Location: Tokyo
Top Things to do in Tokyo
Countries
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Tokyo That You Shouldn't Miss
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
Restaurants in Tokyo
1. Sengaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
Reviewed By Dylan914 - Sale, United Kingdom
This temple is a little our of the way and doesnt seem to be as visited as some of the other attractions we visited. We werent able to go in to the temple itself (not sure if we were just unlucky or if its one of the many that dont allow access). The site is very interesting and covers the history of the 47 ronin (yes - the Keanu Reeves film is based on this story!). The site is well preserved - worth a visit if you're in the area. We spent a couple of hours in the area - but a lot of that time was spent sitting!
2. Happo-en Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Happo-en excels at planning, execution and prides itself on its ability to turn ideas into reality. Every event is unique and each project is overseen by a team specifically selected for each event every time. Our staff listen carefully to the ideas and requests of every customer to ensure every aspect of their ideal gathering come to full volition. We offer one-stop service starting from the initial meeting to the day of the event.
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
This is a great garden which is part of a hotel property and has all the traditional Japanese Garden features we were expecting from the little temple, a chapel where several couples were getting married, nice walkways, koi fish, sitting areas, a mini bamboo forest and lots of beautiful flowers and trees including bonsai trees. We would definitely recommend stopping to see this. It is near several other attractions if you are just wondering around so be on the lookout for it while walking around and using the pocket Wi-Fi that is highly recommended by all to help get around.
3. Fukagawa Edo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
See village life in 19th-century Fukagawa in this reproduction village of traditional homes, inns, fish and produce stores, complete with an ambient sound track and seasonal plants and weather.
Reviewed By 144leandad - Townsville, Australia
We stumbled upon this fantastic museum by accident as we were heading back to the Metro after visiting a nearby Sumo stable, Oguruma-beya. The entry price is only 400 yen, it's worth every penny. Inside they have re-created an Edo (old Tokyo) town, the attention to detail is magnificent. There are several English speaking guides who are all too happy to show you around (no charge) and I'd recommend this; you'll see all the small details you would miss on your own, plus learn a lot of history. Special thanks to our wonderful guide Nagano Higachi; you are very special lady and we enjoyed our time with you very much x
4. Shimokitazawa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By BelsizePapa_NW3 - London, United Kingdom
Shimokitazawa is exactly like Camden Town of London UK in Tokyo Japan! Vintage shops, wider range of variety retails and clothes as well as restaurants and cafe can be found here! Great to place to explore for family with teenagers!
5. Mejiro Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
Mejiro Garden was a real treat and a stunning hidden gem for foliage. Color in other gardens we visited in Tokyo was not great this year, but the day we visited Mejiro Garden it was at absolute peak. The garden is small and it takes a bit of work to find, but it is worth the effort. It is a short walk from Mejiro Station. There are signs posted along the street showing you where to go; the first is on the corner of Bakery Antendo. The walk is about 10 minutes through a primarily residential area with a few shops including “Ballerina” selling ballet costumes. The garden is surrounded by a wall - be careful not to walk right past it. No other Westerners were there when we visited. Several Japanese tourists, a small group of local senior citizens, a wedding photo shoot, and a small group of Chinese twenty-somethings were the only people there. The garden surrounds a large pond with a walking path going around 3 sides. The stroll garden has all the standard landscape features including an artificial hill, a small pagoda, a waterfall, a pavilion and wonderful plantings that in autumn were amazingly colorful. There are numerous photos ops from various locations on the path and there were at least 3 other photographers there while we visited. At the far end there is a grassy area which had several food stalls around it - all closed for business when we visited. On the fourth side of the pond there are benches underneath a veranda; the seniors were sitting on the these benches admiring the view. Above the veranda is a building which looked as if it could rented for functions and it also included a children’s play school. The bride and groom rested in the building after having their photos taken in the pavilion above the pond. There was no entry fee for the garden. The lovely ladies at the entrance asked us about our Japan trips, our visit to their garden, and then gave us a small gift.
6. Observatory, Seaside Top
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
On the 40th floor, 152 m in height, there is one of Tokyo's finest "Seaside Top" view points with a view of Minato Ward below. From the 200m-per-view corridor, you can overlook Tokyo's two largest towers, Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree, as well as Odaiba and the seaside area such as Rainbow Bridge. There are wide-ranging landscapes such as cityscapes in central Tokyo, Shinkansen, transportation systems such as monorails and expressways, and vessels overlooking Tokyo Bay. In particular, it is a valuable experience to be able to observe the moment when the point of the monorail changes from directly above.
Reviewed By Kalleus - Finland, null
Great observatory and well worth the ~600 Yen entrance fee. You can walk around and get a wide 360 degree view of the surrounding areas. This has to be one of the best places to view Tokyo Tower too. I went around sunset and there were loads of people taking sunset photos of the aforementioned tower from the North-West corner. Nice place to hang out at and well worth a visit.
7. Edogawa Natural Zoo
8. 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTIZAN
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Anotheraussieinlondo
Had a great time shopping here on a drizzly grey day in June 2019. My partner is crazy about gaming so was amusing himself shopping in Akiba, but after a day of following him around I needed a break. Luckily for me, I found Aki-Oka. It's a fantastic spot on a rainy day as it's all under cover, there are some benches and free wifi, and you can get coffee and a light bite from the cafe. It's also super easy to get to - just walk alongside the Yamanote line from Akiba station. And lastly, the best bit is the shopping. I bought a beautiful ceramic brooch from a pottery studio, a wooden-faced stainless steel watch from the woodware store, and could happily have spent much, much more. Nothing is cheap because it's all beautifully hand-crafted, but for what it is, it's well-priced. And it's always nice to have pleasant memories to go with a treasured item.
9. Gotokuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Reviewed By larryjman - Edmonton, Canada
I don't understand how this place is not more popular! A really beautiful Buddhist temple located outside of the busier parts of Tokyo. Excellent choice for cat-lovers as you'll find the classic waving cat statues in abundance! You can see the shrine with all the statues placed together in a cluster, and it's quite the sight. That's not all this temple has to offer though, the grounds are full of interesting things such as a pagoda, statues and memorials, as well as a larger grounds near the back of ruins to wander around in. You can also purchase your own waving cat statue to do with what you wish, you can add it to the shrine or keep it for your own good luck. Buy one and they'll also provide you with an English translation of the story of how the waving cat came to be. Honestly one of my favorite experiences in Tokyo.
10. Shunkaen BONSAI Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
- Shunka-en is the Bonsai garden and museum set up by Bonsai master Kunio Kobayashi (three times winner of the Prime Ministers Award, the most prestigious price to be won in Japan). The garden is an absolute highlight and should not be missed. When entering the garden the first thing you are likely to note is the stunning 1000 year old pine tree in front of the house, the masterpiece of Mr. Kobayashi’s collection. Inside the house several tokonoma are set up and a large collection of books and antique Chinese pots and tables are displayed. by bonsai empire
Reviewed By geoffreyw400 - Brisbane Region, Australia
This museum is wonderful and well worth a visit. It is a working bonsai nursery Only about 30 mins from Tokyo and full of incredible and beautiful bonsai, some hundreds of years old. Very friendly staff and great value for 800 yen.
