Tokyo Recommended Activities Vol. 04

Are you planning a trip to Tokyo? Are you currently looking for the best activities and places to visit in Tokyo? Tokyo is one of the most captivating cities in the world, offering a plethora of tourist attractions, including historic landmarks, unique art museums, sleek skyscrapers, and cultural experiences.

For first-time visitors, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do in Tokyo, especially if your time is limited. Therefore, careful planning of your trip and selecting where to go and what to do is crucial to make the most of your travel experience in Japan.

If you need some ideas on the best places to visit and activities to do in Tokyo, check out my Tokyo Bucket List, which introduces must-see spots in Tokyo. It's a list of classic tourist attractions, historic landmarks, unique cultural experiences, and the latest trendiest spots where you can experience both traditional and modern Japanese culture. Take a look!

For those planning to visit Tokyo or wanting to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, be sure to check it out!

Matcha is popular worldwide, and traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are among the most popular cultural experiences in Tokyo today. Through the traditional tea ceremony, you can learn how to prepare freshly brewed matcha using traditional utensils and savor it in an old-fashioned Japanese tea room with delicious wagashi (Japanese sweets). While in the heart of Tokyo, you can enjoy a moment of tranquility and Zen. You also have the option to wear a kimono for a more authentic Japanese experience.

In one of Tokyo's major tourist destinations, Shinjuku, you can participate in a popular tea ceremony workshop offered by MAIKOYA. For details about the experience, click the link below and make a reservation for your preferred date.


TEA CEREMONY TOKYO MAIKOYA – English, Downtown, Kimono
https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/tokyo.html


These days, you can enjoy matcha in various places throughout Tokyo. While Japanese cuisine includes popular dishes like sushi, tempura, Wagyu beef, and ramen that are favorites among tourists, matcha has also become one of the most popular Japanese foods worldwide. If you're a matcha enthusiast, be sure to indulge in a variety of delicious matcha sweets, including ice cream, parfaits, mousse, pancakes, and seasonal matcha dessert buffets.

Tokyo is home to numerous tea houses and cafes that offer creative matcha sweets, and they are all delightful! After enjoying matcha sweets, consider bringing back some matcha-flavored snacks and treats as souvenirs. Many well-known Japanese snacks like Kit-Kat, Pocky, and Meiji chocolates are available in matcha flavors.

Whether you're exploring traditional tea ceremonies or indulging in modern matcha desserts, Tokyo offers a wide range of matcha experiences for enthusiasts to savor.

Tokyo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world today, and you might feel like it's crowded with tourists no matter where you go in Tokyo. If you're wondering if there are places in Tokyo that most tourists haven't been to, or if you're asking, "Where else can I go in Tokyo besides the tourist spots?" - you might want to consider visiting the Yanesen area on your next trip. Yanesen is perfect for those who want to delve deeper into Tokyo.

Yanesen comprises three districts: Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, all located in Bunkyo Ward. It boasts old buildings, historic temples and shrines, retro shopping streets, and numerous small cafes and restaurants. Yanaka's shopping street, known as "Yanaka Ginza," is lined with small shops where locals shop, dine, and relax, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of Tokyoites.

While it may not offer grandeur or trendiness, this area with a genuine old Tokyo atmosphere is a completely new experience in the modern age. It became one of Tokyo's hottest spots in 2017 and is bound to gain popularity among foreign tourists soon. Yanesen isn't too far from Ueno Park, and you can easily access it on foot within about 20-30 minutes.

Yayoi Kusama is a renowned Japanese contemporary artist known as the "Queen of Polka Dots." In recent years, she has held several temporary exhibitions in Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto, which drew a large number of visitors from both domestic and international locations, concluding with great success. In October 2017, the highly anticipated Yayoi Kusama Museum finally opened its doors in the heart of Tokyo, in the Shinjuku area.

The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday and on holidays, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with admission times limited to 90 minutes, and only four sessions available each day. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are sold online only. Tickets go on sale on the 1st of every month, starting two months before the desired visiting date.

It's currently very popular, and tickets can sell out quickly after they become available, so be sure to secure your tickets before planning your visit.

In recent years, Tokyo has seen the opening of numerous new shopping malls and mixed-use commercial facilities. These state-of-the-art complexes are attracting attention not only from domestic visitors but also from international tourists. Some of the most prominent shopping complexes currently in Tokyo include Kabukicho Tower, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, and Haneda Airport Garden. Additionally, in 2023, Azabudai Hills, a complex consisting of three super-tall skyscrapers, is set to open and will serve as the new home for TeamLab's Digital Art Museum.

Particularly, Shibuya stands at the epicenter of Tokyo's urban development, and it has recently seen the opening of several shopping complexes and new facilities (with more set to open in the near future). Notable developments in Shibuya include Shibuya Stream, a high-rise commercial facility; Shibuya Scramble Square, a new landmark with an observation deck; Miyashita Park, an open entertainment space; and Shibuya Parco, a revamped hub for pop culture. Shibuya has become an even more significant hub for trends and innovations.

When traveling in Japan, it's essential to save time and space in your suitcase for shopping. Tokyo boasts numerous department stores, malls, and large supermarkets where you can buy a wide range of items, but if you're unsure which stores to choose, there's one that can meet (almost) all your needs: Don Quijote, commonly known as Donki. Don Quijote offers an extensive selection of products, from snacks and sweets to cosmetics, clothing, electronics, household items, unique and traditional souvenirs, and so much more. You can literally find almost anything you need at Don Quijote, and they often have competitive prices.

Don Quijote stores can be found in many locations in Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Ginza, Akihabara, Roppongi, and more. The largest Don Quijote store, known as Mega Donki, is located in Shibuya and underwent a renovation a few years ago. This seven-story mega-store near Shibuya Station is open 24 hours, so you can shop anytime you like!

One of the most captivating aspects of Tokyo is the coexistence of historical and contemporary culture. While you'll find yourself surrounded by concrete and skyscrapers in the heart of Tokyo, you'll also come across historical sites like temples and shrines.

Tokyo boasts over 4,000 temples and shrines, some of which have become popular tourist destinations, such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and Meiji Shrine in Harajuku. However, there are several unique temples and shrines in Tokyo with distinctive features, intriguing histories, or special blessings that make them well worth a visit. These places offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan and allow you to explore its historical roots in the bustling metropolis.

Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns that offer authentic tatami mat rooms and hospitality in historic buildings. While Tokyo is home to a variety of high-end hotels, stylish guesthouses, capsule hotels, and modern accommodation options, there are still many ryokan-style accommodations where you can experience a genuine taste of Japanese hospitality.

These ryokans provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making them an ideal way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. While some ryokans offer high-end services and may be considered relatively expensive, there are others that provide cozy and rustic accommodations at more affordable rates compared to many other hotels in Tokyo. These are perfect for those looking for a traditional Japanese "staycation" experience.

Tokyo is famous for its modern skyscrapers and bustling cityscape, but within the metropolis, there are several oases. Traditional Japanese gardens like Rikugien and Shinjuku Gyoen are located in the heart of Tokyo, offering serene and quiet spaces to leisurely appreciate nature and Japanese tradition. Tokyo also boasts several wonderful parks like Yoyogi Park and the Imperial Palace East Gardens, allowing you to experience a sense of tranquility amid the concrete jungle.

These gardens and parks change their scenery with the seasons, making them worth visiting year-round. However, the two most popular seasons to visit are during the cherry blossom season (usually late March to early April) and the autumn foliage season (usually mid-November to early December). During these periods, many gardens host evening light-up events, and various seasonal events are held in the parks.

Going on a day trip to nearby areas is highly recommended as there are plenty of beautiful attractions surrounding Tokyo. Spending at least a day exploring these destinations is a great idea.

One popular side trip destination is Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture, often referred to as the "Eastern Kyoto." It's known for its historic temples and monuments, and it's easily accessible from Tokyo.

In the vicinity of Tokyo (Chiba Prefecture), you can find Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, two Disney theme parks popular among Disney fans, groups, and families. Tokyo's nearby areas also have great amusement parks like Fuji-Q Highland and Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

Other popular destinations include hot spring resorts, especially during the winter, like Hakone and Kusatsu. In spring, flower parks like Ashikaga Flower Park and Hitachi Seaside Park are popular choices. If you're looking to enjoy the beach in the summer, Shonan area and the Izu Peninsula offer some of the most popular beaches near Tokyo. Exploring Mount Fuji and its surrounding areas like the Fuji Five Lakes and Chureito Pagoda on a day trip is also possible.

You can conveniently reach these destinations by long-distance buses from Tokyo Station or Busta Shinjuku. Taking a bus is usually more affordable and less cumbersome compared to other transportation options.

For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, consider visiting Tokyo's subtropical volcanic islands, which offer pristine natural beauty. The Hachijo-jima and Ogasawara Islands are Tokyo's hidden gems accessible by ferry or plane from the city center.

There are plenty of other things to see and do in Tokyo, and seasonal events and activities are not to be missed.
We have written a four-part series, which we hope you will enjoy reading.