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Tokyo doesn’t just blend opposites – it positively celebrates them! It’s futuristic yet traditional. Crowded yet serene. Chaotic yet meticulously organised… and somehow it all works incredibly well.
With so much to see and do in this sprawling metropolis, knowing where to start makes all the difference. That’s why we’ve pulled together some of our favourite Tokyo experiences – from historic temples to neon-lit nightlife, and world-class cuisine to peaceful day trips. So you can hit the ground running and enjoy every minute in this extraordinary city.
Historic Tokyo: Landmarks, Temples & Gardens
Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most visited temple and is a great place to start your historic exploration of the city. The approach to the temple begins at Kaminarimon or ‘Thunder Gate’ with its enormous red lantern. From here, you’ll stroll down Nakamise-dori, a lively street of traditional stalls, before arriving at Sensō-ji where you can explore the main hall, the five-storey pagoda, and the calm temple gardens.
Elsewhere in the city, Meiji-jingū Shrine, reached via a long forested path near Harajuku with huge torii gates, is a nice escape from the city’s fast pace. Nearby, Nezu Shrine is known for its gorgeous azalea gardens, while the 17th-century Rikugi-en Gardens and Shinjuku Gyoen provide a lovely, quiet spot for a wander. Another must-see is the Zojoji Temple near Tokyo Tower or Tsukiji Hongan-ji, with its distinctive architecture that mixes global influences. For a sense of traditional Tokyo living before the skyscrapers arrived, head to Yanaka, where you’ll find old wooden houses, narrow lanes, and small temples. And to experience traditional performance art, watch a Kabuki show at the famous Kabuki-za Theatre in Ginza.
The Modern Side: Gaming, Digital Art & Pop Culture
Tokyo’s modern side is just as fascinating. Probably the most iconic sight, and featured in multiple films, TV series and pieces of art, is the Shibuya Crossing (pictured below): the world-famous pedestrian crossing located just outside Shibuya Station. It’s truly fascinating to watch, especially during rush hour when hundreds of people cross the road simultaneously from all directions. The surrounding area is a hub of shopping, dining, nightlife and entertainment, making it a fantastic place to soak up Tokyo’s energy.
Akihabara (pictured below) is the epicentre of anime, manga and gaming culture and has everything you’d expect: bright neon signs, electronics shops and themed cafés. It’s the perfect place to pick up gadgets, retro games and pop-culture collectables. For something more futuristic, teamLab Borderless in Azabudai is a digital art museum where projections move across walls and floors for a fully interactive experience.
Among these high-tech attractions, the Ghibli Museum offers a different kind of modern, and a unique Tokyo experience. It isn’t digitally flashy, but celebrates modern creativity in animation, with exhibits, life-size sets, and short films.
Set on Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is a man-made island with ultra-modern architecture and open waterfront spaces. It’s a great spot for shopping and entertainment, but it really comes into its own in the evening, when you can stroll along the promenade and look back towards the city skyline, including the Rainbow Bridge, which is lit up at night.
Shop ‘til you drop: From High-end to Quirky
Shopping in Tokyo ranges from luxury to eccentric and everything in between. For high-end shops and department stores, head to Ginza. If you’re looking for something quirkier, head to Harajuku. Along Takeshita Street, you’ll find street fashion, vintage finds and small cafes, while nearby Omote-sandō offers a more refined experience with designer boutiques. Nakameguro’s shops and cafés line the canal – which is an especially beautiful area during cherry blossom season. The area around the Shibuya Crossing is also great for shopping.
Food Lovers’ Paradise: Sushi, Markets & Michelin Stars
Tokyo is one of the world’s best cities for food lovers, with a huge range of high-quality options. If you can drag yourself out of bed early, head to Toyosu Market, a wholesale fish market, to watch the famous tuna auction (plan ahead though, as there are limited spots), then wander the surrounding market area, filled with sushi counters and seafood restaurants. The nearby Tsukiji Outer Market is also perfect for picking up street food and snacks as you explore. Another must-visit market is Ameya-Yokocho in Ueno where you can pick up souvenirs and try out the street food.
For something quick and comforting, Ramen Street inside Tokyo Station serves bowls of noodles from some of Japan’s most famous ramen shops. At the other end of the spectrum, Tokyo’s Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional kaiseki meals offer a high-end dining experience. Many offer koshitsu (private dining rooms), with tatami floors and sliding screens, giving you the chance to experience the quintessential Japanese sense of occasion.
Nightlife: Karaoke, Sumo & Neon-lit Streets
Tokyo after dark is an experience you’ll never forget. If you’re feeling brave, join the locals for karaoke, or try catching an evening sumo match at Ryōgoku Kokugikan during tournament season. The city is dotted with hundreds of small izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), particularly in Golden Gai, each with a secret, tucked-away feel. They’re informal, full of atmosphere, and a fantastic way to soak up local culture.
If you’re after bright lights and energy, head to Shinjuku, a maze of neon-lit streets and alleyways home to everything from tiny, themed bars to lively nightclubs. For a more refined night out, try Roppongi, known for its stylish clubs and cocktail bars.
Iconic experiences: Cherry Blossom & Rooftop Views
Tokyo’s skyline is breathtaking, and the best way to take it all in is from above. Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky, and the Roppongi Hills Mori Building observation deck all offer incredible views, especially at sunset.
One of Tokyo’s most iconic experiences is cherry blossom season (late March to early April), when Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi (pictured above) are transformed into illuminated wonderlands at night. It’s not the only time to visit Tokyo, though; in autumn, parks and gardens such as Rikugi-en and Meiji Shrine come alive with red and gold leaves. Winter also offers clear views of Mount Fuji from the observation decks and beautiful illuminations around the city.
Day Trips: Mountains, Temples & Hot Springs
If you have time, Tokyo’s surrounding region offers some stunning day trips. Mount Takao is great for walking and enjoying glimpses of Mount Fuji on clear days. Kamakura, with its temples and the Great Buddha, offers a taste of historical Japan just a short train ride away. For trips a little further afield, Nikko (pictured below) boasts UNESCO World Heritage shrines in forested mountains, Hakone offers relaxing hot springs and lake cruises, and in Enoshima you’ll find coastal caves, shrines, and seaside views.
Whether you’re exploring temples, sampling freshly made sushi, or watching the orderly chaos of Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo is exciting, overwhelming, exhilarating, and utterly intoxicating – in all the best possible ways.
If you’re ready to start planning your Japan multi centre holiday, please get in touch with our team.
