Japan’s bustling capital combines ancient traditions with an ultra modernist landscape to create a city packed with skyscrapers, historic temples, and a cosmopolitan restaurant scene.
Tokyo is an enchanting place that is always on the move and never stops. Surprisingly easy to navigate with its world-class subway system, centuries-old art and culture, and majestic food scene, Tokyo is on top of many a bucket list.
As you will quickly discover when visiting Tokyo, everyone is obsessed with food. The city has a vibrant dining scene and it’s common for restaurants to be packed out during the week.
With a strong eating out culture, you’ll always be close to some incredible food.
Japanese cuisine is one of the most popular in the world and focuses on creating dishes that emphasize variety and balance.
Some local foods you need to try while in Tokyo include sushi, ramen, and tempura.
With its health-conscious locals, Japanese people are living longer with the second-highest life expectancy in the world.
Major reasons for Japan’s longevity is often linked to its eating practices and modern medicine.
Compared to other developed countries, the Japanese diet contains little fat but plenty of tofu, fish, miso and other soy products.
A major staple drink in Japan is green tea which is high in antioxidants which are said to lower the risk of cancer and help prevent arteriosclerosis.
Tokyo offers an unlimited choice of shopping, culture, dining and entertainment opportunities for visitors.
With excellent museums, historic temples and beautiful gardens to explore…
Here are 12 Awesome Things To Do In Tokyo.
1. Maricar Experience
The Maricar experience lets you dress up as your favorite Mario Kart characters and explore the streets of Tokyo on a go-cart. You drive a tiny go-kart through the streets of Tokyo. A surreal experience, drive alongside cars and buses, and through busy residential areas all while dressed up.
2. Eat Fresh Sushi at Toyosu Fish Market
Tokyo is world-famous for its sushi and one of the best spots to find it is the Toyosu Fish Market. The iconic Tsukiji Fish Market closed its doors in 2018, relocated and reopened as the Toyosu Fish Market. Expect to find around 40 wholesale fish stalls and the tuna auction. The market is well organized and caters to visitors, making it easy to navigate.
3. Visit the Sensoji Temple
Sensoji is a Buddhist temple located in one of Tokyo’s more traditional neighborhoods, Asakusa. The red temple can become quite crowded however you can escape to the peaceful gardens that surround the temple. In the main area, you can get your fortune told and don’t forget to cover yourself in incense for good luck.
4. Explore the Imperial Palace and Gardens
Home to the Japanese royal family, the palace and gardens make up a beautiful castle complex in central Tokyo. You need to book in advance to explore the Imperial Palace grounds however the Imperial Palace East Garden is open all year round for visitors.
5. Visit the Ghibli Museum
If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, don’t miss a chance to visit the Ghibli Museum. Although the majority of exhibits and short animations are in Japanese, it’s still worth visiting as the classic drawings and props from films like Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro are fascinating.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance to visit the museum as tickets sell out quickly.
6. Eat Yakitori From Doromamire
Yakitori are grilled chicken skewers that are made from small pieces of meat. They are usually inexpensive and commonly eaten for dinner with a beer or sake.
There are several places that offer this Japanese dish but one of the most popular options is Doromamire. The cozy restaurant is always packed with locals and only has about 30 seats so reservations are recommended.
7. Soak in a Natural Onsen
With over 2,000 hot spring areas across the country, Japan is very geo-thermally active. These hot springs play a massive role in many traditions and cultures of its people to this day. There are a number of natural onsens around Tokyo to take a step back and relax.
Be sure to visit Toshimaen Niwa no Yu, the outdoor jacuzzies are surrounded by Japanese gardens and the water is rich in sodium chloride, to help ease sore muscles after a long day of exploring.
8. Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane
Memory Lane is also known as Piss Alley, from where public toilets were non-existent after World War II. Don’t panic, public toilets are now readily available but you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander through the narrow alleyways.
No trip to Tokyo would be complete without a trip down the historic alley. The lane is a hit with locals with plenty of restaurants and bars hidden away.
9. Grab a Bite to Eat at Uoriki Kaisen Sushi
Tucked away next to a big supermarket, this local sushi restaurant serves up delicious food. The fatty tuna is particularly good with a Fatty Tuna Set setting you back about $14. With a menu in English as well, this local restaurant is small but memorable.
10. Watch a Baseball Game at the Tokyo Dome
Japan’s oldest professional baseball team, the Yomiuri Giants, regularly play at the Tokyo Dome. If you’re a baseball fan then definitely don’t miss the opportunity to watch a game here. As well as catch a game, you can explore the nearby Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
11. Go Shopping in Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo’s most upmarket shopping district where you can find numerous luxury brands, boutiques, and fine dining experiences. With a 12-floor Uniqlo store and several department stores, it would be a shame to miss a visit to one of the world’s most exciting shopping districts.
12. Dine in the Yurakucho Gado-Shita District
One of Tokyo’s most interesting dining districts lies beneath the tracks of Yurakucho Station. The stretch of restaurants covers around 700m and includes everything from small yakitori joints to beer halls and upscale French wine bars.
