15 things to do in Tokyo Japan that are actually worth your time
15 things to do in Tokyo Japan that are actually worth your time
Notable moments
- 00:31 Walking Across Shibuya Crossing
Visitors walk across the iconic scramble intersection surrounded by giant digital billboard screens and bustling crowds in Shibuya. The hosts demonstrate navigating the world's busiest pedestrian crossing both during daylight hours and lit up by neon lights at night.
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo - 01:04 Visiting the Historic Hachiko Statue
A bronze statue honoring the famous loyal Akita dog Hachiko stands near the entrance of Shibuya Station. Tourists queue up in the evening to take photographs alongside the beloved landmark.
Hachiko Statue, Tokyo - 01:46 Free Shibuya Viewpoint in Metro Station
A large floor-to-ceiling glass window inside the metro hallway above the Sundrug store offers an elevated view of Shibuya Crossing. This hidden free spot provides a clear vantage point over the crowded streets without paying for rooftop access.
Shibuya Station, Tokyo - 02:11 Exploring Meiji Jingu Shrine
Visitors walk through massive wooden torii gates into a lush 170-acre forest in central Tokyo leading to the grand Shinto shrine. The path passes decorative barrels of sake offered to the deities before reaching the inner wooden courtyard.
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo - 02:37 Visiting Senso-ji Temple
Crowds gather under the giant red paper lantern at Kaminarimon Gate before walking along Nakamise Shopping Street toward the main hall and five-story pagoda. Incense smoke rises from a large bronze burner in the main plaza as visitors explore Tokyo's oldest temple.
Senso-ji, Tokyo - 03:17 Handcrafted Matcha at Hatoya Asakusa
Tea specialists weigh ceremonial green tea powder, brew hot water, and whisk matcha to order behind a copper counter. Served over milk and ice in clear takeaway cups, customers enjoy handcrafted lattes before strolling to nearby Sumida Park.
Hatoya Asakusa, Tokyo - 04:37 Fresh Seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market
Chefs slice medium fatty tuna sashimi to order and serve it over seasoned rice in bowls at Tsukiji Fish Market. Visitors sample fresh street food including grilled Wagyu beef skewers, soup dumplings, and raw tuna sashimi slices.
Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo - 06:05 Tokyo Tower View at Zojo-ji Temple
The iconic red-and-white Tokyo Tower rises directly behind the wooden main hall and manicured grounds of Zojo-ji Temple. This peaceful location offers an unobstructed view of the landmark with minimal crowds during morning hours.
Zojo-ji Temple, Tokyo - 07:19 Walking the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
Pedestrians walk along double-arched stone bridges, wide paved paths, and historic stone walls enclosing the palace moat. Visitors can observe the guard duty changes and scenic greenery surrounding the royal residence grounds.
Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo - 08:10 Shinjuku Night Walk & Godzilla Head
Neon signboards, 3D digital screens featuring a giant cat, and bright store displays illuminate the pedestrian streets of Shinjuku at night. At the end of the main boulevard, a life-sized Godzilla head looms over the skyline atop Hotel Gracery.
Godzilla Head, Tokyo - 09:42 Exploring Street Stalls at Ueno Park
Visitors stroll through open plazas hosting outdoor craft markets, street food stalls, and live street performances inside Ueno Park. The vast urban park also features quiet walking trails along Shinobazu Pond and nearby cafe terraces.
Ueno Park, Tokyo - 10:26 Fresh Takoyaki at Ameyoko Market
A street vendor turns spherical batter filled with octopus pieces on a hot molded grill plate. Served hot in a foam container, the takoyaki is topped with creamy sauce and shredded nori seaweed.
Ameyoko Market, Tokyo - 11:07 Claw Machines and Arcades in Akihabara
Gamers explore multi-floor arcades filled with claw prize machines, retro video game consoles, and character plushies in Akihabara. On Sundays, the main street is closed to vehicle traffic, creating a pedestrian-only zone.
Taito Station Akihabara, Tokyo - 11:42 Shopping on Harajuku's Takeshita Street
Visitors walk down the crowded pedestrian boulevard lined with fashion boutiques, animal cafe entrances, and eccentric snack shops. The vibrant alleyway showcases Tokyo youth culture, long fried potato skewers, and colorful store signboards.
Takeshita Street, Tokyo - 12:31 Rooftop Garden at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku
An elevated open-air terrace on floor 6 of Tokyu Plaza overlooks the geometric glass facade of the opposite shopping center and busy street intersection below. Lush greenery and wooden steps provide a tranquil, uncrowded viewing spot above Harajuku.
Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Omokado, Tokyo - 13:20 Stationery Shopping at Ginza Loft
Shelves inside Ginza Loft display endless arrays of Japanese decorative stickers, wooden rubber stamps, ink pads, and colorful paper envelopes. Shoppers browse multi-floor department store displays containing specialty pens and unique Japanese gifts.
Ginza Loft, Tokyo - 14:02 Vintage Thrifting in Koenji
Shoppers browse double-decker racks of curated second-hand jacket, denim, and retro designer clothing inside vintage shops like TreFacStyle in Koenji. The bohemian neighborhood features covered shopping arcades filled with independent thrift stores.
Koenji, Tokyo - 15:32 Local Omakase Dining at Kiko Sushi
A sushi master cuts fresh tuna and shapes nigiri by hand behind the wooden counter of an intimate neighborhood restaurant in Koenji. Guests sit at the traditional bar to enjoy a curated multi-piece chef's tasting menu.
Kiko Sushi, Tokyo - 16:48 Collecting Commemorative Stamps at Hamarikyu
A visitor presses a heavy wooden rubber stamp onto an ink pad and stamps a travel journal at the entrance gate of Hamarikyu Gardens. The park offers commemorative tourist stamps alongside scenic walking paths lined with canola flower fields and plum blossoms.
Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo
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