibli Museum

27.Make a Purikura

Back to Harajuku for some fun! Initially reserved for young girls who sometimes hasten to come out of high school, the Purikura is Japanese-style photo booths. The booth takes your photo in different poses, distorts your face to make it super Kawaii and then you can add whatever you want to the photos. Funny experience of things to do in Tokyo guaranteed !

purikura

28.Visit the Edo Museum - Tokyo

Without doubt, THE museum to visit by things to do in Tokyo. Located in the Ueno district, this will give you a glimpse of Japanese art through the centuries and the history of Japan. If you want to discover beautiful kimonos and real Samurai armor and swords, this is things to do in Tokyo.

Edo-Tokyo Museum, 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo, Japan

29.Buy souvenirs

You can't  make things to do in Tokyo without buying souvenirs to take back to friends or family! Between pretty chopsticks, a Maneki Neko , tea, Japanese sweets ... you are spoiled for choice. Go to Asakusa or the Tokyo Skytree with your wallet!

Gōtokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo, Japan

30.Get out of Tokyo and visit Japan

Tokyo is an absolutely great city, but it doesn't represent the beauty of all things to do in Tokyo! Japan is an absolutely fascinating country just begging to be discovered. So hit the road and explore the country through its towns and countryside!

Tokyo

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