
Fun Stuff To Do In Tokyo Japan – You can spend a month in Tokyo and not even scratch the surface of what’s going on in this world-famous city. So how the hell do you figure out what to do when you only have a few days left? Lucky for you, I found 17 fun things to do in Tokyo that you can fit into your travel schedule, whether you have 3 days or 3 months.
Most of my trip to Tokyo (and honestly, most of my trips in general) revolved around wandering around. I didn’t really come with a to-do list, so what I made for you is more of a t0-wandering list. So if you’re like me, a fellow wanderer, I think this is the perfect list for your wandering, tasting, observing and people-watching needs.
Fun Stuff To Do In Tokyo Japan
I’ve also included two great accommodations – a boutique style accommodation and an upscale apartment style accommodation that I hope you’ll check out. Enjoy!
Best Things To Do In Tokyo
2500 people. That’s how many people cross the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo AT ONE TIME! It is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and one of those things that you have to SEE to believe! I put this at number 1 on my list of things to do in Tokyo because it’s a unique experience.
We recommend visiting during rush hour (around 6pm) to see the most people at once. Alternatively, you can go a little later after the sun goes down to see Shibuya at night. We went a few times just to see the different vibes!
I also recommend going up to the 2nd floor of Starbucks as it overlooks the entire Shibuya Crossing and gives you a great bird’s eye view. Make a timelapse video and be amazed at how many people approach this crossing at the same time!
I’ve heard that Golden Gai drinks are a must on your Tokyo bucket list, but honestly, I wasn’t feeling it. Don’t get me wrong, this is definitely a super cool area, with a network of several narrow and dimly lit alleys with dozens of tiny bars stacked on top of each other. Each establishment is just the size to accommodate about 5-10 guests at a time, with no standing room, that’s how small! It’s totally my style and a stark contrast to the mile-high skyscrapers and ultra-modern everything that is the rest of Tokyo.
Tokyo Adult Guide: 18+ Activities In Japan
What didn’t appeal to me, however, was that every small bar we passed seemed to be filled with only tourists (and mostly white people) with English language price lists and drink selections on signs that were clearly trying to attract overseas tourists. I’m not knocking it because it can be a really cool way to meet other travelers, but it felt like a tourist trap and I wanted a more authentic experience. And I could be completely wrong as I’ve heard so many people say how awesome this area is, but I was looking for a place where 20-30 year old Japanese locals hang out and this is not the place.
After walking through the alleyways of Golden Gai, we headed to Ebisu Yokocho for drinks and snacks.
If you want to hang out where the local 20-30 Japanese hang out – THIS IS THE PLACE! This is where all the young Japanese come to drink, smoke, and share some delicious fried snacks with their friends.
This bustling, back alley-style area is full of izakayas. They get so packed that you can sit right next to people who are actually patrons of another Izakaya! Like Golden Gai, there are only a few chairs per establishment, so you’ll have a very intimate experience with those around you.
Of The Most Beautiful Places You Should Visit In Japan
It was so busy when we arrived that we had to look for seats and finally found some stools to sit and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere. We ordered a few beers and a nice couple sitting next to us recommended we try some Kushikatsu products.
Enjoying drinks and snacks at Ebisu Yokocho was easily one of my favorite nights in Tokyo. If you’re looking for a fun, casual and authentic dining/social experience in the capital of a bustling city, this is definitely the place to go! You can still check out Golden Gai, I wouldn’t say ditch it entirely, but I’m glad we put more emphasis on Ebisu Yokocho as we enjoyed the atmosphere a lot more.
Famous for its electronics, anime, and video game stores, Akihabara is a district that is unmistakably TOKYO. This epicenter of the game is the epitome of what Tokyo is to me – crazy tall buildings, blinding lights, crowds, arcades and anime at every turn. There is no way this should be on your list of things to do in Tokyo.
As you wander the neon-lit streets of Akihabara, be sure to stop at one of the many arcades you’re sure to pass. We stopped by this SEGA arcade and had too much fun trying to win. Let’s just say these games are a lot harder than they look and we left very empty handed (haha!)
Unique Things To Do In Tokyo (2023)
Although there were several games where you could win Pokemon plush toys, most of the games were filled with anime action figures/dolls as you can see above. I don’t know anything about anime, but I noticed that many of the characters were scantily clad female characters. However, I do know a bit about Japanese sex culture after reading, researching, and watching a few documentaries (“Love and Sex in Japan” is an interesting documentary worth checking out), so this wasn’t necessarily a surprise to me. .
Another fun thing to do is to visit an anime video store and look around to see what they’re all about! Anime is a distinct animation style that originated in Japan. It’s part of Japanese culture, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
At Genki Sushi, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the future – very Jetsons. You sit down at the counter and order your sushi from a touchscreen device linked to your seat number.

Peruse the **dozen** pages of sushi roll and nigiri options and take your pick. Once you’ve made your final selection, click “order” and patiently wait for it to arrive.
Coolest Places To Visit In Tokyo
But the sushi doesn’t come in the hands of a waiter, it comes on a conveyor belt that stops right in front of you – talk about service!!! Not only is the sushi delicious, but the experience itself is super fun and you can’t really get it anywhere else.
Welcome to Takeshita Street, the heart of the Harajuku district! Harajuku is the birthplace of world-famous street-style fashion, which combines elements of punk, goth, cosplay and rainbow-fairy-princess. (I came up with the rainbow-fairy-princess part, but it works really well!) It’s a unique style, to put it mildly.
Takeshita Street is lined with funky boutiques filled with fluorescent-colored clothes like tutus, unicorn-covered dresses, 10-inch heels, and more cheeky fashion items that will make you say “WOW!” Walking down Takeshita Street, you have to look at the many cheerful, brightly lit shop windows, admire the fashion and the people. Drink it all and enjoy the buzz.
I have another travel bucket list item for you! Similar to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, Shinjuku’s Kabukichō is worth a visit to enjoy the buzzing, neon-lit energy of it all. Kabukichō is known as Tokyo’s entertainment and red light district and is home to the famous ‘Robot Restaurant’.
Incredible Things To Do In Tokyo Japan + Travel Guide (written By A Local!)
We didn’t go inside, but it was great to see everything lit up in all its kitschy glory. It’s such a fun place to see and feel the heartbeat of Tokyo’s nightlife. After exploring the streets, check out the Golden Gai (mentioned earlier!), which is just around the corner.
Basically, you can’t come to Tokyo and not try ramen. While there are a million places to eat ramen in Tokyo, why not take advantage of the fact that there are several Michelin-starred ramen shops within Tokyo’s city limits! One such Michelin-starred ramen shop is Nakiryu.
Nakiryu is a tiny ramen shop in Toshima that can accommodate about 10 guests at a time. We’ve heard they pack up quickly and expect to wait up to an hour for a chance to try their award-winning ramen. And wait, we did. We arrived about 45 minutes before the 11:30 opening time and there were already about 30 people in line! We waited about 1.5 hours in total before we were inside. (This is the longest I’ve ever waited to get into a restaurant, but we’re talking about Michelin stars here…)
So now that you’re probably thinking “WOW, a 1.5 hour wait?!” you must be wondering if it’s worth it. Well, my friends, I have made a terrible mistake. I ordered the wrong ramen. Like a mannequin
Awesome Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
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