22 Things to Do in Tokyo: The Best Bucket List Activities in Japan’s Capital

Japan’s bustling capital city, Tokyo is a wonderful and exciting metropolis with so many things to do! If you are wondering what are the best things to do in Tokyo when planning your next trip, put these activities on your bucket list.

Along with a range of indoor activities and outdoor adventures, there are so many districts of Tokyo with distinct personalities to explore. Whether you're a shopaholic, love to immerse yourself in local culture, or want to uncover Tokyo’s best kept foodie secrets, there’s always something to do in Tokyo! These are our top picks for everyone from first timers or seasoned veteran visitors.

Where to begin? Well, here are the top 22 things to do in Tokyo that you should tick off your bucket list when visiting Japan’s capital. From the best things to do in Tokyo when it's raining to cheap things to do in Tokyo, this list of attractions and activities will help you to kickstart your adventures in Tokyo. 

Explore Tokyo’s weird and wonderful kawaii culture at Harajuku’s bustling Takeshita Street. Sample the quirkiest street foods (such as a locally famous crepe), take some cute snaps in a purikura photo booth, and check out the latest fashion trends in this hyper colorful hub for youths. It’s one of craziest things to do in Tokyo to kickstart any Tokyo trip! 

Try rainbow cotton candy and other "viral" foods in Tokyo!

Its name meaning “candy store alley,” Ameya Yokocho (or Ameyoko for short) is a busy market street in Ueno with excellent street food and sweet treats galore! Wander through the market and you’ll never know what delicious snacks you might find! Once you’re full, you can relax in Ueno Park or visit Ueno Zoo nearby. 

There are a number of shopping streets or shotengai tucked away in small pockets of Tokyo such as Nakano Sun Mall that’s filled with otaku geek culture. You can get cheap souvenirs and gain a feel for what it’s like to be a local in these shopping streets. Other notable shotengai in Tokyo are Musashi Koyama Shopping Street Palm (a covered shopping arcade that's perfect for all weather) and Sunamachi Ginza (a quiet local neighborhood) to name a couple. 

Roll up your sleeves to try a hands-on approach to learning about one of the best parts of Japanese culture, and join a cooking class in Tokyo! You could become a sushi making master or learn how to sculpt handmade wagashi sweets, or even try your hand at a range of dishes in a Japanese home cooking class. 

Made with top tier, A5 grade wagyu beef, truffle oil, and gold leaf flakes, the most expensive ramen in Tokyo is a luxurious and mouth watering experience. Put your wallet where your mouth is and put this opulent bowl of ramen to the test for yourself! 

While Toyosu Fish Market is now the largest fish market in Tokyo, visiting Tsukiji Market is still one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo. While it no longer hosts the famed tuna auction, its outer market is still operating and offers great insight into the market’s legacy. Bustling in the morning, small shop fronts sell the highest quality produce, as well as sushi and fresh seafood bowls called kaisendon. 

Whether or not you’re a fan of the famously spotty artworks by Yayoi Kusama, it’s worth a visit to the Yayoi Kusama Museum on a trip to Tokyo to add some culture into your itinerary. The eclectic exhibitions feature Kusama’s signature pumpkin works which are worth a look, but note that you must book your tickets well in advance. 

Whether it's a deliciously themed street food tour or a bar crawl in the best of Tokyo’s backstreets, food tours in Tokyo are a great opportunity to explore a new neighborhood with a foodie lens. Guided by experienced locals in Tokyo like Frank, host of the Slurp's Up ramen series, during his ramen tasting tour; you can join a Tokyo food tour to try new Japanese foods or meet like minded travelers.

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Tokyo, you can tack on a visit to Yoyogi Park after you visit Harajuku and chill out on the open grass. Check out groups of friends playing games and practicing dance routines, and more! You can also experience the tranquility of Meiji Shrine, a major tourist attraction and Shinto shrine, next door as you wander past the giant sake barrels and delve through the forest-immersed paths. Both of these activities are free. 

One of the best things to do in Tokyo when it’s raining, you can discover more about Tokyo’s history in-depth with a trip to the Edo-Tokyo Museum in the Ryogoku area. Built in 1993 with the aim to preserve Edo's cultural heritage, this museum features models of Edo period life in Japan and more. Great for history buffs! 

Often hosting flower shows, Shinjuku Gyoen National Park is the biggest park in Tokyo. It offers a nice place to relax if you need a break from the skyscraper district of Shinjuku, especially during cherry blossom season. You can also make a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building nearby to get a free view of the city from the observatory that’s 202 meters high! 

Experience a night out in Shinjuku and sit shoulder to shoulder with salarymen in the drinking alley known as Omoide Yokocho, also known as “Memory Lane." Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the nostalgic street food in the tiny alleyway bars and restaurants tucked away in Shinjuku. You’ll feel miles away from the hubbub of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district (home to the Robot Restaurant).

Another great place to meet locals and visitors alike is in the tiny 5-seater bars of Shinjuku Golden Gai. When it comes to things to do in Tokyo, you won’t forget your experience meeting locals and tasting delicious izakaya (Japanese-style pub) food anytime soon.  

Sleep like you’re in the future! Experience a capsule hotel, sleeping in your own pod in the city. It’s cheap accommodation and truly something different to add to your Tokyo itinerary (especially if you’re an adventurous sleeper)! 

Have you ever wanted to see a sumo match? Check out sumo wrestling in action at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall, also known as Kokugikan Arena. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Tokyo and seriously impressive to watch! 

Let your hair down and party at the bars and clubs in Shibuya, one of the most fun things to do in Tokyo. You can get your selfie with the Hachiko dog statue before launching into some karaoke, going dancing, or enjoying drinks at one of Shibuya’s hundreds of bars and restaurants. But before you get a taste of Tokyo nightlife, you’ll need to brave the largest and busiest intersection in Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing! 

Sensoji Temple in the city’s traditional Asakusa district is the oldest in Tokyo. You can experience traditional Japanese culture and rituals performed at this popular spot, making it one of the best cultural things to do in Tokyo. 

Head to the top of Japan's tallest tower at a whopping 634 meters tall! Visiting Tokyo Skytree is one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo, as the observation deck offers stunning 360 degree views of the city. 

Visit the shopping street that's famous for selling Japan's famous plastic food samples. Kappabashi Street or Kitchen Street is filled with high-quality kitchen supplies for both professional chefs and home cooks alike, as well as food samples resembling any dish you can imagine!

Isetan is Tokyo’s most famous department store, and an absolute wonder to browse through. Its depachika (underground food hall) brims with hundreds of specialty food stores that would make anyone’s mouth water, and always has plenty of free food samples being given away! Isetan’s flagship store is in the heart of Shinjuku, spanning multiple floors with luxury goods for those who love to shop.

Lose yourself in the epic and futuristic installations at teamLab Borderless in Odaiba! This high-tech and incredibly Instagram-worthy digital art museum is full of color and interactive exhibitions to explore. You could get lost for a whole day! 

Note that teamLab Borderless is closing in August 2022.

Need a little break from big city life? If you like hiking or walking in nature, Mount Takao is just a short train ride from the center of Tokyo. Yakuoin Temple resides at the top with stunning scenic views, and a monkey park as well! 

Run wild in the happiest place on earth! Spend the day out at Tokyo Disneyland watching the parade, eating Disney-themed snacks, and bracing yourself for a thrill on exciting rides. A great day out for families, friends, couples or anyone who wants to unleash their inner kid. 

There are endless things to do in Tokyo, whether you’re on a budget or just passing through for a few days. For any Tokyo bucket list, you should make sure you get a good mix of cultural experiences and foodie activities into your itinerary. But if you only have a three days, check out our ultimate Tokyo 3-day itinerary!

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