Location: Tokyo
Top Things to do in Tokyo
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Tokyo, Kanto
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. Mori Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,105 reviews
This museum, located in Roppongi Hills, is one of Asia's largest spaces for contemporary art.
Reviewed By warrenD190 - Vladivostok, Russia
You can find some great exhibitions here and couple a visit to the art museum with a visit to the observatory with a 360 degree panorama of Tokyo, as spectacular as or more spectacular than the view from the SkyTree and a lot shorter line. I brought professional camera gear and they let me go up on the roof, otherwise restricted. Fantastic
2. Edo-Tokyo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,176 reviews
The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum opened its doors in March 1993 as a space to reflect on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo and envision the city and life of the future. Housed in a unique building modeled after an elevated-floor type warehouse, the museum has been a landmark and popular tourist attraction in Tokyo since its opening. The permanent exhibition, showcasing original objects and replicas, offers visitors a journey through the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo since Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum holds special exhibitions at the first floor gallery five to six times a year and carries out various other events, including lectures and workshops on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo. ※As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Edo Tokyo Museum will suspend or cancel museum-organized exhibitions and other events from April 25 (Sun) to May 31 (Tue).
Reviewed By stephanied623 - Milwaukee, United States
When we went, we chose a Saturday to see the live re-enactment of Edo-period music and dance. (Found those details on Peatix) and we were not disappointed! So beautiful! The museum itself was also very impressive. Loved the Bridge and Home Replicas, a few interactive exhibits to touch and try, and the audio guide fits on one ear and starts talking about the exhibit you are near by tapping it to the sign or walking near. Very wonderful sights and experiences here. Beautiful views and explanations and simply an amazing museum all around!
3. Tokyo City View Observation Deck (Roppongihills)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,746 reviews
Reviewed By philipspinks - Oxford, United Kingdom
There are great views to be had from the Observation deck of the Mori Building. We were in Japan at a relatively quiet period and had no issue getting a ticket or going up. It seems to be significantly less busy and less expensive than the Skytree and is a much nicer experience. Pre-booking is available and probably worthwhile in busier times. The combined tickets with the Mori Art Museum are almost the same price and we wanted to see the museum too, so a comparative bargain! There’s a place to sit and make a coffee from beans - an over-engineered coffee but a bit of fun! Thoroughly recommend.
4. Ueno Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,244 reviews
This large park is a favorite destination of Tokyo residents, and within can be found many of the city's main attractions including the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo and the National Museum of Western Art.
Reviewed By Jry550 - Honolulu, United States
My wife and I visited Ueno park on a beautiful sunlit and cool weekend afternoon along with thousands of locals picnicking and enjoying the cherry blossoms in full bloom. They all removed their shoes before walking onto the plastic tarps laid on the ground and the women left their handbags on the edges of the tarps trusting that nothing would happen. Amazing to someone who’s been a victim of theft while on trips in Europe. The Japanese believe that courtesy and respect for others is paramount and it’s a tribute to their culture that the worlds largest city with over 38 million residents can exist so harmoniously. It’s always a treat to visit this wonderful country. This park is home to several museums and a zoo, so plan at least a half day to experience it.
5. Rikugien Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 965 reviews
Reviewed By Sarah53187 - Dunedin, New Zealand
A large, traditional Japanese landscape garden with lots of paths for walking & viewing the garden from different angles. A large pond in the middle is dotted with islands, while paths wind around the island, up and down hills, through trees, over bridges - all creating the illusion of the garden being far bigger than it is. I visited in the mid-afternoon on a sunny day when the large weeping cherry tree was in bloom - it was gorgeous! The garden was surprisingly not very busy. I imagine that if you came early in the morning it would be really quiet.
6. Hama Rikyu Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,915 reviews
This popular park is located next to Tokyo Bay and contains one of the most beautiful gardens in the city.
Reviewed By ghayman - Greenbelt, United States
Strolling through this well maintained and a peaceful 62-acre park is a recommended activity. There are meadows, paths, lakes, bridges, a tea house, a lighthouse, benches and even platforms where you can lie down and stretch out. This public park area, the "Hama Detached Palace Garden", was the former site of the old Imperial gardens of the Edo period. It reminds you of Central Park in New York City but to a smaller scale. The park is located in the Chuo area of Tokyo on the banks of the Sumida river and only a short walking distance from the former Tsukiji Fish Market (now moved to a new location.) One can stroll and admire the manicured gardens and landscape enjoying the peaceful tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. Entrance fee is ~$2.60 US ($1.30 Senior). There are restrooms available and several smoking areas. Other areas include flower displays, trees (including cherry trees), horse exercising, tea ceremony, stores, lakes, bridges, and even duck hunting. It is located close to the Tsukijishijo subway station on the Oedo line.
7. Senso-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,321 reviews
According to legend, two brothers kept trying to return a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, to the Sumida River only to have it returned to them the next day. This temple located in Tokyo's Asakusa district was built to honor her.
Reviewed By SandyS1593
There's so much going on at the Senso-ji Temple. There's the Asakusa Shrine, a five-story pagoda, beautiful gardens with a statue of Buddha and a street of over 200 shops that sell traditional Japanese items and souvenirs. If you only have time for one temple stop, I highly recommend Senso-ji.
8. Odaiba District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,008 reviews
Another of Tokyo's entertainment districts, this man-made island in Tokyo Bay is home to restaurants, theme parks and interesting architecture.
Reviewed By unescotravelbug - Wooster, United States
I have been to Japan 8 times in the past but never made an effort to visit Odaiba till this trip since we were to depart from Haneda back to USA and stayed in Shinagawa for a night. It’s truly a fun place for all ages. Odaiba is a city of its own with amusement park, waterfront marine park where you will find a small replica of Statue of Liberty standing on the edge of the park with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay on the background. It’s the most visited site on the island. Kids love the fun activities; young adults love shopping for fashion ware, while some prefers visiting the science museums. Ferris wheel and Fuji TV headquarter’s sliver globe observatory are considered the iconic landmarks, along with Rainbow Bridge, all can be seen from the other side of Tokyo Bay by Hamamatsucho. At the waterfront by Aqua City you can include Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge and a tiny needle look of Tokyo Tower all three in one shot of picture, along with Tokyo’s skyscrapers in distance. There are varieties of international cuisines for your hungry appetite or snack shops for midday break. Marine Park is a great location to watch sunset. Night views from the waterfront are exceptional impressive when lighted Rainbow Bridge and small tourist boats shine the darkness of sky. Free shuttle provided by Tokyo Bay bus that loop around the popular sites from The Nation Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation to the waterfront marine park. It runs every 20 minutes till 7pm. There is Rainbow Bus company from Shinagawa Station to Odaiba, runs every so often hourly from East Exit(Konan Exit); turn right you will see a sign directing you to the bus waiting stop. It takes 17 minutes, 210 yens each ride, the last hour of bus return is 9:57 pm., if you miss it there are taxis available to get back to Shinagawa. You can also take a private rail Yurikamome Line from Shinbashi station. If you are making a stop-over there is a manned booth for luggage stored by the west exit( near the Keikyu Rail elevator access) inside of the JR station or just rent a locker.
9. Tokyo National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,192 reviews
This famous museum houses the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. With over 100,000 pieces and room to display only 4,000, exhibits are rotated constantly
Reviewed By E9706FNpaulo - County Monaghan, Ireland
Located at the top of Ueno Park this is a very large museum and is worth a visit to get a real appreciation of Japanese history and culture. My time was limited so only got to see a portion of worth I wanted to see but would definitely return if back in Tokyo.
10. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,558 reviews
The tallest building in Shinjuku, TMG No. 1 offers sweeping views of Tokyo -- all the way to Mt. Fuji on a clear day -- from the 45th floor observatory.
Reviewed By kc3302 - Riverwood, Australia
Fantastic views of the Tokyo City and suburbs. Free entry. There are two observation towers - one in each of the building's two towers. It is located above Tochomae Station (on the Toei Oedo line), or is a comfortable 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station (all other train lines including JR, Keio, Seibu, Odakyu and other subway lines).
