Tokyo travel guide
Best Things to Do in Tokyo
The single best thing to do in Tokyo is Senso-ji temple in Asakusa — arrive before 7am for the Kaminarimon lantern crowd-free, then graze Nakamise street. Pair it with Shibuya Sky at sunset for Tokyo’s best one-two of old and new.
What to do in Tokyo
Tokyo rewards variety: one ancient temple, one observation deck, one market meal and one neon night walk makes a perfect day. Book the two timed tickets (Shibuya Sky, teamLab) before you fly — everything else is walk-in.
The best things to do in Tokyo
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Senso-ji Temple · Temple
Tokyo’s oldest temple (628 AD) with the giant Kaminarimon lantern and Nakamise shopping street
Area: Asakusa · Time needed: 1.5–2 hours · Cost: Free
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Shibuya Sky · Observation deck
Open-air 229m deck directly above the famous scramble crossing
Area: Shibuya · Time needed: 1–1.5 hours · Cost: ¥2,500 (book ahead)
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Meiji Jingu · Shrine
Vast forested shrine honouring Emperor Meiji — Tokyo’s calmest 10 minutes
Area: Harajuku · Time needed: 1–1.5 hours · Cost: Free
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teamLab Planets · Digital art museum
Wade through knee-deep water rooms of mirrored light
Area: Toyosu · Time needed: 1.5–2 hours · Cost: ¥3,800
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Shinjuku Gyoen · Garden
Three garden styles (French, English, Japanese) and Tokyo’s best cherry-blossom lawns
Area: Shinjuku · Time needed: 1.5–2 hours · Cost: ¥500
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Omoide Yokocho night walk · Food alley
Post-war yakitori alleys glowing under lanterns after dark
Area: Shinjuku · Time needed: 1–2 hours · Cost: Free (food from ¥150)
Destinations in Tokyo
best things to do in Tokyo — FAQs
What is the number one thing to do in Tokyo?
The single best thing to do in Tokyo is Senso-ji temple in Asakusa — arrive before 7am for the Kaminarimon lantern crowd-free, then graze Nakamise street. Pair it with Shibuya Sky at sunset for Tokyo’s best one-two of old and new.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
You need at least 3 days in Tokyo for the highlights — one east-side temple day, one west-side neon day and one market/modern day. Five days adds day trips to Nikko, Kamakura or Hakone without rushing the city itself.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.