Tokyo Things to Do

Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities, and it offers many opportunities to see and experience a culture that’s completely different. Plan your trip after learning about some of the most popular things to do in Tokyo.

Shopping

No matter where you go in Tokyo, you’ll find great stores with things that can’t be found in other countries. However, there are a few areas seasoned shoppers should plan to scope out. Takeshita-dori, located near the Harajuku stop, is the prime shopping spot for young people and where you’ll find the “Harajuku girls.” It’s the center of teen fashion, so you’ll be able to find a lot of unique looks. Even if you’re just window shopping, you’ll want to plan a trip to this fun street.

Those looking for electronics will want to head to Akihabara. Here, you’ll be able to find some good deals on electronics, but the big draw is being able to get some of the latest gadgets that aren’t available other places.

The Shibuya and Ginza districts are good shopping areas for those who like high-end clothes and goods. If you’re in Shibuya, you’re sure to see the busiest crosswalk in the world.

Temples

Senso-ji – usually called Asakusa Kannon Temple by foreigners – is the oldest temple in Tokyo, so it’s something that you shouldn’t miss. Just outside of the temple area, you’ll find a large number of small shops that are perfect for buying small souvenirs, including crafts and individually packaged sweet treats.

A short trip away from downtown Tokyo, you’ll find the Kamakura area. While there are many great temples to visit here, one of the best is Kotokiu-in. This temple houses the “Daibutsu,” which literally translates to “Great Buddha.” It’s an amazingly large statue that’s survived many natural disasters. It’s definitely worth the trip.

Sightseeing

If the weather is nice, you’ll want to take a stroll in the parks that surround the Imperial Palace. While you can’t take a tour of the palace itself, the grounds are open, and you’ll be able to get some great pictures of the buildings.

The Tokyo Tower is another great location if you’re looking for some picture-perfect views. The tower stands at 1,092 feet – 42 feet higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The cost to get to the observation decks is quite affordable. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be able to see all of Tokyo.

Another good destination for the day is Ueno Park. The park itself is expansive, and it’s particularly beautiful when the cherry trees are in bloom. Once there, you can easily get to any number of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real user reviews of things to do in Tokyo.

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