Things to Do in Tokyo - 25 Experiences for First-Timers

Tokyo can feel overwhelming at first: dozens of neighbourhoods, hundreds of train lines and an endless list of "must-dos". The good news is that it's one of the easiest big cities in the world to explore once you plan by area. Group your days around neighbourhoods on the same train lines, and you'll see far more with far less time on trains.

Here are 25 of the best things to do in Tokyo, grouped by area, with notes on what to book ahead and practical tips for Indian travellers.

How to Plan Tokyo by Area

Tokyo rewards early starts. Popular sights such as Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu and the Shibuya Crossing viewpoints are dramatically calmer before 9 am, while shops and many museums don't open until 10 or 11. A good pattern is temples, shrines and gardens in the early morning, museums and shopping in the middle of the day, and observation decks, markets and neighbourhoods like Shinjuku in the evening.

Think of Tokyo as a collection of villages connected by trains. The JR Yamanote Line loops around the centre and connects most major areas, with the metro filling in the gaps. A good rule of thumb is two neighbourhoods per day: one in the morning, one in the afternoon and evening, ideally close to each other.

Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo, including the tourist versions or a mobile wallet version) for tapping in and out of trains, buses and even convenience stores. It's the single most useful thing you'll have in Tokyo.

Asakusa and Ueno - Old Tokyo

1. Senso-ji Temple

Tokyo's oldest temple, founded according to tradition in the 7th century. Walk through the giant red Kaminarimon gate with its huge lantern, down Nakamise-dori's lanes of snack and souvenir stalls, to the main hall and five-storey pagoda. Go early (before 8 am) or after dark, when it's beautifully lit and much quieter.

2. A rickshaw ride or kimono walk in Asakusa

Rickshaw pullers offer short tours of the backstreets, and several shops rent kimonos for the day. It's popular with couples and families for photos.

3. Tokyo Skytree

At 634 metres, Skytree is one of the tallest towers in the world. Its observation decks at 350 and 450 metres give you a vast view over the city, and on clear days, Mt Fuji. It's a short walk or one stop from Asakusa. Buy timed tickets online.

4. A Sumida River cruise

Water buses run from Asakusa down the river towards Hama-rikyu Gardens and Odaiba. It's a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle.

5. Ueno Park and its museums

A large park with the Tokyo National Museum (Japan's oldest and largest), the National Museum of Western Art, the National Museum of Nature and Science, Ueno Zoo and a pond with lotus flowers and paddle boats. It's one of Tokyo's top cherry blossom spots. The Tokyo National Museum alone deserves two hours: samurai armour, swords, Buddhist sculpture, kimono and ukiyo-e prints give you real context for everything else you'll see in Japan. The zoo's giant pandas are a big draw for kids.

6. Ameyoko market

A busy, old-fashioned market street under the train tracks near Ueno, with snacks, dried fruit, cosmetics and cheap clothes.

Shibuya and Harajuku - Youth, Fashion and Shrines

7. Shibuya Crossing

The world-famous scramble crossing. Cross it yourself, then watch it from above, from the station's upper floors, a cafe or Shibuya Sky.

8. Shibuya Sky

An open-air rooftop observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square. Book a sunset slot, which is the most popular and sells out, especially on weekends.

9. Meiji Jingu

A peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set in a forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. The walk through the giant torii gates and shady paths is a lovely contrast to the city. On weekend mornings, you may see a traditional Shinto wedding procession crossing the main courtyard, with the bride in white and a red parasol held over her. Watch respectfully from the side. You can also write a wish on an ema (wooden plaque) and hang it by the main hall.

10. Takeshita Street and Omotesando

Harajuku's Takeshita Street is a narrow lane of colourful fashion, crepes and candyfloss, and it's great fun, especially for kids and teenagers. Then stroll down Omotesando, a tree-lined avenue of designer architecture and cafes.

Shinjuku - Neon, Gardens and Views

11. The free views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Twin observation decks on the 45th floor, with free entry, sweeping views and Mt Fuji on clear winter days. It's a great budget alternative to paid towers.

12. Shinjuku Gyoen

A stunning national garden that combines French, English and Japanese landscape styles. There's an entry fee, and alcohol isn't allowed. Among the best places in Tokyo for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

13. Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai

Omoide Yokocho is a smoky alley of tiny yakitori stalls next to the station. Golden Gai is a maze of miniature bars, many seating only six or eight people. Both are atmospheric at night. Some Golden Gai bars charge a cover fee.

Ginza, Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace

14. The Imperial Palace East Gardens

Free public gardens on the site of the old Edo Castle, with massive stone walls, moats and seasonal flowers. Check opening days before you go.

15. Ginza shopping and department-store food halls

Flagship stores, department stores and the famous basement food halls, full of perfect fruit, Japanese sweets and bento. Chuo-dori is pedestrianised on weekend afternoons.

16. Tsukiji Outer Market

The wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu, but the Outer Market's lanes of food stalls and shops remain. Go in the morning for tamagoyaki (sweet omelette), fresh seafood, snacks and kitchen knives.

Odaiba and Toyosu - Bay Area and Digital Art

17. teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless

Immersive digital-art museums where you walk through rooms of light, water, flowers and mirrors. teamLab Planets is in Toyosu, where you walk barefoot through knee-deep water in parts. Book tickets well in advance. It's hugely popular with families and couples.

18. Odaiba

A waterfront entertainment area on reclaimed land, with shopping malls, a life-size Gundam statue, a small beach and views of Rainbow Bridge. It's especially nice at sunset.

19. Toyosu Market

The modern successor to Tsukiji's inner market. Early risers can watch the tuna auction from observation areas (some viewing requires advance application), then eat sushi for breakfast.

Akihabara, Yanaka and Hidden Neighbourhoods

20. Akihabara

Tokyo's electronics and anime district, with multi-storey electronics stores, gaming arcades, anime and manga shops, and themed cafes. It's a big hit with teenagers. Even if you're not a fan, the arcades are worth a look. Floors of claw machines, rhythm games and photo booths (purikura) make it a fun, loud hour. On Sundays, the main street is sometimes closed to traffic, making it easier to walk around.

21. Yanaka

One of the few areas of Tokyo that survived both the 1923 earthquake and wartime bombing, Yanaka has temples, old wooden houses, small craft shops and a friendly shopping street, Yanaka Ginza. It's a peaceful walk that feels decades away from Shibuya.

22. Shimokitazawa

A bohemian neighbourhood of vintage shops, record stores, small theatres and cafes. It's great for an afternoon wander.

23. Nakameguro

A canal-side neighbourhood of cafes and boutiques. It's lovely year-round and spectacular in cherry blossom season.

Experiences to Book Ahead

24. The Ghibli Museum

In Mitaka, west of Shinjuku, a whimsical museum dedicated to the animation studio. Tickets are timed and sell out quickly, so book as soon as they're released.

25. A day trip to Mt Fuji, Hakone or Nikko

• Hakone: hot springs, a ropeway, Lake Ashi and Fuji views on clear days, about 85 minutes from Shinjuku by the Romancecar train.
• Kawaguchiko: lakeside views of Mt Fuji and the Chureito Pagoda, around two hours by highway bus from Shinjuku.
• Nikko: ornate shrines and forests, about two hours from Asakusa or Tokyo Station.

Other things worth booking ahead: sumo tournaments or morning practice, sushi counters, kaiseki restaurants, popular teppanyaki, Tokyo Disney Resort, and teamLab.

Tips for Indian Travellers

• Vegetarian food: Japanese food often uses dashi, a fish stock, even in dishes that look vegetarian. Learn the phrase for "I'm vegetarian" in Japanese, use apps that list vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and look for Buddhist temple cuisine (shojin ryori), which is traditionally plant-based. Many Indian and Nepali restaurants across Tokyo make things easy.
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are lifesavers for snacks, onigiri (rice balls, including plain salted ones), fruit, sandwiches and drinks, and they're open 24 hours.
• Cash vs cards: cards are widely accepted, but some small restaurants and temples are cash-only. Keep some yen, and use convenience-store ATMs, which accept international cards.
• Walking: expect 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day, and stairs at stations. Comfortable shoes are essential, especially for older parents.
• Etiquette: queue neatly, keep voices low on trains, don't eat while walking in crowded areas, and take your rubbish with you, since public bins are rare.
• Family tip: pace your days, and use your hotel as a mid-afternoon break, especially with young children.

Where you stay shapes how easy all of this is. On Onto, the price you see for your Tokyo hotel is the price you pay. If the rate drops after you book, Onto rebooks you and refunds the difference automatically.