Things to do in Tokyo: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Tokyo is best discovered district by district, each with its own atmosphere: tradition in Asakusa, the buzz of Shibuya and Shinjuku, the fashion of Harajuku, the museums of Ueno and the manga culture of Akihabara. Add a day trip to Nikko, Kamakura or Hakone to see the Japan of temples and mountains.

Asakusa and Sensō-ji temple

Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji, is reached through the Kaminarimon gate and its huge red lantern, then along Nakamise shopping street, lined with stalls selling souvenirs and sweets. Come early in the morning or after dark, when the temple is lit up and quieter. Right next door, the Tokyo Skytree offers spectacular views.

Shibuya and Harajuku

The Shibuya crossing, where hundreds of pedestrians cross at once, is the very image of Tokyo; several terraces and observation decks let you admire it from above. Walk on to Harajuku and Takeshita Street, a temple of youth fashion, then the peaceful Meiji Shrine, set in a large forest. Omotesandō avenue and its contemporary architecture complete the walk.

Shinjuku

Skyscrapers, neon and back alleys: Shinjuku shows every side of Tokyo. Go up the Metropolitan Government Building observatories for free, stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen garden, beautiful in cherry blossom season, then eat in the tiny restaurants of Omoide Yokochō or the bars of Golden Gai.

Ueno, Akihabara and the Imperial Palace

• Ueno: its large park is home to the Tokyo National Museum, the richest collection of Japanese art, other museums and a zoo; the Ameyoko market is very lively.
• Akihabara: the district of electronics, manga, video games and themed cafés.
• The Imperial Palace: the palace itself is not open, but the East Gardens are (check closing days).

Ginza, Tsukiji and the bay

Ginza is the upscale district of department stores and galleries. Nearby, the Tsukiji Outer Market is ideal for a breakfast of seafood, sushi and Japanese omelette. In the bay, Odaiba offers views of the city and the Rainbow Bridge.

Digital art: teamLab

The teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless museums offer immersive light and sound installations, and they are very popular: book your time slot in advance.

Eating in Tokyo

Ramen, sushi, tempura, yakitori in izakaya, Japanese curry… Tokyo has an astonishing number of restaurants, from simple counters to fine dining. Department store food halls (depachika) and convenience stores (konbini) are perfect for a quick meal.

Day trips from Tokyo

• Nikko: lavish temples and shrines in the forest, a World Heritage Site.
• Kamakura: the Great Buddha, Zen temples and the sea, under an hour away.
• Hakone: hot springs, Lake Ashi and, on clear days, views of Mount Fuji.
• Yokohama: its port, Chinatown and museums.

Getting around

A rechargeable IC card (Suica, Pasmo) works on the metro, trains and buses. The Yamanote line, which loops around the centre, links most of the districts above. To get in from the airport, a private transfer takes you straight to your hotel.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku and Shibuya for a first visit, Asakusa for tradition, Ueno with kids, Ginza for comfort: every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Tokyo.