Exploring Tokyo, Japan: Top Activities for 2023
Posted by Grace on August 15, 2023
Tokyo is one of my favorite cities of ALL. We visited it in 2023, and wish we can go back again! It is just a great city with so many things to offer.
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What to See in Tokyo
Tokyo is huge. Every part of the city has its own charm. You can already find what you love inside the cities. Each of these parts might take you around half a day to a whole day to explore and enjoy their way of life.
Here are a few areas that you can check it out.
Akihabara (秋葉原)
Akihabara
Akihabara is a common name for the area around Akihabara Station in Tokyo.
It is known as the world for geeks (also known as otaku in Japan) and is a district in Tokyo that is famous for its electronics shops, anime and manga stores, and gaming arcades. You can spot many geeks on the streets who wear anime clothing and do not care about what others think of them.
Akihabara is also known for its maid cafes. These cafes are a unique experience where customers are treated like royalty, and the maids serve food and drinks while chatting with customers.
A Maid Cafe in Akihabara
Tip
If you see a store with a big “Tax-Free” sign, you can get an instant tax discount on your purchase at the store. You don’t need to redeem it at the airport later. All you need to do is bring your passport and make sure your total purchase price is over 5500 yen (excluding tax) in a single transaction.
Harajuku (原宿)
Harajuku is the area around Tokyo’s Harajuku Station, which is between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line, famous for its youth culture.
Harajuku is a cool part of Tokyo known for its unique fashion and style. It's where you can see people wearing all kinds of creative and colorful clothes. There's a famous street called Takeshita Street where you can find lots of interesting shops and cafes. Harajuku is also a place where art and music come together. It's like a colorful and exciting playground for people who love expressing themselves and trying new things.
Animal cafes are a special attraction in Harajuku. These cafes are places where you can enjoy a coffee or tea while spending time with adorable animals. It's a fun and cozy place to enjoy both your drink and time with these friendly animals.
Shinjuku (新宿)
Shinjuku is a big and exciting part of Tokyo. It's like a bustling city within the city. There are lots of tall buildings, bright lights, and busy streets. One of the coolest things about Shinjuku is its skyscrapers, which make the skyline look impressive, especially at night.
There are many things to do in Shinjuku. You can go shopping in huge department stores and trendy boutiques, or you can explore the vibrant nightlife with its bars, clubs, and entertainment spots. Shinjuku is also known for its beautiful parks, like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where you can relax and enjoy nature. And don't miss Omoide Yokochō, also known as Piss Valley, an area with small eateries and traditional atmosphere.
Another interesting place is the Diet Building, where important decisions about the country are made. It's a symbol of Japan's government and politics.
The Diet Building: When the Congress people convene
Shinjuku is a lively and diverse part of Tokyo that offers something for everyone, whether you're into shopping, sightseeing, or just experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of a big city.
Roppongi (六本木)
Roppongi is a trendy and dynamic area in Tokyo known for its mix of entertainment, art, and culture. It's a place where modernity meets creativity.
The Sky Deck is a famous spot here, located in the Roppongi Hills complex. It's like a tall building with an outdoor observation deck that gives you an amazing view of the city. From there, you can see Tokyo's skyline, especially during sunset when the city starts to light up.
Another interesting place in Roppongi is the Japan Olympic Museum. This museum is all about sports and the Olympics. It tells the story of Japan's participation in the Olympic Games and how sports have impacted the country. You can see memorabilia, learn about different sports, and even try interactive exhibits.
Roppongi is also known for its nightlife. There are many bars, clubs, and restaurants where you can enjoy a fun evening. The area has a mix of locals and tourists, creating a lively and international atmosphere.
Asakusa (浅草)
Asakusa
Asakusa is a neighborhood in Tokyo known for its charming old Japanese atmosphere, and it’s particularly famous for the Sensō-ji temple (金龍山浅草寺), one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. During our stay in Asakusa, we opted for an Airbnb in a quiet neighborhood that was still within a 20-minute walk to Sensō-ji.
Sensō-ji is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It’s a popular destination for visitors to Tokyo who come to pray, shake fortune-telling sticks, and make wishes.
In addition to the spiritual experience, there are also many entertainers in the area around the temple. You may come across street performers such as magicians or monkey handlers, who provide additional entertainment for tourists.
Ginza (銀座)
Ginza is a stylish area in Tokyo known for its fancy shops and upscale stores. Imagine a place where you can find really expensive and nice things, like designer clothes and luxury brands. The buildings there look impressive and bright, especially at night when all the lights make it look cool.
But Ginza isn't just about shopping. You can also find places to enjoy art, watch shows, and have delicious meals at really good restaurants. This makes Ginza a lively and exciting place to explore.
On weekends, the main street in Ginza is closed to cars, so people can walk around freely. This makes the area bustling and full of energy, with lots of people coming to have fun.
There are places you might find interesting in Ginza, like a big shopping area called Ginza Six where you can find fancy stuff, eat at nice restaurants, and even see art. There's also a department store called Wako that's famous for its clock tower. You can watch special traditional performances at the Kabukiza Theatre. And if you're into gadgets, you can go to the Sony Building to see and try out new electronics.
Moreover, don't miss the unique ART AQUARIUM, a museum dedicated to Kingyo (goldfish) – ornamental fish with deep Japanese cultural significance.
ART AQUARIUM Ginza (Source)
Ginza is a special place in Tokyo where you can see fancy shops, experience interesting things, and enjoy good food. It's definitely worth a visit when you're in the city.
Shibuya (渋谷)
Shibuya is a fun part of Tokyo where many young people like to hang out. It's known for its big crossing where lots of people cross the street all at once. This crossing is really famous and you might have seen it in movies or pictures.
Shibuya has many cool shops where you can buy trendy clothes and things. There are also places to play games, like arcades, and you can find all sorts of yummy food to eat.
One of the most famous things in Shibuya is a statue of a loyal dog called Hachiko. This dog became famous for waiting for his owner at the train station every day, even after his owner passed away. People love this story, and the statue is a special place.
There's a building called Shibuya 109 that's full of fashion shops for young people. And if you're interested in pop culture, you might want to check out the Pokémon Center or the Tsutaya bookstore, which is huge and has lots of things to read and see.
Shibuya is a place with a lot of energy and things to do, and you can feel the excitement in the air when you visit.
What to Eat in Tokyo
Sushi
Eating sushi in Tokyo is a special treat that's both affordable and super fresh. Unlike in the US, where sushi can be expensive, in Tokyo, you can enjoy top-notch sushi without breaking the bank. It's something you really should try when you're in the city.
Since Tokyo is close to the ocean, the seafood they use for sushi is incredibly fresh. The people who make the sushi pay a lot of attention to where they get their ingredients, so you're getting the best quality. From the fish to the rice, everything in Tokyo's sushi is just right. When you go to a sushi place in Tokyo, you'll find lots of options, from the classic ones to new and exciting kinds.
So, if you're ever in Tokyo, make sure you don't miss out on the chance to enjoy some delicious and authentic sushi that will give you a taste of the city's food and culture.
We stumbled upon a unique sushi restaurant called Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (魚がし日本一) in Tokyo where people eat standing up in their own booths, and the chefs serve you directly. The most memorable piece was the shrimp sushi, which was smooth and slightly sweet, melting in my mouth.
We made a little mistake by asking for wasabi when ordering and not finding it when the food came. We asked the chef again, and he gave us some wasabi. He then flipped the fish off the rice to show us the wasabi underneath the fish. It turns out we had ordered sushi with wasabi embedded in it, which was a pleasant surprise.
The price of the sushi was extremely reasonable, thanks to the favorable exchange rate. I ordered a whole set of nigiri, and it only cost me $8, which would have cost me at least $20 in the US.
Ramen
Eating ramen in Tokyo is like having a yummy adventure. Ramen is a tasty food with noodles in yummy broth. In Tokyo, they make really good ramen.
At ramen places in Tokyo, you might see something cool – a vending machine. Using the vending machine is really efficient. You use it to pick the ramen you want and pay. Then you give a ticket to the staff, and they make your ramen.
My brother-in-law, who works in Tokyo, told me something interesting. He said the reason they use vending machines is because they worry about too much social contact. So, the vending machine makes things faster and safer.
Eating ramen in Tokyo is not too expensive. It can cost around 800 to 1500 yen, which is like 7 to 14 US dollars. Some places let you add extra things to your ramen, but that might cost more.
What to Do in Tokyo
Sento (钱湯)
A Sento called Daikoku-yu
A Sento is a public bath where people soak naked in the bathtub. Local people use this as a way to relax and socialize. While Onsen refers to hot springs that are naturally available near the volcanic areas of Japan, a Sento is a man-made bath.
It is a heavenly experience in Sento.
Let me describe the magic to you. When you’re in a hot tub, you may feel the heat building up inside you, which can sometimes make you feel restless. But when you switch to a cold tub, you instantly feel everything freeze, and an indescribable peace washes over you. Just let that peace sink in. It’s a wonderful feeling because it can improve your blood circulation and quickly metabolize the substances that cause fatigue.
There are more than 600 sentos in Japan, and I knew I had to try. This is not something I could experience in the U.S. After I tried it, it became my favorite thing in Tokyo!
I had my most memorable experience at a Sento called Daikoku-yu (大黒湯). I will definitely go back if I visit Tokyo again!
Outside the Sento
Inside the Sento
A price sheet: it is very cheap to visit a Sento
Localized Tokyo Walking Tour
I strongly recommend the "Localized Tokyo" tour. This is a tour program that you can find in various Asian cities (we discovered it in Hong Kong, Kyoto, Osaka, and even in smaller places like Himeji). The best part is that the tour itself is free, and you can show your appreciation through gratuity.
During our visit to Tokyo in 2023, we signed up for a complimentary 3-hour walking tour. This tour gave us insights into both the modern and traditional aspects of Tokyo, offering a glimpse into its cuisine, culture, history, and spirituality.
You can book this tour here.
What to Buy in Tokyo
Thinking about what to bring home? Or what kind of gifts you can bring back to your friends? Here are the things that will be great representations of Tokyo.
Gachapon / Capsule Toys
Gachapon is a popular and fun vending machine game in Japan. It's like a surprise toy dispenser. The name "Gachapon" comes from two sounds: "gacha," which is the sound of turning the machine's crank, and "pon," which is the sound of the toy falling out.
When you put in your money and turn the crank, you get a little capsule with a surprise toy inside. It's exciting because you don't know exactly what you're going to get – it's a surprise every time!
Gachapon machines are everywhere in Japan, and they have all sorts of toys, from cute characters to mini figures. The toys are usually quite affordable, with prices ranging from around 100 to 500 yen (about 1 to 5 US dollars). People of all ages enjoy playing Gachapon, and it's become a kind of cultural phenomenon in Japan.
My kids had a blast with Gachapon during our trip to Japan. They bought a bunch of these surprise toys for their friends back in the United States. It's a cool and unique souvenir idea that brings a piece of Japanese fun to their friends!
So, next time you're in Japan, give Gachapon a try and see what surprise toy you'll get with a little "gacha" and a "pon"!
I have an article specifically about what souvenirs to buy in Japan. You can check it out there to get more ideas.
