Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Iconic Experiences

Shibuya Crossing at night — world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, better from the Starbucks above
Senso-ji Temple at dawn — transformative at 6am before crowds arrive
teamLab digital art — book weeks ahead, unlike anything else on Earth
Shinjuku at night — Kabukicho neon, Golden Gai’s 200 tiny bars

Best Neighborhoods

Yanaka — old Tokyo unchanged by development, wooden houses, temple cemeteries
Shimokitazawa — youth culture, vintage clothing, live music
Nakameguro — canal-side bars, best at cherry blossom time

Food Experiences

Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast — fresh tuna and tamagoyaki at 7am
Ramen at a specialist shop — queue at any shop with a line outside
Depachika — department store basement food halls, the world’s best food shopping

Views

Tokyo Skytree (350m+) or Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free observation deck)
Roppongi Art Triangle — three world-class contemporary art museums within walking distance

Day Trips

Kamakura (Giant Buddha), Nikko (ornate shrines), Hakone (Mt Fuji + onsen), Kawaguchiko (best Fuji reflection shots)