Location: Tokyo
Top Things to do in Tokyo
Things to do in Tokyo, Kanto: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
Restaurants in Tokyo
1. Tokyo National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,192 reviews
This famous museum houses the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. With over 100,000 pieces and room to display only 4,000, exhibits are rotated constantly
Reviewed By E9706FNpaulo - County Monaghan, Ireland
Located at the top of Ueno Park this is a very large museum and is worth a visit to get a real appreciation of Japanese history and culture. My time was limited so only got to see a portion of worth I wanted to see but would definitely return if back in Tokyo.
2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,558 reviews
The tallest building in Shinjuku, TMG No. 1 offers sweeping views of Tokyo -- all the way to Mt. Fuji on a clear day -- from the 45th floor observatory.
Reviewed By kc3302 - Riverwood, Australia
Fantastic views of the Tokyo City and suburbs. Free entry. There are two observation towers - one in each of the building's two towers. It is located above Tochomae Station (on the Toei Oedo line), or is a comfortable 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station (all other train lines including JR, Keio, Seibu, Odakyu and other subway lines).
3. KidZania Tokyo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
KidZania is a city founded by the children of the world where they can be leaders and learn about society while having fun. Kids get to role-play as Adults at more than 90 jobs and activities using real-world tools and equipment. Complete with shops, vehicles and a functional society, KidZania is a 2/3 scale city just for Kids. Choose an activity at the TV Station, Airplane, Bank or any of the over 60 pavilions. Put on a uniform and get to work! ★What to do? First, choose a pavilion where you want to work. After you finish your job, you get paid in the local currency, "kidZos". Use your kidZos to shop and pay for services. At most activities, you will be creating something new. Whether it is food from the Pizza Shop or Bakery, or a DVD from the Fashion Show, what you create is yours to keep! ★Let's Start! Just like any country you will travel to, the more you plan before you enter, the better. Upon entering KidZania, choose a pavilion and get started! ★Getting Tickets KidZania Tokyo operates two shifts daily. ・1st shift:9:00am - 3:00pm ・2st shift:4:00pm - 9:00pm Congestion is expected. Please come here as early as possible! Book your tickets online ahead of time to make sure you get in on the day and time you wish. Same-day ticket sales are limited and subject to capacity. ★Using English Though most Activities are in Japanese, a limited number are conducted in English every day. Regardless of language skill, all Kids are encouraged to try any activity they wish!
Reviewed By WS_Ang - Singapore, Singapore
Excellent indoor facility for children to role play different occupations and earn kidzo (currency that can be used in all Kidzania outlets globally). It is located in a shopping mall and near to Toyosu station. Staff are friendly, helpful and patient, and they make instructions very simple for kids (young kids or kids who don’t speak Japanese) to follow. You can check in (best to buy tickets online before visiting) at the counter before the shift starts (2 shifts per day: 9am to 3pm and 4pm to 9pm) and you will be given a queue number card for entering. You can start to queue 45 minutes before the shift starts at the stipulated queue spot according to your queue number and admission begins around 30 minutes before the shift starts. Once inside, it is best to go to the popular activities (Nintendo, candy factory, pilot) to make a reservation so that you can come back for that activity later at the reserved time. You can only make the next reservation after you have finished the first reserved activity. In the meantime, You can do other jobs that are available (refer to the timing information displayed at each activity). For the theatre events, there’s only 1 session per event(example, there’s only 1 wedding ceremony per shift) so you might want to reserve for a particular type of theatre activity that your child really wants to do. Kidzania Tokyo does not use the B.Kidzania PaZZport so you cannot collect stamps in your PaZZport here. Instead they use the job reservations card and they give out a job card at the end of each completed activity, which is quite a nice collectible. They also have professionally taken photos of your child for certain activities that are printed out and displayed near the entrance and you can choose which one you will like to purchase. (Wish they can be more environmentally friendly though!) They have some F&B outlets for food and drinks purchases, with lots of seatings around. There’s also a parents lounge for parents to relax in. We went for the Speak English Wednesday 2nd shift event, and we heard from the staff that the speak English events are usually not as crowded. Overall it’s a unique and fun place for kids to try different jobs activity.
4. Shimokitazawa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By BelsizePapa_NW3 - London, United Kingdom
Shimokitazawa is exactly like Camden Town of London UK in Tokyo Japan! Vintage shops, wider range of variety retails and clothes as well as restaurants and cafe can be found here! Great to place to explore for family with teenagers!
5. Chidorigafuchi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,201 reviews
Reviewed By olafoomes - Amstelveen, The Netherlands
On the moat alongside the north-western side of Kitanomaru park a lot of rowing activities take place especially during the Sakura season. But also on the bank there is a path which offers the most scenic Sakura spot you can probably see in Tokyo, with an about 700 meter long tunnel of cherry trees in the spring. In the evening it is fully lighted which provides for a rather special atmosphere. An absolute Sakura highlight.
6. Meiji Jingu Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,198 reviews
Two, large gates frame the entrance to this Shinto shrine that was dedicated to Emperor and Empress Meiji. Completed in 1920, repairs were required after the shrine was damaged during World War II.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
My favourite place in Tojyo, simple as that. When combined with its gardens this wonderful, beguiling shrine will keep you captivated for hours as it did me. The main shrine is stunning with is huge torii and beautiful colours I loved the row of burgundy wine barrels and sake barrels opposite, gifts for the consecration of the shrine.. There is a beautiful prayer wall too on the right as you look at the main shrine. They ive you a nice little guide going in and you starmp it yourself with a lovely old ink stamper. The pair of sacred Camphor trees in the forecourt are gorgeous. One was planted in memory of the Emperor who died in 1912, the other for the Empress who passed in 1920. They are two trees tended to look like one, a beautiful sentiment. Now, one main bit of advice. Don't limit yourself just to the main shrine. Wander around the grounds as there are some simply gorgeous smaller ones dotted about. Anyway, a wonderful, spiritual place, very moving and captivating. An absolute must do.
7. Akasaka Palace (State Guesthouse)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 521 reviews
The State Guest House, Akasaka Palace (SGH AP) serves as a splendid stage of diplomatic activities by welcoming monarchs and presidents from countries all over the world. The SGH AP opens to the general public unless its main activities of welcoming dignitaries from abroad are interrupted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXC5rGGAejA
Reviewed By phx787 - Tokyo, Japan
I think everyone who is interested in diplomacy should check this place out. They recently opened it to pubic tours and I went with a friend who used to work nearby. You'll learn a lot about how State visits to Japan happen!
8. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,447 reviews
The South Observatory will remain closed, due to remodeling work on the TMG Buildings. It is scheduled for a renewal opening around spring of 2019. (The Norh Observatory is open.)
Reviewed By CHRISL525
head on up to the view deck for a free view of the city , great view day or night and it's free , so great for families. right in the heart of shinjuku.
9. Tokyo Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8,259 reviews
Reviewed By _jennys3489 - Melbourne, Australia
Great view , very well organised with lots of tourists , great lift ride to the top , amazing views , robot talks to crowd and info about architect etc .. staff very professional and uniforms very cute !
10. Kappabashi Street (Kappabashi Dogugai)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,310 reviews
The stores in this neighborhood sell kitchen equipment and paper supplies to the city's restaurants. Of note are the specialty plastic food items, which are placed in restaurant windows to show passersby what goodies are being served inside.
Reviewed By Dreamer59016400170 - East Brunswick, United States
I stumbled on this district many years ago and still come back here regularly. I visit the same knife store to pick up good knives as the perfect gift for all occasions. There are too many places that are good sources for whatever you might need for food preparation and serving to list in this review. Just go and browse!
