10 must-try Tokyo experiences

Asakusa is where Tokyo traditions thrive and the Edo-period atmosphere lives on. Walk through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple, then take a stroll along Nakamise-dori, a street lined with old shops selling Japanese sweets, snacks, and souvenirs. Asakusa’s quiet back alleys are brimming with places to sample local foods, try on traditional clothing with kimono rentals, and explore history and hidden gems. From rickshaws and traditional crafts to the lively temple approach and serene surroundings, Asakusa blends classic sightseeing with an authentic local experience. For first-time visitors and repeaters alike, this is an area that reveals something new with every visit.

Shibuya, with its world-famous Scramble Crossing, is where Tokyo’s fast-moving modern life enters hyperspeed. Watch waves of people cross in all directions beneath giant video screens, then dive into the neighborhood’s cutting-edge fashion, culture, shops and cafés. As day turns to night, neon lights transform the streets into an even more dazzling spectacle. Take in awesome city views from observation decks, then explore quieter streets and discover Shibuya’s local side. Blending non-stop energy with hidden pockets of charm, Shibuya is full of photo-worthy moments and the latest trends. Whether it’s your first time here or your hundredth, the excitement never stops.

If you want to get the best views of Tokyo at night, it pays to explore the observation decks in the city’s high-rise buildings. Shibuya Sky, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and Tokyo Skytree’s observation deck at 1150 feet high all give sweeping panoramic views of the vibrant cityscape. And in sophisticated spots like Roppongi Hills you can find restaurants and rooftop bars with excellent night views for a classy, upscale taste of Tokyo’s nightlife. Whether you are a Tokyo first-timer looking to see iconic sights or a returning visitor in search of a more refined experience, get your camera ready and head out into the night to see Tokyo sparkle.

If you have even the slightest interest in Tokyo’s diverse food culture, Tsukiji Outer Market is a must-visit. Here you can discover one classic Tokyo flavor after another as you sample fresh seafood, tamagoyaki, Japanese sweets, dashi-rich snacks and endless other treats. The day starts early with the market coming alive before the sun rises, so why not start the day with a food tour while soaking up the city’s unique energy? With everything from delicacies to quick bites, you can enjoy an amazing culinary adventure even on a tight schedule. A favorite with first-time visitors, Tsukiji offers such a vast selection of foods that many return time and again to make delicious discoveries.

Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most luxurious districts, a place where the streets whisper sophistication and elegance. Best of all, the whole area can be explored on foot, taking in historic department stores, famous long-running shops, stylish boutiques, modern restaurants, and chic cafés. In the daytime, you can take a leisurely stroll and indulge in a spot of shopping, while at night the area’s glamorous lights create a gorgeously refined atmosphere that stands out even among the jewels of Tokyo. Ginza is a must for first-time visitors seeking a touch of luxury and anyone who is looking for the finer things in life.

If you want to take a walk on the quiet side, nothing beats Tokyo’s green spaces like Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Hamarikyu Gardens, all hidden in plain sight in the center of the city. Ever a city of contrasts, Tokyo is blessed with tree-lined paths, seasonal flowers, and tranquility with the beauty of the Japanese aesthetic surrounded by skyscrapers. So if the pulsating tourism hotspots have sapped your energy, simply take a walk into these nature-rich oases with their seasonal charm, from springtime cherry blossoms to vibrant fall colors, and recharge in peace. Whether it’s your first visit to Tokyo or you’ve been here many times, this is a city that always refreshes.

Tokyo is a city of creativity, packed with art and design destinations that stimulate the senses, from the immersive digital art of teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM to contemporary works at the Mori Art Museum and 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Roppongi, and Japanese paintings, crafts, and historic artworks at the Tokyo National Museum and Nezu Museum. Showcasing Tokyo’s creative spirit from various perspectives, these sites not only look great but will also inspire you to see the world in a new way, so a tour of Tokyo’s art and design spots is a great option for first-time visitors looking for something fresh, as well as repeat visitors keen to explore Tokyo’s vibrant culture on a deeper level.

To dig deep into Tokyo, it pays to explore local neighborhoods like Yanaka Ginza, Kappabashi (Kitchen Town) and Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. As you wander old-fashioned shopping streets, browse artisan tool shops and relax in cozy cafés, you will discover a side of Tokyo far removed from the usual tourist circuit. And of course you should have your camera ready as you stumble upon photogenic alleys, unique shopfronts and local favorites that show the city’s everyday charm. So if you want to experience a gentler, more authentic atmosphere and make plenty of small discoveries, whether on your first visit to Tokyo or as an experienced Tokyo fan, leisurely walks are the way to go.

With four clearly defined seasons, Tokyo shifts through a kaleidoscope of changes year-round. In spring, you can take in the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi and along the Meguro River. Early summer brings lush greenery to Yoyogi Park and the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens. Fall transforms Meiji Jingu Gaien’s ginkgo-lined avenues and Rikugien’s gardens into a riot of reds and golds. And finally, in winter there are dazzling illuminations in Marunouchi and Tokyo Midtown. Each season shows Tokyo with different scenery and a fresh atmosphere, making every visit unique and creating memorable experiences whether you’re discovering the city for the first time or know it like the back of your hand.

After exploring Tokyo’s major sights, why not head to the waterfront districts of Odaiba, Toyosu, Tennozu Isle, and Takeshiba for a refreshing change of pace? Away from the city center, these open spaces offer stunning views of the city and serve up a more relaxed side of Tokyo. Along with waterfront walking courses and cafés where you can enjoy scenic views, Odaiba Marine Park also features spectacular fountain shows by Tokyo Aqua Symphony for a unique, memorable experience. As you stroll along the waterside and take in the spectacular bay-area skyline after dark, you will discover a different side of the city. A side that will refresh newcomers and repeat visitors alike.