Best Things to Do in Tokyo for Your First Trip

1. Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky is the observation deck of the future in the heart of Tokyo. You ascend to the 47th floor, right above the legendary Shibuya crossing, where thousands of people merge into one living stream. Its main magic is the open rooftop without glass, where the city unfolds in 360°: neon lights, skyscrapers, and on clear days, even Mount Fuji. Here it feels like you’re standing above all of Tokyo, inside its pulse and light.

Buy tickets here.

Note: large bags are not allowed. They have lockers, but we decided to leave our things at the metro station storage — no crowds there and everything is calm.

2. Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world’s most famous intersection and a true symbol of modern Tokyo. When the traffic lights change, hundreds of people simultaneously cross the road from all directions, creating a living “ocean” of movement and light. It’s best seen from above — from cafes, rooftops, or observation decks, where you can watch this urban anthill from above. This place perfectly captures the rhythm and energy of Tokyo. The famous Hachiko monument is also located near the crossing.

Tip: best to come in the evening when neon lights and advertising screens turn on. To see Shibuya Crossing from above for free, visit 5 Crossties Coffee or Starbucks with a view of the crossing, as well as the teppan-yaki restaurant on the 12th floor.

3. Gōtokuji Temple

Gōtokuji Temple is a famous temple in Tokyo, known as the “house of lucky cats.” The maneki-neko figurines are located in a special place near Shofuku-den, where you can see hundreds of smiling cats that seem to invite you to make a wish. Walking the paths among trees and ancient temple buildings, you feel the peace and magic of ancient Japan, and the atmosphere of this corner makes the visit special.

Temple website.

Note: there is a pagoda on the temple grounds, and it’s also decorated with these cute cats.

4. Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine is an oasis of tranquility in the midst of bustling Tokyo. The temple is famous for its bright red torii gates that cascade along the paths, creating a feeling that you’ve entered another world. Here you can slowly stroll among trees, enjoying the silence and magic of Japanese spirituality, observing the small details: small shrines, bells, and candles. The place is perfect for those who want to feel the contrast between the fast pace of the city and inner peace.

Temple website.

5. Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the Asakusa district. You pass through the huge Kaminarimon gate with a giant red lantern and enter the bustling Nakamise street, filled with sweets, souvenirs, and aromas of Japanese cuisine. Further on, the main temple hall opens with the smoke of incense, where people purify themselves and make wishes. This is a place where ancient Japan is felt especially strongly amid the modern city.

Temple website.

Note: for a small donation, you can draw an omikuji fortune stick here. If it’s good — keep it, but if it’s bad — tie it to a special place in the temple to release the bad luck.

6. Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest broadcasting tower and one of the tallest in the world. It impresses with its grandeur and is visible from many corners of Tokyo. Around the tower, you can find great photo spots where Skytree creates an incredible backdrop for urban panoramas. And for those who want real experiences, you can ascend the tower to observation decks, from where a panorama of all Tokyo opens, and on clear days even Mount Fuji. Skytree is especially beautiful at sunset, when the city slowly sinks into night lights.

Ticket website.

Tip: great viewing spots for Tokyo Skytree — Sumida Park and Kinshichō Station (35.69759368922716, 139.81191791776297)

7. Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s grandest and most peaceful Shinto shrines, hidden in a large forest right next to the bustling Harajuku district. As soon as you pass through the giant wooden torii gates, the city noise disappears, and a quiet walk begins among tall trees and gravel paths. Here you can see traditional wedding ceremonies, feel the true atmosphere of Japanese spirituality, and take a break from the rhythm of the metropolis.

Shrine website.

Note: Consecrated Sake Barrels — these are rows of large sake barrels donated to the shrine from all over Japan. This is one of the most popular photo spots at Meiji Shrine — almost everyone takes photos here. Location: 35.67360875190538, 139.70192906272615

8. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is one of Tokyo’s most recognizable icons, reminiscent of the Paris Eiffel Tower but with Japanese character. Its red-and-white silhouette stands out beautifully among skyscrapers and is especially charming in evening illumination. The tower is clearly visible from various corners of the city, and there are many places around where you can take atmospheric photos with it against the backdrop of modern Tokyo.

Ticket website.

Tip: great viewing spots for Tokyo Tower — 35.6584227, 139.7436647 and 35.6548058, 139.7455110. Also, many people take photos from the underground parking, but there are long lines there, so it’s better to come in the morning.

9. Akihabara

Akihabara is the heart of anime, manga, gaming, and Japanese pop culture. The district’s streets glow with neon signs, and at every step — shops with figurines, games, electronics, and cult characters. Here it’s easy to get lost among gacha machines, themed cafes, and shops selling everything — from retro consoles to the latest anime collections. This is the place where Tokyo looks most futuristic and “gamer-like.”

10. Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market is Tokyo’s vibrant food quarter, where Japan smells of fresh fish, soy sauce, and street food. Once the country’s main fish market was here, and today — a labyrinth of narrow streets with dozens of small shops and stalls cooking sushi, sashimi, tamago, grilled seafood, and matcha desserts. Here you can literally eat while walking down the street and feel the true rhythm of Tokyo cuisine.

Market website.

Tip: come in the morning — then the biggest selection of food and fewer tourists.

Want to make your Tokyo trip even cooler? Here’s what you can try here:

• Visit Pokémon Center — official shop with merch, figurines, and exclusive Pokémon
• Visit teamLab — digital art spaces with light, mirrors, and interactive installations
• Go to Mameshiba Café or other animal cafes — dogs, cats, hedgehogs, and even owls
• Go go-karting through nighttime Tokyo in the neon lights of the metropolis
• Participate in a traditional tea ceremony and experience Japanese aesthetics of peace
• Watch or visit sumo wrestler training at a real sumo stable

11. Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is Tokyo’s most creative and stylish district, famous for its vintage shops, independent boutiques, and youthful atmosphere. Here instead of skyscrapers — narrow streets, street art, small cafes, and shops with unique clothing from Japan, Europe, and the USA. This is the perfect place to find something special that definitely won’t be found anywhere else.

12. Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is a huge oasis of silence in the midst of one of Tokyo’s noisiest districts. Here Japanese gardens with lakes and bridges transition into French alleys and English lawns, and around — Shinjuku’s skyscrapers. This is the perfect place to take a break from the urban rhythm, stroll among cherry blossoms or maples, and feel how nature and the metropolis merge into one.

Park website.

Must-see: Starbucks inside the park. It has panoramic windows with views of greenery and a pond, so coffee here tastes twice as good as in a regular city cafe.

13. Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is the famous pedestrian street in the heart of Harajuku, known for its youth culture, bright signs, and unusual shops. Here they sell bright vintage clothing, creative accessories, sweets, and merch of favorite anime characters. The street is always lively, here it’s easy to immerse yourself in the energy of young Tokyo, observe fashion trends, and take bright photos.

For Harry Potter fans: near Takeshita Street is Harry Potter Shop Harajuku — a large magical shop with themed merch, photo zones, and Butterbeer Bar, where you can experience the atmosphere of the Harry Potter world right in Tokyo.

Don’t miss: you can visit Reissue Café, where they make lattes with 3D art: Pikachu, cats, and other cute characters right on the foam. Great place for photos and videos!

14. Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s elegant district, where major international brands, designer boutiques, and luxury stores are concentrated. Here the streets are wide and clean, shop facades shine with windows, and the atmosphere combines modernity and style. Perfect place for shopping, strolling, and observing Japan’s most fashionable trends. So, if your plan was to “run” shopping and buy something branded with tax-free — this is the place for you!

15. Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s brightest and liveliest districts. Here neon signs, skyscrapers, and narrow streets with bars create the atmosphere of a true night metropolis. In this district, you can get lost among the small bars of Golden Gai, walk the nostalgic Omoide Yokocho, see the giant Godzilla head on a building rooftop, and take a photo with the famous 3D cat that “climbs out” of the facade. This is the perfect place to experience Tokyo as it’s shown in movies and anime.

Must-do: try chicken yakitori skewers in Omoide Yokocho

16. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokio

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo is a true paradise for Harry Potter fans. Here you don’t just look at sets — you literally enter the world of the films: the Great Hall of Hogwarts, Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley, character costumes, and magical objects. Everything looks as if filming just ended. This is a place where you want to examine every detail and take hundreds of photos, even if you’ve seen the movies dozens of times.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo website.

Tokyo is only the beginning of most Japan itineraries. If you’re continuing west, start with our first-trip guide to Kyoto and the best things to do in Osaka.

Every spot in this guide is pinned in our Japan Google Map, alongside 130+ other locations across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Fujikawaguchiko — photo spots, cafes, temples, and more, ready to open on your phone.

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