Tokyo is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, blending centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge modern life. While it can feel overwhelming at first, Tokyo is incredibly organised once you understand how neighbourhoods connect.

1. Top 10 Things to Do
2. Top 10 Adventure Things to Do
3. Top 10 Free Things to Do
4. Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid
5. Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo When It Rains

Top 10 Things to Do

1. Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
   Tokyo’s oldest temple is reached through the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street, offering a mix of history, culture, and local snacks.
2. Experience Shibuya Crossing
   Watch the famous crossing from street level or from elevated viewpoints like Shibuya Sky for a full view of the movement below.
3. Explore Shinjuku
   Walk through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, then experience the bright lights and busy streets around Kabukicho in the evening.
4. Walk through Meiji Shrine
   A peaceful forested shrine located between Harajuku and Shibuya, offering a calm break from the city.
5. Visit Tokyo Skytree
   An observation tower with expansive views across Tokyo, especially clear on bright days.
6. Explore Akihabara
   A hub for electronics, anime, gaming, and themed stores clustered around Akihabara Station.
7. Wander Harajuku and Takeshita Street
   Known for youth fashion and street culture, with quieter side streets just nearby.
8. See the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
   A central walking area near Tokyo Station with wide paths and historic surroundings.
9. Visit Odaiba
   A waterfront area with shopping complexes, entertainment venues, and views of Rainbow Bridge.
10. Spend time in Yanaka
    A traditional neighbourhood with small shops, temples, and a slower pace than central Tokyo.

Top 10 Adventure Things to Do

1. Take a guided Mount Fuji day tour
   Join a small-group or private tour to the Mount Fuji / Lake Kawaguchi area. These tours typically include lakeside viewpoints, short walks, and clear photo stops, and remove the complexity of navigating rural transport on your own.
2. Hike Mount Takao via the less-used trails
   Instead of the main paved route, take Trail 6 or the Inariyama Trail for forest paths, stream crossings, and elevation gain. Easily reached by train but feels far from the city.
3. Explore the Oku-Tama hiking region
   Head west of the city to Okutama, where you’ll find suspension bridges, river valleys, waterfalls, and longer hiking routes suitable for a full outdoor day.
4. Cycle around Lake Kawaguchi
   Rent a bike near the lake and ride the full loop, stopping at viewpoints of Mount Fuji. Flat terrain, fresh air, and uninterrupted scenery.
5. Kayak on Lake Ashi (Hakone)
   Paddle across this volcanic lake with views of surrounding mountains and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. Rentals and guided options are available.
6. Walk the Old Tokaido Road in Hakone
   Follow preserved sections of the historic Tokaido Trail, lined with cedar trees and stone paths once used by samurai and traders.
7. Climb Mount Mitake
   Take the cable car partway up, then hike shrine paths, forest trails, and ridgelines. Popular for its mix of nature and cultural landmarks.
8. Surf at Kujukuri Beach
   Located east of the city, this long stretch of Pacific coastline offers consistent waves and a more rugged outdoor experience than urban beaches.
9. Snow activities day trip (seasonal)
   In winter, join a guided trip to nearby snow areas for snowshoeing or beginner-friendly snow play without needing full ski gear.
10. Walk coastal trails on the Miura Peninsula
    South of the city, the Miura Peninsula offers clifftop paths, fishing villages, and open coastal walking routes.

Top 10 Free Things to Do

1. Walk through Meiji Shrine forest paths
   Free entry and one of the calmest places in the city.
2. Explore neighbourhoods on foot
   Areas like Shimokitazawa, Yanaka, and Daikanyama are ideal for walking.
3. Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck
   Free panoramic views from Shinjuku.
4. Browse department store food halls
   Basement food floors are lively and free to explore.
5. Visit public parks
   Ueno Park and Yoyogi Park are popular gathering spots.
6. Watch street culture in Harajuku
   People-watching around Takeshita Street is an experience in itself.
7. Explore major train stations
   Stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya are destinations on their own.
8. Visit free-entry shrines and temples
   Small shrines are scattered throughout the city.
9. Walk along the Sumida River
   Scenic paths offer relaxed walking routes through the city.
10. Window shop in Ginza
    Luxury storefronts and architecture make it worth a visit even without spending.

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid

1. Trying to see too many areas in one day
   Tokyo is huge and travel time adds up.
2. Ignoring rush-hour trains
   Peak hours can be extremely crowded.
3. Forgetting last train times
   Public transport does not run all night.
4. Assuming credit cards work everywhere
   Some small restaurants and machines are cash-only.
5. Standing on the wrong side of escalators
   Local etiquette varies by area.
6. Not learning basic transport navigation
   Understanding train lines saves time and stress.
7. Eating while walking
   This is not acceptable.
8. Not understanding trash disposal norms
   Public bins are limited.
9. Be mindful of noise in public spaces
   Keep conversations quiet on trains and buses. Phone calls on public transport are generally avoided, especially during peak hours.
10. Follow queuing etiquette
    Always line up neatly for trains, elevators, shops, and even escalators. Cutting the line is considered rude.

Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo When It Rains

1. Relax in an indoor bathhouse / sento
   Urban bathhouses provide warmth and relaxation when it’s wet outside. Please take note of bathouse etiquette before visiting.
2. Visit Tokyo National Museum in Ueno
   Japan’s largest museum with extensive indoor galleries.
3. Visit teamLab (immersive digital art experience)
   Book tickets to teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless, where large-scale digital installations react to movement, sound, and touch. These exhibitions are fully immersive, often involving mirrored rooms, projected environments, and interactive floors. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours and book in advance, as time slots regularly sell out.
4. Shop inside large department stores
   Locations like Isetan Shinjuku and Mitsukoshi Ginza offer hours of indoor browsing.
5. Walk underground shopping networks
   Tokyo Station and Shinjuku have vast underground streets.
6. Visit museums in Roppongi
   Multiple large indoor museums within walking distance of each other.
7. Explore Akihabara arcades and stores
   Multi-level indoor entertainment complexes.
8. Visit aquariums
   Facilities like Sumida Aquarium are fully indoors.
9. Explore food museums and halls
   Indoor food-focused attractions and markets.
10. Attend cultural workshops
    Tea ceremonies and craft experiences are ideal rainy-day activities.