The 14 best things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo stands tall among world capitals, admired for its unique blend of history and innovation. Here, ancient traditions harmonize with cutting-edge technology, and bustling crowds coexist with pockets of tranquility. It's a city where the past and the future collide, creating an electrifying atmosphere that draws travelers from all corners of the globe.

Deciding how to make the most of your time in Tokyo can be a daunting task given its vastness and complexity. For first-time visitors looking to dive headfirst into the city's charm, here are 14 handpicked experiences to ensure an unforgettable journey.

1. Experience a traditional Japanese art form

In Tokyo, a city steeped in history, traditions like kabuki theater and kaiseki dining offer glimpses into its rich cultural heritage. Catch a kabuki performance at Kabuki-za theater, savor a traditional meal with geisha entertainment in Asakusa, or explore Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. These experiences provide a window into Tokyo's past before it embraced modernity in the late 19th century, offering a deeper understanding of its traditional roots amidst its futuristic façade.

2. Dive into Akihabara's pop culture

Akihabara, a must-visit for pop-culture enthusiasts known as otaku, is packed with stores selling second-hand video game consoles, manga comics, and anime merchandise. Along Chuo Dori, you'll find towering gaming arcades and flagship anime shops. Plus, you can now experience the thrill of driving go-karts through its streets. It's a blend of sensory excitement, cultural exploration, and pure enjoyment.

3. Taste the Pacific at Tokyo’s fish markets

Once Tokyo's bustling fish market hub, Tsukiji lost its wholesale trade to Toyosu Market in 2018. However, Tsukiji's outer market retains its historic charm, offering a glimpse into its early Showa Period origins.

In contrast, Toyosu Market in Koto Ward reigns as the world's largest seafood market, housed in modern ventilated hangars. While lacking Tsukiji's rustic allure, Toyosu serves as a centralized trading hub, providing Tokyo's eateries with fresh seafood. Noteworthy are the morning tuna auctions, a highlight for early risers seeking an authentic market experience.

4. See cutting-edge digital art at teamLab Borderless

In Tokyo, teamLab, a cutting-edge art group, is leading the way in blending technology and art. Their Planets Museum in Odaiba offers a unique experience where visitors can interact with digital art by walking through water and gardens. The artworks, which respond to human interaction, create a futuristic and delightful atmosphere. This trend of digital art extends throughout Tokyo, enriching various attractions across the city with its innovative touch.

5. Join the shopping legions in Harajuku

Omote-sandō, known for blending modern Japanese style with Western hipster trends, is a lively avenue lined with zelkova trees. Here, high-end boutiques like Emporio Armani and Gucci stand behind uniquely designed facades. Tokyo Plaza, featuring a striking mirrored entrance, is especially eye-catching. In Harajuku's backstreets, you'll discover Tokyo's street-fashion hub. This is where trendsetters, style photographers, and vintage clothing stores thrive.

6. Enjoy the big thrill of live sumo

Sumo, deeply rooted in Japan's spiritual culture, began during the early Nara Period as a form of entertainment for the Shinto gods. While it's evolved into a modern sport, many religious traditions persist, such as salting the ring before bouts and the dedicated practice of wrestlers, especially the revered yokozuna (grand champions).

7. Eat Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine

UNESCO recognized Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) as an intangible cultural heritage in 2013, with Tokyo leading the way. The city boasts over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, catering to all budgets and tastes, from humble ramen joints to high-end establishments offering elaborate 11-course meals.

8. Drink deep of Tokyo nightlife

Yokocho, or alleyways, are integral to Tokyo's culture and urban landscape. Shinjuku's Golden Gai stands out as the top spot, housing over 250 cozy pubs, including LGBTQIA+ dance bars, in a space no larger than a football field. For a less crowded experience, try Nomiya Yokocho in Kita-Senju, where foreign restaurants blend with traditional bars in a charmingly chaotic setting.

Another option is Kichijoji's Harmonica Alley, a labyrinth of corridors alive with the sizzle of grilling skewers, budget-friendly standing bars serving Asahi beer, and hidden snack joints. Nearby karaoke parlors offer a lively way to end your evening with some full-volume singing.

9. Marvel at the crowds at Shibuya crossing

Experience the iconic Tokyo you've imagined from films: the bustling streets, dazzling lights, and colossal video screens showcasing larger-than-life figures. At Shibuya's renowned "scramble" crossing, this bustling energy converges with every light change, creating an awe-inspiring scene. Visit during the day for the perfect overhead shot from a nearby rooftop, or on a Friday or Saturday night when the excitement reaches its peak.

10. Find your calm in the gardens of Rikugi-en

While Tokyo's history has weathered fires, earthquakes, and bombings, traces of its feudal past still linger. Designed by Lord Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu in the 17th century, Rikugi-en garden in Bunkyo Ward offers a serene escape from urban chaos. Wander moss-covered paths, admire poetic stone structures, and gaze upon mirror-like ponds and ancient bridges. In autumn, vibrant foliage paints the landscape, while spring brings the splendor of a weeping cherry tree. Step back in time and immerse yourself in centuries-old tranquility.

11. Engage with Japanese spirituality in Sensō-ji

Dating back over 1000 years, Sensō-ji is Tokyo's spiritual cornerstone, predating the city itself. Despite being engulfed by modernity, it retains the timeless charm of the Edo period, echoing Tokyo's bustling past. The vibrant Nakamise-dōri arcade leading to the temple teems with vendors offering snacks and souvenirs. At the main plaza, admire the five-story pagoda, refurbished in 2017, and the constant swirl of incense smoke, a testament to the daily influx of visitors. Sensō-ji embodies a captivating blend of secular and sacred, making it a quintessential Tokyo landmark.

12. Observe the cherry blossom in Yoyogi-kōen

In spring, Tokyo transforms into a sea of white and pink cherry blossoms, marking the start of hanami season. Yoyogi Park, one of the city's largest green spaces, hosts lively hanami gatherings where locals indulge in barbecues, sake, and DJ sets beneath the blooming trees. As dusk falls, the park comes alive with yozakura, enchanting illuminated blossoms, prolonging the festivities into the night.

13. Immerse yourself in a cartoon world at the Ghibli Museum

Even for those unfamiliar with Miyazaki Hayao's captivating anime classics like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, the Ghibli Museum is a magical experience. Designed by Miyazaki himself, the museum is filled with whimsical steampunk machines and fairy-tale structures, immersing visitors in his enchanting worlds. While staff don't cosplay as characters, famous Ghibli creations are cleverly integrated throughout the museum, creating a feeling akin to stepping into one of Miyazaki's fantasy realms.

14. Discover the secrets of Shinto at Meiji-jingū

Nestled amidst the bustling city, Meiji Shrine offers a serene escape into Shinto spirituality. A tranquil forest path, flanked by towering torii gates, leads to the expansive shrine grounds adorned with wooden structures and lush gardens. Beyond being a place of worship and a tribute to Emperor Meiji, the shrine hosts traditional festivals, weddings, and other ceremonies. Timing your visit might allow you to witness these sacred rituals and celebrations firsthand.