Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Exploring Tokyo on foot is an experience on its own, but seeing the city from a street kart is something completely different. Driving through Tokyo’s busy streets, surrounded by neon signs, traffic, and some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, looks like one of those experiences that makes you feel like you’re inside a video game.

I didn’t get the chance to try this myself during my trip. The weather wasn’t on my side for several days, and with a limited amount of time in Tokyo, I had to be quite selective about the activities I could fit into my itinerary. Honestly, it was one of the things I was disappointed to miss, and it’s definitely on my list for my next visit.

If you’re looking for a fun and unusual way to see Tokyo, this is definitely one to consider. Just make sure to check the driving requirements before booking, as you’ll need the correct documents to participate.

🎟️ Check out the Tokyo street kart experience here.

teamLab Borderless was one of the top things on my Tokyo bucket list, and I’m so glad I made time for it. It ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Tokyo and one I’d definitely recommend, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Tokyo when it rains. Unlike a traditional museum, teamLab Borderless is an immersive digital art experience where light, color, sound, and movement transform the rooms around you, creating an experience that feels completely different from anything else in the city.

What I loved most is that there’s no fixed route and the experience never feels exactly the same. The rooms and artworks are constantly changing, so you can walk into a space you’ve already visited and find it looking completely different the second time around. This keeps you curious and makes it easy to lose track of time as you move from one room to another. I’d allow at least two to three hours here, especially if you enjoy taking photos and videos. If you want to take photos and videos with fewer people around, I’d recommend booking an early morning time slot, when the experience tends to be quieter. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, I think teamLab Borderless is one of those Tokyo experiences that is worth adding to your itinerary.

🎟️ Book your teamLab Borderless tickets here.

Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, but you don’t necessarily have to visit the observation deck to enjoy it. You can admire the tower from below, take photos from nearby Shiba Park, or see it while exploring the streets around the area.

If you’d like to enjoy the view somewhere a little more special, stop by Hills House Sky Room Café & Bar at Azabudai Hills. Located on the 34th floor and just a short walk from teamLab Borderless, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy a coffee, dessert, or light meal while looking out over the Tokyo skyline and Tokyo Tower through its large windows.

It’s not a traditional observation deck, but that’s part of what makes it special. Instead of simply going up for a quick view, you can sit down, enjoy your coffee, and take in one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks at a slower pace.

Sensō-ji is one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks and one of the best places to experience the city’s traditional side. Start at Kaminarimon Gate, walk through Nakamise-dori, and take your time exploring the temple grounds before continuing through Asakusa.

Trust me, even if you’ve already seen countless photos of the famous red lantern, Sensō-ji is one of those places that feels completely different when you’re standing there in person.

The rooftop garden at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is one of those little hidden gems in Tokyo that you might easily miss, but it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary. After exploring Takeshita Street and the busy streets of Harajuku, it’s the perfect place to take a break, enjoy a quieter moment, and recharge before continuing to explore the area.

I especially loved that you don’t have to leave Harajuku to find a little escape from the crowds. With its greenery, seating areas, and views over the surrounding streets, it’s a lovely spot to slow down for a few minutes before heading back out to explore more of Tokyo.

Tokyo may not be as famous for coffee as cities like Rome or Melbourne, but I honestly think its coffee scene is underrated. From beautifully designed cafés and impressive latte art to carefully sourced beans and different brewing styles, there is much more to discover than you might expect.

During my time in Tokyo, I visited several cafés, and each one stood out for a different reason. Whether you’re looking for a perfectly made flat white, creative latte art, or a café with a unique atmosphere, coffee hopping is a fun way to explore a different side of the city.

👉 Read my guide to 5 Tokyo cafés you shouldn’t miss here.

If you love cats or enjoy finding places that feel a little different from Tokyo’s most famous attractions, Gotokuji Temple is worth the trip. The temple is known for its hundreds of maneki-neko, or lucky cat figures, which create one of the cutest and most recognizable scenes in Tokyo.

It’s located in the quieter Setagaya neighborhood, so visiting feels like a small escape from the city’s busiest areas. Just keep in mind that it takes around 30 minutes to reach from Shinjuku, making it better as a planned stop rather than something to squeeze into an already busy day.

👉 Read my guide to the best temples and shrines in Tokyo here.

Eating sushi in Tokyo is something you’ll probably do more than once, but learning how to make it yourself turns a meal into a memorable experience. During a sushi-making class, you can learn the basics from a local instructor, prepare your own sushi, and enjoy everything you create afterward.

This is a great activity if you want to add something more interactive to your itinerary — or if you’re looking for a fun break from walking between temples, shopping streets, and sightseeing spots.

🎟️ Book your Tokyo sushi-making experience here.

If you have one extra day in Tokyo, a trip to Mount Fuji is one of the most memorable experiences you can add to your itinerary. The Fujiyoshida and Kawaguchiko areas offer some of the most famous views of the mountain, from Chureito Pagoda and Honcho 2-chome to the lakeside scenery around Kawaguchiko.

I visited independently and focused on several viewpoints in the area, but you can also book an organized tour if you prefer having transportation and the day planned for you.

🎟️ Book your Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo here.

👉 Read my complete Mount Fuji day trip guide here.

If you’re spending more than five days in Tokyo and want to explore beyond the city, Kamakura is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take. Known for its historic temples, the Great Buddha, traditional streets, and coastal scenery, it offers a completely different atmosphere from Tokyo without requiring a long journey.

I would recommend visiting if you enjoy history, temples, scenic walks, and slower-paced days. Just don’t try to see everything at once — Kamakura has enough to fill an entire day on its own.

👉 Read my complete Kamakura day trip guide here.