Tokyo, Japan is one of our favourite cities to travel to, and it’s only getting better with time. It offers the best of both worlds: embracing tranquil tradition and ultra-modern charm. Be enchanted by Tokyo’s neon-drenched streets, cherry blossoms, captivating temples and unrivalled food scene. Did you know that city of Tokyo holds the most Michelin stars in the world?
Visiting Japan’s capital for the first time? Here are the 12 best things to do in Tokyo that you can’t miss:
- Discover creativity without limits at teamLab Borderless
- Go on an immersive art experience at teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu
- Explore the vibrant world of Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland
- See the entire city from the Tokyo Tower Observatory
- Get another sky-high view of the city on the Tokyo Skytree tower
- Have a taste of history, nature, and art at the Meiji Shrine
- Marvel at the historical artefacts at the Tokyo National Museum
- Feel like royalty at the Imperial Palace
- Watch a Kabuki performance at the historic Kabuki-za Theatre
- Explore the fashionable town of Harajuku
- Go on a stroll at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Visit the famous Senso-ji Temple
1. Uncover creativity without limits at teamLab Borderless
teamLab Borderless artworks depict creativity without boundaries. Credits: @cri.brtn
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan is teamLab Borderless, a collection of immersive digital artwork housed in the MORI Building Digital Art Museum. These works include the Universe of Water Particles on a Rock Where People Gather, a dazzling giant waterfall of light and colour. Another must-see piece is the Forest of Resonating Lamps, which features seemingly infinite lamps that make for a surreal sight.
2. Go on an immersive art experience at teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu
Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosm stimulates the sense of touch.
Just as amazing as teamLab Borderless is its sibling, teamLab Planets Toyosu Tokyo, which features “Body Immersive” artwork. This means you can walk barefoot to feel the textures and dimensions of the displays, such as in Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms. You can also touch the water and watch lights surround you at Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People.
Wondering which one you should pick: teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless? Find out with the help of our guide:
3. Explore the vibrant world of Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland
Enjoy rides and attractions dedicated to Hello Kitty, My Melody, Jewelpet, and the rest of the squad!
One of the best things to do in Tokyo with the little ones is to visit Sanrio Puroland. This amusement park is filled with rides, shows in live theatres, gift shops, and more dedicated to all things Hello Kitty and her friends! Enjoy the Sanrio Character Boat Ride with the whole family, which takes you around My Melody’s world on Mymeroad Drive. You also can’t miss the Kawaii Kabuki live musical show in the indoor theme park.
Want to have another special character experience in Tokyo? Then embark on a journey aboard the Pikachu train!
4. See the entire city from the Tokyo Tower Observatory
Admire the Tokyo skyline from 492 feet high on the Tokyo Tower Observatory deck and its Lookdown Window. Credits: @_ayklt_ on Instagram
A great way to go sightseeing in the city is going up the Tokyo Tower Observatory deck, which stands at a whopping 150 metres or 492 feet! You’ll have a 360° panoramic view of the vibrant and bustling Tokyo and its landmarks, such as Mt. Fuji. For a genuinely adrenaline-pumping experience and equally breathtaking views, you can step onto the Lookdown Window’s glass floors.
5. Get another sky-high view of the city on the Tokyo Skytree tower
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan. Credits: Robby McCullough on Unsplash
Another sky-high thing to do in Tokyo is to go up the Tokyo Skytree tower, the tallest building in Japan, which stands at a mind-blowing 634 metres! You can also go up the 350-metre-high Tembo deck or walk across the spiralling skywalk on the Tembo Galleria to reach heights of up to 450 metres. You’ll have unbridled views of Tokyo Bay, Mt Fuji, Tokyo Tower, and many more from these points.
6. Have a taste of history, nature, and art at the Meiji Shrine
Travel back to historical Japan and visit the Meiji Shrine. Credits: @abolred62dalobke on Instagram
When in Japan, don’t miss out on visiting shrines, especially Meiji Shrine. It was constructed to commemorate Emperor Meiji and his wife, Princess Shoken. It’s surrounded by a lush, 175-acre forest for nature appreciation. You can head to the Inner Precinct (Naien), which houses a museum of royal treasures and the Outer Precinct (Gaien) to find a collection of murals dedicated to the emperor and empress.
7. Marvel at the historical artefacts at the Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum is home to artworks from all over Asia, including China and India. Credits: @those.days__ on Instagram
Tokyo National Museum is another art lovers’ haven, home to thousands of artworks and historical artefacts. Marvel at the displays of traditional Japanese clothing and ceramics from all over Asia. You’ll also find Buddhist scriptures from Japan and China and art collections from India.
8. Feel like royalty at the Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is known for its traditional architecture and well-landscaped gardens. Credits: @anayrobin on Instagram
Visiting the Imperial Palace is a can’t-miss thing to do in Japan. It is the current residence of the Japanese imperial family but is open to tourists. Walk along its halls and landscaped fields filled with grandeur and centuries of history. Feel like royalty and marvel at the traditional Japanese architecture.
9. Watch a Kabuki performance at the historic Kabuki-za Theatre
Immerse yourself further into the culture and enjoy a performance of traditional Japanese theatre. Credits: @iesabroadtokyo on Instagram
Another important cultural experience is kabuki, a form of Japanese theatre that combines song, mime, and dance, with themes of drama and comedy. The masks worn by actors on stage make the performances distinct. Kabuki-za Theatre is one of the most popular theatres to watch one of the most spectacular displays of Japanese showmanship.
10. Explore the fashionable town of Harajuku
Harajuku is a bold fashion style known worldwide. Credits: @tomoike2525 on Instagram
Harajuku is the area around Harakuju Station, famous globally for its bold and fearless fashion. There are heaps of lads and ladies who sport this style in the area, as well as boutiques selling the most outlandish fashion finds: wigs of various vibrant colours, puff skirts, and more.
11. Go on a stroll at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Admire the flora of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, especially the thousands of cherry trees! Credits: @zcarlile on Instagram
While you can enjoy a stroll at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden at present, its history dates back to the 17th century when it was owned by the Naito family and, eventually, the imperial family. It features traditional Japanese landscaping and French Formal and English landscapes. It’s also for its enchanting 1,500 cherry trees.
12. Visit the famous Senso-ji Temple
Light up some incense for good health at Senso-ji Temple. Credits: @eloisa.rochat on Instagram
Another unmissable thing to do in Tokyo is to wish for good health at Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most famous temples. It dates back to AD 645 and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion. You can wish for well-being and drive away illnesses at the Incense Vat.
Written by: Rohana Monzon
