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Tokyo has captured the imagination of countless creatives throughout history, from Anthony Bourdain (who said if he had to eat in only one city the rest of his life, it’d be Tokyo) to writer and director Sofia Coppola, whose love affair with its neon lights and boundless energy is captured in her classic movie Lost in Translation.
It’s a destination where ancient traditions meet modern technology, where skyscrapers co-exist with centuries-old temples and shrines, and where you can begin your day with a vending machine bento box and end it at a 3-Michelin-star restaurant eating the best sushi of your life.
While Japan’s incredible capital is hard to encapsulate, if you’re planning a trip and need a few tips for what to add to your itinerary, continue ahead for 17 of the best things to do in Tokyo, from museums and landmarks to vintage shops and tiny alleyway watering holes.
Watch an exhilarating sumo practice
Ryogoku Kokugikan is Tokyo’s sumo stadium, which hosts three grand sumo tournaments a year (lasting around two weeks). If your visit doesn’t fall within this timeframe or you prefer a more intimate experience, book a visit to one of Tokyo’s “sumo stables” (sumo-beya) to see how a practice session unfolds. If you’re a guest at Aman Tokyo, book their Sumo behind-the-scenes excursion where you’ll spend the morning witnessing the traditional Japanese wrestling sport.
Walk through water at teamLab Planets
Both a museum and garden, this massively successful exhibition has been extended several times due to its popularity. (It’s currently scheduled to close at the end of 2027.) Visitors can explore four large-scale artwork spaces as well as two gardens, but not before taking off their shoes—teamLab Planets directs visitors to meander through the spaces barefoot, which comes in handy in rooms where you walk through shallow water.
Travel back in time at the Imperial Palace
Surrounded by a cinematic moat and towering stone walls, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is a sight to behold. It sits atop the former site of Edo Castle (which used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun) and has served as the residence of successive emperors since 1868. Visitors can catch a glimpse of royal life with a guided tour of the palace grounds, and on January 2 and February 23 when the inner palace grounds are opened to the public.
Go on a private tour of the fish market
For a destination practically synonymous with sushi, hiring a private guide to take you around Tokyo’s historic fish markets feels like a no-brainer. Opened in 1935, Tsukiji was the main wholesale market for fish until it relocated to Toyosu in 2018. Visitors can still tour the outer part of the historic Tsukiji market, or head for Toyosu to witness a tuna auction, a world famous event. (Fun Fact: A 612-pound bluefin tuna, sold at $3.1 million USD in 2019, holds the record for the most expensive tuna ever auctioned.)
Take a sunset cruise down the Sumida River
There’s nothing quite like experiencing a city from the water, particularly when that city is a bustling capital like Tokyo. Book a private cruise down the Sumida River (perhaps aboard a traditional Japanese houseboat, or yakatabune) ending at Tokyo Bay. Better yet, plan for your sail time to coincide with sunset so you can admire the iconic skyscrapers as they turn a shimmery golden hue.
Have your Lost in Translation moment at Park Hyatt Tokyo
Park Hyatt Tokyo opened its doors in 1994, revealing a striking design by Dr. Kenzō Tange (the winner of the 1987 Pritzker Prize for Architecture). Less than ten years later, director Sofia Coppola filmed her award-winning Lost in Translation at the Park Hyatt, sparking further fascination with the luxury hotel. Book a room and admire the four-story glass atrium lobby or simply grab a drink at the sophisticated New York Bar, the hotel is forever a Tokyo marvel. (Note: Park Hyatt Tokyo is currently undergoing a restoration in celebration of its 30th anniversary and will reopen in October 2025.)
Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s teahouse culture
Tea originally came to Japan through Zen Buddhism and its influences continue to permeate the country’s identity, particularly in Tokyo, which is considered one of the world’s greatest tea cities. While visiting, be sure to explore its many teahouses, from Norm Tea House in the up-and-coming Ueno neighborhood to Cafe Banksia, which was started by photographer Nana Yuri.
Browse titles at Daikanyama T-Site bookstore
For bookworms who make it a point to track down the best bookstores when traveling, be sure to add Daikanyama T-Site to your list. This renowned bookstore is located in the trendy Daikanyama neighborhood and is well-known for its unique lattice facade resembling the letter ’T’ (designed by Klein Dytham Architecture). Inside, browse the curated selection of books, magazines, and art monographs spanning a diverse range of interests.
Go vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa
The bohemian neighborhood of Shimokitazawa is an epicenter for treasure hunters who relish the opportunity to hop between vintage and thrift stores in search of their latest score. In search of vintage American labels like Polo Ralph Lauren? Make a pitstop at Flamingo. You’ll find more ‘90s streetwear at Chicago, while both Pigsty and New York Joe Exchange deliver an eclectic mix of laidback vintage pieces.
Walk Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection
A destination that’s served as the backdrop in countless films and editorials, Shibuya Crossing is a Tokyo icon. During its busiest times, there are an estimated 1,000 to 2,500 pedestrians making their way across the intersection every two minutes, making it a tourist destination in and of itself. And despite the seeming chaos of it all, there’s a sense of synchrony about the crossing that draws in people-watchers from around the world.
Unwind at a Hakone-fed hot spring
While Japan’s countryside is a common destination for experiencing an onsen (hot spring), there are a few locations in Tokyo where you can take a dip in these geothermal waters—like Yuen Bettei Deita, a ryokan-style hotel in the heart of Shimokitazawa. The property has its very own open-air bath that is fed from source springs in Hakone and Lake Ashi. Book a day at the hotel’s onsen complete with a tea salon and meal.
Get the best views from Tokyo Skytree
Soaring 2,080 feet into the air, Tokyo Skytree is among the world’s tallest towers. Once visitors reach the Tembo Deck at 1,148 feet, they can take in 360-degree views of the city. For those with a penchant for sprawling views, go to the very top to the Tembo Galleria via a spiral ramp to experience this thrilling skywalk. On clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Fuji.
Spend an afternoon at the Nezu Museum
Founded to conserve and exhibit pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art that once belonged to Nezu Kaichirō (the president of Japan’s Tobu railway), Nezu Museum now has approximately 7,600 works within its collections, including seven national treasures, 92 important cultural properties, and 95 important art objects. The museum is located in the Aoyama district and offers a tranquil setting for guests—bamboo, glass walls, and striking architecture by Kengo Kuma. Also not to be missed: the gardens with their stone pathways that wind throughout the lush grounds.
Enjoy a drink in Shinjuku Golden Gai
Illuminated by neon lights and oozing post-war charm, Shinjuku’s Golden Gai is a feast for the senses. Half the fun of experiencing the neighborhood is wandering down its puzzle-like alleys, popping into bars with open seats—the average bar is tiny, seating around just four to 10 people. And while there are over 200 bars to choose from, forewarning that some of these institutions have signs indicating “no tourists” so as to keep their seats available for regulars.
Get fit for a kimono at Ginza Motoji
Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district and home to Ginza Motoji, a store famed for generations for their kimonos (and beloved by Vogue’s very own Hamish Bowles). Make an appointment to purchase and fit your very own kimono that you can pass down for generations, as is customary in Japan. (The tradition dates back thousands of years to the Heian period!)
Master the art of vending machine dining
Vending machine culture in Japan (yes, vending machines!) is part of what makes the country so wonderfully unique, and in Tokyo, there are an estimated four million vending machines servicing locals and tourists alike. And these are no ordinary vending machines—expect a dizzying array of cuisine to choose from that’s actually good, from sushi and canned yakitori to ramen and sweet treats.
Stroll around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Breathe in the fresh air at this lush park near Shinjuku Station. It’s one of Tokyo’s largest parks and is counted as one of the best places to see cherry blossoms come spring (the park has around 1,300 cherry trees of over 65 varieties). Visitors can meander around three different types of gardens: a traditional Japanese garden, a landscape garden featuring giant trees, and a formal garden designed in a symmetrical, geometric shape resembling those of France.
What to Pack
Prepare for Tokyo s rainy climate with boots, plenty of layers, and (of course) an umbrella. As for in-flight entertainment for the trip over, pick up this Murakami best-seller that was partially set in the Japanese capital.
