Why visit Tokyo?
You don’t have to search far when looking for things to do in Tokyo. Its streets are filled with mouth-watering cuisine, ancient traditions and stunning modern art. Whether you’re visiting some of the most popular Tokyo attractions or simply looking for a fun-filled holiday, you’re sure to create plenty of unique memories in the Japanese capital.
10 things to do in Toyko
If you’re still considering which places to visit in Tokyo, let our informative list of 10 things to see, do and taste guide you. There's no need to feel overwhelmed by the busyness of the city – we've got your Tokyo sightseeing itinerary sorted.
1. Eat Michelin-star ramen at Konjiki Hototogisu
Hidden in the back alleys of Sinjuku, Konjiki Hototogisu is one of only three ramen restaurants in the world to have earned a Michelin star. Try the shio soba ramen, a noodle dish finished with Italian white truffle oil, porcini mushroom sauce, pancetta bacon bits and inca berry sauce. There are only seven counter seats and a couple of small tables for two, so be prepared to queue. But if you are looking for one of the best things to do in Tokyo involving food, it’s a must.
2. Walk through water at the teamLab Planets museum
Where digital meets magical, teamLab Planets TOKYO is an awe-inspiring art facility that is made up of four large exhibition spaces and just seven unique artworks. It’s a museum where you quite literally walk through water and “become one with the flowers”. Meant to be a totally immersive experience, it’s regarded as one of the best Tokyo tourist attractions right now – with tickets going on sale months in advance. So, make sure you book early!
3. Dine on deluxe souffle pancakes at Flipper’s
If Michelin-star restaurants aren’t really your thing, or if you are simply longing for a delicious sweet treat, there’s only one place to visit in Tokyo: Flipper’s. This popular chain whips up an untold number of cloud-like souffle pancakes every day to adoring customers. Super light and fluffy, one serve will be enough to energise you for a full day of Tokyo sightseeing.
4. Learn about Japenese royalty at the Imperial Palace
Home to the Emperor of Japan, the Imperial Palace tells the story of Japan’s traditional culture. While you can’t actually go inside the palace, you can walk around its impressive grounds. A short walk from Tokyo station, the large park is surrounded by moats and stone walls. This Tokyo tourist attraction is a great option for any traveller, with free tours held in English and Japanese that take around 75 minutes.
5. Immerse yourself in sumo culture
When considering things to do in Tokyo, watching sumo wrestling has to be near the top of your list. It’s Japan’s national sport and is said to have begun over 2,000 years ago. If you want to see sumo wrestling in the flesh, Ryōgoku Kokugikan is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo. But even if you miss the tournament, you can take a tour of the sumo stadium during practice times to see how these revered athletes prepare for the event.
6. Let your imagination run wild at the Studio Ghibli Museum
Catch the Ghibli Cat Bus from Mitaka Station and you’ll find yourself lost in the magical mind of famed animator Hayao Miyazaki. Suitable for all ages, this museum is filled with the unique treasures and trinkets that have inspired the works of Studio Ghibli. Access to the museum is strictly limited, so make sure you book in advance.
7. Travel back in time at the Meiji Shrine
A short walk from Harajuku station is the Meiji Shrine, one of the most iconic places of worship and an iconic Tokyo attraction. The structure was originally built in 1920 and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine attracts millions of visitors each year, especially at Hatsumode (the first Shinto shrine visit of the New Year) when people flock to worship and wish for good fortune. While it’s a great activity for overseas visitors, plan a visit early in your Tokyo sightseeing agenda as the shrine can get very busy at peak periods.
8. Hit a Tokyo sightseeing highlight at Shinjuku Crossing
For those who have never visited Tokyo before, one location is synonymous with the populous city: Shinjuku Crossing. A feature in many Hollywood films, it’s lauded as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the entire world and can guide as many as 3,000 street-crossers at one time. No trip is complete without a visit to this Tokyo tourist attraction, and since it’s right next to Shinjuku Station it’s an easy pitstop along your Tokyo sightseeing tour.
9. Enjoy retail therapy at Harajuku
This busy district in hip Shibuya spans from Harajuku Station to Omotesando, and it’s renowned among locals as one of the most colourful and quirky places in all of the city. With trendy bars lining tiny streets, couture boutiques on Omotesando Avenue and a veritable smorgasbord of dessert shops at every turn, you can easily spend a whole day here. If you’re ever short on what to do in Tokyo, you’ll find plenty of activity in Harajuku.
10. Get the ultimate party experience at Golden Gai
If after a busy day spent sightseeing in Tokyo you want to get the party started, look no further than Golden Gai. A noisy and joyful area tucked away in Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s entertainment district, Golden Gai is infamous for its nightlife. Embrace the party culture in a small bar or busy club or wend your way through a lantern-lit alley to dine on delicious street snacks. Day or night, Golden Gai is a hub of individuality and excitement.
Advice for travelling to Japan and visiting Toyko tourist attractions
Travelling from Australia to Tokyo is very straightforward, and those with a valid COVID-19 vaccination status won’t need to do a pre-departure test at the airport. Be aware that Japan is susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis, and the typhoon season is at its peak from July through September.
Travel insurance can help protect you against the unexpected so you can enjoy your favourite Tokyo attractions even more. Learn more about Medibank’s travel insurance and COVID benefits before setting out on your Tokyo sightseeing adventure.
