Tokyo – and Japan in general – is a country I’ve always wanted to visit. I was really looking forward to watching this summer’s 2020 Olympics, not just for the sports though. TV broadcasts often include mini travelogues about the regions where the competition takes place. The reason we’ve never visited Japan is purely because I wouldn’t know where to start when planning an itinerary! So, it is the perfect destination to armchair travel, with the expert advice from my travel blogging friends. They each suggested a single ‘must visit’ experience within Tokyo, for us to include in our itinerary. They’ve already been super brilliant in suggesting itineraries for Hawaii, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Bali, Sri Lanka, Vancouver and Iceland.
Tsukiji Fish Market
Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market was one of the top must-have experiences in Japan when it was in its original location. It was the busiest and the largest fish market in the world. It became too expensive to maintain in that section of the city, so the market moved to Toyosu about 2 km east of Tsukiji in 2019.
The new Toyosu Fish Market is even bigger than the original Tsukiji so it retains its title as the world’s largest fish market. The inner market and the world-renowned tuna auction are still operating in Toyosu. The outer market in Tsukiji with its many restaurants, shops and a small wholesale section remains open and it is still a unique Japan experience.
Although it is very easy to get to the fish market and walk around on your own, go with a local guide. A local guide will make sure you have exposure to the history of the market and its most interesting aspects.
Go hungry because you will get ample samples of the freshest seafood on earth. Depending on your tour, you may also have a lunch included. If this is an option, go for it. This famous fish market is a unique experience and one of the best things to do in Tokyo.
Submitted by Talek, Travels with Talek
teamLab Borderless
When compiling things to add to your Tokyo bucket list, make sure to leave a spot for teamLab Borderless. One of the coolest things to do in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless is an immersive experience into the world of digital art.
When you arrive at teamLab Borderless, you can wander throughout the exhibits freely – there is no set pathway through the museum. Truthful to the museum’s name, the exhibits here have no boundaries and there is art projected all over the museum’s walls, floors, and ceilings. Visiting teamLab Borderless is a multi-sensory experience that stimulates your sight, smell, touch, hearing, and even your taste!
All of the exhibits at teamLab Borderless are incredible, but some of the more popular rooms include the Forest of Resonating Lamps, Universe of Water Particles on a Rock Where People Gather, and Crystal World. When planning your visit to the museum, make sure to wear closed-toed athletic shoes as there are some areas that require them (if you forget, rental shoes are available).
Submitted by Sydney, A World in Reach
Street Go Karting
A ‘must do’ activity for adults when visiting Tokyo is to book in to do a Street Go Karting experience, where you get to drive (legally!) around the streets of Tokyo in a Go Kart. The experience is amazing to get a great view and feel for driving around the streets of Tokyo.
To stay safe, choose an option which includes two guides, one at the front and one at the rear to keep your tour group together. We really enjoyed following our guide’s directions and having lots of pedestrians wave at us as we drove around Asakusa and Ueno.
To do this activity it is essential that you have a driver’s license in your home country and also purchase an International Drivers Permit before you depart. Once you have these items you should have no issue booking in for your Street Go Kart experience. Unfortunately, this activity is one that the kids cannot participate in as only one person who has a driver’s license can travel in each Go Kart.
Submitted by Anne, Japan Travel Planning
Meiji Shrine
In a city that’s known for being modern and densely populated, it’s refreshing to find a space where tradition and nature remain the focus.
Meiji Shrine is located in a large forested area packed with towering cedar trees. The shrine’s beautifully understated wooden buildings blend harmoniously with their surroundings, as does the large torii gate at the entrance to the shrine’s grounds.
Visitors to the shrine can witness or take part in Shinto rituals like writing a wish on an ema and making offerings at the main hall. You may even happen to see a traditional wedding taking place. The shrine is especially popular after New Year’s when people flock to it for the year’s first prayers.
Even as one of the top visited shrines in Japan, Meiji manages to make one forget they’re in the most populated city in the world thanks to its natural setting and tranquil atmosphere.
Submitted by Rhonda, Travel Yes Please
Shibuya Crossing
Many of Japan’s attractions are all about exploring the ancient history and culture or enjoying the beautiful nature of Japan. But in Tokyo, it’s all about how life works in this ultra-modern city of nearly 14 million people. And no place encapsulates Tokyo’s busy city life better than Shibuya crossing. Watch the masses seething in all directions as the lights all turn green at this seven-way crossroads.
The best overhead view of the crossing is from the 7th-floor rooftop of the Magnet by Shibuya 109 department store, affectionately known as Mag’s Park. Admission costs 600 yen, and it’s open from 11 am to 11 pm, with the last entrance at 10:30 pm. It’s worth noting that you can re-enter on the same ticket up to three hours after you entered the first time. This means you could come in the afternoon for daytime shots and then come back again after nightfall.
We happened to see a newlywed couple posing for wedding shots in the center of the crossing. My husband took some amazing time-lapse shots of them, which were probably much better than what their own wedding photographers got from the ground level!
Submitted by Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan
Tokyo Disney
A visit to Tokyo Disney is a must for any Disney or theme park lover visiting Tokyo. Easily the best of the Disney parks around the world, Tokyo Disney offers unique attractions, entertainment, and the best snacks. Everyone who works at the park is very friendly and many of the guests dress up in matching outfits. The Tokyo Disney Resort is made up of two parks: Disneyland and DisneySea.
At Tokyo Disneyland make sure not to miss “Pooh’s Honey Hunt.” Although this is a children’s ride, it is one of the best rides in the park and the fastpasses for it go quickly! At Boiler Room Bites, make sure to get a delicious Minnie Mouse steam bun.
Tokyo DisneySea is easily the most unique Disney park in the world. Themed to different nautical and water themes, each “Port of Call” provides endless fun. One of the most popular rides, Journey to the Center of the Earth, takes riders through the landmark volcano at the center of the park. In the American waterfront make sure to grab some “Little Green Men” mochi as a snack from the street vendor. Tokyo Disney will make for a memorable experience and a day (or two) full of fun. It should be added to any Tokyo trip!
Submitted by Francesca, Homeroom Travel
Odaiba
The man-made island of Odaiba in Tokyo is one of the city’s largest entertainment districts and is a particularly popular date spot for young couples on the weekends. It’s easy to spend a whole day on Odaiba if you have time because there are so many attractions and things to do.
Aside from the TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum, Odaiba is great for shopping with four shopping malls all within close walking distance of each other. The Venus Fort mall is home to outlet stores, a giant Ferris wheel the giant Toyota showroom where kids can drive mini cars and a hydrogen-powered bus. At Diver City, you can see the giant Gundam statue or go bowling, whilst at the Decks Mall, you can visit the Sega virtual reality theme park, Madame Tussauds, the Legoland Discovery Centre, and a replica of a 1930s Japanese shopping street with food stalls, carnival games, and a haunted house.
Outside of the shopping areas, there’s also Odaiba beach to enjoy with great views of the Tokyo skyline and Rainbow Bridge, the Miraikan science museum, and Oedo Onsen, a hot-springs theme park.
Submitted by Tanja, Ryokou Girl
Taking a ninja class
Ninja’s were mercenaries, spies and assassins and they have been part of the Japanese culture for centuries. A visit to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to warriors’ past by participating in a ninja lesson.
This is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. Firstly, everyone gets to change into a ninja costume to channel their inner ninja.
Secondly, the instructor, who descends from a long line of ninjas, takes you through a series of meditation exercises.
Once the meditation has been mastered, the instructor then teaches everyone how to stealthily walk so as not to be heard. Afterwards, you learn how to swing a sword and attack your enemy in the dark.
Then you are put through training on how to throw shuriken’s, also known as ninja stars. Next is a lesson on blow darts. Finally, everyone goes through training on how to throw ninja spikes, although the spikes are replaced with chopsticks to make it safer on everyone!
Taking a ninja class is a fantastic and fun experience, and definitely not to be missed when travelling to Tokyo!
Submitted by Beth, Frugal Female Abroad
Wear a Kimono on the Streets of Tokyo
Wearing a kimono is one of the unique cultural experiences in Japan. If you want to make your next visit to Tokyo extra special, you don’t want to miss the kimono experience.
Kimono is a traditional Japanese costume made of artfully designed fabric that wraps around your body. The Japanese still wear it today for special occasions – such as weddings and Coming of Age Day. And you can often spot locals and tourists in kimono on the streets of Tokyo.
An authentic kimono tailored by masters can cost you an arm and a leg. But not to worry. It is easy to find affordable rental shops near Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku. While the rental price varies, it should range from 3,000 to 5,000 yen for a full-day rental. These shops usually offer professional assistance in putting on layers of kimono and styling your hair. Some may also offer add-on accessories, makeup, and photography services.
Are you ready to bring out your inner fashionista? Wandering the city in kimono will give you a memorable experience and lots of awesome photos to cherish forever.
Submitted by Chloe, Chloe’s Travelogue
Shibuya Sky Observatory in Shibuya
Have you heard about one of Tokyo’s hidden gems? Hiding in plain sight at 47 storeys above the world’s busiest street crossing, the Shibuya “Scramble”, the Shibuya Sky Observatory will have you feeling on top of the clouds. As the largest rooftop viewing platform in the country, it’s one of the best viewpoints to take in the enormity of the city.
If you visit on a clear day, iconic landmarks of Tokyo come into view such as the Tokyo SkyTree, Tokyo Tower and, if you’re incredibly lucky, the ever-evasive Mt Fuji showing off her beauty on the horizon. While visiting during the day is an amazing experience, Shibuya Sky at night is truly special. The entire ground below appears to glow in a stunning illumination.
No need to worry if vertigo gets the best of you as there is also an indoor viewing area on the 46th floor called the Sky Gallery. There are even 200 stores to explore in the skyscraper itself. Shibuya Sky is currently one of Tokyo’s newest attractions and hasn’t yet been discovered by the masses!
Submitted by Alyse, The Invisible Tourist
Stationery Café Bunbougu
Tokyo is full of many whacky themed cafes from the bizarre Kawaii Monster Café to the scary prison café. There are also many animal cafes but sadly not all of these cafes full of furry friends are ethical. For example, the popular Owl Café is very harmful for owls. Being awake in daytime to pose with tourists hurts their eyes. If you don’t want to support animal cruelty, have not managed to book in advance for one of the more popular themed cafes or don’t fancy paying a forced service charge, consider the lesser-known Stationery Café Bunbougu in Tokyo.
The stationery café in Tokyo is not well-known amongst tourists and tends to attract mainly locals. As you enter, you pass beautiful sketches, a small craft shop before reaching the café. The soft lighting and gentle guitar music playing makes for a wonderful place to relax before containing your Tokyo explorations. While there is no service fee, you must both purchase at least one drink. Food is also available but who is thinking about food when there are gel pens, stamps and pens to doodle with?!
Submitted by Anna, My Travel Scrapbook
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building #1
If you are thinking about visiting Tokyo, a good initial entry and first thing to enjoy would be to see the entire city from above. This is a free experience if you go visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building #1 in Shinjuku area. You can see both of the observation areas on two different towers of the government building for free – once you enter the building, you’ll see some signs in English on visiting the observation tower elevators. The ride up to the top observation area is fast and the views of the entire city and major landmarks is quite impressive as you can walk around the entire upper floors with large scale windows and views of the entire city.
The upstairs observation towers are slightly different in views from each tower and there are cafes inside and other gift stores if you want to shop for souvenirs. Downstairs are also some unique shops and sometimes there are tradeshow exhibits open to the public to enter and enjoy. Around the area are nice restaurants and you can actually find great deals for business lunch specials during lunch time. If you are exploring the city, check out my post on the best places to photograph Tokyo here for more images and inspiration to visiting this colorful and dynamic city.
Submitted by Noel, Travel Photo Discovery
