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Things To Do In Tokyo

A city that never sleeps, Tokyo is the preferred destination for tourists who want to experience the perfect fusion of classical and contemporary. From dazzling neon-lit skyline and vibrant culture to its historical sites and timeless traditions, a wide range of fun things to do in Tokyo awaits you! Start your adventure with our list of top 10 places to visit in Tokyo!

Tokyo is Japan’s bustling capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. Over 10 million foreign tourists visit this vibrant city every year and it only keeps increasing!

A typical day of sightseeing in Tokyo can take you from historic temples to impressive neon-lit skyscrapers. Visit Sensō-ji, the oldest and largest ancient Buddhist temple and then head up to the Tokyo SkyTree, Japan’s tallest tower, for incredible views. Most of all, don’t miss out on the magic of Tokyo Disneyland as well as the world’s only Tokyo DisneySea! It’s easy to see why with Tokyo’s perfect blend of modernism and tradition.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?

Tokyo can be explored all year round, but March to June is the peak season for tourists. Some of the notable festivals and events to remember are the cherry blossom festivals, the local shrine festival (Matsuri), the fireworks festivals, and New Year’s Day.

In 2020, the number of inbound foreign tourists visiting Tokyo in Japan amounted to around 2.52 million, declining by over 12 million compared to 2019. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions and bans were placed on international travel, resulting in a low number of inbound travelers to Japan.

Tokyo: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Tokyo, a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology, offers an endless array of experiences. Here are some highlights to inspire your trip:

Immerse Yourself in Traditional Culture

  • Senso-ji Temple: Explore this iconic Buddhist temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most popular.
  • Meiji Shrine: A serene oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by lush forest.
  • Imperial Palace: While the palace itself is not open to the public, you can enjoy the beautiful Imperial Palace East Gardens.
  • Kabuki or Sumo: Experience traditional Japanese performing arts.

Embrace Modern Tokyo

  • Shibuya Crossing: Witness the iconic scramble crossing, a bustling hub of energy.
  • Akihabara: Dive into the world of anime, manga, and electronics.
  • Ginza: Explore luxury shopping and fine dining in this upscale district.
  • Tokyo Skytree: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the tallest tower in Japan.

Unique Experiences

  • Robot Restaurant: A wild and unforgettable show featuring robots, dancers, and neon lights.
  • TeamLab Planets: Immerse yourself in a digital art museum with interactive installations.
  • Ghibli Museum: Step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli.
  • Odaiba: A futuristic artificial island with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Day Trips and Surroundings
  • Mount Fuji: Take a day trip to climb or admire this iconic volcano.
  • Hakone: Relax in hot springs, enjoy stunning scenery, and visit the Open-Air Museum.
  • Kamakura: Explore historic temples and the Great Buddha.
Food and Drink
  • Sushi: Indulge in fresh seafood at a sushi restaurant.
  • Ramen: Savor a warm bowl of this iconic noodle soup.
  • Izakaya: Enjoy a casual dining experience with drinks and small dishes.

Remember: Tokyo offers something for everyone. Consider your interests and the time you have to plan your itinerary.

Why did foreign visitor numbers in Tokyo increase during the past decade?

If we look at pre-COVID-19 times, foreign visitor numbers significantly increased in the whole of Japan during the past decade. One of the reasons for this might be the Japanese government’s endeavors to promote tourism and proliferate Japanese culture, perhaps best embodied by the marketing term “Cool Japan” developed by Japan’s government. Various policies and long-term projects, such as the “Inbound Travel Promotion Project”, or the “Promotion of MICE Hosting and Attraction”, had been devised and enacted to attract international tourists and make Japan a tourism hub. The government started investing substantially in tourism more than a decade ago, as it realized the potential of tourism to invigorate the Japanese economy. The improvement of facilities and infrastructure to meet foreign expectations was accompanied by the relaxation of visa entry requirements, which resulted in heightened inbound travel.

How does Tokyo compare to other places in Japan?

Tokyo was the most visited prefecture among international tourists, with nearly half of the foreign travelers who came to Japan paying a visit to the capital. This situation was also reflected in data regarding airports. Narita International and Tokyo International (Haneda) were among the leading airports in terms of the number of passengers handled on international flights and together accounted for more than half the international entries by airplane to the country.

Must-Have Apps for Tokyo Visitors

Tokyo is a bustling metropolis with a complex transportation system, diverse culinary scene, and a rich cultural heritage. Having the right apps can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here are some must-have apps:

Navigation and Transportation
  • Google Maps: While it might seem obvious, Google Maps is surprisingly effective in Japan. It provides accurate directions, including public transportation options with real-time schedules.
  • Japan Transit Planner: This app offers detailed information on train and bus routes, fares, and timetables.
  • Tokyo Metro: For navigating the extensive Tokyo Metro subway system, this official app provides real-time updates, maps
  • Hyperdia: This app is essential for long-distance travel, offering comprehensive train schedules and ticket information.
Language and Communication
  • Google Translate: A lifesaver for overcoming language barriers, offering real-time translation of text, images, and speech.
  • LINE: This popular messaging app is widely used in Japan for communication, and some businesses even accept reservations through it.
Food and Dining
  • Gurunavi: Japan’s most popular restaurant reservation and review app, offering a vast database of dining options.
  • Tabelog: Another popular food app with detailed reviews and ratings.

    Happy Cow: For vegetarians and vegans, this app helps find plant-based eateries.

Other Useful Apps
  • Japan Travel: This app provides comprehensive travel information, including attractions, events, and itineraries.
  • Suica/Pasmo: These digital wallets can be used for transportation, shopping, and vending machines.
  • Currency Converter: Essential for keeping track of your spending.
  • Wi-Fi Finder: Helps you locate free Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • Emergency Alert: While unlikely, it’s good to have an app that provides earthquake warnings.

Remember:

  • Download apps before your trip: To save time and data usage.
  • Consider an eSIM: For uninterrupted internet access.
  • Offline maps: Download offline maps for areas you plan to visit to use GPS without data.

By utilizing these apps, you’ll be well-prepared to explore Tokyo and make the most of your trip.

Who is visiting?

Most international visitors to Japan come from Asian countries, with China, South Korea, and Taiwan occupying the first three places. Visitor numbers from the U.S. are the only exception to the otherwise predominant Asian traveler base, with figures surpassing the one million mark regularly.