Tokyo is not just a city—it’s an experience. A week in Tokyo can feel like a deep-dive into the future, a quiet walk through tradition, or a fast-paced feast for the senses. Here’s your essential Tokyo travel guide: what to do, see, eat, and honestly… what to skip.
✅ What to Do in Tokyo (Things You Must Experience)
Whether it’s your first time or your third, these experiences are worth the hype:
✔ Ride the Yamanote Line Like a Local
This loop line circles Tokyo’s major neighborhoods. Make it your compass and base all your adventures from it.
✔ Soak in an Urban Onsen
You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy a hot spring. Visit Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku or Oedo Onsen Monogatari (Odaiba).
✔ Visit a Themed Café
Tokyo’s café culture is next-level. From animal cafés to anime cafés, you’ll find a world of quirk and creativity.
🔗 Try these: Best Theme Cafes in Tokyo: Animal, Anime & Unique Café Experiences
✔ Watch the City Glow from Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Tower
Seeing the skyline from above gives you perspective—literally. Book sunset tickets for the best photo ops.
✅ What to See in Tokyo (Iconic Spots That Live Up to the Hype)
Even seasoned travelers should check these off at least once:
Shibuya Crossing
It’s chaotic, it’s cinematic, and it’s so Tokyo.
Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
A cultural cornerstone that remains active and spiritual.
Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
Peaceful, green, and often hosting local festivals.
Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower
Choose one tower and commit—Skytree for height, Tower for classic aesthetics.
TeamLab Planets (Toyosu)
An immersive art experience you won’t forget. Advance booking recommended.
🍜 What to Eat in Tokyo (And Where to Find It)
You could eat three meals a day for a month and still not scratch the surface. But start with:
Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market
No need to wake up at 4 a.m. for Toyosu. Tsukiji’s still buzzing with great sushi and market snacks.
Ramen
Try Ichiran for the classic solo booth experience, or head to Tokyo Ramen Street near Tokyo Station.
Gyoza in Harajuku
Harajuku Gyozaro is famous for a reason—cheap, juicy, and fast.
Convenience Store Snacks
Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven are national treasures. Try egg sandwiches, matcha mochi, and baked sweet potatoes.
❌ What to Skip in Tokyo (Overrated or Touristy Time Traps)
Tokyo’s incredible, but not everything is worth your time:
❌ Robot Restaurant (Now Closed)
It used to be a wild ride, but it’s permanently closed and has become more of a tourist ghost story.
❌ Takeshita Street on Weekends
It’s fun on a weekday. But weekends? Crowded, slow, and stressful.
❌ Overpriced Owl & Exotic Animal Cafés
Ethics matter—do your research before visiting any animal café.
❌ Trying to “Do It All”
Tokyo isn’t about rushing. Pick a few neighborhoods each day and wander. The hidden backstreets often end up being the best part of your trip.
Tokyo Neighborhoods to Explore
For more detailed neighborhood breakdowns, feel free to check out:
🔗 Tokyo’s Coolest Neighborhoods: Where to Go and Why
🔗 Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors