First time to Tokyo? We know it can be overwhelming! Tokyo is the world’s most populated city that contains 23 central city districts with a metro area population approaching 40 million. This megacity is crazy yet orderly, modern yet traditional, cultural yet diverse. It draws 10+ million international travelers and hundreds of millions of domestic visitors every year. No matter if you are traveling solo or as a couple or with kids, you will find cool places to visit and fun things to do in Tokyo.

Planning an itinerary for your first Tokyo trip can be a daunting task. So we have prepared this special Tokyo travel guide to give you a jump start! You will get loads of practical information such as itinerary ideas, travel tips, must-see sites, top attractions, as well as a list of unique things to do in Tokyo. 

What Is In This Guide

Best Time to Visit Tokyo

Tokyo is an all-year-round destination but spring and fall are probably the best time to visit. During these two seasons, the weather is very pleasant and the city is the most scenic thanks to cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall.

The peak cherry blossom (sakura) season in Tokyo typically lasts two weeks from end of March to early April. It’s difficult to predict the exact dates because the timing of the blossoms could shift earlier or later by a week of two every year. The latest sakura forecast for 2021 suggests it will come a bit early this year (March 21 – April 6). For fall foliage in Tokyo, the best viewing time is typically between mid November to early December. More accurate forecasts will be available towards the end of summer every year.

Tokyo Itinerary Ideas

As a start, it might be helpful to look at a few selected Tokyo trips from other Hoptale travelers. You will get a better idea of the best things to do in Tokyo and also some inspiration for building your own Tokyo itinerary.

2 Days in Tokyo Solo Trip

Tokyo II trip by RoyMrad - 2 Days in Tokyo, Tokyo Solo Trip

TOKYO II 🇯🇵

by RoyMrad

Senso-ji Temple | Shinjuku | Funabashi | Nakamise Shopping Street | Akihabara | Yoyogi | Kaminarimon Gate Senso-ji | Tokyo Tower | …

6 Days in Tokyo Couple Trip

Tokyo Cherry Blossoms

by triptsy

Shinjuku Gyoen | Bar Trench | Tokyo American Club | The Westin Tokyo | Meguro River | Tsukiji Market | Meiji Jingu | Sushi Matsue | Senso-ji Temple | …

5 Days in Tokyo with Kids

Tokyo

by babeebou

Gotokuji Temple | Mermaid Lagoon | Cat Cafe MOCHA Harajuku | Otsuka Station | Tokyo DisneySea | Godzilla Head | Tokyo Disneyland | …

3 Days in Tokyo with Kids

Tokyo Japan [Part 1]

by Travelogue

Tokyo DisneySea | Nishinaka Street | Tsukiji Outer Market | Shinjuku | Yanaka Ginza | Namiyoke Jinja | Tennōji Temple | Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) | …

1 Week in Tokyo with Kids

Sakura

by babeebou

Shinjuku Gyoen | Universal Studios Japan | Mount Fuji | Yodobashi Umeda | Kiyomizu-dera | Tokyo Disneyland | Shibuya Crossing | Godzilla Head | …

8 Days in Tokyo Family Trip

Japan Winter (Kanto)

by benjaminjozef.deleon

Meiji Jingu | Ueno Toshogu Shrine | Ueno Park | Ameya-Yokocho | Nakamise Shopping Street | Roppongi | Tokyo Skytree | Senso-ji Temple | …

3 Days in Tokyo Solo Trip

Tokyo Spring

by raspberri

Ise Sueyoshi | Shimizudani Park | The Prince Gallery Tokyo | Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho | Meguro River Promenade | Chidorigafuchi Green Way | Tsukemen Tsujita | …

5 Days in Tokyo with Kids

Japan 2020

by arizamthx

Lake Kawaguchi | Asakusa | Masjid Tokyo Camii | Blue Bottle Coffee | Shibuya Crossing | Shin-Ōkubo Station | Tokyo DisneySea | Ōkubo | Nagisa Park | …

More Tokyo Trips

Travel Tips for Tokyo

Here are some tips and tricks to help you settle in this big city quickly on your first trip. 

  • Covid-related travel restrictions:

    Pay attention to Japan’s latest travel restrictions and check the coronavirus cases in Japan before you set your Tokyo travel plans. In these special times, let’s be safe and keep each other safe when we travel! Some tourist sites might remain closed or have limited openings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please check the official websites to get the latest updates.

  • Narita vs. Haneda Airport:

    Narita is the main international airport for Tokyo. But when you book your flights, don’t forget to check if you can fly to Haneda Airport instead of Narita. It is a smaller airport but much closer to downtown Tokyo. It’s also a lot faster to clear immigration and customs at Haneda than Narita.

  • Arriving in Tokyo:

    If you fly into Narita International Airport, it is 1 1/2 – 2 hour car ride to central Tokyo. Taxi fares are expensive. You should expect to pay $200-250 USD for a ride from Narita Airport to the city center. Cheaper alternatives include JR Narita Express (~$30) or Airport Limousine bus (~$30), and the latter can drop you off at the various major hotels in the city. 

  • Getting around Tokyo:

    Tokyo’s extensive public transportation system is cheap, clean, and convenient so take good advantage of it when you visit. Consider getting a prepaid Pasmo and Suica card to make traveling around Tokyo much easier.

  • Language Barrier:

    Retail fronts and street signs are often in Japanese only.  If you don’t speak the language, download the Google Translate app before your trip as it could come very handy helping you navigate this big city. 

  • Currency & Money Matters:

    Japanese Yen (¥, JPY) is the official currency of Japan (check exchange rates). International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted at large hotels and stores. But cash is always better for more local fare. To get cash, ATMs that accept international debit cards usually offer better rates than the currency exchanges at the airport.

  • Make reservations in advance:

    Some popular places require reservations months in advance (for example, top sushi spots, Ghibli Museum, Tuna Auction at Toyosu Fish Market).

  • No tipping:

    If you come from a country with a tipping culture, please note that’s not the custom when you dine out in Japan and some might even find it disrespectful.

  • Cheap meals from supermarkets:

    If you are on a budget, many supermarkets in Tokyo put their cooked foods and perishables on sale before store closing. You could save up to 50% when you shop at supermarkets at night.

16 Top Attractions in Tokyo

For first time visitors, the list of things to do in Tokyo seems endless. To help you decide what to do in Tokyo, we have selected the 16 most popular tourist spots based on the real trip experiences of Hoptale users.  Don’t miss Tsukiji Market if you are a food lover. Check out Ginza and Harajuku if you are a shopping frenetic. Visit one of the romantic walkways (Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi) if you are planning a couple’s trip to Tokyo in the spring.  Or if you are visiting Tokyo with kids, then Tokyo Disneyland and Ghibli Museum should be great picks on your itinerary.

These top attractions should easily fill a 3-day or 4-day trip. If you have more time to spend or are looking for more special things to do in Tokyo, we suggest you also check out the next section.

Senso-ji Temple | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

1. Senso-ji Temple

religious site

Built in 628 , Senso-Ji temple is the oldest and the most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The temple is also known for its impressive entrance, the Kaminarimon Gate (“Thunder Gate”) with a gigantic 700-kilogram red lantern. The 200-meter walkway between the gate and the temple is Nakamise shopping street. You might end up spending more time sampling local delicacies and buying souvenirs here than visiting the temple itself.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour if you just want to see the temple but you can also spend a couple of hours exploring Nakamise and the surrounding Asakusa area.

Shinjuku Gyoen | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

2. Shinjuku Gyoen

park

Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo’s largest and most popular park. It’s a must-visit, especially in the spring when you can admire over 1,000 cherry trees in delicate bloom and in the fall when you can see Tokyo’s most beautiful foliage colors.

Cost of visit: ¥500
Estimated visit length: ~2 hours

Meiji Jingu | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

3. Meiji Jingu

religious site

The Meiji Jingu is the most famous and popular Shinto shrine in Japan. It is dedicated to the spirits of the beloved Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The shrine complex is surrounded by a 70-hectare sacred forest . Once you walk past the grand Torii gate at the entrance, you will find a total sanctuary in the middle of the megacity.

Cost of visit: Admission to the shine grounds is free except for Inner Garden (¥500) and Meiji Jingu Museum (¥1,000)
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Tokyo Skytree | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

4. Tokyo Skytree

observation tower

At an incredible height of 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower, and the second-tallest freestanding structure in the world after the Burj Khali in Dubai. The tower offers stunning views of Tokyo both during the day and at night.

Cost of visit: ¥1,100 – 3,100
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Tokyo Tower | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

5. Tokyo Tower

observation tower

Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous landmarks of the city. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it was built 8 meters higher to get the crown of the world’s tallest self-supported steel tower. When compared with Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower loses in height but some argue its older history and more central location give it more character.

Cost of visit: ¥1,200 – 3,000 (buy online to get a discount)
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Shibuya Crossing | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

6. Shibuya Crossing

street crossing

Shibuya crossing is known as the busiest intersection in the world. It’s quite a sight to see hundreds (or even thousands) of people flow through the crossing at the same time as soon as the pedestrian light turns green.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Tsukiji (Outer) Market | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

7. Tsukiji (Outer) Market

food market

Tokyo’s bustling fish market, Tsukiji, was partially relocated in 2018. What’s left is the Tsukiji Outer Market which is still definitely worth a visit as over 300 food stalls, restaurants, and retail shops stayed put. The famous tuna auction and Tsukiji Inner Market (wholesale) have moved to Toyosu Fish Market about 2km east. 

Cost of visit: Free to enter the market but food or other purchases are not
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Harajuku | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

8. Harajuku

shopping district

Harajuku is a popular shopping district known for its youth culture. Takeshita Street is the famous street for the latest youth fashion and fun 100 yen (~$1) shops. Don’t miss the special scene every Sunday when crowds of teenagers dressed up in cosplay outfits gather on the Harajuku Bridge.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Ueno Park | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

9. Ueno Park

park

Ueno is one of the largest parks in Tokyo with museums, temples, a pond and even a zoo. With over 1,000 cherry trees, it is also one of the most popular parks for watching cherry blossoms in Tokyo. You will see many locals flock to the park to enjoy a Hanami picnic in the spring.

Cost of visit: Free to enter the park but various park facilities (museums and zoo) do require a fee
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Meguro River | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

10. Meguro River

walkway

Meguro River is an enchanting place to visit especially at night during the cherry blossom festival. 800 cherry trees are lit up with traditional lanterns along the river bank. Lots of street vendors set up food and drinks on sale along the promenade. 

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Chidorigafuchi | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

11. Chidorigafuchi

walkway

Chidorigafuchi is a 700-meter long walkway that curves around the moat encircling the imperial palace. When the 200 cherry trees along the riverside come into blossom every spring, the view is simply breathtaking. You can take a boat ride and paddle under the blossoming branches as they reach out over the moat.

Cost of visit: Free (boat rental costs ¥500-800 for every 30 minutes)
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Tokyo Disneyland | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

12. Tokyo Disneyland

amusement park

About 30 minutes outside of the city center, Tokyo Disneyland is a fun choice for anyone traveling with children, but some magic rides can even leave adults amazed. Tokyo Disney is actually composed of two different theme parks, the original Tokyo Disneyland (opened in 1983 as the first Disney park outside of the United States) and the newer one-of-a-kind Tokyo DisneySea (opened in 2001). The former is better for young kids while the latter is more geared towards adults and older kids.

Cost of visit: ¥4,900 – 8,200
Estimated visit length: 5+ hours

Ghibli Museum | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

13. Ghibli Museum

museum

Ghibli Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum showcasing the work of the most famous Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli, by Miyazaki Hayao. It’s fun and whimsical – a huge hit for family vacationers and anime lovers.

Cost of visit: ¥1,000 (advance booking required, no reservation or ticket purchase can be made at the Museum)
Estimated visit length: ~2 hours

Shinjuku | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

14. Shinjuku

neighborhood

One of the most vibrant city wards of Tokyo where you will find everything you have imagined about this city: crowds, traditional houses, modern skyscrapers, bright neon lights, and a buzzing nightlife. It’s like a miniature of Tokyo. Popular places to visit in Shinjuku are Shinjuku Gyoen, Kabukicho (Tokyo’s red light district), Golden Gai, and Godzilla Head.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: n/a

Shibuya | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

15. Shibuya

neighborhood

Shibuya is another major commercial and business center of Tokyo. It’s the more cosmopolitan part of Tokyo when compared with Shinjuku. Shibuya is popular among young professionals and fashionable people as the neighborhood is considered more urbane, more upscale, and more sophisticated. Popular places to visit in Shibuya are Meiji Jingu, Shibuya Crossing, Omotesando, and Harajuku.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: n/a

Ginza | Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

16. Ginza

neighborhood

Ginza is known to be Tokyo’s upscale shopping district with numerous high-end department stores, boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants.. It is as iconic as Fifth Avenue in New York or the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Ginza’s main street “Chuo Dori” is lined up with flagship stores of many well-known international brands as well as a few gigantic department stores (Ginza Six, Ginza Mitsukoshi, Ginza Matsuya, etc.).

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: n/a

Unique Things to Do in Tokyo

If you are looking for more unique experiences or planning a trip for special occasions, Tokyo will not disappoint either. Here are a few options to add to your Tokyo itinerary.

  • Have a Hanami picnic:

    Hanami means flower viewing (“hana”: flowers) in Japanese. If you happen to visit Tokyo during the cherry blossom season, don’t miss this unique experience. Popular spots for a Hanami picnic in Tokyo are Shinjuku Park, Ueno Park, and Chidorigafuchi.

  • Play dress-up in rented Kimono:

    You will come across people dressed up in beautiful traditional costumes (aka. Kimono) while sightseeing in Tokyo. A nice Kimono can cost thousands of dollars to buy but you can easily rent a Kimono for a day for much less. It’s still not cheap but for a fun experience and many great photo opportunities, we think it’s all worth it.

  • Watch a Sumo match:

    Sumo is considered the national sport of Japan. While you are in Tokyo, it’s a special experience to watch a Sumo match live at the official arena, Ryōgoku Kokugikan.

  • Tuna Auction at Toyosu Fish Market:

    This unique experience is completely free if you can get up at 5am and win an reservation in advance through the official lottery. To apply, you just need to fill out the Tuna Auction entering form when the application period opens up and then wait for the lottery results.

  • Visit the teamLab Borderless Exhibition:

    Experience the immersive futuristic art installation that takes you to a new world of digital artworks without boundaries.

  • Roam Tokyo streets in ‘Mario Kart’:

    The line between real life and video games blurs sometimes in Tokyo. This Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting experience is the perfect example.

  • Omakase served by top sushi chefs:

    If you are ready to splurge, get served mouth-watering sushi pieces at some of the best sushi restaurants in the world. Pick over-the-counter seating for a more intimate and authentic experience.

  • Eat & drink with locals in Golden Gai:

    Made up of six extremely narrow alleys and stuffed with countless tiny bars and izakaya joints, Golden Gai is a fun nightlife spot for both the locals and tourists.

  • Check out the Robot Restaurant:

    (Temporarily closed due to covid) It’s certainly more about the show than the food when you have dinner at the Robot Restaurant. It might seem a bit touristy to some but we say just enjoy the extravaganza!

  • Have a Ninja-themed dinner:

    This is another unique restaurant experience you can get in Tokyo. Expect a creative and delicious meal in a mysterious setting at Ninja Akasaka.

  • Order ramen from a vending machine:

    Ramen is a staple to Japanese cuisine as snacks and soda are to American food. So it’s only fitting that Ramen gets its own vending machines in Tokyo ;).

  • Gaze at the iconic Mt. Fuji:

    Mt. Fuji, with its perfectly shaped peak and snow-covered cap, is frequently seen in art and photography as the symbol of Japan. In close vicinity to this magnificent mountain, Tokyo and its surrounding areas offer a few viewing spots of Mt. Fuji.

Hope our Tokyo travel guide is helpful. Share with us any questions you might have below. When you return from your first trip, we would love to hear what are your favorite things to do in Tokyo!

Cover photo by Yu Kato on Unsplash

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One Reply to “16 Top Things to Do in Tokyo: A Practical Guide for First-Time Visitors”

  1. Awesome Guide! looking forward to read through other people’s amazing experience.

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