Tokyo: what's actually worth it
Tokyo’s modern skyline stands as a resilient testament to its post-war rebirth from ashes, yet the city feels less like a concrete jungle and more like an intimate collection of hidden alleyways where silence hums between neon signs. You will find that this metropolis thrives on quiet efficiency and deep respect for space, inviting you to wander slowly through Shinjuku’s labyrinthine streets or relax in a centuries-old bathhouse without rushing. It is a place where the ancient and ultra-modern coexist seamlessly, offering a traveler both thrilling energy and profound calm.
Top things to do in Tokyo
Tokyo Disneyland
Amusement Center · ★ 4.6 (124,907 reviews)
Tokyo offshoot of the iconic theme park known for its rides, live shows & costumed characters.
Check tours & tickets →Sensō-ji
Buddhist Temple · ★ 4.6 (97,507 reviews)
Completed in 645, this temple, Tokyo's oldest, was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Check tours & tickets →Tokyo Tower
Observation Deck · ★ 4.5 (99,036 reviews)
Reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, this landmark features observation areas & other attractions.
Check tours & tickets →Tokyo Skytree
Observation Deck · ★ 4.4 (117,727 reviews)
World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.
Check tours & tickets →Meiji Jingu
Shinto Shrine · ★ 4.6 (51,984 reviews)
Surrounded by forest, this venerable Shinto shrine features a seasonal iris garden.
Check tours & tickets →Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Garden · ★ 4.6 (45,431 reviews)
This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.
Check tours & tickets →teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
Art museum · ★ 4.6 (29,323 reviews)
Popular, immersive museum known for its colorful, futuristic digital art installations & photo ops.
Check tours & tickets →Shibuya Sky
Observation Deck · ★ 4.6 (26,112 reviews)
A 360° open-air observation deck located on the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Hinomaru
Yakiniku Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (20,369 reviews)
Website →GYOPAO Gyoza Roppongi
Izakaya Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (19,816 reviews)
Soup dumplings, fried gyoza & Chinese-style dim sum in a compact, lantern-strung venue.
Website →Gyukatsu Motomura Shibuya Branch
Tonkatsu Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (15,925 reviews)
Website →Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku
Izakaya Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (10,207 reviews)
Steamed dumplings & sake are offered in this narrow, informal restaurant with a take-out option.
Website →Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku Main Branch
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (8,444 reviews)
Website →GYUMON
Halal Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (7,365 reviews)
Website →Gyukatsu Motomura Harajuku Branch
Tonkatsu Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,971 reviews)
Website →Ninja Food Tours
Tour Agency · ★ 5 (3,991 reviews)
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Get outside
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Garden · ★ 4.6 (45,431 reviews)
This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.
Website →Hamarikyu Gardens
Garden · ★ 4.5 (12,535 reviews)
Public park with a pond, laid out in the Edo-period style, on the site of 17th-century Shogun villa.
Website →Kasai Rinkai Park
Park · ★ 4.3 (18,954 reviews)
Sprawling waterfront green space with a Ferris wheel, lush gardens, a BBQ area & pathways.
Website →Jonanjima Seaside Park
Park · ★ 4.3 (6,160 reviews)
Waterfront park with sand & grassy areas & views of planes taking off & landing at Haneda Airport.
Website →Kiba Park
Park · ★ 4.2 (5,069 reviews)
Sizable green space with jogging paths, a dog area, play equipment & gardens, plus an art museum.
Website →After dark
ATOM
Night Club · ★ 4.9 (7,407 reviews)
Website →Shinjuku Golden-Gai
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.3 (12,916 reviews)
Festive, popular city district famed for its narrow, winding alleys & numerous snug taverns.
Website →Music Fashion Bar RUN
Bar · ★ 4.9 (1,625 reviews)
Website →KINGDOM TOKYO
Night Club · ★ 4.9 (1,620 reviews)
Website →More guides
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