Tokyo is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and there are so many things you can enjoy during your stay in Tokyo it can be challenging to decide what you should do. Most probably you will find many great guides online about things to do in the city.
Here I share with you some things and places in Tokyo every first timer should enjoy, plus some unique destinations around the city.
If you’re looking for some trips away from Shibuya and Shinjuku station, you will certainly find something for you here, just continue reading!
When in Tokyo You Must Eat Ramen Noodles
Tokyo is a perfect city for foodies, Japanese cuisine is so different, so good and often also so affordable. Can you believe that you can enjoy Michelin star restaurant dinner for just $20 dollars? In Tokyo, you can!
Of course, there are many expensive restaurants, especially when it comes to sushi, but Ramen is one of the most popular dishes in Japan and it’s so tasty! There are many good ramen restaurants in Tokyo, where meat eaters and vegans alike will be satisfied.
See the City from the Tokyo Government Building Observation Room
When in Tokyo, there is a good chance you will be around Shinjuku station, and you might wonder how the city looks from above. But you don’t have to wonder, you can actually enjoy the city view – and you can do that for free!
It’s a perfect place to be around sunset, but so popular at that time, you might have to wait in line. If you want to avoid a huge lineup, visiting the Tokyo Government building at a different time might be a much better choice. Here is Google listing of the building for directions.
Enjoy a Hike to Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is a hike about an hour away from Tokyo, where you can see the city from a distance, enjoy beautiful temples, eat some great snacks and have a beer or wine (bring your own) on top of the mountain enjoying the view of Mt. Fuji in distance.
It’s not a long hike, however, if you don’t feel like walking to the top of the mountain by foot, you can also take a gondola.
The trip from Shinjuku to Mt. Takao will cost around 400 yen only.
Mt. Takao, also called Takaosan is considered a sacred mountain where you will find beautiful Yakuoin temple. You can read more about Mt Takao here.
If possible, visit the mountain during weekdays, as on weekends it can be pretty crowded, especially during cherry blossom or fall season.
Visit Minato Mirai in Yokohama
Tokyo is a vibrant city, covered with vibrant billboards and flashy lights. However, when you visit Yokohama, which is very close to Tokyo you will experience different style. Minato Mirai in Yokohama is one of the places worth visiting.
That’s where you will find the Cup Noodles Museum and beautiful waterfront but also some stylish boutiques. It is also the central business district of Yokohama.
It certainly looks beautiful after sunset, so you should consider visiting it before sunset so you can see how it looks during day and night.
Take a Sumida River Walk
Sensoji, a Buddhism temple is one of the very famous touristic destinations in Tokyo and it’s a place you must visit in Tokyo. The temple is located very close to Sumida River and it’s a good choice to enjoy a walk on Sumida River, you will find it less touristic and will be able to enjoy beautiful views and some Japanese art.
Sensoji temple is very beautiful, but it’s full of people. When you get to Sumida river you will be able to enjoy more private time and take a look at Asahi Beer Hall next to Tokyo Tower.
Visit Rikugien Garden
It’s a beautiful garden located close to Sugamo Station. If you’re planning to visit the first Ramen restaurant that received Michelin Star you certainly should visit the Rikugien Garden, have a nice walk there and enjoy very tasty matcha tea.
It was built around 1700 and it’s considered one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Tokyo. It’s a reproduction of 88 scenes from famous poems.
Check Nezu Shrine: Tokyo’s Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari in Kyoto is a very beautiful place to visit and thanks to the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha” which was partially filmed in Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, it became a very famous touristic destination.
Many do not know that Tokyo has a temple which also has beautiful red torii gates, similar to those in Fushimi Inari.
Gates in Kyoto’s temple are bigger but if you can’t go to Kyoto, take a trip to Nezu Shrine where you will experience “Fushimi Inari in miniature”.
It’s located about 25 minutes walk from Rikugien Garden, so you could visit these two destinations during the same trip.
That’s it! Hopefully, you found some inspiration for your Tokyo adventures, and no matter what you decide on doing during your trip, make sure you enjoy every single minute of it!
Don’t forget to share it with your friends and leave a comment if you had a chance to enjoy any of the shared destinations.
This guest post was written by Luke Lawreszuk, a blogger and photographer who shares his images with bloggers for free at Sprayed Out.
All photos were taken by Luke.
See also: Would you let your 15 year old go to Japan as an exchange student?
this is a useful post, as a travel agency of Nepal. welcome here to experience a new food taste and the cultural variations.
yea, been there before and food experience is awesome. tokyo is one of the best streetfood city in the world.
Great insights 😊