50 Best Things to Do in Tokyo (2024 Edition)

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Best Attractions in Tokyo

1. Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is not just the entrance way to Tokyo for many tourists, but also a grand sightseeing destination. Its red brick facade is a work of art inspired by Amsterdam’s Central Station, and looks stunning lit up at night. There’s also an underground city of shops and restaurants to explore. Taste a wide variety of ramen over at Tokyo Ramen Street, then shop ‘til you drop at Tokyo Character Street, which has stores selling all kinds of character goods, from Pokemon to Tamagotchi. Also stop by the Tokyo Station Gallery to discover even more Japanese culture through art displays and more.

For more things to do in Tokyo Station: 10 Things to Do at the Iconic Tokyo Station

2. Tokyo Skytree

There are several ways to get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo, but Tokyo Skytree is the tallest. This broadcasting tower stands at a height of 634 meters and was recognized as the tallest tower in the world in 2011. Though the record has since been broken, many people still visit it for the view from its 445th floor. On clear days in the very early morning, you can even see Mt. Fuji! Below the tower is Tokyo Solamachi, a complex with over 300 shops, restaurants, and attractions. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending hours exploring the entire area!

3. Tokyo Tower

While Tokyo Tower may not be the tallest, it is still the symbol of Tokyo. The most popular attraction here is the Top Deck Tour, which lets you view the megacity from a height of 250 meters in style, with drink service and multilingual voice guidance. On clear days, you can also opt to see it from the outdoor staircase situated 150 meters above ground. If you want some more thrilling entertainment, drop by RED° TOKYO TOWER, one of Japan’s largest eSports arcades that opened in 2022 within Foot Town, the commercial complex below the broadcasting tower.

4. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories

If you’re looking for a more economical way to view the city of Tokyo, check out the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It has twin observation decks that tower at a height of 202 meters, and unlike Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, it is completely free. The decks have panels that point out Tokyo landmarks you can see from them, including Tokyo Skytree and even Mt. Fuji.

5. Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway used to be a regular shopping center, but now it’s one of Tokyo’s top spots for fans of anime and manga, with the other two being Akihabara and Ikebukuro. It has four floors filled with floors dedicated to such fans and other hobbyists. The shopping street leading up to Nakano Broadway is also worth taking the time to explore, as that’s where you’ll find a wide selection of food, clothes, and other interesting goods. At night, sneak through the alleys around the shopping center to discover some of Tokyo’s most unique izakaya bars.

More about Nakano Broadway: Nakano Broadway Guide

6. Hyakudan Kaidan at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo was once a first-class restaurant, and at the time, the founder commissioned Japan’s top artists to create all kinds of art to adorn it. When guests came to dine, they would wander the premises and admire these artworks while waiting for their meals. Though the old building was torn down in 1988, parts of it still remain and are now collectively called the Hyakudan Kaidan. On top of browsing existing artworks dating back to the Showa Era (1926-1989), visitors can see new pieces from the latest art exhibit.

7. Imperial Palace

Located in the busy area of Marunouchi near Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace is where the Imperial family currently resides. While touring the inner palace requires advance reservation, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding grounds freely. In the spring, the cherry blossoms in the East Gardens blossom in profusion, and many photographers gather to take pictures of the sight. If you have the time, check out Kitanomaru Park, where you’ll find the Nippon Budokan event hall and The National Museum of Modern Art.

More about the Imperial Palace: Secrets of the Imperial Palace

8. Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street

Behind the Asakusa landmark Kaminari-mon Gate sits Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. You can see Tokyo Skytree from here, allowing for pictures that show the fusion of Japan’s traditional and modern architecture. At the temple, you can burn incense to heal the body, or check your fortune with omikuji sticks. The 250-meter temple approach, Nakamise Shopping Street, is also full of delights. On top of selling all kinds of snacks and souvenirs, it offers endless photo opportunities with its decor that changes with the seasons.

9. Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu is one of the most popular Shinto shrines in Japan, receiving millions of visitors for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the new year. It was built to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who set the foundation of modern Japan. You can see articles associated with them at the on-site Meiji Jingu Museum. Other attractions include the stunning inner garden outfitted with a serene tea house and Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue in its outer precinct, which is particularly gorgeous in the autumn. With 70 hectares of sacred forest that has not been touched since it was created, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy.

10. Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple is best known as the origin of “maneki neko” lucky cats. It all started when a cat beckoned Naotaka Ii, lord of the Hikone Domain (modern-day Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture), to the temple right before a thunderstorm. Shofuku-den was built to enshrine this lucky cat who brought the lord good fortune, and is where you’ll find a countless number of maneki neko statues today. Apart from praying to the cat and wandering throughout the premises to see just how many maneki neko you can spot, why not admire the surrounding seasonal scenery? There’s wisteria, foliage in the autumn, and much more.

More about Gotokuji Temple: Quick Guide to Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo

11. Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Because people of all ages and nationalities come together to cross this street located outside of JR Shibuya Station, it’s one of the places where you can instantly feel the metropolis-ness of Tokyo. During events like Halloween, the scramble crossing fills with people and sometimes even the police have to get involved. While plenty of people do film themselves standing in or crossing the street, we recommend playing it safe and getting a wider view of the entire crossing by taking a photo from a distance. There’s plenty of vantage points, such as the Starbucks on the 2nd floor of Tsutaya.

12. Yanesen Area (Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi)

Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi are three connected neighborhoods in Tokyo that overflow with the feeling of the “shitamachi” (old Tokyo), which is quite refreshing after exploring the metropolis’ more modern, fast-paced areas. Perhaps the most famous attraction within Yanesen is the Yanaka Ginza shopping street that houses many small independent shops selling all kinds of goods. There’s also one of Japan’s oldest shrines, Nezu Shrine; the Former Kusuo Yasuda House that you can explore to see how Tokyo’s elite once lived; and plenty of other must-see spots housed within old renovated buildings.

13. Hama-rikyu Gardens

Once a feudal lord’s residence, Hama-rikyu Gardens became a villa for the imperial family post Meiji Restoration (1868 - 1889) and today, it is open to the public as an ever-verdant oasis amid the towering skyscrapers of central Tokyo. One of the most fascinating features of this garden is the Shiori no Ike, which is the only seawater pond in the city. A teahouse seemingly floats on top of it, ready to show visitors an ethereal view of plum and cherry blossoms in the spring. Guided tours are available in Japanese and English.

More about Hama-rikyu Gardens: An In-Depth Guide to the Charms of Hama-rikyu Gardens

14. Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum is not only the oldest national museum in Japan but the largest, housing around 120,000 works, including samurai armor and weaponry and several Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures. It’s easy to spend hours exploring the entire collection, especially if you’re interested in Japanese history. For a change of pace, consider checking out the large garden north of the Japanese Gallery (Honkan) which has five historic tea houses that can be booked for tea ceremonies and other events.

15. Sumida Hokusai Museum

Katsushika Hokusai is a world-renowned ukiyo-e artist, best known for his Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series of landscape prints that includes the iconic Under the Wave off Kanagawa. He was born in Sumida, Tokyo and spent most of his life there, so many of his works depict landscapes of the area. This was what sparked the establishment of this museum which is entirely dedicated to him, featuring exhibits detailing his life and his relationship with Sumida. There’s also a model of his art studio and full-size, high-resolution replicas of his art.

More about Sumida Hokusai Museum: How to Enjoy Sumida Hokusai Museum

16. Ghibli Museum

Designed by Hayao Miyzaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli, this museum is dedicated to everything Ghibli. You can see drawings of Studio Ghibli museums, exclusive short films in the museum’s small theater, and special exhibitions that change regularly. There’s also a souvenir shop filled with character merchandise and other original goods that are exclusive to the museum. The entire museum is designed to be explored freely, with wonders to be found both inside and outside. When you’re ready for a break, sit back and snack on some Ghibli-themed treats at the museum’s cafe.

More about the Ghibli Museum and its surroundings: A Dive Into Kichijoji

17. Shibamata Taishakuten Sando

This 200-meter-long approach to Shibamata Taishakuten Temple doubles as a shopping street. Behind its retro facade that’s been maintained mostly as is since the 17th century lies many historical stores, selling all kinds of treats including nostalgic dagashi snacks. Although there are several shitamachi in Tokyo, Shibamata is the only one designated as an National Important Cultural Landscape by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, so don’t miss the opportunity to take it all in.

More about Shibamata Taishakuten Sando: The Vintage Nook of Shibamata, Tokyo

18. Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro

Boasting over 3,000 gashapon machines, Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro earned a Guiness World Record in 2021 for having the largest number of capsule toy vending machines at a single venue. These 3,000 or so machines are neatly organized by genre, making the entire store easy to navigate.

More about Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro: Make Your Way Through 3,000 Capsule Machines at Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro!

19. The Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue in Odaiba

Built in September 2017, this is a full-scale statue of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn anime series. Several times a day, you can see it transform from unicorn mode to destroy mode - for absolutely free! There are only a few full-scale Gundam statues in all of Japan, and the most easily accessible one is right in the heart of Tokyo in Odaiba, so pay a visit if you’re into the series or just want to see something really cool.

20. Tokyo Dome City

As the name implies, Tokyo Dome City is like a miniature city. Within its 13.3 hectares of land sits a baseball stadium, concert venue, amusement park, shopping complex, hotel, and much more! We particularly recommend checking out the amusement park, which has attractions such as the Thunder Dolphin, a roller coaster that actually goes through the shopping center, and the Big O, which is not only the world’s first centerless Ferris wheel but also has gondolas outfitted with karaoke machines. For a little more peace and quiet, it’s only a short walk to Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, one of the oldest gardens in Tokyo.

More about Tokyo Dome City: Guide to Tokyo Dome City

21. Mount Takao

Mount Takao is one of Tokyo’s closest natural retreats, accessible in just 50 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station. It’s a popular hiking spot, with gorgeous early morning views of Mt. Fuji from the summit and lovely autumnal scenery. The mountain is also home to Yakuo-in Temple, where you can witness a spectacular fire-walking ceremony in March or try “shojin ryori” Buddhist cuisine with an advance reservation.

More day trip ideas from Tokyo: Area of Japan Special: The Best Day Trips From Tokyo

Best Tours and Experiences in Tokyo

22. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter

This Harry Potter studio tour opened on the former Toshimaen amusement park site in June 2023, smashing out two records as the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world as well as the first Warners Bros. studio tour in Asia. Dive into the world of Harry Potter by exploring scenes from the movies such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the iconic Platform 9 ¾. Have your fill of Butterbeer and other Harry Potter themed foods, including scrumptious afternoon tea, and don’t forget to check out the shops full of exclusive goods! For the full immersive experience, come dressed in wizarding robes.

23. Go Kart Racing in Akihabara

Travel a little more on the edge by exploring the streets of electronic Akihabara by go-kart! Many go-kart racing companies allow you to rent costumes and action cameras so that you can record your racing adventures in style. Of course, there’s a couple other places in Tokyo where you can indulge in go kart racing, but Akihabara provides an extra special vibe at night. Note that you need an international driver’s license to be able to operate a go kart.

24. teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless

For one of the best interactive art experiences in Japan, check out teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless. Both are museums without maps, using projection mapping and other technologies to merge visitors together with the artworks on display. At teamLab Planets, walk through water and surround yourself with free-floating flowers. And at teamLab Borderless, which moved to Azabudai Hills from Odaiba in 2023, contemplate how all the artworks connect with each other and you.

More about teamLab Planets: Immerse Yourself in the Innovative Art at teamLab Planets
More about teamLab Borderless: What to See and Do at the New teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills

25. Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Night Cruise

Enjoying dinner and a show on “yakatabune” pleasure boats has been a refined way of entertainment in Tokyo since the Heian Era (794 - 1185). Though once restricted to the wealthy and those with status, today it can be enjoyed by practically anyone as long as you have an advance reservation. While there’s more than one place in Tokyo to enjoy a yakatabune cruise, one of the most popular and classic is at Tokyo Bay. Enjoy the city views from the water as you dine on traditional Japanese fare with your loved ones.