For many first-time visitors to Tokyo, the experience can be overwhelming. This is a big city, after all, and it is chock full of amazing things to see and do. So many, in fact, that most people would have no idea at all where to start. If you are one of those people, and want to visit Tokyo but don’t want to be one of those lost tourists standing on a street corner blankly staring at a map, then I have you covered. Here is my list of 12 amazing things to do in Tokyo, specifically for first time visitors!
Table of Contents
- Climb Tokyo Tower
- Visit Tokyo Disneyland
- Take a stroll through Shinjuku
- Shoot to the top of Tokyo SkyTree
- Be amazed in Akihabara
- Visit iconic Shibuya Crossing
- Ride the Tokyo Subway
- Take a daytrip to Mount Fuji
- Have a drink in Golden Gai
- Visit the impressive Imperial Palace
- Be amazed in Harajuku
- Stand in awe of Sensoji Temple
- Where to stay in Tokyo
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Climb Tokyo Tower
This one is at the very top of my list of things to do in Tokyo because, well, it was actually at the top of MY list when I first visited Tokyo.
This amazing structure is actually a communication and observation tower. It can be found in the Shiba-koen district, and stands 332.9 meters tall. The construction and design were inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the distinctive colors of white and orange were used to comply with air safety regulations.
The main observation deck of the tower is 150m high, reached by an elevator, or over 600 stairs if you are so inclined. Although not exactly high by todays standards, the view is still amazing, and there are some places where the deck has glass squares and visitors can see right though below their feet. On a clear day, keen eyed observers will be able to spot Mount Fuji in the distance and the Tokyo Sky Tree across the city.
Visit Tokyo Disneyland
Disneyland hardly needs any introduction. This version was opened in 1983, and was the first Disney Park to be opened outside of the United States. It was also the largest, and has now spread to become two very different parks. Tokyo DisneySea is the newer of the two parks, and is more geared toward adults, with more adult themed rides and attractions. It was inspired by ocean tales and legends, and boasts seven themed ports.
Like most Disney parks, these ones require more than one day to get the full experience. While Tokyo Disneyland is iconic, many visitors and tourists enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of DisneySea, where you are even welcome to take your own picnic basket into the park to have a relaxing lunch on the lawn.
Take a stroll through Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the unofficial secondary city center of Tokyo. This is the place to go for nightlife, bars and clubs. The district is considered the largest red light district in Tokyo, and the streets are lit up all night long by neon lights, making it very popular for night photography. Just taking a stroll down the street at night time can be considered one of the most entertaining things to do in Tokyo. Things to do in Shinjuku include making a booking at the iconic Robot Restaurant, and taking a stroll past the Japanese pubs of the rustic Omoide Yokocho.
Shoot to the top of Tokyo SkyTree
The Skytree is a broadcasting and communications tower in Tokyo. Since its construction, it has taken over the bulk of broadcasting from the Tokyo Tower which is surrounded by many large buildings and therefore is no longer as effective as it once was.
Tokyo Skytree became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010, and when completed a year later became the second tallest free standing structure in the world. The view from the observation deck is amazing, with sweeping panoramas for miles in every direction. Mount Fuji is prominent on most days, although if it get extremely windy you may find the tower closed to visitors for a while.
Be amazed in Akihabara
Akihabara is a district of Tokyo that sprung up in the wake of the second world war as a black market for electrical products. What was once a district of small shops selling radios is now known as Electric Town, and boasts the title as the leading region of Tokyo for sales of electronic goods, computers, anime and games.
Take a walk through Akihabara and be amazed at the size of the stores, with multi story electrical shops towering overhead, adorned and lit up by the largest neon signs you will ever see. This place needs to be seen to be believed!
Visit iconic Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is well known as the worlds busiest pedestrian crossing. It is located outside the Shibuya Station Hachiko exit, and stops the traffic in every direction as pedestrians stream across the road in a mad “scramble”. The sight is iconic, and many tourists will take up residence in nearby shops or cafes and watch for hours on end, amazed at the sight of such a sea of humanity. What looks like total confusion actually seems to work!
The best time to see Shibuya Crossing is in the early evening, just around peak hour as the crowds are heaviest. The light is also best if you want to snap a few photos!
Ride the Tokyo Subway
The subway and train systems in Tokyo are world famous, and for good reason. If you ever thought you had been on crowded trains, Toyko takes it to a whole new level! The system itself is so good that it covers nearly every inch of the city, and is by far the best way to travel between all the main centers.
Catch a train in peak hour and experience just how many people can fit in one train car. Just when you thought it was full, 20 more people cram in!
The Tokyo subway is also one of the most efficient in the world, and every single service runs on a strict schedule. If a train is 30 seconds late, or even early, there are tough questions asked of the driver!
One tip when riding the subway. At nearly every major station there is an information counter, and there is usually at least one person who speaks English. Let them know where you are going, and they will save you a lot of time by pointing you in the right direction and even telling you which ticket to purchase!
Take a daytrip to Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic sights in Japan. It is the subject of so many works of art and pictures of Japan, and with good reason. It is an active volcano that has forever been the object of pilgrimages from all over the country. As the tallest peak in Japan, it remains as one of the most popular hiking locations in Japan with people constantly reaching the summit.
Most tourists don’t realize just how close Mount Fuji is to Tokyo. It can actually be visited on a day trip! Take the train from Shinjuku, or a bus if that is more your style. For a great experience, take a tour such as this one, that will take you on a cruise of beautiful Lake Ashi, experience the ropeway, and catch an iconic bullet train (Shinkansen) back to Tokyo!
Have a drink in Golden Gai
Golden Gai is located in Shinjuku, and consists of 6 alleyways that are linked together by even smaller alleyways. Some are so small that only a single person can walk down them. The area is home to around 200 small bars and eateries that are crammed in so close as to be almost touching. Each place is so tiny as to be considered overcrowded when only a few people are in attendance.
While most of the establishments in Golden Gai cater only to locals and regulars, there has been a push in recent times to attract foreign tourists. A walk through Golden Gai can now be made more colorful by a few drinks. Just keep an eye for places with English signs!
Visit the impressive Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace Tokyo is the home of the Emperor, and visiting it is one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo. Set on 1.3 square miles of land, it is only a short distance from the central Tokyo Train Station.
The temple itself is designed in the style of the ancient Edo Temple, and the grounds surrounding it are painstakingly manicured and maintained. They feature the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees, ancient ruins, art museums and magnificent parks. Tours are available, and many of them are free, so if you are in Tokyo on a budget, considering a visit is a must.
Be amazed in Harajuku
The Harajuku area is one of the must see things to do in Tokyo. The vibrant Takeshita street is at the very heart of Harajuku, and is renowned for its street art and cosplay. Take a stroll on a sunny afternoon and be amazed at the amount of people sporting outlandish costumes and quirky clothing. You can even visit some of the shops that sell them. This is where Japan’s amazing Kawaii culture began, and it still thrives to this day.
If you like crepes, this is the place to come, and the trendy bars and eateries of Harajuku will just keep on enticing you back!
Stand in awe of Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple is Japan’s oldest temple, and its iconic architecture is instantly recognizable to visitors. Surrounding by imposing Gates and sporting a 5 story pagoda, this is the largest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo.
The walk to Sensoki Temple is, in itself, iconic. The famous Nakamise Dori is located just beyond the Kaminarimon gate, and leads directly to the temple. This is the oldest shopping street in Japan, and boasts over 180 shops along its 250m length.
A visit to the Sensoki Temple is a must do for any visitor to Tokyo. The 1300 year history just cannot be ignored!
There are many, many things to do in Tokyo, but this is my list of things that I think every first-time visitor should consider. Beyond this, there are plenty of other activities on offer as well. Tokyo is, for me, one of my personal favorite cities in the world. Never have I been to a place so crowded and vibrant, and never have I felt so safe in such a large place.
Tokyo is a place that I will always return to. I hope you enjoy it!
Where to stay in Tokyo
Shinjuku – This is my go to place to stay when I am in Tokyo. It is such a widespread city that it can be hard to find somewhere really central. What Shinjuku offers, however, is a major hub with access to the main train lines and buses. You can get virtually anywhere from Shinjuku, including Mount Fuji! Plus, Shinjuku has the best nightlife scene in the city. You just can’t go wrong.
Ginza – This is a main shopping district, but beware, it can be very, very expensive shopping with all the big names adorning the streets. What is also offers is close access to the Bullet Train if you are heading to Kyoto, Osaka, or anywhere else in Japan.
Shibuya – if you are wanting nightlife and a younger vibe.
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