Tokyo might be one of the world’s most interesting cities! It’s a city where visitors can experience everything from centuries-old customs to cutting-edge technology that will blow their minds. Make sure you spend at least three days in this incredible city, since there is so much to see and do. To make planning easier, here are some of the top things to do in Tokyo. If you have limited time, we recommend exploring Shinjuku and Shibuya.
1. Shibuya Crossing
Most people are familiar with the Shibuya Crossing since it appears in films such as Lost in Translation, Fast & Furious, and Resident Evil. This crossing is said to be the busiest in the world! People cross here from five different angles.
It’s great to just watch folks cross and weave their way through this crossing. I’ve always wondered how individuals walk so easily past one other yet everyone appears to be focused at their phones.
Shibuya Crossing is right in front of Shibuya Station’s Hachiko exit.
2. Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
Our first stop on our list of the finest things to do in Tokyo is the stunning Meiji Shrine. It happens to be one of our favorite spots in Tokyo.
Meiji Shrine is located in Yoyogi Park and is easily accessible from both JR Harajuku and Yoyogi Stations. The Shrine is surrounded by forest, giving it a wonderfully serene atmosphere. The shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is one of Japan’s most popular temples.
3. Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Market, located in central Tokyo, is the world’s largest and busiest fish market. The best time to visit this market is at 5 a.m., when you can see the live tuna auction. Make sure to check their website to see if public access is available that day. You can register for the auction at 4:30 a.m. at the fish information center inside the Kachidoki Gate, off Harumi Street.
4. Kabukichō
Shinjuku Kabukichō is one of Tokyo’s red light districts! This region has many love hotels, host and hostess clubs, restaurants, theme clubs, and nightclubs. This is also where you can find the famed Robot Restaurant.Despite the fact that this is a red-light district, we found that all of the clubs were quite modest, and we felt completely comfortable going along the streets with our children in tow. I’ve heard that if you go alone, you’ll be annoyed by all the individuals trying to urge you to enter their club.
5. Omoide Yokocho (aka Piss Alley)
Yokochos are narrow, old-school alleys near train stations that are packed with tiny little restaurants and drinking establishments.Piss lane, also known as Memory Lane, is a Yokocho lane in Shinjuku. This prominent lane is located on the western side of Shinjuku Station. If you go in the late afternoon, you’ll notice that the beautiful small lane is not only crowded, but also full with smoke and the aroma of wonderful food.
6. Senso-ji Temple
The Senso-ji Temple was erected in honor of Kannon. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple and certainly deserves to be listed among the greatest things to do in Tokyo. We thoroughly enjoyed our time seeing this Temple and encourage that you stop and take photos at the enormous Hozomon Gate.
The temple is located in Asakusa, adjacent to the iconic Tokyo Tower. There are other little roads surrounding the temple that you should investigate, some of which specialize in great dishes and others in unique gifts.
