Location: Tokyo
Top Things to do in Tokyo
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Tokyo, Kanto
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. Edo-Tokyo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,176 reviews
The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum opened its doors in March 1993 as a space to reflect on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo and envision the city and life of the future. Housed in a unique building modeled after an elevated-floor type warehouse, the museum has been a landmark and popular tourist attraction in Tokyo since its opening. The permanent exhibition, showcasing original objects and replicas, offers visitors a journey through the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo since Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum holds special exhibitions at the first floor gallery five to six times a year and carries out various other events, including lectures and workshops on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo. ※As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Edo Tokyo Museum will suspend or cancel museum-organized exhibitions and other events from April 25 (Sun) to May 31 (Tue).
Reviewed By stephanied623 - Milwaukee, United States
When we went, we chose a Saturday to see the live re-enactment of Edo-period music and dance. (Found those details on Peatix) and we were not disappointed! So beautiful! The museum itself was also very impressive. Loved the Bridge and Home Replicas, a few interactive exhibits to touch and try, and the audio guide fits on one ear and starts talking about the exhibit you are near by tapping it to the sign or walking near. Very wonderful sights and experiences here. Beautiful views and explanations and simply an amazing museum all around!
2. Ueno Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,244 reviews
This large park is a favorite destination of Tokyo residents, and within can be found many of the city's main attractions including the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo and the National Museum of Western Art.
Reviewed By Jry550 - Honolulu, United States
My wife and I visited Ueno park on a beautiful sunlit and cool weekend afternoon along with thousands of locals picnicking and enjoying the cherry blossoms in full bloom. They all removed their shoes before walking onto the plastic tarps laid on the ground and the women left their handbags on the edges of the tarps trusting that nothing would happen. Amazing to someone who’s been a victim of theft while on trips in Europe. The Japanese believe that courtesy and respect for others is paramount and it’s a tribute to their culture that the worlds largest city with over 38 million residents can exist so harmoniously. It’s always a treat to visit this wonderful country. This park is home to several museums and a zoo, so plan at least a half day to experience it.
3. Hama Rikyu Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,915 reviews
This popular park is located next to Tokyo Bay and contains one of the most beautiful gardens in the city.
Reviewed By ghayman - Greenbelt, United States
Strolling through this well maintained and a peaceful 62-acre park is a recommended activity. There are meadows, paths, lakes, bridges, a tea house, a lighthouse, benches and even platforms where you can lie down and stretch out. This public park area, the "Hama Detached Palace Garden", was the former site of the old Imperial gardens of the Edo period. It reminds you of Central Park in New York City but to a smaller scale. The park is located in the Chuo area of Tokyo on the banks of the Sumida river and only a short walking distance from the former Tsukiji Fish Market (now moved to a new location.) One can stroll and admire the manicured gardens and landscape enjoying the peaceful tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. Entrance fee is ~$2.60 US ($1.30 Senior). There are restrooms available and several smoking areas. Other areas include flower displays, trees (including cherry trees), horse exercising, tea ceremony, stores, lakes, bridges, and even duck hunting. It is located close to the Tsukijishijo subway station on the Oedo line.
4. Senso-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,321 reviews
According to legend, two brothers kept trying to return a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, to the Sumida River only to have it returned to them the next day. This temple located in Tokyo's Asakusa district was built to honor her.
Reviewed By SandyS1593
There's so much going on at the Senso-ji Temple. There's the Asakusa Shrine, a five-story pagoda, beautiful gardens with a statue of Buddha and a street of over 200 shops that sell traditional Japanese items and souvenirs. If you only have time for one temple stop, I highly recommend Senso-ji.
5. Odaiba District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,008 reviews
Another of Tokyo's entertainment districts, this man-made island in Tokyo Bay is home to restaurants, theme parks and interesting architecture.
Reviewed By unescotravelbug - Wooster, United States
I have been to Japan 8 times in the past but never made an effort to visit Odaiba till this trip since we were to depart from Haneda back to USA and stayed in Shinagawa for a night. It’s truly a fun place for all ages. Odaiba is a city of its own with amusement park, waterfront marine park where you will find a small replica of Statue of Liberty standing on the edge of the park with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay on the background. It’s the most visited site on the island. Kids love the fun activities; young adults love shopping for fashion ware, while some prefers visiting the science museums. Ferris wheel and Fuji TV headquarter’s sliver globe observatory are considered the iconic landmarks, along with Rainbow Bridge, all can be seen from the other side of Tokyo Bay by Hamamatsucho. At the waterfront by Aqua City you can include Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge and a tiny needle look of Tokyo Tower all three in one shot of picture, along with Tokyo’s skyscrapers in distance. There are varieties of international cuisines for your hungry appetite or snack shops for midday break. Marine Park is a great location to watch sunset. Night views from the waterfront are exceptional impressive when lighted Rainbow Bridge and small tourist boats shine the darkness of sky. Free shuttle provided by Tokyo Bay bus that loop around the popular sites from The Nation Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation to the waterfront marine park. It runs every 20 minutes till 7pm. There is Rainbow Bus company from Shinagawa Station to Odaiba, runs every so often hourly from East Exit(Konan Exit); turn right you will see a sign directing you to the bus waiting stop. It takes 17 minutes, 210 yens each ride, the last hour of bus return is 9:57 pm., if you miss it there are taxis available to get back to Shinagawa. You can also take a private rail Yurikamome Line from Shinbashi station. If you are making a stop-over there is a manned booth for luggage stored by the west exit( near the Keikyu Rail elevator access) inside of the JR station or just rent a locker.
6. 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).
7. National Museum of Nature and Science
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,229 reviews
Reviewed By bgood098
We had three hours to spend and were looking for something to keep our 8 year old occupied. When we asked what she was looking for, she said, “something with fossils, dinosaurs, early humans.” Hmmmm...check, check, and check. There was something for all of us to enjoy. Some exhibits were only in Japanese but many had English translations or were self explanatory. Kids had free admission. Worth a stop!
8. Asakusa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,105 reviews
This popular Tokyo neighborhood is home to many shops and restaurants as well as the famed Senso-ji Temple.
Reviewed By 228irenak
Great area- both the vast temple and shrine complex and the surrounding area, with super cute traditional streets. Nice place to hang out and walk around the little shops.
9. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By 253SA - Singapore, Singapore
This is one of Tokyo's many gardens, and rated as one of the best. Indeed it deserves the accolade. Though small and compact, the gardens has enough foliage to mesmerise, especially during the fall when the leaves are in varying stages of turning their colours. To any photographers out there, this is a paradise for you. The entrance fee of 300 yen is well worth the images you bring out.
10. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,151 reviews
Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed on the site of a private mansion belonging to Lord Naito, a "daimyo" (feudal lord) of the Edo era. Completed in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was re-designated as a national garden after the Second World War and opened to the public. With 58.3 ha(144 acres) in size and a circumference of 3.5 km, it blends three distinct styles, Formal Garden, Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden, and is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era.
Reviewed By Cholo_Juan - Nathalia, Australia
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is perhaps the most beautiful garden in Tokyo, nestled in the heart of Shinjuku/Shibuya within walking distance of Shinjuku Station, this garden to me exemplifies a large Japanese garden, once the private garden of the Naitō family in the Edo period it is now under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit gardens in Japan, the combination of beautiful coloured foliage and stunning landscaping and vistas combine to give garden lovers an experience not to be missed, the garden is built around three lakes with plenty of paths to lead you on to one wonderful view after another, then a tea house or pavilion and then past sculpted beds of shrubs, across bridges and when finaly you need to rest you can sit at one of the cafes and enjoy a snack whilst contemplating the beauty of Japan.
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