Top 19 Must-See Attractions and Activities in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most iconic cities in the world and one of the buzzing cities to visit in Japan. That being said, it’s a totally vast city with so many of the best things to do in Tokyo scattered all across the different neighborhoods.

Far-flung from its small fishing town image (about 200 years ago), Tokyo is easily a global city and incredible to explore.

Plus, after visiting a few times, I’ve quickly realized how diverse the city is.

It’s not just a sprawling metropolis of millions of people but more of a cluster of mini-cities that have been squashed together to produce modern-day Tokyo.

That’s the thing with Tokyo; it isn’t just one big city. Tokyo is filled with a huge mix of identities and amazing spots that are too good to miss.

As with anything in Tokyo, it never feels like there’s enough time to do everything you want. I mean, the city is huge (have I said that enough, yet) and I’m not even sure you’d have enough time to see it all within a whole year’s visit.

That’s why it’s important to prioritize the best things to do in Tokyo on your visit.

Anyway, rambling aside, I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Tokyo on your first trip to the city. Though be warned, you’ll end up with a list as long as your arm once you actually get around to planning your trip.

Take a look, below, at the very best things to do in Tokyo on your next trip.

1.) Visit the Imperial Palace

Still, the official home of the Emperor of Japan, the Imperial Palace is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo when exploring the Marunouchi district.

The main palace itself is surrounded by some expansive grounds and is located on its little island surrounded by a large moat. Although you can’t go inside some of the grounds, you can wander through the nearby Kitanomaru Park and Imperial Palace East Gardens.

Once you’re here, make sure to visit the Imperial Palace grounds and admire the stunning Nijubashi Bridge, the East Higashi-Gyoen garden, and Edo Castle.

Even if you can’t visit the inner parts of the palace (unless you have connections), you can request a tour through the Imperial Household website at certain times of the year. It is one of the best things to do in Tokyo if you love a bit of royal flair.

2.) TeamLab Borderless & TeamLab Planets

TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets are immersive and surreal artistic spaces you have to see. For me, they are easily among the best things to do in Tokyo and even better if the weather takes a turn for the worst as it’s all indoors.

Now, make sure you purchase your tickets before your trip to Tokyo, as they typically sell out. Note that each site has its own tickets; you’ll need one for Borderless and one for Planets. For the latter, it’s almost essential to pre-book these tickets.

Also, just a heads up, even with tickets, you might have to queue. We ended up queuing for around 45-60 minutes to enter TeamLab Planets after arriving from Shin-Toyosu Station.

Once inside, you’ll step into another enchanting world. It might sound cheesy, but it truly feels like magic.

3.) Dive into the Ginza District

If you want to indulge a bit, the Ginza District is your tonic.

Often referred to as the Times Square of Tokyo, Ginza is a buzzing area that embodies the sparkling lights, towering buildings, and colorful streets that personify Tokyo. On weekends, many roads are closed to traffic, turning Ginza into a pedestrian-friendly paradise, making it one of the best places to visit in Tokyo if you love to shop.

Here you will find an array of shops, bars, and eateries, selling everything you could imagine. Imagine if Willy Wonka created cities… Ginza would be the vision.

4.) Experience everything kawaii in Harajuku

Harajuku is renowned globally for its fashion and culture. It’s such a vibrant area of Tokyo and one you’ll love if you appreciate everything kawaii (cute).

Take a stroll to KiddyLand (suitable for all ages) for adorable shopping and check out the cutest hedgehog cafes and cat cafes in all of Japan.

If you’re feeling peckish, stop off for some souffle pancakes at A Happy Pancake. They’re a must-try!

5.) Discover the National Museum of Nature and Science

The National Museum features a variety of sections, including scientific displays on renewable energy and space travel, plus the latest technological innovations, including some impressive Japanese robots.

The museum also showcases a fantastic selection of traditional Japanese outfits and exhibits of prehistoric creatures from the region. It is a top pick in Tokyo if you have a penchant for history.

6.) Visit the Senso-Ji Temple

Tokyo boasts many historical sites, but none quite as notable as the Senso-Ji Buddhist temple. Located in the Asakusa district, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Kannon and was established nearly 1,500 years ago.

Be sure to spot the Kaminari-mon Gate, the incense vat, and the flock of sacred temple doves that are revered as messengers.

Senso-ji is a tremendously popular site to see, so to avoid crowds, visit early in the morning. It’s well worth the trip and easily ranks among the best experiences in Tokyo, and you really don’t need a guide to explore.

7.) Spot the cherry blossom (Sakura) at Ueno Park

Whilst Tokyo is massively built up, it also offers amazing natural parks that you should visit during your trip to Japan. Ueno Park is the most famous and spans well over 200 acres.

This beautiful outdoor area features various sections, including the Shinobzau Pond and the Toshogu Shrine, and is an excellent opportunity to see the Sakura blossoms (which bloom typically around March-April in Tokyo).

During Sakura season, the park gets massively popular, so be prepared for big crowds. That said, it remains one of the best things to do in Tokyo if you’re visiting during the season.

8.) Admire the art at the Tokyo National Museum

If you want to nurture your love for all things Japan, a visit to the Tokyo National Museum is a must.

This paradise for art lovers boasts around 100,000 works from Japan, China, and India, along with numerous national treasures.

Highlights include a range of Buddhist sculptures, ancient weaponry, and traditional Japanese clothing and ceramics.

9.) See the Meiji Shrine

This significant religious site in Tokyo is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife.

Located within the grounds of Yoyogi Park, the shrine features a traditional Japanese design complete with pagodas and an inner courtyard that’s truly picturesque.

This stunning shrine is surrounded by a vast forest containing numerous trees, with various trails to meander through if you seek a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Inside the complex, there is also a museum containing various royal artifacts and collections of artwork.

To avoid the crowds, consider visiting at closing time when you’ll have the place almost to yourself.

This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Tokyo, especially if you appreciate history and Japanese heritage.

10.) Spot Mt Fuji from the Tokyo Skytree

You cannot miss the Tokyo Skytree, standing tall at an impressive 634m above the city.

As with much of Tokyo, it’s a relatively new addition and has quickly become one of the best places to see the city from above the skyline. On a clear day, you can spot Mt Fuji in the distance.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a stroll on their glass-paneled floor, but be cautious if you suffer from vertigo.

If you’re short on time, consider booking this guided tour of Asakusa that includes Tokyo Skytree tickets. This way, you can maximize your experience in this area of Tokyo without the stress of navigating it yourself.

11.) Explore Akihabara Electric Town