Top things to do in Tokyo

We had our first taste of Japan in 2017 when we stopped at the ports of Osaka and Yokohama on our Grand Asia cruise. This was a tease and as we instantly fell in love, we just knew we had to return and explore some more in the land of the rising sun and knew we’d find plenty of things to do in Tokyo.

Our decision to focus on Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, was because we are intrigued by the culture of a city of huge contrast. And we can’t be the only ones. This vibrant city is visited by over 10 million foreign tourists each year. And it’s easy to see why. In Tokyo there is an eclectic mix of tradition and modern and so many things to do.

Imagine standing on the platform of Japan’s busiest train station. I look at the person in the orderly queue next to me. She is poised, elegant and dressed in a kimono with hair long black hair neatly swept up. She is the picture of traditional Japanese perfection. And yet at that moment I see she is looking down to her iPhone and that’s when I notice the contrast most.

Despite the crazy, busy surroundings, the contrasts between her appearance and the bright neon billboard outside this bustling station are dramatic. Yet this is just a normal, daily, Tokyo sight, where traditional heritage sits comfortably alongside modernity. Where century old Shinto, torii gates sit nestled in amongst tall, hi-tech skyscrapers. Everywhere here is surrounded by the harmonious contradictions of overwhelming calmness and complimentary differences.

Tokyo is a city where two worlds are fused, and is a wonderful place to savour the contrasting elements.

So where are some of our favourite places to see these contrasts? If you are wondering what Tokyo is like and if you should include it on your itinerary then take a look at these must-see areas of the city. This list of things to do in Tokyo is in no particular order.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory

Standing out amongst the skyscrapers is one of Tokyo’s hidden tourist spots, an observatory where you see 360 degree views of Tokyo. Open until 11pm each day, the observatory is on the 45th floor of the government administration building. Referred to as Tochō this building in Shinjuku houses the headquarters for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the 23 wards it governs. But best of all, entry is free and on a clear morning you can see Mount Fuji. Divided into north and south buildings there are shops and cafes making it a great spot to take in the views. You truly haven’t seen Tokyo if you haven’t seen it from up here.

Shibuya Crossing

Packed with shoppers, students and commuters this famous intersection outside Shibuya Station can sometimes see 3,000 people scramble to cross at any one time. When the pedestrian light turns green people move in every direction, skillfully avoiding collisions with each other. Many stop to take photos, before briskly moving in organised chaos to reach the other side. But until the light turns red people continue to pour across the street in all directions. When the traffic light turns green the people stop and the cars proceed.

In such a busy spot it was a surprise to see Mario Karts amongst the traffic. We didn’t have a go, but we did see fans of the Nintendo video game dressed up as Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach take to the streets and race across the busy Shibuya crossing. Watching the havoc from upstairs in Starbucks is popular with tourists, offering a vantage point to watch the pedestrians repeatedly build up and spill across the street over and over.

Sensoji Shrine

This is the oldest and largest Buddhist shrines and surely the most famous and photographed temple in Tokyo. Being situated right next to Asakusa Station, Sensoji is easy to get to. The imposing Kaminarimon, a large gate adorned with a giant red lantern is the backdrop behind the sea of tourists. Enter the Thunder Gate and make your way down Nakamise Dori, which is lined with shops selling cakes, souvenirs, craft and more.

After the scent of the sweet and savoury snacks being prepared disperses the aroma of incense permeates the air. Wafting the incense smoke toward your body is said to heal any ailments and improve overall health. You then approach the Hozomon, or inner gate and the iconic temple complex of Sensoji temple, a crimson shrine with large red lantern and nearby 5 story pagoda. Sounds can be heard from Japan’s oldest theme park nearby, Hanayashiki as partrons shrill and squeal on the rides.

We also come across a building near the Sumida River, adorned with a gold sculpture which we learn is the Asahi Beer Headquarters.

Shinjuku Central Park

Between the hotel we were staying at and the Metropolitan Government Building is a beautiful free park, Shinjuku Central Park. Almost daily we spent time in the park, admiring the gardens, speaking with locals residents (they enjoyed practising their English) and visiting a shrine within the grounds. As there is quite a bit of free space the local youth also used the area to polish their skateboard skills. One night we returned from a full day of sightseeing and caught the tail end of a festival at the Kumano shrine located in the park.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Tokyo can be chaotic, but you can escape the madness at Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and one of the most calming places to visit. We walked there from our hotel, enjoying suburbia along the way. The 200 acre grounds of the shrine and adjoining Yoyogi Park combine to make up a large forested area where you can follow the paths for a relaxing stroll. You quickly forget the noisy hustle of the world’s largest city and become immersed in the oasis enclosed in rich flora and the Shrine Grove, home to 2800 types of fauna.

At both the Harajuku and Yoyogi entrances are tori gates. The Harajuku tori is the largest at 12 metres tall and is made from 1,500 year old cypress. On the way to the shrine you pass barrels of sake and casks of wine. These make a very popular photo spot for people getting a selfie for their Instagram.The long path leading to the shrine buildings is lined by large cedar trees. There are said to be 100,000 trees in Meiji’s forest which were donated from regions across Japan.

This is the place to witness a Shinto wedding procession, where the stoic faced bride dressed in her white kimono with her husband by her side, fervently leads her family across the courtyard under a large red umbrella.

Harajuku

Located near spiritual haven of Meiji Jingu Shrine is the eternally youthful area of Harajuku. This lively, hip zone is easily recognized by the charming train station and emerging unconventional street fashions. Being the heart of Kawaii culture the buzzing pedestrian shopping street,Takeshita Dori is lined with fashion boutiques. Lolita is one of the styles, influenced from the Victorian children’s clothing, that is very popular in Harajuku.

Clearly not my thing, but it would be sacrilege to visit the area and not indulge in the famous Harajuku crepes. They come in all flavours like Nutella, strawberry, banana, chocolate brownie, cheesecake, even savoury.

Imperial Palace

A short walk from Tokyo station (Shinagawa) is the former Edo Castle famous for its gardens and iconic view of the double bridge. Nijubashi, the twin bridges that form the entrance to the palace grounds is the stone bridge of the main gate. The grounds of the castle is surrounded by moats and a large stone wall and at one time was the largest fortress in the world. The palace itself cannot be seen as its hidden by trees, the building seen in the photo is the oldest remaining building, the Fujimi-yagura watchtower build to protect the grounds in 1659. Despite this, the Imperial Palace remains one of the most frequented sites by tourists in Tokyo.

Hie-Jinja Shrine

One of the most photographed scenes in Japan is the vivid tunnel of red tori. Hie Jinja Shrine in Akasaka is one of Tokyos major shrines. Set against a hill between offices and government buildings, the shrine is tucked away behind lush trees in a very busy city centre road. Rather than enter from the main entrance via the escalators, we entered via smaller steps that led us through a vermillion lined stairway that was stunning. After the steep climb we were in the grounds of the shine, the area is beautiful, serene and spotlessly clean.

For a while we were the only tourists there and it felt like we had stumbled across a really authentic shrine rather than one which caters to the tourists. It had a soothing atmosphere and many Japanese businessmen and women came here to pray during their lunch break. This was truly a hidden gem in amidst a concrete jungle and I’d highly recommend this as a place to see when in Tokyo.

Oyamakui-no-kami is the main diety of this shrine and his messenger, the sacred monkey is featured  heavily here instead of the fox as seen in most Japanese shrines. People will often come and pray to Masaru for a happy marriage or fertility. As monkeys are the main guardians of the shrine, there are statues of a monkey couple said to bring blessings for safe delivery and prosperity of children. To send these prayers to the Gods wishes are written on wooden plates, Ema, which feature the Masaru good luck charm on them.

Shinjuku Train Station

It can get pretty crazy here as it’s the world’s busiest train station handling a mindblowing 3.6 million passengers daily. Wow, how did this station not get a write up in the amazing train stations from around the world collab? With 200 entrances and 36 platforms you’ll want to be specific just where you’re meeting your friends. The station itself is like a mini city with thousands of commuters following the marked paths to their platform or exit. But just remember to be on time. Despite being in a huge, sprawling city in downtown Tokyo moving the massive hoards happens with clockwork proficiency and expert time keeping.

There are plenty of signs, written in both Japanese and English and we found the locals more than happy to assist, often offering to help if we were looking at our subway maps. To travel on the Tokyo subway we purchased a Pasmo card purchased at the station. This allowed us to travel without having to purchase individual tickets each trip and could be topped up whenever it was running low. The funds on the card can be spent at 7/11’s, vending machines, coin lockers, and lots of other places.

Suica’s Penguin Park at Shinjuku station overlooks Takashimaya Square and Yoyogi Building connecting Shinjuku station and the busport. The open park has a grass area, seating and when we were there, a pop up market place with the best quality fresh fruit.

Kyimozu Kannon-do

Another interesting place we saw was Kiyomizu Kannon-do, one of the oldest surviving temples in Tokyo. There are some interesting facts about Kiyomizu Kannon-do temple which is only an 8 minute walk from the Ueno station. It is a no-nail construction and has survived both a battle in 1868 and a bombing in WWII.

Near the balcony is a pine, resembling a moon with clouds around it, called the pine tree of the moon. Inside are dolls offered by women hoping to conceive to the Goddess of Mercy.

Each year on 25 September a memorial service is held where the dolls are cremated as a sacrifice to the Goddess of Child-rearing.

UenoToshogu

Ueno is a great area to add to your list of things to do in Tokyo. Ueno Toshogu is a Shinto shrine built in the Edo period in1651. It has a shimmering gold façade with ornate details. On approach to the shrine are 50 copper lanterns used for purification and together with the shrine are National treasures in Japan.

The flame of Hiroshima and Nagasaki burns in a monument on the site to strengthen the message of peace and abolition of nuclear weapons.

Kan’ei-ji Temple

Kan’ei-ji, the five story pagoda seen on this site is a rare occurrence as usually a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple do not reside in the same location as the two religions were segregated dueing the Meiji period.

Hanazono Inari Shrine

Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari is not the only vermilion gates in Japan. We came across the Hanazono Inari Shrine in Ueno park. The Sando (the path leading to the shrine) is lined with torii gates. The shrine is a power spot, where people go to wish for good relationships with their partners and for fertility. Small stone statues of foxes with red bibs are in front of the shrine as they are the messenger at this shrine.

Ueno Diabutsu

Located at the top of a hill in Ueno park is Ueno Diabutsu. Made of bronze in 1631,in the Edo period this was a giant seated Buddha but after an earthquake only the face remained.

Hibiya Park

Between the Imperial Palace and the Government offices district is Hibiya Park. It is Japan’s first western styled park and a place where the local office workers relax and recharge. This is a very pretty and colourful park and we saw several people sketching. The park has a large central fountain, tennis courts, a music dome and the Matsumotoro restaurant within the grounds.

Shop at Don Quijote

After you’re done sightseeing and taking in some of the things to do in Tokyo you may want to shop for some souvenirs and one of the best places to do so is Don Quijote. Located in several areas like Akihabara, Asakusa and the one we visited in Shinjuku. These stores are cluttered but are a great place to stock up on food, daily necessities like cosmetics and consumables and of course, anything Matcha.

We stocked up on some crazy flavoured Kit Kats to bring home. Some we tried were Crème Brulee, Chestnut, Matcha, Pumpkin (Halloween), Strawberry & Raspberry.

Daytrip to Yokohama, tour Kirin, visit Chinatown

One of the things we really enjoy about travel is the people we meet along the way. We’ve been interacting online for about 4 years and finally got to meet fellow travel bloggers Corinne & Jim from Reflections Enroute who at the time were living in Japan. We met up with them in Yokohama. We had thought about meeting them for lunch at Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo, but knowing they had already been there we ruled that out. Arguably one of Japan’s greatest exports is its famous beers and with Corinne and Jim having lived in Germany for several years I knew they enjoyed a beer and had researched the history of beer at the Hops Museum in Munich.

So I figured a tour of the factory of one of Japan’s biggest selling beers would be an ideal place to start our day. Together we took a tour of the Kirin Beer factory in Yokohama and were treated to a free behind-the-scenes look at how the beer is made. The tour had displays about the history and took us to the fermentation tanks, and showed us the canning and bottling areas using high-tech machinery. We finished our 80 minute tour with some complimentary beers and snacks. Kampai (cheers).

Following the tour we made our way by train to Chinatown where we all enjoyed a Chinese meal for lunch and later tried Vietnamese egg coffee which is delicious.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen featured in our recent most beautiful gardens in the world collaboration and as Steve is a keen gardener we knew these gardens were somwhere we wanted to explore. Slap bang in the middle of Tokyos’s major business hub is Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular gardens. After you’ve had your animal fix and are well caffeinated at the many cat, rabbit and other such cafes or after a day where you’ve shopped til you are ready to drop, relaxing in these calm, serene gardens is a must.

Secluded from the busy surrounding city, a line of skyscrapers on the horizon provide a backdrop to tranquil, green, immaculately manicured gardens with ponds with little bridges nestled beside a teahouse. We pass through the Mother and Child forest.

Following the turns of the many paths that wind through the gardens, three different gardens unfold. A traditional Japanese garden with large ponds and manicured shrubs, an English garden with wide, open lawns and cherry trees and a French garden with its symmetrically arranged formal beauty.

Originally built for the Imperial family, there is a large lake, open green spaces and landscaped gardens. It is so quiet and serene that is easy to forget you are in the heart of a vibrant city. Despite being overrun with visitors these gardens provide sublime moments to enjoy the silence present and relax, ponder and recharge. The gardens are busiest in April and May as it’s the ideal location for viewing Cherry blossom.

Hyatt Regency Hotel

This is a massive luxury hotel in Shinjuku offering breathtaking views and we were in awe of the dazzling chandeliers in the lobby. In addition to the wow factor of this hotel which is right near the Metropolitan Government Building it is the sister hotel to the Park Hyatt where on the 42nd floor is the New York Bar, famous from the movie Lost in Translation.

Of course, these are just a few things to do in Tokyo and we only touched the surface on what the area has to offer. Japan was such an amazing destination, one I’d go back to in a heartbeat.

Our appetite was whet on our sampler trip in 2017 and before we even left this time we were already planning our next trip to Japan. Tokyo maintains a completely foreign feel, whilst making you feel totally comfortable with its orderly ways and calm manner in a bustling and crowded metropolis.

Japan will require many more visits to cover its vastness, but for us there was no better introduction to the huge, buzzing metropolis, than jumping head first into a stay in its capital city. Tokyo you stirred our souls. Japan is a destination you just have to visit. But don’t take our word for it, if you want another opinion of what to do, check out an insiders guide to culture, history and modern japan in Tokyo in 5 days.

After exploring Tokyo for three weeks we knew we’d be back to see more of Japan. We returned to experience the Cherry Blossom Festival, the culture of Kyoto, discovered fun things to do, see, and eat in Osaka and learnt of the horrific history of Hiroshima.

Have you visited Tokyo and seen the contrasts? What was your favourite place to visit in the area?

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The authors travelled courtesy of Jetstar Australia

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