Things to do in Tokyo

Most visitors to Japan start in Tokyo, one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world

Tokyo is a true 24-hour city, and the intensity and energy of Tokyo always makes an impression on first-time visitors.

Tokyo has it all. Culture in the form of historic temples, parks, palaces and world-class musems. Shopping for anything you can imagine - and many things you can't. Smoky izakaya eateries, michelin-starred restaurants, quirky bars and exotic nightlife. Hotels from the future and ryokan from the past, from 5-star to micropods.

You will never be bored in Tokyo, and you'll never have enough time to see it all - you won't want to sleep.

Here are some of our favourite places and things to do in Tokyo:


See Kamakura on a day trip from Tokyo and visit rural shrines and temples

See Kamakura on a day trip from Tokyo and visit rural shrines and temples

Get out of Tokyo and take in some fresh air on a trip out to Kamakura where you can see temples and a giant bronze Buddha

History, Countryside, Trains, Walks


Enjoy fabulous sushi in Shibuya, Tokyo at the impressive but good value Gonpachi Sushi restaurant

Enjoy fabulous sushi in Shibuya, Tokyo at the impressive but good value Gonpachi Sushi restaurant

Visit this excellent quirky sushi restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo, for delicious and well-priced sushi, served over the counter or with table service

Tokyo, Shibuya, Food, Restaurants, Sushi


Visit the Cerulean Tower's Bellovisto rooftop bar with a view of Tokyo

Visit the Cerulean Tower's Bellovisto rooftop bar with a view of Tokyo

Enjoy amazing views of Tokyo from the 40th floor at this upmarket hotel bar, a great spot for a special celebration

Tokyo, bars with a view, nightlife, cocktails


Asakusa and Sensō-ji temple, Tokyo

Asakusa and Sensō-ji temple, Tokyo

A bustling market district - and all roads lead to the Sensō-ji Bhuddist temple

Tokyo, Market, Temple, Shops, Restaurants


Isetan food hall, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Isetan food hall, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Dazzle your senses in the best deli you've ever seen at Isetan Shinjuku

Tokyo, Department Stores, Shopping, Lunch, Food


Eat in Tokyo's PARCO department store restaurants for an outdoor rooftop dining experience

Eat in Tokyo's PARCO department store restaurants for an outdoor rooftop dining experience

Department stores in Japan can be a surprising source of great restaurant and deli food. Parco in Shibuya, Tokyo is a perfect place for lunch.

Tokyo, shopping, food


Shinjuku Gyoen park and gardens

Shinjuku Gyoen park and gardens

A city centre park with Japanese gardens and big open spaces

Tokyo, Parks, Gardens, Picnic


Rooftop views of Tokyo from the Metropolitan Government Building

Rooftop views of Tokyo from the Metropolitan Government Building

A free way to get an incredible rooftop view of Tokyo

Tokyo, skyscrapers, city view


2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan

2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan

See the world's best national rugby teams as Japan hosts the 2019 Rugby World Cup

Sport, Rugby, Tokyo, Yokohama


Where's the best place in Japan to see cherry blossom?

Where's the best place in Japan to see cherry blossom?

Sakura, or cherry blossom, is one of Japan's natural wonders. If you're visiting Japan in spring, you must find time to see these indulgent bright pink flowers which illuminate the parks and gardens of Japan

Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nature, Cherry Blossom


Stay at the Cerulean Tower in Shibuya, Tokyo, for great views, spacious rooms and 5-star luxury

Stay at the Cerulean Tower in Shibuya, Tokyo, for great views, spacious rooms and 5-star luxury

This 40-floor luxury hotel in Shibuya is a fabulous place to stay when visiting Tokyo, a perfect Honeymoon location

Tokyo, 5-star hotels, accomodation


Late night food in Shinjuku at Alps izakaya

Late night food in Shinjuku at Alps izakaya

Cheap eats at a backstreet izakaya in Shinjuku

Tokyo, Shinjuku, Food, Pub


Golden Gai - Tokyo's hidden micro bars

Golden Gai - Tokyo's hidden micro bars

Visit this hidden corner of Shinjuku and drink with the locals

Tokyo, nightlife, bars, beer


Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kōtoku-in

Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kōtoku-in

Enjoy one of Japan's Buddhist national treasures in rural Kamakura, only an hour from Tokyo and the ideal day trip

Buddhism, Tokyo, nature, hiking, Giant Buddha