10 Things to do in Tokyo

Japan’s kaleidoscopic capital city offers an enthralling blend of old and new. To experience traditional Tokyo, you can explore ancient temple grounds, watch a sumo tournament or sample matcha during a traditional tea ceremony. If the chaos of modern life is more your thing, ascend the towering Tokyo Skytree or explore the quirky neighbourhoods of Harajuku and Akihabara.

To make planning your Japan adventure easier, here are 10 things to do in Tokyo.

Get cultured at Sensoji Temple

Sensoji is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo’s most traditional neighbourhood. Legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River. Despite their attempts to return the statue, it kept coming back. Sensoji Temple was then built to honour Kannon and, having been completed in 645, is by far Tokyo’s oldest temple.

Visitors will first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), which leads to Nakamise-Dori, an expansive shopping street lined with stalls selling crafts, souvenirs and traditional snacks. Inside the main plaza, you’ll find an impressive five-storey pagoda and a giant cauldron of incense, which is believed to give good luck to worshippers.

Enjoy panoramic city views from Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is a television broadcasting tower and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Standing 634 metres tall, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and the tallest tower in the world. There are several attractions to enjoy at Tokyo Skytree, including a gallery, an aquarium and a large shopping complex.

Of course, the main reason visitors flock to Tokyo Skytree is to ascend to the two observation decks, which offer enthralling views out over Tokyo. The two enclosed decks are located at heights of 350 and 450 metres respectively, making them the highest observation decks in Japan. Visit on a clear day to catch a glimpse of the iconic Mt Fuji.

Take part in a traditional tea ceremony

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, consider taking part in a traditional tea ceremony. Dating back over 1000 years, the process involves whisking matcha (green tea) powder with water and presenting it to guests in a formal and elegant ceremony. The Japanese ritual of tea drinking was first used by Buddhist monks in the Kamakura period (1192-1333) to stay awake during their long meditation sessions.

While tea culture in Japan is largely associated with Kyoto, there are plenty of traditional tea houses that offer ceremonies in Tokyo. During this experience, you’ll sample a range of quality matcha teas, usually served with wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection.

Walk the iconic Shibuya Crossing

Tokyo is the most populated city in the world, and nowhere is that more clear than in the bustling city ward of Shibuya. This is where you’ll find Shibuya Crossing, which is perhaps Tokyo’s most iconic landmark. A picture of Japanese modernism, Shibuya Crossing is heavily decorated by neon signs and giant screens playing advertisements and gets flooded with pedestrians every time the light turns green.

In fact, an average of 2.4 million people cross Shibuya every single day, easily making it the busiest intersection on earth. While in the area, be sure to explore the narrow streets of Shibuya Center-Gai, which are packed with shopping, dining and nightlife options.

Spot cherry blossoms in Ueno Park

If you need a break from the chaos of Tokyo city, head to Ueno Park. The grounds of this picturesque park were once part of Kaneiji Temple, however, were converted following a historic battle and opened to the public as Ueno Park in 1873. Inside Ueno Park, you’ll find several temples and shrines, along with multiple museums and a zoo.

Plus, with over 1000 cherry trees lining its central pathway, Ueno Park is one of the best spots to view Japan’s world-famous cherry blossoms. Plan to visit Tokyo between late March and early April for your best chance at catching the cherry blossom season.

Make a wish at Meiji Shrine

Surrounded by lush forest, Meiji Shrine is the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, and a must-visit attraction when visiting the city. Completed in 1920, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to former Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who led Japan through a period of rapid modernisation throughout the second half of the 19th century.

The entry into Meiji Shrine is marked by a massive torii gate, after which the sights and sounds of modern Tokyo are replaced by the tranquillity of the forest. While visiting Meiji Shrine, be sure to take part in traditional Shinto rituals, like making offerings at the main shrine, writing your wishes on an ema tablet and purchasing a fortune or amulet.

Shop ‘til you drop in Harajuku

Chances are you’ve heard of Harajuku, the fun and quirky shopping district located around Harajuku Station. Considered the street fashion capital of Tokyo, this district is particularly popular amongst Japanese teenagers, who flock to the area to check the latest trends, street food and pop culture. If you’re looking to do some shopping in Tokyo, this is the place to do so.

Takeshita Dori is the main street of Harajuku and is lined with trendy stores, fashion boutiques, crepe stands and themed cafes. Just a short walk away is Omotesando Dori, which is considered the more grown-up shopping street, as its home to international flagship stores like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. In fact, Omotesando Dori is often referred to as the Champ-Elysees of Tokyo!

Live like royalty at the Tokyo Imperial Palace

Did you know that you can visit the main residence of the Emperor of Japan? The Tokyo Imperial Palace occupies the site of the former Edo Castle, which was also the residence of the Tokugawa shogunate, and has been home to a succession of emperors since 1868 when the Japanese capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.

As much of the Tokyo Imperial Palace is closed off to the public (it is home to the Emperor, after all), this attraction is best visited on a guided tour. Offering a closer look at the palace grounds, these tours will also take you to historic premises, such as the beautiful Fujimi-yagura Keep and the Nijubashi Double Bridge.

Get a taste of Japanese cuisine

Tokyo is one of the world’s most exciting dining destinations. Here, you’ll find a wide range of culinary experiences, from award-winning, Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries serving authentic local fare. Some of the top dishes to try while visiting Tokyo include sushi, ramen noodles and tempura.

If you’re interested in the more eccentric side of Japanese culture, be sure to try out one of Tokyo’s unique dining experiences. You may have heard of the city’s animal cafes, where you can play with cats, hedgehogs and goats while sipping your morning coffee. And no trip to Tokyo is complete without ordering ramen from a vending machine!

Marvel at art and history at the Tokyo National Museum

Anyone interested in history and art should pay a visit to the Tokyo National Museum. This is the oldest museum in Japan and houses a collection of over 110,000 items, of which 89 are priceless National Treasures.

Tokyo National Museum is made up of six separate buildings, each of which specialises in different types of art. The main Honkan building provides an extensive overview of Japanese art and history, displaying Buddhist art, samurai swords, kabuki costumes, intricate metalwork and more. Around the museum, you’ll also find a number of shops and cafes, along with traditional Japanese-style gardens and teahouses.

Explore the best of Japan on a tour holiday

From ancient shrines and tranquil teahouses to futuristic skyscrapers and mouth-watering cuisine, Tokyo has something for everyone. Explore Tokyo and beyond on a Japan tour holiday with My Cruises. Travelling with an expert travel guide, these handcrafted discoveries offer return flights, centrally-located hotel says, bucket list experiences and so much more.

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