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Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo

Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo

Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo

When it comes to Tokyo, it’s effortless to be under the city’s spell. The city is the ultimate melting pot for all things ~ from art, to cuisine, to shopping, and recreation ~ all of which make Tokyo a mega-city like no other. The experience that one can gain from traveling to Tokyo is unparalleled. Learning the local subway service of Tokyo alone can be challenging, as it is home to possibly the world’s most complex railway systems. In contrast, downing a bowl of ramen is easy peasy, the thought of a single person eating three bowls of ramen in a day ridiculous yet doable for those who love Japanese cuisine. As time is of the essence, how does one make the most out of his time in Tokyo? With the help of a pocket Wi-Fi, here are 10 things you need to do in Tokyo without breaking a sweat.

1. Perform Temizu at Meiji Shrine

Location: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Candid Cuisine Feature: Meiji Shrine

Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo

To see Tokyo is to see through the rich history of Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s top Shinto attractions dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. At Meiji Shrine, it’s absolutely a must to do Temizu before entering shrine grounds. Wash your left hand first, then your right, before drinking a handful of water from clean and fresh water.

2. Pack a picnic spread for a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

Location: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Candid Cuisine Feature: Shinjuku in 24 Hours

top 10 things to do in tokyo

If you’re traveling to Tokyo during cherry blossom season, tick off Hanami viewing from your bucket list with a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. It’s advisable to come here early in the morning, as crowds begin to thicken during noon and late afternoons.

3. Get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo from Tokyo Skytree

Location: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 8:00am – 10:00pm
Official Website: Tokyo Skytree

Things to do in Tokyo 4

As Tokyo Tower is becoming mainstream, the Tokyo Skytree slowly integrates itself as Tokyo’s modern symbol. Like the Tokyo Tower, the Skytree will give you a wide expanse of Tokyo dynamics.

Need a place to stay in Tokyo? Visit HotelsCombined to find and compare accommodation options.

4. Eat sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market

Location: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Candid Cuisine Feature: Tsukiji Fish Market

Things to do in tokyo

Eating sushi is a must when visiting Tokyo, and there’s no better place to experience the freshness of sushi and sashimi than at Tsukiji Fish Market. Sukiyabashi Jiro might be a little elusive to your budget, so Tsukiji Fish Market is your next best option. If you can wake up early in the morning and arrive at 5:00am, you might be lucky to witness the world’s largest tuna auction at Tsukiji Market.

5. Immerse in Harajuku culture at Takeshita Dori

Location: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, 神宮前1丁目
Candid Cuisine Feature: Marion Crepes and Angels Heart Harajuku

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See a different side of Tokyo at Takeshita Dori, Tokyo’s major shopping district for all things teenager culture. Indulge in popular crepes at Marion Crepes or Angels Heart, dress like a manga star, and dine at Wolfgang Puck’s popular celebrity restaurant.

6. Scramble your way into Center Gai through Shibuya Crossing

Location: Japan, 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya, Dogenzaka, 1 Chome−12−2, 渋谷 マーク シティ 内
Candid Cuisine Feature: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

Nobody goes to Tokyo without walking back and forth in Shibuya crossing, trying to get the best Instagram-worthy photo. A secret tip? Head towards Shibuya Mark City for a better vantage point of the world’s most popular intersection, without interruptions. Better yet, stay at the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu where you can wake up to Shibuya’s sleepy beginnings and ending your day with a colorful circus.

7. Experience nightlife in Golden Gai time warp

Location: Albatross, Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−1−7, ゴールデン街5番街
Opening Hours: 5:00pm till early morning
Candid Cuisine Feature: Shinjuku in 24 Hours

Bar Albatross Omoide Yokocho

There’s no place better to unwind from Tokyo’s fast-paced culture than at Golden Gai. When in Yasukuni Dori, eat Horomunyaki (grilled innards) and treat yourself to a shot of Umeshu or Shochu at Bar Albatross, as you listen to stories from poetic writers, bartenders, and artistic Tokyoites. If you go beyond buzzed, there are Edo era-themed rooms and capsule hotels to crash near the area for the night.

When in Shinjuku, don’t forget to watch the famous Shinjuku Robot show. This raucous pop culture show with robotic monsters, lasers and dancers will surely complete your Shinjuku experience.

Shinjuku Robot Restaurant

8. Feel the dangerous thrills of Kabukicho neighborhood

Things to do in tokyo
Photo Credits

When in Shinjuku, get an adrenaline rush through Kabukicho’s sleazy red light district made popular by Sega’s Yakuza franchise. Tread Kyabakura establishments carefully and be aware of bottakuri ripoffs, or lest be like these tourists.

9. Ring the bell at Asakusa Senso-ji Temple

Location: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

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Pay homage to Boddhisattva Kannon at Asakusa Senso-ji temple, by throwing coins, clapping twice and bowing for a prayer. Afterwards, ring a bell as you whisper your wish to Japan’s beloved Goddess of Mercy. End your day with a walk at Nakamise shopping street where you can eat my favorite Sakura Taiyaki during the Hanami season.

10. Snag cheap electronic deals at Akihabara

Location: Yodobashi Camera, Japan, 〒101-0028 東京都千代田区 神田花岡町1−1

Things to do in Tokyo 1
Photo Credits

Aside from Yodobashi and BIC Camera’s 5% discount for Visa cardholders, Akihabara’s electric town is your one stop shopping destination from smartphones, to high resolution DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras. Sofmap, Laox, and Yamada Denki are shops frequented by tourists in Akihabara. After your electronic loot, try Maid Cafes and exercise your inner dominant personality.

Are you traveling to Tokyo soon? Share your thoughts on Candid Cuisine!

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