Tokyo is a city we’ve all seen in movies or heard so much about. It’s on many people’s bucket lists, and honestly, it’s been on mine for years. This incredible city is unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. It’s busy, bright, modern, and yet full of peaceful corners and traditions that have stood the test of time.
More than 14 million people call Tokyo home, and if you include the Greater Tokyo area, the population goes over 37 million, making it the most populated urban area in the world. But somehow, it still feels incredibly clean, organised, and surprisingly calm in its own way.
In this Tokyo travel guide, I’ll share the best things to do and see in Tokyo, from ancient temples and tranquil gardens to neon-lit streets and futuristic art experiences. I’ll also include my personal tips on where to stay, how to get around, and what to book in advance.
And if you’d like to see it all visually, you can watch my full Tokyo video on YouTube.
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Unique Things to Do in Tokyo
Looking for experiences that go beyond the typical sightseeing spots? Here are some of the most fun and unique things to do in Tokyo
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Where to stay in Tokyo & best areas for first-time visitors
Tokyo is huge, and choosing the right area to stay can really shape your experience, especially if it’s your first time in the city. The good news is that wherever you stay, Tokyo’s excellent public transport system connects you almost everywhere.
We stayed in Shinjuku, and I can highly recommend it for first-time visitors. It’s lively, full of restaurants and shops, and one of the best-connected areas in Tokyo. From here, you can easily reach most of the city’s main attractions.
If you want to treat yourself, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers stunning skyline views, while Hotel Century Southern Tower is a stylish and convenient option near Shinjuku Station.
If you prefer a younger and trendier vibe, Shibuya is another great option. The Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel and Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel both have fantastic locations and modern rooms.
For something more traditional and relaxed, look at Asakusa, where you’ll find beautiful hotels such as The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon and Asakusa View Hotel, both with great city views and easy access to Senso-ji Temple.
Note: When booking a hotel in Tokyo, you’ll probably notice that rooms are smaller than in most other cities. It’s worth checking the room size before booking, especially if you’re travelling with large suitcases like we do. We decided to pay a bit more for a larger room, and it made our stay much more comfortable.
Hotels in Tokyo range from budget capsule hotels to five-star luxury stays. If you book early, you can often find great deals, especially on weekdays.
How to get around Tokyo
Getting around Tokyo is much easier than it looks. The public transport system is one of the best in the world; clean, efficient, and always on time. The easiest way to travel is by using a Suica or Pasmo card, which you can top up and simply tap in and out on trains, subways, and buses.
Uber is another convenient option. We used Uber many times, especially when we were tired of walking or carrying bags. It’s reliable, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable in Tokyo compared to other major cities.
Top Things to Do in Tokyo
1. Take photos with Godzilla Head in Shinjuku
Our first stop in Tokyo had to be the Godzilla Head, one of the quirkiest attractions in the city. You’ll find it in Shinjuku, on top of the Toho Building, which also houses the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. You can actually stay in this hotel.
The hotel is owned by the film company that created the original Godzilla movies. They built the Godzilla Head to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the franchise, and it’s now one of the fun photo spots in the area.
The area around the building is usually quite busy, so the best time to take photos is early in the morning or later at night when there are fewer people around.
2. Driving Street Kart in Tokyo
Driving a kart through the busy streets of Tokyo is definitely one of the most fun and unique things to do in the city. It’s an experience that combines adventure, excitement, and a bit of Tokyo chaos in the best possible way.
You’ll be driving on actual roads, right next to cars, buses, and taxis, which makes it both thrilling and slightly surreal. To join the Street Kart experience, you’ll need an international driving permit, so make sure to arrange that before your trip. The rules are strict, and if you don’t follow them, you can get fined.
We got to dress up, which made the whole experience even more fun. You can’t use your phone while driving, but you can take quick photos when you stop at a red light. The guides also take photos along the route and send them to you at the end of the tour.
Book Street Kart Experience Here
3. Watch Shibuya Crossing
When you think of Tokyo, one of the first images that probably comes to mind is the Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. Standing there and watching hundreds of people cross from every direction, all at once, is one of those moments that truly captures the rhythm of Tokyo.
The crossing is right outside Shibuya Station, and it’s just as impressive in person as it looks in photos. It’s organised chaos, everyone moves fast, yet somehow no one bumps into each other.
For the best view of the crossing, head up to one of the cafés overlooking the intersection. Watching it from above gives you a completely different perspective.
4. Take a Food Tour in Tokyo
Tokyo is a dream destination for food lovers. From sushi bars and ramen shops to street stalls and izakayas, there’s something for every taste and budget. You can find Michelin-starred restaurants next to tiny eateries serving just a few dishes, and both are worth trying.
Joining a food tour is one of the best ways to experience Tokyo’s incredible food culture. A local guide will take you to hidden spots you might not find on your own, explain each dish, and share insights into Japanese dining traditions.
Some of the most popular options include the Tokyo: Shibuya Food Tour (13 dishes and 4 eateries) and the Shinjuku Food Tour (15 dishes, 3 drinks, and 4 eateries), both offering a great way to taste authentic Japanese food with a local guide.
5. Try a Kimono Tea Ceremony in Asakusa
In Asakusa, you’ll probably see many people dressed in colourful kimonos, walking around the streets and taking photos near Senso-ji Temple. You can easily rent a kimono yourself for a photoshoot, but if you want to add more meaning and experience a traditional side of Japan, try a Kimono Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweet.
It’s one of the most unique things to do in Japan. You’ll learn about the art of tea-making while wearing a kimono, guided by locals who explain the rituals and symbolism behind every step. It’s calm, cultural, and a beautiful contrast to the energy of Tokyo’s streets.
Book Kimono Tea Ceremony with Matcha Experience Here
6. Wander around Takeshita Street
If you love fashion, creativity, and a bit of chaos, you’ll love Takeshita Street in Harajuku. This narrow pedestrian street is one of the most colourful and energetic areas in Tokyo, filled with trendy boutiques, themed cafés, and shops selling everything from cute accessories to the latest streetwear.
It’s also one of the best places in Tokyo to try some of the viral foods you’ve probably seen on TikTok, like giant rainbow candy floss, crepes loaded with cream and fruit, or animal-shaped ice cream. I even tried a rainbow cheese hot dog, and it was surprisingly tasty!
I said this in my video, but it’s true. Watch out, you’ll probably end up spending money on things you didn’t even know you needed!
7. Visit Meiji Shrine
Just a few minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station, the Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most important and peaceful Shinto shrines. It was built to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, surrounded by more than 100,000 trees donated from across Japan.
The path leading to the shrine feels like stepping into a forest, calm, shaded, and completely different from the busy city outside. Here, you can write wishes on wooden plaques, draw fortune slips, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
The Meiji Shrine is free to visit and open all year round. If you want to learn more about Tokyo’s temples and shrines, you can also join a Asakusa & Senso-ji Guided Walking Tour, which offers great cultural insights and local guidance.
8. Experience the Art Aquarium
The Art Aquarium in Tokyo is one of the most unique places you can visit in the city. It’s not a typical aquarium; it’s an immersive art experience that blends light, colour, and movement with music and design.
It actually wasn’t on our original itinerary, but since it started raining one day, we decided to do more activities indoors and decided to visit it, and we were so glad we did. It turned out to be one of the most fascinating experiences in Tokyo.
Each room feels like walking through a living artwork, surrounded by illuminated tanks filled with goldfish that glide through shifting patterns of light. The atmosphere is calm yet mesmerising, and it’s unlike any other aquarium I’ve been to. Book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot, especially on weekends or holidays.
9. Explore teamLab Borderless
Another incredible indoor experience in Tokyo is teamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum where light, colour, and technology blend to create something truly magical. It’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, and for good reason.
We went on a sunny day, but this is also one of the best things to do in Tokyo when it’s raining. Every room feels alive with sound and motion, constantly changing as you move through the space. It’s hard to describe until you experience it. It feels like stepping inside a dream or a moving painting.
If you want to take photos or videos, go early in the morning or be patient. Tickets sell out fast, so make sure to book your time slot online in advance to secure your preferred entry.
Book teamLab Borderless Tickets Here
10. Watch a Sumo Show in Shinjuku
If you want to experience something truly Japanese, don’t miss the chance to see a Sumo show in Shinjuku. It’s a fascinating mix of sport, ritual, and culture — and even if you know nothing about sumo, you’ll love the atmosphere.
You’ll learn about the history of sumo wrestling, see live demonstrations, and even have the chance to take photos with the wrestlers after the show. It’s one of the most unique and memorable things to do in Tokyo.
Book Sumo Show & Experience with Photo Here
11. Go on Top of Tokyo Skytree
Standing at 634 metres, the Tokyo Skytree is one of the tallest towers in the world and one of the best places to see Tokyo from above. The observation deck has huge glass panels, giving you a full panoramic view of the city’s skyline.
There are two types of tickets: one for the main deck and another that lets you go even higher. I don’t think the view changes that much, so if you want to save a bit, the basic ticket is perfectly fine. Plus, if you change your mind, you can still buy the ticket for the higher level once you’re there.
We weren’t so lucky with the weather, so check the weather forecast before booking. We have been told that on a clear day, you might even see Mount Fuji in the distance.
12. Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
The Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest and most visited temple, and it’s an absolute must-see. The first thing you’ll notice is the massive red Kaminarimon Gate with its giant paper lantern, one of Tokyo’s most recognisable landmarks.
As you walk toward the temple, you’ll pass Nakamise Street, lined with stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and traditional sweets. It’s always busy, but it’s one of the best places in Tokyo to try local street food.
Inside the temple grounds, people light incense, make wishes, and take part in a Japanese tradition called omikuji, where you shake a box to draw your fortune. If you get bad luck, you can tie the paper on a rack to leave it behind, something we both had to do.
The temple is free to enter and a great place to experience Tokyo’s spiritual side.
13. Relax at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of my favourite places in Tokyo. It’s hard to believe that such a peaceful green space exists right behind the busy streets of Shinjuku.
The park is beautifully designed, with Japanese, English, and French-style gardens, ponds, and walking paths. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the city, especially if you’ve been exploring all day.
Entrance isn’t free, but tickets cost less than £3, and you can simply tap in with your Suica card, the same one used for public transport. It’s an easy and relaxing stop to add to your Tokyo itinerary, and a great reminder that even in one of the world’s busiest cities, there’s always space for calm.
It’s also a stunning spot for photography, and when we visited, we were lucky enough to witness a beautiful marriage proposal right in the garden.
14. Experience Old Tokyo at Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho)
Just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, you’ll find Omoide Yokocho, better known as Piss Alley, one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric spots. Despite the name, it’s actually a charming narrow lane packed with tiny bars and food stalls that capture the spirit of old Tokyo.
Most of the places have just a handful of seats, serving classic dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), noodles, and sake. It’s smoky, loud, and full of character, the kind of place where locals and travellers sit shoulder to shoulder and share a drink.
It’s especially lively at night, when the lanterns light up the alley, and the air fills with the smell of barbecue. If you want a glimpse of what Tokyo used to feel like decades ago, this is the place to go.
15. Discover the Digital Side of Tokyo in Akihabara
If Shinjuku shows you Tokyo’s retro side, Akihabara is where you’ll find its futuristic heart. Known as Electric Town, this district is packed with bright signs, electronic shops, gaming arcades, and anime stores. It’s a paradise for gamers, collectors, and anyone curious about Japan’s tech and pop culture.
Here, you’ll find every new gadget imaginable. As a filmmaker, I could easily spend hours just exploring camera shops and checking out the latest lenses and gear.
Akihabara is also known for its themed cafés, from gaming lounges to maid cafés, which are definitely an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
16. See the City from Tokyo Tower
Before Tokyo Skytree, there was the Tokyo Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Standing at 333 metres, it was inspired by the Eiffel Tower but painted bright orange and white to meet air safety regulations.
The view from the observation deck is beautiful, especially at sunset when the city lights start to glow. It’s a bit smaller than Skytree, but it has more of that nostalgic Tokyo charm.
You can also visit the small museum and café inside, or just enjoy walking around the nearby park area, which offers great photo angles of the tower.