Tokyo Favorites: 20 Must-Do Experiences for Travelers

Ueno Park is more than a green space - it’s Tokyo’s direct connection to nature. Tokyo is a metropolis that has few green spaces, so Ueno Park is an important place for the people of Tokyo. Spanning 54 hectares, Ueno park has welcomed visitors since 1873, when it became Japan’s first official public park.

Ueno Park is home to some of Japan’s most important museums. Whether you’re passionate about fine arts, natural history, or interactive science, there's something here to ignite your curiosity.

Tokyo National Museum

• Houses over 117,000 treasures, including samurai armor, calligraphy, and Buddhist sculpture.
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Fridays & Saturdays open until 8:00 PM)
• A must-visit for anyone interested in Japan’s classical and prehistoric arts.

National Museum of Nature and Science

• Features hands-on exhibits, dinosaurs, and physics demonstrations.
• Great for families and science lovers.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

• Offers rotating contemporary exhibitions and showcases both Japanese and international artists across six exhibition halls.

Ueno Park reflects the seasons like a painting in motion—always changing, always beautiful.

Spring:

• Over 1,200 cherry trees bloom along central walkways.
• Evening lanterns during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season create a romantic, glowing landscape.
• The sakura festival draws 2 million visitors each year.

Summer:

• Lotus flowers bloom at Shinobazu Pond, their delicate petals floating in calm green waters.

Autumn:

• Fiery red maples and golden ginkgo trees line paths and frame historic buildings with dramatic beauty.

• Park Hours: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Entry Fees:
  • The park itself is free to enter
  • Museum entries vary, with discounts often available for students and visitors under 18

Just steps from Ueno Park, Ameya-Yokocho, or “Ameyoko” (アメ横). This place hums with the lively sounds of vendors, sizzling street food, and shoppers searching for deals and local flavor.

This open-air market stretches along the train tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi Stations, and is one of Tokyo’s most iconic post-war shopping streets.

Ameyoko is a sensory experience—colorful, chaotic, and full of character. Here's what you'll find as you wander its bustling alleys:

Local Shops & Street Vendors:

• Rows of stalls sell seasonal fruits, dried seafood, nuts, and Japanese sweets.
• Bargain clothing, sneakers, cosmetics, and souvenirs line the street—haggling is welcome at some stalls!

Fresh Food & Ingredients:

• Great for cooks and food lovers alike: you’ll find high-quality seafood, imported goods, and traditional Japanese condiments.
• Spices, teas, seaweed, and miso pastes are especially popular take-home items.

Ameyoko’s food stalls offer a quick, delicious, and affordable taste of Tokyo street food culture. Some local favorites include:

• 🐙 Takoyaki – Crispy on the outside, soft and steaming inside, these octopus-filled balls are a classic grab-and-go treat.
• 🍢 Oden – A warming mix of fish cakes, tofu, and daikon simmered in soy broth—perfect for winter days.
• 🥟 Gyoza dumplings – Fried to golden perfection and often served with dipping sauce.
• 🍣 Mini Kaisendon bowls – Small seafood rice bowls topped with salmon, tuna, or sea urchin.
• 🍡 Traditional sweets – Try mochi skewers, sweet roasted chestnuts, or candied fruit.

• Getting There:
  • Located between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station (just follow the train line overhead).
• Best Time to Visit:
  • Most shops open around 10:00 AM and close by 7:00 PM.
  • Weekdays are less crowded, while weekends create a more festive atmosphere.

Grand Hammer is a striking new complex in Shinbashi, one of the city’s most historic business districts. While Shinbashi is known as the birthplace of Japan’s railways and the go-to spot for after-work izakaya hopping,

Grand Hammer is a modern, multi-purpose destination where food & drink, entertainment, design, and leisure converge. Towering over the area, Grand Hammer blends Tokyo’s future-forward spirit with nods to tradition.

With multiple levels and an eye for stylish detail, Grand Hammer offers something for every kind of traveler:

Artisanal Dining Zones

• A curated mix of craft ramen shops, global fusion cuisine, and contemporary izakaya.
• Restaurants focus on sustainability and local sourcing, blending Tokyo’s food heritage with modern taste.

Design-Focused Boutiques & Concept Stores

• Shop handcrafted goods, tech-forward gadgets, and limited-edition fashion items from rising Japanese brands.
• Pop-up exhibitions, merging shopping with cultural discovery.

Wellness & Lifestyle Floor

• Includes minimalist spa, wellness café, and meditation lounge.
• Workshops focus on Japanese tea culture, design mindfulness, and slow living.

• Access: Just a 3-minute walk from Shinbashi Station (JR and Tokyo Metro). Follow signs to the Karasumori Exit for the most direct route.
• Opening Hours: Varies by floor, but most shops and restaurants are open 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
• Best Photo Spot: Head to the rooftop garden at sunset—the view of Tokyo Tower bathed in golden light is unforgettable.

In the heart of Tokyo, behind stone walls, lies the Imperial Palace—the primary residence of Japan’s royal family. Built on the site of Edo Castle, this sacred complex bridges the past and present. Though the inner palace remains private, guided tours and garden visits offer a rare opportunity to explore this majestic landmark up close.

Guided walking tours are available to the public (in Japanese, with multilingual audio support). These offer an insightful journey through the palace grounds, blending architecture, history, and serene surroundings.

Imperial Palace East Garden and Edo Castle Tour

$30 per person2-3 hours⭐ 5 / 5

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The East Garden of the Imperial Palace 2h Walking Tour

$45 per person2 hours⭐ 4 / 5

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Unlike the inner palace, the East Gardens are open to the public year-round and sit atop the original Edo Castle's inner citadel. They are an oasis of calm and a must-visit for lovers of Japanese landscaping and heritage.

East Garden Highlights:

• Remnants of castle stone walls and foundations
• The elegant Ninomaru Garden, designed in a traditional Japanese style
• Seasonal plantings including irises, azaleas, and cherry blossoms

Seasonal Opening Hours:

• March–April: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• April–August: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• September: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• October: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• November–February: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Note: Last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing.

Ginza is Tokyo’s most glamorous shopping district, where global luxury brands stand beside centuries-old Japanese skill. Ginza is known not just for what you can buy in Japan, but how beautifully it’s all presented.

Living in Japan, you quickly learn that Ginza is as much about atmosphere as it is about fashion—bustling by day, glowing by night, and always refined in every detail.

GINZA SIX

• Home to over 240 stores, this is Ginza’s flagship for high-end fashion and design.
• Browse OMEGA watches, GUCCI and COACH leather goods, and carefully curated Japanese brands.
• Japanese skincare from brands like SK-II, Shiseido, and THREE.
• Don’t miss the art installations and rooftop garden, a peaceful retreat above the bustle.

• Matsuya Ginza
  • Founded over 100 years ago, Matsuya offers a refined selection of designer fashion, accessories, and Japanese textiles.
  • Known for its elegant interior and impeccable service.
• Ginza Mitsukoshi
  • A 12-story landmark, originally opened in 1930, it continues to be a pinnacle of Japanese luxury retail.
  • Explore the basement depachika (food halls) for regional delicacies from across Japan—perfect for souvenir shopping or an elegant bento lunch.

Rooted in Shinto ritual and shaped over centuries, Japanese sumo reflects the spirit of Japan as few things can. And in Tokyo’s Ryogoku district, visitors can step directly into this living legacy.

Whether you’re attending a match or observing a quiet morning practice, every encounter with sumo offers a glimpse into the dedication, honor, and ceremony behind this uniquely Japanese spectacle.

Tokyo hosts three major sumo tournaments each year—known as basho—held at the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall:

Annual Tournament Months

• January
• May
• September

Sumo Event Details

• Each basho runs for 15 days.
• Matches take place daily from morning, but the most important bouts begin around 4:00 PM and conclude by 6:00 PM.
• Peak excitement builds in the final days, as top-ranked wrestlers face off.

➡️ Book tickets for a Tokyo Sumo Tournament - 2025

Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo with Chanko-nabe Lunch

$185 per person4 hours⭐ 4.7 / 5

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Experience the Sumo World in Tokyo

$158 per person3-4 hours⭐ 5 / 5

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At 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is unmissable in Tokyo’s skyline. Built as both a broadcasting tower and a sightseeing destination, Skytree is more than just tall—it’s a symbol of how far Japan has come while never losing sight of the sky. From its soaring observation decks to the cultural buzz below, a visit here offers sweeping views.

Tokyo Skytree offers two main observation platforms, each giving you a new perspective of the capital’s vast sprawl.

• Tembo Deck (350 meters):
  • Spans three floors with panoramic glass walls revealing Tokyo’s layers—from ancient neighborhoods to glittering skyscrapers.
  • On Floor 340, step onto a glass floor panel and feel the exhilarating height beneath your feet.
  • A 255° wraparound screen shows timelapse footage of Tokyo day and night—magical at twilight.
• Tembo Galleria (450 meters):
  • A gently ascending glass corridor in the sky, often called the “Skywalk”.
  • Feels like walking into the clouds with the cityscape spiraling below you.
• Tickets:
  • Tembo Deck only: ¥2,100 (regular weekdays)
  • Full Access Pass (both decks): ¥3,100
  • Purchase Skytree tickets here through through our Klook affiliate link.

• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry: 9:00 PM)
• Recommended Visit Duration: Allow at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the decks and Solamachi.
• Official App: Download ahead for floor maps, queue updates, and bonus digital content.
• Best Visibility: Visit in winter for the clearest views, often stretching as far as Mount Fuji.

Often seen as an alternative to the crowded Tokyo areas, Yanaka Ginza feels like a gentle pause—a narrow, 170-meter street where Tokyo’s Showa-era spirit lives on. Remarkably untouched by earthquakes and war, this nostalgic neighborhood is lined with over 60 family-run shops, artisan studios, and food stalls that echo with the rhythm of daily life.

Yanaka Ginza is perfect for slow shopping—where each storefront invites conversation, curiosity, and discovery.

• Yanaka Kenshindo
  • Offers traditional Japanese goods created by local craftspeople—ideal for meaningful souvenirs and home decor.
• Midori-ya
  • Specializes in bamboo items, from delicate chopsticks to hand-carved bookmarks. Their work combines simplicity with lasting elegance.
• Kokuu
  • A shop of artful objects and decorative pieces, blending minimalist design with Japanese symbolism. Many items are made in-house.
• Himitsudo
  • A cult favorite for kakigori (shaved ice) made with pure mountain spring water from Nikko and topped with seasonal syrups—best enjoyed in the warmer months.

Beyond the shops, Yanaka offers quiet pockets of history, where the past lingers in quiet corners and moss-covered stones.

• Yuyake Dandan
  • A famous staircase offering sunset views over the rooftops—its name means “Sunset Steps,” and the glow here is golden.
• Tennoji Temple
  • Established in 1274, this serene temple features a large bronze Buddha and a peaceful garden—perfect for reflection.
• Yanaka Cemetery
  • Home to over 7,000 graves, including that of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of Japan. The peaceful paths are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town

$72 per person3-4 hours⭐ 4.8 / 5

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Yanaka Ginza Old Town Food Tour

$222 per person3 hours⭐ / 5

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Shimokitazawa is a pocket-sized neighborhood, which is a haven for creatives, vintage lovers, and café dwellers. Lanes twist past record stores, thrift boutiques, and tiny cafes, each with a personality as unique as the people who fill them.

Shimokitazawa is not flashy or loud. It’s intimate, expressive, and quietly cool—a place where old storefronts meet indie spirit and youth culture reinvents itself every afternoon.

Shimokita is a treasure trove of pre-loved fashion and curated style, where every hanger holds a story and every store feels like a secret waiting to be shared.

• Toyo Department Store
  • Set inside a converted parking structure, this space hosts 20 individual boutiques offering vintage Japanese, American, and European clothing.
  • Expect racks of authentic Showa-era jackets, worn Levi’s, and hand-selected streetwear.
• New York Joe Exchange
  • Housed in a former bathhouse, this local legend rotates stock daily.
  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month for their half-price sale—a favorite among savvy fashion hunters.
• Other Favorites:
  • Stick Out, Flamingo, and Haight & Ashbury—all offering everything from bold 70s patterns to minimalist retro basics.

Walking Tour - Tokyo's Neighborhood Digs: Coffee & Vintage Vibes

$87 per person4 hours⭐ / 5

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Walking Tours in Shimokitazawa Tokyo

$222 per person3 hours⭐ / 5

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Hidden in the leafy suburb of Mitaka, the Ghibli Museum is more than a gallery—it’s a storybook come to life. Designed under the guidance of Hayao Miyazaki, every hallway, staircase, and stained-glass window whispers with the spirit of wonder that defines Studio Ghibli’s films.

Photography is not allowed inside the museum—a choice that preserves its atmosphere of discovery and quiet magic. But here’s what you’ll find:

• Exhibition Rooms:
  • Five permanent galleries explore the artistic process behind Ghibli films, including animator sketches and storyboards.
• Saturn Theater:
  • An in-house cinema playing exclusive short films, viewable only by museum visitors. These shorts rotate monthly.
• The Catbus Room:
  • Children 12 and under can climb aboard the plush Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro.
• Artist’s Atelier:
  • A recreated studio space, filled with brushes, paints, and tools, letting you peek into the working world of a Ghibli animator.

Due to its popularity and intimate scale, advance tickets are essential. Two main options exist:

• ➡️ Lawson Ticket Portal (Japan residents or travelers with Japanese payment methods):
  • Sales begin on the 10th of each month at 10:00 AM (JST).
  • Ticket Prices:
    • Adults (19+): ¥1,000
    • Ages 13–18: ¥700
    • Ages 7–12: ¥400
    • Ages 4–6: ¥100

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Closed: Every Tuesday and on scheduled maintenance days
• Access: A 15-minute walk from Mitaka Station or short ride on the Ghibli community bus

Ghibli Museum, Hotel Gajoen, and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum Tour

$180 per person8 hours⭐ 4.7 / 5

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Tucked behind the neon chaos of Shinjuku, Golden Gai offers a rare glimpse into postwar Tokyo—a network of six narrow alleys lined with over 200 tiny bars, each with its own personality, history, and local patrons. For those seeking an authentic, intimate taste of Tokyo after dark, Golden Gai is an experience I recommend.

Each bar in Golden Gai seats just a handful of people—usually 4 to 6 at most—creating a cozy, conversational vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Here are a few notable and visitor-friendly stops:

• Albatross
  • A blend of Gothic elegance and retro glamour, spread across multiple floors with a rooftop terrace.
  • Cover charge: ¥500, includes light snacks.
• La Jetée
  • A favorite among film lovers, named after the French classic and featured in Tokyo Ga.
  • Decorated with vintage movie posters and a quiet, moody atmosphere.
• 🧸 Deathmatch in Hell
  • As chaotic and quirky as its name implies—creepy dolls, punk posters, and a soundtrack of noise and metal.
  • A one-of-a-kind bar for the bold and curious.
• Bar Plastic Model
  • Nostalgia-laden with 80s and 90s memorabilia, from toys to VHS tapes—like a time capsule for pop culture fans.

To enjoy Golden Gai in the spirit it was built—with quiet respect and curiosity—keep these local customs in mind:

• Cover Charges:
  • Most bars charge ¥500–¥1,000 per person (cash preferred).
• Best Time to Arrive:
  • Bars typically open between 8:00–9:00 PM.
  • Early visits are quieter and more welcoming to newcomers.
• Group Size:
  • Visit in small groups (1–2 people) to ensure entry—most bars can’t accommodate large parties.
• Payment Tips:
  • Bring cash, as many bars do not accept credit cards.

Tokyo Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl Evening Tour in Shinjuku Area

$42 per person3 hours⭐ 4.8 / 5

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Shinjuku Golden Gai Bar-Hopping Experience in Tokyo

$208 per person2-3 hours⭐ / 5

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From the moment I entered Tokyo DisneySea, I realized this park wasn’t just for children—it was a love letter to exploration, storytelling, and imagination. Unlike any other Disney park in the world, DisneySea draws inspiration from the mysteries of the ocean and the romance of adventure, blending elegance with wonder in every detail.

• ⏰ Opening Hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (subject to seasonal changes)
• ➡️ Tickets: Purchase DisneySea tickets online with Klook
  
  

Every "port" in DisneySea tells a different story—from ancient mythologies to cutting-edge fantasy. Here's what not to miss:

• Journey to the Center of the Earth
  • Hidden beneath Mount Prometheus, this thrilling attraction mixes steam-punk style with surprises deep underground.
• Fortress Explorations (Mediterranean Harbor)
  • Step into a Renaissance-style citadel, where interactive exhibits let guests explore ancient maps, telescopes, and secret chambers.
• Fantasy Springs (New Area)
  • The newest expansion brings Frozen, Peter Pan, and Tangled to life with breathtaking realism.

To make the most of your visit, the Tokyo Disney Resort App is your best companion. It allows you to monitor wait times, mobile order meals, and book Premier Access—a paid system that lets you skip the lines for top attractions.

• Premier Access Pricing:
  • Costs between ¥1,500–¥2,000 per ride, depending on date and demand.
• Premier Access is available for:
  • Soaring: Fantastic Flight – a flight simulation across the globe with poetic visuals.
  • Tower of Terror – a chilling (but thrilling) drop ride set in a cursed New York hotel.
  • Journey to the Center of the Earth – for those wanting to skip the standard line and dive straight into the volcano.
• Free Options Still Exist:
  • Disney’s free Standby Passes and virtual queue features may be available for popular rides on select days.