If you’re planning to visit Tokyo, the amount of time you have will determine what you can see and do. Ideally, it would be best if you had at least a month to explore the vibrant city fully. Tokyo’s bustling streets may seem overwhelming, but there are also plenty of tranquil attractions such as temples, museums, gardens, and bohemian enclaves. With so much happening in the city, it’s advisable to arrive with a plan and be prepared to discover new places and get lost in a positive sense. With Japan now open to travelers (subject to certain entry requirements), here are some of the top things to do in Tokyo that you shouldn’t miss.
Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is a tower that rises to a height of 2,080 feet, making it the tallest tower in the world. While not a building, the tower offers stunning views of the city of Tokyo from its 360-degree observation decks. The sight of the city’s impressive skyscrapers and neon-lit intersections from the tower’s vantage point is like looking at a spectacular circuit board. The Tokyo Skytree is a popular tourist destination, and although tickets can be expensive (up to ¥3,400, or $25, for combo tickets), the experience of seeing the city from such a height is well worth it. The tower is located in eastern Tokyo, and while it may be out of the way for some, a nearby train station makes it easily accessible. Visitors of all ages, especially families with children, will enjoy the speedy elevator rides and the incredible views that the Tokyo Skytree has to offer.
TeamLab Planets
TeamLab’s Planets is a spectacular exhibit that showcases the collective’s expertise in creating immersive digital art installations. The collection features seven large-scale artworks that provide a multi-sensory experience and are a treat for the eyes. These “body-immersive” displays are connected by maze-like corridors, adding to the allure of the exhibit. Visitors can expect to be mesmerized by a range of installations that include a knee-deep wading pool with digital carp that transform into flowers, a sparkling mirrored enclave filled with infinite crystal lights, and a garden that showcases larger-than-life floating flowers and mossy hills topped with giant glowing ovoids. Although visitors may get lost along the way, the exhibit is designed to be a fun and interactive experience. Furthermore, every installation is Instagram-worthy, making it the perfect location for capturing unforgettable memories.
Senso-ji
Although Kyoto has more temples than Tokyo, Senso-ji in the capital city is not only popular by default. The temple’s atmosphere alone makes it a must-see destination. Senso-ji temple is located at the end of a shopping street, while a newly renovated five-story pagoda, which is the second tallest pagoda in Japan, stands to the left. Japanese visitors flock to a large cauldron in front of the temple, where burning incense is said to promote good health. Travelers who want to avoid crowds should arrive early, but even those who are remotely interested in Japanese culture will find something to appreciate at Senso-ji.
Shibuya Crossing
If you’re impressed by the fact that Tokyo is the most populous city in the world, you should visit Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world. It’s a sight to behold, with massive video screens displaying advertisements towering above each corner, and people of all types crossing the street together, including black-suited businessmen, tourists, and shoppers with bags. The experience can be strangely calming, reminding us that no matter how different our paths may be, they all intersect at some point. The best time to go is at dusk, when the scramble is busiest and the lighting is most flattering.
To get the best view of the famous crossing, head to Shibuya Scramble Square tower, which is located above Shibuya station. From there, you can take in a bird’s-eye view of the intersection and also enjoy panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, which is perched 230 meters above the street level.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Would you like to take a leisurely walk in a serene Japanese garden? Visit Shinjuku Gyoen for an unforgettable experience. The park spans over 144 acres and includes traditional Japanese gardens as well as French Formal and English Landscape gardens, all of which are worth the small entrance fee. The park boasts stunning landmarks, including a Taiwan Pavilion that overlooks a peaceful pond. Once an imperial garden, it was transformed into a national garden after World War II and has been meticulously maintained ever since. Be sure to visit during cherry blossom season for an especially beautiful display.
Kuge Crafts
Kintsugi is a revered technique in which broken pottery is mended using lacquer that is sprinkled with gold dust. It is considered an art form and has been practiced since the 15th century. Kuge Crafts, a ceramics studio located in the peaceful Shin-Koenji neighborhood of western Tokyo, continues to keep the tradition alive. The studio is run by a family of artisans – Yoshiichiro, Yoshiko Kuge, and their son, Shu. They specialize in transforming broken cups and dishes into unique works of art. Additionally, they offer two-hour kintsugi lessons for people of all skill levels, which cost ¥8,000 (approximately $59 USD). The studio provides all necessary materials, and participants can bring their own damaged vessel or choose from a selection of pieces to work on.
Nihon Minka-en Japan Open-air Folk House Museum
The Nihon Minka-En Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum is a cultural attraction located in a suburban area of Kawasaki City, just 20 minutes away from central Tokyo by train. The museum showcases 25 beautifully preserved Edo-era homes that were relocated from various rural areas across Japan. Visitors can experience a sense of timelessness as they explore the sprawling grounds, which feature a diverse range of architectural styles, including farmhouses, samurai houses, a shrine, a water mill, and a kabuki stage. One of the highlights of the museum is the traditional indigo dyeing workshop, located in the heart of the park. Visitors can also browse through a small shop that offers a variety of indigo-dyed products, such as socks, sweaters, handkerchiefs, and masks.
Monzen-Nakacho
Monzen-Nakacho is a historic neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan, affectionately called “Mon-Naka” by locals, that has managed to preserve its vibrant, traditional downtown ambiance since the Edo period (1603-1868). The area boasts two popular attractions: the impressive Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and the Fukagawa Fududo temple, where visitors can experience the sounds of drumming and chanting during the temple’s fire ceremony, held five times daily. While retaining its traditional charm, Monzen-Nakacho has also embraced the trendy culture of coffee shops and wine bars, located alongside old-style stores selling pickles, Japanese sweets, and other traditional delicacies, like tsukudani, a popular Japanese snack made from seafood that has been simmered in soy sauce and sugar. It’s a great place to leisurely explore the narrow streets and alleys en route to the Museum of Contemporary Art in nearby Kiba during the day. At night, the area comes alive with affordable dining and drinking establishments.
Bohemian Tokyo in Shimokitazawa
Shimokita, which is just one express stop away from the bustling energy of Shibuya, provides a completely different experience. It is often referred to by locals as Shimokitazawa. It’s like turning down the volume and switching to an acoustic track, a calm and peaceful environment. Despite its bohemian style, which is evident in the numerous vintage stores present in every corner, Shimokita maintains its unmistakable and sophisticated Japanese style. Here, you can leisurely browse through secondhand shops, sip coffee, and repeat the process.
