Tokyo’s skyline after dark is easily one of Japan’s most iconic sceneries (We see you, Tokyo Tower 👀), but there are more things to do in Tokyo at night than just admiring the view! With its unique fusion of tradition and modernity, there is never a dull moment in this vibrant city. 🌃
Klook Tip: April-May (cherry blossom season) and November (beginning of autumn) are some of the best times to visit Tokyo since temperatures are cooler around these times. 😌
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. From classic city attractions like Tokyo Disneyland and teamLab’s interactive art museums to bucket-worthy experiences like traditional boat cruises down Tokyo Bay and local Japanese bar-hopping, we’ve gathered all our favorite things to do in Tokyo below.
🚅 Getting to and around Tokyo (and beyond!)
Tokyo from the airport 🛬
Visitors to Tokyo will most likely find themselves touching down at either Haneda Airport (HND) or the much larger Narita International Airport (NRT). Tokyo city center is easily accessible from both airports via train, bus, private car transfer, and taxi.
For less hassle upon arrival, you can already pre-book these via Klook. Now, if you’re wondering what the best option is – it depends on your itinerary, budget, and number of passengers. For more information, you can check out these guides on how to get to Tokyo from Narita and how to get to Tokyo from Haneda.
🍣 Japan Essentials🍣
🚅Trains & Airport Transfers
📌Mobile Data & Metro Passes
Getting around Tokyo City 🗼
Settled in your hotel and ready to explore? Getting around the city itself is just as easy since all the best things to do in Tokyo are reachable via public transport. Trains are especially made easier since visitors to the country can now avail of a special Welcome Suica Card! A Japan essential, it’s a reusable card that you can use to tap on and tap off on trains, buses, and subways in the metro.
Plus, booking on Klook gives you 1-day unlimited rides on non-reserved seats on local and rapid JR trains within all 23 districts of Tokyo. For more information on how it differs from the regular Suica card, you can check out this handy guide.
If you get the Welcome Suica Card, please note that it can only be picked up at Haneda Airport (HND), so make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Klook Tip: There are plenty of things to do in Tokyo in the areas around Haneda. Yokohama, for example, is just nearby. It’s a major port city with lots of leisure and shopping options, and we especially recommend visiting Minatomirai and Kamakura if you decide to go.
From Tokyo to the rest of Japan 🔴
If Tokyo is only the first city in your Japan itinerary, getting the Japan Rail Pass might be your best option. Also known as the JR Pass, this gives you unlimited access to all lines operated by Japan Railways (which include bullet trains or shinkansen) across the country.
If you’re just traveling within certain cities or areas in Japan, Regional JR Passes are also available. There are plenty to choose from, with varying coverage areas and validity periods starting from 1-day passes.
⛴️🎆 Enjoy the city’s night scenery on a traditional Japanese boat ride down Tokyo Bay!
Looking for new things to do in Tokyo at night? An evening on a Yakatubune is a hidden gem at the very top of our bucket lists! Brightly decorated with festive lanterns, these are small boats historically used by samurai and merchants to host parties for distinguished guests with food and performances.
Experience traditional Japanese dining in these Yakatubune as the boat interiors are fitted with tatami mats and low tables — perfect for enjoying a hearty bowl of sukiyaki (Japanese hotpot), which is commonly served onboard. Plus, some boats also offer complementary free-flowing non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks. Yum! 😋
Enjoy a different kind of nightlife in Tokyo as cultural performances complete the traditional dining experience.
Afterward, spend the rest of the evening relaxing on open-air viewing decks and taking in the gorgeous night views of the city as you cruise down Tokyo Bay.
The best part? Since the boarding docks are so near major areas and attractions in the city, there’s still plenty of time to explore after the cruise. Some boats even offer guided tours to popular areas and attractions like Ginza, Shinjuku, Tokyo Tower, and Sensoji Temple as part of the whole experience!
For Tokyo Tower, you can snap photos of the illuminations from the outside or opt for admission into its observation deck for a bird’s eye view of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Finally, if you’re in Tokyo in late July, you can take the Yakatubune and view over 20,000 fireworks during the Adachi Fireworks Festival. This experience also comes with snacks and dinner onboard (plus unlimited beverages) for a truly unforgettable summer experience. 🎆
Klook Tip: The date of the Adachi Fireworks Festival varies slightly each year. You may check out the festival’s official website for more details.
🌙 More things to do in Tokyo at night
Enjoy local cuisine at a traditional Japanese pub 🍱
Photo Credit: Josh Wilburne on Unsplash
Returning visitors to Japan would know that a konbini run — grabbing local snacks and drinks (we love a classic salmon roe onigiri ourselves 🙂↕️) at a nearby convenience store before heading back to the hotel — is one of the best ways to end a great day of sightseeing.
Take this to the next level with a visit to an izakaya, or a traditional Japanese pub, for good drinks and even better food!
While there are plenty of drinking spots all over Tokyo, the Shinjuku area is especially famous for its izakaya culture.
Immerse yourself and discover hidden gems with a local guide as you go bar-hopping through the night. 🍻
Cozy and intimate, these local bars are a great place to hang out and unwind after a long day of travel.
An izakaya food trip is one of the best things to do in Tokyo considering the variety of food you get to try out. The ice-cold Japanese beers are a huge plus, too.
While menus differ from place to place (and even region from region!), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sashimi can usually be found in these small but charming restaurants.
Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) and gyoza are also staples in izakayas! If you’re a foodie, this is an experience you should definitely not miss out on. ✨
Shibuya, another staple of nightlife in Tokyo, is also a thrilling place to be in after hours. A popular district for leisure, dining, and drinking, this guided bar crawl brings you to lesser-known izakayas well-loved by locals that you might just miss on your own.
Start with dinner near Shibuya Center Street (don’t forget to snap a pic at Shibuya Scramble Square!) and spend the night in good company as you sample traditional cuisine and get a taste of real Tokyo. Who knows? Your next go-to grub in Japan could be just around the corner.😌🥢
Party the night away at the hottest nightclubs in Tokyo 🎉
Photo from iP Tokyo
Prefer something a bit more fast-paced? This pass for nightclubs in Tokyo is for partygoers looking for an evening to remember — or not.😉 With a single ticket (no need to print!), you can skip the lines and get access to ten (10) different clubs around Roppongi, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza. Just present your mobile voucher upon entry, and you’re good to go.
Photo from V2 TOKYO
The legal age of drinking in Japan is 20, so don’t forget to bring proof of identity! Your passport should be more than enough.
🥰 Favorite things to do in Tokyo
A visit to Tokyo is only complete with a visit to its best-loved attractions. Find more inspo for your itinerary below and get ready to fall in love with Japan all over again. 💗
Level up your feed with interactive art exhibits at teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless 🖼️
Calling all art lovers and photography buffs! teamLab Planets is the place to be for Instagram-worthy pics. Wander around the immersive digital art museum and watch artworks change in real time as you interact with them.
Home to “The Infinite Crystal Universe” exhibit, teamLab Planets is one of the most popular experiences in Tokyo. You can book a premium pass to skip the line and get instant entry into the museum if you purchase via Klook. Plus, you can also avail of a shuttle bus from Ginza Station and Tokyo Station for fuss-free access to the facility.
Just can’t get enough of these gorgeous works of art? You can also check out teamLab Borderless, which relocated to Azadubai Hills from Odaiba last February 2024. It’s larger than teamLab Planets and has more exhibits for you to explore.
Klook Tip: teamLab Borderless is a completely different location from teamLab Planets, so take care not to mix them up on the way there!
For more bang for your buck, the ticket can be purchased in a combo deal along with a teamLab Planets admission ticket or a Skyliner Narita Airport Express ticket among others.
Spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland, the happiest place on earth 💫
With only seven Disney parks around the world, you’re in for a treat since Japan has both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea! To ride all the attractions and get the full experience, we recommend allotting at least two days to explore the area. Pre-booking on Klook makes access to the park even easier since you just have to scan the QR code at the gates – no printing required.
👀 Psst...For hassle-free travel, you can book tickets to multiple attractions with a single voucher using the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo.
🙌 Ready to go?
With transport, hidden gems, and popular attractions covered, we hope you’re ready for your next Tokyo adventure! Feel free to explore more experiences and essentials for your trip below. 🧡
🍣 Japan Essentials🍣
🚅Trains & Airport Transfers
📌Mobile Data & Metro Passes
