Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo

Few cities mix tradition with cutting-edge innovation like Tokyo. Discover the weird things to do in Tokyo, fascinating cuisine & sights to see before you go.

The host city for the 2020 Summer Olympics is bursting with the latest trends in fashion, food, and technology, not to mention state-of-the-art railways.  With a Japan Rail Pass you can enjoy the best attractions and most thrilling experiences Tokyo has to offer. Here are 10 things on our "to do" list for Japan's capital city and some tips on how to get the most out of your JR Pass in Tokyo.

 

1. Become one with nature: Rikugien garden

Rikugien, meaning "six poems", garden is one of Tokyo's most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. Scenes from famous Japanese poems have been reproduced in the form of 88 miniature gardens. This garden is especially striking during Autumn when the leaves of the numerous maple trees turn vibrant shades of gold and red. If you are a bit of a nature lover you'll be happy to discover that Tokyo is full of lush green Japanese gardens, even amongst its towering skyscrapers. 

How to reach Rikugien garden: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Komagome Station. From there it is about 5-10 minutes' walk to the main entrance gate of the garden. You can also reach Rikugien garden via the Namboku Subway Line.

One of the easiest ways to travel on the subway is with a Metro Suica Card Japan. The card can be used on JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as on subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo.

 

2. See a traditional Sumo tournament 

Sumo wrestling is a centuries-old tradition and Japan's national sport. Six Grand Sumo tournaments are held every year: three of which are held in Tokyo in January, May and September.  

The Tokyo tournaments take place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's National Sumo Hall and last for 15 days each. Many ancient rituals derived from the Shinto religion are still used in Sumo today, such as the custom of salt purification of the ring.

If you can't make it to a tournament, another way to see Sumo wrestlers in action is to visit a sumo stable during a morning practice session. Sumo stables are where the wrestlers live and train together, and there are many located in Tokyo's Ryogoku district.

How to reach Ryogoku Kokugikan: Take the JR Yamanote line to Akihabara and then switch to the Sobu line for Ryogoku station. The Toei Oedo subway line also stops at Ryogoku station.

 

3. Visit Tokyo's oldest temple: Senso-ji

Senso-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple is an ancient buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo. Founded in 628 A.D., Senso-ji is the city's oldest temple and with its big bold red gate, it is definitely one of the most colourful. There are many other impressive temples and shrines worth visiting throughout Tokyo. One of the most popular shrines is Meiji-jingu, dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. 

How to reach Senso-ji Temple: 

Senso-ji Temple is a few steps from Asakusa Station, which can be reached by the Ginza Subway Line and Asakusa Subway Line. You can take the JR Yamanote train line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza subway Line for Asakusa. 

 

4. Wash your cares away in an Onsen

Tokyo is home to many natural hot springs called "onsen". The water in these therapeutic baths boasts a host of health benefits and will leave you feeling relaxed and regenerated. 

There is a wide range of onsen in Tokyo, from the old neighbourhood bathhouses to the resort-style spa complexes such as Spa La Qua in Tokyo Dome City.

How to reach Spa La Qua: You will find onsen dotted all over the city. To arrive at Spa La Qua take the JR Chuo Line From Shinjuku station to Suidobashi station.  From there, simply follow the signs to Tokyo Dome City. 

Alternatively, from Tokyo station take the Marunouchi subway line to Korakuen.

 

5. Shibuya crossing

One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Shibuya crossing is like the Times Square of Tokyo. The best time to visit the intersection is after dark on Friday and Saturday nights when the neon-lit signs, mega lights and billboards dazzle passers-by, and Japanese youth flock to Hachiko statue area to meet their friends for a night out. One of the best vantage points from which to view the so-called "Scramble" is from the second-floor window of the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building on the north side of the crossing.

How to reach Shibuya crossing: Take the JR Yamanote line to Shibuya station and take the Hachiko exit.

 

6. Get a Birdseye View: Tokyo Sky Tree vs Tokyo Tower

 

Tokyo Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower are two of Tokyo's most popular tourist attractions. While the 1950s post WWII Tokyo Tower is a nod to the city's past, the Sky Tree is one of the many reasons why Tokyo has a reputation for being a futuristic super-hub.

Opened in May 2012, Tokyo Sky tree is the world’s tallest "free-standing tower" and the tallest structure in the prefecture. At peak visibility during the day you can see all the way to Mt Fuji.

Both towers offer spectacular views of the city by day and night, and lots of other fun stuff. Tokyo Tower boasts an anime show theme park, Tokyo Sky Tree offers great shopping at the Solamachi shopping centre down below, and both buildings contain an acquarium!

 

How to reach Tokyo Sky Tree:  There are many ways you can reach the Tokyo Sky Tree by taking the Tobu Skytree Line (not covered by the JR pass) to Tokyo Skytree station from Asakusa Station (on the Asakusa subway line). You can also reach the Sky Tree from Tokyo Station by taking the JR Sobu Rapid Line and transferring at Kinshicho for the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.

How to reach Tokyo Tower: The fastest way to reach Tokyo Tower is to take the subway to - Onarimon Station on the Mita Subway Line, Akabanebashi Station on the Oedo Subway Line or Kamiyacho on the Hibiya Subway Line. They are all about a 5-10 minutes' walk from the tower.

 

7. Ride the Shinkansen

Riding the Japanese bullet trains (Shinkansen) is an experience all in itself. Travel at speeds of up to 320 km/h, marvel at the trains' punctuality, and enjoy the incredible levels of comfort and efficiency that these futuristic trains offer as you journey from Tokyo to any of the long list of major cities served by the Shinkansen network.

Bullet trains (Shinkansen), limited express and rapid or local trains are included with the Japan Rail Pass. The Nozomi bullet train is is not included on the Japan Rail Pass, however there are many other JR trains that take these routes. 

The Mizuho Shinkansen runs between Osaka and Kagoshima and is not included on the Japan Rail Pass. However the Sakura Shinkansen also runs this route and is valid on the Japan Rail Pass.

 

8. Celebrate like a local during a Tokyo Festival

 

Whatever time of the year you choose to visit Tokyo, chances are there will be a festival (matsuri) happening in the city at the time.

To access a list of festivals happening in Tokyo simply head to one of the tourist information centres or check one of the many lists available online. 

The biggest and most exuberant event on the list has to be Sanja Matsuri held during the third weekend in May.

During this wild celebration Shinto shrines are escorted through the streets of Asakusa during the festival parade by mikoshi teams, geisha, musicians and locals. 

 

9. Savour the Sushi

If you are looking for a truly Japanese experience that will instantly make you feel like a local, you can't go past sushi. There are around 5,000 sushi restaurants in Tokyo, many of which promise not only high quality raw seafood but also extraordinary chef skills and impeccable service. The best places to eat sushi are in the Ginza district or at one of the restaurants at the Tsukiji Market in central Tokyo.

How to reach Ginza: You can reach the Ginza district via Ginza Station on the Hibiya, Marunouchi and Ginza Subway Lines and Yurakucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.

 

10. Have a Hanami party

During Cherry Blossom season (late March to early May) the Japanese celebrate with "Hanami" (cherry blossom viewing) parties. These usually involve a picnic in a park or garden graced by stunning Sakura trees.

Tokyo is full of fantastic Hanami spots where friends, family and colleagues flock during spring to enjoy the beauty of the pink, white and red blossoms as they eat, drink and be merry.

One of the most convenient and care-free ways to explore the magical city of Tokyo and other major Japanese cities is with a Japan Rail Pass.

The Pass offers unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) transportation and is only available to foreign travellers visiting Japan.