Tokyo is unlike any other metropolis in the world. People can go to museums and temples, as well as eat at one of the city’s thousands of great eateries. But that isn’t all there is to Tokyo.
Here is a list of some of the most amazing things you can do in this incredible city that will leave you fascinated and perplexed. These activities are not only entertaining but also safe.
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10 Best Things To Do In Tokyo
Below is a selection of our favourite quirky, odd, and just cool things to do in Tokyo. Tokyo is unquestionably one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. At the end of our article, you’ll discover a map of all the places included in our list, as well as some recommendations on how to get around this fantastic city.
1 – Cosplay Go-KartingÂ
According to us, the coolest thing to do in Tokyo is to drive a go-kart while dressing up as your favourite character through the streets. Yes, you read that correctly. In Tokyo, anyone may drive a little go-kart among actual vehicles, trucks, and buses!
Although it can be frightening for those who are unfamiliar with the concept, it is a dream come true for those who are. Others drive through little shrines and skyscrapers, calm residential neighbourhoods and crowded crossings, all while people look, wave, and even take pictures of you!
One of the most exciting aspects of go-karting is the opportunity to drive around the huge Rainbow Bridge. You may also get a fantastic perspective of the entire city from here. The view of the skyline is breathtaking. If you’re concerned about safety, go-karts are quite simple to use.
However, in order to secure your safety, you will be required to show your international driver’s licence. Before you travel to Tokyo, be sure you have one.
Note: This was originally known as Maricar because people dressed up like Mario from the popular video game, but Nintendo forced it to close down. The go-karting hasn’t altered much since then, save that you can now dress yourself as different characters.
2 – DisneySea Tokyo
Wait until you hear about DisneySea in Tokyo if you believe you’re too old to go to Disney. It’s unlike any other Disney theme park in the world. If you ask us, we believe it is the most effective.
It’s a maritime theme park with seven ports inspired by real-life ocean tales and locations, including a Mediterranean harbour that looks like Italy, an American waterfront, a mysterious island with an erupting volcano, and the Arabian coast.
When compared to neighbouring park Tokyo Disneyland, where you may sip a cocktail and watch Broadway musicals within a 1920s lounge on a cruise ship, the attractions are significantly more adult-oriented. Isn’t that exciting?!
With fairy tale castles and thrilling attractions like Space and Splash Mountains, it’s a fantastic site to visit. If you have more than one day, you can devote a significant amount of time to each activity.
If this concept appeals to you, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is a good place to visit. It houses several incredible coasters as well as the beautiful Harry Potter World. It is without a doubt one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations.
3. Robot Restaurant
The robot eatery isn’t at all what its name implies. There aren’t many robots, and the establishment isn’t even a restaurant. In fact, it is a presentation that is regarded as one of Tokyo’s strangest yet coolest attractions.
Ninjas, terrifying clowns, drums, robots, blue haired dancers, dragons, guitarist on swings, incredibly loud music, and a lot of neon lights are all part of The Robot Restaurant’s dynamic presentation. We are confident that you will enjoy it if you are interested in any of these topics.
4 – Borderless Digital Art Museum by TeamLab
If you spend a lot of time browsing through Instagram, a trip to the TeamLab Borderless art gallery is perhaps the most attractive thing that can happen to your feed. However, shooting photographs is not the only reason to visit this museum.
This museum will undoubtedly be unlike any other you have ever visited. The museum does not offer visitors with directions on a map since they believe that half of the fun is in the discovery.
People like going through dark corridors, picking doors at random, and exploring immersive displays that make imaginative use of lighting and projections. Waves break against the walls in one of these rooms, and the visitor sits on a bean bag, feeling like he or she is on a tiny boat in the huge sea.
Visitors can lie on a large net while the room spins around them in their peaceful Floating Nest. Visitors travel through a chamber with shifting colourful lights in another room named Forest of Lamps.
Another section, Athletic Forest, is quite engaging and has play places for both big and small children. En Tea House, with flowers blooming in your cup, is also a very attractive sight. The museum is so interesting that it deserves at least a few hours of your time to explore it.
We advise recommend eating before going to the museum because there is no food available inside. If you don’t have enough time, visit the Crystal World, Floating Nest, and Forest of Lamps, which are all popular attractions. We also recommend that you arrive on time because the lines might grow rather long.
5 – Ghibli Museum
This is for those who are huge admirers of Studio Ghibli. Although the majority of their short animations and displays are in Japanese, don’t worry since they also have items and artwork from iconic films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away on display.
They also put on exhibits about the food that the characters in the movies eat. In movies, the amount of care paid to minor elements is truly remarkable.
6 – Harajuku
Takeshita Street is the hub of Tokyo’s young neighbourhood. Harajuku is extremely congested, particularly on weekends. Nonetheless, the site is worth a visit if you want to see some cosplay youngsters and shop at some odd fashion businesses.
Not to mention eating at one of the city’s most well-known creperie vendors. Visitors can also go to Omotesando, a highly upscale retail area, or Meiji Shrine, which is located within Yoyogi Park. You can also pay a visit to the Ota Museum.
7 – Sensoji TempleÂ
It is a Buddhist temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Within Tokyo, it is the most traditional neighbourhood. Some antique wooden shops can still be found here. The temple is painted in a brilliant crimson colour and is frequently busy.
However, going off to the gardens of calmer temples is a simple way to get away. In the main area, you’ll also find fortune tellers. To attract good luck, you can have yourself wrapped with incense here.
Visitors can receive free views of the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s highest structure, and the Nakamise shopping area, which leads to Sensoji, from a nearby location.
8 – The Ota Memorial Museum of Art
Harajuku is where you’ll discover this museum. It’s a modest gallery that features a variety of exquisite Ukiyoe, Japanese wood block prints. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see Hokusai’s 36 Views of Mount Fuji, which also features the Great Wave off Kanagawa.
9 – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Within Tokyo, there is a lovely park. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, or in late summer, is the finest time to come. The park is extremely beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn red. Strolling by the pagodas, teahouse, and ponds is a popular pastime for guests.
There are gardens in French, Japanese, and English. The garden provides a welcome respite from the city’s typically hectic pace. A garden picnic is the ideal way to spend a day in Shinjuku.
10 – Kaiseki MealÂ
It’s a traditional Japanese multi-course tasting feast made with seasonal ingredients and presented artistically. It’s a whole different experience to eat this dinner in a private tatami mat room.
Because this meal is on the pricey side, we recommend going for lunch rather than dinner. If you’re wondering if it’s suitable for vegetarians, don’t be concerned. Shojin Ryori is a vegan Zen Buddhist cuisine that is comparable to kaiseki.
11 – Restaurant with a Ramen Vending MachineÂ
Transactions in traditional ramen restaurants differ from those in other restaurants. You place your order and pay for it at a vending machine as soon as you enter any ramen restaurant in Tokyo.
You must then take a seat at the counter and present your ticket to the chef. Within Tokyo, there are numerous ramen joints. If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry. The greatest locations for you to eat are Ramen Puja and T’s Tantan.
12 – Food Basement in a Department Store
If you want to try traditional Japanese cuisine, go downstairs to one of the large department stores like Isetan or Takashimaya.
These food catacombs are brimming with delicacies ranging from sushi to sake, as well as unusually flavoured kit kats, pickled veggies, exquisite bento sets, dozens of rice crackers, and hundred-dollar melons.
The majority of the time, you will have no idea what you’re looking for. If you’re not a vegetarian, however, it’s a good place to grab your picnic lunch.
13 – Tokyo Metropolitan Government
As previously said, there are several locations from which to observe the stunning Tokyo Skyline. However, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is the finest site to do so.
Its North Tower is open until 11:00 p.m., allowing tourists to take in the sights of the city’s skyscrapers and motorways lighted up in the darkness of the night. If you plan on going during the day, we recommend visiting in the morning because you will be able to see Mount Fuji from its South Tower.
14 – A Trip Down Memory Lane
Memory Lane, also known as Piss Alley, is a fun spot to visit. It gained its name after World War II, when there were no bathroom facilities accessible. Although public restrooms are now available, the location transports you back in time.
The area is lined with little yakitori shops with counters that can only hold a few people. There will be crimson lamps and smoke flowing from the grills, making it a frightening place to enter. The menus are largely written in Japanese, however you can order using skewers.
15 – Golden GaiÂ
Within Shinjuku, there is still another network of charmingly narrow lanes. However, instead of eateries, these streets are lined with small pubs.
Foreigners are not permitted at many of these establishments. Tourist-friendly establishments, on the other hand, frequently display signage in English. With the help of a local tourist guide, you can have a deeper understanding of the area.
16 – Shibuya CrossingÂ
The crowded pedestrian crossing in front of Shibuya station is one of Tokyo’s most famous locations. Visitors can mingle with the crowd and enjoy a fantastic look from above at a crowded Starbucks or the Hikari Building. Even though the Hikari building is a little further away, it is quieter.
It is also possible to visit this location during the day. Despite the fact that the crossing is at its most dramatic during the night. At night, neon lights from the signs above illuminate it. If you want to take a kimono photoshoot here, we recommend coming during the day.
17 – Take a Walk Across the Rainbow Bridge
It’s a massive suspension bridge connecting Odaiba and Tokyo. In Tokyo Bay, there is an entertainment island known as Odaiba. It can be walked across for a stunning perspective of the skyline.
We recommend going around sunset to see how the day turns into darkness. If you don’t want to stroll, you can go karting. Regardless, the view is breathtaking.
18 – Sky Circus
It’s a Tokyo observation deck in Ikebukuro that offers magnificent views of the city as well as some fun interactive components and virtual reality attractions.
It is open to the public at any time of day, however we recommend going at sunset for the greatest views of the day and night. Exploring sections such as the kaleidoscope hall, mosaic mirror, VR rides, and taking pictures will take only an hour and a half.
Conclusion
When visiting Tokyo, we believe Shinjuku is the ideal location to stay. Your visit will be unforgettable thanks to easy access to transportation, tourist attractions, and delicious food. We hope you found this post helpful. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
