The best things to do in Tokyo
Immerse yourself in this dynamic city for an enthralling mix of
futuristic streetscapes, pop culture and centuries-old Japanese
culture.
Jetstar
December 2021
One of the world’s great cities, Tokyo’s appeal lies not just in its
incredible array of sights, traditional culture and amazing food, but
also its pulsating energy. With its neon-lit skyscrapers and blaring J-
Pop, this electrifying megacity is a glorious feast for the senses.
Counterbalancing the madness is a city of ancient Japanese culture
with palaces, serene temples and majestic parks. And with its varied
and vibrant neighbourhoods filled with cool bars, restaurants and
boutiques, it’s clear Tokyo isn’t a city you merely visit, but rather one
you experience.
Indulge in Tokyo’s bounty of
restaurants
Whether slurping down hole-in-the-wall ramen or splurging on
degustation menus by acclaimed chefs, no matter what your budget,
you’re going to eat well in Tokyo. Not only does it have the most
Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, but almost double the
amount from the next ranked city (Paris, in case you’re wondering).
But just as enticing are its everyday experiences: yakitori (chicken
skewers), prawn tempura, late-night soba – food is a quintessential
part of any visit here. And then, of course, there are the city’s many
high-end sushi restaurants – for as fresh as it gets, go straight to the
source at Toyosu Market.
Between restaurants, tuck into Tokyo’s delicious array of street food.
Prepare for a sensory overload
with a night out in Tokyo
When it comes to bright lights, big city, nowhere does it quite like
Tokyo. Come evening the city is abuzz with blazing neon, and just
walking around is entertainment in itself – especially at iconic
Shibuya Crossing. But for Tokyo’s epicentre for nightlife, don’t miss
raucous, fast-paced Shinkuju. Here you’ll be transfixed by all number
of brightly lit karaoke clubs and bars crammed into its garish high-
rise district. Add in a boozy meal at any number of izakayas
(Japanese pubs), a tipple at one of Tokyo’s craft beer spots, sake
breweries or whiskey bars, then a gig at a live house, and you’ve got
yourself a memorable night out.
Don’t miss a night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo’s famous entertainment
district. Image credit: Anthony Shaw – stock.adobe.com
Be calmed by Tokyo’s temples and
palaces
Tokyo may be famous for its 21st-century innovation and design, but
it’s also a city with one foot very much planted in its traditional past.
Standing in contrast to Tokyo’s high-rises is the Imperial Palace with
its beautiful gardens and offering a fascinating glimpse into Tokyo’s
past and current royal family. Offering another insight into Tokyo’s
history is Sensō-ji, the city’s oldest temple, built on a site dating to
AD 628. And for the city’s most famous Shinto shrine, a visit to the
elegant Meiji-jingu situated in a rare forested tract of the city is a
must.
Tokyo’s striking Buddhist temple, Sensō-ji.
Go on a shopping spree in Tokyo’s
city-wide retail paradise
Whether you’re here for toys, manga, electronics, fashion or maybe a
sushi knife, if you’re into shopping, you’ve hit the jackpot. Tokyo’s
department stores make for a good starting point, with many floors
packed with gadgets, Hello Kitty paraphernalia, fake food models and
all manner of weird and wonderful appliances. But for that
quintessential quirky Tokyo experience, Harajuku’s iconic Takeshita
Street is one not to miss for cosplay and counterculture fashion. For
anime, J-Pop and video games, Akihabara is your one-stop pop-
culture shop, while Ginza is all about high-end brands, and Asakusa is
more for traditional souvenirs.
It’s game on in Tokyo’s Akihabara district. Image credit: Luciano
Mortula-LGM – stock.adobe.com
Take in Tokyo’s history and art
scene
With its fascinating culture and rich history, it’ll come as no surprise
that Tokyo is loaded with vibrant galleries and grand museums. The
granddaddy is Tokyo National Museum where you’ll be treated to
magnificent displays of Japanese treasures, covering samurai
swords, kimonos, calligraphy and Buddhist antiquities. For Tokyo
specifically, the excellent Edo Tokyo Museum does a wonderful job
tracing the city’s multifaceted history. Art lovers have definitely come
to the right place, with Tokyo’s many superb galleries exhibiting
contemporary and traditional works. The highlight is the National
Museum of Modern Art, where you’ll find Japanese and international
masterpieces among a collection of 13,000 works.
Tokyo National Museum is the city’s crown jewel for Japanese culture.
