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Things to Do in Tokyo

Tokyo is the world's greatest city for density of extraordinary experiences: three-Michelin-star restaurants next to $5 ramen shops, ancient Shinto shrines surrounded by neon skyscrapers, world-class museums, and neighbourhoods where every block offers something unique. Budget well — the city rewards extra days.

Shibuya Crossing at night Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast Shinjuku Golden Gai bar crawl teamLab Borderless digital art Day trip to Nikko or Hakone

Daily Budget Guide

Budget

$60–90

Hostel + street food

Mid-range

$130–220

3-star + restaurants

Luxury

$300–600+

5-star + fine dining

Top Activities & Experiences

1

Shibuya Sky Observation Deck

cultureMid-range — ¥2,000 ($13) entry
1–2 hours

The rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square offers unobstructed 360° views across Tokyo. At night, the sea of lights extends to Mount Fuji on clear days. The outdoor section is one of Tokyo's best photo spots.

Tip: Book online to avoid queues. Sunset + first 30 mins of darkness is the best window.
Book on KlookBook on Tiqets
2

Tsukiji Outer Market Breakfast

foodMid-range — ¥1,500–3,000 for breakfast
2 hours

The outer market still bustles with the world's best sushi breakfast: uni (sea urchin) on rice, otoro (fatty tuna) tamagoyaki, and fresh oysters. Best before 10am before queues build.

Tip: The inner market moved to Toyosu — the outer market remains open. Go straight for tamagoyaki and fresh sushi at Sushi Dai or Daiwa Sushi.
3

teamLab Borderless

cultureMid-range — ¥3,200 ($21) advance booking
2–3 hours

The world's most-visited digital art museum: borderless rooms of interactive light and sound installations that respond to your movement. A genuinely mind-expanding experience unlike anything else in the world.

Tip: Must book online in advance — frequently sells out weeks ahead.
Book on KlookBook on Tiqets
4

Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

cultureFree — Free entry
1.5 hours

Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple (628 AD). The Nakamise shopping street leading to the main gate is lined with traditional snacks and crafts. Most atmospheric at dawn before tour groups arrive.

Tip: Fortune (omikuji) drawing at the temple is a must-do ritual — costs ¥100.
5

Shinjuku Golden Gai Bar Crawl

nightlifeMid-range — ¥500–1,000 per drink per bar
3–4 hours

Six narrow alleyways containing 200+ tiny bars, each seating 5–8 people. Every bar has its own theme — jazz, vinyl, horror manga, punk rock. One of the world's most unique nightlife districts.

Tip: Most bars have a ¥500–1,000 cover charge (seating fee). This is normal — don't be surprised.
6

Harajuku Takeshita Street & Meiji Shrine

shoppingFree — Free to explore, ¥500–3,000 for shopping
2–3 hours

Japan's street fashion epicentre: crepe shops, pastel fashion, cosplay outfits, and kawaii culture. Then walk 5 minutes to the quiet Meiji Shrine in a 70-hectare forested park — one of Tokyo's most peaceful spots.

Tip: Meiji Shrine is most atmospheric on weekends when traditional Shinto weddings often take place.
7

Tsukiji to Ginza Food Walk

foodMid-range — $30–60 self-guided
3–4 hours

Walk from Tsukiji through Ginza's upscale food halls (depachika) at Mitsukoshi and Isetan — the world's finest food hall experience. Taste-test wagyu beef, artisan teas, and Japanese patisserie.

Tip: The basement food halls of major department stores close at 8pm but offer discounts from 6pm.
8

Odaiba & teamLab Planets

familyMid-range — ¥3,200 teamLab entry
Half day

Futuristic artificial island with shopping malls, a replica Statue of Liberty, and teamLab Planets (barefoot water art museum). Different to Borderless — more sensory, physically immersive.

Book on KlookBook on Tiqets
9

Nikko Day Trip

natureMid-range — ¥5,000–8,000 all-in
Full day

UNESCO-listed mountain temples, waterfalls, and cedar-lined avenues 2 hours from Tokyo. The ornate Tosho-gu shrine complex is one of Japan's most elaborate buildings.

Tip: Buy the Nikko All-Areas Pass (¥2,500) at Nikko Station for all buses and sights.
Book on KlookBook on Tiqets
10

Sumo Morning Practice Watch

cultureMid-range — $30–50 for guided access
2–3 hours

Watch professional sumo wrestlers train in a stable (heya) — one of the most exclusive insider experiences in Tokyo. Only available through registered tour operators during non-tournament months.

Tip: Silent observation is required. Tournaments run in January, May, and September — impossible to watch practice then.
Book on KlookBook on Tiqets

Free Things to Do in Tokyo

  • ✓Cross Shibuya Scramble at rush hour (free)
  • ✓Explore Yanaka old-town neighbourhood
  • ✓Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck (free)
  • ✓Walk Yoyogi Park on Sunday — rockabilly dancers, street musicians
  • ✓Browse Shimokitazawa vintage shops (no obligation to buy)

Best Areas to Explore

Shinjuku

Shopping, nightlife, Golden Gai, Kabukicho, transit hub

Shibuya

Iconic crossing, Harajuku nearby, youth fashion, rooftop views

Asakusa

Traditional Tokyo, Senso-ji, craft shops, ryokan accommodation

Ginza

Luxury shopping, food halls, galleries, upscale dining

Akihabara

Electronics, anime, manga, maid cafes, gaming

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tokyo expensive?

It depends entirely on how you travel. Budget travellers can eat brilliantly for $15–20/day (convenience stores, ramen, sushi conveyor belts), stay in capsule hotels for $30–50/night, and use affordable public transport. The city scales infinitely upwards for luxury.

How many days should I spend in Tokyo?

Minimum 5 days to see the main sights; 7–8 days to explore neighbourhoods properly; 10+ days if combining with Kyoto, Osaka, or day trips. Tokyo rewards extended visits more than almost any other city.

Do I need to book activities in advance?

teamLab (both) and popular ryokan must be booked weeks ahead. Senso-ji, food walks, and most neighbourhoods need no booking. Sumo practice requires advance arrangement through tour operators.

What's the best area to stay in Tokyo?

Shinjuku for access and value; Shibuya for the buzz; Asakusa for traditional atmosphere; Ginza for luxury. All are well-connected by Tokyo's brilliant subway system — location matters less than in car-dependent cities.