Look no further for the Top Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan. This family-friendly list includes 15 must-see attractions in Tokyo, creating a curated list anyone can enjoy, kids or not. Don't miss the best temples, sumo experiences, TeamLab, neighborhoods, and attractions in this bustling city.
Planning a trip to Japan? Also see our favorite photos from Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo Disney.
Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
Wondering what the top things to do in Tokyo, Japan are? This epic, sprawling city of 14 million people is unlike anything I've ever experienced. The city is filled with endless miles of concrete and high-rises, with modern architecture, high-end shopping, food, fashion temples, shrines, and neon-lit signs, but also quiet temples, gardens, and old-school Japanese neighborhoods. This mix of old and new is common in Japan, but it is especially incredible in Tokyo, where ancient temples are at the feet of skyscrapers. It's clean, safe, and filled with the kindest people.
But in a city this large, where do you begin? Whether you are visiting Tokyo to see the most common tourist attractions like the Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, or Senso-ji Temple, or looking for experiences like sumo wrestlers or interactive art exhibits, this list has something for you.
I found planning my trip to Japan very overwhelming. The number of things to do in Tokyo for first-time visitors is endless, and it's hard to cut through it all and figure out what's most practical for your time in the city. This list does the hard work for you and covers 15 of the best, must-see attractions during your time there. This list does not cover Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which we visited separately and I cover in its own post. They were worth visiting if you have time.
I visited Japan for 2 weeks with my husband and 7-year-old twin boys. We spent five days in Tokyo, including a day trip to Mt. Fuji. None of these are kid-exclusive activities, and we loved them, both the kids and adults. But whether you have kids or not, this list is a great place to start. Here are our top things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
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Things to do in Tokyo Japan
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of Tokyo's most iconic and important historical sites. This sprawling property honors the spirits of Emperor Meiji, who died in 1912. Meiji ended Japan's long isolation, setting the country up for modernization.
The grounds include temples, a gorgeous forest, ponds, and flowering shrubs.
This spot has large mammoth torii gates that rise 40 feet tall. The torii gates mark the entrance to temples, separating the secular world outside from the spiritual world of the Shinto shrine inside.
There are even bottles of sake at the entrance to honor Meiji.
In late June, the Meiji Jingu Gardens are filled with the most gorgeous blooming irises.
If you are there that time of year, you have to see them! Just look how gorgeous. Seeing these is one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Sensoji Temple Complex
The other top temple to see in Tokyo is the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. This is Tokyo's oldest temple, built in the 17th century, and one of the most iconic, photo-worthy spots on our trip.
The visit to Senso-ji starts with the famous Kaminarimon Gate and a walk along the Nakamise-dori to the temple. The street is lined with traditional food stalls, Japanese crafts, and shops, adding more color to the experience. This is how busy it was on a June afternoon. If you like to avoid crowds, go in the morning.
The most famous sight is the five-story pagoda, which rises above the nearby modern architecture.
The main temple was established in 645, but rebuilt after the bombings in 1945.
Japanese people still use the temple, climb the stairs to the top, and offer prayers.
Another favorite experience of the trip was taking part in the Japanese tradition called omikuji, where you shake a box, a key comes out, and you draw your fortune.
If you get bad luck, you leave it behind and tie your paper on the rack. If it's good luck, you take it with you.
The boys and I loved experiencing this unique activity.
Sumo Experience
Seeing and learning about Sumo wrestling was one of our absolute favorite parts of our trip and another top thing to do in Tokyo, Japan. We visited Sumoland in Shinjuku.
I was afraid it would be cheesy, but it was just the opposite. The staff truly wanted us to learn about the history of sumo wrestling and helped make the experience feel more authentic.
We even got to eat a steam pot, and the kids got hands-on lessons in some of the moves.
This activity was another favorite of the trip, and I can't recommend adding it to your itinerary enough! This photo is frame-worthy!
Mori Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless
Visiting a TeamLab museum is another top thing to do in Tokyo, Japan. You can choose between Planets and Borderless. We chose Borderless and loved it. This is a popular activity, and you will need to get tickets in advance.
The museum is a unique, immersive art experience that lets you wander between rooms and become part of the exhibit.
The rooms had everything from crazy light mazes to giant balls that you got to push around. Every room is filled with sound and motion, and it is truly magical.
Moving the balls made you a part of the art.
There is also this amazing water display that turns the water into art.
The entire exhibit was unique, colorful, and like nothing we had ever experienced. At the end, there is a giant play area for kids, so give yourself plenty of time to let them play.
Harajuka
Harajuku is best known for its colorful food, Hello Kitty, fun youth fashion, and kawaii culture, which stands for cute. The hectic Takeshita Street was way too crazy for us to linger, but it is worth a brief visit just to see how busy it gets. It really is something to see and one of the top things to see in Tokyo, plus one of the most unique places I've ever seen. I was prepared for crowds on our Japan trip, but honestly this street was the only time I felt uncomfortable. So just be prepared!
We stopped by for long enough to pick up this crazy rainbow cotton candy.
There are also huge stores with capsule toys or gachapon for kids.
And our boys picked up a pichachi. It's a colorful and a bit wild part of any trip to Tokyo.
Shibuya Crossing
Another can't-miss top thing to do in Tokyo, Japan, is to visit the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing near Shibuya station. This is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, and over 2,500 people can cross it at once. I generally try to avoid crowded places, but this is so iconic in Tokyo that you have to go.
You can experience the crossing from the ground and visit nearby stores and cafes, or see it from above.
While there, also visit the Hachiko Statue, a statue of the loyal dog who waited for his owner at this crossing for 10 years. The statue is a Japanese symbol of enduring loyalty.
Tokyo-Edo Museum
The Tokyo-Edo Museum is a great place to learn more about Japan's history. This museum helps preserve Edo's cultural heritage, which reflects Japan's premodern history. The museum features a full-scale model of Nihonbashi, cultural exhibits, and models showing how people lived and worked in Japan. It just reopened after a major renovation.
There are just enough interactive exhibits to keep kids interested.
The amount of history you get here makes this a must-visit spot on any Tokyo tour.
See Tokyo from Above
It's hard to fully grasp the size of Tokyo until you see it from above. Two of the most memorable spots for skyline views from above are the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Shibuya Sky. All of these offer gorgeous views and a sense of Tokyo's scale!
We were lucky enough that our hotel had amazing views, so we enjoyed them from there. This was our breakfast view every morning. The observation deck is also a perfect place to watch the sunset.
Visit 7-11
One of the top things to do in Tokyo, Japan, is to visit 7-11, FamilyMart, or another konbini, a type of convenience store. They are open 24-7, are clean, affordable, and offer a huge selection or snack, meals and drinks. They are nothing like gas stations in the US, and the food and drinks are things you actually want to try, especially with kids. This is the easiest way to get a meal in a pinch.
We loved the egg sandwiches, fruit sandwiches, onigiri, coffee, and even got freshly made fruit smoothies. We loved the smoothies so much, I made a video on Instagram.
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Imperial Palace
Visiting the Imperial Palace is an important stop on your Tokyo tour and one of the top things to do. You can see the Imperial Palace, Diet building, the prime minister's residence, and the Supreme Court. A local guide can help you to know what you are looking at.
The Imperial Palace was built in 1590. We didn't take the limited tour, but we enjoyed seeing the castle-like walls and learning the area's history. The Japanese Imperial family still lives beyond these walls, making this a great history lesson for kids and adults.
It's also just a short walk to Tokyo Station to see that.
Art Aquarium
The Art Aquarium in Ginza is one of the more unique things to do in Tokyo. This immersive art exhibit puts live fish into coloring artwork. The illuminated rooms are mesmerizing! This low-key, uncrowded, air-conditioned spot is the perfect break from the hectic, often hot city outside.
Add this hidden gem to your itinerary! The whole experience is really fun.
Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Outer Market was once home to the world's largest wholesale fish and seafood market. The outer market still remains and is a popular foodie spot. Over 400 food stalls sell everything from fresh seafood and tuna delicacies to Japanese street food and sweet treats. Some say it's become a bit touristy, but it's still worth stopping by and getting a few snacks!
Conveyor Belt Sushi
Another top thing to do in Tokyo, Japan, is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Plates of food circle the restaurant and dining area on a moving conveyor belt. You grab the plates that look good. The plates are priced by color, and you pay for your stack of plates at the end.
This was another really fun experience for our whole family, and it's something we still talk about! Other must-try foodie experiences include ramen, tempura, yakitori, soba, udon, and gyoza.
Day Trip to Mount Fuji and Hakone
If you have more than a few days in Tokyo, add a day trip to the nearby countryside to see Mt. Fuji and Hakone. While Mt. Fuji was hidden behind clouds when we visited, it was still worth seeing the surrounding mountain towns like Kamakura and Hakone, which is known for its hot springs.
As a nature-loving family, this site was just what we needed after a few days in the city.
While we didn't see Mt. Fuji on the day we traveled to the mountains, we did get to see this sight on our last day in Tokyo!
Top Things to Do in Tokyo: Final Thoughts
Tokyo is one of the craziest, most unique places I've visited. Where else can you visit ancient temples, modern art exhibits, and gorgeous Japanese gardens in a few miles? Something new and interesting is around every corner, and every neighborhood is full of surprises. I was most impressed with the cleanliness, amazing food, polite people, and the endless sprawl of buildings. I'm not much of a city lover, but Tokyo won me over with its charm and little green spaces. This city is worth a visit and the perfect home base for your Japan adventure. If you want to see more behind-the-scenes photos from our trip, here are my favorites from each place we stopped in Japan.
Top Things to Do in Tokyo FAQ
Tokyo Travel Tips
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Make sure you have and wear comfortable shoes. We walked 15,000-20,000 steps every day.
- Use Uber: Many guides say to use public transport, but we found Ubers easy to use, super clean, and really efficient for getting your family from one spot to another. With two younger kids, I found it worth the extra cost.
- Carry Cash: You'll need some Japanese yen to get into some places. Most places take credit cards, but we needed cash for some temples and food in Harajuku.
- Start Early: Many of these attractions get crazier as the day goes on, and the best time to go is in the morning.
- Build Downtime: This city is huge and will wear you out! Build in some downtime to enjoy meals and rest.
What are the top 5 Things to Do in Tokyo?
If you only have time for a few things in Tokyo, I would visit Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, teamLab Borderless, Shibuya Crossing, and a Sumo Show.
Is Tokyo worth visiting?
Yes! This city is iconic and should be on your Japan itinerary, even if you don't like cities. The mix of historic Japanese culture, modern attractions, food, shopping, parks, museums, and unique neighborhoods makes it worth visiting.
More Can't Miss Stops
Do you have more time in Tokyo? Add these to your list!
- Cherry Blossoms: If you are there in spring, don't miss seeing the world-famous cherry blossoms.
- Ueno Park: A large park, like Central Park, with museums, temples, ponds, gardens, and walking paths. This is the best place to see cherry blossoms in the spring.
- Nezu Museum: A great spot to see Japanese architecture, art, and gardens.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Another gorgeous nature spot in Tokyo with tree-lined paths and a river.
- Yoyogi Park: Another beautiful spot to enjoy nature in the city.
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