The 9 Best Things to Do in Tokyo Japan: My Favorite Activities in Tokyo for 2026 (+ 2 Things To Skip)

Tokyo, and Japan in general, has absolutely blown up over the past year. At least that’s how it felt to me. Everywhere I looked, friends were suddenly flying to Tokyo, and my Instagram feed was basically wall-to-wall Japan content.

I spent almost a full week in Tokyo, and I’ll be honest: I slightly dreaded writing this article. I’m not a huge fan of endless “things to do” lists that go on forever and get boring halfway through. But Tokyo made that difficult, because I genuinely did so many great things that narrowing it down to my favorite activities wasn’t easy.

Before I arrived, I was stressed. During the planning phase, I didn’t want to miss out on anything, so I went deep, comparing viewing platforms, debating which TeamLab to visit, figuring out which fish market was actually worth it, and even overthinking where to stay in Tokyo. It was super overwhelming.

Because I’ve been through that whole planning spiral myself, I wrote this guide on the best things to do in Tokyo with one clear goal: to tell you what’s actually worth doing in Tokyo, based on my own experience. No filler, no unrealistic itineraries, just the things I genuinely enjoyed and would recommend to a friend. At the very end, I’ll also share a few extra tips that made my time in Tokyo easier and more enjoyable.

Things to Do in Tokyo – My Experience

I want to start this list with my own experience, just so you have a bit of context for how I actually spent my time in Tokyo. I was there for about a week, and I’ll be honest, I packed my schedule pretty full. I went up the Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky, visited teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets, and tried to tick off a lot of the big-name sights.

I did that very intentionally, mainly so I could later tell you what felt worth it and what you could easily skip. That said, you definitely don’t need to do Tokyo the way I did, especially if you prefer a slower pace.

Looking back, Tokyo for me was less about ticking off attractions and more about just being there. I loved wandering through Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku with no real plan, popping into random shops, eating great food, and just enjoying the atmosphere. Compared to somewhere like Kyoto, where I really enjoyed temple-hopping and sightseeing, Tokyo felt much more about neighborhoods, energy, and everyday life.

That doesn’t mean I skipped the highlights. I loved seeing the Shibuya Scramble in real life, teamLab Planets completely blew me away, and I unexpectedly got a bit obsessed with onsens (hot baths) after visiting one in Tokyo.

So if there’s one thing I’d say based on my own trip, it’s this: pick the activities you’re genuinely excited about, book popular tickets in advance, but don’t overplan your days. Leave enough time to just explore, wander, and let Tokyo surprise you, that was easily my favorite part of being there.

1. Visit the Shibuya Scramble Crossing

One of the most iconic things to do in Tokyo, and completely free, is watching (and crossing) the Shibuya Scramble. Needless to say, I went there on my very first day in Tokyo, as one does.

I was there with a local guide who laughed and said she never understood why tourists are so obsessed with it. “It’s just a crosswalk,” she said, and honestly, she’s not wrong. But still, it’s the crosswalk. I walked back and forth a few times trying to get decent photos, which was harder than expected because it’s always busy. After that, I spent a few hours just exploring Shibuya, looking at all the neon signs, shops, and general chaos. It’s for sure one of my favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo.

Secret tip: This one is a real game changer. For an amazing free view of the Shibuya Scramble from above, head into Shibuya Scramble Square (the same building as Shibuya Sky). Instead of joining the long line for the observatory, walk into the building toward the back where there’s a separate elevator. Take it up to the 13th floor, where you’ll find restaurants and a surprisingly quiet viewing area. The view over the crossing is fantastic, and when I was there, it was completely empty.

2. Go to a Sumo Show

When I was in Tokyo, I really wanted to see sumo wrestling live. I love going to local sports events when I travel, and watching a real sumo tournament sounded like such a cool, very Japan experience. But once I looked into it, I realized there wasn’t an official tournament on while I was there, and even when there is, tickets for the real thing can get pretty expensive.

So I did what a lot of visitors end up doing and booked a sumo show instead, and honestly, I’m really glad I did. I went with a group of friends and we had such a good time. The sumo wrestlers were not only impressive to watch, but also surprisingly funny and entertaining. There was a full dinner and drinks included, and by the end of the show some guests even got to put on sumo suits and try it themselves, which was absolutely hilarious to watch.

If you’re visiting Tokyo outside tournament season or don’t want to spend a fortune on tickets, a sumo show is a really fun and easy way to experience this side of Japanese culture without the hassle.

Book Here: Sumo Show Tickets

3. Check out Tsukiji Fish Market (or  Toyosu Fish Market)

If you’ve done even a bit of research for Tokyo, you’ve probably realized there are two fish markets: the old one and the new one. I ended up visiting both, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Tsukiji Outer Market every time.

Tsukiji is the old market, and it’s exactly what most people imagine, narrow lanes, loads of food stalls, and people selling everything from fresh sushi to grilled seafood skewers. Yes, it’s very touristy and yes, some of it is a little overpriced, but I honestly didn’t care. I had some fantastic sushi here and loved just wandering around, sampling random bites, and enjoying the atmosphere.

I also went to Toyosu Fish Market, which is where all the actual fish trading and the famous tuna auctions happen now. That part was genuinely fascinating to see, especially knowing how important this market is, but the experience is very different. It’s modern, clean, and feels more like a working warehouse than a traditional market.

From my experience, Tsukiji is the one that’s more fun and memorable for most travelers, especially if you’re there for the food and the vibe. Toyosu is cool if you’re curious about how it all works behind the scenes, but Tsukiji is where I really enjoyed spending my time.

4. Views from Tokyo Skytree

There are two famous observation decks in Tokyo: Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky. I get asked all the time which one is better, and honestly, I never know what to answer because they’re great for very different reasons. Since I already talked about Shibuya Sky elsewhere, I’ll focus on Tokyo Skytree here.

Tokyo Skytree was the first viewing platform I visited, and it completely blew my mind. Standing up there at around 450 meters, you really understand how massive Tokyo is. It’s just endless city in every direction, buildings on top of buildings, and seeing it from that height was just so cool.

One of the coolest things about Tokyo Skytree is that on a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from the top. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the best visibility when I was there, so I missed out on that view, which I was genuinely pretty sad about. If you get lucky with a clear day though, this alone makes Skytree worth it.

Quick Tokyo Skytree vs. Shibuya Sky comparison:

Tokyo Skytree is fully indoors, much higher, and very much a classic observation deck experience, where it’s all about the view. Shibuya Sky isn’t quite as high, but it’s an open-air rooftop with seating, photo spots, and even a bar, which makes it feel more like an experience than just a viewpoint.

If you just want amazing views and don’t care about being outside, I’d pick Tokyo Skytree. If you want sunset vibes, photos, and a drink on a rooftop, Shibuya Sky is hard to beat. Either way, book your tickets (especially sunset slots) as early as humanly possible, they sell out fast.

Click Here: Tickets Tokyo Skytree

5. Explore Senso-Ji & Nakamise Shopping Street

I’ve seen a lot of shrines and temples across Japan, but Senso-ji was easily one of my favorites in Tokyo. It’s beautiful, historic, and full-on Tokyo at the same time. Nakamise Shopping Street and Senso-ji basically come as a package, you walk through the shopping street first, and it naturally leads you straight to the temple.

I got here around 11am and it was already absolutely packed (I recommend coming early), which honestly didn’t surprise me at all. It’s one of the most popular temples in Tokyo. I slowly made my way through Nakamise, grabbed a few mochi, and picked up some souvenirs for my family before spending time around the temple itself.

We had a local guide with us, which I really enjoyed because she explained the small rituals, how to wash your hands properly, how to pray, and what everything actually means. That said, you don’t need a guide here. It’s just as nice to wander around on your own, take photos, and soak it all in.

My tip: I noticed quite a few people renting traditional outfits for photos here, and honestly, this is not the spot. It’s way too crowded to enjoy it. If that’s on your list, you’ll have a much better experience doing this in Kyoto or in a quieter temple area.

6. Visit Teamlabs Planet

I actually made the effort to visit both teamLab experiences in Tokyo, Teamlab Planets and Borderless, mostly because I wanted to be able to tell you honestly which one is worth your time. If you’ve never heard of teamLab before, they’re immersive, interactive digital art exhibitions, and you’ve almost definitely seen photos of them all over Instagram.

After doing both, I can say this very clearly: teamLab Planets was infinitely better and is the only one I’d recommend. It felt far more immersive and interactive, and I genuinely had so much fun just moving through the different installations and taking photos. One of the rooms even has you take your shoes off and walk through shallow water, which felt weird at first but ended up being one of my favorite parts.

Borderless was fine, but if you’re short on time (or patience), I’d skip it. If you’re choosing just one, go to teamLab Planets.

One important tip from my own experience: book your tickets well in advance, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend. Time slots sell out fast, and this is one of those activities you don’t want to miss because you left it too late.

Click Here: Tickets for Teamlabs Planets

7. Join the Real Life Mario Kart

I know this one is very touristy, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it. I remember seeing people dressed up as Mario characters driving through Tokyo on Instagram years ago, and it was one of those things I always wanted to try myself.

The real-life Mario Kart experience in Tokyo was honestly so much fun. We met up in Shibuya, put on the ridiculous costumes, and then drove through the city streets at night. Does it have any cultural value? Absolutely not. Did I have an amazing time anyway? 100%. Sometimes you’re allowed to do things just because they’re fun.

My tip: book a tour that goes through Shibuya and choose an evening time slot. Driving past all the neon lights, and even crossing Shibuya Scramble Crossing itself, was easily the highlight for me. Tokyo just looks so much cooler at night, and this is one of the few activities where you actually get to experience it right in the middle of it all.

Click Here: Mario Kart Tokyo Tickets

8. Enjoy the Food in Tokyo (Join a Food Tour in Shinjuku)

For me, the food was hands down the biggest highlight of my entire Japan trip, and that includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, all of it. Pretty much every day in Tokyo revolved around one simple mission: finding great ramen, sushi, tonkatsu, or gyoza. I was genuinely obsessed, and I loved that the food here is incredible whether you’re spending $5 or $50.

After a few days, I felt like I got pretty good at spotting solid food places on my own. I found tiny ramen joints, low-key sushi bars, and some amazing gyoza spots, and I’ve put all of that into my what to eat in Tokyo guide. That said, if it’s your first day or you feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice, joining a food tour is such a good move.

Tokyo is honestly one of the best cities in the world for a food tour, and Shinjuku is a great area to do it. Having a local explain what you’re eating, why it’s good, and where to go takes so much pressure off. I personally love doing a food tour early in a trip because it gives me confidence. After that, I’m way more comfortable walking into random restaurants, reading menus, and ordering things I’ve never heard of without feeling awkward.

Book Here: Shinjuku Food Tour

9. Soak in an Onsen (Hot Bath)

One of my absolute favorite things I did in Tokyo was going to an onsen, and honestly, I didn’t expect to love it this much. If you’ve never been to one before, an onsen is essentially a traditional Japanese hot bath, kinda like a hot tub, but quieter, more ritualized, and way more relaxing.

We went to a small, very local onsen called Mikokuyu, and it ended up being such a highlight. It’s tattoo-friendly (which already makes it a win in Tokyo), super clean, and feels like a proper neighborhood spot rather than something built for tourists. Our guide Yuko took us there, and we even got a quick look around before opening, which is how we were able to take a few photos, normally that wouldn’t be allowed.

We stayed for about an hour, hopping between seriously hot and ice-cold pools, and it felt incredible. From what I remember, entry was around $5 USD, which is kind of insane considering how relaxing the experience was. After days of walking nonstop around Tokyo, soaking in hot water was exactly what my body needed.

One thing worth mentioning: I visited Tokyo in November, and it was already pretty cold outside, which made the onsen experience even better. I can imagine it feeling very different in the middle of summer, still nice, but probably not quite as relaxing as on a cold day.

2 Things to Do in Tokyo I Would Skip!

As much as I loved Tokyo, not everything I did was a hit. I definitely had a few moments where I thought, “Okay… I could’ve skipped this.” There are obviously more things than just these two that might not be worth it for everyone, but these are the ones I personally experienced and wouldn’t do again.

1. TeamLab Borderless: I already mentioned this briefly above, but I want to be really clear here: TeamLab Borderless isn’t worth it (in my opinion), especially if you’re deciding between the two TeamLab experiences.
   
   I went to both Borderless and Planets so I could properly compare them, and Borderless just didn’t do it for me. It’s much more about projections and visuals on walls, and a lot less interactive.
   
   After visiting TeamLab Planets, Borderless felt a bit flat and honestly kind of underwhelming.If you only have time (or budget) for one, do TeamLab Planets and skip Borderless. You’re not missing out.
   
2. Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho): Piss Alley’s real name is Omoide Yokocho, and yes, I did go, mostly because everyone talks about it. Walking through it is fun, and the atmosphere with all the tiny bars packed together is cool, especially in the evening.
   
   That said, I wouldn’t go there for dinner. I had a drink, enjoyed the vibe for a bit, and that was enough. From my experience, the food wasn’t great and felt overpriced for what it was.My takeaway: worth a quick walk-through or a beer, but I’d eat somewhere else. Tokyo has way better food, and it’s really not hard to find.

Quick Tokyo Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

• Location matters: I stayed in Shinjuku and Shibuya, and I’d do it the same way again. Both areas are super walkable, packed with things to do, and insanely well connected, which meant I could explore a lot of Tokyo on foot while still getting to all the big sights easily.
  
• Get an eSIM: I had an eSIM the entire time I was in Tokyo, and it made everything smoother. Being able to use Google Maps constantly, look things up on the go, and not worry about Wi-Fi made a huge difference, especially when navigating public transport.
  
• Get an IC card: An IC card (like Suica or PASMO) is basically essential in Tokyo. I used mine almost every single day to tap in and out of train stations, and it’s so much easier than buying individual tickets every time.
  
• Book popular attractions in advance: I left plenty of room to explore Tokyo freely, but for certain things I booked ahead. TeamLab Planets, Shibuya Sky, and the Mario Kart experience all sell out regularly, so having tickets locked in saved me a lot of hassle.
  
• Viral food isn’t always worth it: Some of my worst food experiences in Tokyo were at viral spots. One of the most hyped udon places I tried was honestly disappointing. On the flip side, some of the best meals I had came from random local places I stumbled into without a queue outside.
  
• Public transport is your friend: If you’re not used to public transport, Tokyo might look intimidating at first, but it’s incredible. It’s cheap, clean, safe, and always on time. I used trains and the subway every day and never felt like I needed another option.

Where to Stay in Tokyo Japan

I remember doing my own research before my first trip to Tokyo and getting completely overwhelmed. Every article seemed to list eight or ten different neighborhoods, and honestly, that didn’t help at all. I didn’t need ten options, I just wanted to know where to stay.

So I’ll keep this simple and honest: if it’s your first time in Tokyo, there are really only two areas I’d recommend and they are Shinjuku and Shibuya. I stayed in both during my week in Tokyo, and each one makes a lot of sense for different reasons.

Best Area to Stay in Tokyo for Food & Nightlife: Shinjuku

I stayed in Shinjuku for half of my time in Tokyo, and it was exactly what I imagined Tokyo would feel like before I arrived. Big buildings, neon signs everywhere, packed streets at night, and an endless amount of food options.

We stayed at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (the one with the giant Godzilla head on top), and while the rooms were small, the location was unbeatable. I had some of the best food I ate in Tokyo right here, from tiny sushi bars to late-night ramen spots. Shinjuku is busy, loud, and full-on, but in a very Tokyo kind of way.

If you want that classic, slightly chaotic Tokyo experience with amazing food and nightlife right outside your door, Shinjuku is hard to beat.

Best Hotels to Stay in Shinjuku

• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel

Best Area to Stay in Tokyo for Shopping & Sightseeing: Shibuya

For the second part of my trip, I stayed in Shibuya, and I have to say, I think I preferred it slightly. It still feels very Tokyo, with neon lights, busy streets, and great transport connections, but it’s a bit more relaxed compared to Shinjuku.

Shibuya felt more focused on shopping, cafés, and sightseeing, and a little less on nightlife. I found it easier to just walk around, explore, and spend full days on foot without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or just don’t care much about partying, Shibuya is an excellent base.

That said, Shinjuku and Shibuya are so well connected that you can easily enjoy both, it really just comes down to what kind of vibe you prefer at night.

Best Hotels to Stay in Shibuya

• Indigo Hotel Shibuya
• Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel

FAQs About What to Do in Tokyo

What are the best things to do in Tokyo with kids?

From my experience, TeamLab Planets is an absolute winner for kids. It’s interactive, immersive, and honestly fun for adults too. Tokyo Skytree is another great option, the views are impressive and it’s an easy, stress-free activity for families.

What are the best things to do in Tokyo for free?

There are so many. Wandering through Shinjuku, watching the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, exploring Asakusa, visiting shrines, or walking around the fish markets are all completely free. Tokyo really doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable.

What to do in Tokyo at night?

If you want nightlife, Shinjuku is the easy answer. That’s where the neon lights, late-night ramen, bars, and general chaos are. Even if you’re not going out partying, it’s a fun area to explore after dark.

What are the best Tokyo activities for couples? 

I loved going for a sushi omakase in Tokyo. Sitting at the counter, watching the chef prepare each course, and turning dinner into an experience felt really special and is perfect for a couples’ night out.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

To wrap this up, Tokyo is one of those cities where you could easily make a list of 30 things to do, but I honestly think that’s counterproductive. I narrowed this down to my personal favorites, based on what I actually enjoyed and would genuinely recommend.

What I loved most about Tokyo, though, is that you don’t need to be constantly ticking off sights to have an amazing time. I could have spent days just wandering around Shinjuku and Shibuya, shopping, eating great food, and soaking in the atmosphere. On top of that, I was surprised by how many great free activities Tokyo offers, which means it doesn’t have to be as expensive as many people expect.

I hope this guide helps you plan your Tokyo trip and figure out what’s actually worth your time, and what you can happily skip.

Check Out My Other Tokyo Guides

Tokyo Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Tokyo

Is Tokyo Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

The Best Time to Visit Tokyo: Tokyos Seasons Explained

3 Day Itinerary Tokyo: How I Spent 3 Days in Tokyo

What to Eat in Tokyo: My Top Restaurants in Tokyo

How to Get Around in Tokyo: A Guide for Public Transportation in Tokyo

Is Tokyo expensive: My Budget Breakdown for Tokyo

1 Week in Tokyo: My 7 Day Tokyo Itinerary

Things to Do in Tokyo Japan: My Top Activities in Tokyo

Where to Stay in Tokyo: My Favorite Areas & Hotels in Tokyo

Tokyo Skytree vs. Shibuya Sky: Which one is better?

Teamlab Planets vs. Teamlab Borderless: My Honest Comparison

Check Out My Other Japan Travel Guides

Japan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan

Best eSIM for Japan: My Honest Comparison