10 Best Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Looking for the best things to do in Tokyo? Well, sit back and relax, because I’ve got you covered! 

Tokyo is the most populated city in the world, and it seems like there are endless things to do. I remember how overwhelmed I was when I first visited, but after spending a ton of time exploring, I’ve picked out my top 10. 

This list covers all of the city’s must-do activities to give you the full Tokyo experience!

Things to do in Tokyo

1. Visit Mt Fuji and Hakone 

Visiting Mt Fuji is a must while you’re in Tokyo! This day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji was one of the best things that we’ve done in the whole of Japan. Yup, it really was THAT incredible! 

The itinerary was absolutely first class. We rode on a comfy coach out to Mt Fuji, and our first stop of the day was the 5th line station for views of the snow-capped summit. We also had lunch here, which was a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet that exceeded our expectations.

Things got even better in the afternoon, when we headed to Hakone for a ride on the scenic ropeway. We had the most incredible views of Mt Fuji, as well as the sulfur vents and hot springs in the Owakudani Valley. 

We then headed to Lake Ashinoko for a relaxing cruise on a huge replica pirate ship, with gorgeous views of Mt Fuji. Finally, we caught the bullet train back to Tokyo, which was an adventure in itself because these bullet trains are iconic! They’re aptly named, because we were back in the city within an hour!

We honestly loved everything about this tour – it’s really no wonder that it has over 22,000 5-star reviews! Booking it meant we didn’t have to plan anything, and we really couldn’t have done it any cheaper on our own.

We genuinely couldn’t believe what a steal this tour was, given that it included all activities, lunch, and bullet train tickets. You really don’t find this kind of value every day (especially not in Tokyo), so don’t hesitate to book this tour before it sells out! 

2. Take a sightseeing bus tour

There is SO much to see in Tokyo, and this full-day sightseeing tour helped us to get our bearings in the city!

It’s honestly a must-do because it makes exploring this huge city so much easier. We got to a ton in just one day, without spending hours planning and researching, and we had a blast! 

We visited so many iconic highlights, including the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Takeshita Street, which is the epicenter of the Harajuku fashion district. We loved people-watching here! We also went to the Asakusa Palace to enjoy a matcha experience. We got to grind matcha, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, and try some matcha beer and ice cream. 

After lunch, we visited the Senso-ji Temple, which is the oldest in Tokyo, and headed up the Tokyo Skytree to enjoy panoramic views from the Tembo Deck. Finally, the day wrapped up with a cruise through the Odaiba District. 

I still can’t believe how much we got to do in just one day! I highly recommend this tour if you’re short on time. It makes it so easy to visit must-see attractions, and our guide, Ria, was excellent. Honestly, I’m not surprised that it has over 12,000 5-star reviews! 

This full-day sightseeing tour includes a delicious lunch with karaage, aka Japanese fried chicken, in the grounds of the Asakusa Palace. I definitely suggest booking this tour for your first full day in Tokyo (and doing so before it sells out!).

3. Ride a go-kart through the streets of Tokyo 

This go-karting tour allows you to zip through the streets of Tokyo! Honestly, it’s one of the craziest experiences we’ve ever had. Zooming through Tokyo’s streets felt like a real-life version of Mario Kart. 

We were given colorful costume onesies to wear for our adventure, and then took to the streets in our big red go-karts. I must confess, I was a bit nervous beforehand, but actually, I felt super safe the entire time. Our guide, Sarah, was a total pro, and the karts were all in tip-top condition. 

It’s clear that this tour has the novelty factor, but we also got to see a lot of city highlights, too! We raced past the Tokyo Tower, zoomed around the Odaiba waterfront area, and enjoyed views of the famous Rainbow Bridge.

It was a blast from start to finish, and we will definitely book it again. We had too much fun to only do it once! 

The tour is a great deal, and you get about 2 hours out on the road. We had to show our passports and international driving permits, but the rules vary according to where your license is from. You can check the specifics here (and the thousands of great reviews!).

4. Take a food tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market 

The Tsukiji fish market is Tokyo’s most iconic street food haven, so make the most of it by booking this guided food tour! It’s a big and bustling market, so it’s worth going with a local guide who knows it well. 

We loved learning about the history of the market, and we found out that lots of the city’s most notable chefs come here to find the freshest seafood and ingredients! Our guide, Ash, was so friendly, and he definitely got our group excited about exploring this famous market and trying lots of different foods. 

Speaking of which, we got to try a fantastic variety of foods. For me, the highlight was definitely the wagyu beef skewers, which were just out of this world! However, I also really enjoyed trying rolled omelets and fish cakes, and we all got to make our own sushi bowls at the final stop, which was a really fun note to end on. 

The tour costs $110 USD, although you can book it at a reduced rate of $95 USD on Wednesdays and Sundays, when the Tsukiji Uogashi wholesale mini mart is closed, since you’ll get a slightly shorter tour. 

All in all, we think that this tour is an amazing choice for anyone who wants to sample Tokyo’s best street foods. And we’re clearly not the only ones, since the tour has over 2,800 5-star reviews!

5. Go bar hopping in Shinjuku 

Bar hopping in Shinjuku? Sign us up! 

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most vibrant entertainment districts, so having a fun night out on this bar-hopping tour is a must! But honestly, it can be hard to even know where to start in this buzzing area, so it’s worth booking this tour so that you can enjoy a night out with a local guide.

Our guide, Fuji, was lovely and made the evening enjoyable for everyone! He took us to different izakayas, which were true local hotspots, not tourist traps. We started off at an old-timey bar in the nostalgic Omoide Yokocho alley, which we absolutely loved. Then, the second bar we visited was all-you-can-drink, and naturally, we took full advantage! 

Fortunately, we soaked up some of the booze with a bunch of different small plates and bar snacks, which definitely amounted to a full dinner over the course of the evening.

The final bar of the night was in Golden Gai – a spot famous for its tiny, old-school bars. This place is a real hub for celebrities, and it’s basically THE place to be on a night out in Tokyo! 

We’re so glad that we did this tour, and we thought it was well worth it given all of the food and drinks that we got.

Related Read: If you’d like to stay in this area, check out our blog on the best hotels in Shinjuku!

6. Watch a Sumo show with an authentic wrestler’s dinner

The Japanese sport of sumo wrestling is world-famous, and where better to catch a show than Tokyo? We booked our show tickets online several weeks in advance, and you should too, because this show always sells out at least two weeks ahead of time! 

The show was incredible! It took place in a wrestling arena in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s charming old-school districts. 

The experience began with a huge meal that a sumo wrestler would typically eat, so be sure to arrive hungry! For starters, we got fried chicken and inari sushi, which is sushi stuffed into deep-fried tofu parcels. Then, we had a bowl of chanko nabe for the main, which is the hearty chicken hot pot that sumo wrestlers famously eat to bulk up. Finally, we got pancakes for dessert! 

But of course, the highlight was watching sumos take to the ring and wrestle. We also loved that there was commentary in English from former fighters! There was also an audience participation session, where some brave members of the public got in the ring to practice some moves with the pros. 

After the match, we had the chance to snap some photos alongside the wrestlers, who were so friendly. We also got a cute souvenir set and photos from the experience emailed to us, which was a nice touch. 

This is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience! However, it is super in demand, so you MUST book at least a few weeks in advance.

Related Read: Want to explore more of Tokyo’s sumo scene? Our full guide to the best sumo tours covers everything from live matches to stable visits.

7. Kimono Tea Ceremony

One of my favorite things to do in Japan is take part in a traditional tea ceremony, and you can do this tea ceremony right here in Tokyo! I must say, this Tokyo ceremony is one of the best ones I’ve done! 

It took place in an ancient-style tea room. I loved seeing the tatami mats, sliding shoji doors, and expert flower arrangements. It was very peaceful and relaxing. 

When we arrived, our host invited us to each don a kimono and taught us a little about the history of matcha in Japan. She also explained the significance of the tea ceremony and helped us practice some of the movements and etiquette rules before we began.

We got to enjoy plenty of matcha throughout, as well as wagashi, which are traditional sweet treats. The tea ceremony itself was a very calm experience, so honestly, it was just what we needed in the midst of a busy few days of sightseeing in Tokyo and was definitely worth making the time for.

8. Take a sushi-making class

Eating sushi is a must while in Tokyo, but it’s even better learning how to make it yourself with this top-rated sushi-making class!

We loved making and eating fresh sushi, and it was some of the best food that we had in Tokyo. A fun activity and a great meal? That’s what we call a win-win! 

The class takes place in Asakusa, which is a popular area for tourists, so it’s super convenient. Our guides, Hiro and Momo, were amazing teachers who spoke great English and taught us not only how to make sushi from scratch but also the history of sushi and the proper etiquette to follow when dining out in a sushi restaurant. What we learned in this class has certainly come in handy on the rest of our travels throughout Japan. 

The basic sushi class includes everything you need, but take it from me and book the option that includes the sake flight, as we really enjoyed the tasting add-on. Although no matter which option you go with, you’re in for a great class – just check out the 1,700+ positive reviews here!

This class was easily one of the best food experiences we had in Tokyo, and it’s a total must for anyone who likes sushi!

Related Read: Need more help planning the perfect trip? Our 3-day Tokyo itinerary hits all the highlights!

9. Learn Kintsugi at a Hands-On Workshop

If you’re looking for something fun and creative to do in Tokyo, then I suggest that you book this Kintsugi workshop right now! 

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using melted metal. In this class, we used lacquer mixed with gold to turn broken plates into beautiful new pieces, and we got to keep them afterwards!

This class was super hands-on, but we also learned about the philosophical and practical aspects of kintsugi. It’s based on the belief that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, which I think is a really refreshing take.

I actually found the whole process really relaxing, and I loved gaining such a deep insight into Japanese culture. Plus, I now have a beautiful souvenir from my time in Tokyo that I can proudly say I made myself! 

The 1-hour Kintsugi class runs daily, so it’s a short and sweet experience that you can easily fit into your Tokyo itinerary. Taku is an awesome instructor, and he’s actually a master of pottery, so if you want to learn from the best, be sure to book this class! 

10. Get the Full Samurai Experience

Samurai are one of the most famous symbols of Japanese culture, and this Samurai Experience is the best way to learn and get to practice using an actual samurai sword! 

I really didn’t know what to expect going into this, but it was absolutely unforgettable. The class took place in a samurai museum, with swords, costumes, and armor on display all around us. Better still, our teachers were professional actors who had appeared in Japanese samurai TV dramas and movies.

The team made us feel so welcome, and taught us a lot about samurai culture, as well as teaching us battle skills. We got to put on a kimono and hakama, and then learned how to hold and wield real samurai swords!

After we had learned the basics, we got to perform a simple sword fight, and to finish off the class, the teachers blasted music, and we practiced defeating bad guys together. It was so much fun, and we definitely left with big smiles on our faces. 

Related Read: Ready to turn these ideas into a full trip? Check out our detailed guide on how to spend five days in Tokyo here for the perfect itinerary packed with top sights and local favorites.

Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan

Accommodation in Tokyo can be expensive – there’s no simple way to put it! However, there are a lot of great options in terms of quality, location, and amenities. To help narrow down your choices, I’ve picked out three fantastic stays for those looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget place to stay.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier – $$$

Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier is a luxury stay featuring rooms with balconies and city views. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, so you’re close to the trains and top sights, but it’s still a relaxing and quiet stay.

The rooms are modern and spacious, and you can enjoy the on-site restaurant and gorgeous garden area. Prices start around ¥37,500 per night ($250 USD) and can be booked online here.

OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka – $$

OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka has a fabulous location in the Minato area, and is close to the trains, so you can get anywhere in the city easily. The hotel itself is very comfortable for a moderate price point, offering double or twin rooms with cozy sitting nooks in each room.

There are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores around the hotel, and you can walk to some of Tokyo’s top sights. Rooms start around ¥22,500 per night ($150 USD). You can check prices and reserve this stay online in advance. 

Plat Hostel Keikyu Asakusa Karin – $

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay, the Plat Hostel Keikyu Asakusa Karin is your best bet. Located in the Asakusa area of Tokyo, you’ll be near top temples and activities and a short walk to the train station. The rooms are basic but clean and provide a comfortable place to rest, and you can get a private room or a dorm room.

Private rooms start around ¥7,500 ($50 USD), and dorm beds are about ¥3,000 ($20 USD) — not bad for Tokyo! Check availability and book this budget stay on Booking.com.

For more options, check out all of the hotels in Tokyo here!

Related Read: For a deeper look at the best neighborhoods and hotels, don’t miss our full where to stay in Tokyo guide here!

Thanks for reading!

I hope our list of the best things to do in Tokyo helped you out before your trip! Chances are you’ll be spending a bit of time in Tokyo during your travels in Japan and since the city can be overwhelming, it’s nice to have an idea of a few activities you want to do before you arrive.

Before you go, have a look through all our blogs on Tokyo here! We go through our favorite tours, experiences and tips to enjoy this amazing city to the fullest.

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