Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in Tokyo
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 89 listings.
Rainbow Bridge
Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning Tokyo Bay to connect Shibaura Wharf and the Odaiba waterfront area, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, particularly at night. The bridge was completed in 1993 and was painted all in white to help it better blend in with the Tokyo skyline. During the day, solar panels on the bridge collect and store energy to power a series of colorful lights that turn on after sundown and give the bridge its name.
If you’re planning to spend a morning or afternoon at Odaiba, Tokyo’s futuristic “New City” filled with shopping and arcades, check to see if the pedestrial path across the Rainbow Bridge is open. If so, you can walk across in less than 30 minutes with excellent harbor views along the way. From the various observation platforms you can spot Tokyo Tower, the Kanebo building and Skytree.
If you’re planning to spend a morning or afternoon at Odaiba, Tokyo’s futuristic “New City” filled with shopping and arcades, check to see if the pedestrial path across the Rainbow Bridge is open. If so, you can walk across in less than 30 minutes with excellent harbor views along the way. From the various observation platforms you can spot Tokyo Tower, the Kanebo building and Skytree.
Address: Japan
From $ 68
Omotesando
Omotesando is an attractive, well-groomed, tree-lined street between Shibuya and Minato in Tokyo. Designed as an entranceway to Meiji Shrine, the street pays homage to the deified spirits of Emperor Maiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.
In modern years, Omotesando has earned a reputation as one of the most fashion-forward neighborhoods in the world, with high-end shops all within close range of one another. Some of the brands featured in this area include Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior. Due to its chic style, Omotesando is also a prime location for people-watching. Many of Tokyo's elite can be found shopping and dining here.
Practical Info
Omotesando encompasses the area between Omotesando Station and the entrance to the Meiji Shrine. It is located near Harajuki, just south of Takeshita Dori, a street well-loved by Tokyo's teenagers. Omeotesano, however, is mainly frequented by those in their 30s and 40s. Expect to pay a premium at any store, cafe or restaurant.
Address: Omotesando, Tokyo, Japan
From $ 49
Nakamise Street
For kitschy souvenirs and trinkets to bring home as gifts or mementos of your time in Japan, there’s really only one place to shop, and that’s Nakamise Street. The name roughly translates to “Street of Inside Shops,” and you’ll find both sides lined with stores selling knickknacks, souvenirs and snacks.
The shopping street owes its existence to the Senso-ji Buddhist temple, dating back to the seventh century. The temple has drawn in enough devotees over the centuries to spawn a thriving commercial district. The shops once served as homes for the temple servants who cleaned the grounds, but now it’s wall to wall shops. Here you’ll find folding fans, kimonos and their accompanying wooden sandals, Edo-style colored glassware and the typical lineup of tourist trinkets.
Save room in your stomach to sample some of the traditional Japanese snacks sold along the street, particularly the savory rice crackers, Azuki bean paste and sticky rice cakes.
The shopping street owes its existence to the Senso-ji Buddhist temple, dating back to the seventh century. The temple has drawn in enough devotees over the centuries to spawn a thriving commercial district. The shops once served as homes for the temple servants who cleaned the grounds, but now it’s wall to wall shops. Here you’ll find folding fans, kimonos and their accompanying wooden sandals, Edo-style colored glassware and the typical lineup of tourist trinkets.
Save room in your stomach to sample some of the traditional Japanese snacks sold along the street, particularly the savory rice crackers, Azuki bean paste and sticky rice cakes.
Address: Japan
From $ 45
Komagatake Ropeway
See the so-called Nagano Alps from Japan's highest aerial tramway, the Komogatake Ropeway. The Ropeway opened in 1963 and is a popular way to take in one of the most stunning, scenic views in Japan. The Ropeway runs from the edge of Lake Ashi to the summit of Mount Komagatake, its namesake. The ropeway carries passengers 950 meters (3,116 feet), making it the highest vertical aerial tramway in the country. The ride soars through the clouds to provide views of Japan's highest mountain - Mt. Fuji, as well as the seven Izu Islands, Lake Ashinoko, and expansive coastline.
At Mt. Komogatake's summit, passengers off-load to a woodland area with a small shrine and numerous hiking trails to explore. Since the panoramic views are the highlight, it's recommended to only ride the Ropeway on clear days when the mountain summits can be spotted from the ground.
At Mt. Komogatake's summit, passengers off-load to a woodland area with a small shrine and numerous hiking trails to explore. Since the panoramic views are the highlight, it's recommended to only ride the Ropeway on clear days when the mountain summits can be spotted from the ground.
Practical Info
Access the Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone Park, part of the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, about 90 minutes by rail from Tokyo. The single car aerial tram holds 101 people, and the 2.3 kilometer ride (1.4 miles) takes 7 minutes and 30 seconds. There are 10-20 minutes between cars. The trip costs ¥2,200 roundtrip (about $25USD). The Ropeway operates from 9:00am - 5:00pm every day but closes during inclement weather. Take the ride on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Address: Komagatake Ropeway, Hakone, Japan
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Admission: ¥2,200 Roundtrip
From $ 90
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is far more than a busy transport hub – it’s an attraction in its own right featuring shopping malls, multiple restaurants, and many other things to see and do. This modern, almost futuristic building stands in direct contrast to the traditional buildings found in the city; the station's vast main hall features an exposed-steel beamed roof, and historical aspects of Kyoto are filtered through a modern lens.
Those looking for some retail therapy will enjoy Kyoto Station’s Isetan department store, Porta underground shopping mall, and Cube shopping mall. There are some great food courts to be found within each of these, with popular eateries such as Kyoto Ramen Koji and Eat Paradise for those who need refueling.
Aside from shopping and eating, there is an open-air observation deck on the station’s top floor, which can be reached via a series of escalators and an additional flight of stairs. From here, views of the city unfold before you (albeit through heavily tinted windows). Elsewhere, the Skyway Tunnel will allow you to walk the length of Kyoto Station some 45 meters above the main hall, revealing views of both the city and station below.
Various day and night tours of the city depart from Kyoto Station. You can also enjoy a day trip by arriving into the station on a Kyoto rail tour by bullet train from Tokyo.
Practical Info
Kyoto Station has two main access points – the north and the south. The Karasuma north side faces downtown and leads out to Kyoto Bus Station and Kyoto Tower. The Hachijo side to the south provides access to a few hotels and bus stops, as well as the Toji Temple.
Did You Know? The current Kyoto Station building opened in 1997 to commemorate the city’s 1200th anniversary.
Address: 901 Higashishiokoji, Kyoto, Japan
Hours: Hours for shops and restaurants vary
From $ 30
National Diet Building
The National Diet Building is the center of Japanese politics, as it houses both chambers of the Diet, or legislative arm: the House of Representatives, which meets in the left wing, and the House of Councillors, which meets in the right wing. Built in 1936, the building is constructed almost entirely of Japanese materials.
The building is iconic for its pyramid-shaped dome in the center of the complex, which made it the tallest building in Japan at completion. The interior is decorated with cultural artifacts and art pieces, such as bronze statues of the men who are credited with formulating Japan's first modern constitution. The building sits on land once inhabited by feudal lords, giving the spot even more historical significance. It is sometimes referred to as the House of Parliament or the Government building in Tokyo.
Practical Info
Groups of up to 10 people can enter the House of Councillors wing without prior reservations. To visit the lower house in the building, a House of Representatives member is required as an escort, and prior arrangements are necessary. For groups of more than 10, reservations are always required. A free one-hour tour takes place only when the Diet is not in session, and English guides are not always available. The National Diet Building is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached via a short walk from the Nagata-Cho Station on Tokyo Metro Subway.
Address: 1-7-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0014, Japan
Hours: 9am-5pm
From $ 45
Japanese Sword Museum
This well-curated museum showcases the ancient art of sword making and is home to more than 150 artifacts. Swords, mountings, armor and metal work are beautifully displayed in this tiny Tokyo destination known as Token hakubutsukan by locals.
The four-story structure houses a gallery and bookstore, where items are available for purchase in a variety of languages. Displays offer visitors English translations with details on the design and use of swords, including some that date back more than 900 years.
Practical Info
Travelers agree this museum can be difficult to find, so whenever possible, it’s best to rely on GPS for directions. It is accessible via the Shibuya Station metro and small signs help point lost visitors in the right direction.
Address: 4-25-10 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Admission: 600JPY
From $ 115
Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen)
Set on the banks of Tokyo Bay, with great views of the city skyline, Odaiba Seaside Park is a man-made landscaped park and beach. It’s popular with locals and tourists who come to paddleboard, picnic, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
The Basics
The area of Odaiba in Tokyo started out as a chain of man-made islands designed to protect the city in the Edo period (the 1600s). In the years since, the islands were all joined together and development followed, including the construction of Seaside Park, the futuristic Fuji TV Building and Rainbow Bridge (which is illuminated with rainbow colors every night using solar energy).
The seaside park runs along Tokyo Bay and has a beach, wooden boardwalk, and landscaped areas with grass and trees. Visitors can try water sports, such as paddleboarding and windsurfing, and see a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty along with a statue of a robot from the anime series Gundam. It’s possible to access the park by public transport or see it as part of a guided tour of the city or from up above with a helicopter ride over Tokyo’s main landmarks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Access to Odaiba Seaside Park is free—additional activities, such as water sports cost extra.
- Swimming is not allowed in Tokyo Bay.
- In July, the park hosts a popular illuminated lantern festival.
- Don’t miss the Daikanransha Ferris wheel close by the park. At 377 feet (103 meters), it’s one of the tallest in the world.
- The park’s observation deck offers impressive views of the Tokyo skyline.
How to Get There
Odaiba Seaside Park is located at 1-4-1, Daiba, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, across the bay from downtown Tokyo. It can be reached by train (Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station or Daiba Station are both walking distance), by water bus from Asakusa, on foot across the Rainbow Bridge, or as part of a guided tour of the city.
When to Get There
The park is open 24 hours, although public transport stops at around midnight. It is a popular spot through spring, summer, and fall when temperatures are more suitable for outdoor activities.
Odaiba Entertainment Options
Aside from the seaside park and big wheel, Odaiba is home to several other attractions, including the popular National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Aqua City shopping mall with Sony ExploraScience center, and Decks Tokyo Beach with stores, restaurants, an outpost of Madame Tussauds wax museum, plus a Legoland indoor entertainment center.
Address: 1-4-1, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 137-8088, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 62
Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine) is the most important and popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, in 1926, the shrine comprises buildings of worship, gardens, and a forest where each tree was planted by a different citizen of Japan wanting to pay respects to the emperor. A highlight of the shrine is the Meiji Memorial Hall, where visitors find more than 80 murals dedicated to the emperor.
The Basics
As one of Tokyo’s most famous attractions, the Meiji Jingu features in most city tours, including both full- and half-day sightseeing tours of Tokyo, that might also include sights like Asakusa Temple, Senso-ji Temple, Harajuku, the Imperial Palace East Garden, and Tsukiji Fish Market. Entrance to the shrine is free, but you’ll need to pay a small admission charge to enter the shrine’s inner garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Meiji Shrine is a must-see for first-time visitors to Tokyo, especially those into religious or traditional Japanese architecture.
- Visit the shrine as part of a private or small-group city tour of Tokyo.
- This is a sacred place so follow the rules of etiquette when visiting a temple.
- Photos and video are prohibited inside the halls.
- Bring along some mosquito repellant, especially during the summer months.
- The shrine is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the Meiji Shrine is by subway. It is a few steps away from the Harajuku and Meiji-jingumae stations.
When to Get There
The Meiji Shrine is open daily throughout the year between sunrise and sunset. From late May to late June, the shrine’s garden is at its most spectacular as its irises begin to bloom. If you’d like to see a traditional ceremony or wedding at the shrine, plan to visit on Sunday.
Festivals at Meiji Shrine
This popular shrine plays host to several festivals throughout the year, the biggest of which is Hatsumode. Commemorating the first visit to the shrine of the new year, the festival sees millions of people crowd into the grounds on January 1. The second Monday in January is Seijin-no-hi (Adults’ Day or Coming of Age Day), when costumed 20-year-olds come to celebrate their coming of age. Young children aged three, five, and seven enjoy their own festival here in mid-November to celebrate their growth and well-being.
Address: 1-1, Kamizono-chō, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Hours: Open Daily, hours change every month.
Admission: Shrine admission free. Other attractions within may have admission fees.
From $ 45
Kokugikan Sumo Stadium & Museum
Sumo is Japan’s most popular sport, and there’s nothing quite like joining 10,000 sumo fans for a match to learn about this ancient form of wrestling. The best place to experience sumo is at the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium (Ryōgoku Kokugikan), Tokyo’s largest indoor arena, where three of the six official national tournaments are hosted each year. Discover sumo’s place in Japanese culture at the attached Sumo Museum (Nihon Sumo Kyokai).
The Basics
Watching a sumo tournament in this sumo hall is a quintessential Japanese experience, and with only three tournaments per year in Tokyo, it’s important to plan (and book) ahead. If you’re visiting between tournaments, you can still get a taste of sumo culture by visiting the museum, stopping at the stadium as part of a tour of Tokyo (with visits to Tokyo Skytree and Kiyosumi Garden as well), or taking a walking tour of Ryogoku District (also known as sumo town) with a sumo wrestler as your guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit during one of three annual tournaments in Tokyo to see the hulking athletes in action.
- See the stadium on a walking or biking tour of Tokyo.
- Admission is free to the museum, which is closed Saturday and Sunday and on national holidays.
- Tournament tickets tend to sell out, especially during the final days, so it’s best to book ahead.
How to Get There
The stadium is situated a short walk from JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit) and Toei Subway Ryogoku Station (Exit A3).
When to Get There
To see sumo action live, you’ll have to plan your visit during one of three 15-day tournaments, held in January, May, and September. Wrestling takes place throughout the day, but the biggest competitors take to the ring mid-afternoon. The Kokugikan Sumo Museum is open Monday through Friday.
Seating at the Kokugikan Stadium
Spectators at Ryogoku Kokugikan have three types of seating from which to choose. Most of the seating is typical arena-style chair seats, but it’s possible to book Japanese-style floor box seats or, for the best views of the action, ringside seating on cushions. While the latter are extremely popular (and difficult for foreigners to purchase), you can arrive early in the day and watch some early matches from these seats until their rightful owners show up.
Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 99
Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari
Out in the modern entertainment district of Odaiba you'll find Tokyo's largest artificial hot spring complex. Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari is an Edo-era onsen theme park.
What the spa lacks in authenticity if makes up for in scope: there are six different types of baths with different temperatures and textures including a lukewarm “Summer Bath,” foot baths and even a special bath for dogs (the Tsunayoshi Bath Tub)! The water is drawn from 1400 meters below ground and is rich in sodium and chlorine ions that refresh and relieve muscle pains. All of the baths are separated by gender.
When you grow tired of soaking you can spend hours exploring the park and it's many places to drink and dine, shop and have your fortune told. The complex is open 24 hours and there is a hotel on site.
What the spa lacks in authenticity if makes up for in scope: there are six different types of baths with different temperatures and textures including a lukewarm “Summer Bath,” foot baths and even a special bath for dogs (the Tsunayoshi Bath Tub)! The water is drawn from 1400 meters below ground and is rich in sodium and chlorine ions that refresh and relieve muscle pains. All of the baths are separated by gender.
When you grow tired of soaking you can spend hours exploring the park and it's many places to drink and dine, shop and have your fortune told. The complex is open 24 hours and there is a hotel on site.
Practical Info
Opens 11:00 am – 9:00 am (next day), seven days a week. Last entry is at 7 am. Adult over age 12, ¥2,480 each?Sat & Sun ¥2,680, Special Day ¥2,880). Children age 4-12, ¥1,000 each. No fee for a child under age 4. Evening discount admission is ¥1,980 (Sat & Sun ¥2,180, Special Day ¥2,380). No child discount available, entry after 18:00. Late night premium is ¥2,000 after 2:00 am. Fees includes bath fee, Yukata robe fee, towel fee and facility usage fee.
Address: 2-57 Aomi, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
Hours: 11am-9am of next morning (cutoff time for admittance: 7 am)
Admission: Adults (12 and over): 2480 yen, Children (4–11): 1000 yen
From $ 25
Kitanomaru Park
Located just north of the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo, Kitanomaru Park was once the site of the northernmost section of Edo Castle, where members of the Tokugawa clan lived. In 1969 in celebration of Emperor Showa’s 60th birthday, the area was opened to the public as a woodland park.
Today, Kitanomaru Park is home to the Science Museum, National Museum of Modern Art and Nippon Budokan indoor arena, as well as two castle gates now designated as national important cultural assets. Tayasu-mon gate at the northern end of the park was erected in 1636, making it the oldest gate remaining in the Edo Castle complex. In springtime, the 330 trees lining the castle moat passing through the park burst with cherry blossoms; it’s one of Tokyo’s most popular sites for hanami, the Japanese custom of enjoying the annual blossom display.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Kitanomaru Park is by taking the Hanzomon line to Kudanshita Station.
Address: Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0091, Japan
From $ 100
Kabukicho
Kabukicho, one of Tokyo’s busiest nightlife and red light districts, offers the foreign visitor nothing short of a bizarre cultural experience. An estimated 150,000 people pass through the district’s 200 clubs and 80 love hotels each day, and you’re much more likely to see groups of male work associates in business suits than couples or families. After dark, the district lights up with LED signs in every color covering nearly any open wall surface. Many of the clubs catering to executives and lonely husbands are themed, so you’ll see girls wandering around in full costume on their way to or from work.
While Kabukicho isn’t a place to take the kids, it isn’t nearly as promiscuous from the street as other red light districts around the world. Come enjoy the people watching after a dinner in one of the district’s many izakayas. Even the restaurants here are themed, allowing you to enjoy a meal locked up in a stone jail cell or in a cafe full of real cats.
Despite the area’s less-than-stellar reputation, Kabukicho is remarkably safe, but it’s a good idea to come with other people and leave before midnight with the sex bars are legally required to close.
While Kabukicho isn’t a place to take the kids, it isn’t nearly as promiscuous from the street as other red light districts around the world. Come enjoy the people watching after a dinner in one of the district’s many izakayas. Even the restaurants here are themed, allowing you to enjoy a meal locked up in a stone jail cell or in a cafe full of real cats.
Despite the area’s less-than-stellar reputation, Kabukicho is remarkably safe, but it’s a good idea to come with other people and leave before midnight with the sex bars are legally required to close.
Address: Japan
From $ 50
Lake Ashi
In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, aka Lake Ashinoko, is a scenic spot in Hakone National Park. Considered sacred by the Japanese, it is home to the famous Hakone Shinto shrine. Visitors come to see the shrine, take a boat out on the lake, or enjoy the many hiking trails in the area.
The Basics
Lake Ashi sits in the volcanic crater of Mount Hakone’s volcanic crater. Aside from the natural beauty and holy Hakone shrine, the lake and surrounding area are known for its many hot springs (onsen). Japanese inns with spa bathhouses (ryokan) can be found in the area surrounding the lake, and many visitors take the opportunity to try traditional Japanese spa rituals here.
A popular tourist destination that's often part of day trips from Tokyo, Lake Ashi is also home to the Narukawa Museum of Art, plus restaurants and historic sites, such as the 400-year-young Old Tokaido Road lined with Japanese cedars, and the well-preserved Hakone Shrine. Traveling to Mount Fuji 5th Station on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway cable car is one of the top activities to try in the area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Receive discounted access to multiple attractions and regional transport, including buses, trains, cable cars, and boat trips, with a combined pass.
- Some areas of the lake are wheelchair accessible.
- For the best photo ops of Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background, head to Moto-Hakone, south of the sightseeing boat pier, or hop on a sightseeing cruise.
- Views of Mount Fuji tend to be clearer in the mornings and late afternoons.
- Families enjoy a lake cruise on the Hakone pirate ship replica.
How to Get There
Many opt to visit Lake Ashi, in the Hakone area in Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshu, via bullet train from Tokyo, which stops at Odawara Station (followed by bus transfer), or as part of a guided tour with round-trip transport provided, usually by car, or a combination of coach and bullet train.
When to Get There
Warm and often-sunny spring (March–May) is the most popular time to visit Lake Ashi. Summer is quite hot and humid, fall can be very pleasant with unpredictable weather, and winter often sees snowfall around the lake and its surroundings.
Hakone Shrine
Many Japanese consider Hakone Shrine a holy place. They’ve worshiped the hills around it for thousands of years as a place where souls of the dead travel onward to the next world. The shrine’s current incarnation is more than a hundred years old, and visitors can tour the buildings and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Address: Hakone National Park, Tokyo 250-0521, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 90
Mori Art Museum
Located atop Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum opened in 2003 as a place to showcase contemporary art and architecture. Unlike most museums, Mori Art Museum doesn’t maintain a permanent collection. Instead visitors enjoy a rotating calendar of temporary exhibitions highlighting some of the biggest names in contemporary art from Japan and abroad. Notable artists featured in the museum in the past include Tokujin Yoshioka, Ai Weiwei and Bill Viola.
Entrance to the museum includes access to Tokyo City View, an observation deck on the 53rd floor of Mori Tower with near 360 degree views of Tokyo below. Those who prefer their views al fresco can pay an extra fee to go up to the Sky Deck one floor up.
Practical Info
If you’re planning to visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the Benesse Art Site Naoshima as well as the Mori Art Museum, consider a Museum Link Pass which will give you discounted admission.
Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi | 53F, Minato, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Hours: 10am to 10pm Wednesday to Monday; 10am to 5pm Tuesdays
Admission: 1,500 yen
From $ 14
Rikugien Garden
Travelers with only enough time to visit one of Tokyo’s many traditional Japanese gardens should seriously consider Rikugien Garden, widely considered the most beautiful, not just for its impeccable landscaping, but also for its views, free of Tokyo’s omnipresent skyscrapers.
From the 17th to 19th century, many of Japan’s wealthy feudal lords made their residences in northern Tokyo. Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, one of the most influential, designed Rikugien Garden, which was completed in 1695 after seven years of work. The Edo Period strolling garden has a large pond at its center with walking paths meandering around the perimeter.
The garden is most popular (and arguably most beautiful) during the autumn months when the maple leaves put on their colorful fall display, but the spring weeping cherry trees and azalea bushes are also very beautiful.
Practical Info
Since it takes a bit of effort to reach Rikugien Garden, make sure to leave yourself at least an hour to enjoy its scenery.
Address: Tokyo, Bunkyo, Japan 113-0021, Japan
From $ 190
Nikko National Park
Known for its impressive botanical garden, intricate Iemitsu mausoleum, and ornate Toshogu Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Nikko National Park is an area of incredible natural beauty with plenty to see and do. In addition to shrines and temples, the park is home to numerous lakes, elaborate bridges, excellent hiking trails, and two stunning waterfalls—all set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery.
The Basics
Particularly popular among hikers, nature lovers, and those who appreciate Japanese architecture, Nikko National Park is easily accessible from Tokyo on a day trip, with most travelers visiting as part of an organized tour so as to reap the benefits of a local tour guide and the convenience of roundtrip transportation from the city. For a fully immersive journey into the history of Japanese culture, a trip to the national park can be combined with a visit to Edo Wonderland, a colorful theme park of ancient villages featuring geishas, samurais, and ninjas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nikko is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
- Choose a standard entrance ticket or a World Heritage Pass that includes entrance to the park's shrines and temples.
- Day trips from Tokyo often include hotel pickup and drop-off and can last upwards of 12 hours.
- Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring a jacket; it's cooler in Nikko than in Tokyo.
How to Get There
While a guided tour is the most stress-free way to visit the park, independent travelers have several options for getting there on their own. The Spacia bus, the fastest way to reach the park, departs regularly from Tobu's Asakusa Station and takes just under two hours one way. Those who prefer the train can take the Tobu rapid train from Asakusa (two hours and 10 minutes) or the JR train from Shinjuku (about two hours). Be sure to board the correct car, as the trains split up along the way.
When to Get There
In autumn, the foliage of the surrounding mountains—particularly around Lake Chuzenji—turns spectacular shades of red and yellow, making it an ideal time to visit. Other times of year are less crowded. Expect cold temperatures and snow in winter and mild, wet weather in summer.
The Temples and Shrines of Nikko National Park
While many come to the national park for the nature, its cultural attractions are also worth exploring. The eighth-century Rinnoji Temple houses three 28-foot (8.4-meter) gold-leaf wooden Buddha statues, as well as a lovely landscaped Edo-era garden. More than 2.4 million sheets of gold-leaf were used in the construction of the Toshogu Shrine, the most famous structure in the Nikko area. The Futarasan Shrine, the oldest structure in the area, dates back to 1617.
Address: Nikko National Park, Nikko, Japan
Hours: Open Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 18
Omoide Yokocho
Located in Tokyo’s popular Shinjuku ward just north of the world’s busiest rail station, you’ll find a small alley called Omoide Yokocho. The historic alley, known locally as Memory Lane or Piss Alley depending on who you ask, is in fact one of Tokyo’s more authentic and atmospheric dining destinations.
Don’t let the negative nickname deter you. Today, it’s a bit of a misnomer anyway. In 1999, the entire alley was destroyed in a fire. It has since been rebuilt in much the same way and with the same old world Postwar Tokyo atmosphere, but with one notable exception. The alley now has bathrooms. The nickname “Piss Alley” harkens back to the days when no such facilities existed.
As you walk down the narrow alley, you’ll see tiny bars and restaurants tightly packed together on either side with the occasional tattered red paper lantern lighting the way. Most of these establishments consist of a small kitchen and a counter with several stools for patrons to sit. You might find one or two tables in the larger ones. Yakitori is the specialty, but you’ll also find stands selling offal stew and grilled organ meats -- both staples of Japanese street food.
Don’t let the negative nickname deter you. Today, it’s a bit of a misnomer anyway. In 1999, the entire alley was destroyed in a fire. It has since been rebuilt in much the same way and with the same old world Postwar Tokyo atmosphere, but with one notable exception. The alley now has bathrooms. The nickname “Piss Alley” harkens back to the days when no such facilities existed.
As you walk down the narrow alley, you’ll see tiny bars and restaurants tightly packed together on either side with the occasional tattered red paper lantern lighting the way. Most of these establishments consist of a small kitchen and a counter with several stools for patrons to sit. You might find one or two tables in the larger ones. Yakitori is the specialty, but you’ll also find stands selling offal stew and grilled organ meats -- both staples of Japanese street food.
Address: Tokyo, Japan
From $ 50
Monjya Street
Japanese and international foodies alike love Monjya Street (actually a collection of streets), located on the artificially made Tsukishima Island. Diners usually buy monjayaki as raw batter, then grill it themselves at specially designed tables. Here, dozens of shops sell monjayaki, savory fried pancakes made with cabbage and a variety of other meat or seafood toppings. Other Japanese favorites including yakisoba (fried noodles) can be be enjoyed here as well.
The Basics
Many visitors come to Monja Street on food-themed walking tours, which usually happen during the evening. It’s close to other points of interest in central Tokyo, meaning it’s easy to tick off while sightseeing in the area. A visit to Monja Street also offers a chance to see Tsukishima Island, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay made from reclaimed land in 1892. Its mix of skyscrapers and remnants of old Tokyo can be admired by strolling along the island’s lanes and canals.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Monja Street is actually a small area rather than one street, consisting of West Nakadori Street and Nishinaka Street, as well as smaller lanes that shoot off from these.
- Some shops have English-speaking staff, but many don’t. Be prepared to point and use improvised sign language when ordering.
- The variety of monjayaki toppings is pretty extensive; popular options include squid, octopus, shrimp, cod roe, cheese, and curry.
How to Get There
As with most places in Tokyo, it’s best to reach Monja Street by subway, rather than by road. Tsukishima Island is on the Oedo and Yurakucho Subway Lines, and accessed by Tsukishima Station.
When to Get There
Many of the food shops are shut on Mondays and/or Tuesdays, although not all. Most open in the late morning or around noon, and stay open well into the evening, until around 10 or 11pm. So, you’re always likely to find somewhere open for a snack.
Try Tsukudani
Real food lovers won’t want to stop at trying one new Japanese dish on Tsukishima Island. They can also try tsukudani, toppings for rice that are preserved and pickled with soy sauce and sake. The condiments were actually invented on Tsukudajima Island, which used to be separate from Tsukishima Island, but is now connected. Shrimp, seaweed, grasshoppers, and beef are common tsukudani ingredients. Adventurous eaters will love trying the different varieties.
Address: Monjya Street, Kyoto, Japan
From $ 107
Nezu Museum
Opened in 1940, this incredible museum located in the heart of Tokyo is home to an impressive collection of Japanese, Chinese and Korean art. Hundreds of antiques line the gallery halls—a sample of the even more expansive collection, which is combed through for monthly shifts in public art displays.
In addition to the rich artistic history of these Asian artifcats, travelers can explore the stone paths of the well-manicured grounds outside the galleries, where teahouses, sculptures and a glass-walled café designed by Kuma Kengo round out the museum experience.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the Minato district of Tokyo, just a short walk from Exit A5 of Omotesando entrance of the train station. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is 1000 yen for adults and 800 yen for students to enter, and admission to special exhibits is available for an additional fee.
Address: Minamiaoyama, 6 Chome−5−1, Tokyo, Minato,, Japan
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult 1000 yen, Student 800 yen
From $ 89