The Ultimate Tokyo Bucket List: Top Things to Do in Tokyo
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Are you ready to knock some items off your Tokyo bucket list? Keep reading for some of the top things to do in Tokyo to help you plan your next trip to Japan!
Tokyo is one of those cities where no matter how long you spend there, you won’t get bored. Tokyo has so much to offer, from the beautiful shrines, the amazing museums, to some of the best food in the world. There are also tons of unique things to do – in what other city in the world can you (legally) go go-karting through the streets while dressed as your favorite cartoon or video game character? Then, when you’re ready to take a break from the big city, there are tons of day trips from Tokyo that you can take.
This list is just a handful of some of the bucket list-worthy experiences Tokyo has to offer. Are you ready to start planning your Tokyo bucket list? Keep reading for tips on activities and things to do for your next trip to Tokyo, Japan!
This post was first published in December 2019 and was last updated in October 2021.
A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.
Top Things to Do in Tokyo for Your Tokyo Bucket List
See Incredible Digital Art at teamLab Borderless
Located in Tokyo’s futuristic Odaiba district, teamLab Borderless is an art museum unlike any other and is one of the coolest museums in Japan. This incredible, interactive museum, also known as MORI Digital Art Museum, is the world’s first digital art museum and is definitely worth a spot on your Tokyo bucket list.
When you arrive at teamLab Borderless, you’ll be immersed in a world of art without boundaries. Move from room to room taking in all of the incredible art that is projected on the museum’s walls, floors, and ceilings – it’s literally everywhere! There is no set pathway through the museum and wandering throughout all of the rooms is part of the fun.
Some of the most popular rooms at teamLab Borderless are the Forest of Resonating Lamps, Crystal World (my personal favorite), and Athletics Forest. If you plan on entering the Athletics Forest, make sure to wear flat, closed-toed shoes as sandals or heels are not permitted. Rental shoes are also available. Another highlight is the EN TEA HOUSE, where flowers will seem to bloom from within your teacup. For some of the rooms you may encounter a line to enter, but don’t worry – the lines move fairly quickly.
Adult tickets for teamLab Borderless cost ￥3200. Tickets often sell out, so make sure to book your tickets in advance online. For the most interactive experience, download the teamLab app before your visit.
Note: teamLab Borderless is scheduled to close in August 2022 and will be replaced by a new teamLab exhibition in central Tokyo in 2023.
Click here to book tickets for teamLab Borderless!
Tokyo Bucket List: Go Go-Karting through the Streets of Tokyo
Contributed by Erin of Never Ending Voyage
Only in Japan can you drive a tiny go-kart on the real streets among cars, buses, and trucks! To add to the fun, you are dressed as your favorite character. It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Tokyo.
You’ll drive past skyscrapers and tiny shrines, busy crossings, and quiet residential neighborhoods. You’ll speed over the massive Rainbow Bridge with an incredible view of the Tokyo skyline (time your tour for sunset if you can). All the while people stare, wave, and take your photo — you’ll feel like a celebrity. Along the way, you’ll stop for photo breaks and to see some of Tokyo’s top sights like the Tokyo Tower.
The go-karts are easy to drive but you do need an international driving permit, so make sure you get one before you leave your home country (they are strict about this). If you live in the United States, you can get an international driving permit through AAA.
Wear practical, comfortable clothing—no heels, skirts, or sandals are allowed. You’ll be putting your costume on over your clothes. All safety gear is provided and you can rent a GoPro if you want to capture the experience.
The trip is run by Street Kart (which used to be called Maricar until Nintendo shut that down). You can get discounts by booking through sites like Voyagin. It’s a unique way to see Tokyo and a lot of fun – make sure to add this to your Tokyo bucket list!
Click here to book your Tokyo Go-Karting tour!
Explore Harajuku, Tokyo’s Fashion Center
Harajuku is Tokyo’s home to fashion and kawaii culture and is one of the top Tokyo districts to explore. This quirky area, one of the best shopping spots in Tokyo, is full of local boutiques, luxury shops, and plenty of spots to grab a sweet treat. As the center of Japanese street style, you’ll also see tons of locals (and tourists, too!) expressing themselves through fashion.
A visit to Harajuku isn’t complete without a walk along Takeshita Street, a pedestrian street filled with local boutiques and souvenir shops. Here, you’ll definitely be able to satisfy your sweet tooth. Grab a delicious crepe from one of the many crepe shops – I loved my strawberry cheesecake crepe (made with a full slice of cheesecake inside) from Sweet Box Crepes. Gigantic rainbow cotton candy is another popular Harajuku treat – it’s delicious and makes for a great photo!
Now that your sweet tooth is satisfied, spend some time shopping in the cute thrift stores or taking kawaii pics at one of the many photo booths. Harajuku is such a fun neighborhood to explore, and there is a ton of stuff to do to keep you busy.
Harajuku is also a great area to stay in Tokyo. Harajuku Station is on the JR Yamanote Line. Staying at a hotel on the Yamanote Line makes it super easy to get to other popular areas of Tokyo like Akihabara, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.
Click here to book a kawaii tour of Harajuku!
Climb up Tokyo Tower
Contributed by Kenny of Knycx Journeying
Tokyo is a world-class travel destination that houses all the good and tradition of Japan. Tourists could experience delicious Japanese cuisine, national rituals, historic sites, natural scenery, seasonal flowers, and exciting shopping and entertainment all in one place.
One of the best things about Tokyo is the dramatic skyline. The skyscrapers, dynamic traffic, and harbors capture the energy and spirit of a cosmopolitan city that never sleeps.
Before the opening of the Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter tall broadcasting and observation tower in the Sumida district, the Tokyo Tower was Tokyo’s iconic landmark since 1958. Now, the tower remains a classic observation tower in the Shiba-Koen district, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists who add climbing the tower to their Tokyo bucket list.
Tokyo Tower is a giant antenna intended for television and radio broadcasting; media outlets include NHK, TBS, and Fuji TV. The striking red and white framework acts as a support structure that gives the tower an unforgettable look.
Tokyo Tower has two levels of the observation deck: the 150-meter high main deck and 250-meter high top deck. I recommend getting access to the top deck to enjoy the panoramic view of Tokyo, as you could basically see everything: Tokyo Skytree, the harbor, Haneda Airport, even all the way to Mount Fuji. The entrance ticket includes an audio guide that will give you an interactive introduction of the city that may help you plan your activities in the next couple of days.
Click here to book your Tokyo Tower admission ticket!
Cross Shibuya Crossing, the Busiest Pedestrian Intersection in the World
Contributed by Katy of Untold Morsels
Said to be the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, experiencing the famous Shibuya crossing is a must-do activity to add to your Tokyo bucket list. No scene epitomizes the Japanese capital quite like the scene of hundreds, sometimes thousands of people, crossing the intersection of the busiest streets in the city from all directions.
The crossing is right at the Hachiko Statue (number 8 exit of Shibuya station) and is surrounded by flashing neon signs and TV screens. So while it is interesting during the day time, you get the full sensory experience when visiting at night.
Cross the intersection to feel what it is like to be caught up in a wave of humanity and then find a vantage point to watch the scene play out in front of you. One of the best viewing points is at the rooftop of the Shibuya 109-2 department store – Mag’s Park. You can also see the crossing from the second-floor viewing area at the Starbucks opposite of Shibuya Station, though this spot can get very crowded.
On the ground, keep an eye out for the Hachiko statue of a dog who waited for his master at Shibuya station every day for 10 years after his master’s death. Experiencing Tokyo’s Shibuya crossing is not only fun, but it’s also one of the best free things to do in Japan. You could watch the people swarming across the streets for hours.
Hang out in Akihabara’s Arcades – Tokyo Bucket List
Contributed by Sean of LivingOutLau
For a traveler from the western part of the world, the culture and everything in Japan can be astonishing, even overwhelming at first. That is the exact reason why Tokyo is filled with mind-blowing and unique things to do.
One of my favorite districts in Tokyo is Akihabara, or the Electric Town of Tokyo. Akihabara is called the Electric Town because not only is the neighborhood filled with beautiful neon lights on every corner, it is also the place where you can find any electronic gadget you want.
The number one Tokyo bucket list item to do in Akihabara is definitely to try out all the different games in the arcades. These arcades are huge, multi-story buildings with thousands of machines. Anything from DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) to quirky claw machines, these arcades are extremely fun and addicting. Any arcade-lover can easily spend the entire day in these places and want to come back the next day. In fact, many Japanese locals do spend an entire day there, and I can totally see why.
My favorite machine, and also definitely one of the classics, is a machine where you flip the table. Why is there a game like that? No one knows. But it is a game of pure hilarity that you have to try. Also, I highly recommend the train driving simulator game. Now, you’ll understand why the trains are never late in Japan!
Experience Tokyo’s Wacky Robot Restaurant
Contributed by Bistra and Nace of The Magic of Traveling
We booked our tickets to the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo not knowing what exactly to expect.
Okay, we knew it’s in the entertainment red-light neighborhood of Kabukicho, full of crazy illuminated signs and visitors on a quest to have lots of fun, and a top Tokyo bucket list spot. But apart from that, we didn’t know what was going to happen to us when we added the Robot Restaurant to our Japan itinerary.
The price of the tickets might seem a bit high, but what you get is a 90-minute show with live music and fighting robots. The main non-robotic artists are girls dressed up as if they escaped a video game. You can feel the vibes as soon as you enter the venue – there’s more glitter, shine, and reflections that you could ever imagine being put together in one place.
If you’re a fan of bizarre, crazy experiences and you can handle loud music, neon lights, and crazy plot twists all the time, then this might be an experience you’ll never forget. The Robot Restaurant in Tokyo also offers food to enjoy in between the three acts. Don’t eat too much as your stomach might not be able to handle all the excitement!
Click here to book discounted tickets to the Tokyo Robot Restaurant!
Visit Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)
Contributed by Laura of Travelers Universe
Visiting a shrine is one of the best things to do in Japan and should definitely be added to your Tokyo bucket list. In Tokyo, Meiji Jingu alone draws crowds of up to a million people for special events, which makes it one of the most visited shrines in the country. On a normal day, however, Meiji Jingu is a place of tranquillity and peace. The shrine is protected from the outside world by beautiful ancient cedar forests and winding pathways. The surrounding forest covers 70 hectares and it’s interesting that the trees were donated by people from all over Japan.
The Japanese government built Meiji Shrine after the death of Emperor Meiji, in recognition of his role in the Meiji Restoration. Unfortunately, the original building was destroyed during World War II. However, the shrine was rebuilt after public fundraising in 1958. Over 10 million people come here every year and it’s important to know and respect the customs of the places you visit. Visitors should bow at a torii gate before passing through. Upon reaching the main shrine buildings, guests should bow twice, clap twice, and then bow once again.
The shrine complex is made up of two major areas: the Naien, which houses the shrine complex, and the Gaien, which includes beautiful facilities for weddings. You can also visit the gardens, designed personally by the Emperor for his wife, with stunning irises and the Kiyomasa, that it is said to bring luck.
The shrine is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset. The garden and the main area are free of charge.
Explore the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
Contributed by Valerie of Valerie’s Adventure Time
One of my favorite days during my time in Tokyo was my visit to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. As the name says, it’s an outdoor museum full of traditional Japanese buildings. The museum is located in Koganei Park in the west of Tokyo and is easy to reach by public transportation from the city center. The entrance fee is only 400 Yen ($3.70 USD), so it’s cheap to get in, which is especially great if you are trying to visit Japan on a budget.
Even if you are not into architecture or museums, I highly recommend visiting the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum. The buildings displayed are from various different periods and tell the story of Japan’s history. Most people that work in the museum volunteer and are very happy to tell you the story behind each building. The volunteers were actually what made the trip so special for me. Considering they don’t earn any money, their kindness and eagerness to tell me everything they knew (which was a lot) was overwhelming. I learned a lot about Japan’s past and present and enjoyed every second of it.
Apart from being very interesting, the museum is also a must for Studio Ghibli fans. During the creation of Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki often visited the museum for inspiration. If you tell the volunteers you are a Ghibli fan, they show you each spot that inspired the movie. So whether you are into Ghibli, architecture, museums, or just want to have a nice day out and learn about Japan, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is where you want to be.
See a Kabuki Performance in Tokyo
Contributed by Julie of The Bamboo Traveler
Kabuki is one of the most popular traditional performing arts in Japan. Seeing a performance should be on everyone’s Tokyo itinerary. The best thing is that it’s easy and inexpensive to see a show.
Kabuki Theater originated in the 1600s and quickly became popular across all sections of society. Originally, it was performed by all-female actors. But having females perform in public was too scandalous at the time, so the Emperor passed a law banning female performers, replacing them with all-male casts. Even today all Kabuki actors are male.
Kabuki performances combine acting and dancing and center around a historic event. Many stories feature a love-suicide plot involving two characters in love with each other but for some unforeseen circumstances can never be together. The performers show their emotions through dramatic makeup, colorful costumes, and overly expressive gestures.
How can you attend a Kabuki performance? There are 5 to 7 performances (acts) a day at the Kabuki-za Theater in Tokyo. The first act starts at 11:00 am and the last one at 7:30 pm. Each one lasts from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours. On the day of the performance, go to the Kabuki-za Theater, line up outside the theater at least an hour before the act you want to see starts and purchase a single-act ticket. There are a limited number of single-act tickets available, so get there early. Tickets range in price from 500 to 2,000 yen.
Click here to pre-book tickets for Kabuki performances in Tokyo!
Stay in a Traditional Japanese Ryokan
Contributed by James Ian of Travel Collecting
At the top of your Tokyo bucket list should be to stay in a ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, and staying there is nothing like staying in a Western-style hotel that you are probably used to.
Many ryokans are centered on natural hot springs, which Tokyo doesn’t have. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ryokans in Tokyo. Ryokans usually have tatami (straw) mat floors with nothing else on them. You sleep on a futon that is brought out at night for you. However, many also have regular bed options.
Ryokans also traditionally offer kaiseki meals served in your rooms. These are elaborate, beautifully presented, multi-course meals served on trays in your room, while you sit or kneel on cushions to eat. Many ryokans do have western alternatives where the meals are served in a dining room. Breakfast may be Japanese-style with fish and rice, Western-style with eggs and toast, or a choice of either. There may be a communal bath where you can soak in scalding hot water or a tub in your room for private bathing. What all of them will have are beautifully and simply decorated Japanese rooms with attention to detail and impeccable service.
Staying in a ryokan is definitely a complete cultural experience rather than just somewhere to spend the night.
Check out Booking.com to find the perfect ryokan in Tokyo!
The Ultimate Tokyo Bucket List for Foodies
Feast on Mythical Japanese Kobe Beef
Contributed by Nick & Kia of The Danish Nomads
You have probably heard about the famed Kobe beef – you know, the legendary Japanese type where farmers sing to the cows, massage them, and give them beer. Sorry to break it to you, but that’s just a myth. What isn’t a myth, though, is the taste. Kobe beef is marbled with fat all the way through, giving it an intense flavor and a unique tenderness. It really is mouth-watering delicious.
Kobe is basically Wagyu beef, but originating exclusively from the purebred Japanese Black cattle “Tajima” that has been born and raised in the Hyogo Prefecture and has a clear bloodline going all the way back to the 17th century.
As you can imagine, it is therefore not only the taste that people are attracted to, but the scarcity as well. Only 5,500 cows qualify to be sold as Kobe beef each year, so you won’t find this type of meat in many places around the world. You will, however, find it in Tokyo, and if you know where to go, you won’t even have to pay an arm and a leg for a taste.
At the Yakiniku restaurant “Han no Daidokoro,” you grill your own meat at the table, Korean BBQ style. The price is similar to a quality steakhouse in the US, but the taste and experience are vastly different. Bon appétit – prepare to have your mind blown! When you have ticked this Japanese meat feast off, here are some more ideas for your ultimate bucket list.
Tokyo Bucket List – The Coolest Nightlife Spots in Tokyo
Tokyo’s Gay Bars – An Alternative Nightlife Experience in Tokyo
Contributed by Mike Walsh of Robe Trotting
While I was in Tokyo and exploring the city on my own, I made my way into some of their unique gay bars. When traveling alone or with my partner, it’s always nice to see what the gay bars are like in other cities and cultures. It’s kind of like checking into a club that we belong to with locations all over the world. In Tokyo, the gay bars are located in the Shinjuku Ni-chome district.
From what I heard, the bars in Tokyo were tiny compared to what I was used to in the United States. This rang true once I found them in Tokyo; in fact, none of the bars in this area are very large. Many of the bars in Shinjuku Ni-chome only hold a dozen patrons. It was an interesting experience to have a beer in such a cozy establishment.
The Tokyo gay scene is filled with super-specific bars tailored to the various niches of gay culture, and many are not particularly open to foreigners. But there are plenty of fun bars like Dragon Bar and clubs like Arty Farty which cater to an international crowd. The bartenders spoke English and so did many of the other patrons. In fact, the crowd was much more diverse than I anticipated, but I did find the small and cozy atmosphere that I was described. It made for a more social evening and I had some great conversations with guests who were local and traveling from all over Asia and the West.
My night out in Tokyo’s gay district was a lot of fun and I recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative nightlife experience in Tokyo.
Go Bar-Hopping in Golden Gai
Contributed by Alexei of Travel Lexx
Eclectic Shinjuku is a Tokyo bucket list item in its own right but hidden just around the corner from the hustle and bustle is a web of crisscrossing alleyways known as Golden Gai. The system of narrow alleys and even smaller passageways connect over 200 tiny bars, eateries, and pubs in an area close to the city’s Red Light District. Instead of acting as its seedy extension, Golden Gai provides a fascinating glimpse into authentic Tokyo life.
Explore the area, darting in and out of the lanes making up the maze, complete with street murals, old post boxes, and overhanging power cables. Then, check out some of the eclectic establishments. From hidden ramen bars (head to Nagi for some of the best noodles in Shinjuku) to tiny themed bars (5GALLONS and its slice of Americana is a good bet), discovering this area and meeting its denizens is one of my favorite Tokyo experiences. Popular with locals enjoying an after-work drink and conversation, more and more of these joints welcome foreign visitors. Look out for English signs and welcoming smiles of the staff!
The area doesn’t get too busy until later in the evening, so come at around 8-9 PM for the atmosphere or arrive earlier to have the area largely to yourself.
Click here to book a Golden Gai Food Tour!
Festivals and Events to add to your Tokyo Bucket List
Experience the Sanja Matsuri Festival
Contributed by Mike Walsh of Robe Trotting
I visited Japan for a work trip and naturally extended my stay to include some exploration of Tokyo. I was traveling solo, so I created a very flexible Tokyo itinerary for myself and jumped right in. While I discussed my plans with a Japanese colleague, his face lit up at the mention of the Asakusa Shrine. He asked, “Do you know what this weekend is?” Of course, I did not but he explained that the Sanja Matsuri Festival was going on and I picked the right time to visit the shrine. He was right!
The Sanja Matsuri Festival is one of three big Shinto festivals in Tokyo. Many say that the celebration is the wildest in Japan, and it seemed that way to me. It celebrates the spirits of three men who founded the Asakusa Shrine in the year 628. Two of the men were fishermen who pulled up their nets to find a Buddhist statuette among their daily catch. The third man, a wealthy landlord who heard of their discovery, met the fishermen and converted them to Buddhism. The three men dedicated their lives to the religion and consecrated a temple for the statuette. It’s the oldest temple in Tokyo and the reason for the annual festival.
The festival was fantastic and a lively, crowded and vibrant weekend-long event. As I was walking toward the site I could feel the energy of the crowd. Around me, I heard chanting, whistles and drumbeats. Inside the festival atmosphere grew and the temple grounds were filled with vendors and food stalls. It was a wonderful experience, and great luck to be visiting for the Sanja Matsuri. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, you need to see the Asakura Shrine, but to make it a bucket list experience – go in mid-May for Sanja Matsuri.
Watch Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo
Contributed by Matilda of The Travel Sisters
Watching sumo wrestling is one of the most bucket list-worthy things you can do in Tokyo.
There are a few ways to watch sumo in Tokyo. Tokyo hosts three sumo grand tournaments at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in January, May, and September of every year, each lasting for 15 days. Each tournament day is long, beginning with the lowest-ranked wrestlers in the morning and ending with the highest-ranked wrestlers. Most spectators don’t show up until the afternoon just in time to watch the highest-ranked wrestlers compete. Attending a sumo tournament is a fun experience because the crowd gets very passionate about some of the matches. Sumo is not just a sport, it is an interesting cultural experience as the matches include many ancient Japanese rituals and traditions such as ring entering ceremonies, salt-tossing, singing and foot-stomping.
Tickets for the sumo grand tournaments are available about a month in advance. You can purchase them online before your visit. If you are not in Tokyo during a grand sumo tournament but still want to see sumo wrestling, a few sumo stables (houses where the sumo wrestlers live and train) allow foreign tourists to come and view their morning practice sessions.
Click here to book tickets for a Tokyo Sumo Tournament!
Tokyo Bucket List: Don’t forget travel insurance!
Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, but that still doesn’t mean you should skip out on travel insurance. On my trip to Tokyo, I chose World Nomads to protect me in the case of a freak go-karting accident or a stomach ache caused by eating too much delicious food. I was lucky that I didn’t have to use the insurance, but the peace of mind I had was worth the cost of the insurance policy.
Click here to learn more about World Nomads or get a quote for your next trip.
As you can see, there are tons of sights and experiences to add to your Tokyo bucket list. No matter which ones you choose to add to yours, you’ll have a great time exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes of Tokyo.
Have you been to Tokyo? What would you add to your Tokyo bucket list?
Planning a trip to Japan? Read these posts next:
- 8 Exciting Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan
- Free Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan
- The Best Cities to Visit in Japan
- Unique Experiences to Add to Your Japan Bucket List
- Japan Travel Tips: Everything to Know Before Visiting Japan for the First Time
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