Top Things To Do In Tokyo

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourists exploring the best things to do in Tokyo with a local guide

Top things to do in Tokyo

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

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Wondering what to do in Tokyo?

Tokyo is positively spilling over with entertainment and activities that can’t be found anywhere else on earth. The Japanese capital sprawls and stretches as far as the eye can see, with some neighborhoods harking back to the wood-built, lantern-lit Japan of old and others so mind-bendingly futuristic they could have been dreamt up in a sci-fi novel. In a city with such an effortless balance between the traditional and the modern, the best things to do in Tokyo span centuries. From exploring ancient temples and treasure-filled museums to walking down skyscraper-lined streets between neon-lit restaurants and karaoke bars, Tokyo is a feast of the unmissable.

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Kenji

Tokyo

Funny and friendly guy with a love for night hikes and deep conversations

From 100-yen sushi 1000-year-old Kaiseki

Of all the things to do in Tokyo, soaking up the food scene should be top of the list. Tokyo may have more Michelin-starred dining spots than any other city in the world, but it’s the city’s unpretentious eating spots that make its culinary culture so incredible. You could sample humble street food at a night market, grab a bento box at a convenience store, then wash it down with a drink at a no-frills standing bar – or you could splurge on a multi-course traditional Kaiseki meal followed by drinks and small plates at an upmarket izakaya. The foodie things to do in Tokyo don’t disappoint.

Tourists enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms while on a boat ride in Tokyo

Weird, wacky and wonderful

The city is brimming with the uncanny, interesting, and just plain strange, with experiences and attractions that are unique to Tokyo. Its quirky underbelly isn’t hard to find. Wacky places to see and things to do in Tokyo range from entire streets dedicated to kitchen utensils to themed cafés celebrating otaku culture. Maybe you’ll get treated like royalty at a maid – or butler – café, get a tiny doll that looks exactly like you made at Clone Factory, or see the first hotel in the world to have holographic staff. The bizarre things to do in Tokyo are some of the most memorable.

Tourists crossing a busy road with a local guide on a night tour of Tokyo

Tokyo by night

When night falls, the list of things to do in Tokyo only gets longer. The disappearing daylight is replaced with neon signs, lanterns, and LED screens, and the city has a totally different feel. Tokyo’s unique bar culture is ripe for exploration, from ramshackle izakaya to standing tachinomiya taverns to upmarket cocktail lounges. You could head to glitzy Ginza where the wealthy gather, or stroll down unassuming cobbled alleys between tiny restaurants packed with people snacking on small plates. It won’t be long before you’re cheering “kanpai!” with noisy locals over a sake (or several).

Tokyo travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Tokyo and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

I really like Mari. Very enthusiastic, adapting and tentative to what I really want to experience -that is, a bit of culture, how ordinary down-to-earth people go about their lives earning a living, the flora and nature, unique local foods. Loved the little bits of cookies, nuts. and one of my main requests, sushi, howevetr, didn’t get to try ramen - I was so stuffed with the goodies Mari let me taste. It was hard walking up and down very high steps , but I love it. Hard on my hips, but good tiredness. Uvcould spend the whole day around that region taking in the foods , sthe old architecture of the old houses, shingles of the temples , and Mari knows I am so taken by the various shapes of the eaves troughs hangings. I was ready to buy them or, if I could without being arrested , cut off a good-size length! All in all very happy.. Thank you, Mari. Job well done. I would recommend you any time:,

February 2025

Annie C
This tour was a great introduction to Tokyo, making it feel much more approachable. I loved the fact that we went everywhere by public transportation, and walked around each area, as it gave me a chance to really get a feel for things. My guide, Api, was wonderful, and I felt as though I was being shown around the city by a friend.

February 2025

Bea L
Martina was unbelievable! We discussed a customized tour agenda prior to arrival and she absolutely hit a home run with the customized tour. We couldn't have asked for a better day, guide or tour.

January 2025

Courtlend L
Nobu was absolutely amazing! He took us to see more than we ever thought possible. His ability to get us to the next location using the train system was amazing. Also, the process with Viator and City Unscripted was simple and efficient. If you have a layover at Narita, this is the trip for you. Asked for Nobu!

November 2024

Jeff W