Tokyo can overwhelm with options, so this list focuses on the experiences that best capture the city, a mix of icons and the textures that make Tokyo feel like Tokyo. It blends ancient temples and serene shrines with cutting-edge digital art, sweeping skyline views, and the markets and neighborhoods where daily life unfolds. Save the ones that match your trip and drop them into your own day-by-day plan.
The Best Things to Do in Tokyo
1Must visit
Temple5.0
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, founded in 645 AD. The thunder-gate, lantern-lined Nakamise street, and five-story pagoda are the soul of old Asakusa, and entry is free.
Asakusa
2Must visit
Shrine5.0
Meiji Shrine
A grand Shinto shrine hidden inside a 100,000-tree forest beside Harajuku. The walk under towering torii gates is a true escape from the city, and it is free to enter.
Harajuku
3
Landmark
Shibuya Crossing
The world's busiest pedestrian scramble, where waves of people cross from all directions at once. Pure, kinetic Tokyo, best watched from above at the surrounding cafes.
Tokyo
4Must visit
Museum5.0
teamLab Borderless
An immersive digital-art museum at Azabudai Hills where luminous installations flow between rooms and respond to your movement. Book a timed ticket well ahead.
Azabudai
5
Viewpoint
Shibuya Sky
An open-air rooftop deck atop Shibuya Scramble Square with 360-degree views. The single best place to watch the sun set over the endless city, ideally pre-booked.
Tokyo
6Must visit
Market5.0
Tsukiji Outer Market
The historic outer market with hundreds of food stalls: fresh sushi, grilled seafood, tamagoyaki, and matcha treats. Come hungry and graze your way through.
Tsukiji
7Must visit
Museum5.0
Tokyo National Museum
Japan's oldest and largest art museum, in Ueno Park, holding over 120,000 works including national treasures. The definitive primer on Japanese art and history.
Ueno
8Must visit
Park5.0
Shinjuku Gyoen
A vast national garden fusing Japanese, English, and French landscapes. One of the city's premier spots for cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn.
Shinjuku
9Must visit
Scenic Spot5.0
Shimokitazawa
Tokyo's bohemian heart: a maze of vintage shops, record stores, cafes, and tiny live-music venues. The best place to feel the city's creative, independent side.
Setagaya
10
Street
Golden Gai
Six alleys packed with more than 200 minuscule themed bars in Shinjuku. An intimate, only-in-Tokyo nightlife experience where you might share a counter with strangers.
Tokyo - Shinjuku
11
Viewpoint
Tokyo Skytree from Sumida River
At 634 meters, the tallest tower in Japan dominates the eastern skyline. The classic shot is from the Sumida River walk at blue hour, with the tower mirrored in the water.
Sumida River, Tokyo
12Must visit
Scenic Spot4.0
Nakano Broadway
A retro shopping complex and otaku paradise rivaling Akihabara, stacked with Mandarake stores selling manga, anime goods, vintage toys, and rare collectibles.
Nakano
FAQ
- What is the number one thing to do in Tokyo?
- If you can do only one thing, make it Senso-ji in Asakusa for a taste of old Edo, or the Shibuya Crossing for the energy of modern Tokyo. Both are free and capture opposite ends of the city's character. Most visitors try to fit in at least one of each.
- What free things can I do in Tokyo?
- Plenty. Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine are free, as are the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Shibuya Crossing, and wandering neighborhoods like Yanaka and Shimokitazawa. You can easily fill several days without paying admission anywhere.
- Which Tokyo attractions need advance tickets?
- teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets sell timed tickets that frequently sell out, the Ghibli Museum and Yayoi Kusama Museum require advance reservations, and Shibuya Sky is best booked ahead for sunset. Book these as soon as your dates are fixed.
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