Best things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is one of those cities you never get tired of exploring. With over 37 million people in the greater metropolitan area, it’s one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world. The city stretches endlessly in every direction, with each neighborhood offering something completely different.

To me, Tokyo even has a bit of a New York vibe—fast-paced, vibrant, and full of energy.
But what are best things to do in Tokyo if you’re visiting for the first time?
If this is your first trip to Tokyo, make sure you don’t miss these unforgettable spots!
Ideally, plan to spend at least 4 to 5 full days in the city. That gives you enough time to explore the major neighborhoods, visit a few shrines and museums, enjoy the food scene, and still leave space to wander off the beaten path.

Table of Contents

Meiji Jingu Shrine – Yoyogi Park

Looking for one of the best things to do in Tokyo and also our favorite spot? Go to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park, a unique mix of sacred tradition and lively city park life. We were surprised by how green the center of Tokyo is.

Start your visit by stepping through the enormous wooden torii gate, one of the largest in Japan. It marks the entrance to a peaceful forest with over 100,000 trees, donated from across the country. The change in atmosphere is instant, city noise fades, and calm takes over. We got surprised by a snake here! So be careful!

As you walk the gravel path toward the shrine, you’ll pass two striking displays: rows of colorful sake barrels on one side, and wine barrels from France on the other. These offerings symbolize Japan’s cultural connections, both old and new.

At the shrine itself, join locals in purifying your hands at the fountain, hang a wish on a wooden ema plaque, or quietly watch a traditional wedding procession. The setting feels both grand and serene.

Next to the shrine, Yoyogi Park offers a totally different vibe. Locals gather here to picnic, walk their dogs, practice dance routines, or simply unwind. Especially on weekends, it can get crowded here.

How to get there:
The easiest way to reach Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park is via:

Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) – just a short walk to the main torii gate
Meiji-jingumae Station (Chiyoda & Fukutoshin Lines) – ideal for access to both the shrine and the park
Yoyogi Station (JR and Oedo Line) – a bit quieter and also within walking distance

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most iconic neighborhoods. You will probably arrive here at the Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest train stations in the world, and a major transport hub that makes the area easy to reach from anywhere in the city. It’s a good idea to stay at one of the good hotels here in the neighborhood. From this station you can take the bus or train to your next stop in Japan!

Top Things to Do in Shinjuku

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
A narrow alley filled with small bars and eateries, serving dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and ramen. It’s a great place to experience traditional Tokyo food culture in a compact, authentic setting, especially in the evening.
Kabukicho
Shinjuku’s famous entertainment district, known for its bright neon lights, karaoke bars, game arcades, and nightlife. It’s also Tokyo’s red-light district, but safe and fine to walk through as a visitor.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
One of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks, with Japanese, English, and French-style gardens. A peaceful place to relax, but it can get busy during cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
Shopping
Shinjuku is a paradise for shoppers. Major department stores like Isetan, Takashimaya, and Lumine offer fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and more. There are also plenty of side streets with local boutiques and budget-friendly options.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is also located in the Shinjuku district. It’s a massive skyscraper made up of two separate towers. The building might look familiar, it has appeared in several films, including King Kong, where it served as part of the backdrop.

On the 45th floor of each tower, you’ll find an observation deck with panoramic city views. You can take the elevator up from the ground floor in either the North or South tower. Entry is completely free.

Each observation deck features large windows, informative displays, a restaurant, and a small souvenir shop. On Tuesdays, one of the two decks is always closed, so check ahead if you want to visit both.

It can get busy around sunset, but the views are absolutely worth it. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance, an unforgettable sight!

Shibuya Crossing

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Tokyo, experiencing Shibuya Crossing is a must. Often called “the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world,” this iconic intersection is pure organized chaos. Up to 3,000 people cross from all directions every time the lights turn green.

It’s not just a crossing, it’s a full-on Tokyo experience. The towering LED screens, the flashing advertisements, and the constant stream of people. It’s a bit like Times Square in New York.

You don’t need much time here, but it’s absolutely worth stopping by. Cross it yourself, then find a spot to watch the action unfold. One of the best free viewpoints is from the Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit, or from inside the Shibuya Scramble Square building, where you can get a higher vantage point (free for the lower levels like at the Starbucks; the rooftop “Shibuya Sky” is paid but impressive).

How to get there:
Take any JR, Tokyo Metro, or private line to Shibuya Station. Follow signs to the Hachiko Exit, the crossing is right outside.

Tip: Visit during rush hour or after dark for the full effect, when the lights and crowds are at their peak.

Hikarie Tower

Right next to Shibuya Station, you’ll find the sleek and modern Shibuya Hikarie tower. This is a great place to explore if you’re in the area for Shibuya Crossing. This 34-floor skyscraper is more than just a shopping center: it combines fashion, food, art, culture, and panoramic views, all under one roof.

Inside, you’ll find high-end boutiques, local design shops, restaurants with views over the city, and even a theater space. It’s also a good place to escape the crowds below and relax in an air-conditioned, stylish setting.

On the 11th floor, you’ll find a free observation area with large windows offering a unique view over Shibuya. It’s less crowded than Shibuya Sky and perfect for a quick photo stop.

How to get here:
Direct access from Shibuya Station via the 2nd-floor walkway or underground passage.

Tip: Come in the late afternoon, grab a coffee, and enjoy the sunset views over Tokyo’s skyline.

The Imperial Palace and East Gardens

In the center of the city lies the Tokyo Imperial Palace, and its East Gardens are a must-visit. It’s one of the best things to do in Tokyo for travelers interested in history, culture, and everyone who wants to enjoy some quiet green spaces.

The Imperial Palace is the official residence of Japan’s Emperor. While the inner grounds are off-limits to the public (except on January 2nd and the Emperor’s birthday), the East Gardens are open to visitors year-round and free to enter. These beautifully maintained gardens are part of the original Edo Castle grounds and feature stone walls, moats, seasonal flowers, and historical ruins.

It’s a surprising pocket of calm in the middle of the city, perfect for a relaxed walk, picnic, or even a short escape from Tokyo’s fast pace. You’ll also find small museums and information signs throughout the park for those who want to dive deeper into Japan’s imperial history.

How to get there:

From Tokyo Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Otemon Gate, the main entrance to the East Gardens.
You can also access the area from Otemachi Station or Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro.

Tip: The gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays, so plan your visit accordingly.

Teamlab Planets

Located in the Toyosu district, teamLab Planets TOKYO is a groundbreaking digital art museum, blending technology, nature, and play into an immersive, body-centric experience . With over 2.5 million visitors annually, it even holds a Guinness World Record for the most-visited museum dedicated to a single art group.

What to Expect

Water Area: Start by walking barefoot through shallow water, koi fish swim around your feet and transform into flowers when they touch you. You dry off with towels afterward.
Garden & Light Rooms: Experience mirrored rooms filled with glowing orbs and LED exhibits. These spaces react to your presence, stand still and watch the visuals change.
Forest Expansion (2025): New interactive zones like Athletics Forest for climbing and bouncing, Future Park for collaborative digital art, and Catching & Collecting Forest of Extinct Animals using an app for an educational twist.

Practical Info

Location: About 1 minute walk from Shin‑Toyosu Station (Yurikamome Line). Also roughly 10 minutes from Toyosu Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line).
Opening hours: Daily 9:00 AM–10:00 PM, with last entry about one hour before closing
Tickets: Book by time slot online. Prices start from approximately ¥4,000 (~€25–30). Children under 4 enter free; student and senior discounts available.
Dress & Gear: You go barefoot for water areas – store your items in free lockers at the entrance. Wear shorts or pants you can roll up; socks and tights must be removed if affected by water exhibit.

Insider Tips

From critics to skeptics, many full-on fans call it a highlight of their Tokyo trip. Despite initial doubt, they confirm this isn’t just a flashy Instagram backdrop. It’s a meaningful, playful experience.
Keep an eye out for light installations that you can subtly alter using the teamLab app or in interactive zones.
Go on a weekday morning if you want fewer crowds; avoid busy evenings or holidays for a smoother visit.
If you’re sensitive to flashing lights, be aware that some rooms use intense LED or strobe effects. It’s best to skip these rooms if you have epilepsy concerns.

Tokyo Tower – Tokyo Skytree

If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, you can’t miss its two most famous landmarks: Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree. Both offer breathtaking panoramic views over the city and are among the best things to do in Tokyo, especially if you want to have a clear view of how huge this city is.

Tokyo Tower

Resembling the Eiffel Tower but painted bright red and white. Tokyo Tower stands 333 meters tall and is a long-standing symbol of post-war rebirth and modernization. Built in 1958, it remains a beloved part of the skyline despite the arrival of taller competitors.

Observation decks: Choose between the Main Deck (150m) and the Top Deck (250m) for 360° views of the city. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance.
Best access: A 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line) or 7 minutes from Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line).

Tokyo Skytree

Opened in 2012, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan (634 meters) and the second tallest in the world. It’s located in the Sumida district and acts as a broadcasting tower, observation platform, and shopping hub in one.

Observation decks: Visit the Tembo Deck (350m) and the Tembo Galleria (450m). The glass walls and futuristic design give you jaw-dropping views across the entire Kanto region.
Tokyo Solamachi Mall: At the base, you’ll find a massive shopping complex, restaurants, and even an aquarium.
Best access: A short walk from Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or Oshiage Station (Hanzomon Line, Asakusa Line).

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station isn’t just one of the busiest train stations in Japan; it’s also a historic and architectural landmark in the heart of the city. The more European style classic red-brick facade of this station is worth a stop even if you’re not traveling by rail.

What Makes It Special?

Historic Marunouchi Building: The iconic red-brick building on the Marunouchi side dates back to 1914 and has been beautifully restored. It stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers and is especially photogenic at night.
Major Transport Hub: Tokyo Station connects dozens of train lines, including several shinkansen routes that can take you to Kyoto, Osaka, or even Hokkaido. If you’re traveling around Japan by rail, this is where your journey will likely begin.
Underground City: Below the station lies a massive network of shopping and dining, including Tokyo Character Street (great for kids and anime fans), Ramen Street (with top-rated ramen shops), and souvenir stores.

Best Access & Tips

Easily reached via several metro lines, but the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is the most direct.
Use Yaesu Exit for quick access to shinkansen platforms and Marunouchi Exit for the historic side and nearby attractions like the Imperial Palace.
If you’re not in a rush, stop by Gransta inside the station, one of the best ekiben (bento box) markets in Japan. Perfect for grabbing lunch before boarding a train!