Things to do in Tokyo
Tokyo is usually the first port of call for visitors to Japan. You may be overawed by the size of the place and the number of people. You will definitely be amazed by the efficiency of the train network in the city. You could easily get lost in Tokyo, in mind, body and spirit, but there is always a friendly local to help guide you on your way.
Tokyo is not just a big city, it is many cities within one big city and each different ‘city’ has something different to offer. From the business district of Tokyo city itself with the emperor’s palace, to the eateries and entertainment district in Shinjuku, the fashion and shopping in Ginza and Shibuya, the dramatic contradictions of Harajuku and Meiji-jingu shrine – just a train line separating the two – and the dizzying lights of Electric-land, Akihabara to name a few, every day can provide a new experience.
Day tours within Tokyo
If it’s your first visit to Japan, then taking a half-day or full-day tour is an ideal way of getting to know this megacity.
Tokyo morning tour
Add some of the most famous sights of Tokyo into your morning travel plan and have the afternoon free to explore on your own.
Visit Meiji Shrine, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple with a local English-speaking guide. Enjoy Japanese culture, peaceful parklands and the atmosphere of historical Tokyo.
Tokyo afternoon tour
If you are arriving in Tokyo in the morning, why not get your sightseeing underway with an afternoon tour and explore Tokyo more efficiently.
The tour begins at the Seaside Top observation deck with a panoramic view of Tokyo, then visit the Imperial Palace Plaza, Sensoji Temple and enjoy the Sumida River Cruise.
Tokyo full day tour
Visit some of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo: Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Plaza, Sensoji Temple and the Sumida River Cruise.
You can also experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony and learn how to enjoy Japanese green tea. A real cultural experience.
Edo Kagurazaka Afternoon Walking tour
Wander the narrow alleys and the old stone paths of the geisha district in Kagurazaka, one of the historic towns of Tokyo, where tradition intertwines with modernity.
Glimpse its history from the traditional buildings and feel its atmosphere. If you are lucky, you might see a Geisha go to work in the evening!
Day tours from Tokyo
Many a day trip can be started from Tokyo with areas such as Nikko, Kamakura, Yokohama and Tokyo Disney Resort within easy access.
Mt Fuji and Hakone
Discover Mt Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, and Hakone which is famous for its beautiful nature and its breathtaking view of Mt Fuji. Visit the 5th station of Mt Fuji at a height of 2,000 metres, “Michi no Eki” station which is the best spot to take photos of the mountain, Gotemba for lunch with a great view, a Lake Ashi cruise and Owakudani Valley ropeway.
Experience the bullet train back to Tokyo.
World Heritage Nikko
Take a day trip to the World Heritage listed Nikko National Park where you’ll be captivated by the ornate carvings and lavish detail of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Five structures are categorised as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.
Visit Kegon Falls – this towering 97 metre fall is one of the three most beautiful falls in Japan.
Kamakura and Enoshima
Take a day trip to Kamakura, a beautiful coastal city that was also the former capital of Japan from 1192-1333.
Kamakura has a lot of glorious Buddhist temples, stunning gardens, shrines and well-preserved historical treasures, including one of the most iconic monuments in Japan – giant bronze state of the Buddha measuring over 13 meters tall and nearly 800 years old.
Fukuroda Falls
Enjoy a 2-hour mountain hike to the top of Mt. Oiwa. With 188 Shinto Gods and Goddesses enshrined, this has been a mountain of faith visited by many ascetic monks and Yamabushi since ancient times. Try “Taki-gyo”, meditation under a waterfall.
Visit Fukuroda Waterfalls, one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan.
Experience the culture
Thousands of years as an isolated island country allowed Japan to develop a truly unique traditional culture.
Sumo
Get an insider’s look at sumo and learn about the traditions of sumo, dating back to the 16th century.
Witness live action at a sumo tournament at one of the Grand Tournament events. Or visit the morning practice at a local sumo ‘stable’, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head.
Geisha show with meal
Experience being entertained with a show and games (Ozashiki asobi) by geisha in Asakusa, one of the best geisha areas in Tokyo.
Appreciate the elegant singing and dancing of the geisha, enjoy the delicious meal with your tongue and its beauty with your eyes. Let’s try to entertain together with the geisha.
Taiko drumming lesson
Master the art of Japanese taiko drumming during a 2.5-hour private taiko experience in Tokyo.This private lesson is conducted by a taiko professional who will teach you basic techniques and deliver passionate drum demonstrations.
Plus, you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of wadaiko drums from your instructor.
Tea ceremony
Learn about the beautiful ritual of the tea ceremony and observe the art of preparing and serving Japanese green tea, Matcha.
Then enjoy some matcha green tea together with traditional Japanese sweets, wagashi, to balance with the bitter taste of the tea.
Japanese food
Japanese cuisine offers an abundance of gastronomical delights with an endless variety of regional and seasonal dishes.
Kabukicho and Golden Gai
This 3 hour walking tour of Kabukicho and Golden Gai showcases the best bars, restaurants, and food stalls Shinjuku has to offer. Feast on four Japanese dishes, including Tonkotsu Ramen, and char-grilled chicken, and delve into the area’s rich history with your guide.
With the world’s highest number of bars per square meter, Tokyo’s Shinjuku Golden Gai neighbourhood is a must-visit spectacle.
Adventurous Japanese food
Discover out-of-the-box treats during this adventure lovers’ food crawl. Meet an expert foodie who’ll take you on a daring expedition through the savory streets of Ginza, packed with under-the-radar hotspots and family-run eateries.
Get a taste of only-in-Japan, not-for-the-faint-hearted delicacies like blowfish (fugu) and horse sashimi, while also making time for standbys like sushi and yakitori.
Sushi making with a master chef
Learn how to use a Japanese knife and how to make sushi at a restaurant run by Nobu, a sushi chef with 40 years of experience.
You will learn how to make nigiri sushi, maki sushi, tamagoyaki, and how to use a Japanese knife from a professional.
A certificate of completion will be made available upon request for a fee.
Vegetarian menus are also available.
Lunch in a local Tokyo home
Tokyo is known for its incredible food and culinary expertise.
Make the most of your Japan trip by having a private cooking class, and learning tips that you can use at home. By having a private cooking class, you can ask questions along the way, and learn at your own pace. Your Japanese local teacher will show you how to make several authentic home-cooked dishes, and you can eat them when you’ve finished too.
Only in Japan....
Japan is full of strange and crazy things to do. Here’s a sample…
Hedgehog Cafe
Animal lovers will find plenty to admire at this hedgehog cafe in Harajuku. Admission includes self-service coffee and tea plus designated time to play with adorable hedgehogs. On-site staff kindly show you how to safely hold the tiny, nocturnal creatures. Enjoy plenty of photo ops of this memorable moment in Japan.
Go-Karting through the streets
Choose your costume from a wide selection of sizes and styles, based on comics, games, and anime characters.
Your guide will lead the way as you drive past Tokyo’s top attractions such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi, and Shibuya Crossing. A fun and unforgettable way to tour Tokyo.
Anime, Manga, Maid cafe
Akihabara is one of the must-visit places for those who love anime and subculture.
Browse English versions of manga, retro games and visit a “Maid Café,” a unique aspect of Japanese culture that represents “kawaii” or cuteness.
Harajuku
Harajuku is known for its colorful fashions, quirky cafés, and pop culture. Take a half-day walking tour of the area to discover it’s secrets.
Walk down Takeshita Street, shop for ‘kawaii’ (‘cute’) souvenirs, stop at an Owl Café and a café with 3D latte art, and admire the local street art.
Looking for activities in other areas of Japan?
Check out some of the other ideas we’ve located to ensure your trip to Japan is an unforgettable experience.