Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo for First-Time Visitors
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Tokyo is a city like no other—where ancient shrines meet futuristic skyscrapers, and traditional culture blends seamlessly with modern innovation. If it’s your first time visiting Japan’s capital, this guide will help you experience the very best of what Tokyo has to offer. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here are the top 10 must-do activities in Tokyo!
👉 Here – Get your Japan Rail Pass, WiFi, and Tokyo attraction tickets for a hassle-free trip!
1. Explore the Bustling Streets of Shibuya & See the Famous Scramble Crossing
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most energetic districts, home to the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing—one of the busiest pedestrian crossings on the planet. After watching the organized chaos from the Shibuya Sky observation deck, explore the area’s neon-lit streets, trendy shops, and the famous Hachiko Statue.
📍 Location: Shibuya
📝 Best experience: View the crossing from Mag’s Park rooftop or Shibuya Sky.
2. Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s Oldest Temple in Asakusa
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s most famous Buddhist temple, known for its impressive Kaminarimon Gate and massive red lantern. Walk along Nakamise Street, where you can shop for traditional snacks, souvenirs, and lucky charms.
📍 Location: Asakusa
📝 Best experience: Try taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) and buy omikuji (fortune slips) at the temple.
3. Experience Otaku Culture in Akihabara
For anime, gaming, and tech lovers, Akihabara is heaven on earth. Visit multi-story arcades, explore manga and figurine shops, or stop by a maid café for a quirky, only-in-Japan experience.
📍 Location: Akihabara
📝 Best experience: Visit Super Potato for retro gaming or shop at Mandarake for rare anime collectibles.
4. Marvel at the Views from Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree
For breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline, head to Tokyo Tower or the Tokyo Skytree. Both offer stunning panoramas, and on clear days, you can even spot Mount Fuji!
📍 Location: Minato (Tokyo Tower) / Sumida (Tokyo Skytree)
📝 Best experience: Visit Skytree’s Tembo Galleria for a glass-floor walkway at 450m.
5. Wander Through the Fashionable Streets of Harajuku
Harajuku is Tokyo’s trendiest district, known for its quirky fashion, kawaii culture, and unique street food. Stroll down Takeshita Street for crepes, rainbow cotton candy, and cute shops, or head to Omotesando for high-end fashion.
📍 Location: Harajuku
📝 Best experience: Try Japanese-style crepes and visit Meiji Shrine, a peaceful escape nearby.
6. Eat the Freshest Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market
Even though the inner Tsukiji Fish Market has moved to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market is still a paradise for food lovers. Try fresh sushi, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and grilled seafood while soaking in the lively market atmosphere.
📍 Location: Tsukiji
📝 Best experience: Join a sushi-making class after exploring the market.
👉 Book a Tsukiji food tour with a local guide!
7. Take a Day Trip to Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
For Studio Ghibli fans, the Ghibli Museum is a magical experience filled with Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved characters, stunning artwork, and an exclusive short film screening. Tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance!
📍 Location: Mitaka
📝 Best experience: Look out for the life-sized Laputa robot on the rooftop garden.
8. Enjoy Tokyo’s Nightlife in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai
Shinjuku is a nightlife hotspot, but for a unique experience, visit Golden Gai—a tiny alleyway filled with over 200 small bars, each with its own personality. For something more futuristic, check out Kabukicho and its famous Robot Restaurant (when reopened).
📍 Location: Shinjuku
📝 Best experience: Visit Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley) for yakitori and local izakayas.
👉 Get a guided Golden Gai bar-hopping tour!
9. Experience TeamLab Planets or TeamLab Borderless (New Location 2024)
TeamLab’s immersive digital art exhibitions are a must-visit in Tokyo. TeamLab Planets offers a walk-through experience where you interact with water, lights, and mirrors, while TeamLab Borderless (reopening in 2024) features constantly evolving digital art spaces.
📍 Location: Toyosu (TeamLab Planets) / Azabudai (TeamLab Borderless)
📝 Best experience: Wear shorts if visiting TeamLab Planets (you’ll walk through knee-deep water).
👉 Book TeamLab Planets or Borderless tickets in advance!
10. Try a Traditional Japanese Onsen at Oedo Onsen Monogatari or a Local Sento
Relaxing in a Japanese onsen (hot spring) is an essential cultural experience. While Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba recently closed, there are still great alternatives like Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku or Maenohara Onsen in Itabashi.
📍 Location: Various locations
📝 Best experience: Try an outdoor rotenburo bath for the ultimate relaxation.
Final Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors in Tokyo
✅ Get a Suica or Pasmo Card – Makes train and bus travel easy.
✅ Stay near a major station – Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo Station are great bases.
✅ Use Google Maps & Hyperdia – For navigating Tokyo’s train system.
✅ Visit convenience stores – Try cheap and delicious on-the-go meals.
✅ Avoid rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) – Trains get extremely crowded.
With so much to see and do, Tokyo is an unforgettable city that blends tradition with innovation. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, shopping in futuristic districts, or eating some of the best food in the world, your first visit to Tokyo will be packed with excitement!
Ready to plan your Tokyo adventure? Book your must-have travel essentials here!
