Best Things to Do in Tokyo - Alex Goes Global

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Akihabara Electric Town

About Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and a sprawling metropolis with over 14 million people. Over the years, visitors from all over have come to Tokyo, impacting its economy in many ways, good and bad.

There are still many reasons you should visit Tokyo. It’s a great starting point and has unique experiences for just about everyone who visits.

Tokyo is a huge city. It can take 30-45 minutes or more to get from one point to another. I recommend setting aside 3-5 days to enjoy what Tokyo has to offer.

Below we’ll share our Tokyo travel guide and recommendations to help you plan your trip.

Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo

I recommend the following three areas: Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza.

Shibuya and Shinjuku are packed with things to do and are parts of the city that stay up pretty late.

Ginza is centrally located if you want to easily get to the east or west side of the city. We love staying at Ginza because it’s less crowded, and packed with retail stores and restaurants, and the street of Ginza is closed to car traffic from October to March from noon to 5 PM, and from April to September from noon to 6 PM. Being able to traverse a large empty street is something to experience!

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How to Get to Tokyo

There are two airports you can fly into: Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND). Flights into Narita are typically cheaper, but it’s also located further from city center.

From either airport, you can enter the city using their mass transit system. We highly recommend getting a Suica card on your mobile phone (through your transit apps in your wallet) and refilling the card virtually as you travel.

How to Get Around Tokyo

The best way to get around Tokyo is by train. But you’ll need to know a few things.

Activate and fill the Suica card on your mobile phone. This card can be reloaded virtually so that you can take their bus and trains. It can be purchased at the airport.
Ride Share App – Uber is used in Tokyo but it can be pricey.
Taxi – Taxis are readily available throughout busy areas, but it can also be pricey.

What to Do and See in Tokyo

#1 Visit the Tokyo Tower

#2 Watch the Shibuya Scramble Square from Above

Great places to see the Shibuya Crossing is from above include the Starbucks or the 7th floor of the Magnet by Shibuya109 building.

#3 Meiji Jingu

#4 See the Tokyo Sky Tree

#5

#6

#7 Check Out the Izayakas on Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane)

Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokochō (also known as Memory Lane) is located in Shinjuku. It’s filled with small yakitori vendors selling various skewered proteins and veggies.

#8 Visit Sanrio World in Ginza

#9 Go Mario Kart Racing

Visit the Akiba Navi website to book your ride!

#10 Play with Cats at Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple is dedicated to the great Neko, or cats!

#11 Hachiko Memorial Statue

#12 Ueno Park

#13 Visit a 7 Eleven or Lawson’s for Snacks and More!

#14 Rainbow Bridge

#15 Visit a Character Cafe

#16 Sumo Wrestling

#17 Visit a Museum in Tokyo

Ghibli Museum
Mori Art Museum
Planet Labs

#18 Participate in a Tea Ceremony

#20 Visit an Animal Cafe

We love Owl Cafe

#21 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

#22 Go Up Tokyo Tower

#23 Go Up Tokyo Sky Tree

One of the best photo spots of the Tokyo Sky Tree is from Jukken Bridge.

#24 Hie Shrine

Next to Hie Shrine is a staircase lined with red torii.

#25 Stroll Design Festa Gallery

#26 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

#27

#28 Experience Robot Restaurant

#29 Enjoy an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Restaurant

#30 Enjoy an ALL-YOU-CAN-DRINK Bar

#31 Check Out a Tokyo Theme Park

There are many theme parks you can endulge in while in Tokyo.

Here are our top picks:

Tokyo Disneyland
Sanrio Puroland
Studio Ghibli

Where to Eat in Tokyo

Tokyo is filled with a variety of restaurants. Things you have to try include Ramen (Japanese noodle soup), Yakitori (meat skewers), Shabu Shabu (hot pot), Sukiyaki, Yakiniku (grilled meats), and Sushi.

みなと食堂 – Small no frills chirashi and donburi restaurant in Ebisu. Cash only. Pay at the vending machine and redeem your food inside. Seriously, it’s one of the better meals I had in Tokyo. Find this spot here.
AFURI – Great place to go for ramen. There are multiple locations and our favorite was in Harajuku.
7 Eleven/ Lawson’s/Family Mart/Ministop – Come to any of these conbini stores for all the Japanese snacks and try out the viral egg sando + fried chicken combo hack. We did it here.
Ichiran Ramen – This is a very popular ramen chain with individual dining booths. It’s good, but there are US outlets. I only recommend going here if you can’t go to one back home.
Itasoba – I am SOBA obsessed! Loved this spot! It’s a traditional dining experience and the food was so good. Watch our video here.
Kanda Matsuya – Handmade soba noodles
Kikanbo – Thick and hearty ramen for the masses. People travel from EVERYWHERE to eat here. I thought it was good, but not great. Expect a 30-45 min wait. Watch our video here.
Kirby Cafe
Midori Sushi Echika Ikebukuro – A standing-only sushi restaurant inside the Ikebukuro train station. The sushi here is very affordable and fresh.
Namiki Yabusoba
Ninja Akasaka
Oreryu Ramen –
Sanrio Cafe Ikebukoro –
Shabu Shabu Onyasai – Come here for ALL YOU CAN EAT shabu shabu. There are multiple locations but we recommedn the Shibuya or Akihabara locations.
Sushi Panchi
Toyosu Market – New location of Tsukiji Fish Market.
Tsukiji Fish Market – Love coming here for a fresh chirashi bowl and sushi from the vendors.
Udon Shin – Very popular udon shop.
Udon Yamacho – Small family owned udon shop with excellent food. Expect to wait 30-45 minutes. Cash only!
Yakitori Ton Ton

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Where to Drink in Tokyo

Golden Gai in Shinjuku

8Bit
Bar TRENCH
Ben Fiddich
Golden Gai – An alley filled with bars, each with its unique character.
Mikkeller – A Danish craft brewery with a location in Tokyo. They offer their brews along with guest taps and bottles.
Mother’s Ruin
The Suzunari