65+ Best Things to Do in Tokyo for Friends and Families

Tokyo is a fantastic city where tradition and modern life blend amazingly. From ancient temples to futuristic skyscrapers, the city has something special for everyone. You can discover world-famous cuisine, cultural landmarks, or shop in vibrant districts.

Tokyo is also filled with beautiful and calm gardens and shrines where you can relax. The bustling nightlife and entertainment zones provide endless excitement. Each neighborhood has its own charm and hidden gems to explore. Visiting Tokyo is truly a great experience that mixes culture, history, and innovation in one place.

Let's explore this article to find the best things to do in Tokyo and make your trip unforgettable.

Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Tokyo provides endless attractions that mix history and modern charm. You can explore famous spots like Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and the Imperial Palace. The city is also home to unique shopping streets and food markets. Don't miss the opportunity to try authentic sushi and ramen. Every corner of Tokyo shows a new adventure.

Here are some of the best things to plan your Tokyo trip today and explore its top attractions:

1. Find tranquility in the sprawling Meiji Jingu shrine and its surrounding forest.
2. Ascend the iconic Tokyo Skytree for a breathtaking panoramic view of the metropolis.
3. Stroll through the lush and peaceful grounds of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
4. Experience the vibrant pop culture and fashion scene of the Harajuku district.
5. Discover the world of anime and electronics in the bustling Akihabara Electric Town.
6. Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, the former site of Edo Castle.
7. Immerse yourself in the digital art and sensory experiences at teamLab Planets.
8. Explore the outdoor food stalls and fresh seafood at the historic Tsukiji Outer Market.
9. Catch a traditional sumo wrestling match at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena.
10. Explore the traditional Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise-dori shopping street in Asakusa.

Things to Do in Tokyo for First Timers

Start with famous sites like Tokyo Skytree and Sensoji Temple if this is your first trip. To feel the vibrancy of the city, stroll through the crowded avenues of Shibuya and Shinjuku. Find the different fashion and culture of Harajuku. Enjoy a peaceful stroll in Meiji Shrine or Ueno Park. You may experience Tokyo in its totality at these locations.

Here are beautiful things to do in Tokyo to make your first Tokyo visit unforgettable:

1. Find peace and quiet in the serene forest and grounds of the Meiji Jingu shrine.
2. Experience the unique and immersive digital art installations at a teamLab museum.
3. Explore the vibrant pop culture, trendy fashion, and unique cafes of Harajuku's Takeshita Street.
4. See the contrast of the old and new by visiting a tiny, traditional bar in Shinjuku's Golden Gai.
5. Ascend the Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower for breathtaking, sweeping views of the city.
6. Discover the world of anime, manga, and electronics in the dazzling, neon-lit district of Akihabara.
7. Stroll through the beautiful and tranquil landscapes of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
8. Explore the Imperial Palace East Garden, the former grounds of a historic castle.
9. Enjoy a relaxing walk through Ueno Park, which is home to museums, a zoo, and a large pond.
10. Witness the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing from an elevated vantage point like Shibuya Sky.

Free Things to Do in Tokyo

There are many free things to do in Tokyo, so it's occasionally expensive. You can explore temples and shrines or take in lovely parks like Yoyogi without having to spend a dime. Stroll through lively locations like Asakusa or Akihabara. Don't forget the government buildings have accessibility decks. There are a lot of free hidden jewels throughout the city.

Below are some amazing things to visit in Tokyo and save money while still enjoying the best of Tokyo for free:

1. Discover the unique architecture and art at the Tokyo International Forum in the Marunouchi district.
2. Visit the serene grounds of the Meiji Jingu shrine and its surrounding forest, a tranquil escape from the city.
3. Wander through the historic Senso-ji Temple and the bustling Nakamise-dori street without any entrance fee.
4. Go people-watching and witness the unique subcultures and fashion of Harajuku and Yoyogi Park on a Sunday.
5. Walk across the Rainbow Bridge for a stunning view of Tokyo Bay and the Odaiba waterfront.
6. Take in a free panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
7. Explore the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market and its vibrant atmosphere, even if you don't buy anything.
8. Stroll around the beautiful Imperial Palace East Garden, which is open to the public for free.
9. Experience the electrifying energy of Akihabara's Electric Town just by walking through the streets.
10. Explore the traditional and quiet neighborhood of Yanaka, with its old-world charm and temple-lined streets.

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Things to Do in Tokyo at Night

Tokyo becomes alive with activity as the sun sets. Karaoke clubs, late-night eating, and neon pathways may be encountered in Shibuya and Shinjuku. Skytree and Tokyo Tower provide nighttime vistas. Along with activities, Odaiba features a stunning bay vista. Tokyo nights are active and full of pleasure.

Below are some of the best things to experience the magic of Tokyo's nightlife on your trip:

1. Bar-hop through the tiny, intimate establishments of Shinjuku's Golden Gai.
2. Experience the surreal and immersive digital art at a teamLab museum, which often has late hours.
3. Enjoy a unique dining experience at a themed restaurant like one with a ninja or vampire motif.
4. Take a dinner cruise on a traditional yakatabune boat along the Sumida River for scenic nighttime views.
5. Explore the neon-lit entertainment district of Kabukicho in Shinjuku and see the iconic Godzilla head.
6. Go to a late-night arcade in Akihabara and immerse yourself in Japanese gaming culture.
7. Unwind at a traditional onsen (hot spring) or a super sento bathhouse, many of which are open all night.
8. Sing your heart out in a private karaoke room, a quintessential Japanese nightlife activity.
9. Get a different perspective of the city's landmarks with a stroll over the illuminated Rainbow Bridge.
10. See a live performance or show, from traditional Japanese theater to a modern comedy bar.

Family Friendly Things to Do in Tokyo

Families with children of all ages tend to find Tokyo ideal. For charmed experiences, visit DisneySea or Tokyo Disneyland. Children also admire the Sumida Aquarium and the Ueno Zoo. Together, visitors may have excitement and learn at museums like the TeamLab Planets. The city makes sure that families are comfortable and at ease.

Below are some great things to help plan your family holiday in Tokyo with exciting kid-friendly spots:

1. Experience a full day of fun at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, Japan's unique take on the classic theme parks.
2. Visit the Ueno Zoo to see giant pandas and a wide variety of other animals.
3. Let kids role-play as adults at KidZania Tokyo, a unique theme park where they can try different jobs.
4. Step into the colorful and cute world of Hello Kitty and friends at Sanrio Puroland.
5. Have a blast at Tokyo Dome City, an urban amusement park with rides and games for all ages.
6. Enter a world of animated magic at the Ghibli Museum, dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli.
7. Get hands-on with science and transportation at the free Tokyo Fire Museum.
8. Get a taste of old Japan at the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, with historical buildings you can enter.
9. Discover the amazing world of trains at the Railway Museum in Saitama, a great trip for any train enthusiast.
10. Explore the Odaiba seaside district, home to a giant Gundam statue, a replica Statue of Liberty, and various malls with attractions.

Things to Do in Tokyo with Friends

Travelling to Tokyo with companions enhances the experience. Take part in karaoke nights, escape rooms, or themed cafés. For one-of-a-kind discoveries, shop in hip areas like Shibuya and Harajuku. Enjoy the games at Akihabara's arcades. Here, shared experiences provide unforgettable recollections.

Below are some things to do with friends to make the most of Tokyo memorable every moment:

1. Unleash your creativity and enjoy a unique blacklight painting session at Neon Brush.
2. Dress up in traditional kimonos and take memorable photos while exploring the historic streets of Asakusa.
3. Race each other in a go-kart while dressed in costumes through the streets of Tokyo.
4. Solve puzzles and work together to escape a themed room at Tokyo Mystery Circus.
5. Share a variety of delicious dishes and drinks at a lively izakaya (Japanese pub).
6. Compete in a round of friendly rivalry at a batting cage center like Shinjuku Batting Center.
7. Take a cooking class to learn how to make sushi, ramen, or other Japanese delicacies as a group.
8. Sing your favorite songs together in a private karaoke room.
9. Explore the world of retro video games and classic arcade machines at a massive arcade.
10. See a live, electrifying sumo wrestling match at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena.

Funny Things to Do in Tokyo

There are lots of entertaining and weird things to do in Tokyo that will make you laugh, such as going to animal cafés that have cats, hedgehogs, or owls. Take in ridiculous performances at themed restaurants or robot demonstrations. Explore the streets of Harajuku while costumed up. Even going to a game centre might make you laugh nonstop.

Below are some of the best things to add humor and fun to your Tokyo trip with these unique activities:

1. Wear a funny costume and race through the city streets in a go-kart.
2. Get a unique souvenir by making a realistic-looking fake food sample at a workshop.
3. Explore a museum dedicated entirely to parasites, the Meguro Parasitological Museum.
4. Go to a themed animal café and interact with animals like owls, hedgehogs, or even micro-pigs.
5. Visit the Gotokuji Temple, a temple filled with thousands of waving cat statues.
6. Hunt for quirky items and pop culture treasures in the multi-story arcades of Nakano Broadway.
7. Dine at Zauo restaurant where you fish for your own dinner from a large tank.
8. Experience a unique and eccentric show featuring robots, dancers, and lasers at the Samurai Restaurant.
9. Go to a themed restaurant where you can eat and drink while being served by muscular girls at Muscle Girls Bar.
10. Visit a museum dedicated to a popular cartoon character, like the Poop Museum in Odaiba.

Began planning your Tokyo adventure today and start enjoying every moment this amazing city has to offer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Tokyo costly for tourists?

Tokyo can be expensive, but there are a lot of free attractions and affordable food options.

Q: How many days are enough for Tokyo?

A 4–5 day trip is frequently enough to visit the main highlights.

Q: Is Tokyo safe for travelers?

Yes, Tokyo is one of the safest and attractive cities in the world for tourists.