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Top 21 Things to Do in Tokyo for First-Time Visitors

ByRoseanne Ducut

I recently spent a month in Japan, starting off and ending in Tokyo.

I’m usually a super tourist, visiting as many places as I can, especially if I’m seeing a city for the first time.

Tokyo is a massive metropolitan city with lots of things to do.

Since I had limited time, I made sure to research which were the top Tokyo attractions.

Here are 21 things to do in Tokyo, split by categories:

  • 5 Most Popular Areas 🏙️
  • 9 Historical Sites ⛩️
  • 4 Water Views 🌉
  • 3 Parks & Green Spaces 🌸

These are all the places in Tokyo I visited. I also included a list at the end of things to do in Tokyo I’m saving for my next visit.

If you’re visiting other cities in Japan, check out my other Japan travel guides for more tips + my 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary guide.

Book before your Japan trip:

▢ Local sim card or Japan eSIM card

▢ Ride from the airport: prebook a ride | airport train

▢ Book discounted hotels in Tokyo on Agoda (what I use)

▢ Hire a private driver for a day for a custom tour

▢ Book the most popular Tokyo tours

Main Areas in Tokyo

These are the most famous and recognizable districts in Tokyo for tourists to visit, either for shopping, dining, or entertainment.

Tips for visiting:

  • The main areas can get quite packed. If you want to avoid crowds, don’t visit during peak hours like lunchtime and evening rush hours.
  • These areas are often bustling and fun to visit at night too, with lots of lit-up buildings and signage. Shinjuku, for example, is best seen at night.

Shibuya

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most famous districts, known for its bustling atmosphere and the iconic Shibuya Crossing.

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo: A bustling Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, with crowds of people walking in all directions amidst large digital billboards and advertisements on surrounding buildings. Top things to do in Tokyo

Things to do at Shibuya:

  • Experience walking across Shibuya Crossing (interesting, but smaller in real life!)
  • Get panoramic views of Tokyo from the Shibuya Sky observation deck. Reserve your tickets online, especially during peak seasons.
  • Take a photo with the statue of Hachiko the dog.

Harajuku

Harajuku is the center of youth culture and fashion in Tokyo, especially around Takeshita Street. If you’re not walking there from the Harajuku Station, put Takeshita Street in Google Maps versus Harajuku.

Takeshita Street, Harajuku during Golden Week: A busy scene on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo, crowded with people and lined with colorful signs and shops, capturing the lively atmosphere of Golden Week.

Things to do at Harajuku:

  • Walk through Takeshita Street, a narrow but packed street with boutiques, shops and cafes.
  • Shop at the upscale Omotesando Avenue, where you can browse luxury brands and designer boutiques.
  • The Meiji Shrine is also within walking distance.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a major commercial and administrative center, famous for its nightlife and bright lights. I found it better to visit at night.

Shinjuku at Night, Tokyo: A vibrant nighttime view of Shinjuku, Tokyo, with neon signs illuminating the streets filled with people, showcasing the area’s energetic nightlife.

Things to do at Shinjuku:

  • Visit the main area in Kabukicho for nightlife and entertainment.
  • Go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free panoramic view of the city.
  • Stroll through Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley lined with small izakayas. Best seen at night.
  • The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is also within walking distance.

Akihabara

Akihabara is Tokyo’s go-to district for electronics, anime, and manga fans. I bought a laptop here tax-free.

Colorful Buildings in Akihabara, Tokyo: A street view in Akihabara, Tokyo, showcasing tall buildings adorned with colorful advertisements and anime characters, with cars driving by on the wet road.

Things to do at Akihabara:

  • Visit themed cafes and pop culture events.
  • Visit Akihabara Radio Kaikan, a multi-story building filled with stores selling everything from electronics to anime merchandise.

Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, known for its luxury boutiques and high-end dining.

UNIQLO Building in Ginza, Tokyo: A multi-story UNIQLO store in Ginza, Tokyo, with a glass facade displaying mannequins on several floors, crowded with shoppers and a yellow taxi in front.

Things to do at Ginza:

  • Shop at luxury brand stores and high-end boutiques along the main Chuo-dori street.
  • Go to Ginza Six, a large shopping complex with a rooftop garden.
  • Visit the Kabuki-za Theatre to watch a traditional Japanese Kabuki performance. The building is lit up at night too.

Historical Sites

Even though Tokyo is a massive metropolitan city, it still infuses and preserves its historical sites like many shrines and temples.

Tips for visiting:

  • It’s recommended to not wear revealing clothes when visiting temples and shrines.
  • Before you enter the grounds you often have to remove your shoes.
  • Observe or participate in rituals like bowing or using the water ladles at the entrance to rinse your hands.

Asakusa

Asakusa is a historic district in Tokyo, known for its well-preserved temples and traditional atmosphere. It’s located in more northeastern Tokyo, and about an hour train ride from Shinjuku.

Senso-ji Temple at Night, Tokyo: The brightly illuminated red gate of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo at night, with a few visitors walking towards the entrance under the dark sky.

Things to do at Asakusa:

Senso-ji

Pagoda at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo: The iconic five-story pagoda at Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, beautifully illuminated at night, with trees framing the scene.

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple. The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon, the goddess of compassion. Leading up to the temple is the grand Kaminarimon Gate. I’ve gone during the day and night, and night views are better in my opinion!

Nakamise-dori Street

Nakamise-dori Street is a lively shopping street leading to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. It’s lined with shops selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

Other sites in Asakusa:

  • Hoppy Street with local cafes and restaurants.
  • Asakusa Shrine.
  • Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center for panoramic views of the area from its observation deck.

Imperial Gardens

The Imperial Gardens is the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, but the East Gardens are open and free to explore.

Imperial Gardens, Tokyo: A traditional Japanese building surrounded by lush greenery and cherry blossoms, located within the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo, Japan.

Things to do at Imperial Gardens:

  • Walk around the East Gardens with Japanese gardens, ponds, and historic ruins.
  • Explore the remains of Edo Castle, including the foundation of the former castle tower.
  • Walk along the moats and stone walls that surround the gardens.

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, located within a large forested area in Shibuya.

Torii Gate Entrance at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo: A large wooden Torii gate marking the entrance to Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, surrounded by towering trees and a few visitors holding umbrellas on a rainy day.

Things to do at Meiji Shrine:

  • Walk through the large Torii gate at the entrance, which marks the beginning of the forested path to the shrine (around a 15-minute walk).
  • Visit the main shrine building to offer prayers, make a wish, or observe traditional Shinto rituals.
  • Visit the Inner Garden, a Japanese garden with a pond and seasonal flowers (Costs 500 yen or $3.40 USD).

Suga Shrine

Suga Shrine is a small shrine located in the Yotsuya district of Tokyo. I mostly went to see the staircase leading up to the shrine, which was featured in the anime film “Your Name.” It’s a 20-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens.

Suga Shrine Stairs from "Your Name": The staircase leading down from Suga Shrine in Tokyo, Japan, known for its appearance in the animated film "Your Name," with surrounding residential buildings and trees.

Things to do at Suga Shrine:

  • Climb the iconic staircase and take a photo. 8+ years after the movie’s release, I was pleasantly surprised to see a line!
  • Explore the small but charming shrine grounds, which are surrounded by greenery.

Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, dedicated to honoring Japan’s war dead and soldiers. Yasukuni Shrine is also known for its cherry blossoms during sakura season.

Torii Gate at Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo: A large black Torii gate at the entrance of Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, with visitors walking underneath and cherry blossoms in the background.

Things to do at Yasukuni Shrine:

  • Visit the main shrine building to observe traditional Shinto rituals dedicated to those who died in service of Japan.
  • Explore the Yushukan Museum which provides exhibits and artifacts related to Japan’s military history.

Hanazono Shrine

Hanazono Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the bustling Shinjuku district of Tokyo. I came across it while walking around Shinjuku.

Hanazono Shrine in Tokyo with Cherry Blossoms: The entrance of Hanazono Shrine in Tokyo framed by blooming cherry blossoms, featuring red steps leading up to the shrine’s main building.

Things to do at Hanazono Shrine:

  • Visit the main shrine building, which is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of prosperity and success, and offer prayers for good fortune.
  • Attend a traditional Shinto ceremony if you’re visiting during a special event or festival.

Kanda Myoujin Shrine

Kanda Myoujin Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, with a history dating back over 1,300 years. Another shrine I stumbled upon while exploring.

Kanda Myoujin Shrine, Tokyo: The entrance of Kanda Myoujin Shrine in Tokyo, featuring a traditional red gate (torii) with intricate details, framed by blooming cherry blossoms.

Things to do at Kanda Myoujin Shrine:

  • Visit the main shrine building, which is dedicated to three deities: Daikokuten, Ebisu, and Taira no Masakado, known for bringing good fortune, business success, and protection.
  • Visit the shrine’s cultural center, which houses historical artifacts.

Tokyo Attractions with Water Views

Water views, especially at night were some of my favorite sites in Tokyo. It’s quite safe at night and you’ll see a lot of the places lit up and that reflect on the water.

Tips for visiting:

  • Visit right before sunset and stay for night views to enjoy both views.
  • Be prepared for rain or strong sun by checking the weather forecast and bringing an umbrella or hat.

Sumida River

Sumida Riverwalk is a scenic pedestrian path along the Sumida River and Sumida Park with beautiful views of the Tokyo skyline.

Tokyo Skytree at Night, Sumida River: A night view of the Tokyo Skytree brightly lit in pink and white, reflecting off the Sumida River with surrounding city lights creating a vibrant urban scene.

Things to do at Sumida Riverwalk:

  • Visit at night for views of the lit up Tokyo Skytree, cruise boats passing through, and lights reflecting on the water. You can also go up the Tokyo Skytree at night.
  • Relax at one of the seating areas along the river, perfect for resting or enjoying a picnic.

Odaiba Seaside Park

Odaiba is a man-made island and seaside park in Tokyo Bay, known for its futuristic architecture and entertainment options. Visiting was one of my favorite things to do in Tokyo.

Sunset at Odaiba Seaside Park, Tokyo: A tranquil sunset view over the water at Odaiba Seaside Park in Tokyo, with a glimpse of the Rainbow Bridge in the distance and the city skyline under a soft, glowing sky.

Things to do at Odaiba Bay:

  • Take in the views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, especially at sunset or when the bridge is illuminated at night.
Statue of Liberty in Odaiba Seaside Park, Tokyo: A replica of the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba Seaside Park, Tokyo, standing tall against a cloudy sky with a view of the bay and distant city skyline in the background.
  • Visit Odaiba Seaside Park for a stroll along the beach or a picnic by the water, with a view of the replica of the Statue of Liberty.
  • Nearby is teamLab Borderless, a digital art museum of immersive and interactive exhibits. Prebook your tickets online.
  • There’s also many malls in the area like DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, which has a life-sized Gundam statue right out front.
  • Take a relaxing cruise around Tokyo Bay for a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and waterfront.

Meguro River

Meguro River is famous for its cherry blossoms, which line the riverbanks and create a tunnel of pink in the spring.

Meguro River Cherry Blossom, Tokyo: A serene view of the Meguro River in Tokyo, lined with blooming cherry blossoms on both sides, with modern buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.

Things to do at Meguro River:

  • Take a walk along the Meguro River, especially during cherry blossom season and at night when the sakura trees line the river.
  • Go to the trendy cafes, boutiques, and art galleries that dot the area along the river, particularly in the Nakameguro neighborhood.

Chidorigafuchi Moat

Chidorigafuchi Moat is a waterway that forms part of the outer moat of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

The area is especially famous for its cherry blossoms, with hundreds of sakura trees. It was packed when I went so try to go early if visiting during cherry blossom season.

Chidorigafuchi Moat Cherry Blossom, Tokyo: A scenic view of Chidorigafuchi Moat in Tokyo, lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom, with small boats floating on the calm water.

Things to do at Chidorigafuchi Moat:

  • Take a scenic boat ride on the moat.
  • Right next door are Yasukuni Shrine and Imperial Gardens.

Tokyo Parks and Green Spaces

There’s lots of parks in Tokyo to explore. They’re a nice escape when bustling Tokyo gets overwhelming! These are the three most popular and where I went mainly to check out cherry blossoms.

Tips for visiting:

  • Most parks in Tokyo are free to enter, but some, like Shinjuku Gyoen, may charge a small entrance fee (500 yen or $3.40 USD).
  • Parks in Tokyo are especially popular during sakura season and autumn, but are nice to visit outside of these seasons too.
  • Some parks host festivals, flea markets, or special events, so check the schedule before you go.

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks. The park is a favorite local spot for picnics, jogging, and weekend gatherings.

Yoyogi Park Cherry Blossom, Tokyo: A serene path in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom, with a few visitors walking under the soft, overcast sky.

Things to do at Yoyogi Park:

  • Enjoy a picnic on the large open lawns, and just relax.
  • Stroll or cycle through the park’s wide pathways, which are lined with trees.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a landscaped park that blends traditional Japanese, English, and French garden styles. It had the most cherry blossom trees from all the sites I visited.

Cherry Blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo: A serene view of cherry blossoms in full bloom around a peaceful pond in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, with a paved path and visitors enjoying the scenery.

Things to do at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:

  • Explore the serene Japanese Garden, complete with ponds, bridges, and teahouses.
  • Visit the greenhouse, which houses a diverse collection of tropical and subtropical plants.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most popular parks, home to several museums and historical attractions. I went during the day and at night. Both were beautiful, especially the pathway lined with lit-up cherry blossom trees.

Cherry Blossom in Ueno Park, Tokyo: A close-up view of cherry blossom trees in full bloom along a walking path in Ueno Park, Tokyo, with a pond and distant trees in the background.

Things to do at Ueno Park:

  • Explore the Tokyo National Museum, which houses a vast collection of Japanese art and historical artifacts.
  • Take a stroll around Shinobazu Pond, where you can rent a paddle boat.
  • Visit the Ueno Toshogu Shrine and Kaneiji Temple.
  • Take a walking tour of Ueno Park.
Ueno Park at Night, Tokyo: A nighttime scene in Ueno Park, Tokyo, with people sitting by a large fountain under the dim glow of park lights, the ambiance calm and reflective.

Sites for Next Time:

These are the sites I didn’t visit either because I was limited on time, or I visited during peak seasons and knew they’d be very packed or sold out (so book early! Tickets linked below):

Things to Do in Tokyo Map: A map of Tokyo, Japan, featuring multiple colored markers scattered across various districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, representing points of interest.

Tours to Explore Tokyo:

If you want to make it easier, join a day tour that provides transportation to and from the sites. It would lessen some travel burnout and allow you to enjoy the sites more.

Best Things to Do in Tokyo?

I fit all of these sites within a few days, which I don’t recommend! Pick and choose main sites to visit and take your time.

If you’re visiting for the first time, it makes sense to visit the most well-known areas, just make sure to pace yourself as you’ll do a lot of walking.

That said, the most popular things to do in Tokyo or places to visit would be:

  • Shibuya Crossing
  • Shinjuku at night
  • Harajuku (mainly Takeshita Street)
  • Akihabara for anime
  • Meiji Shrine

My personal favorites: Sumida Riverwalk at night and Odaiba Seaside Park.

I hope this was helpful! Have fun in Tokyo!

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Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.