Tokyo is one the world’s most vibrant and alive Metropolitan cities. Looking for things to do in Tokyo? There’s plenty of choice.
It doesn’t matter where you go in Tokyo. Everywhere you turn, there is a good chance you’ll be surrounded by bright lights, restaurants, bars, sprawling department stores, and countless things to do.
From robot restaurants to temples, Tokyo is a unique mix of old and new. Here’s our top picks of the must-do things while you’re in Tokyo!
7 Unmissable Things to Do in Tokyo
How do these rankings work?
1. Sensō-ji
To get a sense of the culture in Japan, come to Senso-ji. Visitors can pose for a picture underneath a giant cauldron at the entrance of the temple. A few steps into the temple’s grounds, look up to your left and marvel at the beautiful pagoda.
Once you’re done at the temple, head out in any direction and walk down a long row of shops and restaurants for a bite to eat.
2. Golden Gai
For a night out in Tokyo, Golden Gai is where you want to go! This is the perfect place to go when bar hopping is your idea for nightlife.
Golden Gai is an area in the Shinjuku district that is filled with hole-in-the-wall dive bars (Albatross) and restaurants. Each bar and restaurant has their own character and charm so you’ll have to do some exploring down these narrow streets to find the right place for you.
Tip: be mindful that some of these bars do not allow foreigners while others will charge you a cover.
3. Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum
If you’ve ever had a cup of noodles during your starving college days, take a trip down memory lane at this all-encompassing museum dedicated to cup noodles! Sounds bizarre, but in the best way.
They have on display ever single cup noodle that was ever made. As an interactive bonus, you can even create your very own cup noodles. Add the toppings you want to put in your cup noodles and they will make it and package it on the spot for you!
4. Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Market was once known for attracting visitors at 3a.m. to come watch the live auctions of fish from local vendors.
In October of 2018, they put an end to that and split up the market into two sections. The first section is much like the original market where they have many street-food stalls serving the freshest seafood the Japan waters have to offer.
The second section is where you get to witness the live auctions from a viewing station which is much different that being up close and personal at the previous market. Still, a worthwhile destination to check out, even if just for a bite of fish.
5. Robot Restaurant
For an unusual show experience like no other, come to the Robot Restaurant for one of the most interesting shows you’ll ever watch. Complete with bright, neon lazer lights, girls in funky outfits and dancing robots, this show is one of a kind.
Buy your ticket to this show online for one of the wildest and weirdest experiences in Tokyo. It’s the sort of thing you have to do at least once…
6. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match
Immerse yourself in Japan’s national sport and take in a sumo wrestling match. Sumo pits two contestants trying to push each other outside of the boundaries of a circle.
Watch sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. This stadium can seat up to 11,000 people and is your best bet to find a sumo match in Tokyo.
7. Maricar
Maricar is a phenomenon that has taken over Tokyo the last few years and it looks like an epic thing to do!
Dress up as your favourite Super Mario character and go for a ride on the streets of Tokyo in a go kart.
If Super Mario Kart is your game, this activity is a must-do for you. Just don’t expect to leave any banana peels behind for your fellow riders…
