If you’re thinking of going to Japan as a tourist, then you may be wondering what some of the best things to do in Tokyo are. First, Tokyo has been rated as one of the most fun cities to live in globally which combines New Technologies with Traditional Culture, along with neon signs all around. With each district providing Something Unique, causing you to feel lost trying to choose where and how to begin? To assist you with the best things to do in Tokyo in 10 Simple Steps, complete with Price and Location information, so that you can optimize your time and experience on your own terms.
Tokyo has an abundance of options available when looking to experience food, culture, activities, nightlife, or something uniquely off-the-wall that you didn’t know existed. These various opportunities have been compiled into 10 User-Friendly Steps that allow you to plan accordingly.
1. Go-Karting Through Tokyo Streets
Price: ¥8,000–¥12,000
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tokyo, consider taking a go-kart tour around town. You can rent a go-kart and drive it around the streets of Shibuya, Roppongi, or Odaiba, while being guided by someone to ensure that you stay safe in the traffic. Most tours also allow you to wear costumes so that you feel as if you are playing a video game as well.
This is an exhilarating and one-of-a-kind way to see the sights of the city. Don’t forget to bring along your international driving permit because you cannot participate in the tour until you have one. If you are an adrenaline junkie looking for an experience you will never forget, while the best things to do in Tokyo, this is the tour for you!
2. Try Indoor VR Bungee Jumping
Price: ¥1,200–¥2,000
Location: Tokyo Tower FootTown
At the best things to do in Tokyo Tower FootTown, you can bungee jump without the fear of jumping. Through the use of virtual reality technology, you feel like you’re falling from a huge height while being completely safe and secure. Perfect for beginners and visitors looking for something short and exciting to do. This experience could be included as part of your trip to the Tokyo Tower for half an afternoon of entertainment. If you’re looking for a unique experience while visiting Tokyo, this experience will be short, low-priced, and memorable.
3. Samurai or Ninja Training Class
Price: ¥5,000–¥9,000
Location: Asakusa
Taking a samurai or ninja class is an excellent opportunity to learn about Japanese culture while in Tokyo. The instructors at Asakusa will show you how to use a katana and teach you the basic movements of the ninja, as well as how to stand in a traditional body stance. Some of the classes allow you to wear full-costume outfits for an additional immersion experience. It is fun for families, friends, and those with an interest in the history of Japan. If you want to do some educational activities while having the best things to do in Tokyo, this is one of the best ways to experience a cultural activity combined with entertainment value.
4. Helicopter Ride Over Tokyo
Price: ¥20,000–¥35,000
Location: Tokyo Heliport
The views of Tokyo, Japan, from above by helicopter will be breathtaking. During your helicopter tour over the best things to do in Tokyo, you will see the beautiful Tokyo Tower, the very tall Tokyo Skytree, the colorful Rainbow Bridge, and all the millions of lights illuminating the city at night! If you schedule a daytime tour, you will get to see the buildings of Tokyo. For evening tours, it will give a romantic and magical feeling! If you are looking for an unforgettable experience for anniversaries and proposal trips, or any special event, you will not be disappointed by taking a helicopter ride above the city!
5. Join a Japanese Cooking Class
Price: ¥5,000–¥10,000
If you are a foodie and looking for something delicious things to do in Tokyo, then you can to do in tokyo a cooking class could be the answer for you. You will learn how to prepare a variety of dishes, such as sushi, ramen, bento boxes, and even traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi). The chefs will walk you through the process of preparing each dish step by step, allowing you to taste everything that you prepare. Cooking classes are great for novice cooks because they provide tools and tips that you can take home to practice with. If you’re interested in experiencing Japanese culture at its best through food, then this is just what you need!
6. Relax at an Onsen (Hot Spring Spa)
Price: ¥1,500–¥3,000
Locations: Oedo Onsen Monogatari, Thermae-Yu Shinjuku
Relaxing in an Onsen (Hot Spring) after a day of touring can be one of the most restful ways to relax things to do in Tokyo. The soothing thermal waters, steam rooms, and saunas found at many Onsen can be a great way to unwind after a demanding day. While Oedo Onsen captures the ambiance of an Old-Style Onsen, Thermae-Yu offers elements of a modern-day Onsen. If you’re seeking a way to relieve your travel fatigue, consider an onsen visit.
7. Karaoke Night in Shibuya or Shinjuku
Price: ¥800–¥2,000 per hour
Karaoke is one of the top tourist things to do in Tokyo, Japan. Unlike most western-style karaoke bars, which allow individuals to sing together in a shared public area, the majority of Japanese-style karaoke bars have private rooms where you can enjoy singing with friends without worrying about other patrons. Some of these establishments also offer food, and they have a wide variety of songs available for your selection in multiple languages. For an inexpensive and fun way to spend an evening in Tokyo, consider finding a place that offers karaoke and is open late at night.
8. Maid Café or Themed Café
Price: ¥1,500–¥2,500
Location: Akihabara
Tokyo is known for its themed cafes, which could be considered among the best things to do in tokyo. While maid cafes often provide cute performances and playful service styles, many other themed cafes have ninjas, robots, animals, and anime themes. The atmosphere in all these cafes is quite light and stable, and offers plenty of photo opportunities as they are quirky and fun. Those who collect “new experiences” within Tokyo should add the Akihabara-themed cafe atmosphere to their lists.
9. Tokyo Bicycle Tour
Price: ¥5,000–¥8,000
Exploring Tokyo by bicycle is the best thing to do in Tokyo– relaxing and enjoyable as you ride along quiet neighbourhoods, riverside paths, and through local markets such as Asakusa and Ueno. Along the way, you will explore temples, secret narrow lanes, and experience the unique cultures of each neighbourhood. For those looking for something peaceful and active, this type of activity will give you an entirely different experience of Tokyo than what you are used to!
10. Play Retro Games at Tokyo Arcades
Cost: ¥100–¥500 per game
Location: Akihabara
Video game fans will have the best things to do in Tokyo with multi-level arcades featuring rhythm games, claw machines, racing simulators, and old-school retro cabinets. Arcade spots in Akihabara are bright, noisy, and action-packed. Spending some hours playing video games or trying to win prizes is simple to accomplish. Arcades are among the cheapest things to do in Tokyo and are an enjoyable way to zone out from everyday life.
11. Sumo Experience Class
Price: ¥9,000–¥12,000
Location: Ryogoku
One of the popular things to do in Tokyo is to get involved with Sumo wrestling, Japan’s national sporting event. There will be former Sumo wrestlers on hand to show you how to perform a variety of traditional moves and understand the history and culture of Sumo. In addition to this, you will also have the opportunity to wear a Sumo suit so you can experience what it feels like to compete safely. For those who love to combine athleticism and cultural learning in their travels to Tokyo, this is an amazing experience!
12. Sushi Breakfast Toyosu or Tsukiji Market
Price: ¥4,000–¥12,000
If you love food, then this is definitely one of the best things to do in Tokyo. You will visit fish markets, see how seafood is selected, and eat authentic sushi created by professionals. The atmosphere in the morning is very lively and authentic. A sushi breakfast tour should be on your list of things to do in Tokyo if you love food.
13. Private Photo Shoot in Shibuya or Asakusa
Price: ¥8,000–¥20,000
Among many options available for things to do in Tokyo, hiring a professional photographer is a great way to make lasting memories, especially if you are looking for great photos on Instagram. A professional photographer will assist you with posing naturally while they help you explore some of the best scenic locations in Tokyo. Whether you are traveling as a couple, by yourself, or with family, hiring a professional photographer can create amazing photographs to remember your trip.
14. Kimono in Asakusa
Price: ¥3,000–¥6,000
For anyone visiting Tokyo, wearing a traditional kimono is one of the most beautiful experiences in Japanese culture. You can rent a modern kimono and visit temples or traditional streets while taking photographs and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the area.
Wearing a kimono will help you connect more with the culture and history of Japan and enable you to learn more about the traditions of Japan.
15. Attend a Japanese Baseball Game
Price: ¥1,500–¥6,000
Baseball games in Japan are full of enthusiasm and fun! Fans sing, play drums, and use synchronized cheering. Even if you don’t follow sports, watching a game will be one of the best things to do in Tokyo! The food in the stadium is incredible as well – you can find everything from bento boxes to fried chicken! If you want something energetic and exciting while visiting Tokyo, baseball games are the way to go!!
16. Night Bar-Hopping Tour
Price: ¥4,000–¥8,000 + drinks
Locations: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Golden Gai
Tokyo offers many social activities to experience, including its famous nightlife. Some tours will take you on a journey through small izakayas, small bars, and off-the-beaten-path locations to drink. One area of Tokyo that you may want to check out when looking for themed bars and a relaxed setting is Golden Gai. You could consider trying bar-hopping if you want fun things to do in Tokyo at night and have the opportunity to meet new people while sampling local beverages.
17. TeamLab Planets Tokyo
Price: ¥3,200–¥4,200
Tokyos Digital Art Museum TeamLab is among the most aesthetically beautiful things to do in Tokyo. You will walk through luminescent rooms, walk across water and interact with installations that are all highly interactive. Each area has a sense of almost otherworldliness and is therefore ideal for photography. If you are looking for artistic attractions in Tokyo, no other museum compares to this one!
18. Meiji Shrine
Cost: Free
Meiji Shrine provides tranquil forest walking trails and is a very peaceful place to visit. Visitors have the opportunity to hang a wooden ema (uh-ma) (a wooden prayer plaque) and to participate in ceremonies. Visitors who go to Meiji Shrine will find many ways to experience and learn about Japanese culture. Meiji Shrine is also a peaceful escape from the noisy and busy environment of central Tokyo.
19. Harajuku’s Takeshita Street
Cost: Free
Young travelers or anyone looking for trendy and unexpected experiences will find Takeshita Street to be an excellent place to shop as well as enjoy various foods such as crepes and unusual colored snacks, plus an abundance of unique fashion stores. There is no lack of exciting and unique shops on this shopping street that are sure to delight anyone looking for an exciting walking tour of Tokyo.
20. Walk Shibuya Crossing & Visit Shibuya Sky
Price (Shibuya Sky): ¥2,000–¥2,500
Crossing Shibuya’s famous intersection is one of the simplest yet iconic things to do in Tokyo. After that, head to Shibuya Sky for a rooftop view of the entire city. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. For scenic things to do in Tokyo, this combination is perfect.
Tokyo Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
- Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms
- Autumn (October–November): Cool weather and autumn colors
- Winter: Good for shopping and illuminations
- Summer: Hot but full of festivals
How to Get Around
- Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo)
- Use trains—they are clean, fast, and easy to navigate
- Taxis are safe but more expensive
Where to Stay
- Shinjuku: Nightlife and transport
- Shibuya: Young and trendy
- Asakusa: Traditional and quiet
- Ginza: Luxury shopping
Tokyo Has Endless Adventures
Tokyo is a city that provides an array of wonderful activities and attractions, as well as serving as an inviting place for all visitors. This guide will help you determine where to go and what to do while visiting Tokyo; it will also provide you with insight into what makes Tokyo so memorable.
Tokyo has so many possibilities to experience; from enjoying its historic significance, being surrounded by technology, visiting fun places, experiencing various cultures, cooking with locals, and enjoying a local Japanese traditional meal in many forms, the options are limitless! As a result of this variety, you will be able to create your own unique itinerary that fits your interests and personality.
When planning your visit to Tokyo, be sure that you visit various areas within the city, as well as experience all that the city has to offer! Following this guide can help you maximize your time in Tokyo!
The City of Tokyo is full of adventure, Culture, Food, and Unforgettable experiences. There are many different things to do in Tokyo that cater to every type of traveller – whether you prefer Go-Kart around neon streets or relaxing in an Onsen, Exploring Markets, or Unique Theme Cafes – Tokyo provides an endless number of ways for you to experience Japan at its finest!
No matter what type of Thrill-seeker, Culture-lover, or Night Owl you are, something is waiting for you in Tokyo! To view the list of tours and activities available with the best deals, Click Here. If you’re ready to secure your favourite tours and activities now, Book Now and start planning for your Dream Trip to Tokyo today! Read more.
