Things to do
Things to do in Tokyo: temples, neon, food and day trips
The best neighbourhoods, sights and experiences in Tokyo, how to book the popular ones, and easy day trips to Mount Fuji and beyond.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Tokyo is a city of neighbourhoods: spend a day on the traditional side in Asakusa and Ueno, and another on the neon side in Shibuya and Shinjuku.
- Book teamLab, Shibuya Sky at sunset and the Ghibli Museum ahead; Ghibli tickets go on sale about a month in advance and sell out fast.
- Plan four to five days, including a day trip to Mount Fuji, Hakone, Kamakura or Nikko.
| Days needed | 4–5 including a day trip |
|---|---|
| Book ahead | teamLab, Shibuya Sky, Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Disney |
| Getting around | Suica or PASMO card on your phone |
| Best day trips | Mount Fuji, Hakone, Kamakura, Nikko |
| Best time to visit | Late March–May, October–November |
Traditional Tokyo
Start at Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple, early in the morning before the crowds, and walk the Nakamise shopping street. Nearby Tokyo Skytree has the highest view in the city.
Meiji Jingu, a forested shrine next to Harajuku, feels a world away from the streets around it. Ueno Park has museums and a lively market street, and the old streets of Yanaka show what Tokyo was like before the skyscrapers.
Neon Tokyo
Watch the Shibuya Crossing from above, then go up Shibuya Sky's open-air rooftop for sunset. In Shinjuku, explore the tiny bars of Golden Gai and the yakitori stalls of Omoide Yokocho, and visit the free observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Harajuku's Takeshita Street is full of fashion and sweets, while Akihabara is the place for anime, games and electronics.
Art, anime and theme parks
teamLab Planets in Toyosu, where you walk barefoot through water and light, and teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills are two of Tokyo's most popular experiences; book a time slot. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a must for fans, but tickets sell out within days of release.
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which added the Fantasy Springs area in 2024, are a short train ride from the centre.
Food
Eat sushi for breakfast at the Tsukiji Outer Market, try ramen and tempura, and explore the food halls (depachika) in department store basements. Convenience stores are excellent for cheap snacks. A food tour in Shinjuku or Shibuya is a good introduction.
Day trips from Tokyo
- Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi: the classic views, best on clear days from late autumn to early spring.
- Hakone: hot springs, a lake cruise and Fuji views, about 90 minutes away.
- Kamakura: the Great Buddha and seaside temples, about an hour away.
- Nikko: ornate shrines in the mountains, about two hours away.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Tokyo for first-timers?
Senso-ji in Asakusa, Meiji Jingu and Harajuku, the Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky, an evening in Shinjuku, teamLab, the Tsukiji Outer Market and a day trip to Mount Fuji or Hakone.
How do you get Ghibli Museum tickets?
Tickets are released about a month ahead and sell out quickly. Buy them as soon as they go on sale for your dates; they are not sold at the museum.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Four to five days, including one day trip. Add more if you're visiting Tokyo Disney.
