Tokyo is a large metropolitan city that offers visitors a wealth of experiences. You will have a field trip from Shibuya to Ginza to Shinjuku. Spread across 5,233.87 square miles, this city has twenty-three special wards. Each neighborhood is different from the other and offers a wide range of activities. However, the more options you have, the more likely you will be confused. If you are in a dilemma about choosing from the awesome things to do in Tokyo, you have come to the right place. Here, we have handpicked the best fun things to do in Tokyo that will be worth your time and money.
Also Read:
- Find Fun Things to Do in Shibuya, Tokyo
- See Things to Do in Harajuku, Tokyo
- Learn About Things to Do in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
- Fun Things to Do in Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Interesting Things to Do in Asakusa, Tokyo
- Unique Things to Do In Ikebukuro, Tokyo
- Check Out Things to Do in Ueno, Tokyo 2024
- Cool Things to Do in Odaiba, Tokyo
- Nightlife Things to Do in Roppongi, Tokyo
- Explore Weird Things to Do in Tokyo
Find Fun Things to Do in Shibuya, Tokyo
Tokyo’s major commercial and finance center, Shibuya, houses the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, which is crowded all day. Not just that, the district is a hub for nightlife activities, food tours, and other fun sports.
Feel the Wind while Riding Go Karts
Make the most of your trip by go-karting around Shibuya City. You will dress up as your favorite character and drive through Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and Omotesando. Moreover, you can book an hour or one hour and thirty-minute kart ride.
While there are few rules for go-karting, visitors must have a valid driving license. A guide will lead them through the busy streets of Shibuya, telling them about the major attraction spots. Finally, don’t forget to snap photos.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- 90 min Tokyo Go-Kart: Shibuya Crossing and Tokyo Tower *IDP MUST*
- Tokyo Go Kart: Asakusa, Skytree, and Akihabara **IDP MUST**
- Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya
Eat and Drink Like a Local
It will be a pity if you don’t indulge in a food tour while visiting Shibuya. This city has the best Japanese restaurants specializing in authentic Japanese cuisine. You must try their dango, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakitori, taiyaki, and melonpan ice cream.
Don’t forget to try varieties of ramen in a local ramen shop. You can also book an all-you-can-eat food tour on Viator. Eat and drink like a local, make friends, and have the best time in Shibuya.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Private & Custom Tokyo Kickstart Tour With A Local
- Retro Shibuya Food Tour
- Modern Vegan Night Foodie Tour in Tokyo
Step Into Retro Nightlife Scene
Shibuya’s colorful and vibrant city is buzzing with people even late at night. It becomes more alive with visitors looking to explore its rich nightlife. Shibuya has a more hip vibe and is popular among youngsters. It also offers activities for its adult travelers.
Shibuya has many bars and clubs that usually open after 8 PM till the wee hours of the next morning. You can go to a local bar, bar hop with your friends, and try local drinks. You can also bust some dance moves and groove to the beat in clubs.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Tokyo By Night
- Local Bar Hopping and Japanese Culture Tour in Shibuya
- 3-Hour Shibuya Local Bar and Izakaya Crawl Tour
See Things to Do in Harajuku, Tokyo
Nestled in the Shibuya district, Harajuku is best known for its streetwear and kawaii culture. It is internationally renowned as Tokyo’s home of youth culture and youth-driven street-fashion scene. You will have many things to do in this fashionable city.
Learn a Thing or Two About Kawaii Culture
Kawaii, meaning cute, is a Japanese culture that refers to people or things with childlike and shy features. This style is primarily cute and lovable, pink or soft pastel-colored, and comes with frills, bows, and eye-catching patterns. It might look weird initially, but you will like it the more you look at it.
Harajuku streets are highly influenced by kawaii and street fashion. You will find one or two people wearing kawaii clothes at every corner. Furthermore, visitors can buy kawaii clothing and wear them to fit in with others. They must also take purikura photos in a photo booth.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour
- Half-day Kawaii Tour in Harajuku
- Tokyo Kawaii Tour Near Shinjuku Shibuya Harajuku
Stuff Your Belly with Harajuku Delicacies
Alongside the best street fashion choices, Harajuku offers diverse street food options. This place is heaven for people with sweet tooths, as desert shops are on every corner. This neighborhood’s specialty is crepes. You will find multiple options: chocolate, cream-filled, strawberry-flavored, and savory.
You can also purchase tuna—or shrimp-filled sushi crepes. Other Harajuku street delicacies include dango, tanghulu, Ichigo daifuku, candy apple, and boba tea. Don’t hesitate to try churros and tunnel potatoes.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Kawaii Food Tour of Harajuku Tokyo
- Half-day Foodie Walking tour in Harajuku
- Harajuku And Omotesando Fun Cute Tour All Foods
- Harajuku Cute Kawaii Family unmissable Food tour Free for Kids
Learn About Things to Do in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
Ginza must be your destination if you are looking for cool things to do in Tokyo. From hunting for souvenirs to cosplaying your favorite character, you will partake in unusual activities in this entertainment district.
Enjoy Local Gourmets In Ginza Food Tours
Trying Ginza’s local food must be among the things to do in Tokyo, Japan. This city has over thirty restaurants, including sushi bars, local eateries, and Michelin Star establishments. Each offers something new, so you might have to be ready for a sumptuous meal on your tour.
You can leisurely stroll around and taste local dishes like karaage, yakitori, onigiri, and ramen. Ask the waiters for recommendations and try the restaurant’s best food.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Tokyo Allstar Food Tour
- Perfect Evening Foodie Tour Adventure in Ginza
- Guided Local Foodie Tour in Ginza, Tokyo
Hunt for Souvenirs in Local Shops
Tokyo’s iconic shopping district, Ginza, has numerous department stores, boutiques, and malls. These shops sell everything from paper to high-branded clothing. Moreover, they are upscale and always up-to-date with fashion trends.
At Ginza’s shopping centers, you can shop until you drop. If you are looking for the perfect souvenir or gift to bring back home, you will find it in this district.
See These Handpicked Activities:
Cosplay as Princesses and Samurai
Is there anything as cool as being able to cosplay your favorite character? Ginza’s Kabuki-za Theater offers visitors samurai, princess, and ninja costumes, giving them a feel of living in the Edo period. Don’t forget to take photos in front of the theater for keepsakes.
Visitors can also watch shows in the theater. These acts are available in English, and tickets are available online. Check the tickets’ prices here if you want to catch the April Program at the Kabuki-za Theater.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Movie Grade Ninja Costume Experience at Kabuki-za Theater Tokyo
- Private Samurai Costume Experience at Tokyo Kabuki-za Theater
- Japanese Princess Costume Experience at Kabukiza Theater Tokyo
Fun Things to Do in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Tokyo’s major commercial district, Shinjuku, is home to the Shinjuku Station and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It also houses Kabukicho, Golden Gai, Shinjuku Ni-chome, and Shinjuku Gyo-en.
Enjoy Bar Hopping with Friends
Include Shinjuku’s nightlife activities in your things to do in Tokyo 2024 list. You won’t find a more diverse and energetic nightlife than here. Be it bar hopping or clubbing, this district offers numerous options. There is something for everyone, so you won’t be left empty-handed.
Golden Gai is the locals’ and tourists’ favorite place for bar hopping in Shinjuku. It has many renowned establishments, such as Omoide Yokocho, Bar Plastic Model, Hair of the Dogs, Albatross, and Kenzo’s Bar. These bars usually open after 8 PM, so don’t go too early.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Experience Tokyo by Night: Local Bars in Shinjuku’s District
- 3-Hours Tokyo Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl in Shinjuku Area
- Shinjuku Izakaya And Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour
Learn Cooking from Locals
Ever wondered how Shinjuku’s delicacies are made? Guess what? You can learn cooking from locals in Shinjuku. These classes are only a few hours long and will allow you to see how and what ingredients are used in Japanese dishes.
Visitors can find multiple culinary classes, from gorgeous-looking sushi to delicious seafood. Even if you want to learn something simple, these teachers will teach you simple recipes that are easy to learn and quick to understand.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Enjoy a Japanese Cooking Class with a Humorous Local Satoru in his Tokyo Home
- Homestyle Japanese cooking class in Tokyo with a local chef
- Sushi Making Experience in Shinjuku, Tokyo 2 Hours
Engage in Unique Workshops
Have you heard of ikebana? It is an ancient Japanese art of flower arranging. It includes carefully selecting flowers, cutting stems and leaves, and arranging them all. Although flower arranging sounds simple, it is challenging to maintain balance and harmony.
Shinjuku offers visitors an ikebana experience and workshops. They needn’t bring anything except their desire to learn. It will be a new and unique experience for travelers in Tokyo.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Tokyo Ikebana, Japanese Traditional Flower Arrangement Experience
- Moss Bonsai Making Experience in Shinjuku
Interesting Things to Do in Asakusa, Tokyo
Asakusa City is known for its retro atmosphere, multiple shopping/dining options, and cultural landmarks. However, this neighborhood offers unusual experiences beyond sightseeing and shopping. To find more, check out the following activities:
See What the Fuss is All About Tea Ceremony
We Asians love teas, some more than others. For instance, Japanese culture has included tea ceremonies since the old times and continues today. The ceremony consists of preparing, presenting, and drinking green tea in a traditional setting with a tatami floor.
Tea ceremony demands certain etiquette from the host and guests. For instance, visitors must wear modest and conservative clothes. They must avoid drinking from the front to save the bowl from unnecessary defilement. In addition, guests must eat wagashi completely before their tea.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience Tokyo Maikoya
- Japanese Sweets Making and Kimono Tea Ceremony in Tokyo Maikoya
- A 90 min. Tea Ceremony Workshop In The Authentic Tea Room
Practice Calligraphy Under Japanese Instructors’ Guidance
If you are looking for unique things to do in Tokyo, shodo could be your activity. It refers to the art of writing beautifully. Moreover, Japanese calligraphy is artistic and one of travelers’ favorite tourist activities. It is practiced throughout the country.
You can learn and practice calligraphy under skilled Japanese instructors in Asakusa. First, you must steady your posture. Then, grind the ink, grab the brush, and begin writing. Japanese calligraphy requires time and patience, so don’t expect beautiful writing immediately.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Shodō Creative Japanese Calligraphy Experience
- Art Calligraphy – Write Your Aspirations for 2024 with Colours
- Calligraphy in Tokyo – Shodo Experience in Tokyo MAIKOYA
Watch Iconic Sumo Competitions
Sumo competitions are a specialty of Japan. Unlike your usual wrestling scene, sumo involves two heavy competitors trying to get one another out of a circular ring (dohyo). It includes shoving, throwing, or pushing down your opponent.
Some sumo competitions allow visitors to fight with sumo wrestlers. These are basically for fun rather than a real fight. It’s hilarious to see a foreign man trying to fight a wrestler weighing 200 kilograms or above.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Tokyo Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Photo
- Watch Traditional Japanese Sumo in Asakusa with Enjoy Chanko Nabe
Unique Things to Do In Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Otakus and anime lovers must visit Tokyo’s Ikebukuro. Many butler cafes, comic shops, and cosplay-related stores are worth visiting. Indulge in shopping and explore major tourist spots here.
Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke Bars
After Shinjuku and Shibuya, Ikebukuro is the hottest place in Tokyo for nightlife activities. You will find many bars serving excellent drinks to their clients. However, head to karaoke bars if you are into a lively atmosphere. There are many high-tech karaoke centers in the city.
You don’t have to be musical to sing. Even if you are shy about singing in front of others, the karaoke bars provide private rooms. There, you can belt to your heart’s content.
See These Handpicked Activities:
Shop Till You Drop in Ikebukuro
Looking for fun things to do in Tokyo? Nothing beats shopping in the shopping hub of Ikebukuro. There are stores and boutiques around East Exit, West Exit, and Higashi-Ikebukuro Station Area. You can find anything from souvenirs, clothing, and toys to family appliances.
After shopping, explore Ikebukuro’s restaurants and local eateries. You can even book for a guided food tours around the neighborhood. Dine like a local and end your shopping trip.
Look At These Handpicked Activities:
- Tokyo Ikebukuro Local Izakaya Tour by local
- Tokyo Family Friendly Food Tour With Master Guide (Free For Kids)
- Ikebukuro Food Tour With Master Guide Family Friendly Tour
Check Out Things to Do in Ueno, Tokyo 2024
Ueno is home to Tokyo’s many museums and cultural sites. Sightseeing is the first thing you will do here, but many other activities exist.
Watch the Fascinating Cherry Blossoms
Ueno is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is between March and April, when the cherry trees bloom. Famous areas for cherry blossom viewing are Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, and Shinobazuno Pond. Many locals come for picnics at Ueno Koen.
Visitors can view cherry blossoms from early dawn to dusk. However, cherry blossom viewing places are often crowded. If you want to enjoy a peaceful environment, avoid weekends or holidays.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Cherry blossom highlights, Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka
- Cherry Blossom highlights, Asakusa, Ueno & Meiji shrine
- Tokyo Cherry Blossom Walking Tour
Stroll Around Ueno, Tokyo
You don’t have to be constantly on the move on a trip. Sometimes, a relaxing walk could be just as much fun. You must visit Ueno Park, a short walk from the Ueno Station, to enjoy a leisurely stroll. This place has many museums, a zoo, and a pond.
Things to do around Ueno Park include visiting Kaneiji Temple, Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, Toshogu Shrine, and Bentendo Hall. Interested in learning Tokyo’s history and culture? Head over to the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and National Museum of Western Art.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Private Ueno Park Architecture Walking Tour
- Private walking Tour in Tokyo with a Local Guide
- Feel Tokyo tour with a Local Guide (walking/trains)
Cool Things to Do in Odaiba, Tokyo
There are many interesting things to do in Tokyo, Japan, primarily on the artificial island of Odaiba. From shopping, walking, sightseeing, and watching sunsets, you will have a busy yet fun-filled day.
Snap Pictures On Your Photography Tour
The gorgeous Odaiba is perfect for photography tours. It offers many photo-worthy locations, such as Odaiba Marine Park, Daiba Park, the Statue of Liberty, Aqua City Odaiba Shrine, and Center Promenade. Photographers of all levels are welcome here to snap the stunning Odaiba views.
You’ll be able to take in the futuristic architecture and breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay. Also, stroll around evenings and nights to capture the lively atmosphere of Odaiba’s shopping centers and entertainment venues.
See These Handpicked Activities:
Cross the Rainbow Bridge
Tokyo’s gorgeous Rainbow Bridge links Odaiba and Shibaura Pier. So, while taking snaps around Odaiba, you might cross this beautiful structure. In addition, you can go on foot or ride a taxi.
The Rainbow Bridge looks fantastic at night, illuminated in rainbow lights. You can get panoramic views of the Odaiba Waterfront and Tokyo Bay from it. Furthermore, crossing the bridge doesn’t take more than thirty minutes. You can only reach the bridge’s middle and enjoy the view.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Tokyo by Bike: Tsukiji Market and Odaiba, Including Tokyo Bay Cruise
- Water Bus Ticket Odaiba ↔ Asakusa
Nightlife Things to Do in Roppongi, Tokyo
Regarding the nightlife scene, Roppongi is the place to be. There is something for every night owl here, including bars, nightclubs, pubs, and izakayas. In addition, visitors will find many Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury shopping destinations.
Explore Local Izakayas For Drinks
In Japan, do as the Japanese do, including visiting Izakayas for drinks. These traditional Japanese bars offer diverse food and alcoholic options. Their relaxed and informal ambiance is perfect for hosting birthday celebrations, after-office dinners, and casual get-togethers.
Go to a local dine-in-sake shop, order Japanese dishes and drinks, and settle in. It doesn’t get any better than that. Izakayas offer a calmer atmosphere compared to other loud bars. You don’t have to follow any dress code and can be as casual as you want.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Izakaya local restaurants in Nakano on the Western Side of Tokyo
- Tokyo Local Foodie Adventure near Roppongi
Bring Out Your Party Animal to Roppongi Clubs
You can be as wild as you want in Roppongi. The neighborhood has some of the best nightclubs in Tokyo. They are open all night long and are perfect for dancing the night away. But make sure to bring your ID, as the legal age for clubbing is 20.
Some of Roppongi’s popular nightclubs and dance bars include 1 Oak Tokyo, V2 Tokyo, Odeon Tokyo, Ele Tokyo, Sel Octagon Tokyo, Party on Tokyo, Roppongi Ibex-Tokyo, and Burlesque Tokyo. You will find more as you continue exploring.
Explore Weird Things to Do in Tokyo
There is no shortage of unusual things to do in Tokyo. Some of these activities are so weird that you will hesitate to do them. Just how weird are they? Take a look down below:
- Visit A Maid Cafe: Tokyo offers many maid cafes where staff serve in maid costumes.
- Real-Life Mario Kart: Go on Mario Kart tours with speeds up to 60 km/hr.
- Eat Puffer Fish: Challenge yourself to eat poisonous puffer fish that is carefully prepared.
- Visit A Hedgehog Cafe: Become friends with cute hedgehogs at a hedgehog cafe.
- Explore Gotokuji Cat Temple: Buy Maneki-Neko as souvenirs from Gotokuji Cat Temple.
- Burgers on rice buns: Try burgers with rice buns at Mos Burger.
- Buy Plastic Food Samples: Purchase realistic fake food at Kappabashi.
There is no end to the best fun things to do in Tokyo. This city offers many activities, including sightseeing, clubbing, bar hopping, and shopping. You can also experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and flower arrangement. Or, you can go for weird things like trying the dangerous puffer fish.
Overall, you will make many beautiful memories in Tokyo with our list of the Best Fun Things to Do in Tokyo. Explore our recommended activities with your friends and family and have an excellent time in Tokyo.
