Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo

Tokyo is a popular tourist destination in eastern hemisphere, and here is the list of the favorite things to do in the city.

1. Enjoy the City Skyline & Mt. Fuji in a Distance

With quite a few skyscrapers in Tokyo, it is absolutely unmissable to get a bird’s eye view of the city. If fortunately, you can see the world-famous Mount Fuji on clear days. Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building, Roppongi Hills, etc. are the most popular with observation decks high in the sky. Apart from the view of Mt. Fuji, the gorgeous night scene of colorful lights is also astonishing in Tokyo, in 360 degrees.

2. Visit Tokyo’s Oldest Senso-ji Temple

The name of Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, has struck everyone’s ears like the thunder. It is a must-see as well as a best thing to do in the city, at Asakusa, with the traditional temple buildings, old streets with restaurants and shops. It’s welcomed to stroll with the crowds, to taste the snacks and worship. In particular, Senso-ji Temple is also famed for the fortune-telling. Do as the locals do, you can draw a fortune-telling stick at a very low price.

3. Explore the Shinto Culture at Meiji Jingu Shrine

You may heard of the Shinto spirituality in Japan, which is the special native culture in the country. With the countless pilgrims there, Meiji Jingu Shrine is the most-visited Shinto shrine around Tokyo. In addition to the Shinto daily routines there, it’s likely to see the scenes of Japanese traditional weddings. Meanwhile, Meiji Jingu Shrine is embraced in the largest green land in Tokyo city, it’s great to relax yourself as immersed in the reclusive place.

4. Walk through the Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is known as the most bustling crossroad and a liveliest landmark in Tokyo. Every time the traffic lights turn green, thousands of people flood across the intersection at the same time, creating a spectacular scene of amazing crowds. What’s more, there are many shopping malls, restaurants and cafes for visitors to enjoy shopping and taste the authentic food.

5. Enjoy the Local Nightlife at Shinjuku

Shinjuku, one of the busiest areas in Tokyo, is the perfect for people to indulge in the nightlife. The lively Kabukicho, Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, etc. are full of visitors likewise at night. Into the narrow alleys of Golden Gai, rows of small izakaya line along the way, where you can try the local Japanese wine or beer with side dishes. Omoide Yokocho is a famous foodie alley there, attracting a large number diners for the tasty Japanese food.

6. Taste Authentic Japanese Food

Tokyo is a paradise for gourmets. All visitors could find a food they like at the foodie alleys like Golden Gai & Omoide Yokocho or the restaurants in malls, markets, etc. Sushi is the most typical local food in Tokyo, with the sashimi topping on rice ball. Apart from the sushi restaurants, there are many budget sushi meal box in convenience stores and markets. Ramen noodles is also popular, while Tsukiji Outer Market is known for the fresh sea food as well.

7. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match

Sumo, a special sports of Japan, is actually an old wrestling in the nation. There are 6 national tournament of sumo wrestling every year, while 3 of them are held in Tokyo, in January, May and September respectively. If you travel to Tokyo in the middle of these months, you’ll get an opportunity to watch the most wonderful sumo wrestling at Ryōgoku Kokugikan, the specialized stadium for this sports. If you miss the tournaments, the sumo museum there can show the detailed information of this sports.

8. Experience Pop Culture at Akihabara

Akihabara is the center of electric products and anime culture in Tokyo. If you are animation fans, Akihabara is the place you must check in Tokyo. With the retro video game rooms and various anime peripheral products, it’s the holy land of otaku – fervent fans of Japanese anime and comics. You can discover many coffee houses as well there, regardless of the maid cafés, animal cafés and more anime-themed coffee houses. It is nice to enjoy the afternoon tea time while amazing at the newfangled culture.

9. Watch a Kabuki Performance

Kabuki is one of the three traditional operas in Japan. It is characterized by elaborate sets, ingenious stage machinery, lavish costumes and makeup, and an all-male cast. Both the male and female roles are played by actors. Don’t worry about not understanding what they say, you can feel the charm through the music, costume, facial expressions, etc. Kabuki-za Theater is the best theater of kabuki, located near Ginza, it is convenient to book a ticket and watch the unique oriental opera.

10. Go for a Trip to Mt. Fuji

As the symbol of Japan, Mt. Fuji must be on the bucket list of many travelers to the country. While seeing the mountain, you can take the sightseeing boat or have a Mt. Fuji views from multiple angles. As getting to Tokyo, you can go to Mt. Fuji of course. The direct limited express train Fuji Excursion, departing at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, is the fastest way to Lake Kawaguchi Station at the mountain foot. Highway bus is also a great choice from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station highway bus station. Meanwhile, bus from Narita/Haneda Airport is accessible, too.

See Also: How Do I Get from Tokyo to Mt Fuji