Japan

Things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo is a collection of very different districts linked by one of the world's most punctual rail networks: neon Shinjuku and Shibuya, old-town Asakusa and Yanaka, the Tsukiji outer market for breakfast. Its izakaya and tiny counter bars are hard to read without Japanese, which is why evening food tours here are worth the money.

  • Shinjuku and Golden Gai night food tour
  • Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko day trip
  • teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless
  • Tsukiji outer market tasting walk

Experiences in Tokyo

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.

Top-rated experiences in Tokyo

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Highlights

  • Shinjuku and Golden Gai night food tour
  • Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko day trip
  • teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless
  • Tsukiji outer market tasting walk
  • Sushi or ramen making class
  • Asakusa and Senso-ji walking tour

Best time to visit

Late March to early April for cherry blossoms and October to November for autumn colour and dry, clear days. June is the rainy season, July and August are hot and humid, and Golden Week (late April to early May) fills trains and hotels.

Getting around

Load a Suica or Pasmo card on your phone or buy a physical one, and use it on JR, metro and buses alike. From Narita take the Keisei Skyliner or Narita Express (about an hour); Haneda is 20 to 30 minutes from the centre by Keikyu line or monorail.

Local tips

  • Many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, close on Mondays (or the next day when Monday is a public holiday).
  • Mount Fuji is often hidden by cloud in summer, so pick a day trip between October and February if the view is the point.
  • Ghibli Museum tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month and sell out quickly.

Day trips from Tokyo

  • Nikko
  • Kamakura
  • Hakone
  • Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Tokyo?

The most booked experiences in Tokyo are Shinjuku and Golden Gai night food tour, Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko day trip, teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless and Tsukiji outer market tasting walk.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

Late March to early April for cherry blossoms and October to November for autumn colour and dry, clear days. June is the rainy season, July and August are hot and humid, and Golden Week (late April to early May) fills trains and hotels.

How do I get around Tokyo?

Load a Suica or Pasmo card on your phone or buy a physical one, and use it on JR, metro and buses alike. From Narita take the Keisei Skyliner or Narita Express (about an hour); Haneda is 20 to 30 minutes from the centre by Keikyu line or monorail.

Do I need to book tours in Tokyo in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Tokyo?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Kyoto360 km awayBangkok4599 km awaySingapore5311 km awaySydney7826 km away