1. Explore the Historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
One of the top cultural experiences in Tokyo is visiting Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and most significant Buddhist temple in the city. Located in the heart of Asakusa, this historic landmark dates back to 645 AD and continues to attract both worshippers and tourists daily.
As you walk through the Kaminarimon Gate with its giant red lantern, you’ll feel the spiritual and cultural significance of this place. The approach to the temple, known as Nakamise Street, is lined with over 90 stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks, souvenirs, and handcrafted items, making it one of the best places to shop for unique gifts in Tokyo.
Senso-ji Temple is not just a place of worship; it also offers a rich insight into the religious and architectural heritage of Japan. With its vibrant red buildings, incense-filled courtyards, and serene ambiance, it is a must-see attraction. Whether you go in the early morning to avoid crowds or visit during a festival like Sanja Matsuri, this temple is a staple on any list of top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
2. Experience the Shibuya Crossing – The World’s Busiest Pedestrian Intersection
If you’re looking for something iconic and uniquely Tokyo, head straight to Shibuya Crossing. This bustling intersection, just outside Shibuya Station, is often described as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing—and it’s truly a sight to behold.
Every few minutes, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people cross from all directions, creating a choreographed chaos that epitomizes Tokyo’s energy. For the best view, head to the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building or the rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square tower. From there, you can capture amazing time-lapse videos or simply enjoy people-watching.
Beyond the crossing, the Shibuya area is full of entertainment, dining, and fashion. From the iconic Hachiko statue to the latest fashion trends in Shibuya 109, it’s easy to spend hours exploring this dynamic district. Visiting Shibuya Crossing is not just about crossing the street—it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of Tokyo life. No trip is complete without it, making it one of the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
3. Discover the Otaku Culture in Akihabara
Akihabara, known as Tokyo’s electric town, is a dream destination for anime fans, gamers, and tech lovers. From multi-level arcades and manga stores to maid cafés and collectible shops, Akihabara represents the heart of otaku (pop culture fan) culture in Tokyo.
One of the most famous attractions in the area is the Gachapon Hall, home to hundreds of capsule toy machines. If you’re into anime or retro video games, you’ll love stores like Super Potato, which sells classic consoles and games you can’t find anywhere else.
Don’t forget to visit a maid café, where waitresses dressed in cosplay serve you with playful charm. For tech enthusiasts, Akihabara is also the go-to place for gadgets, PC parts, and electronics.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, exploring Akihabara gives you a unique glimpse into one of Tokyo’s most vibrant subcultures. It’s easy to see why it ranks among the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
4. Enjoy a Serene Day at Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
Amid the modern chaos of Shibuya and Harajuku lies a peaceful oasis: Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a dense forest with over 100,000 trees, this Shinto shrine offers a calming retreat from Tokyo’s bustling city life.
Enter through the massive torii gates and walk the gravel paths through the tranquil woods to reach the main hall. Here, visitors can participate in traditional rituals like writing wishes on ema (wooden plaques) or purifying themselves at the cleansing station.
Adjacent to Meiji Shrine is Yoyogi Park, one of Tokyo’s largest green spaces. It’s a favorite weekend spot for locals to enjoy picnics, play music, and engage in creative performances. During cherry blossom season, the park turns into a sea of pink, making it a popular hanami (flower viewing) location.
For anyone seeking a blend of spirituality and nature, Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park together form one of the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
5. Shop and Stroll Through Harajuku’s Takeshita Street
Known globally as the epicenter of Japanese youth fashion, Takeshita Street in Harajuku is a colorful, eccentric, and energetic shopping street that offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Packed with trendy boutiques, quirky accessory stores, and themed cafés, this street is a haven for fashion lovers and pop culture enthusiasts. You’ll see styles ranging from kawaii (cute) to punk, often modeled by locals dressed in elaborate outfits.
No visit to Harajuku is complete without trying the famous crepes or rainbow-colored cotton candy. There are also vintage clothing shops and thrift stores like Kinji and Chicago that offer affordable and unique fashion finds.
Whether you’re into street style or just love window shopping, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is a lively experience that defines youth culture in Tokyo. It’s undoubtedly among the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
6. Witness the Skyline from Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 meters, is the tallest structure in Japan and offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.
Visitors can ascend to two observation decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters. Both offer panoramic views of the city, especially stunning during sunset or at night when Tokyo lights up like a sea of stars.
Inside the Skytree complex, you’ll find the Sumida Aquarium, shopping malls, and dining spots with a view. It’s a family-friendly destination that combines entertainment and sightseeing in one place.
For anyone looking to see Tokyo from above, the Skytree offers an unforgettable perspective. It’s a landmark that easily makes the list of the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
7. Dive into Japanese Food Culture at Tsukiji Outer Market
Tokyo is a paradise for food lovers, and one of the best places to sample its culinary delights is the Tsukiji Outer Market. While the original inner wholesale fish market has moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji’s outer market still thrives with over 400 shops and stalls offering fresh seafood, street snacks, and kitchen tools.
From tuna sashimi and grilled scallops to tamagoyaki (sweet omelet) and wagyu skewers, you can taste your way through Japan’s culinary heritage. Many stalls also offer sushi sets made from the day’s freshest catch.
In addition to food, you’ll find unique Japanese ingredients and souvenirs like wasabi, miso, and handmade knives. Many food tours start here, making it a great spot for first-time visitors.
For an authentic taste of Tokyo, the Tsukiji Outer Market is a must-visit. It’s no surprise that it ranks among the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
8. Stroll Through the Imperial Palace and East Gardens
The Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s Emperor, sits at the heart of Tokyo and is surrounded by vast moats, stone walls, and beautifully maintained gardens. While the inner palace is not open to the public, the East Gardens offer a peaceful place to enjoy traditional Japanese landscaping.
Walking through the gardens, you’ll discover historic ruins, plum and cherry blossom trees, koi ponds, and scenic bridges. It’s a serene contrast to the modern skyscrapers just outside the palace grounds.
If you time your visit right, you might catch one of the rare open-house days, like the Emperor’s birthday or New Year’s greeting, when the public is allowed to enter parts of the palace.
As a historic and cultural site, the Imperial Palace and its gardens are among the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan, especially for those who appreciate Japanese history and architecture.
9. Take a Day Trip to Odaiba – Tokyo’s Futuristic Island
Odaiba is a high-tech entertainment hub located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. It’s known for its futuristic attractions, family-friendly entertainment, and spectacular waterfront views.
Highlights include teamLab Borderless (an immersive digital art museum), Palette Town’s Daikanransha (a giant Ferris wheel), and the life-size Gundam statue in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. You can also relax at Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a hot spring theme park styled like old Edo-period Japan.
Odaiba is especially beautiful at night, with illuminated bridges and skyline views across the bay. You can reach it via the scenic Yurikamome Line, an automated train with stunning vistas.
Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, Odaiba offers a unique Tokyo experience and certainly earns its spot on the list of the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
10. Enjoy a Traditional Experience at Ryogoku – The Heart of Sumo Wrestling
Ryogoku is the birthplace of sumo wrestling and remains the spiritual and physical home of this ancient sport. Visiting this neighborhood offers a deep dive into one of Japan’s oldest traditions.
If you’re lucky, you can catch a sumo tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan, the national sumo stadium. Outside of tournament seasons, you can visit sumo stables where wrestlers train or enjoy a meal of chanko nabe, the hearty stew eaten by sumo wrestlers.
The area also boasts the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which presents life in Tokyo from the Edo period to the present. For those interested in Japan’s history and traditional culture, Ryogoku is an enriching destination.
For a truly Japanese cultural experience, exploring Ryogoku is without a doubt one of the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
